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Waldorf Music GmbH — User Manual Rev. 3, September 2023 (OS version 3.x)
Software: Rolf Wöhrmann | Hardware: Oliver Rockstedt, Frank Schneider, Rolf Wöhrmann | Design: Axel Hartmann
Source: https://pastebin.com/qqU9bsXi
The Waldorf Iridium Desktop is a high-class desktop synthesizer offering a remarkable range of synthesis methods within a single instrument. It is fully digital with analogue-inspired architecture, made in Germany.
| Specification | Iridium Desktop |
|---|---|
| Polyphony | 16 voices (shared across both layers) |
| Sound Layers | 2 independent layers (Layer 1 / Layer 2) — can be Layered or Split |
| Oscillators per Voice | 3 oscillators, each independently selectable synthesis type |
| Synthesis Types | Wavetable, Waveform (analog models), Particle Generator (granular/sample), Resonator, Kernel |
| Filters | Dual analog-modeled filters per voice (independent routing options) |
| Digital Former | Additional digital filter/FX processor in signal chain |
| Envelopes | 6 envelopes: Amp, Filter 1, Filter 2, Free 1, Free 2, Free 3 |
| LFOs | 6 LFOs per voice |
| Effects | 5 effect slots (Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Reverb, and more) |
| Modulation | Modulation Matrix + Komplex Modulator |
| Display | Touchscreen display |
| Pads | 16 pads (Notes, Scale, Chords, Trigger modes) |
| Audio I/O | Stereo out (2× TS mono jack), Stereo in (2× mono jack), Headphones (¼" TRS) |
| MIDI | DIN MIDI In / Out / Thru, USB MIDI (Computer + Controller ports) |
| CV/Gate | CV/Gate/Clock In and Out (Eurorack compatible) |
| Storage | MicroSD card slot (FAT/FAT32), USB 2.0 ports |
| OS | Updateable firmware (Rev. 3.x, July 2023 at time of manual) |
| Manufacturer | Waldorf Music GmbH, Remagen, Germany |
💡 This manual covers both the Iridium Desktop and Iridium Keyboard. Desktop-specific features are highlighted throughout with a blue bar.
↑ Top| Feature | Desktop | Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | None — requires external MIDI keyboard or use 16 pads | 49-key Fatar TP8 with polyphonic aftertouch |
| Pad Section | 16 pads with 4 mode buttons (Notes / Scale / Chords / Trigger) | No pads |
| Play Buttons | Mono, Latch, Arp, Seq buttons + Tempo dial + Play button | Pitch Bend wheel, Mod wheel, Octave Up/Down, Chord, Mono, Latch, Seq/Arp, Macro buttons |
| PANEL button | Yes — accesses panel parameter overview | SHIFT + ENTER instead |
| Pedal Inputs | None | Sustain pedal + Control pedal inputs |
| MicroSD Orientation | Insert with contacts facing DOWN | Insert upside down, contacts facing UP |
| Security Slot | Physical Kensington-type security receptacle on rear panel | No security slot |
| Macro Buttons | Not available | 6 freely-programmable macro buttons |
| Pad Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Notes | Each pad triggers a specific note |
| Scale | Pads play notes within a selected scale |
| Chords | Each pad triggers a chord |
| Trigger | Pads trigger sequences or arpeggiator patterns |
The Tempo dial sets the BPM for the selected sound program, affecting the arpeggiator, sequencer, beat-synced LFOs, and tempo-based effects. Press the Play button to start or stop the arpeggiator or sequencer.
↑ TopThe Iridium is a stereo instrument — use 2× TS mono jack cables. The audio outputs deliver unbalanced line level. Use TS mono plugs, NOT TRS stereo plugs (balanced inputs may not work correctly). Connect to a Line/Aux/Tape input on your mixer or interface — never to mic or phono inputs.
Stereo audio input (2× mono jacks) feeds external audio into the Iridium's signal path for real-time processing or recording via the Audio Recorder on the Global page.
Eurorack-compatible CV/Gate inputs allow external control of the Iridium from modular systems. Sync with Clock In/Out. All CV settings are configured in Global → Settings → CV.
