Waldorf Iridium MK2 Digital Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum and Iridium product line, Waldorf Iridium MK2 innovates even further, fitting perfectly into Waldorf's forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy. Iridium MK2 features a new design and an upgraded CPU board with expanded RAM and flash storage, allowing for greater sample capacity and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.
- 16-voice polyphonic, 4-part multitimbral with advanced modes including round robin and random robin
- 3 oscillators, each capable of 6 synthesis modes: Wavetable, Waveform (virtual analog), Particle (sample playback and granular synthesis), Resonator (physical modeling), Kernels (enhanced FM synthesis), Seeds (enhanced wavetable synthesis incorporating all other oscillator types)
- Dual stereo filters per voice with independent modes: 12/24dB low pass / high pass / band pass, Nave/Largo/PPG/Quantum/StateVariable models
- Digital Former filter models including StateVariable, Raiser, Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in high pass, low pass, band pass and notch, comb filters, bitcrusher, various drives, ring modulation, formant filters
- Extensive modulation engine including 6 envelopes, 6 LFOs and Komplex Modulator LFO/envelope combination
- 40-slot mod matrix with fast assign mode
- Per-note parameter locks
- Flavour control for micro-variations in timing, pitch and timbre
- 5 effects slots per layer with various parallel and sequential routing options
- Advanced arpeggiator with new polyphonic arpeggiator modes
- 64-note step sequencer
- MPE and polyphonic aftertouch support
- Compatible with the Waldorf Quantum synthesis engine
- 4×4 silicon pad matrix with RGB backlighting assignable to notes, scales or chords
- Industrial-grade, highly-responsive 1024×600 touchscreen with brightness control
- Sturdy metal case with aluminum knobs
- 19" rackmount compatible (hardware sold separately)
- 75mm VESA mount
More memory, more layers
With increased memory, up to 4 multitimbral layers are now possible. In addition to layered and split modes, round-robin and random-robin modes allow the creation of rich, complex sonic landscapes, perfect for sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists.
Seeds: the sixth synthesis sense
Extra RAM enables a sixth synthesis method per oscillator. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators called Seeds.
Flavour knob
Introduced with Waldorf Protein, Flavour adds sonic liveliness via micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and other parameters.
Per-note parameter locks
As a special feature resulting from a collaboration with Iridium user Aphex Twin, each of 128 notes can have up to 16 individual parameter variations including the synthesis mode of oscillators and effect parameters. Changes are saved per patch and editable on a dedicated page.
Frequently Asked Questions: Iridium MK2
How is Iridium MK2 different from the original Iridium?
The Iridium MK2 is an advanced digital synthesizer built on the same multi-engine architecture as the original Iridium and Quantum, but with a new design and an upgraded CPU board featuring expanded RAM and flash storage. The added memory unlocks a sixth synthesis mode called Seeds, increases total sample capacity to 6GB, and enables full 4-part multitimbral operation with round-robin and random-robin modes.
What is the Seeds synthesis mode on the Iridium MK2?
Seeds is a sixth oscillator mode exclusive to the MK2, inspired by wavetable synthesis but taken further. Instead of moving through static waveforms, Seeds dynamically synthesizes each point in the timbral journey using sub-oscillators, resulting in richer, more organic and evolving sounds than traditional wavetable scanning.
What is the Flavour knob on the Iridium MK2?
The Flavour knob adds subtle, randomized micro-variations in timing, pitch, timbre, and other parameters to bring sonic liveliness and organic movement to patches. It was introduced on the Waldorf Protein and is designed to counteract the static, overly-perfect quality that purely digital synthesis can sometimes produce.
What are the per-note parameter locks on the Iridium MK2?
Per-note parameter locks, developed in collaboration with Aphex Twin, allow each of the 128 notes to carry up to 16 individual parameter variations, including oscillator synthesis mode and effect settings. These variations are saved per patch and are editable on a dedicated page, enabling highly expressive and unconventional playing techniques.
