Roland Supercharges FANTOM Synthesizer Series

Roland FANTOM EX Synthesizer | Performance featuring LZARUS
video upload by

"FANTOM EX is the latest chapter of the FANTOM legacy. Watch producer and session keyboardist Laurence Jepson, aka LZARUS, perform with the most advanced creative synthesizer ever. Check out an array of FANTOM EX features in action, including German Grand V-Piano Expansion, JUPITER-8 ACB Expansion, live bass recording with JX-8P Model Expansion, TR-REC step sequencing, vocoder, n/zyme Model Expansion, and Shimmer Reverb.

About FANTOM EX

FANTOM EX provides a complete creative ecosystem for professional sound design, sequencing, and performance.

Explore the most advanced Roland sound engines—ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, Virtual ToneWheel, and other Roland technologies. Plus, SH-101, JUPITER-8, and JX-3P* ACB Model Expansions and six additional pre-loaded ZEN-Core Model Expansions, including n/zyme for advanced wave design, vintage-inspired instruments, premium pianos, essential organs, and more.

Integrate seamlessly with any computer-based setup with dedicated modes for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. Sample directly into the synth and trigger, loop, program, create new tones from partials, or use multi-track sampling to stack sources into complex sounds. Then, refine your sound with Master FX and preset templates.

Developed in collaboration with renowned synth designer Axel Hartmann, the FANTOM EX hardware and user interface is built to support your creativity with intuitive operation and world-class playability."

Roland Fantom EX - Expansion In Use - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"Roland's latest iteration of the Fantom is now the Fantom EX which is essentially the same Fantom you could buy yesterday, but now with the EX software expansion.

David aka @superfrogsavestokyo has a look at the new EX features, but with the regular Fantom hardware. He builds some musical sketches to demonstrate the new ACB models and the n/zyme Wavetable synthesizer."

Roland press announcement follows:

The Acclaimed FANTOM Synthesizer Series, Supercharged with the Latest Roland Sound Technologies and Updated Creative Tools

Los Angeles, CA, April 25, 2024 — Roland announces FANTOM EX, a new flagship synthesizer series for professional musicians and producers. Updating and expanding the popular FANTOM platform with the latest Roland technologies, the next-generation FANTOM EX delivers a complete creative ecosystem for sound design, sequencing, and performance. In addition to the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX models available to new purchasers, current FANTOM owners can expand their instruments with all EX sounds and features through the FANTOM EX Upgrade for sale on Roland Cloud.

Introduced in 2019, the Roland FANTOM has received worldwide acclaim for its diverse range of high-quality sounds, powerful synthesis tools, premium playability, and free-flowing user interface. FANTOM EX builds on the original’s foundation, supplementing the core feature set with Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine and numerous sound expansion titles, including the recently developed JX-3P ACB Expansion. New effects and a host of fresh workflow enhancements are also included.

Each FANTOM EX model provides the most expansive collection of premium sound engines available in a hardware instrument. Roland’s ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel technologies spark inspiration at every turn, providing expressive and inspiring sounds for every musical style.

With FANTOM EX, users can compose and perform with over 7000 genre-defining Roland sounds and go further with premium sound content on Roland Cloud. Eleven sound expansion titles come as standard, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions; n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions; the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01; and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion.

The powerful custom processors in FANTOM EX provide smooth and precise operation with plenty of overhead, enabling loads of polyphony and full patch remain for seamless transitions. There are dozens of simultaneous effects, including new studio-grade reverbs and updated Master FX for shaping the overall sound. A characterful analog filter is also available, perfect for infusing tones with extra warmth and grit.

FANTOM EX is primed to be the center of any production universe. Users can directly shape sounds and develop musical ideas with a friendly, ergonomic panel filled with buttons, knobs, and sliders. The color touchscreen dynamically changes to support the task at hand, and it’s now possible to personalize the look by importing custom images for the screensaver and startup view.

The deep onboard sampling and composition tools in FANTOM EX support fast sound creation and quick arrangement of song ideas. Multiple workflow options include the classic Roland TR-REC step sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.

