Just couldn't wait .. had this for just under two weeks... VERY cool device

After 2 years of watching Iridium demoes I finally watched one that touches everything I want to know/hear. I knew that given all the types of synthesis the iridium is like a lifetime of sonic exploration but I wanted to hear some darker, saturated, sound other than dreamy, hi-fi pads. Thank you.

@mitsanut5869

2 жыл бұрын

Many these presentations are actually not truly representative of what many high price synths can do in bottom department. I assume that it's because it's more difficult to generate or create really nice, aggressive and fat bass that would cut through the limitations of internet. The sounds we often get to hear are squeekish, and outright ugly, or to go little into arrogant angle, the demonstrators do know the electronics inside out but they are missing their ears. In addition, most are lousy keyboard players so it almost looks like the keybed are actually an obstacle for them since they'd rather turn the knobs and have the synths make music for them. I still watch these presentations because once in a while I get something out of them that I can use on my equipment. If I was to decide to buy or not to buy this instrument based on this presentation, I would never even give it second look. This presentation is simply bad from start to the end.

@CharlesFerraro

2 жыл бұрын

@@mitsanut5869 “limitations through internet” KZread is actually just fine for audio demonstrations. The audio playback files are full fidelity. Dan Worrall recently went over this.

@Sentientfx1

Жыл бұрын

@@mitsanut5869 It's not about showing off keyboard skills. It's about the capabilities of the synth. You're completely missing the point.

@mitsanut5869

Жыл бұрын

@@Sentientfx1 I don't think I am missing anything, my friend. Just few days back, I watched a guy who demonstrated OB-X8 and pointed out it's pros and cons. The guy could actually play the instrument and that thing just came alive under his fingers (as opposed to other posts where they used their fingers as weights to push the keys down). If you have any formal key playing education, it should be very easy for you to immediately recognize if the presenter is just a synth tweaking enthusiast (which there are too many to count) or, if the man (or woman) behind the synth is someone who can actually use the synth's capabilities to create coherent musical event out of it - which enhances anything you want to show on the particular synth, which primarily is the damn sound, you KNOW? If there is a mediocre player playing piano, it's a nightmare to listen to it..But if someone skillful plays the SAME piano, people flock to listen to it..same piano, same tone......AHA? So there you go - now go and dispute this one, my condescending friend. I think it's you who doesn't know what he's talking about. Pardon me for talking to you like you're a small child - but you certainly sound like it. You see, I always leave a trap in my comments for those who choose to be ignorant. You fell for it. Good day!

@mitsanut5869

Жыл бұрын

@@CharlesFerraro Not so fast, buddy. Everything on You Tube and elsewhere is compressed to where it's estimated that human ear reaches it's boundaries for normal hearing capacity, both at the top and bottom - all the way down to 16kHz and to about 300Hz - not even in the subwoofer territory. Some broadcasters cut it even more. The low end frequencies are impossible to reproduce by the normal every day average equipment. Those are cut at the signal output, too, BTW, and the reason is, of course, the money. There's a very good reason why hifi equipment and high end studio reproduction equipment cost so much (thousands, often tens of thousands, in many instances hundreds of thousands of dollars) I just recently had to buy an extra subwoofer (no slouch) to support my upper-end quality studio monitors so I could actually get all the way down to 22 Hz (not down to 20Hz because those 2 Hz cost you on average extra $2,000.00 on the cheap side) that my MOOG Taurus 3 easily puts out - that puppy actually generates brutal bass that you can't hear but feel - way bellow 20Hz, if you have proper equipment (again, very costly). I couldn't get down below 50 Hz with the monitors I use - and like I said, they are in upper quality range. Now, take this: the signal path was as short as possible and routed in such way that there were minimal losses along it's path, and yet I still couldn't get lower until I got the subwoofer. (Just for your info - I turned it on when playing Taurus 3 and it literally threw my friend back 5 feet from the shock she received) In the future, I'm aiming for 13 inch Focal studio sub. I didn't buy it now because my present studio room space simply would not be able to handle all that bass on regular volume. You see, my friend, it costs money to get your Hertzs. You ain't gonna get shit from You Tube because before the signal gets to you, it's been compressed, decompressed and compressed again, not even talking about the end user who's listening device is usually hardly worth $100.00 or some earpiece, not taking into account crappy cables and stuff. But even if you connect it to expensive hifi system or a decent headset, you won't get shit because the initial cut in frequencies to save computer power at the origin (like I said at the beginning). Even when you burn CD from another CD on very good equipment, you're going get some losses each time. To not get any losses, you'd have to have what called "no mistake technology" that is used in fighter jets and again, you could probably get several mansions for the price you'd have to pay to get it. I know, ignorance is a bliss....

