Waldorf Q Keyboard User Manual
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Waldorf Q Keyboard User Manual

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S Y N T H E S I Z E R
User´s Manual
for Q Keyboard and Q Rack

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Summary of Contents for Waldorf Q Keyboard

  • Page 1 S Y N T H E S I Z E R User´s Manual for Q Keyboard and Q Rack...

  • Page 3: Foreword

    Foreword – Development Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Waldorf Q, the Q Rack or maybe both units. You now own a synthesizer featuring a wide range of unique sounds from analog to digital. To ensure your instrument functions properly and enjoys a long life, please read and heed the instructions in this manual.

  • Page 4: Control Features And Connections

    Master Section with display, page dial, value Keyboard Section dials, Instrument Select and function buttons. Envelopes, Sequencer and Program Select Controller Section with pitchbend wheel, Section. Contains all knobs and buttons modulation wheel and two assignable buttons. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 5: Rear Panel

    Fachpersonal durchführen lassen! This device complies to the FCC rules part 15 Picture 2: Rear Panel Q Keyboard Power supply socket 100…240V AC Digital Out jack. S/PDIF type coaxial output for connection to a digital mixing desk, DAT Control Pedal / CV In jacks for connecting foot recorder or hard disk recording system.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Demo Playback..........22 The Master Section..........23 Sound Parameters ..........49 Selecting Programs ..........23 Overview of Functions........49 Selecting Programs with the Page Dial .... 24 The Tempo ............50 Selecting Programs with the Number Buttons .. 24 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 7 Controller Numbers......... 144 ADS1DS2R Envelope ........108 One Shot ........... 109 MIDI Implementation Chart......148 Loop S1S2 ..........110 CE Declaration..........149 Loop All ............ 111 Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs)..... 112 Low Frequency Oscillator Panel Controls..112 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Introduction About this Manual This manual was written to help you become familiar with the Waldorf Q and Q Rack. It will also help experienced users with routine tasks. Since this manual is valid for the keyboard- as well as the rack-version, we will seperately point out the particular differences.

  • Page 9: If You Are New To The Whole Issue

    Digital S/PDIF Output Basic Operation Switching off Panic Function Selecting Programs all chapters Instruments and Sounds all chapters Editing Parameters all chapters Multi Mode Multi Parameters all chapters Instrument Parameters all chapters Step Sequencer all chapters Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 10 Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step all chapters Data Envelopes Mode ADS1DS2R Envelope One Shot Envelope LoopS1S2 Envelope Loop All Envelope LFOs Sync Delay Keytrack Fade Clocked Phase Modulation Matrix all chapters Modifier Matrix all chapters Drum Map all chapters Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 11: If You Are A Synthesizer Crack

    Do you already own any Waldorf synthesizers so that you are familiar with their structure and some typical terms. Then make sure to read at least the following chapters. They describe the unusual features and functions of the Q.
  • Page 12 LFOs Sync Fade Clocked Phase Modulation Matrix all chapters Modifier Matrix all chapters Global Parameters Global Menu Global MIDI Channel Sysex Device ID Clock Controller Send PrgChange Input Gain Table 2: Suggested chapters for synthesizer cracks Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 13: General Safety Guidelines

    Maintenance • Do not open the device or remove the cover. Refer all service and repair tasks to qualified personnel. The interior of the chassis contains no components that require user maintenance. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 14: Proper Use

    This device is designed exclusively to produce low-frequency audio signals for the purpose of generating sound. Any other use is prohibited and voids the warranty extended by Waldorf Electronics GmbH. Waldorf Electronics GmbH is not liable for damages due to incorrect use.

  • Page 15: Setup And Connection

    Setup and Connection – Inventory Setup and Connection Inventory The Waldorf Q comes complete with: • the Q or the Q Rack • power supply cable • this manual Please ensure all the items above were included. If something is missing, contact your local dealer.
  • Page 16 Switch 1: Tip / Control Pedals to MIDI In of further headphone or amplifier Ground (only Q Keyboard) tone generators amplifier Left/Stereo: Switch 2: Ring / Tip / Ground: Left/Stereo: Tip: Left Signal...

  • Page 17: Audio Connections

    You can use this output to connect the Q to a digital mixing console or to record the sound signal on a DAT machine or hard disk recording system. The signal on the digital out connector is always identical to the Main Out jacks Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 18: External Input

    Footswitch 2 is connected to the ring and the ground. You can use an adapter that routes a stereo 1/4 inch phono plug to two mono 1/4 inch phono jacks. Control Pedal/CV Inputs (only Q Keyboard) The Q features two inputs for control pedals or control voltages.