FANTOM EX flows effortlessly into any computer-based production setup. There are dedicated modes for popular software platforms, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. With the built-in 16x3 audio/MIDI USB interface, users can mix and layer soft synths with hardware sounds, send sequencer parts to computer tracks, route DAW sources through FANTOM EX effects, and more.

The loaded FANTOM EX rear panel supports connections with a wide range of gear. There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O is also available, along with dual CV/Gate outputs for driving modular and analog synths.

Each FANTOM EX model comes equipped with a premium keyboard and aftertouch support. The FANTOM 8 EX offers the ultimate weighted experience with 88 hammer-action keys, while the 61-note FANTOM 6 EX and 76-note FANTOM 7 EX feature semi-weighted synth action. Precision-crafted with decades of Roland development knowledge, these inspiring keyboards deliver the most expressive playability available.

Released in November 2023, the FANTOM EX Upgrade on Roland Cloud allows owners of the original FANTOM 6/7/8 models to outfit their instruments with the newly added EX features, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, n/zyme and JD-800 Model Expansions, two new grand pianos, and all other EX enhancements.

Availability & Pricing
The Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX will be available in the U.S. in April for $3,199.99, $3,699.99, and $4,199.99 respectively."

#jamuary2024 02 Hartmann Neuron VS in Super Locrian D

video upload by SynthAddict

"I forgot to upload this last night - another one coming later tonight.

I haven't used the mighty Neuron VS in a while. I still need to make more custom 'neural' patch models (sounds) for it.

I would love to get the Neuron keyboard, but it's rare and very expensive but looks very cool. The keyboard version has more complete software (including stick recording) and the equivalent of 3 of these Nuke controllers plus more controls onboard.
It also outputs 5.1 surround mixes if you need it.
Axel Hartmann is the man. :-)"

The iconic Waldorf Wave

video upload by synthlegends

"The Waldorf Wave was the most sophisticated synthesizer, which was produced in Germany, maybe one of the most sophisticared synth ever made. It came out in 1993 as the successor of the Waldorf microwave (1989). It was designed by Axel Hartmann and was highly regarded as a great insdustrial design.

The Waldorf Wave has 64 internal waves and 64 custom waves. It has two oscillators, three envelopes and three LFO. It has a curtis CEM Filter design, with low pass, band pass and high pass. It is 8 times mulittimbral and has 16 Voices in the basic version. In the bigger version, which is on the pictures, it has 32 voices and 76 keys. In this video I demonstrate the basic version and mostly layered sounds.

As you can see, I am tweaking around the sounds, especially also the waves and the behavour of the wavetabele envelope. Later on my camera striked, so there is no video content anymore. I hope you dont mind. Thanks for watching and listening again."

Waldorf Micro Q Phoenix Limited Edition (Numbered 025/500)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This rare Limited Edition is just the most beautiful Micro Q out of the series. Great Axel Hartmann design, and I am just in love with the original on this Limited Edition purpleblue display with white lettering... Sell this one because I bought the Q Phoenix keys.

The MicroQ is amazing, so much power; 4x4 layers multitimbral and very lush and thick sounds. I have a Virus C too but always prefered the MicroQ, it has a character of its own."

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The John Bowen Interview | Legendary Synth and Sound Specialist, New Solaris OS, Demos, & Prototype

video upload by Espen Kraft

"John Bowen is the man behind those Sequential factory synth preset sounds heard on so many classic tracks. The Prophet 5, Prophet VS, Six-Trak etc.
He later worked on the Korg Wavestation, Korg Oasys, the Creamware DSP plugin synths and finally his own hardware synth, the Solaris.
You've heard his sounds more times than you know.

In this interview you can hear how it all started, all the funny stories, and what happened in California in the 70s, at Sequential Circuits in the 80s and at Korg in the 90s. And more."

You can find v2.0.3 update details here: https://forums.johnbowen.com/viewtopic.php?t=17189.

The following are a couple of videos featuring the Solaris, the first featuring on the John Bowen site.
video upload by synthhaft

"Improvisation with a 'Noodle'-Sound, done with the SOLARIS.
One Sound, one take, no external fx."

And one more with a Nonlinear Labs C15 and Waldorf Quantum:
"Heizfläche"

video upload by

And last but definitely not least, some pics of the Solaris prototype via the John Bowen Synth Design forum where you'll find additional pics:

"I came across some of the old Solaris prototype photos, and I thought people might enjoy seeing them!

