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Waldorf Q Keyboard User Manual

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  • Page 1 User´s Manual Q Keyboard / Q Rack...
  • Page 2 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 3 Detaillierte Fehlerbeschreibungen sind beizufügen. Unfrei und/oder Waldorf Electronics reserves the right to upgrade the unit with the latest nicht originalverpackt eingesandte Produkte gehen ungeöffnet zurück. technological advances if necessary.
  • Page 4 Schicken Sie uns einen Brief. Etwas langsamer, Waldorf Electronics Send us a letter. It will take a bit longer, but it is dafür jedoch genauso zuverlässig wie ein just as dependable as a fax.

  • Page 5: 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 6: Control Features And Connections

    Control Features and Connections – Front Panel Q Keyboard Control Features and Connections Front Panel Q Keyboard LFOs Oscillators Mixer Routing Filter Arpeggiator Sine Osc 1 Filter Alt1 Ring Mod Left Pulse Alt2 Osc 2 Mixer Edit Edit Edit Edit...

  • Page 7: Frontpanel Q Rack

    Control Features and Connections – Frontpanel Q Rack Frontpanel Q Rack Oscillators Mixer Global Utility Instruments Alt1 5/9/13 6/10/14 7/11/15 8/12/16 Alt2 Multi Undo Octave Semi Detune Source Pulsewidth Source Level Shape Balance Matrix Compare Xphorm Recall Play Sound Store...

  • Page 8: Rear Panel

    Sub Out 2 jacks. Deliver a stereo line level Card slot. Holds a card of type Q-Card 256 or output signal for connection to a mixing desk or higher (located at the front of the Q Rack) amplifier.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Switching between Instruments ...... 30 Front Panel Q Keyboard........6 Creating Sound Layers with Instruments ..30 Replacing Sounds in Layers ......30 Front Panel Q Rack ..........7 Editing Sounds in Layers........ 31 Rear Panel............8 Deactivating Sound Layers......31 Editing Parameters..........31 Contents ............9...
  • Page 10 Glossary............161 Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO) ...... 128 Controller Numbers......... 165 Low Frequency Oscillator Panel Controls..128 LFO Edit Menu ........... 129 MIDI Implementation Chart......169 Modulation Matrix .......... 131 CE Declaration..........170 Matrix Edit Menu........131 Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    Hence we will talk only of the Q within the manual. To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is based on the Q parameter names. You will find a glossary at the end of the manual; it explains the various terms used.

  • Page 12: What To Read

    Is this your first or second synthesizer? Then you should first read the whole manual once. You don’t need to do that while you’re exploring the Q - you can also read it as you would read a good book.
  • Page 13 Channel Based MIDI Program Change Messages Messages Poly Pressure Messages Sostenuto Pedal Messages Footswitches Pedals Influencing and Editing all chapters Sounds over MIDI Other Functions Updating the System Software Table 1: Suggested chapters for advanced users Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 14: If You Are A Synthesizer Hotshot

    Do you already own any Waldorf synthesizers so that you are familiar with their structure and terminology. Then make sure to read at least the following chapters. They describe the extraordinary features and functions of the Q. Section Chapter...

  • Page 15: General Safety Guidelines

    Power Supply • The internal power supply of the Q has an automatic current switch. It can be connected without any additional transformer to AC power outlets with currents from 100V to 240V AC. If the available power outlet doesn’t provide this current, consult a qualified technician.

  • Page 16: Proper Use

    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. Don´t let your Q beside children or animals. This could leads into critical interactions. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 17: Setup And Connection

    Connections In order to get started with your Q you will need an AC power outlet, a mixing console, an amp and an audio monitor such as a speaker cabinet. The Q Rack also needs to connect with a MIDI master keyboard.
  • Page 18 Connect the power supply cable that came with the Q with the Power Supply jack. Plug the other side of the power supply cable into a suitable AC power outlet. The Q should power up itself. If not, switch on the Q with the Power button Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 19: Audio Connections

    In addition to the 6 analog audio outputs, the Q is equipped with an S/PDIF type digital output (44.1 kHz, 16 Bit signal). 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 20: External Input

    Switch Pedal Inputs The Q features two inputs for switch pedals. These switch pedals can be of any type, you can i.e. use foot switches, sustain pedals etc. It also doesn’t matter if the pedal or switch is open or closed in either pressed or non-pressed state.

