NEW Waldorf Crema Polyphonic String and Pad Synthesizer

Waldorf Crema Polyphonic String and Pad Synthesizer

Are you looking for a compact synthesizer that combines warm vintage strings, expansive pad sounds, and modern sound textures? The Waldorf Crema polyphonic string and pad synthesizer combines the characteristic sound of the Waldorf Streichfett with the versatile capabilities of wavetable, FM, and virtual analog synthesis. Two polyphonic sound engines, extensive effects, and direct controls make the Crema a versatile instrument for creative sound design.

Whether classic string ensembles, atmospheric pads, or continuously evolving soundscapes: The Waldorf Crema offers a variety of ways to bring musical ideas to life. With its compact design, an integrated arpeggiator, a step sequencer, and over 130 factory sounds, the synthesizer is aimed at musicians who want to combine distinctive sounds with intuitive operation.

Waldorf Crema – Classic string machine sound meets modern synthesis

With the Crema, Waldorf expands its portfolio of compact synthesizers with an instrument that combines classic string machine sounds with modern synthesis techniques. As the newest member of the compact Waldorf family, the Crema complements the equally compact Protein and places a special emphasis on polyphonic strings, pads, and complex sound textures.

The sonic inspiration comes, among other sources, from the Waldorf Streichfett, whose characteristic string sound is incorporated into the Crema’s capabilities. At the same time, Waldorf expands on this concept with wavetables, FM synthesis, and virtual analog sound generation.

As a result, the Waldorf Crema polyphonic string and pad synthesizer is not exclusively geared toward classical string sounds. Rather, the instrument combines various synthesis approaches that can be used to realize a wide range of musical soundscapes.

A key feature is its direct control. The available controls allow you to instantly modify sounds and shape them while playing. In this way, Waldorf combines the versatile possibilities of digital sound generation with direct access to the sound parameters.

Two polyphonic sound engines: Texture and Lines

At the heart of the Waldorf Crema are two polyphonic sound engines called Texture and Lines. Both sound engines open up different possibilities and can be used to create versatile sound combinations.

The combination of the two engines forms the basis for the synthesizer’s sonic diversity. While various sound types are available, the two sound engines can also be controlled independently of one another via separate MIDI channels.

This concept is particularly appealing to musicians who want to work with different timbres. The Waldorf Crema makes it possible to combine classic string sounds with modern synthesized sounds and develop a variety of musical textures from them.

Texture Engine with 24 sound types

The Texture Engine offers a total of 24 sound types, making it one of the core components of the sound generation system. Its features include the characteristic Streichfett Strings, 17 wavetables, and four FM operators.

With the “Streichfett” strings, Waldorf captures the sound of classic string machines. This sound is particularly well-suited for string ensembles and broad, expansive sounds that evoke the typical character of historic string synthesizers.

The 17 wavetables expand the sound spectrum with a variety of digital waveforms. They create additional possibilities for modern pad sounds and diverse sound textures.

The Texture Engine is complemented by four FM operators. FM synthesis offers another approach to generating diverse timbres, thereby expanding the Waldorf Crema’s capabilities beyond classic string sounds.

The combination of rich string sounds, wavetables, and FM synthesis makes the Texture Engine a versatile starting point for designing polyphonic soundscapes.

Virtual-Analog Synthesis with Two Oscillators

In addition to digital synthesis methods, the Waldorf Crema features virtual-analog synthesis. Two oscillators that can be detuned relative to each other are available for this purpose.

By detuning the two oscillators, you can create different sonic characters. This feature is particularly useful for generating broad synthesizer sounds in which multiple oscillators work together to shape the sound.

Additional creative options include vibrato, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and stereo tremolo. Vibrato allows for pitch modulation, while PWM varies the pulse width according to suitable waveforms. Stereo tremolo also provides a way to rhythmically vary the volume profile within the stereo image.

Virtual-analog synthesis thus complements string, wavetable, and FM sounds by adding further possibilities for both classic and modern synthesizer sounds.

Arpeggiator and step sequencer for rhythmic sound ideas

The Waldorf Crema polyphonic string and pad synthesizer is equipped with a built-in arpeggiator and a step sequencer. Both functions expand the sound-generation capabilities to include rhythmic and sequence-based patterns.

The arpeggiator allows you to work with repeating note sequences, while the step sequencer is designed for step-by-step programming. This enables sounds to be used not only as sustained pads but also within rhythmic structures.

Both functions support synchronization to an external clock. This allows the Waldorf Crema’s rhythmic sequences to be adapted to an external tempo source.

This synchronization capability is particularly useful when using the instrument with other electronic musical instruments or an existing MIDI setup.

Nine Effects for Versatile Sound Design

For further processing of the generated sounds, the Waldorf Crema features a comprehensive effects section with nine effects. These include, among others, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, and reverb.

The effects expand the possibilities for shaping strings and pads. Chorus can influence the perceived width of a sound, while flanger and phaser enable characteristic modulation effects.