We introduced the Solaris at the Frankfurt Musik Messe at the end of March 2007. The original design features 2 rows of knobs below the Envelope section, so that you could easily adjust filter and amp envelopes without having to select them individually. (Note there are only 3 EG select buttons, as the idea was to select them in pairs.)

The wood sides were more rounded, as you can see these were quite nice, but a bit too expensive for production. The graphics of the front panel featured a design from my childhood friend, John Heisch (viewable on the left side). Also, the original silk screen for the front panel was not to my liking, so I requested an 'emergency' job from Axel Hartmann to revise the graphics look for the show (which he did just 2 weeks prior to the show!).

We went through 5 prototype stages, arriving at the production version you know now. It was quite the journey!"

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New Waldorf Iridium Keyboard Synthesizer w/ Polyphonic Aftertouch

Sounddemo video upload by WaldorfMusicChannel

"Trailer & sound demo for our brand new Waldorf Iridium Keyboard Synthesizer with polyphonic aftertouch – no external effects and processing were used."

Waldorf teaser revealed.

Update:

Matt Johnson Jamiroquai Exclusive!! Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer keyboard version

video upload by

"This new synth is an absolute beast with 2 synth engines and amazing poly aftertouch!

All rights reserved."

And the press release:

Waldorf widens range of high-quality synthesizers with polyphonic aftertouch pressure-providing Iridium Keyboard

REMAGEN, GERMANY: having introduced Iridium as a high-class synthesizer in a compact desktop form factor with welcomed added extras building upon the high-quality synthesizer developer’s demanding design standards set by its Quantum keyboard flagship’s futuristic functionality and advanced tonality, Waldorf Music is proud to take the concept further forward by announcing availability of its Iridium Keyboard counterpart — radically redesigning its desktop synthesizer namesake around an all-new 49-key FATAR TP/8SK semi-weighted polyphonic aftertouch pressure-providing keyboard as the first such implementation of that keyboard in the world, with an expanded front panel proffering one-knob-per-function control as a workflow-raising result of this high-class synthesizer’s palpable physical makeover, also allowing for six freely-programmable Macro buttons with which users can define functions from a wide range of features for additional performance control — as of March 4…

It is, however, hardly surprising that Waldorf Music has chosen to name its latest high-quality synthesizer Iridium Keyboard since the instrument in question is physically designed around award-winning Italian digital piano, organ, and synthesizer keybed manufacturer FATAR’s all-new TP/8SK keyboard, configuring 49 semi-weighted sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch and three contacts as possibly one of the best synthesizer keyboards money can buy. Best of all, tremendous tonal changes flow freely when playing the Iridium Keyboard live since polyphonic aftertouch is transmitted individually for each note played. Performers can conceivably play and hold down any number of keys simultaneously, subsequently moving each finger individually. In other words, individual keys are affected by the pressure applied by each finger, thereby creating, for instance, individual data streams for modulation purposes, whereas with monophonic (Channel) aftertouch all notes played will respond in the same way. With a powerful Mod Matrix offering 40 independent modulation assignments, each with individual settings for Source, Amount, and Destination, Iridium Keyboard far from disappoints when it comes to powerful modulation options, of course — just like its Iridium desktop synthesizer namesake. Notably, Iridium Keyboard is also capable of processing MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) data, duly making multiple parameters of different notes separately controllable to effectively enable it to behave more like an acoustic instrument in terms of spontaneous, polyphonic sound control.

Clearly, the 851 mm (W) x 355 mm (D) x 110 mm (H) physical dimensions of Iridium Keyboard has resulted in some marked differences to the original Iridium desktop design, with a one-knob-per-function control approach afforded by its naturally expanded front panel, albeit aided still by its industrial-grade highly-responsive touchscreen display to provide an interactive overview of the Mode page selected (via associated LFOS, OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC 3, FILTERS, MOD, and EFFECTS buttons), parameter changes, and additional information. Indeed, Iridium Keyboard also incorporates six freely-programmable Macro buttons adjacent to the Pitch and Mod (modulation) wheels with which users can define functions from a wide range of features for additional performance control, combining to further enhance its performance pedigree.

