Waldorf Protein: Compact Wavetable Synth Bridges Past and Present
If you wonder does Waldorf ever make a modern replacement for Blofeld, then it might be it. The German synth manufacturer just unveiled Protein, a portable wavetable synthesizer that manages to pack serious sonic punch into a surprisingly affordable and travel-friendly format.
At its core, Protein features the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators—the same chips that made Waldorf's early wavetable synths legendary. But this isn't just vintage nostalgia. The company paired these classic oscillators with contemporary technology borrowed from their flagship Iridium, creating a bridge between two generations of wavetable synthesis.
What Makes It Tick
The 8-voice polyphonic engine organizes voices into up to 4 layers, which opens interesting creative possibilities. You can stack sounds for rich textures, set up round-robin modes for variety, or run polytimbral MIDI setups. The "Load Layer" function lets you quickly combine presets from the 250-slot library (150+ factory sounds included), making complex sound design more accessible.
Each voice gets the full wavetable treatment with dynamic, morphing waveforms that respond to envelope and velocity modulation. The filter section includes cutoff tracking, resonance, saturation (called "Dirt"), and envelope control for shaping tones. Multiple envelope generators and modulation sources keep things moving and organic.
Performance Tools
Beyond synthesis basics, Protein packs performance features like an arpeggiator, step sequencer, and chord mode. The pitch section supports multiple scales, chord functionality, and glide. Effects processors add reverb, delay, and modulation with adjustable parameters.
Built for Mobility
Measuring just 252 × 170 × 48 mm and weighing under a kilogram, Protein fits easily in a backpack. This portability combined with its affordable price point makes it an interesting entry into Waldorf's ecosystem—especially for musicians who've been curious about wavetable synthesis but found larger, pricier options intimidating.
The Protein doesn't reinvent wavetable synthesis, but it doesn't need to. By combining proven oscillator technology with modern features in a compact, accessible package, Waldorf created a synth that respects its heritage while remaining relevant for today's mobile music makers.