Thanks for the great review Starsky I really appreciate your videos

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks - good to hear.

That sounds awesome! Really quite versatile.

5 months later and I managed to buy one mainly due to this video! Totally agree with your comment about digging in as I found the presets to be quite disappointing from a players point of view.... Seems they went more for a sound designer angle which is all well and fine but there is so much more potential here.. I am absolutely blown away by the possibilities of this synth and I'm now looking at all the little bits and bobs I have in my studio and wondering if I'll ever use them again. Complete classic synth. Thanks mate!

@CharlesFerraro

Ай бұрын

How have you been liking your Iridium?

Sounds lovely.... been waiting for your review as you're brilliant at showing the synths to the best ability. Loved all the sounds around the 13 min mark... its the grnular engine that's grabbing me the most...

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

thanks. Yeah they've got some great presents in here. If you're atmospherics you're spoilt for choice.

@neilloughran4437

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr I'm a big fan of SampleWiz (iOS) and Grain (Reason) and I've wanted some hardware in the direction for many years now.

Excellent video! Got mine Iridium Keyboard two weeks ago and it is a masterpiece from Waldorf!

Placed the order for mine today! Can't wait to start playing with it.

That is one beautiful synthesizer! Sounds like it can be very magical! I love the lightshow on it, super stellar!

@jamesmacleod671

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I love the look of it as well, it seems to be a very deep and highly flexible synthesizer/sampler. Tangerine Dream in a box.

I´m buying my Iridium desktop soon. Very excited.

those granular examples are gorgeous. nice one

Very nice!...looks and sounds amazing.

Iridium & Polybrute became instant classics to me. Thank you for the video!

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I've got a Polybrute, love it as well.

"Big, Brilliant and Beautiful" and the Iridium doesn't look half bad either Starsky, mate. ;-) Fab review & demo. Love the aftertouch. Many thanks.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂

I have it now for a week and it is an awesome synth!!

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations ;) I know how you're feeling

Well, now I have to buy an Iridium keyboard. Thank you.

Nice video! You mentioned that you'd like to be able to assign modulations by twiddling the pots and I believe the keyboard version lets you do that to some extent (something the original Iridium couldn't do). You press the new "mod" button under Master and to the left of Perform to get at it - it's not great UX that there are now two buttons both labelled mod, but there you go. ;)

Cracking vid mate. We are so beyond a VCO into a VCF. In fact it bores us rigid, even if it sounds nice.

I would buy this synth because the greatest sound designers in the world (Howard Scarr, BigTone, Kevin Schroeder and many more) were involved in creating the Iridium presets. It’s like to have an all in one keyboard+computer and Diva+Dune+Hive+Zebra already installed.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Thats a very good point. I demo'd some BT and Richard Devine ones amongst others in this.

Awesome, but so eye watering expensive for hobby. Great video.

Wow. Amazingly deep synth. Loved your sharing. Curious about the stereo width and algorithm. Super 6 esque?

Some people might be wondering where the Wladorf Quantum stands compared to this. The Quantum costs about 1500 Euros more. For that, you get a longer keyboard (5 octaves), more knobs, really beautiful build quality and looks, and an additional analog filter. On the downside, the analog filter is mono and spoils the stereo signal path, the aftertouch is mono (not poly like the Iridium) and there are only 8 voices of polyphony instead of 16. The controls are also a bit off, since some functionality was added to the OS after launch. Otherwise, the screen, sound engines and features are basically identical between the two, and patches are mostly portable between the two synths. Considering the loss of polyphony and polyphonic aftertouch, it's very hard to justify the higher price of the Quantum. In fact, many Quantum owners are feeling a bit burned right now. With the depth of the sounds, 8 voices is usually enough, but the overall disadvantages definitely outweigh the advantages, even ignoring price.

@Paul_Y_T

2 жыл бұрын

you forgot one of the big differences - quantum gets an additional pair of audio outs, so can route each layer to its own output pair. The lead developer has also said 16 voices all digital plus hybrid modes are coming to quantum. The quantum screen has a higher resolution too, but it's barely noticeable in practice (2 extra slots visible in mod matrix). Iridium's cv ins might also put that ahead of quantum for some users - although can send cv to quantum via pedal socket at a push.