Delay provides temporally repeated signals. Reverb adds spatial effects to sound processing and is particularly useful for creating atmospheric soundscapes.

Dedicated Shimmer Reverb

Another special feature is the dedicated shimmer reverb. This expands spatial sound design with an additional effect variant and is well-suited for creating atmospheric sound textures.

Especially with long-decaying pad sounds and expansive string sounds, effect processing can form an essential part of the overall sound character.

Serial and Parallel Effect Routing

The Waldorf Crema supports both serial and parallel effect routing. This allows effects to be combined in various ways.

In a serial configuration, the signal passes through the respective effects one after the other. A parallel configuration, on the other hand, allows for different signal paths within the effects processing.

This flexibility expands the possibilities for creating individual timbres and makes the effects section an important part of sound design.

Over 130 factory sounds and 360 memory slots

To let you start working with different sounds right away, the Waldorf Crema offers over 130 factory sounds. These factory sounds provide an introduction to the instrument’s wide range of sonic possibilities.

A total of 360 memory slots are available. This gives the Crema plenty of room for different settings and your own sound creations.

The free Chutney Librarian app is also available for managing sounds. It allows you to conveniently organize and manage presets.

The combination of an extensive selection of factory sounds, memory slots, and external sound management supports a clear and organized approach to working with the synthesizer’s various sounds.

Two independent MIDI channels for flexible control

The Waldorf Crema features two independent MIDI channels. This allows the two sound engines—Texture and Lines—to be controlled separately.

This feature opens up additional possibilities for integration into a MIDI setup. The two sound engines can be addressed on different MIDI channels without requiring two separate synthesizers.

MIDI In and MIDI Out are available via mini-TRS jacks for MIDI connectivity. In addition, the USB-C port supports MIDI communication.

The Waldorf Crema thus offers multiple connection options for use with appropriately equipped MIDI devices.

USB-C, stereo outputs, and headphone jack

The Waldorf Crema is also designed for compact and versatile use when it comes to its connections. The USB-C port handles both power delivery and MIDI functions.

Stereo audio outputs are available for audio playback. Additionally, there is a headphone output that allows you to listen to the synthesizer’s sounds directly.

The combination of USB-C, mini-TRS MIDI ports, and stereo audio outputs provides the essential connectivity options for integrating the instrument into various musical workflows.

Compact design for studio and mobile use

With dimensions of 253 × 170 × 48 mm, the Waldorf Crema is one of the most compact synthesizers available. It weighs just 0.9 kg.

This makes the instrument easy to set up in a space-saving manner and simple to transport. This compact design is particularly appealing to musicians who work with compact setups or regularly take their instruments on the go.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Crema offers two polyphonic sound engines, multiple synthesis methods, an arpeggiator, a step sequencer, and an extensive effects section.

The direct controls complement the compact design and enable immediate sound shaping. Thus, the synthesizer combines versatile functions with an intuitive control concept.

Recommended Purchase: The Waldorf Crema Polyphonic String and Pad Synthesizer

The Waldorf Crema polyphonic string and pad synthesizer is recommended for musicians who want to combine classic string machine sounds with modern synthesis capabilities. In particular, the combination of rich string sounds, wavetables, FM operators, and virtual analog synthesis makes the instrument ideal for creating versatile pads and sound textures.

The two polyphonic engines, Texture and Lines, expand the possibilities for sound combination. An arpeggiator and step sequencer add rhythmic capabilities to the instrument, while the effects section—featuring nine effects and a dedicated shimmer reverb—offers additional options for sound design.

Its features for everyday use are also impressive: Over 130 factory sounds, 360 memory slots, the free Chutney Librarian app, and two independent MIDI channels enable flexible organization and control of sounds.

If you’re looking for a compact synthesizer that captures the characteristic sound of classic string machines and expands upon it with modern synthesis and effects capabilities, the Waldorf Crema offers a versatile solution. With direct controls, extensive sound generation capabilities, and a weight of just 0.9 kg, it’s ideal for both creative studio work and mobile musical setups.

Features:

• Two polyphonic sound engines: Texture and Lines for versatile sound combinations
• 24 sound types in the Texture engine: rich string sounds, 17 wavetables, and 4 FM operators
• Virtual analog synthesis: Two detunable oscillators with vibrato, PWM, and stereo tremolo
• Arpeggiator and step sequencer with synchronization to an external clock
• Extensive effects section: Nine effects, including chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, and reverb, complemented by a dedicated shimmer reverb
• Flexible effects configuration: Serial and parallel effects routing for custom soundscapes
• Two independent MIDI channels for separate control of the two engines
• Extensive sound selection: Over 130 factory sounds and a total of 360 memory slots
• Free sound management with the Chutney Librarian app
• Compact and portable: USB-C for power and MIDI, MIDI In/Out via mini-TRS, stereo audio outputs, and headphone output
• Dimensions: 253 × 170 × 48 mm, Weight: 0.9 kg

Instruction manual / Safety instructions:

• Manual (6.89 MB)

Further links:

• Print View