Waldorf Music Releases the Protein Desktop Synthesizer

The Protein is a 8-voice wavetable synthesizer based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators

Waldorf Music releases the Protein, an affordable and compact 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators and combined with modern features of Iridium heritage like the sophisticated arpeggiator, a step sequencer, chord mode, diversity of effects and more.

Carrying the torch of Waldorf's advanced wavetable technology, the Protein goes back to the very beginnings of Waldorf's instrument making interpreting the original ideas in a contemporary and innovating way.

With handy dimensions of 252 × 170 × 48 mm (including controls) and a weight of 0.9 kg, the Protein is a true powerhouse packed into a compact and portable new form factor that stands as the first statement of a new upcoming product line.

Designed for an ease to use and hands-on interface, users can now build sonic complexity from simple parts within seconds. The multitude of knobs invites creative sound exploration and "happy accidents", while beneath the surface lies a deeper world of sound design than what the front-plate suggests. The Protein offers the right depth for users to discover or explore further Waldorf's wavetable universe.

What Makes a Stronger Mix
Protein's 8 voices can be organized into up to 4 layers, allowing for complex sonic layered arrangements, suprising round robin modes, or simply split by MIDI channels for poly timbral operation. With the Load Layer feature new sonic arrangements can be created in seconds by simply recombining existing layers from the extensive preset collection.

This small but powerful machine comes with more than 150 factory presets of huge variety and can store up to 250 user presets. Using the 4-layer concept, users can mix and match from the existing library and create new combinations with the intuitive Load Layer feature.

Each layer features an eight-slot modulation matrix, offering a multitude of modulation possibilities for shaping sound. The Protein also supports polyphonic aftertouch modulation, allowing musical expression to be rendered in manifold ways. A mysterious “Flavour” knob adds an extra layer of organic behaviour from tiny micro-fluctuations up to sweet disturbances to keep digital sound lively.

Waldorf Music recreated the original gritty and beautifully 8-bit quantized and aliased sound of the Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators, running at 250 kHz sample rate, just like the original. Users will experience this digital vintage sound charm in the Protein, complete with all its characteristic artifacts, particularly in the lower and higher octaves.

While being affordable, Protein is ready to transport musicians and sound experimenters into new and deep sonic territories. Its compact design and portable form factor ensures it can be taken anywhere, from studios to stages, giving users the opportunity to be creative wherever inspiration strikes.

There has never been a more affordable and easy entry into the sonic world of classic Waldorf Wavetable synthesis.

For the first time on 27 November 2025, at 8 p.m. CET, Waldorf Music will present its new wavetable synthesizer, the Protein, at a release event in Berlin.

This marks the first time the company introduces a product in this form factor, gathering its community, press representatives, and artists for a special evening. The event will start at 8 p.m., one hour before the official product launch, and will be open to Waldorf's friends and community members, free of charge, and with a complimentary free drink.

The evening will feature the introduction of the Protein by Waldorf Music's developer and CEO Rolf Wöhrmann, giving users, press and artists the opportunity to see and inquire about the instrument ahead of anyone else. The night will coninue with a performance from Berlin-based artist, Zavoloka, who will play the Protein in her 30-minute set.

Protein will be available through Waldorf Music’s growing global network of distributors (https://waldorfmusic.com/distributors/) at an introductory price of 329 EUR (including German VAT) until 31 December 2025 — rising thereafter to 379 EUR (including VAT).

For more information please visit: https://waldorfmusic.com/protein/






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