Protein is an affordable and compact 8 voice polyphonic Wavetable synthesizer based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators combined with modern features of Iridium heritage like the sophisticated arpeggiator, step sequencer, chord mode, effects and more. Protein links back to the very beginnings of Waldorfs instrument makings but interprets the original ideas in a contemporary and surprising way.

With handy dimensions of 252 × 170 × 48 mm (including controls) and a weight of 0.9 kg, the Protein is a true powerhouse packed into a compact and portable new form factor that stands as the first statement of a new upcoming product line.

Oscillators:

• Two oscillators based on unique Waldorf Microwave ASIC chip.
• Internally running with 250 kHz sampling rate to match original ASIC sampling rate.
• Modeling of digital-to-analog converters for each voice (DAC).
• Unique digital noise generator based on ASIC technology.

Wavetables

• All original wavetables of Microwave 1 based on the original coding and bit-identical to original.
• Including algorithmic and speech wavetables.
• Beautiful recreation of 8-bit quantization and aliasing.
• Full waveform catalogue of original Microwave.

Filter

• Faithful modeling of CEM analogue filters.
• Adjustable de-calibration of cutoff and resonance to model detuned hardware.
• Cutoff and resonance modulations.
• Additional „Dirty“ types: Noise, crackle, click, geiger and bursts.

Modulation

• 3 Envelopes
• 2 LFOs with tempo sync and sample & hold
• 8 slot modulation matrix
• Poly-aftertouch capable
• MPE modulation sources.

Effects

• Two effect slots
• Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo

Voices

• 8 voice polyphony
• 4 timbral layers
• Stacked, round robin and MIDI-split layer-modes.
• Mono & Legato modes

Performance features

• Advanced Arpeggiator
• Step-sequencer with up to 32 steps
• Chord & Scale modes
• MPE Compatible
• MIDI CC Learn

Patches

• Over 150 factory patches
• Capacity of 250 patch memory slots
• Category filter for patch list
• Import- and export of patches via MIDI Sysex

Connections

• Stereo Audio Out with 6.35 mm jacks with optional mono and TRS stereo connections
• Headphones mini TRS output
• DIN MIDI IN & Out, mini-TRS Type A (two adapters to DIN MIDI sockets included)
• USB Type C for power supply and USB MIDI connection
• Firmware updates via USB

Overall

• Sturdy metal front plate on a colorful plastic case
• Dimensions: 252 mm wide by 170 mm depth by 48 mm height (including controls)
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Power Supply via USB (not in the box)

What’s In the Box?

• Waldorf Protein Synthesizer
• Two MIDI adapters: mini TRS to DIN sockets
• USB C to C cable
• Printed Quick Start Guide

More info: Protein