  • Page 21: Overview

    Overview – Memory Structure Overview Memory Structure The memory architecture of the Q is divided into four main sections as shown in the following picture. All memory locations are freely programmable, so there is no separation into preset and user programs.

  • Page 22: Memory Card

    You won’t hear a click, the card just stops moving. The card slot at the Q Rack is located at the left side of the front panel. The text "TOP" should point to the right side.

  • Page 23: Basic Operation

    AC outlet, even if it was switched to standby mode before the power was disconnected. This enables you to switch the Q on or off through e.g. a main power switch in your studio. However, if you switched the Q off manually you can switch it on again with the following procedure: ☞...

  • Page 24: Panic Function

    To play back another demo song: • Press another highlighted Number Button. 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: •...

  • Page 25: The Master Section

    Single Mode The Single Mode of the Q consists of four Instruments that can be played one after the other or at once. This offers a fast way to switch between different sounds in a live situation or to create layered sounds in a studio session without deeper programming.

  • Page 26: Selecting Programs With The Page Dial

    Multi Mode of the Q. Multi Mode The Multi Mode of the Q consists of 16 Instruments that can be mapped, layered or played individually. For a deep explanation of the Multi Mode, read the chapter “Multi Mode” on page 38.
  • Page 27 Enter a two-digit number with the number buttons. The display shows the Program number in the top right corner and the name of the selected Program (name may be different depending on the factory set in your Q). Single Mode:...

  • Page 28: Bank Hold

    C025. Take account that the Drum Map Bank D contains only 20 programs. 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 •...

  • Page 29: Category Search

    Category Search The Q offers a special function to enable easy searches for sounds of similar categories. If you’re searching for pad sounds, only these sounds will be displayed as you scan the storage banks with the red dial.

  • Page 30: Instruments And Sounds

    Instruments and Sounds Switching between Instruments to change Sounds As mentioned before, the Single Mode of the Q uses four Instruments that can be accessed through the buttons Inst. 1…Inst. 4 In a live situation, for example, you can set up the Sounds for the Instruments in advance and quickly switch to them during your performance.

  • Page 31: Editing Sounds In Layers

    Edit Buffers Whenever you edit a program on the Q, the program is internally copied to an edit buffer. When you use the Store function to save the edits, the program is copied back from the edit buffer to the internal memory.

  • Page 32: Editing Panel Parameters

    Editing panel parameters is very easy and gives you instant access to the sound. That’s probably one of the reasons why you bought the Q. The Q features a lot of buttons and controls on the front panel for direct editing. The following picture of the Oscillator section shows a selection of most types:...

  • Page 33: Editing Alternative Panel Parameters

    Selection buttons are used to switch a part of the panel to control different aspects of the sound. They don’t have a direct influence on the edited Sound, but their status is saved with the Sound to recall Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 34: Editing Display Menu Parameters

    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. For more information refer to the chapter “Multimode” on page •...

  • Page 35: Viewing Parameters Without Change - Peek

    When you have finished all your edits, you should save the program. Please read the chapter about storing programs on page 36 for further information. Viewing Parameter Values without Change – Peek The Q offers a special mode to check parameter values without performing any changes. ☞ To check parameter values without changing them: Press the Peek button, located in the Master section.

  • Page 36: Recalling Edited Programs

    After you have finished editing a program, you must save it if you intend to use it again. All memory locations of the Q are available for this purpose. The type of program that is stored depends on the page you were in before performing the Store function.
  • Page 37 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 38: 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 39: Instrument Settings

    Additionally the Multimode offers various settings for Midi functions. This allows the Q Keyboard to be used as the perfect Masterkeyboard. In the appendix of this manual on page 160 you will find a graphical overview of the Q’s Midi Signalflow.
  • Page 40 63 for full right. In case you want to have the sound in the mid position select center. With this function you can set the stereo outputs of the Q to mono outputs by selecting the full left or full right position for the panning.
  • Page 41 Loc.+Midi means that the selected Instrument can be played by the internal keyboard and 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 42 Button 1&2 (Btn. 1&2) Determines whether the chosen instrument transmits and receives button data (Enable) or not (Disable). These buttons are available for the Q Keyboard only. The Q rack is able to receive the button data. Enable / Disable Program Change (Prg.Chg)
  • Page 43 Hi Velo HiVelo is the counterpart to LowVelo. Only notes with a velocity lower or equal to the selected value are passed through. Set this parameter to 127, if you want to turn velocity switching off. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 44 Modifiers or the Modulation Matrix. The highest possible Controller number is 120 because all higher numbers are reserved for non-real-time purposes. If global is selected, the corresponding settings for Ctrl W...Z made in the global parameter section are used. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 45: Multi Settings

