Waldorf Microwave XTk

The real-time editing is a great feature for performance. Once you learn about the wavetable engine programming is pretty straightforward

The 10 voice polyphony is okay for me. I don't see this as a mainstay keyboard-type synth or an all-purpose sequencer-driven rack synth. To me this instrument supplies a unique voice, a couple of layers is all I'd want.

It seems a natural for experimental music and for techno. It's also gritty and dirty if necessary. This is not the axe for sweet electric pianos.

It seems rugged as heck.

It is a unique instrument. I would replace it in an instant.

Version 2.33. I also own a Pulse so I'm already used to the matrix programming whereby I think it's much easier on the XTk. I bought mine used so I don't know what are presets and what's not. Anyhow most of the sounds are great, I reviewed some other soundbanks with Sounddiver and found a lot of useful, real cool sounds.
Editing patches is easy if you manage to overview the possibilities.
Manual is good.

I got the 10 voice version and just got the XTk a few days, I will see if the polyphony will be enough for me, I think not.
FX are a bit limited, but most of the sounds I heard and programmed so far sounds good without FX.
Coolest feature are the knobs for tweaking. I also like the keyboard action and the hard-rubber pitch- and modwheel. BTW the color is great IMHO ;)

The sound is incredible, coolest stuff I heard so far. Fat basses, endless pads, good percussion (Kicker anyone?!), cutting leads and noisy FX. I created about 10 patches in the first 2 hours.
FX are limited as mentioned before but the sound itself is very good. Lots of modulation possibilities so no static sounds if you don't want to.

Just got it a few days but it's build like a tank, all metal case. Maybe the knobs are it's weak point but they feel really good, not to easy to turn.

So far no experience, but it seems they are pretty active.

If it were lost or stolen I would get a new one. I only own it a short time but I already love it. I got it quite cheap (DM 1600) and for me it was a bargain.
I also own some other gear (Waldorf Pulse, Korg MS2000, Roland alpha Juno 1, Nord Micro Modular, Korg EX-8000 and some others) and I think the XTk fits perfectly into it.
I think it will definitely help me to make some songs, the first hour already inspired me to make some patches.

I think it's software version 2.34. I noticed someone mentioning that aftertouch doesn't work, but it does on mine!! The presets in my opinion sound really good. The bass sounds and electronic drums in particular were standouts. Another thing is that many of the pads and leads are set up to go into some sick FM when you move the mod wheel. Very cool. Editing patches is too easy with all those knobs, and for everything else, the menu system is well implemented, so no complaints here. The manual is fine and will give you a basic understanding of the machine in about 30 minutes. Just plan on spending some time learning about "wavetable synthesis"... I'm still working on this.

I got a 10-voice keyboard, thinking I would be happy with it (my JP-8080 afterall is 10-voice as well). However, someone had written in an XT rack review that the multi-mode was worthless, so I figured I'd be playing only one sound. Needless to say, I found just the opposite to be true. Setting up multi's is very easy, in fact so easy, I am now disappointed I only have 10 voices. I'm definitely going to spring for the upgrade, as many patches seem to use double-polyphony. Put simply, if you want to play more than a couple sounds at once (assuming at least one or two of them are polyphonic), you'll want the upgrade. 10 voices isn't enough. In terms of FX, they seem to be O.K. but there's not a lot of choices, but for what I do, I think it will be fine. Overall, I give it an "8" here since I would have liked more polyphony out of the box and more FX.

The sounds range from fat analog stuff to clangy Kraftwerk-style stuff, plus interesting wavetable sweeps. And like I said, the FM stuff can be added, too which creates some really edgy stuff. This synth feels alive, unlike my Nord Rack 2 for example. But I think it's best suited if you're doing techno, trance, industrial. Not for house music or pop/r&b. FX as mentioned above sound good, but there's just not a lot to choose from (compared to my XV-5080 for example). The keyboard feels really good and definitely reacts to playing, from velocity stuff to pressure. One final comment about the sound... I find the filter seems to jump from dark to bright without a lot of middle ground (the reason for my "9" rating). However, this problem is quickly overcome by running the XTk thru my Electrix FilterFactory. But then again, I think almost anything run through the FilterFactory will sound better.

Seems like it will be a reliable piece of gear. The knobs feel sturdy and the chassis is definitely well-made (and heavy for its size). Only thing I worry about is chipping those beautiful wood ends, so if you're taking it on the road, get a nice case. You would be seriously bummed if you scratched this beautiful orange baby up!

Never had to deal with Waldorf staff, other than the local distributor (GSF agency) who was very helpful finding me this XTk as they are very hard to come by, so I'll give them a "10".

If lost or stolen, I would definitely replace this synth. But I'd probably go for the 30-voice version right off that bat. I love the sounds and the keyboard version really makes me want to program as opposed to the rack version. It definitely rounds out my other synths which include a JP-8080, NordRack2, XV-5080, DrumStation V2, and a new Micro-Q. I compared this synth against the Microwave XT rack, the Novation SuperNova, Korg MS2K, and the Waldorf Q. I decided the Novation and the Korg both sounded good, but didn't offer anything unique that my JP/Nord couldn't already do. The XT seemed to be the most unique, but I also liked the Q. The most economical solution was to get a 10-voice Microwave XTk and a Micro-Q. The only reason I'm giving the XTk a "9" is because again, I think it needs a few more voices stock (16 would have been nice) and it could also use a few more FX. Overall, though it's my favorite synth right now with the Micro-Q a close second. My next purchase will be a Virus Indigo...

