• Digital synthesiser
• 16 voices / 2-part multitimbral
• 3 stereo oscillators
• 5 synthesis modes per oscillator (wavetable, waveform, particle, resonator, kernel
• 2 true stereo multimode filters with parallel/serial filter routing
• Digital effect processors (bitcrusher, distorter, comb filter, ring modulator)
• 6 LFOs
• 6 loopable envelopes
• Complex Modulator
• Modulation matrix with 40 slots
• 5 effects slots per layer (delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, EQ, compressor)
• Extensive arpeggiator
• Polyphonic step sequencer with parameter locks
• Visual sound editing via the high-resolution multi-touch display
• Over 7,000 sounds
• 2.6 GB of sample memory
• 2 CV inputs
• Clock In / Out
• MIDI In/Out via MIDI-TRS adapter
• USB Device & Host ports
• MicroSD card slot

With the IRIDIUM Core, Waldorf is expanding the Iridium family to include its ‘smallest’ member, which is nevertheless on a par with the other models in most respects. As the Iridium and Quantum share a common OS platform, many features are identical across the range and patches (apart from those that utilise the analogue filters on the Quantum) are fully compatible. The IRIDIUM Core can do everything its bigger brothers can do, but takes up less space and is primarily controlled via the touchscreen. The IRIDIUM Core’s 16 voices are divided across two parts, meaning two sounds can be played simultaneously. These can be played polyphonically, in mono, legato or unison. Over 1,700 patches are pre-programmed as standard, whilst the total patch memory is sufficient for over 7,000 sounds. Thanks to category filters and a favourites list, you can find what you’re looking for quickly despite the vast number of sounds.

At the heart of the IRIDIUM Core are its three digital oscillators, each with five selectable synthesis modes:

• Wavetable: Waldorf-style with the latest Nave technology, including voice synthesis and the generation of wavetables from external audio sources
  
• Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waveforms per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard sync, warp, PWM and pitchable noise
  
• Particle: Granular sampler with multisampling and traditional sampling mode
  
• Resonator: Exciter with multi-sampling and filter bank modelling
  
• Kernel: up to 6 sub-oscillators that can be linked via FM at audio rate; for futuristic experimental sounds and FM-style sounds
  

The oscillators themselves are capable of some truly incredible things and offer an enormous range of diverse sounds. The number of parameters for a single oscillator is already vast, and these can also be modulated in real time. The mixer that follows controls the volume and saturation of the sound generators. Next come two outstanding digital multimode filters, featuring 12/24dB LP/BP/HP combinations as well as filter models from Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and State Variable. What’s more, the filter routing can be switched between serial and parallel right from the oscillators! The already impressive sound palette is significantly enhanced by the Digital Former. This adds a bitcrusher, distortion, comb filter and ring modulator to the sound generation. The signal path is rounded off with five effect slots per layer that can be used simultaneously. Decide for yourself whether delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, EQ or compressor appear in the effect block, thanks to the flexible routing.

With six loopable envelopes and LFOs each, as well as the Complex Modulator – which is a combination of two LFOs with user-drawn(!) waveforms and an envelope – you have, alongside the usual modulation sources such as the ModWheel, velocity or aftertouch, you have plenty of options at your disposal to fill the 40-entry modulation matrix and thus breathe life into the sound at almost any point.

The high-resolution multi-touch display allows convenient access to every parameter and visually represents every action taken on the control panel. With impressive precision, it displays real-time changes in the sound characteristics of various stages of the synthesis process. Via the modulation matrix, the display can be assigned to parameters to function as an X/Y controller. The four small knobs below the display are freely assignable, whilst a further six buttons can be configured as macro buttons.

The eight backlit pads are used to play individual notes or chords. The polyphonic step sequencer has a capacity of 64 steps and even records parameter locks. As is typical for Waldorf, an arpeggiator is also integrated, which ranks among the most comprehensive of its kind. The extensive selection of different scales, patterns and playback directions is a truly useful aid to composition.

All the IRIDIUM Core’s connections are located on the rear panel. Stereo inputs and outputs, a separately adjustable headphone socket, two inputs with mini-jack sockets for control voltages, analogue clock in and out, and MIDI inputs and outputs, which are connected using the supplied MIDI-TRS adaptors. The USB device port is designed for data transfer with a computer and bidirectional MIDI communication. The USB host port allows you to connect a controller or a MIDI-USB keyboard. A microSD card slot completes the rear panel.