Use FAT or FAT32 formatted cards. Desktop: insert with contacts facing DOWN. Used for OS updates, sample/wavetable import, patch export/import. USB drives (FAT/FAT32) work in all the same scenarios except full system init and rescue boot — those still require MicroSD.
Press the Power switch on the rear panel. Boot takes approximately 10–15 seconds. Press again to power off.
The Master Volume dial controls overall output level, including the headphones output. This is a global setting.
Press the Semitone/Octave dials for Oscillator 1 and 2 simultaneously to send All Notes Off, stopping all playing voices.
For Split or Layered sounds, when loading via the Load button an option appears to load into the current layer only, preserving the other layer.
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| Import | Import sound programs from MicroSD or USB |
| Export | Export current sound program + all related samples to MicroSD or USB (preserves folder structure) |
| Delete | Delete a range of sound programs (irreversible) |
| Rebuild Cache | Rebuild internal data cache if problems occur |
| Init | Initialize current sound to default (does not overwrite stored program) |
| Favorites | Manage a list of favorite sounds accessible from Perform mode |
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| OSC 1 / 2 / 3 | Oscillator display pages (Pitch & Tools / Mix / Timbre tabs) |
| FILTERS | Dual Filters, Digital Former, and Routing |
| ENVELOPES | Amp, Filter 1 & 2, Free 1/2/3 envelopes |
| LFOs | 6 LFOs |
| MOD | Modulation Matrix & Komplex Modulator |
| EFFECTS | Effects slots 1–5 |
| MASTER | Levels, Compressor, Voice controls |
| PERFORM | Favorites, Arpeggiator, Sequencer, XY pads, Notes/Scales/Chords |
| GLOBAL | Scope, Pitch, Audio, MIDI, Settings, System |
| LOAD / SAVE | Load and Save mode pages |
| LAYER 1 / 2 | Switch active layer |
The Iridium supports two independent sound layers that can be played simultaneously as:
Both layers share the maximum 16-voice polyphony. Switch between layers using the Layer 1 / Layer 2 buttons on the touchscreen display (Desktop) or dedicated buttons (Keyboard). The active layer button is illuminated.
The lower portion of the display always shows the same overview:
A vertical bar in the encoder display shows the original value from the loaded patch. Turning a dial clockwise increases value; counterclockwise decreases. Bipolar parameters pause briefly at zero to aid precise editing.
The Iridium provides three oscillators per voice (OSC 1, 2, 3), each independently assignable to one of five synthesis types:
Wavetable Waveform Particle (Granular) Resonator Kernel
Select the synthesis type by pressing the corresponding button in the Oscillator section. Kernel mode is activated by pressing Wavetable + Waveform simultaneously. Each model has its own color — the entire oscillator section illuminates in that color when selected. Pressing an already-active model button mutes that oscillator.
Each oscillator page has three tabs: Pitch & Tools, Mix, and Timbre, plus a fourth tab showing the current model.
A wavetable is a table of single-cycle waveforms. Wavetable synthesis allows stepping through or sweeping across waveforms via modulation — creating dramatic timbral changes impossible with static sample playback.