@geoffk777

2 жыл бұрын

@@Paul_Y_T It does have an extra pair of outputs, which might be important for some users, just as the analog filter might be a big selling point for some users. However, the back panel is really not that impressive, compared to something like a Fantom, and lacks balanced outs and other fancy features. As for the promised improvements, those would be great, but I would wait and see if and how they actually materialize. The 2.0 OS took forever to come out and there haven't been any updates in quite a while. Waldorf support could be better too.

@Paul_Y_T

2 жыл бұрын

@@geoffk777 It's a simple matter of sending an email to get access to 3.0 beta - I heard it took someone just a couple of hours to be sent it two days ago. 3.0 beta is both mature and very stable (moreso even than the official release at this stage). 3.0 beta adds a whole raft of features, like the same digital filters are iridium and MPE support, so there's no reason to think they won't make good on 16 voices. Having ran their beta software for 3 years on quantum, 2 years on iridium desktop and 4 months on iridium keyboard, I can confidently say there is no rational reason for owners of these units to avoid running beta firmware.

@VincentPresley

2 жыл бұрын

@@Paul_Y_T I'm also thinking about picking up a Quantum or an Iridium Keyboard. I heard it's a pain to access LFOs and EGs 4-6 and the 5th sound engine on the Quantum. Any truth to that? I definitely like how the Quantum looks more than the Iridium. Thanks.

@Paul_Y_T

2 жыл бұрын

@@VincentPresley I guess it depends how you define "pain" - I would certainly disagree with that personally. Accessing 5th sound engine (kernels) is as simple as pressing 2 adjacent buttons at the same time. To access envelopes beyond the ones with physical controls it's just a case of pressing the physical ENV button, then can either tap the screen env number button or repeatedly press the physical button to cycle the displayed envelope and you can use the screenside encoders to change or the screen itself. LFOs is the same deal - although whereas I tend to use the dedicated knobs for envelopes, for LFOs I almost always use the screenside encoders even for the LFOs with dedicated knobs. The UI on these synths is my favourite of any deep synth engine - it never feels menu-divey to me.

That's exactly what I was asking...thx for the reply, sorry if I puzzled you in any way...

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Haha no worries. Some folks have weird definitions so I do t want to recommend something if we’re not on the same page 👍

loved your Prophet 600 Fatar shoutout - just picked up a 600 after seeing a few of your videos - really enjoyed your keyboard replacement vid on the Pro One - hoping for one on the 600 as well! you thinking about the pan mod now that it looks like it might stick around longer?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t video the P600 keyboard upgrade - didn’t have the time to set everything up. It was super simple again though. The only additional step was to snip off the end of a few connectors from the env pots that might have touched it when the lid was closed. I do t think I’m going to do the pan mod tbh. Still thinking about it.

considering the sound, would you still choose it over the OB-6 sonically?

Does It allow you to record Fliter/knob movement and recall it as an Automated preset?

Thanks for the great demo. I have one now,and it's the best synth I ever bought. One thing,Those adds every few minuuts makes it very hard to watch.

I would do anything for this synth. Man, it's beautiful....I can but dream but having a family i doubt I'll ever afford one.

Great review, thanks! Can you please answer two questions? First, does it have 16 true voices of polyphony, or "up to" 16 voices? If it's "up to" 16, how low does it go for complex sounds? (I ask because my Blofeld has "up to" 25 voices, but two wavetables and a comb filter bring it down to only 3!) Second, how does the keyboard feel compared to the Fatars used in recent Sequential synths (Prophet 6, OB6, Rev2)? Thank you!

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

its true 16 voice - no voice snatching here. the keyed feels lovely. I have the P6, OB6 and P10 and its just as good - I'd say better - a bit more resistance/weight with a softer landing. All in all it feels nicer.

@bullydully7428

2 жыл бұрын

Those were actually three questions...😅

It reminds me of Falcon 2.5 just not as powerful or as many features. I noticed the desktop version in the background, is the Screen bigger on that?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

The screens are identical

MPE means it has 3 continuous variables per voice (x,y,z), often used for Pressure, Pitchbend, and Mod in addition to Velocity which is a discrete variable. A good system like this one will allow those 3 continuous per voice variables to be assigned to any mod slot. You won't be able to use the other 2 variables beyond pressure if you don't have an external MPE controller though, for example the Lynnstrument, Haken Continuum, or Rolli Seaboard.