Version 2.33: The knobs all have infinite spool, and almost every parameter can be tweaked idividually, assigned to a modulation matrix, or edited using menu screens. Definitiely a thinking person's synth. While you have the option of using the usual approach of ADSR synthesis, the real trick lies in figuring out the parameters and characteristics of all 64 wavetables. While it is extremely intuitive, you will need some time to figure out all of the wonderful features that this unit has to offer. The manual is straight forward, but sparse. Hands-on experimenting will yield the best learning results.

I have the 30-note poly upgraded version. The action is standard 127 (velocity impact); and while the system currently does not have aftertouch capability, Waldorf has plans on expanding the next OS to include just that. All MIDI parameters are transferrable to a sequencer via the knobs and keys. It also has a plug-in mode to allow for filter editing other instruments such as a guitar or an alternate kb...a nice feature that seems to be cropping up on more and more high-grade synths. There is no sequencer on board...but then again, this synth is not a "DJ tool." It is designed for creating absolutely original and unearthly sounds. You can save your patches; however, both single and multi sounds. There are 8 tracks of multitimbrality for either layering or sequencing individually via MIDI channel.

If you think that you've heard every type of synth sound without having used wavetable synthesis, think again. The XT yields the ability to create FM sounds, analogue instruments (including
"detuning" ability), and surreal sound effects using the wavetable parameters and filters. Or, if you're brave, you can combine all three elements and create soemthing entirely different. The XT is probably best suited for dark, exeprimental, sound track or ambient musics; however, it is capable of producing original techno pads and leads. The ability to assign various filter parameters and control changes to the modulation matrix makes this perfect for almost any type of music where creativity and originality come into play.
With 44 knobs to tweak, it is very versatile, indeed!

The casing is solid steel. I've yet to have a problem with any of the controls or booting up. You could gig with it, but it is a monster: very heavy. Better used in the studio environment...or better yet, if you need travel compatibility, get the XT rackmount module.

Waldorf actually had a user's group that is monitored by customer assistance (Joerg) dedicated to replying to every question within a 24 hour period. The best customer service I've ever encountered. period.

If lost/stolen, I would replace it within 24 hours, pending that it was in stock. It has been the best synth that I've had the pleasure of owning, let alone playing. Loves include it's endless ability to produce startlingly fresh and original sounds, its accesibility re. midi-programming, the modulation matrix, and wavetables galore. I don't dislike one feature of the synth and it was totally worth the price for the additional poly. I had been playing the field between the XTK and the Virus Indigo, and reached the conclusion that for the type of music that I create (experimental, ambient), I wasn't looking for a typical VA synth...I needed a kb that was capable of doing something a little extra. Not that the Access' line does not satisfy the programmer, it is definitely a reputable company. Ultimately, I forsee a virus in the lineup oneday. For now, I am more than content with the XT and I feel that I made the right choice between the two.

Currently, I'm running the XT along with an RM1x, ESI 2000 sampler, EA-1, R-8 drum machine, and a korg N5EX. I've been writing music for around 20 years, and programming for around 5. The Waldorf quickly took over as the primary writing tool in my lineup. It is not for every one. If you wish to hit a button and have music magically pour out, check out the Novation Supernova II. This is a kb for the experimental musician that likes to make their sounds from scratch...but the payoffs are beyond compare, and I've yet to hear a more original sounding synth engine (the original Wave and PPG excluded).

The Waldorf XTK is a complex machine, using technology as the ppg wave and wave synthesisers. Waves cannot be created on this unit, unless you have a software editor, a feature I have not tried. The learning curve is slightly steep, but the rewards for persistance always pay off. I give it an ease of use of 7. The presets are cute, but I made sure to twiddle them into other things.

The Keyboard action is tight, It can take a 30 voice expansion. If your looking for technical data checkout waldorf's website. There is no on board sequencer, if you want that, get a workstation, remember this is a ppg for the 21st century. I read the Alpine review, and I wouldn't take any advice from them at all. The Q is a virtual analog, and the XTK, and XT series are wavetable synths. This is more of an instrument than the Q will ever hope to be. This is people a unique real synthesiser. If you want virtual analog get a nord lead or an access virus. They sound similar to me, oh and don't forget, they still haven't finished the OS, the XT series is pretty much complete. If you want a synth that is packed with great features, and has personality go for an XT. I love the aliasing feature which lets you turn presets or user made sounds into what would be processed through the filters, allowing you to have vintage microwave, ppg and wave sounds. Nova Music in Wisconsin was able to get me a unit in a week, and they also have gear in the store to play with.

The effects on board are sufficient, its great for new wave, experimental, techno, trance and new age. The filters are powerful, and the knobs have unlimited spool, so you can keep twiddling. There are 44 knobs in your face, and the filter selection is highly impressive. You can run through the wavetables and make complex evolving sounds rich with texture, some seem to have a mind of their own. I am thinking of getting a compressor because some of the filter responses can be rather rapid, and mess with meters quite abit.

Real wood ends, solid steel, nice size for a keyboard. I didn't like the colour schemes on the front. Orange is nice, but I feel like I am in a sunkist commercial everytime I walk in my room. Its very bright, so if you play any goth style stuff, this might look odd on stage, but great for some trance live p.a action. Oh, and the Operating system is complete unlike the overpriced Q. Thank you for whoever returns this to the store, its keeps my sound more unique. Plus someone else gets a chance at owning this great synth.

It works, no problems like I heard the Q had with its operating system. Funny that they released a synth, that wasn't finished.

I would buy another one if it was stolen, I dislike the small lcd for the menus', since this board is menu driven. The sound ranges are large, and can be applied to make very interesting sounds. The menu was weak in MIDI specs, and I had some trouble syncing this to rebirth, but I think rebirth sucks, so I am getting a jomox to remedy the computer headaches.