| Parameter | Range / Function |
|---|---|
| Semitone / Octave | Pitch in semitone steps. Hold dial while turning for octave steps. Default: 0. |
| Fine Pitch | Fine-tune within ±1 semitone. Creates chorus-like effect between detuned oscillators. |
| Spectrum | Transposes the spectral envelope independently from pitch. Negative = down, positive = up. Default: 0. |
| Noisy | Adds noise character to the oscillator (spectrum unaffected). |
| Position | Sets the start point within the wavetable. 0 = first wave, max = last wave. |
| FX | Saturation/gain amount. 0 = clean. Higher values add distortion. Type set in Timbre tab. |
| Travel | Cyclic movement through the wavetable. Positive = forward, negative = backward. 0 = stopped. |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Min Note / Max Note | Limits the keyboard range this oscillator responds to. Enables quasi-splits within a single layer. |
| PB Range | Pitch bend range in semitones, -24 to +24. Negative values invert pitch bend direction. Default: +12. |
| Pitch Keytrack | How much pitch follows MIDI note. Reference: C3 (note 60). 100% = 1:1. Default: 100%. |
| PitchVar | Simulates analog pitch variation (component tolerances). Each oscillator of each voice gets a random coefficient at startup. 0 = off. Default: 0.17. |
| Mono Retrig | If Yes, forces retrigger when previous note is still in release phase. Default: No. |
| Tools button | Copy parameter settings from another oscillator to this one. |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Osc Vol | Volume of this oscillator. Default: Osc 1 = 0dB, Osc 2 & 3 = -inf. |
| Osc Pan | Stereo panning position. Default: Center. |
| Osc Dest | Signal routing: Main (through dual filter + DF + VCA), VCA (bypass filters), or DF/Fil split (e.g., DF 30 Fil 70). Default: Main. |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Wavetable | Selects factory or user wavetable. Can be modulated — each voice can use a different wavetable if source is polyphonic (e.g., Rand Trig, Voice Index). |
| Position | Same as panel parameter. |
| Travel | Same as panel parameter. |
| Travel Mode | Cycle, Global Cyc., Sync (tempo-locked), One Shot, Ping Pong, Global P.P. Default: Ping Pong. |
| Spectrum | Same as panel parameter. |
| Brilliance | Sharpens spectral peaks when Spectrum is transposed. Subtle effect. Default: 0. |
| Keytrack (Spectrum) | How much the spectrum follows pitch. 0% = formants fixed (good for speech/vocals). 100% = follows pitch. Default: 100%. |
| Limit | Wavetable interpolation at Travel end: Wrap (smooth blend) or Limit (hard, like vintage Waldorf). Default: Limit. |
| Phase | Initial phase in degrees. Maximum = free-running (like hardware oscillator). |
| Noisy | Same as panel parameter. |
| FX Type | Off, Reduce (sample reduction), Truncate (bit reduction), Drive (saturation), Gain (level boost). Default: Drive. |
| Mode | Normal (highest quality), Legacy (vintage Waldorf character), Harsh (non-harmonic components), Dirty (digital aliasing). Default: Normal. |
| Stepped | Wave interpolation: Smooth, Stepped (no interpolation), 2/4/8 Steps. Default: Smooth. |
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Talk | Type word(s) via virtual keyboard → synthesized as a wavetable (speech synthesis) |
| Analyze Audio | Select any audio file → automatically synthesized as a new wavetable |
| Load Single Cycle | Load a single-cycle .wav/.aif file (200–1024 samples ideal). Creates an 8-position wavetable morphing to sine. |
| Import from .wav | Create wavetable from .wav/.aiff with constant sample period (64–4096, many synths use 2048) |
| Load Wavetable | Import wavetable from Flash/MicroSD/USB for exchange with other Iridium users |
| Save Wavetable | Export current wavetable to Flash/MicroSD/USB |
Classic analog-modeled oscillator with traditional waveforms plus a multi-oscillator stack (up to 8 kernels) for supersaw-type sounds.