@kinnectar820

2 жыл бұрын

Loved the demo, beautiful sounds and clear presentation as always!

Great demo, those sounds ! ... Have a Kurzweil and a DX7 (bought in 1983 !), two hard to program synth. I hesitate between Polybrute and Waldorf, looking for direct acces programming and warm sounds... Could you tell me what are the main differences between this two synths ?

@KouDis226

Жыл бұрын

The main difference would be that the Polybrute is analog and the Iridium is digital, so the Iridium is more flexible when it comes to making many wildly different sounds. The Polybrute doesn't have polyphonic aftertouch but it has a nice multi-dimensional controller and a touch strip. The Polybrute has 6 voices of polyphony whereas the Iridium has 16.

@louisbaffert742

Жыл бұрын

@@KouDis226 Thanks...

@KouDis226

Жыл бұрын

@@louisbaffert742 I just saw that you're looking for synths that are easy to access and program, in this case I think the Polybrute would be better suited as it has a more direct panel and less menu diving. At the end of the day, they both sound amazing!

MPE is Midi poly after touch. Regular poly after touch will only respond to one command at a time per note. MPE can respond to multiple inputs simultaneously per note. A note can both be modulated by its filter and pitch at the same time for example or pitch, filter and wave folding amount or anything unique to an oscillator voice. I think that is the difference or main difference of the two. I think regular poly is still limited to one dimension of movement per voice.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah the confusion is between midi Poly aftertouch and midi polyphonic expression. True MPE allows for modulation of anything using the MPE y co-ordinate which can get a little weird at times. So some folks say things aren’t a true MPE keyboard, but a Poly aftertouch etc. ie does the synth have the ability to assign in other parameters to the control?

@metalplatedfacejob

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr right I think you might be able to assign multiple destination on either but one will move or modulate those destination according the a single scale and value set for the key. Where as MPE can have multiple ranges assigned to one key and multiple destinations. Regular poly after touch could be set to trigger the filter open and pitch on a voice but both parameters will move according to the same amount of pressure and maximum and minimum values are linked. MPE has multiple lanes of expression available per voice that are also autonomous from one another like voices are in regular poly after touch. Minimum and maximum values can be set different per multiple destinations per voice/key, an added layer. You can think of it like poly after touch for my Poly after touch if you will (more cowbell). It makes things like the Roli seaboard able to have zones on the key that react differently to how they are played, it can recognize soft versus hard playing in different spots on the key itself and it can differentiate if your dragging your finger versus sort bursts of pressure and or long continued pressure. All linkable to different modulation slots and parameters on your synth. Regular poly cant give you multiple dimensions of expression under one key like that. long winded, sorry, thanks for your reviews by the way.

Can you use the poly aftertouch keyboard for external poly aftertouch-enabled synths?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I've not tried, but I don't see why not.

It sounds like the Waldorf Iridium Keyboard might be a great choice for a master keyboard in a synth studio like mine. I just read the manual but I can't see if is possible to assign each button and knobs to individual cc number and value to make the Iridium Keyboard a monster midi controller. Is there anybody who knows ?

@paulmapp8306

2 жыл бұрын

Playing with mine today. You cap any function you and INCOMMING cc, I'll have a look if that's mirrord externally but iir from asking before buying, you can yes.

Awesome synth. But: There is so much space left and right. Why do they put the encoders as tight as in the desktop version?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

They’re not as close - nowhere near in fact. I was trying to get a shot of them both together to show this, but it hard…. I’ll try harder 😀

Starsky, I've been thinking of getting one of these,. it's so awesome. but can I get the same out of software?? does it have it's own tone? the problem with computer synths , is that they sound the same no how many ways they slice.

@StarskyCarr

Жыл бұрын

There are lots of wavetable VsTs - pigments, Serum, and loads more… there are tonnes of virtual analog, and a fair few FM - so yeah you could have a selection of plugins that cover most of this. The granular engine here stands out here as does kernels… I can’t think of anything the same. Mixing the different sound engines in a single tones is is also pretty unique. Again, I think pigments does something like that but doesn’t have kernels, but does have granular. The arguments for/against hardware will always stand. You can get same/close with software but it’s how you get there.. the ease of doing it, and keeping a creative or inspirational flow. Some people prefer software, some like the hands in experience etc. It’s a unique instrument with loads of options, but if you prefer software or don’t have the cash try something like Pigments to get a feel for powerful patch manipulation before you dive in perhaps.

