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Waldorf Q vs. Microwave XT

Hey Addicts,

I've been toying around with the idea of replacing my Nord 2X (rack) with either a Waldorf Q (rack version) or a Microwave XT. A friend of mine left his Q (keyboard version) at my place for a few months and I got pretty attached to it, but he took it back a few months ago and I've been considering picking up the rack version ever since. However, I also like the idea of adding a wavetable synth to my collection, rather than another subtractive synth, but I've never actually used a Microwave. So, I'm wondering if anybody has used both a Q and a MW XT and, if so, what are your thoughts between the two? I produce a wide variety of electronica and also some pop/rock stuff, so flexibility is the key for me. Or, do you think I'd be better off sticking with my Nord? I like the Nord a lot, but it's become the red-headed stepchild next to my Virus TI and Prophet '08.

BTW, before you suggest it, I'm not interested in a MicroQ or a Blofeld - having lots of dedicated knobs is a prerequisite for me. :wink:

Re: Waldorf Q vs. Microwave XT

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik BTW, before you suggest it, I'm not interested in a MicroQ or a Blofeld - having lots of dedicated knobs is a prerequisite for me. :wink:

i second that. got microQ and its abit pain to program and i have some problem with midi-editor progs. might sell it all and get the Nord Rack 2X instead. not sure tho caus i love the sound of it and all its functions.

Why dont you upgrade the nord to a 3?

quote:

Originally posted by Ry Thomas Why dont you upgrade the nord to a 3?

I thought about that for a while, but after spending some time playing with a NL3, I decided that the NL3 wasn't really an upgrade, just different and actually pretty bland sounding in comparison. I prefer the NL2X's more aggressive character and better DACs. That's probably the reason the Clavia kept it around for so long and, given the seemingly underwhelming reception of the Wave, I would not be surprised to see the next Nord VA offering to be built on the NL2X model.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cryophonik
i had 3, i didnt realy like it as much as i hoped, so i sold it. samples ive heard from 2X is much more "solid??" so i might want the 2X caus i realy loved the clavia way of doing stuff.

I love the sound of the NL3, I have to say. Smooth and beautiful. To each their own I guess. If I see a cheap 2X I'll be tempted to add that though.

But the discussion is about Waldorf Q and Microwave XT. I have the Micro Q and the XT. For trance, the Q is a better bet, but since you already have a Virus, I'd say the XT would give you a much more "different" sound. They've probably come down in price since the blofeld came out (that's supposed to basically be kind of a Q, XT and more all rolled into one, in a neat little package? I know I'm simplifying it, but I'd really like to try one out sometime. I've got three Waldorf Synths - I also have the Pulse, which is also able to generate some excellent sounds for trance).

I probably haven't dived into the XT as much as I could have, but I didn't find it immedicately accessible for my style of trance. Some very interesting, "different" sound capabilities in there, but definitely not a "first or second/ bread and butter" type of synth. Some nice bass sounds, lots of modulated, special effect kind of sounds, quirky sounds...it seems to have a decent amount of midrange compared to some other synths....maybe read some harmony central user reviews, if you've owned a few synths you can generally get a good impression from what people say on there...

It's kind of hard to make a recommendation. Overall I'd generally recommend the Q, but they're very different synths. If I were you I'd stick with the 2X...heh heh heh, I feel so helpful...

i believe microwave XT is riccardo ferri's favorit synth (riccardo ferri produces most of picottos tracks).

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