| Parameter | Range / Function |
|---|---|
| Semitone / Octave | Pitch in semitone steps. Hold + turn for octave steps. |
| Fine Pitch | Fine-tune in 1/128th semitone steps. |
| Count | Number of oscillator kernels (1–8). Values between integers blend in an additional kernel at reduced level. Use for supersaw-type stacking. |
| Detune | Detunes the stacked kernels when Count > 1. |
| Shape | Sawtooth, Sine, Triangle, Square, Pink Noise, White Noise, Pings, Geiger. |
| Warp | Modifies the selected waveform: Saw → double saw to square; Sine → soft saw variants; Triangle → saw variants; Square → pulse width; Noise → filtered/pitched variants; Pings/Geiger → noise character. |
| Sync | Oscillator hard sync (all shapes except noise). Higher settings create more complex timbres. |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Stereo | Stereo spread of stacked kernels when Count > 1. Center = mono stack; higher = wide stereo. Default: 0%. |
| Semitone 1–4 | Individual pitch offset for each of the first 4 kernels (±12 semitones). Kernels 5–8 mirror 1–4. |
| Phase | Running (free-running, analog behavior) or Reset (retrigger at phase 0 each note — useful for drums). Default: Running. |
The Particle Generator plays back audio samples in two modes: standard sample playback and granular synthesis. It can use a single sample or multi-samples mapped across the keyboard.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Semitone / Octave | Pitch offset in semitone steps. Hold + turn for octave steps. |
| Fine Pitch | Fine-tune within ±1 semitone. |
| Position | Start point for sample playback or grain position in granular mode. |
| Grain Size | (Granular mode) Size of each grain — from very small (glitchy/noisy) to large (smooth). |
| Spray | (Granular mode) Random offset of grain start position — adds shimmer and texture. |
| Density | (Granular mode) Number of overlapping grains playing simultaneously. |
The Resonator uses physical modeling principles to simulate the resonant behavior of vibrating objects (strings, tubes, membranes). It imparts strong harmonic coloring based on physical dimensions and material properties.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Semitone / Octave | Base pitch of the resonating structure. |
| Fine Pitch | Fine-tune the resonant frequency. |
| Tune | Continuous pitch control of the resonator model. |
| Structure | Physical model type — affects the harmonic series and resonance character. |
| Exciter | Type of input signal driving the resonator (noise burst, impulse, etc.). |
| Brightness | High-frequency content of the input signal driving the resonator. |
| Decay | Resonance decay time — longer values sustain the "body" sound. |
| Inner Loss | Internal damping of the resonating structure — simulates material absorption. |
Kernel Synthesis is activated by pressing Wavetable + Waveform simultaneously. It combines multiple synthesis engines in a complex, layered oscillator architecture — capable of FM, ring modulation, wave folding, and other advanced interactions between up to 6 kernel oscillators within a single Iridium oscillator slot.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| FM | Frequency modulation — classic FM synthesis between kernels |
| AM | Amplitude modulation |
| Ring Mod | Ring modulation between two kernels |
| Wave Fold | Wavefold processing for complex harmonic generation |
| Filter | One kernel filters another |
The OSC MIX section balances the output levels of all three oscillators before they enter the filter section. Each oscillator can also be individually routed (via Dest parameter in the Mix tab) to: Main signal path, directly to VCA (bypassing filters), or split between Digital Former and Dual Filter sections.
↑ TopThe Iridium features two independent analog-modeled filters per voice, accessible via the FILTERS mode button. Filters can be configured in various routing arrangements.
| Filter Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Low Pass (LP) | Passes frequencies below cutoff; attenuates above. Various slopes available. |
| High Pass (HP) | Passes frequencies above cutoff; attenuates below. |
| Band Pass (BP) | Passes frequencies around cutoff; attenuates above and below. |
| Notch | Attenuates a narrow band of frequencies around cutoff. |
| Various slopes | 12dB/oct, 24dB/oct, and other models depending on filter type selection |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Cutoff 1 / 2 | Filter cutoff frequency. Selection dial controls Cutoff 1 on the Filter page. Range: 0–127. |
| Resonance 1 / 2 | Emphasizes frequencies near the cutoff. High settings can cause self-oscillation. |
| Filter Drive | Input gain/saturation into the filter — adds warmth and harmonics. |
| Keytrack | Tracks filter cutoff to keyboard pitch. 100% = cutoff tracks pitch 1:1. |
| Env Amount | How much the filter envelope modulates the cutoff frequency. |
| Routing | Serial (Filter 1 → Filter 2), Parallel (both process same signal), or other configurations. |
| Filter Type | Select filter model from available types. |
The Digital Former is a dedicated digital signal processor placed in the signal chain alongside the Dual Filter. It provides additional filter models and effect algorithms not available in the analog filter section.
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Pass / High Pass / Band Pass | Digital filter variants with different character from the analog filters |
| Comb Filter | Creates resonant peaks at harmonically related frequencies — metallic, pitched character |
| Waveshaper | Non-linear distortion / waveshaping for harmonic enrichment |
| Bit Crusher | Lo-fi digital degradation via bit reduction |
| Sample Rate Reducer | Reduces effective sample rate for aliasing artifacts |
| Frequency Shifter | Shifts all frequencies by a fixed amount (not pitch transposition) — inharmonic effects |
| Ring Modulator | Amplitude modulation with an internal carrier oscillator |
The Digital Former can receive signal at a configurable ratio relative to the Dual Filter (set via Osc Dest parameter — e.g., DF 30 Fil 70).