@marcus268

10 ай бұрын

Vital sounds completly different to serum, even with the same Wavetables (i put Virus TI in both) tried to make the same sounds in both, but i found that very hard. Serum is good for bass , vital for brassy sounds, vital can resample its patch to wavetable, Serums WT esitor is far more advanced ... so each has its strength. Waldorf has its own uniqe sound to it, a virus is a completly different sounding to a blofeld. Its all different algorhythms, very hard to compare them. Iridium is very tempting, the control factor is somerhing you cant have as deep integrated with midi controllers.

Fantastic review, always enjoy your depth of analysis. How does this compare with the Waldorf Quantum? I'm seriously considering the Iridium.... Thanks in advance!

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never played the quantum which is essentially the same synth with only 8 not 16 voices, but with analog filters. They’re updating the quantum so it can act like the iridium if you want 16 voices with digital filters.

@terrybromwich5157

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. Starsky - sorry to labour a point but a variation on the same question again from me - I really liked the immediacy of the Quantum (all those knobs) but this seems to offer more plus Poly Aftertouch. Are the analogue filters and knobs of the Quantum so special they are worth giving up 8 voices and Poly AT and paying an extra £1000 for? Iridium keys seems to wipe the floor with their own flagship? Is there any way you could get one and review the differences or new Quantum firmware? Us mortals have real trouble finding these things to try. I might be lucky enough to have to make this choice soon, I’d love some help!

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

@@terrybromwich5157 I’d love to get them both in the same room - but rely on others lending me a lot if this so the stars would have to align perfectly!

@terrybromwich5157

2 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed for you mate. Just saying, if the chance arises, you’ve got at least 2 viewers :)

@cds8137

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr Ah. The analogue vs Digital filters and voicing makes sense. It would be interesting if you did one of your classic comparisons on the Quantum vs Iridium keyboards. I actually bought the Prophet 6 and OB6 (I did of course demo both) based on your reviews. Nord Wave 2 vs Stage 3 vs K2700 also of interest. Thanks for your reply. It is appreciated.

Mine is incoming..... will go with my Pro 3, OB6, Prophet 6, Peak, Virus and Fantom 7.... Should have all the bases covered lol. Re Poly AT v MPE - MPE uses a different Midi channel per "voice" where as Poly AT the modulation data is held in the note data - and only needs a single midi channel. FWIW Poly AT is part of the MPE standard - MPE can do more as each voice has its own channel - BUT you cant really use MPE from a controller if you have more than one other synth hooked up.... Ive tried with Hydrasynth linked to OB6 and a Peak (with OB6 in MPE mode)...

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks that seems to make sense.

AFAIK - MPE means that you can pitch bend each note separately. Polyphonic aftertouch means you're applying the change of sound assigned to the aftertouch only to the note you're pressing down.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

Aah so it’s essentially just the fact you can assign pitch bend to the Poly aftertouch?

@gctechs

2 жыл бұрын

​@@StarskyCarr I'm not sure, because I never had an Iridium since it's out of my price range. But as I understand it, both MPE and PolyAT are modulation SOURCES, that you can then assign to some destinations. I always associated the MPE with these touch controllers, like Sensel Morph, where you're sliding your finger down the "fake" key and that causes the pitch up/down, but only on that key (note). Which is different from the regular MIDI pitchbend message which acts on every note that's playing at the moment. I might me wrong on all that of course ;).

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

@@gctechs there are 2 mod sources - Poly aftertouch and MPE -Y I’ve used MPE Y with the LFE expander which simulates Poly aftertouch using last notes only - but unless you do it regularly it’s like trying to remember some mental maths formulas from school!

@maydaygoingdown5602

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr Tim Shoebridge designed a new software, think it's called PPG. its for both hardware and VST to give you polyaftouch on your synths, even just playing through a midi controler such as Arturia keystep. It works brilliantly. Maybe check that out.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

@@maydaygoingdown5602 excellent I will. He made a great bit of software for the Nymphes using Cherry audios voltage modular I demo’d on my clubbing Tv show … he knows his stuff.