Does the Waldorf Iridium MK2 support MPE and polyphonic aftertouch?
Yes, the Iridium MK2 supports both MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and polyphonic aftertouch. The onboard 4x4 RGB pad matrix is also pressure-sensitive, giving you expressive per-note control directly from the instrument without an external controller.
Is the Iridium MK2 compatible with patches from other Waldorf synthesizers?
Patches are compatible with the Waldorf Quantum and other Iridium models, so existing patch libraries transfer across these instruments. The MK2 ships with over 1,750 factory presets and supports up to 7,000 patch storage locations total.
Can I use my own samples on the Waldorf Iridium MK2?
Yes. The MK2 has 6GB of total sample memory, preloaded with 2GB of factory content, and you can import your own samples via microSD card or USB storage. It also includes a built-in sample recording and editing engine using the dual stereo 1/4" audio inputs, so you can capture and shape sounds directly on the instrument.
Can the Iridium MK2 be rack mounted?
Yes, it is compatible with a standard 19-inch rack using an optional rackmount hardware kit sold separately. It also supports a 75mm VESA mount, giving you additional options for studio integration and ergonomic placement.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | WAL-IRIDIUMMK2 |
| Model Name | Iridium MK2 |
| Vendor | Waldorf |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Analog Digital | Digital |
| Included From Manufacturer | Power supply |
| Number of Keys | None |
| Midi | In, Out, Thru, and USB |
| Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
| MPN | AMS-IRIDIUM-MK2 |
| Product Unique Features |
Mount in 19" rack with optional rackmount hardware kit (sold separately) Compatible with 75mm VESA mount |
| Arpeggiator | Advanced arpeggiator with new polyphonic arpeggiator modes |
| Control Connections |
4 × 1/8" CV inputs 1/8" gate input 1/8" start/reset input 1/8" clock input 1/8" clock output |
| Onboard Controllers | 16 assignable RGB-backlit pressure-sensitive performance pads |
| Effects |
5 effects slots per patch Assignable effects include chorus, reverb, delay, tremolo, phaser, flanger, parametric EQ and compressor |
| Expansion Options | microSD card slot for sample import, OS updates and patch transfer |
| Audio Inputs | Dual 1/4" stereo external audio inputs for processing or sampling |
| Audio Outputs | Dual 1/4" stereo output |
| Internal Storage Capacity | 6GB sample memory preloaded with 2GB factory samples |
| Multitimbral Capability |
4 parts Advanced modes including round robin and random robin |
| Oscillators per Voice | 3 |
| Programs/Presets |
1,750+ factory preset patches 7,000 patch storage locations Patch compatible with Waldorf Quantum and other Iridium models Mutator patch randomizer function |
| Sampling |
2GB factory samples 6GB total sample memoryUser samples may be loaded from microSD or USB storage Built-in sample recording/editing engine using stereo 1/4" audio inputs |
| Sequencer |
32 steps per measure Sequence note, velocity and length per step Create up to 4 additional sequences as parameter modulation sources |
| USB Port (to Device) | USB-MIDI Controllers;Program/Preset Storage;Sample Import;System Updates |
| USB Port (to Host) | MIDI |
| Voices of Polyphony | 16 |
| Width | 17.32" |
| Depth | 12.01" |
| Height | 3.34" including knobs |
| Product Weight | 11.91 lb |
Waldorf 1-year Limited Warranty
Waldorf Music provides a one-year warranty covering defects in material and workmanship from the original purchase date. During this period, the company will repair or replace faulty products at no cost, provided the defect is confirmed by Waldorf Music or an authorized service center. Customers must contact their dealer or distributor before sending the product, which should be shipped in its original packaging with insurance. The warranty excludes damage from abuse, improper conditions, or unauthorized repairs and covers only defects that occur under normal operating conditions. More information can be found on Waldorf's website.
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