↑ TopThe Iridium provides 6 envelopes per voice, accessible via the ENVELOPES mode button:
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Attack | Time to reach peak level from note-on. Logarithmic or linear shapes available. |
| Decay | Time to fall from peak to Sustain level. |
| Sustain | Level held while key is pressed (after Decay). |
| Release | Time to fall to zero after key-off. |
| Delay | Time before the Attack phase begins. |
| Hold | Time the envelope holds at peak before Decay begins. |
| Slope | Shape of the attack/decay curves (linear, exponential, logarithmic). |
| SingleTrig | If active, envelope does not retrigger during legato playing in Mono mode. Use for classic 1970s-style solo sounds. |
| Velocity | Amount that note velocity modulates envelope amplitude. |
The Iridium provides 6 LFOs per voice, accessible via the LFOs mode button. Each LFO can be independently configured.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Shape | Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Reverse Saw, Square, Random (S&H), Smooth Random |
| Speed | LFO frequency. Can be free-running or tempo-synced. |
| Sync | Sync to internal/external tempo in musical values (1/32, 1/16, 1/8, etc.) |
| Phase | Starting phase of the LFO waveform. |
| Delay | Time before the LFO starts after note-on (useful for delayed vibrato). |
| Fade | Time for LFO to fade in to full depth after note-on. |
| Clocked | When enabled, LFO speed is expressed in musical time values relative to BPM. |
| KeyTrig | Resets LFO phase on each new note when enabled. |
| Mono | All voices share a single LFO phase (global LFO) vs. each voice has its own. |
The Iridium provides 5 independent effect slots, accessible via the EFFECTS mode button. Each slot can be assigned an effect type independently.
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Chorus | Classic modulated delay for width and thickness |
| Flanger | Short modulated delay with feedback for metallic, jet-like sweeps |
| Phaser | All-pass filter cascade for sweeping phase cancellation effects |
| Delay | Tempo-syncable digital delay with feedback, filter, and stereo spread |
| Reverb | Algorithmic reverb: Room, Hall, Plate, and other models |
| Distortion | Overdrive/distortion for harmonic saturation |
| EQ | Equalizer for tonal shaping |
| Compressor | Dynamic range compression/limiting |
| Lo-Fi | Bit crusher, sample rate reduction, vinyl/tape simulation |
| Resonator | Resonator-based effect (different from oscillator Resonator mode) |
| Ring Modulator | Inharmonic amplitude modulation effect |
The Iridium's modulation system is accessed via the MOD mode button. It consists of two parts: the Modulation Matrix and the Komplex Modulator.
A traditional matrix-style modulation system where any source can be routed to any destination with a specified amount. Setting up modulations can be done from the MOD page or by tapping any parameter and selecting Modulations from its pop-up menu.
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Envelope 1–6 | Any of the six envelopes |
| LFO 1–6 | Any of the six LFOs |
| Velocity | Note velocity (0–127) |
| Aftertouch | Monophonic or polyphonic aftertouch |
| Mod Wheel | MIDI CC 1 |
| Pitch Bend | Pitch bend wheel |
| Keytrack | MIDI note number as modulation source |
| Voice Index | Each voice gets a unique value — useful for polyphonic variation |
| Rand Trig | Random value generated at each note trigger |
| Komplex Mod | Output of the Komplex Modulator |
| CV 1–4 | External control voltage inputs |
| MIDI CC | Any MIDI continuous controller |
The Komplex Modulator is a multi-stage, programmable modulation generator that goes far beyond a standard LFO or envelope. It can create complex, evolving modulation shapes by combining multiple stages with different curves, times, and levels. Its output can be used as a modulation source in the Modulation Matrix.