  • Page 19: Overview

    A Sound program stores information about the character of a sound. • 20 Drum Maps (Drum Map D001...D020) • 100 Pattern programs (Pattern 001…100) A Pattern is used to store step sequencer information that can be used in a Sound or Multi program. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 20: Memory Card

    You can expand the number of program locations by using a memory card of the type Q-Card 256 . It is possible that there are cards with more memory available for the Q as technology moves on. Please ask your Waldorf dealer or check our website for further infos. Picture 4: Q-Card To plug a Q-Card into your Q: Make sure that you see the yellow arrow and that you can read the text “TOP”.

  • Page 21: Basic Operation

    The Q has a special shutdown feature that prevents data loss by accidentally pressing the power button. To switch the Q off: • Press and hold the Power button . The display now shows a countdown message from 10 to 0: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 22: Panic Function

    If you got a clue what the Q is capable of, it is time to leave the Demo Playback and to start exploring it yourself. To exit the Demo Playback Mode: • Press Multimode and Peek simultaneously. The Q returns to normal operation. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 23: The Master Section

    Pattern is not changed when you select a different Sound and vice versa. If you want to build a setup with a particular Sound and a related Pattern, use the Multi Mode of the Q. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 24: Selecting Programs With The Page Dial

    Single Mode: Inst:1 Sound:A001 Q-rious? Multi Mode: Inst:1 Multi:A001 Stacked Selecting Programs with the Number Buttons You can also use the Sequencer section’s number buttons to select a program. The following picture shows the number buttons: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 25 B a n k C B a n k D M u l t i Picture 6: Number Buttons Q Keyboard To the left of the ten number buttons, you can see the Pattern / Sound / Multi Button . This button is used to set the program type that is switched by the number buttons.

  • Page 26: Bank Hold

    Release the Select button again. Selecting Programs on Memory Cards When a memory card of type Q-Card 256 is inserted, the total memory of the Q is expanded by: • 100 Sounds • 20 Drum Maps • 10 Multis Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 27: Instruments And Sounds

    Instrument LEDs light up half as bright to indicate that these Instruments are added. Release the Instrument button you’ve pressed first. The LED of the Instrument you’ve selected first will light fully to indicate that this is the editable Instrument. All other selected Instrument LEDs are dimmed. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 28: Replacing Sounds In Layers

    Store function to save the edits, the program is copied back from the edit buffer to the internal memory. The display shows an e behind the program number for every program that is actually in an edit buffer: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 29: Editing Panel Parameters

    Picture 7: Oscillator Section To access a specific panel parameter: Locate the section that contains the desired parameter on the front panel. For example, if you want to change the waveform of Oscillator 1, refer to the Oscillators section. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 30: Editing Alternative Panel Parameters

    Selective Controls Selective controls differ to continuous controls by having a click. You will easily notice that when you turn a control of this type. Selective Controls might have LEDs to indicate the current value of their Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 31: Editing Display Menu Parameters

    The Global parameters provide the basic settings of the Q, valid for all programs. • The Multi parameters refer to a Multi program. They determine the common setting for all instruments in the Multi program. Obviously, you can access these parameters only when the Q is in Multi mode. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 32: Viewing Parameter Values Without Change - Peek

    Choose the program type to compare as follows: • If you want to compare a Sound, select the Play page or any of the Sound Edit menus. • If you want to compare a Multi, select the Multi page. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 33: Recalling Edited Programs

    Choose the program type to store as follows: • If you want to store a Sound, select the Play page or any of the Sound Edit menus. • If you want to store a Multi, select the Multi page. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 34 By pressing any button before performing the last step, you can discard the Store process at any time. Use the Store function also if you want to copy programs. There is no need to edit a program before storing it. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 35: Multi Mode

    Multi Mode The Waldorf Q offers a 16 part Multi mode. As soon as you want to arrange keyboard layers for a live performance or want to do multi track recordings in a studio, you should start to program your own Multis that you can use to quickly switch between completely different setups.

