Waldorf Protein

• Original ASIC oscillators from Microwave 1 (1989)
• authentic reproduction of the original 8-bit waveforms (250 kHz sample rate)
• incl. algorhythmic & voice wavetables
• digital ASIC noise generator
• digital, accurate CEM filter (24dB lowpass)
• Flavor control for subtle micro fluctuations
• 3 envelopes
• 2 synchronizable LFOs
• modulation matrix with 8 slots
• polyphonic aftertouch
• arpeggiator
• Step sequencer (pattern length up to 32 steps)
• Chord & Scale Mode
• 2 effect slots (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor, tremolo)
• 8 voices / 4 layers - perfect for multi-layered sounds
• Multimode with 4 parts
• Load layer function - swap sound layers
• 100 Factory presets + 250 User presets with category filter
• incl. 2 MIDI-TRS adapters & USB-C cable
• Power supply sold separately

Sound architecture based on the classic model

Each of the Protein’s 8 voices features two wavetable oscillators, closely modeled on the original ASIC oscillators of the Microwave 1 from 1989. These oscillators offer an authentic reproduction of the original 8-bit waveforms at a 250 kHz sample rate, including algorhythmic and speech wavetables. Additionally, the sound palette is expanded by a digital ASIC noise generator. The resulting sound spectrum is carefully constructed and can even be modulated (if desired), leading into a digital 24dB lowpass filter that delivers the signature Curtis CEM sound. With these features, it’s clear that Waldorf has captured the DNA of the "post-PPG era" while adding modern features in a sleek, compact package.

Two ADSR envelopes are permanently assigned to the filter and VCA, while a third envelope is used to modulate the wavetables. Modulation options are further enhanced with two BPM-synchronizable LFOs, as well as various controllers such as the modulation wheel, random, velocity, or polyphonic aftertouch, which can be assigned to any of the 8 slots in the modulation matrix.

A standout feature is the Flavour control, which allows you to shift the precise, digital circuits (oscillator drift, filter, envelope behavior, etc.) towards the warm, component-related inaccuracies often found in older synthesizers.

Finally, the two effect slots offer a range of algorithms: reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor, and tremolo, rounding off the signal path with versatile processing options.