Put it this way: while Iridium Keyboard — duly described by Waldorf Music as “...a high-class synthesizer with an extraordinary polyphonic aftertouch pressure keyboard featuring a wide range of unique sounds with approved Waldorf quality — made in Germany!” — ships with specifically created new sounds and samples in addition to all those included in the Iridium desktop from the likes of Kurt Ader, BT (Brian Transeau), Richard Devine, Thorsten Quaeschning (Tangerine Dream), and Howard Scarr, to name but a notable few, its impressive specification otherwise mirrors that of the original Iridium — itself described by Waldorf Music as “...a high- class desktop synthesizer featuring a wide range of unique sounds with approved Waldorf quality — made in Germany!” — as a 16-voice digital synthesizer. Sounds from Waldorf Music’s Quantum synthesizer flagship — an eight-voice, hybrid affair as a result of offering two analogue low-pass filters per voice — can conveniently be loaded into Iridium Keyboard and vice-versa.

As another entry fit for Waldorf Music’s rich history, Iridium Keyboard — with its industrial design bearing the high-class hallmarks of Axel Hartmann, one of the most respected synthesizer designers in the industry who was also responsible for the company’s wavetable synthesis-based Microwave debut back in 1989 — takes pride of place in the high-quality German synthesizer developer’s distinctive family tree as another direct descendent of the legendary PPG Wave synthesizer series that made their mark throughout the Eighties by bringing the distinctive sound of wavetable synthesis to the musical masses. Musically, though, the Iridium Keyboard — like its Iridium desktop synthesizer sibling — brings much more to the production table than its acclaimed ancestor, featuring five different synthesis models for each of its three oscillators (OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3): Wavetable — a table consisting of single-cycle waveforms; Waveform (virtual analogue) — a standard oscillator model to create typical analogue waveforms; Particle (sampling and granular sampling) — allowing for extensive manipulation of sample-based sounds; Resonator — manipulates multi- samples from the internal (2GB) sample flash memory or noise via an exciter and various spectral parameters that can be modulated, matchless for generating awe- inspiring animated sounds and drones, which can, for example, easily be integrated into a Eurorack modular synthesizer environment via the Iridium Keyboard’s integrated control voltage connections (CV In1, CV In2, CV In3, and CV In4); and Kernels — effectively enabling one oscillator to become up to six sub-oscillators that can be interlinked through FM at audio rate and arranged in user-definable constellations. Clearly, Iridium Keyboard can create a wide range of unique sounds like no other.

Other fanciful features include three true stereo path digital filters per voice that convincingly cover all conceivable classic filter variants — various digital filters are additionally offered by the FORMER section, such as Comb, classic Waldorf high- and band-pass, and notch filters from Waldorf Music’s Largo and Nave software synthesizers, plus PPG models, alongside signal enhancer effects, such as Drive and Bit Crusher, and more; six envelopes, six LFOs, and much more besides are available for use as sources in the Mod Matrix, routable to almost any numerical value in Iridium Keyboard.

Connectivity-wise, the well-spec’d Iridium Keyboard communicates well with the outside world, thanks to two audio inputs (for processing external signals); CV inputs as well as Gate In and Trigger In connections (for forwarding external signals to the Mod Matrix); Clock In and Clock Out connections (to synchronise with other gear); USB and DIN MIDI connections; USB Host port (provided for MIDI devices and also handling data exchange); Control and Sustain Pedals inputs; a headphone output (with dedicated volume control); and last, but not least, two audio outputs.

On the face of it, then, with a performance pedigree fit for taking its wide-ranging unique sounds further forward, the reassuringly-weighty (12.0 kg) Iridium Keyboard certainly more than lives up to its billing as “...a high-class synthesizer with an extraordinary polyphonic aftertouch pressure keyboard featuring a wide range of unique sounds with approved Waldorf quality — made in Germany!”