  • Page 36: Basic Instrument Settings

    However, you should try to avoid to setup a Multi in internal memory that points to a Sound on card because the Multi might sound strange if you haven’t inserted the correct card. 000…127 Volume Volume Volume sets the output volume of the selected Instrument. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 37: Midi And Status Settings

    Q receives any MIDI messages at all. 1…16 means that the selected Instrument receives and sends on this MIDI channel. This • setting is recommended for a Multi that should be used for multi track playback with a software sequencer. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Tuning

    • by MIDI (only Q Keyboard). If all Instruments were set to off or Midi , the Q Keyboard wouldn’t send out any MIDI note messages from the internal keyboard. To prevent this, the Q automatically sends out MIDI note messages on the Global channel.

  • Page 39: Keyboard Range

    Sequencer Patterns while other zones can be played as usual. Multi Parameters The Multi parameters consist of settings that are common to all instruments in a Multi program. Except for Multi Tempo, all Multi parameters are adjusted in the Multi parameter pages. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 40 LFOs that are set to clocked . Please read the chapter “The Tempo” for further information. The Multi Tempo parameter is controlled by the Tempo dial on the front panel, so it doesn’t need to have an entry in the Multi parameter pages. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Step Sequencer

    B a n k C B a n k D M u l t i Picture 9: Sequencer Section Q Keyboard Editing Sequence Patterns It doesn’t matter if the step sequencer is stopped or running. All changes are immediate and you can listen to them instantly.

  • Page 42: Deselecting All Steps

    Holding Notes over More Than One Step Although you can change the length of each step individually, it might be easier to use the Hold function instead to keep the overall length of the sequence pattern. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 43: Limiting The Audible Range Of The Sequence To One Bank

    Turn the controls as you like. The changes are relative to all selected steps when you turn a control whose step is selected. If you turn a control whose step isn't selected, the control only changes this particular step. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 44: Changing Modulation Signal Values For All Steps At Once

    The Bank Select Button is used to select step banks or to deselect all steps. • Press Bank Select to deselect all selected steps. • Press Bank Select+Step 1-8…Step 25-32 to select any number of step banks. The LEDs of selected Banks are fully lit. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 45: Sequencer Rotaries

    SchuppenShampoo! You can select the corresponding menu pages through the data dial. Alternatively you also can change this pages by pressing the Edit button. With the two parameter dials below the display you set the values. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 46 With this function you easily can insert notes subsequent into a step or change existing chords without being in need of making new additions with the keyboard. This especially makes sense when working with the Q Rack. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 47: Pattern Length

    Next Step means that the transpose is performed immediately after the note was hit. • Next Bank means that the transpose takes place when the next bank is played. • Next Cycle means that the transpose is performed when a new cycle starts. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 48 As soon as you turn one of these controls, the Step Lengths or Note Lengths of all steps are set to this value. This is a handy feature when you e.g. want to set all steps to 16th notes. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 49: Sound Parameters

    Sound Parameters – Overview of Functions Sound Parameters Overview of Functions The Waldorf Q consists of numerous sound-shaping components. The following overview gives you an idea of how the individual components interact: Audio Signal MIDI Clock Step Sequencer Arpeggiator Trigger...

  • Page 50: The Tempo

    Q’s MIDI Out including sync, e.g., when you use the Q as a master keyboard in a live performance where the Q itself is synced to a sequencer but needs to send MIDI Clock to a hardware sequencer, too. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 51: Modulation Speed Levels

    Though not calculated in sample speed, the Fast Modulation calculations are performed in audio speed: more than 5000 times per second (>5kHz). Most of the modulations in the Q are performed at this speed level. The following table lists all pre-routed Fast Modulation destinations: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 52 FM Amount modulation of Filter 1…2 F1 Drive, F2 Drive Drive of Filter 1…2 F1 Pan, F2 Pan Pan of Filter 1…2 Volume Amplifier output volume Table 5: Fast Modulation Matrix destinations The following table shows all available Fast Modulation sources: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 53: Standard Modulation

    Modulation slots offer an extended set of modulation sources and destinations compared to the Fast Modulation slots. The Standard Modulation speed level is only available in the Modulation Matrix, all other modulations are performed as Fast Modulations or FM. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 54 M2S Amount Modulation amount of M2S 01SubDiv, 02SubDiv Frequency divide of the sub oscillator1...2 01SubVol, 02SubVol Volume of the sub oscillators 1...2 Table 7: Standard Modulation Matrix destinations The following table shows all available Standard Modulation sources: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 55: Xphorm - Interpolating Between Two Sounds

    Xphorm source. Sounds difficult? Here’s an example: imagine two sounds with different settings for Filter 1 and the Amp Envelope. When you move the Xphorm source, i.e., the Modwheel half up, the parameter values Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 56 A Chortion? Or a Distorus? (Not to forget that they are also made of different models.) Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 57: Xphorm Edit Menu

