Waldorf Blofeld Desktop SL Wavetable Synthesizer, Shadow Edition Black

Classic Waldorf wavetable synthesis, deep sound design and sample playback in a compact all-metal desktop synth.

The Waldorf Blofeld Desktop SL Shadow Edition puts an enormous synthesis engine into a remarkably compact module. Drawing on Waldorf's legendary Q, Microwave and Wave heritage, Blofeld combines virtual-analog synthesis with the distinctive wavetable architecture that has defined Waldorf instruments for decades.

With three oscillators per voice, two independent multimode filters, extensive modulation, powerful arpeggiation, up to 25 voices and 16-part multitimbral operation, Blofeld can move effortlessly from warm analog-style sounds to glassy digital textures, evolving pads, aggressive basses, metallic percussion and complex cinematic soundscapes.

Classic Waldorf Wavetable Sound

Blofeld includes the oscillator models of Waldorf's Q series along with the celebrated wavetables from the Microwave II/XT/XTk family. Its three-oscillator architecture also supports oscillator frequency modulation, giving you a huge range of harmonic possibilities beyond conventional subtractive synthesis.

The result is a synth equally comfortable producing rich analog-style tones and the edgy, animated and bell-like timbres associated with classic Waldorf and PPG-style wavetable synthesis.

SL Sample Playback Included

This SL version expands Blofeld beyond virtual analog and wavetable synthesis with approximately 60 MB of user sample memory. Load your own 44.1 kHz/16-bit mono WAV samples and integrate them into the Blofeld synthesis architecture for hybrid sounds that combine samples with Waldorf's filters, modulation and synthesis tools.

Deep Synthesis Architecture

• Up to 25-voice polyphony, depending on sound complexity
• 16-part multitimbral operation
• More than 1,000 onboard sounds
• 3 oscillators per voice
• Virtual-analog oscillator models from the Waldorf Q series
• Wavetables from the Microwave II/XT/XTk family
• Frequency modulation between oscillators
• 2 independent multimode filters per voice
• Filter FM
• 2 drive stages per voice with selectable drive curves
• 3 fast LFOs per voice
• 4 fast envelopes per voice
• Freely programmable arpeggiator with up to 16 steps per sound
• Extensive Multi Mode with 128 memory slots

Hands-On Waldorf Control

Despite its compact footprint, Blofeld is designed for hands-on programming. Seven endless stainless-steel encoders work together with the clear 128 x 64-pixel graphic display, providing direct access to its deep synthesis architecture without requiring a computer editor.

The rugged metal enclosure makes the Blofeld equally at home in a studio or hardware performance setup, while the understated black Shadow Edition finish gives this version an especially sleek appearance.

Connectivity

• Stereo audio output
• Headphone output
• MIDI In
• USB connection for MIDI In/Out
• External universal power supply

Specifications

• Synthesis: Virtual analog, wavetable and sample playback
• Oscillators: 3 per voice
• Polyphony: Up to 25 voices, depending on patch complexity
• Multitimbral: 16 parts
• Filters: 2 independent multimode filters per voice
• LFOs: 3 per voice
• Envelopes: 4 per voice
• Arpeggiator: Programmable, up to 16 steps per sound
• Display: 128 x 64-pixel graphic display
• Controls: 7 endless stainless-steel encoders
• Sample Memory: Approximately 60 MB with SL functionality
• Sample Format: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit mono WAV
• Construction: Metal enclosure
• Finish: Black Shadow Edition

A Modern Waldorf Classic

Blofeld has earned its place as a modern hardware-synth classic by packing an unusually deep synthesis architecture into a small, affordable desktop instrument. Whether you're after animated wavetables, analog-style leads and basses, evolving atmospheric pads or entirely original sample-based textures, the Blofeld Desktop SL provides a huge sound-design playground without taking over your studio.