Hartmann Neuron Signed by Axel Hartmann

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via this auction

"Hartmann Neuron. impossibly rare and in incredible original condition with hardly any marks on it its in perfect working order and has never been messed with the sounds are out of this world reluctant sale this particular unit has been signed by axel hartmann see pics im gonna include all original manuals and two spare orange joystick knobs impossible to find might consider very near offers"

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New Axel Hartmann Design Website and the Luca Anzilottis Schmidt

This one was sent my way via Soviet Space Child.

Renowned synth designer Axel Hartmann has a new website at https://axelhartmanndesign.com. If you own a synth or two created in the last three decades, chances are the look and feel were designed by Axel Hartmann. He has designed synths from Sequential, DSI, Moog, Roland, Arturia, UDO, Waldorf, and of course his own synth, the Neuron. He even designed the BlipBox! You can find stories behind many of his designs on his site and a list at the bottom of the about page here.

Pictured left is the 20 Synthesizer.

Below is one I haven't seen before. The Luca Anzilottis Schmidt.

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UDO Audio SUPER 6 Now Available

Check with the dealers on the right for availability. See the UDO label for previous posts including demos.

The official press reelase:

'UDO Audio announces availability of new take on traditional analog synthesizer with SUPER 6 show-stopper


BRISTOL, UK: having made a show-stopping splash upon its introduction to the musical masses assembled at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, the trade fair for electronic musical instruments presenting the latest developments in (modular) synthesizers, keyboards, effects, studio equipment, and software, subsequently resurfacing somewhat closer to home at SynthFest UK 2019, the UK’s biggest synthesizer event held annually in Sheffield, then taking an award-winning transatlantic trip this year to The 2020 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products, pro audio and event tech industry, new musical instrument company UDO Audio is proud to announce availability of the eagerly-expected SUPER 6 — its inaugural release representing a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer as a 12 VOICE POLYPHONIC BINAURAL ANALOG-HYBRID SYNTHESIZER WITH SUPER-WAVE TECHNOLOGY tendering some unique sound design functionalities, featuring state-of-the-art FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) digital hardware oscillators coupled with analog filters and amplifiers — as of September 1…

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Waldorf Kyra and Iridium Side by Side

Render from Axel Hartmann to give you an idea of the size difference.

Nodes & Wires: In Conversation With George Hearn of UDO

Published on Apr 29, 2020 Paul Dither

"In the 6th episode of 'Nodes & Wires,' I'm chatting with George Hearn about his musical background, instrument design, the Super 6 synthesizer, his company UDO Audio and more.

Chapters:
Intro — 00:00:00
Musical Background and Influences — 00:01:44
Past Synthesizer Designs — 00:20:22
Instrument Design — 00:21:25
Collaborating with Axel Hartmann — 00:37:04
Inside the Super 6 Synthesizer — 00:44:51
Current and Future Plans — 01:03:13
The Company: About UDO Audio — 01:04:56
Challenges and Opportunities — 01:07:45
Modern Expressive Controllers and Advanced Music Technology — 01:25:08
Final Words — 01:28:22"

Paul Dither Nodes & Wires w/ the makers

Waldorf Wave 32 voices Cadmium Red Edition

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This one appears to have sold for $18,948.66. Soviet Space Child spotted it. Just capturing the pics in this post. The video in the listing was previously posted here. What's interesting is this appears to be a smooth coat vs Nextel. I think this one is Nextel. It's hard to tell in the image.

From the listing:

"Also available is the new, expanded, flawless software system 1.092 , officially accepted from Waldorf. More information is available on the Waldorf Wave site from Till Kopper.

you will not find anywhere in better shape Wave

The Waldorf Wave is unquestionably the highlight of synthesizer history - a milestone in design from creator Axel Hartmann. Legendary in history, unique in design, mammoth in sound and size. 20 years after its creation, the Waldorf Wave is still timelessly stunning.

As far as the Wave's sound is concerned - words are not enough. Digital meets analogue in wavetable synthesis of the highest level! The inspiration that comes working with the Wave will expand your musical creative world. Sound design is not at all limited and analytical as the Microwave 1 was; the 16-voice sound is intuative, spontaneous, vivid, uncomplicated, and fun! The analogue filters offer a special touch of fullness. No plug-in or hardware can compare!

With this synth you can really build your wavetables with a lot of features and control. And the filters are analog. This one has 32 voices, and all voices present ."

