Waldorf Keys

Reviews | Waldorf Blofeld Keys
90
A
year has barely passed
since I had the pleasure of
reviewing Waldorf’s Blofeld
module, (FM197) their
fi rst new product since the company
was resurrected in 2004. So, its great
to see Waldorf going from strength to
strength with a string of new products
lined up for release, including the
Stromberg hardware synth,
Zarenbourg Electric Piano and the
brand new, just-announced Largo
Software Synth that uses the Blofeld
engine at its heart.
The Blofeld Keyboard is a very
welcome addition to the range. As
much as I love modules for taking up
little space, there’s something special
about having a synth with a keyboard.
It’s great not to have MIDI cables
hanging around for a start and I just
prefer having everything integrated
into one box for ease of transportation
and quick setup.
Lookin’ good
Looks-wise, the Blofeld Keyboard is
stunning, looking like a perfectly
stretched out Blofeld module. It’s the
same colour, is built out of the same
tough metal, has the same high-
quality-throughout design ethos and
feels every bit as solid as its module
brother. In fact, the display, dials and
layout are pretty much identical,
except for the new additional
performance controls.
These new controls include pitch
and mod wheels that feel great, with
nicely raised ridges that are great for
accurate modding and bending (much
easier to control than the indented
type found on most boards). There’s
also a protruding lip on the edge of
the keyboard case that is great for
holding onto while you are using the
new wheels.
Also included are octave up and
down switches (which I wished were
included on the Blofeld module
originally) and a button labeled ‘free’
WHAT IS IT?
Keyboard version of the
already well-loved Blofeld.
CONTACT
Who: Hand in Hand
Tel: [phone]
Web: waldorfmusic.de
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Great feeling keyboard
with aftertouch and new
performance controls
2 60MB of onboard sample
memory for uploading your
own sounds
3 Almost infi nite sound
shaping possibilites
Waldorf Blofeld Keys | £699
Hot on the heels of Waldorf’s successful Blofeld module comes its
equally evil keyboard brother. Dan ‘JD73’ Goldman wrestles with
the latest musical villain in town
ON THE DVD
The newly-added
modulation and
pitch-bend wheels
Wheels of Steel
The 128 by 64 LED
screen displays plenty
of sound detail
including some nice
graphs and waves
LED Screen
FMU211.rev_blofeld 90 3/2/09 6:46:48 pm