    Multi Mode – Instrument settings The most important Sound parameters of the Q can be controlled by MIDI Continuous Controller messages. If you set one of the Ctrl W…Ctrl Z to a Controller that is also used for a Sound parameter, the Q disables this Controller as Sound parameter Controller and uses it exclusively for one of the Ctrl W…Ctrl Z.
  • Page 46 LFO that are set to clocked. Please read the chapter “The Tempo” on page 56 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 47: Step Sequencer

    It can be found in a number of vintage analog synthesizers, especially in big modular systems, and as stand-alone units to connect to other synthesizers. The Step Sequencer in the Q offers all the classic features while giving you new features like polyphonic steps, storing of patterns and so on.

  • Page 48: Deselecting All Steps

    Select any number of steps. Press Pause. Programming a Pause in fact deletes all notes of the selected steps. There is no specific “delete notes” function because the Pause function is meant to do this task. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 49: Holding Notes Over More Than One Step

    ☞ To change the modulation signal values of selected steps: Select any number of steps. Press the Control Select button until the parameter that you want to change is shown. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 50: Once

    If one or more steps are selected, the playback position is shown with dimmed LED. Tempo see Sound Tempo Controls the tempo of the step sequencer. Bank Select Button (Pattern/Sound/Multi Button) The Bank Select Button is used to select step banks or to deselect all steps. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 51: Sequencer Rotaries

    The row of LED to the right of the eight controls shows which parameter is currently edited. Sequencer Edit Menu The following parameters can be accessed via the display menu. Press the Sequencer section’s Edit button to activate the display menu. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 52 In this mode you can select the sequencer pattern only in the Multi Menu. Beside this please read „Pattern“ in the chapter „Multimode“ on page 44. The internal storage of the Q can hold up to 100 patterns. Option Line Parm...

  • Page 53: Transpose Mode

    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. Transpose With this function you can transpose infinitely variable existing notes up or down. The notes are transposed as long as you’re turning the encoder.
  • Page 54 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 55: Sound Parameters

    Audio Signal … Picture 10: Block schematic diagram of a sound As you can see, the Q consists of two different types of components for sound generation and sound shaping: • Oscillators, Ring Modulator, Noise Generator, External Audio Signal, Mixer, Filters, Amplifier, Effects: These modules represent the audio signal flow.

  • Page 56: The Tempo

    Q’s Tempo setting but never want to sync the Q to any other device. • Auto means that the Q automatically syncs to incoming MIDI Clock if it is sent to it by an external device like a sequencer or drum machine. If there is no MIDI Clock present, the Q generates its internal tempo base and sends it as MIDI Clock messages through its MIDI Out.

  • Page 57: Modulation Speed Levels

    This setting is only useful for special setups where you need to control a device through the 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.

  • Page 58: Fast Modulation

    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:...

  • Page 59: Standard Modulation

    F1 Pan, F2 Pan Pan of Filter 1…2 Volume Amplifier output volume LFO1Speed, LFO2Speed, LFO3Speed Speed of LFO 1…3 FE Attack Attack rate of Filter Envelope FE Decay Decay (and Decay 2) rate of Filter Envelope Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 60 MIDI foot control (controller #4) BreathCtr MIDI breath control (controller #2) Control W, X, Y, Z assignable MIDI controller W, X, Y, Z Ctr Delay Modifier Delay Modif. #1...#4 Modifier result #1...#4 minimum constant for minimum modulation (equals 0) Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 61 Step sequencer step length S.Notelen Step sequencer note length Voice Num Note number of played voices Voice %16, %8, %4, %2 Number of played voices Unisono V Number of played unisono voices Table 8: Standard Modulation Matrix sources Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 62: Xphorm - Interpolating Between Two Sounds