    Sound Edit-Menu Poly / Mono Mode Mode | Unisono Poly Dual Controls if the Sound can be played polyphonically or monophonically. Poly means that each note triggers its own voice or voices like on a piano. • Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 58 Normal means that every Note starts the amplifier envelope of its own voice. • Single means that the envelopes of all voices of a selected program behave like a single envelope. This common envelope starts as soon as the first note is played. The sustain level Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 59: Oscillators

    What he implemented into his synthesizer were the still well-known waveforms sawtooth, square and triangle. For sure, this is only a minimal selection of the endless variety of waveforms, but the Waldorf Q gives you exactly these waveforms at hand. Plus other classic waveforms like pulse (which is the father of the square waveform) and the sine wave (which is also part of each other waveform).
  • Page 60 This means that the first harmonic (the fundamental) has full magnitude, the second harmonic has half magnitude, the third harmonic has a third magnitude and so on. The following picture shows how the individual harmonics build up the sawtooth wave: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 61 This means that the first harmonic has full magnitude, the third harmonic has a third magnitude, the fifth harmonic has a fifth magnitude and so on. The following picture shows how the individual harmonics build up the sawtooth wave: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 62 These portions are called pulses, hence the name pulse width. The width of the first pulse is used to distinguish between different pulse waves and it is measured in percent. The following picture shows several pulse waves with different pulse widths: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 63 The magnitude of each harmonic is divided by the power of the number of it. This means that the third harmonic’s magnitude is a nineth, the fifth harmonic is a twenty-fifth and so on. The following picture shows the harmonic content: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Wavetable Synthesis

    A wavetable into the Q is a table consisting of 128 waveforms. Each waveform is classified by ist own very special sound character. The main difference of wavetable synthesis compared to other sound generation principles is the facility not only to play one waveform per oscillator, but also to walk Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 65: Oscillators Panel Controls

    A wavetable is a table of pointers to up to 128 waves,m in between you can move randomly. If you like the sound and possibilities of the wavetable synthesis you should test the Waldorf Microwave II, XT or XTk. These are pure wavetable synthesizers.
  • Page 66 If you want to bias the FM over the keyboard so that higher notes aren’t modulated as strong as lower notes, use the Standard Modulation Matrix and apply Keytrack to the respective oscillator FM with a negative amount. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 67 Alt . In the Oscillator Edit Menu you additionally have Suboscillators at your disposal (please read also „Suboscillators“ in the chapter „Oscillator Edit Menu“ about this). Please note that the Wavetables are only available for Oscillators 1 and 2. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 68 PWM Source Selects the source of the pulsewidth modulation or the wavetable modulation. Common sources for pulsewidth modulation are envelopes and LFOs, but other sources like the modulation wheel or aftertouch can create nice effects as well. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 69 Please note that you can use unipolar as well as bipolar modulation sources. For instance, set the Pulsewidth Parameter to 64 , nearly the middle of the wavetable, and use a slow LFO to sweep through the whole wavetable. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 70  Sync can also be very interesting on arpeggio sounds. Apply a slow clocked LFO to Oscillator 2 pitch and the arpeggio starts to move. Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard -64…+63 PitchMod Sets the amount of pitch modulation for all oscillators. Positive amounts will raise the pitch when positive modulation is applied, e.g.

  • Page 71: Oscillators Edit Menu

    The following parameters can be accessed via the display menu. Press the Oscillators section’s Edit button to activate the display menu. O1 Keytrk|O1 BendRg +100% PitchMod (only Q Rack) See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. PitchMod Source (only Q Rack) See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. -200%...+197% Keytrk Determines how much the pitch of the oscillator depends on the MIDI note number.

  • Page 72: Glide

    The controls for the glide effect are located in the Oscillators section. The following parameters can be accessed via the Oscillator edit menu of the Q Rack or the front panel of the Q Keyboard: 0…127 Glide Rate Determines the glide time. Low values will give a short glide time in the range of milliseconds that gives a special character to the sound.