Accessed via the MASTER mode button. Contains three tabs: Levels, Pitch/Voices, and additional controls for the two sound layers.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Layer 1 / Layer 2 Volume | Individual volume balance between the two layers |
| Layer 1 / Layer 2 Pan | Stereo panning of each layer |
| Compressor | Master output compressor/limiter |
| Main Output Level | Overall output gain |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Transpose | Global pitch transposition in semitones |
| Tune | Global fine-tune in cents |
| Layer Mode | Single (one layer), Layer (both layers simultaneously), Split (keyboard split) |
| Split Point | Keyboard split note when in Split mode |
| Voice Allocation | How polyphonic voices are distributed between Layer 1 and Layer 2 |
| Unisono | Stack multiple voices per note for massive detuned sounds |
| Unisono Detune | Detune amount between stacked unisono voices |
| Glide (Portamento) | Portamento time for smooth pitch slides between notes |
| Glide Mode | Legato (only slides when notes overlap) or Always (slides on every note) |
Accessed via the PERFORM mode button. Contains multiple tabs for live performance tools.
A curated list of up to 64 favorite sound programs for quick live access. Managed from the Load page → Favorites button.
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Mode | Up, Down, Up-Down, As Played, Random, Chord |
| Tempo / BPM | Arpeggiator speed. Can sync to external MIDI clock. |
| Step Length | Note value per step (1/32 to 1/1, including dotted and triplet values) |
| Octave Range | How many octaves the arpeggio spans (1–4) |
| Gate | Note length as percentage of step length |
| Velocity | Velocity of arpeggiated notes (or As Played) |
| Hold / Latch | Hold notes active while arpeggiator runs |
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| Steps | Number of active steps (1–16) |
| Step Note | Individual pitch per step |
| Step Velocity | Individual velocity per step |
| Step Length | Individual gate length per step |
| Tempo / BPM | Sequencer speed |
| Direction | Forward, Backward, Ping-Pong, Random |
Two XY touchpads that can each be assigned to two modulation destinations simultaneously. Excellent for expressive real-time sound morphing.
Configure the behavior of the 16 pads on the Desktop (and of equivalent chord/scale functions on the Keyboard). Includes scale selection, key, and chord voicing settings.
↑ TopAccessed via the GLOBAL mode button. Contains system-wide settings across multiple tabs. Changes here affect the entire instrument, not individual patches.
Configure the oscilloscope/analyzer display in the lower left of the touchscreen. Options: VUs (Voices & Main), VUs (In & Main), Scope (waveform), Analyzer (lin), Analyzer (log), MIDI Monitor (Internal + Incoming), CV Inputs.
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Master Tune | Global fine-tune (Hz) — adjust for playing with other instruments |
| Pitch Bend Range | Global pitch bend range (can also be set per oscillator) |
| Pitch Button (Keyboard) | Calibrate Pitch Bend wheel and Modulation wheel via Global → System → Calibrate → Wheels |
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Audio Input Level | Input gain for the stereo audio input |
| Audio Input Routing | Route audio input through signal path or direct to Audio Recorder |
| Audio Recorder | Record audio from main output or audio input to internal Flash memory. Files available in Particle Generator. |
| Output Format | Stereo output configuration |
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| MIDI Channel | Receive channel for DIN MIDI In (1–16 or Omni) |
| MIDI Out | Transmit channel and what data is sent via MIDI Out / USB |
| USB MIDI | Enable/configure Computer USB MIDI communication |
| MIDI Thru | Route incoming MIDI to MIDI Thru jack |
| Program Change | Respond to incoming MIDI program change messages |
| MIDI Clock | Internal (master), External (slave), or Auto |
| MIDI Learn | Available per parameter via tap → MIDI Learn CC |
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| CV Settings | Configure CV 1–4 input scaling, range, and assignments |
| Button Backlight | Configure button illumination behavior (steady, blink, etc.) |
| Colors | Customize oscillator section and button colors |
| Knob Behavior | Jump, Catch-Up, or Relative mode for panel knobs |
| Screensaver | Configure display screensaver timeout |
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Firmware Update | Update OS from MicroSD card or USB drive |
| Factory Reset | Restore all settings to factory defaults (requires confirmation) |
| Calibrate | Calibrate Wheels, Control Pedal (Keyboard only), touchscreen |
| System Info | Current firmware version, serial number |
| Polytouch Keyboard | (Keyboard only) Configure polyphonic aftertouch sensitivity |
The Iridium has an internal Flash memory for storing samples, and supports loading from MicroSD card or USB storage devices. Samples are used by the Particle Generator oscillator.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Start / End Points | Set playback region within the sample |
| Loop Points | Define loop start/end for sustained playback |
| Loop Mode | Forward, Ping-Pong, or Off |
| Tune | Pitch offset for the sample |
| Root Note | The MIDI note at which the sample plays at its original pitch |
| Reverse | Play sample backward |
Record audio from the main output or audio input directly to internal Flash memory. Recorded files appear in the sample browser and can be loaded directly into the Particle Generator — enabling real-time sampling and immediate use in synthesis.