    The Mod Matrix Amounts aren't xphormed because it is very likely that the sources and destinations are different in the xphormed patch. Switch parameters that aren't xphormed: • LFO Shapes, Sync, Clocked • Osc Shapes, Sync and Mod Sources • Mixer Input settings for N/E • Filter Types and Mod Sources Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 63: Xphorm Edit Menu

    If you like that, keep it, if not, select a different sound or change one of the sounds so that it uses the same switch parameter settings. • Use the left display dial to select Bank A…X from which the Sound program is taken. • Use the right display dial to select the Sound program 001…100. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Triggering Of Voices

    Sound Parameters – Triggering of Voices Triggering of Voices As soon as a note is played, the Q triggers one or several voices. How this triggering is done is set by the following parameters. You can find these parameters in the Sound edit menu.
  • Page 65 Afterwards the release phase is active. This setting is only active as long as the Parameter Mode is set to Mono (only Envelope 4). Otherwise the envelope behaves as being set to Normal. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 66: Oscillators

    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 67 The same is true for a brass instrument. The string in this case are the lips while the bow is the air. The lips are moved by the air to a certain extent and abruptly move back to their original position. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 68 They consist of a tube that can contain a certain amount of air. The player blows air through the tube in a way that the air starts to vibrate. This vibration is almost completely symmetrical resulting in a hollow timbre. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 69 When the pulse width is changed, the waveform starts to sound thicker. This happens because the effect is very similar to what you would get when you have two oscillators running with slightly different frequencies. They interfere and create irregular holes in the resulting waveforms. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 70 It could act as a suboscillator wave, to emphasize certain frequencies or to frequency modulate other oscillators. The triangle wave sounds like a wood wind instrument, i.e. a clarinet. It can also be used for mallet instruments like vibraphone, xylophone etc. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 71: Wavetable Synthesis

    The following overview will clearly explain the system of the Wavetable Synthesis: A wavetable into the Q is a table consisting of 128 waveforms. Each waveform is classified by its 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 through the wavetable via different modulations.

  • Page 72: Oscillators Panel Controls

    Mode Picture 15: Oscillators section Q Keyboard Selecting an Oscillator on the Q Rack Press one or more Oscillator Select buttons to select one or more Oscillators on the Q Rack to be edited with the Panel Controls. 128’…1/2’ Octave Sets the basic pitch of the oscillator in steps of an octave.
  • Page 73 Sets the type of waveform to be generated by the Oscillator. The parameter is called Shape instead of “waveform”, because it doesn’t necessarily set only one waveform, but sets a specific oscillator model that could produce a number of waveforms depending on other settings. A good example for this Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 74 Alt1/are perfect for very vivid sounds.  The tips shown in this place of course are only recommendations. The variety of tones of all Waveforms in the Q are nearly inexhaustible. 0…127 Pulsewidth Sets the pulse width of the Pulse waveform. The value 0 is equivalent to a pulse ratio of <1%, the value 127 is equivalent to 50%.
  • Page 75 Note that you can apply unipolar and bipolar modulation sources . For example, set Pulsewidth to 64, which is almost the middle of the wavetable and apply a slow running LFO to PWM Source to sweep through the whole wavetable. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 76 Using additional pitch modulation by envelopes, LFO or pitchbend will bring further movement into sync sounds. The following picture illustrates the principle of oscillator synchronization in a simplified way: Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 77  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 78: Oscillators Edit Menu

    Sub- and Main oscillator frequencies. Higher values represent a lower tuning. When Alt-Waveforms are selected for the first two oscillators and the Suboscillators are activated, the Q can create up to 5 (!) oscillators per voice. Tune Mode Tune Mode global The Tune Mode determines if the sound uses the normal global tuning or the HMT tuning.

  • Page 79: Glide

    Please note that Glide affects the pitch of all oscillators. 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.