  • Page 73: Mixer Panel Controls

    N o i s e / E x t . B a l a n c e Picture 18: Mixer Section Q Keyboard Mixer Panel Controls The most commonly used controls of the Mixer can be found on the front panel.
  • Page 74 Ring Modulation can be very interesting with a slow pitch modulation that is applied to one oscillator, i.e. a decaying Envelope . This creates spacy effect sounds.  For an E-Piano sound, you should use Ring Modulation where one high pitched oscillator’s Keytrack is lowered to i.e. 50% . Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 75: Mixer Edit Menu

    The following parameters can be accessed via the display menu. Press the Mixer section’s Edit button to activate the display menu. RingMod (Q Rack only) See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. RingMod Balance (Q Rack only) See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard.

  • Page 76: Routing

    F i l t e r P a n Picture 22: Routing Section Q Keyboard The Q offers two independent filters and panning units. In fact, the panning units are part of the filters in the Q. The routing control makes it possible to blend the signal flow continuously from a parallel to a serial filter configuration and vice versa.

  • Page 77: Filter

    The Q’s filter also features a resonance parameter. Resonance in the context of a low, band or high pass filter means that a narrow frequency band around the cutoff point is emphasized. The following picture shows the effect of the resonance parameter on the filter’s frequency curve: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 78: Selecting And Editing Filters

    E n v V e l o P a n Picture 25: Filter Section Q Keyboard Selecting and Editing Filters Before you make any edits to the filters, you must select whether to edit Filter 1, Filter 2 or both. This is done by pressing the Filter Select button.

  • Page 79: Filter Panel Controls

    Use this parameter to change the timbre of the sound over time. Sounds with a hard attack usually have a positive envelope amount that makes the start phase Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 80 Lower values will add some harmonics to the signal, resulting in a warm character. Increasing the value will bring in more and more distortion, suitable for harder lead sounds and effects. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 81: Filter Edit Menu

    The following parameters can be accessed via the display menu of the Q Rack only. Press the Filter section’s Edit button to activate the display menu. Cutoff Mod See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. Cutoff Mod Source See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard.

  • Page 82: Filter Types

    The band pass filters 24dB BP and 12dB BP remove frequencies both below and above the cutoff point. As a result, the sound character gets narrow. Use these filter types for programming effect and percussion-like sounds. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 83: 24Db High Pass And 12Db High Pass

    The notch filters 24db Notch and 12dB Notch are the opposites to the band pass types. They dampen frequencies around the cutoff point. Frequencies below or above the cutoff point are passed through. Use these filter types for programming effect sounds. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 84: Comb+ And Comb

    The frequency of the colorization is set by the delay length which is controlled in the Q through Cutoff while the amount of colorization is set by the Comb filter feedback, which is controlled in the Q through Resonance. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 85 Select an LFO as Cutoff Mod Source. Set Cutoff Mod to a medium positive or negative amount. Adjust the LFO to generate a slow triangle oscillation. Fine tune Cutoff, Cutoff Mod and LFO Speed until you get the desired Chorus effect. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 86 When you set Resonance to a very high value, you will notice that the Comb filter oscillates heavily, and that’s the key to use it as a tone generator. When you set Filter Keytrack to +100% , you can play the Comb filter musically. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 87: Amplifier

    This means that an audio signal can only pass through if the Amplifier Envelope is triggered and opened. The following picture of the Q’s front panel shows the Amplifier section: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 88: Amplifier Edit Menu

    Amplifer Edit Menu The following parameters can be accessed via the display menu of the Q Rack only. Press the Amplifer section’s Edit button to activate the display menu. AmpMod See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 89: Effects

    Sound Parameters – Effects AmpMod Source See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. Effects The Q offers eight separate effect units. They are grouped to two effects working on four different Instruments. This means that in Single Mode, each Instrument keeps its effect settings, while in Multi Mode the Instruments 1 to 4 determine the effect settings.

  • Page 90: Bypass

    With extreme settings you can hear a whistling sound which is very characteristic for a Flanger effect. A Mix setting of 48 to 96 produces the strongest effect because both the unaffected signal and the processed signal are mixed together. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 91: Phaser

    Phaser to also cover deep frequencies. 0…127 Spacing Controls the frequency relation of the allpass filters. A setting of 0 produces a classic phaser while higher settings spread the frequencies of the allpass filters. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 92: Delay

    Q itself or evaluated from incoming MIDI Clock. See the chapter “The Tempo” for details. Feedback |Polarity |positive Feedback 0…127 Controls the amount of signal that is routed back into the Delay line. Lower values therefore produce fewer echoes than higher values. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 93: Overdrive

    Controls the amount of distortion the effect produces. Low values create no or only slight distortion while high values create heavier distortion. 0…127 Post Gain Controls the output level of the distorted signal. Cutoff 0…127 Cutoff Dampens the high frequency output of the Overdrive effect. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 94: Five Fx

