Waldorf Iridium MK2 Features More Ram, Storage + Aphex Twin’s Parameter Locks


Waldorf has officially introduced the Iridium Desktop MK2, a new generation that features a new design, an improved CPU board with more RAM and flash storage, and feature created in collaboration with Aphex Twin, Per-Note-Parameter-Locks.

Here’s what’s new in the Waldorf Iridium MK2:

More Memory, Layers & Sound

With the increased memory capacity, you can change the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4. In addition to layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin.

Per-Note-Parameter-Locks

The Iridium MK2 features Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, a feature created in collaboration with Aphex Twin

The Iridium MK2 features Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, a feature created in collaboration with Aphex Twin (Richard D. James), a long-term Iridium Desktop user.

With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations, by simply holding a note and turning knobs.

This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. You can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters.

Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.

Seeds – The Sixth Synthesis Sense

The added RAM also allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators.

Inspired by wavetable synthesis, Waldorf has found a way to dynamically synthesize waypoints from sub-oscillators, called “Seeds”. These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like ring modulation and frequency modulation, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material.

Protein’s “Flavour” Knob

The new knob called “Flavour” adds sonic liveliness using our new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch, and a whole set of additional parameters, introduced with the Protein synthesizer.

The Waldorf Iridium mk2 is priced at € 2,399.00 but is currently listed as out of stock.

 

 

Isla Instruments Ceases Operations


Isla Instruments LLC – makers of the S2400 sampling workstation – have announced that they have permanently ceased operations.


Their site has been updated to note:

The online store is closed and no new orders can be placed.

Customer support resources and the user forum will remain available here for existing customers.

Future products designed by Brad Holland will be released separately and information will be announced elsewhere in due course.

We have not seen any official announcement on this, but it sounds like Isla will be returning, but with a new name.

On the Isla Instruments forum, SteamRadio commented that Isla founder, Brad Holland, has relocated from the US to the UK, and that the US-based ‘Isla Instruments’ will be operating as a new UK-based entity, Isla Electronics.

 

PPG-Style Wavetable Synthesis With Elektron Syntakt OS 1.40


The video, via tubesockor, takes a look at how you can do PPG-style wavetable synthesis on the new Syntakt OS 1.40.

This video shows how you can use the new Twinshot dual sample player machine to play back single cycles from a wavetable, and then scan the table to create classic wavetable sounds.

Next, the video explores playing patches polyphonically, and finally in the context of a sequenced track.

Watch the video and let us know what you think of this new option in the comments!