  • Page 80: Mixer

    In the Mixer, you control the volumes of the oscillators, the noise generator and an external sound source. Ring modulation can be applied optionally to extend the Q’s tonal range. The following picture of the Q’s front panel shows the Mixer section:...
  • Page 81 This is logical because when you use i.e. one oscillator set to 100Hz and the second set to 101Hz, the resulting ring modulation is 201Hz and 1Hz. And 1Hz is very low. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 82: Mixer Edit Menu

    Also, wind and other sound effects can be created by using the noise generator. Please note that if you use an external sound source, you still have to trigger the Q’s envelopes to get the signal passed through. So you have to generate MIDI notes by the keyboard, a connected sequencer or the internal step sequencer or arpeggiator to hear the audio signal.
  • Page 83 ExtLeft selects the Left input signal as input for the respective filter. • ExtRight selects the right input signal as input for the respective filter. • ExtL+R feeds the summed signal of the left and right input into the respective filter. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 84: Routing

    Sound Parameters – Routing Routing The Routing section is one of the advanced features of the Q. Its purpose is to control the signal flow of the filters. In comparison with many other synthesizers where signal flow is static, the Q offers a completely flexible configuration.

  • Page 85: Filter

    Sound Parameters – Filter Filter Once the audio signal leaves the mixer, it is sent to the filters. The Q has two independent filter units, each with its own individual settings. The signal flow in the filters can be controlled in the Routing section.

  • Page 86: Selecting And Editing Filters

    If the resonance is raised to a great extent, then the filter will begin self-oscillation, i.e. the filter generates an audible sine wave even when it does not receive an incoming signal. The following picture of the Q’s front panel shows the Filter section: Filter...

  • Page 87: Filter Panel Controls

    Determines the amount of influence the filter envelope has on the cutoff frequency. For positive settings, the filter cutoff frequency is increased by the modulation of the envelope, for negative settings, the cutoff frequency is decreased. Use this parameter to change the timbre of the sound over Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 88 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 89: Filter Edit Menu

    PanMod Source Selects the source of the panorama modulation. 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 above.

  • Page 90: Filter Types

    SSM 2044 had a very special tonal character, which has not been implemented in this way in any other filter circuit or IC. If you have the chance to directly compare the original with the Q, you will find the resonance (or Emphasis, as it´s called in the PPG) of both to be nearly identical.

  • Page 91: 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 92: 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.
  • Page 93 Filter 2 producing a Chorus effect that is panned to the other stereo side. You might ask why you should use a Comb filter type to produce the Chorus instead of using the FX section of the Q. Here are some reasons: •...
  • Page 94 Q. However, the Comb filter enables you to create abstractions of those sounds that can be played expressively.
  • Page 95 Also try to set up envelopes to control the levels of the input signal, i.e., use a short percussive signal that only triggers the comb filter shortly. The filter then oscillates to produce the final tone. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 96: Amplifier

    Sound Parameters – Amplifier Amplifier This unit is almost the last part in the Q’s signal routing, only followed by the Effects section. Its purpose is to set the volume of the sound. To understand the operation of this unit, it is important to know that the Amplifier Envelope is always acting as a modulation source for the volume.

  • Page 97: Amplifier Edit Menu

    Sound Parameters – Amplifier 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.

  • Page 98: Effects

    Sound Parameters – Effects 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. The Instruments 5 to 16 each can be routed to one of these effect busses.

  • Page 99: 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 100: Phaser

    Sets the modulation depth of the Phaser effect. Center | Spacing 0…127 Center Controls the basic delay length of the allpass filters. Lower settings produce a high pitched Phaser effect while higher settings enable the Phaser to also cover deep frequencies. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 101: Delay

    Auto Pan. An important feature of the Q’s Delay effect is that the Delay length can be changed without clicks or pitch changes. This allows you to experiment with different Delay lengths without getting annoying side effects in the output signal.

  • Page 102: Overdrive

    |Post Gain 0…127 Drive 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. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 103: Five Fx

    Controls the amount of distortion of the signal. Please note that the signal might become a little louder when you increase this parameter. Ring Mod 0…127 Ring Mod | Source Controls the level of ring modulation between the input signal and a second signal that can be chosen with Source. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 104: Reverb

    As a result, good reverb processors are very expensive. The Q’s reverb effects don’t intend to simulate the perfect natural room, rather they are an addition to the Q´s sound synthesis to make it more 3 dimensional and expressive.
  • Page 105 Determines how fast the room simulation dampens the higher reverb frequencies. Higher frequencies are not dampened not as much as lower frequencies. This phenomenon makes a natural echo sound somewhat hollow. Higher values of the Damping parameter mean more high frequencies will be dampened. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 106: Tap Delay

    Like the normal delay the Tap Delay produces echoes of the input signal. You can control volume and panorama by up to 16 delay steps allowing you to create very complex and rhythmic sound structures. The Tap Delay is synced automatically to the Q´s tempo. Please refer to the chapter “The Tempo“ on page 56.