    Selects the source of the second signal that is used for the ring modulation. The first signal is the summed output of the current Sound or Instrument. You can find more details about the function of a ring modulator in the sub chapter “Ring Modulator”. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 95: Vocoder

    +00 . Then a low analysis band might deliver the envelope for a high synthesis band and vice versa. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 96  When you set S. Offset (the low offset) to +63 and Hi Offset to -64 , the synthesis frequency bands are arranged vice versa compared to the analysis bands, so you get a flipped Vocoder. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 97 Selects the band that is emphasized or attenuated by Mid Level. The surrounding bands are scaled to match the level of the Middle EQ. -64…+63 Mid Level Emphasizes or attenuates the band selected with EQ Middle by ±18dB. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 98: Arpeggiator

    R a n g e T e m p o Picture 36: Arpeggiator Section Q Keyboard The basic tempo of the Arpeggiator is set by the global Tempo control that also controls the Step Sequencer and the behaviour of the LFOs and Envelopes. This allows you to change all tempo-related aspects of the sound with one single turn of the Tempo control.

  • Page 99: Arpeggiator Edit Menu

    You can stop the playback of the Arpeggiator by performing the Panic function, by setting Mode to Off , On or One Shot , or by sending an All Notes Off message from your sequencer. Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard 1/192…1/1 / legato Length Sets the length of the generated arpeggio notes.
  • Page 100 Clock Sets the note value for the steps of the rhythm pattern in the range from whole notes to thirty-second triplet notes. Triplets (e.g. 1/8T) and dotted notes (e.g. 1/16.) are available for every note value. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 101 Sound Parameters – Arpeggiator Length See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. Range See Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard. Up / Down / Alt Up / Alt Down Direction Sets the direction that is used for playing back the arpeggio. This parameter is closely related with Range and Sort Order.
  • Page 102 Table 12: Arpeggio with Pattern Reset set to On • If On is selected, the note list will be restarted as soon as the rhythm pattern is restarted. The same arpeggio might now look like this (note the two C1s in sequence): Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 103: Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step Data

    If ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ is selected (legato symbol), the glide effect is enabled for this step. This means that the • previous note glides to the note that has to be played at this particular position in the arpeggio. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 104 The overall strength of this parameter is set by T. Factor. If T. Factor is set to 0 , Arp Timing has no effect on the rhythm at all. If T. Factor is set to Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 105 • If a vertical line (˚) is shown, the step is held as long as set in the Length parameter. Values pointing to the right (¸, ˝, ˛) make the notes of this step held longer. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 106: Envelopes

    Envelope 3, the four rightmost dials are assigned to Envelope 4. Envelope Panel Controls ADSR / ADS1DS2R / One Shot / Loop S1S2 / Loop All Mode Switches between the various envelope types. The following chapters explain the types in detail. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 107: Adsr Envelope

    Determines the sustain level which is held until a note ends. 0…127 Release Once the note has ended, the release phase begins. During this phase, the envelope fades to zero at the rate determined by the Release value. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 108: Ads1Ds2R Envelope

    Determines the level which is held until a note ends. 0…127 Release Once the note is released, the release phase begins. During this phase, the envelope fades to zero at the rate determined by the Release value. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 109: One Shot

    Determines the decay rate or amount of time it takes for a signal to reach the Sustain level. 0…127 Sustain Sets a breakpoint level between the Decay and the Release rate. 0…127 Release The Release phase fades the envelope to zero after the Sustain level was reached. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 110: Loop S1S2

    Sets the second Sustain level. As soon as this level is reached, the loop starts by using the first Decay rate to go to the first Sustain level. 0…127 Release Once the note is released, the release phase begins. During this phase, the envelope fades to zero at the rate determined by the Release value. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 111: Loop All

    The Release phase is used while the note is pressed to form the last stage before the loop restarts with the Attack phase. When the note is released, the loop stops and the Release phase is used to fade the envelope to zero. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 112: Low Frequency Oscillators (Lfos)

    S p e e d D e l a y E d i t Picture 44: LFO Panel Controls Q Keyboard The most commonly used controls of the LFOs can be found on the front panel. Selecting a LFO on the Q Rack Press one or more LFO Select buttons to select one or more LFOs on the Q Rack to be edited with the Panel Controls.