↑ TopA wavetable is a collection of single-cycle waveforms arranged in a table. Unlike sample playback, wavetable synthesis lets you sweep through these waveforms continuously, creating evolving timbres. Each waveform represents a unique harmonic spectrum. The Iridium extends classic wavetable synthesis by allowing the wavetable selection itself to be modulated polyphonically, adding an extra dimension of sound design.
Classic analog synthesizer waveforms are built from harmonic series. Sawtooth = all harmonics descending in level. Square/Pulse = odd harmonics only (hollow/metallic character). Triangle = odd harmonics with low magnitudes (softer than square). Sine = fundamental only (purest, no harmonics). The Iridium's Warp parameter morphs between related waveforms within each shape type.
Granular synthesis chops audio samples into tiny "grains" (typically 1–100ms), then plays them back with control over their density, overlap, position, size, and scatter. Small grain sizes create noise and texture; larger sizes reveal the original sample content. Controlling grain position against time allows time-stretching without pitch change. The Iridium's Particle Generator's Live Granular mode applies this in real time to external audio.
Filters attenuate or boost specific frequency ranges relative to a cutoff frequency. Low-pass filters (most common in synthesis) remove high frequencies for a warmer sound. Resonance adds emphasis at the cutoff frequency. High resonance causes a pronounced peak; at extreme settings the filter self-oscillates (generates a pure sine tone at the cutoff frequency). Envelope modulation sweeps the cutoff over time for the classic "filter sweep" effect fundamental to subtractive synthesis.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| No sound from Iridium? | Check Master Volume dial, audio cable connections (use TS mono cables, not TRS). Check that the oscillator is not muted. Check that an oscillator model is selected and lit. |
| Iridium not receiving MIDI? | Check MIDI channel in Global → MIDI. Ensure cable is connected to MIDI IN. Verify Omni mode if unsure of channel. |
| USB MIDI not working? | Ensure you're using the Computer USB port, not Controller USB. Verify USB 2.0 cable and port. |
| MicroSD card not recognized? | Verify FAT/FAT32 format. Desktop: contacts face DOWN. Keyboard: contacts face UP. |
| Knobs not responding as expected? | Check knob behavior setting (Jump/Catch-Up/Relative) in Global → Settings. |
| Sample not at correct pitch? | Verify Root Note setting in sample editor matches the recorded pitch of the sample. |
| Wavetable import not working? | Verify FAT/FAT32 format on storage device. Check that file is .wav or .aiff. Ensure MicroSD inserted correctly. |
| Spec | Iridium Desktop |
|---|---|
| Audio Outputs | 2× TS mono jack, unbalanced line level |
| Audio Inputs | 2× TS mono jack, unbalanced |
| Headphones | ¼" TRS stereo, with independent volume control |
| MIDI | 5-pin DIN In / Out / Thru |
| USB | 2× USB 2.0 (Computer + Controller) |
| CV/Gate/Clock | Eurorack-compatible (0–5V) |
| Storage | MicroSD (FAT/FAT32), USB drives (FAT/FAT32) |
| Power | External power supply (included) |
| OS | Rev. 3.x (July 2023) — updateable |
Waldorf Music website: waldorfmusic.com/iridium
Manual source (Pastebin): https://pastebin.com/qqU9bsXi
fortinable.com Manual Library — Waldorf Iridium Desktop — Rev. 3, September 2023