I´m looking to expand my Synth collection that just started. I bought the Hydrasynth Deluxe and Polybrute. Now I´m on Iridium Keyboard or UDO Super 6. I have all major VST synths that you can imagine (Spectrasonics, U-he, Phase Plant, Falcon, all Arturia collections, all NI Komplete 13 Collect Edition,..). So I´m thinking to go to Super 6, since I fell that Iridium could be a VST in a box when I put all my VST´on table. Any comments on my thoughts? Thank you.

@CharlesFerraro

2 жыл бұрын

I think you have more synthesis power than you will ever need. Sometimes more is less since it’ll take a year and a day to decide which brush to paint with. You just need to sit and start painting at this point. That said, if collecting a large synth arsenal is what YOU care about then more power to you. Have you considered programming instead of collecting? If you program or learn Reaktor, MaxMSP, or Alpha Forever then you’ll be able to make whatever you want instead of depend on the creations of others.

@alexandrebaroni1057

2 жыл бұрын

@@CharlesFerraro Thank you Charles. I love Synth. My first one was a Korg DW6000 in 1985. So, it´s a playground for me in fact. I play Piano a lot at Church (not Synth area, lol). So, I´m more collecting and love to find new sounds and ways to make sound and simulations. I´m not a producer in fact, despite a lot of equips that I have here. It´s a Hobby also. But I´m not rich. Let´s see. But thank you for your sincere words. It´s great anyway.

@MusicZeroOne

Жыл бұрын

@@alexandrebaroni1057 What did you decide? I have a Polybrute and it covers so much ground. I think I’m leaning towards a digital synth as I really hate vst/computers, but I do love their modern capabilities.

@alexandrebaroni1057

Жыл бұрын

@@MusicZeroOne Hi. My Polybrute had a problem and I returned. I changed all my mind and I bought one Roland Jupiter-X (I´m so happy with it since I can update with new sounds easily and it simulate all major Roland Synths), and I bought the Iridium Keyboard. I´m happy with this setup now.

@MusicZeroOne

Жыл бұрын

@@alexandrebaroni1057 Thanks for the update! I do love my Polybrute, so I'd never part with it. Shame about the issues, but seems to have worked out ok for you. I also have the Xm. Yeah, they are truly amazing machines I agree, another synth I could not part with now. Still on the fence with this Iridium purchase though haha. Thanks

is this not the "Serum-in-a-box" that everyone's been asking for? i guess you could say the same for the even older quantum or idirium, but i dont see what its lacking from serum

Wow that sounds like the band Dead Can Dance.

On more than one occasion you say the physical modeling engine is based on a Karplus-Strong algorithm. Seems to me that it’s actually based on modal synthesis.

This video is really putting the AirPods through its paces.

Iridium keyboard is so weird when one considers that an Iridium is basically just a Quantum without the keyboard. :D

I have my desktop iridium mounted to swivel arm and it’s NICE. I do however have serious gear lust for the keyboard. I traded several synths to get the iridium and it sounds like nothing else. It’s amazing. To quote the NRA(god forgive me) “From my cold dead hands……”

@tommyg5095

Жыл бұрын

Are there the issues of white screen or frozen screen still??? Have you encountered any bugs ??? I believe this synth did suffer from some problems. But, have updates fixed these??? I am so curious. I want to get the Keyboard version. But am cautious.

12:00 me watching the insane range and versatility of the iridium

Sounds like a Waldorf, precise, clean, a little cold. That’s okay, not everything has to be a Prophet/OB. Q: Isn’t this basically just a Quantum with a digital filter?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

A: yes, with an additional 8 voices (although I read there are plans for an update to the Quantum giving 16 voices if using digital filters - I read it on a forum so no idea if it's real)

i'm glad they got rid of the little pads on the keyboard version, but hate the sides of the actual keyboard. they should've made them black.

I do not enjoy the sound of modern Waldorf synths. Also, just a 4 octave keyboard?!? Love hearing your take regardless!

The aftertouch is great but it requires more oomph than it should. My pinky can barely do it :)

I finally got around to really watching this; nice overview as always. My wee brain fails to imagine a use case. If a pro gigging musician you play whatever Nord(s) cover the sounds of the tour set like all the other pros. In the studio how much sense to a "do it all" synth vs. multiple focused units? No doubt some will prefer that, but a Polybrute plus some digital synths would get my money long before this. (IMHO Korg is smart to release Wavestate/OPSix as VSTs; hopefully Modwave soon + bundle pricing) Some hate VSTs, but there are great granular options there as well and all that is 100% digital anyway. I would not, but you could even go Hydrasynth as your core poly/controller. Or maybe a Super 6.