  • Page 107: 5.1 Surround Delay Types

    Thanks to the rise of DVD, consumer expectations of audio in general have increased. Music-only recordings done as surround productions are not unusual anymore. For this reason, the effects in the Q have been expanded to include two Surround Delays.
  • Page 108 0...127 Determines the volume of the effect signal for the left Rear Speaker (Sub Out 1 L). Delay S1L 0%...400% Determines the relative delay of the effect signal pertaining to the setting of the Delay parameter. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 109 5.1 D.Clk This surround delay type is similar to the 5.1 Delay. With this delay type, the delay time is synchronized to the Q´s internal tempo. For more information about tempo settings refer to the chapter „The Tempo“ on page 56.

  • Page 110: Vocoder

    Building a Vocoder setup 1. Connect the audio input of the Q with a 1/4-inch mono or stereo plug. In practice, a Y cable is perfect for a stereo or dual mono signal input for the vocoder. Please be sure to use a line signal.
  • Page 111 Sound Parameters – Effects 5. Feed the Q´s audio input with your external signal and trigger one or more notes . You should hear the vocoder effect. We recommend using speech or drum loops as external audio material. 6. Try different settings of the vocoder parameter and tune to taste.
  • Page 112 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 113: Arpeggiator

    Different sequence modes can be defined for the Arpeggiator to cover a wide range of applications. In addition to the synthesis features, the Q offers a deeply programmable Arpeggiator for every sound program. It can play a wide range of different rhythm patterns including accents and different timings and allows creating sophisticated custom rhythm patterns.
  • Page 114 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 115: Arpeggiator Edit Menu

    Note that you can edit a ROM pattern in the Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step Data section to create your own rhythms based on an existing ROM pattern. As soon as you do so, the ROM pattern is copied to the User pattern and the previous User pattern is overwritten. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 116 Triplets (e.g. 1/8T) and dotted notes (e.g. 1/16.) are available for every note value. Length ! Oct.Range 12/192 1/192…127/192 / legato Length See “Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard”. 1...10 Octave Range (Oct.Range) See “Additional Controls on the Q Keyboard”. Direction!SortOrder !as played...
  • Page 117 If On is selected, the Note Off message of the previous note is allowed to be sent after a Note On message of the next note with the same pitch. This setting can be nice with arpeggios triggering sounds with slow attack. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 118: Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step Data

    Arp Accent 01[--Ï-Ò------Í----] Sets the accent of a particular step. This accent is interpreted as velocity offset that is added or subtracted from the original velocity stored in the note list. However, the generated velocities can Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 119 If - is selected, the Arpeggiator plays the same note as it had to play in the previous step • that was set to * or ˆ. With this setting, you can repeat a particular note of the note list several times. The note list is not advanced. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 120 Values pointing to the right move the step forward so that it is played later. ¸ means that • the step is moved by a third, ˝ means that it is moved by two third and ˛ means that it is moved fully. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 121 • 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 122: Envelopes

    Sound Parameters – Envelopes Envelopes The Q’s envelopes allow you to manipulate sound parameters via rate or timed modulations. The Q offers four independent programmable envelopes for every sound program: • A Filter Envelope. This envelope is designed to control the filter but can also be used for other modulations.

  • Page 123: 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 124: 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 125: 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 126: 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. Release 0…127 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 127: 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 128: Low Frequency Oscillators (Lfo)

    The most commonly used controls of the LFO 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 LFO on the Q Rack to be edited with the Panel Controls.

  • Page 129: 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 130 Off / On Clocked When Clocked is activated, the LFO is synced to the global Tempo of the Q. The LFO Speed setting is changed to offer musically meaningful values. Please read the section “The Tempo” on page 56 for further information.

  • Page 131: Modulation Matrix

    A modulation can be described as influencing a sound parameter by a signal-generating unit. The terms used in this context are "source" and "destination". The Q offers 16 independent modulation assignments (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.