Pic of the inside below.

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Axel Hartmann's Original Panel Design for the Waldorf Q & How the Yellow Q Came to Be

Update1: Soviet Space Child noticed the Instrument section under the main display has the additional numbers found on later models of the Q. This might actually be a later prototype panel that matches the original color concept. Soviet Space Child noted: "The Q was originally designed as a 4 part multitimbral synthesizer, and later expanded to 16 parts multi via an OS update. This explains why the FX unit is only 4 part multi, as the hardware architecture ran off of 3 DSP's, two for 8 voices of polyphony each, and one dedicated to 4 FX parts. On the original Q models the 4 instrument buttons above the display were labeled 1-4, but later revisions had additional numbers to reflect the added multi parts, as seen in the prototype panel photos." It's also worth noting the original Wave came in different colors including Sahara yellow and Crimson Red. There was also a green Microwave. That backs up Waldorf wanting to go bold with the Q.

Update2: Swissdoc heard back from Waldorf's Frank Schneider and he stated this is the Jade panel. It makes sense as Jade is green and this panel is greenish in color. What's odd though is the render in the promo sheet appears white in color but is labeled as Jade. Also, according to swissdoc, the Q actually did come 16 multi-timbral to start: "The Q came from the start with 16 part multi, just the yellow case had only 4 labeled. See the changelog from here."

Update3: it looks like the Q was 4 part multi prior to release according to this SOS preview for the Q (via Soviet Space Child): "In keeping with modern synth architectures, the Q promises 16-part multitimbrality and 16-part layers/splits that Waldorf call 'Multis', but neither of these is implemented in the current operating system" later followed by "Early reports suggested that the Q would include a dedicated drum section with the ability to emulate popular analogue machines such as the Roland TR808 and TR909. In recent weeks, Waldorf has shelved the idea in favour of expanding the multitimbrality of the instrument from 4-part to 16-part."

So the preview model sent to Sound on Sound was 4 Part multi, and they made it 16 for release. Update4: I remember now. The Q was released pre V1.0 and was updated later. I forget if it was 4 or 16 part multi on release.  There was a bit of excitement about the Q, as you can imagine, on the various forums and email lists at the time.  Sonic State's The Gas-Station was THE forum at the time and there was a Waldorf email list.

The original post:

swissdoc and I were exchanging emails about the recent Waldorf posts featuring the JADE Q, non-Nextel Pulse, and the manuals for the XT, and MicroWave. Some interesting bits of info came out of our exchange.  You can find them in updates in those posts. Possibly even more interesting are the images you see here in this post. Swissdoc sent them my way with the following. What you are looking at is the original design prototype color concept? [see above] for the Waldorf Q.

"I got the pics from a guy called pixeldealer in Summer 2014. He said it was the original Q-prototype in turquoise/silver color and the first design by Axel Hartmann. It was never released, the Q was released in yellow Nextel as we know. Axel Hartmann is telling the same story in an interview on Amazona.de (last section). He bougth the case (without electronics etc) from the production partner of Waldorf in Troisdorf. He was looking to sell the parts.

Axel said:
Die ersten Q wurden geboren, als der Markt für virtuell analoge Synthesizer noch durch Clavia mit ihren grellroten Nordsynthesizern beherrscht wurde. Wolfgang wollte daher ein stärkeres optisches Statement, als es unser bekanntes, dezentes Dunkelblau zulies. Wolfram (Franke) hatte dann die Idee mit dem schrillen Gelb, das wir in den finalen Layouts umgesetzt haben.

Unsere ersten Farbkonzepte für die Q Synthesizer gingen in eine völlig andere Richtung. Wir hatten in unseren Entwürfen ein dezentes, sehr helles, grünliches Grau in Kombination mit Aluminium und Nussbaum Anbauteilen visualisiert. Wie gesagt, das war den Waldorfern damals aber einfach nicht laut genug…

Deepl.com Translation:
The first Q were born when the market for virtual analog synthesizers was still dominated by Clavia with her bright red northern synthesizers. Wolfgang therefore wanted a stronger visual statement than our well-known, subtle dark blue. Wolfram (Franke) then had the idea with the shrill yellow, which we implemented in the final layouts.