@klstay

2 жыл бұрын

@@williamtopping where did I state "how good VSTs are inside a DAW"? I indicated since granular synthesis is a digital process anyway a physical synth offers little in a studio/DAW environment over a VST. As I tried to clearly indicate my preference (and I believe that of some others in studio settings) is focused synths. Something like Polybrute as a "core/foundation" (used Prologue 16 is a steal right now or a Summit), then OPSIX, Wavestate, or Modwave if wanting that capability (go physical or VST based on preference), then get any of a number of good granular VSTs for that focused need/want. Certainly those who want a "do it all" can go this route and certainly for a studio setting that will continue to make no sense to others such as myself; particularly since a great set of synths to more fully cover those bases can be had for half the price.

UHG! I really wanted to be done buying stuff but this has me thinking about selling a few things for this. I like how the Quantum looks better but having to dig around for LFOs 4-6, the Kernal synth engine, etc and I think the aftertouch is not polyphonic, makes me lean towards this one. I actually prefer bigger and heavier but more polyphony is nicer than analog filters in something like this. For me anyway.

@VincentPresley

2 жыл бұрын

I talked to Waldorf and the Quantum is definitely getting more filters and voices!!!! I got a brand new Quantum for cheaper than an Iridium Keyboard. Shop around before you buy.

08:34 Both Hands!! :D

@StarskyCarr

Жыл бұрын

That’s the 80’s style!! 😀

Second time I have heard the Iridium sampler and Granular, which gives the synth no limits..Not for the preset minded..

Is it bitimbral?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

It’s got 2 layers - 2 individual tones etc so depending on your definition of bitimbral I’d say yes. (Not being pedantic but don’t want to mislead - as far as I’m concerned and I think most others… yes 😂😂)

4 octaves?

@dirkkeersmaekers4343

2 жыл бұрын

There must be a difference with the Q

@paulmapp8306

2 жыл бұрын

@@dirkkeersmaekers4343 Quantum is 5 octaves, and has 8 note poly with analogue filters as well as the digital ones. Iridium offers more poly at the expense of the analogue filters.... Though Q is getting an upgrade to allow 16 note Polly if you only use the digital filters. At that point, functionally there will be the same but with Quantum adding an 8 note analogue filter option and an extra octave of real estate. Of course there are different Physical UI layout and you may prefer one over the other.

This keyboard and the OG desktop version are both massively over priced. For half the price you can get a 15 inch oled with ten points touchscreen slimline portable device with battery backup. Plus comprehensive interface like the UMC1820 and a decent controller for 1500 . Add Vital and SurgeXT vst's to the mix and the Iridium starts to look woefully inadequate.

Super 6 or Iridium?

@CharlesFerraro

2 жыл бұрын

Iridium. I’m confused about why people think it’s even a contest.

@kierenmoore3236

11 ай бұрын

Super 6 has an analog filter (hybrid synth), doesn’t it?

I’m sure I heard ‘Darsky cockney sod’. How very dare it.11:14

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂

Could never justify spending that money on a digital synth.

@paulmapp8306

2 жыл бұрын

why? are you saying you can justify spending that on analogue? which makes no sense. They all produce sounds however there generated. If your say in you cant justify that on a SYNTH (of any type) then fair enough, but a synth is a synth... this (and other digital synths) offer MUCH greater sound manipulation and generation than any analogue - it doesn't make then intrinsically better or worse. If it offer something you like, and use with a UI and interaction you like, its worth the cost of entry regardless of the technology used to create the sounds surly.

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I tend to agree with this. The main costs on a hardware synth will be in the desig, production and assembly of the parts/keybed/pots/screens etc. I don't think there's too much difference these days in the coast of analog synths vs digital. Analog parts being so much easier to produce than they used to be, Here we've got more invested in programming than in circuit design perhaps. My Microwave XT is fully digital, but a soft synth can't replace it (I've Naive and Largo and much prefer using the XT). Also, I've had the Xt for 25 years - I've not had any software work for that long. But yeah - software is great, and can be much more accessible, saves space, costs less, multiple instances etc. But it's a different 'sell' than hardware.

