I’m glad it’s an Iridium Keyboard because I just bought the M and might have been jealous if it were an M Keyboard.
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I just went to their website. I am glad I have the desktop. I don’t need another keyboard. The added space would be nice, but I can live without it. I do still wish the desktop had more useable pads, or they had used that space for something else (like Macro buttons or LFO control knobs that are now on the Iridium keyboard). It also looks like they’ve moved the six parameter buttons on the sides of the screen a little but further apart, which is a welcome change if true.
Here’s an interesting thing from Waldorf’s website: “Iridium Keyboards contains 1680 sounds programmed by a group of well known sound designers.” 1680? That’s a lot of sounds (presets), but it is also 570 less presets than came stock on my desktop (came with 2250). I mean, who cares, kinda, but a somewhat strange development for their newer version. it will be interesting to see if they have upgraded the technology underneath (memory, processors and screen). I have zero complaints with the processor/memory on the desktop. It is incredibly fast as a fly around the interface, but the screen can be temperamental with touch responsiveness (having to hit a menu item a few times to get it to do something). Maybe that’s a software issue that can be fixed.
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Interesting and not what I was expecting. For me this is a good thing as an Iridium desktop owner, as there will likely be more software updates (if the keyboard uses the same hardware., which is almost a given)
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Glad it’s been revealed, I’m on the lookout for a Pro 2 but was worried I’d get one then wish I’d bought whatever Waldorf was putting out.
Fatar with poly aftertouch is a promising sign for the future.
This seems highly likely considering the layout of the hardware (in terms of knobs/function) are nearly identical, except the keyboard has a few more options due to extra space.
I wonder if Waldorf will figure out a way to give desktop owners the “6 macro buttons” option available on the new keyboard version, but through a software upgrade.
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You might upgrade a processor, and that sort of thing, while you’re at it. You make the cost / function decisions all over anytime you do a major product revision like this.
I wonder if this has any extra outs. Hard to tell but I’m doubtful from the video. I don’t use the two layers on my iridium much because it all comes out one stereo output.
Connections:
- 2x TS output
- 2x TS input
- Headphones output with Gain control
- DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru
- USB Type B for MIDI connection to computers / DAWs
- USB Type A for direct connection of storage devices and MIDI controllers
- MicroSD slot
- Kensington® lock
CV connections:
- 4 CV inputs plus Gate In, Trigger In, Clock In, Clock Out
- Inputs can be used as modulation sources in the Mod Matrix
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Lovely. Waldorf is on a roll…
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A drumsynth as addition an we all are happy
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Great stuff! Really nice video by Matt Johnson:
Cant find the price though…
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It certainly looks cool. And it gives me hope they will do an M Keyboard.
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Yeah, really great looking design on it… I think it might be visually the best looking Waldorf currently in production. Seems they got rid of the RGB puke that splattered the pads on the desktop iridium and the knob lights on the quantum. Just looks like nice clean design work. Still kind of wish they released a midi controller featuring this new keybed as I would certainly like a high end poly touch keybed just not ready for a new synth.
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Yeah, it does look good. I like the size and layout. And I am not a person who needs big boards, so 3-4 octaves is great for me, and this one has 4.
Interesting choice since the Quantum exists. I do prefer smaller (less than 61 key) keyboards.
I sold my iridium after about 3 or 4 months with it. It’s definitely nice and very powerful but I hated the way that you edit Kernel mode which is the most exciting and interesting part of the iridium IMO. It was cool but at the time super glitchy, I don’t regret selling it at all, I swapped it for a TI polar and I’m happy with it. I could imagine picking up another one if they sort out the OS
Can’t believe these are already in stock at Thomann!
£2439
The first iridium I owned was super glitchy. I swapped it out for a new unit. My second iridium unit has been rock solid for the nearly one month I’ve had it with near daily use. I’m using the latest beta OS. I wonder if the keyboard ships with OS 3.0?