  • Page 113: Lfo Edit Menu

    LFO slows down when higher notes are played and vice versa. A setting of +100% corresponds to a 1:1 scale, e.g. when an octave up is played on the keyboard the LFO speed is doubled. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 114: Modulation Matrix

    (slots) each with individual settings of source, destination and amount. The Modulation Matrix is the key of the power of each Waldorf synthesizer, so start experimenting with it right now . Basically, the Modulation Matrix is split in two kinds: Fast Modulation Matrix (M1F…M8F)

  • Page 115: Modifier Matrix

    “ Off ” is replaced by “ constant ” meaning that the calculation is performed with a constant value that you can set up with the Constant parameter. Operation (Oper.) see Table “Modifier functions” Determines which kind of operation will be performed on the selected input sources. The following types are available: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 116 Returns the value of Source #1 without its sign. Negative values are converted to their • corresponding positive amounts. This function can be used e.g. for converting a bipolar modulation source to a unipolar one, like opening the filter via Pitchbend independent of the bending direction. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 117 This function is useful to detect if a source signal has changed, e.g. the Modwheel was turned. -64…+63 Constant Defines a value for modifier functions that require a constant parameter. See the Operation parameter described above for further details. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 118: Drum Map

    Main Out / Sub Out 1 / Sub Out 2 / FX 1 / FX 2 / FX 3 / FX 4 Output Sets the audio output or output bus of the selected Drum Map entry. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 119 Sound to not respond to keytrack (O1…O3 Keytrack 0% ), this parameter also has no effect on the pitch of the oscillators. 0…127 Volume Sets the maximum output volume of the selected Drum Map entry. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 120: Global Parameters

    Instrument Channel parameter when the Instrument Status is set to Keybrd or Keyb+MIDI (only Q Keyboard) . With this function, it is easily possible to send up to 16 notes at once when you’ve pressed only one key . Also, when no Instrument is set to Keybrd or Keyb+MiDi , the Q sends no note information over MIDI at all.

  • Page 121: Local Control

    Global Parameters – Global Menu  After you bought your 128th Q please get in contact with Waldorf Electronics. You will receive a personally decive number that authorize you to have a diner with our manager. 430…450 Hz Tuning Tuning...
  • Page 122 If Sound is selected, program changes are used to select Sound programs for the Instrument that receives on the corresponding MIDI channel. If Multi is selected, the whole Multi program is switched by program changes, that are • received on the Global MIDI Channel. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 123 Sets the curve that is used for Note On Velocities when played on the keyboard. It changes the velocity behaviour of the internal tone generation and the outgoing MIDI Note messages. It doesn’t affect incoming MIDI Note messages. The following picture shows the response of the different curves: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 124 The various curves are identical to the ones shown under “On Velocity Curve”. For a standard keyboard aftertouch response, you should set Pressure Curve to linear or exp 1 . Other curves might be applicable under special circumstances only. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 125 Off / switch Cl / toggle Cl / switch Op / toggle Op Footsw2 mode Footsw2 mode/cntr. switch Cl| Determines the way Switch Pedal 2 is evaluated by the Q. Please read “Footsw1 mode” for details. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 126: Display Contrast

    If this should ever happen, open this manual and proceed as follows: To get the Display Contrast to a normal setting: Power the Q up. Press Global. Turn the Page Dial clockwise for exactly 6 clicks. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 127 2.16 This menu page shows the latest Operating and Boot system of your Q. For more information about updating your Q please read "Updating the System software". Additional Global menu parameter of the Q Keyboard -64…+63 Pedal/CV1 Offset Pedal/CV1 Offset Sets the initial gain for Control Pedal/CV 1 that is used when the pedal is at its minimum position.
  • Page 128 Please read “Pedal/CV1 Offset” for further information. 0...127 Pedal/CV2 Gain Pedal/CV2 Gain Sets the maximum gain for Control Pedal/CV 2 that is used when the pedal is at its maximum position. Please read “Pedal/CV1 Gain” for further information. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 129: Utility Menu

    Press Shift+Utility again to activate the function. The selected program is now initialized. When you initialize a program, all action takes place inside an edit buffer. Therefore no data will be lost until you store the program. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 130 First select the character to be modified via the first value dial. Then change its setting via the second value dial. The card name can use up to 16 characters. To confirm your changes press Shift+Utility. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 131: Midi Control

    MIDI Control – Channel Based MIDI Messages MIDI Control This chapter describes the MIDI functions of the Waldorf Q. Channel Based MIDI Messages In Single Mode, the Q sends and receives channel based MIDI messages like Notes, Aftertouch, Pitchbend and Controllers on the selected Global MIDI Channel. If it is set to omni , the Q sends channel based MIDI messages on channel 1 but receives them on any channel.