@AEMachinas

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr great insight 🙏

@AEMachinas

2 жыл бұрын

@@paulmapp8306 just preference, I value filter chips over anything for what I’m after. VST’s are a cheap alternative, or diving deep to find old digital/analog hybrids like the K3 for example.

@kierenmoore3236

11 ай бұрын

@@AEMachinas I think I ‘get’ what you’re saying/feeling … You just don’t value digital sounds as much as good analogue ones; and one can get just as amazing digital sounds from VSTs, but can’t get just-as-good analogue sounds from a computer/VST (they are getting gradually closer, but at a decreasing rate, and I have to wonder when (if?) they will finally touch the ultimate goal/‘hypotenuse’ … in the meantime, buying VA is funding their efforts, whilst accepting best-available-for-now VA sounds … which is fine, if you choose …)

Seriously, how did this make it through edit? kzread.info/dash/bejne/nJqfpa57dpyxZ7A.html (11:13) 🤣🤣🤣

The power of sound design is great BUT, the synth seems distant in a way that some digital synths do, not all. But this doesn't sound really any different than some powerful software that I have heard used in similar ways...It just sounds like there is distance between my ears and the sound (as opposed to right on your ears, no glass between).

I have a pet peeve with this. It is still a digital machine, so the desktop should fit entirely into a software bundle such as pigments. The physical experience must be supreme to warrant the high price.

@StarskyCarr

Жыл бұрын

That's the eternal question... hardware digital vs software. The other advantages with hardware is the dedicated screen, no CPU hit and no updating issues, crashes etc. You can use it live without any concerns. Software has the advantage of lower cost, you can have as many as you CPU can handle, and everything is saved with the project. This does more than pigments, with the FM engine etc and in depth granular. But yeah, it's really just a matter of preference.

@vecvan

Жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr good to know 👍

11:13 - 11:17 … Well, that was disturbing … 😳

the module is a right minger - same with iridium - bloody god awful things to look at, this is a hell of a lot better though - waldorf are almost back at blofeld quality of design / beauty, shame they couldn't centralise the design a bit more to make it 100% visually perfect

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll never unsee that now 🤦‍♂️ thanks a bundle 😂😂

@ogasi1798

2 жыл бұрын

@@StarskyCarr I'm always on call mate 🤣🤣

Time to sell my Hydrasynth?

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

I've still got to get my hands on one, but this has the different sound engines which I think sets it apart.

@CB-zu4md

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll be really interested to hear what you think when you do. My summary: the modular style interface is the best of any synth that I have used. It really can sound analog as long as you know your programming chops, but its default sound is digital and somewhat lacking in low end. If you have a Eurorack it could be a must-have thanks to its great CV/Gate connectivity. It’s very well built, but a bit fake-metal shiny/plastic and I don’t like all of the orange in the design - I’m a sucker for an aesthetically pleasing synth, to the extent that I sold my System 8 because it looks and feels so tacky (if Roland repackaged it I would buy again- shallow I know, but I suspect that I am not alone). By the way, you very clearly know your stuff, your videos are hugely informative, entertaining, funny and helped by your sunny disposition. Why the heck don’t more people subscribe to this channel? Many thanks for everything that you do.

@VincentPresley

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't go that far. So many Sequentials, Korgs, and Moogs have come and gone but my Hydra is a keeper.

PHATT AS F***!! 😂😂😂

@StarskyCarr

2 жыл бұрын

;)

I swear the iridium sounds no better than uvi falcon. Why even waste money on this when for 1K more you can get the quantum with the analog filter to add warmth to the sound other than the digital filter in the iridium that's no better sounding than uvi falcon. This should have been priced around 2K. I really dislike companies who manipulate their prices overboard, prices of "limited or badly designed products" to exploit extra money from consumers. Waldorf, DSI, Moog and before recently Modal was also money hungry and ended up harming its relationship with resellers because of its sheisty business practices. See, how Modal was forced to change and as a result it has been releasing synths under 1K. I admire companies such as novation and Arturia. Look at the Polybrute - 2.7K for VCOs, multiple Oscillator wave shaping features, 2 filters, endless modulation routing, morphee pad, sequencer, ribbon controller, 2 layers, and multiple applicable efx. The damn works! Not limited as most of DSI products are. VCO synths for 3.5K and above but with limited routing options, limited to no efx, no additional envelopes, 1 LFO. That's exploitation. They can get away with it because of fanatics who lust over the name of their companies.