Our first color concepts for the Q synthesizers went in a completely different direction. In our designs we had visualized a subtle, very bright greenish grey in combination with aluminium and walnut add-on parts. As I said, that simply wasn't loud enough for the Waldorfers back then..."

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Waldorf Q JADE

Update2: this might actually be the Jade version. See details there.

Here's something you might not have seen before. Axel Hartmann, maker of the Hartmann neuron, and the man behind the physical design of a number of synths ranging from Waldorf to Moog, shared this photo online - posters for the Access Virus Indigo, the Waldorf Q in classic Nextel blue, and a Waldorf Q in "JADE" (looks white). Curious if any were ever produced. Also note the creamware.com poster underneath.

Update: I reached out to swissdoc who was a Beta tester for Waldorf back in the day. He reached out to one of his contacts and apparently 3 - 5 of these may exist.

"zu der Menge Pulse in Pulver kann ich Dir leider nichts genaues sagen... es waren aber einige (vielleicht 500-1000). Ein Exot ist es auf jedenfalls nicht. Der Q allerdings in Jade ist schon eher ein Exot. Der ist nur in kleiner Muster Menge gefertigt worden, vielleicht so 3-5 Stück."

Googlish:

"Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything specific about the amount of pulses in powder ... but there were a few (maybe 500-1000). It is definitely not an exotic. However, the Q in jade is more of an exotic. It is only was made in small samples, maybe 3-5 pieces."

Hohner Adam Digital Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Sep 8, 2017 Musicnectar

via this auction

"Very rare and fully working keyboard in nice condition.

It was partly designed and produced by Waldorf."

Physical design by Axel Hartmann. Check out additional posts featuring the Hohner Adam here.

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Rare Hohner ADAM 1994 Grey Vintage Keyboard Synthesizer by Waldorf Germany

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Very rare and vintage Hohner ADAM Synthesizer Keyboard"

Demo in the listing previously posted here. A search on Hohner ADAM will bring up just a handful of previous posts as well. This one is indeed pretty rare.

Classic Axel Hartmann design.

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Meet The Makers - Extra: Axel Hartmann

Published on Aug 8, 2019 sonicstate

Update: mention of new designs coming from Access gets a brief mention starting at 25:25. Their last synth of course was the Access Virus Ti2. Axel does state it might not be what people are hoping for, striking out the notion of a new Access Virus.

Fascinating history on the start of both Axel Hartmmann's career designing synths and Waldorf. The first synth he designed? The Waldorf Microwave, followed by the massive Waldorf Wave - two Microwaves with full control panel and keyboard.

"While we were in Berlin for the Superbooth show, we had the chance to talk to some interesting folks as part of our Meet The Makers Series:
So as part of this Meet the Makers EXTRA series, Gaz Williams talks with Axel Hartmann about his work and and challenges of synthesizer interface design. Axel is responsible for the design of many successful synthesizers and music technology - probably more than you think...

https://www.design-box.de"

UDO Super 6 -just playing, no voice. Binaural polysynth

Published on May 10, 2019 FutureMusic.es

"El sintetizador híbrido polifónico binaural U.D.O Super 6 es una bestia binaural con detalles estéticos en su diseño -firmado por Axel Hartmann- tomados de Jupiter-8 y -6. Escucha cómo suena en esta evolución de ocho minutos realizada al vuelo por George Hearn. Se espera que Super 6 esté disponible este año por un precio comprendido entre 2.000 y 2.500€. #superbooth #superbooth2019 #superboothberlin #sintetizador #sintes"

UDO Audio Super 6 Binaural Synth First Look With Axel Hartmann | Superbooth 2019

Published on May 10, 2019 SYNTH ANATOMY

"UDO Audio, a new Synthesizer company from Bristol presented at Superbooth 2019 the Super 6 binaural hybrid Synthesizer. Here is my first look with the designer Axel Hartmann and George from UDO Audio."

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Early Design Renders of the Moog One / Polymoog by Axel Hartmann

Some early design renders of the Moog One from this interview with Axel Hartmann on AMAZONA.de, in via swissdoc. You can find a Googlish translation here.

Note it was originally labeled Polymoog.

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