  • Page 132: Modifier Matrix

    XOR Returns the binary exclusive-or operation of Source #1 and Source #2. • min Returns the minimum value of either Source #1 or Source #2. If Source #1 is smaller than Source #2, the value of Source #1 is returned and vice versa. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 133: Control Delay

    Please note that the Control Delay must be set as the Modulation Source in the Modulation Matrix for the Modulation Destination to be affected. see Table “Standard Modulation Sources” on page 60 Source Selects the Modulation Source (and correspondingly its signal) which will be delayed. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 134: Drum Map

    A Multi program can hold one Drum Map, so, combined with the 16 part Multi mode of the Q, this gives you 15 + 32 = 47 different sounds at a time. To select a Drum Map, refer to the section Selecting Programs. In general, Drum Maps are stored in Bank D of the Q’s internal or Bank E of the Q´s card memory.
  • Page 135 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 #01 Volume Sets the maximum output volume of the selected Drum Map entry. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 136: Global Parameters

    The Operating System upgrades are stored with ID 127 so you don’t need to change the Sysex ID on your Q when you want to upgrade it to a newer OS. If you have only one Q, leave Sysex ID on 0. There is no need at all to change this setting to any other value.
  • Page 137 Q to a sequencer by MIDI, you should set Local Control to Off. The MIDI data flow then is as follows: when you play a note on the Q, it is send to the sequencer. The sequencer eventually maps the note to a different MIDI channel and sends it out through a specific MIDI port.
  • Page 138 430…450 Hz Tuning Controls the Q’s overall pitch in Hertz. The value specified here is the reference pitch for MIDI note A3. The default setting is 440Hz, which is commonly used by most instruments. You should only change this setting if you really know what you’re doing. You will have to adjust all your other instruments, too.
  • Page 139 The down-tuned position of the natural seventh as tone F in the chord G-B-D-F • Import accommodates different note tuning formats like octave scale tuning (GM Level 2) or single note retuning through Midi. Take this setting when the Q should react to incoming tuned scales. HMT depth 000%...100%...
  • Page 140 Off / Num / Num+Bank Tx PrgChange Determines the Midi Program and Bank Changes that the Q will send through its Midi Out ports. • If Off is selected, no program and bank change commands will be send.
  • Page 141 Sets the curve that is used for aftertouch when played on the keyboard. It changes the aftertouch behaviour of the internal tone generation and the outgoing MIDI Aftertouch messages. It doesn’t affect incoming MIDI Aftertouch messages. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 142 Cl is for a Switch Pedal that is closed when pressed and open when not pressed. The Q then generates a Control value of 127 on the first press and a value of 0 on the next press and so on.
  • Page 143 -23dBm Low level signals like microphone, guitar etc. Table 16: Input Gain Settings It is not recommended to connect a microphone or guitar directly to the Q. Low signal level instruments should be amplified by a special pre-amplifier before they are routed into the Q’s External In.
  • Page 144 When you are new to the Q, you might want to set it to a value of around 10.0s. When you got some experience with the Q, you will probably set it to a lower value of around 1.5s.
  • Page 145 Table 17: Pedal/CV controller numbers Pedal/CV2 Offset -64…+63 Pedal/CV2 Offset Sets the initial gain for Control Pedal/CV 2 that is used when the pedal is at its minimum position. Please read “Pedal/CV1 Offset” above for further information. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 146 Off / Volume / Control W...Z / F1 Cutoff / F2 Cutof Pedal/CV2 Ctrl. Pedal/CV2 Ctrl. Volume. Sets the controller that is used for Control Pedal/CV 2. Please read “Pedal/CV1 Ctrl.” above for further information. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 147: Utility Menu

    Init Sound Init Sound A001 [Utility] The Q provides a special function for setting all parameters of a Sound program to initial values. You can use it to create a program from the scratch. ☞ This is how you initialize a Sound program: •...
  • Page 148 [Utility] The Q provides a special function for setting all parameters of a Drum Map to initial values. You can use it to create a Drum Map from the scratch. This function is only available when a Drum Map is selected.

  • Page 149: Midi Control

    MIDI messages are played back by the active Instrument or Layer. In Multi Mode, the Q can send and receive on all 16 MIDI Channels at once, depending on the Instrument settings of the current Multi program. When several Instruments are set to the same ranges, it is possible to send up to 16 notes and aftertouch messages when one key is pressed.

