I bought the desktop version of the Blofeld. I was really just looking for a new toy, as my band primarily uses Komplete instruments and a few third-party VSTs. However, this synth has ended up being invaluable for freeing up system resources on certain songs, so it's been more useful than I anticipated. I was really looking for an analog device, but I figured a digital engine can simulate an analog but not vice-verse. I was not disappointed. While of course I have analog modeling on the computer, there is something so welcoming about using a solid-state device that is immediately available when you turn it on. I know analog purists may complain that it's not analog, but go find online test of Blofeld vs classic analog synths and see if you can tell. I did purchase the SL License so I could add my own wavetables and samples, and ended up spending over $100 on patch sets, which really helped show how to build my own patches. Note: you WILL have to upgrade the firmware to get patches to install, but you only have to buy the SL License if you are uploading samples and wavetables. The only think I really didn't like is the effects. They were pretty weak, but it's a non-issue. I never play out without my rack, and so I typically just run it through a compressor and GuitarRig or something or whatever other effects I need. That combo is more powerful than a Virus TI IMO, but the Virus clearly wins in that you don't need a computer or outboard effects. Also the knob bent the first time I took it to practice because I didn't buy a good case right away. I bought a camera case where you can cut out the foam and that's been great sense. If you're looking for a sampler, this isn't what you want... but for wavetable synthesis (which is very different) there is no other synth I would recommend, especially for the price.Read full review
My Blofeld sounds amazing - 1000+ presets to choose from, and a very powerful editor. Not all the presets are useable (unless you want the crazy sci-fi sounds) but there are some very musical presets that make you WANT to make music. I also found that adding a reverb pedal (Specular Tempus) gave otherwise unattractive patches musical life that they don’t have otherwise. I did have to contact Waldorf for a technical issue, but their tech support was super helpful and walked me through it, and now it works great. I ended up buying a second Blofeld for work! Thanks Waldorf!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Waldorf Blofeld is a fierce virtual analog/wavetable synth with a powerful multi mode for serious studio use and live performance. I bought this synth over 10 years ago for a tour I was asked to play on. What I love so much about the Blofeld for what I use it for is its multi mode which allows key ranges or even just one note to specify a particular patch while leaving certain notes blank. For instance I have one shot synth sounds with mod wheel control that I trigger by slamming my hand on a D or G#. All the keys trigger but because the range is set to one note, only the single key voice sounds and of course you can pitch the keys up and down so that you don’t just play D or G#. Also the synth UI is very intuitive and programming sounds is a breeze. The sound engine gets VERY deep but, if you spend time with it, you get accustomed quickly. For that first tour I did, I programmed my sounds quickly recreating the sounds off the record even though I didn’t yet KNOW the sound of the Blofeld. It reacts as it should with so many options given wavetables and the mod matrix. The built in effects are excellent as well. I have read about people slamming the reverb but I totally love it. The sample option is very cool as well for loading user sample content in the oscillators and I fully intend to tour again with this primarily as a sample playback machine with added synth shaping control. Waldorf has a reputation and, with the Blofeld, they once again deliver.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Take time to learn the menus. Sounds are very customizable and fairly easy to discover fun variations. Relative volumes of presets are all over the place. The presets do give you a decent overview of the Blofeld's possibilities. It is very digital sounding but has a few presets that hint at analog warmth. I was looking for something to complement my Ultranova and older FM synth. It is the fresh palette I was looking for.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Fantastic machine, I'm just scratching the surface of what this can do. What a sonic pallet this machine serves up. I couldn't be more excited to learn how to tell utilize this.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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