  • Page 132: Modulation Wheel

    The Pedals send on the controller numbers they are set to in the Global menu. There is also no dedicated “MIDI Pedal Message” so the reception of the MIDI Messages they originally generated depends on the settings of the current Sound. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 133: All Notes Off Message

    All Sound parameters of the Q can be controlled by system exclusive data. Please read the sections “Controller Send” and “Controller Recv” for further information. You can find a detailed description of the commands and data formats as a PDF file at our ftp-server (ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/pub/waldorf/q). Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 134: System Exclusive Data Transmission

    If *All* is selected, all Sounds, Multis, Drum Maps, Patterns and the Global parameters are sent. Press Shift+Utility again to activate the dump. Depending on the selected type, the dump may take some time. The Q cannot be played during this time. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 135: Receiving System Exclusive Data

    If a single Sound, Multi, Drum Map, Pattern or Arrangement dump is received, they are temporarily stored in the respective edit buffers. If you want to keep these edits, you have to store them. Otherwise they are lost when you switch the Q off. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 136: Other Functions

    First, send the OS file to the Q and if it was updated successfully, send the BOOT file to it. The Q Keyboard and the Q Rack use the same operating system! To update the Q’s system software: Load the respective Standard MIDI File into your sequencer.
  • Page 137 Q or played back too slowly. Try to download the file from the Internet again. New functions in future OS will be documented in PDF files which are available at our ftp- server (ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/pub/waldorf/q). Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 138: Tips & Tricks

    You can create further movement by applying an LFO to the comb filter cutoff. • The perfect place to read this user manual is your toilet room. Our recommendation: 5 sides per sitting! Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 139: Appendix

    S/PDIF RCA jack Maximum power consumption: CV Inputs Audio Outputs Switch Pedal (2 Switches): Stereo Jack, polarity programmable (3 x stereo) only Q Keyboard: Maximum level: +10dBm CV 1: 0-5V, 5V out at Ring, Stereo Jack Dynamic range: 110dB CV 2:...

  • Page 140: Glossary

    A low pass filter dampens all frequencies above the cutoff frequency. A high pass filter in turn Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 141 An envelope generator can use this signal for its trigger purposes, and as a result a VCA unit can be controlled. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 142: Midi Channel

    These are MIDI messages that switch sound level of a sound via a control voltage. This is often programs. Program numbers 1 through 128 can be generated by an envelope or an LFO. changed via program change messages. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 143 Appendix – Glossary Volume VCF is the acronym for voltage-controlled filter. It is a The term describes a sound's output level. filter component that allows you to manipulate the filter parameters via control voltages. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 144: Controller Numbers

    LFO 3 Delay 0…127 16, 28, 40…112 Osc 1 Octave 128’…1/2’ 52…76 Osc 1 Semitone -12…+12 0…127 Osc 1 Detune -64…+63 0…127 Osc 1 FM 0…127 0…5 Osc 1 Shape pulse, saw, triangle, sine, alt 1, alt 2 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 145 0…127 0…127 Osc 3 Balance F1 64…mid…F2 63 0…127 N/E Level 0…127 0…127 N/E Balance F1 64…mid…F2 63 - not used - undefined - not used - - not used - undefined - not used - Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 146 0…127 Filter 2 Pan L64…center…R63 0…127 Filter 2 Panmod -64…+63 0…127 Amp Volume 0…127 0…127 Amp Velocity -64…+63 0…127 Amp Mod -64…+63 0…127 FX 1 Mix 0…127 0…127 FX 2 Mix 0…127 0…127 FE Attack 0…127 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 147 - not used - - not used - Omni Mode On - not used - - not used - Poly Mode On/Off - not used - - not used - Poly Mode On - not used - Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 148: Midi Implementation Chart

    3 Bank Select LSB is used to switch between Banks A to D. Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO : Yes i: No Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 149: Ce Declaration

    Appendix – CE Declaration Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 150 © Waldorf Electronics 1999 • All rights reserved • Printed in Germany Waldorf Electronics GmbH • Neustr. 9-12 • D-53498 Waldorf • Germany Tel.:++49-2636-9764-0 • Fax: ++49-2636-9764-99 http://www.waldorf-gmbh.de • info@waldorf-gmbh.de...

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