  • Page 150: Pitchbend Messages

    MIDI Control – Channel Based MIDI Messages Pitchbend Messages The Q sends and receives Pitchbend Messages with a resolution of 14 bit. The pitchbend ranges are controlled by the Bend Range parameter in the Oscillator Edit menus. Pitchbend Messages can also be used as “Pitchbend”...

  • Page 151: Pedals

    Sound. All Notes Off Message The Q sends an All Notes Off Message to the internal tone generation and over MIDI on all channels when the Power button is pressed briefly. When the Q receives an All Notes Off Message, it forces the envelopes of all sounding voices to go into their release phases.

  • Page 152: System Exclusive Data Transmission

    MIDI (dump). Sending System Exclusive Data When you activate the send functions, the Q sends the contents of its memory to the MIDI Out jack. Using a sequencer or a special sound editor program, you can record and archive this data.

  • Page 153: Receiving System Exclusive Data

    Otherwise they are lost when you switch the Q off. Receiving sound dumps from the Waldorf microQ The Q is able to receive a sound dump from the microQ via MIDI. According to that please refer to the chapter „System Exclusive Data Transmission“ in this or the microQ manual.

  • Page 154: Other Functions

    If you’ve downloaded both a newer OS and a newer BOOT file from the Internet, please perform the steps below twice. First, send the OS file to the Q and if it was updated successfully, send the BOOT file to it.
  • Page 155 If this message appears: Timeout the file wasn’t transmitted completely to the 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).

  • Page 156: The Hmt Function

    Other Functions – The HMT function The HMT function The tuning of the Q is not static, but rather dynamic. It adjusts itself depending on the content of the music. This is done for the following reason: As an alternative to „tempered” or normal tuning, fifth and third intervals can also be tuned to certain ideal frequency ratios: the fifth to a ratio of 3:2, the major third to 5:4.

  • Page 157: 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 favourite bathroom. We recommend 5 pages per session! Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 158: Appendix

    Dynamic range: 110dB CV 2: 0-5V, 5V out at Ring, Stereo Jack Frequency range: 0Hz-24kHz Dimensions and Weight Q / Q Rack Audio Inputs Width: 987mm / 483mm (1 x stereo) Height (incl. control rotaries): 120mm / 92mm Maximum level:...

  • Page 159: Index

    Diffusion (Reverb FX) OS (Global Menu) Osc 1/2/3 (Mixer) Sustain (Multi) Direction (Arpgeggiator) Output (Multi) Swing Factor (Tap Dly FX) Disp. Time (Global Menu) Overdrive (5FX) Sync (LFO) Drive (Filter) SysEx ID (Global) Drive (Overdrive FX) Waldorf Q User´s Manual...

  • Page 160: Midi Signalflow Diagram

    Off, Local, Off, Midi, Loc.+Midi Loc.+Midi Rx Status Key/Vel. Filter MIDI Message Filter Direct MIDI Out Tx Status Step Sequencer Seq. Note only Arpeggiator Arp. Note only Local Mute Mute Engine Play, Solo Engine MIDI signalflow diagram Waldorf Q User’s Manual...

  • Page 161: Glossary

    A low pass filter dampens all frequencies above the cutoff frequency. A high pass filter in turn Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 162 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 163: Midi Channel

    A VCA is a component that influences the volume programs. Program numbers 1 through 128 can be level of a sound via a control voltage. This is often changed via program change messages. generated by an envelope or an LFO. Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 164 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 165: 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 166 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 167 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 168 - 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 169: Midi Implementation Chart

    ✽2 Please see the chapters “Control W…Z”, “MIDI Control” and “Appendix Controller Numbers” for all controllers that can be sent and received. ✽3 ModWheel is transmitted by Q Keyboard only ✽4 Bank Select LSB is used to switch between Banks A to D.

  • Page 170: Ce Declaration

    Appendix – MIDI Implementation Chart Waldorf Q User’s Manual...
  • Page 171 FCC Information (U.S.A.) 1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this Manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Waldorf may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use this product. 2.
  • Page 174 ©Waldorf Electronics 2001• All rights reserved •Printed in Germany Waldorf Electronics GmbH • Schloß Ahrenthal • D-53489 Sinzig • Germany Phone: +49-(0)180-5-874000-9764-0 • Fax +49-(0)2642-9940-77 http://www.waldorf-music.de • info@waldorf-music.de...

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