Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin V2: 32 Voices & Arpeggiators

Waldorf Music has officially unveiled Version 2.0 of its Microwave 1 Plugin, a faithful software recreation of the company’s seminal 1989 hardware synthesizer. This significant update introduces several enhancements designed to expand the instrument’s sonic capabilities and performance features. Most notably, the plugin’s polyphony has been dramatically increased from eight voices to 32, achieved through the emulation of additional voice cards. This mirrors the expandable architecture of the original hardware, ensuring that the instrument retains its characteristic micro timing and tuning variations between voices, thus preserving its unique movement and character.

Enhanced Polyphony and Voice Allocation

The core of the Version 2 update lies in its expanded voice count. By emulating the additional voice cards of the original hardware, the Microwave 1 Plugin now offers 32 voices of polyphony. This substantial increase allows for richer, more complex soundscapes and chords than previously possible. Furthermore, Waldorf has introduced two new voice-allocation modes: Round Robin and Random Robin. These modes cycle or randomize which voices sound on successive notes, respectively. Consequently, producers gain greater control over the subtle nuances of their compositions, ensuring dynamic and evolving textures within their tracks.

Integrated Arpeggiators and New Effects

Beyond polyphony, Version 2 brings advanced performance tools to the forefront. Each instrument part within the plugin now features its own polyphonic arpeggiator, enabling intricate melodic and rhythmic patterns specific to individual sounds. In addition, a separate global arpeggiator is included, capable of overseeing the full multi-setup with its own set of round robin modes. Moreover, a brand-new multi-effect delay has been integrated. This sophisticated effect moves beyond simple repeats by placing filtering, tremolo, diffusion, and pitch shifting directly within the delay line. As a result, users can achieve modulated and pitched delay textures, pushing the sound into more experimental and atmospheric territories.

Workflow Improvements for All Users

Alongside the paid upgrade to Version 2, Waldorf is also releasing a free 1.3.0 update for all existing Microwave 1 Plugin owners. This update focuses on crucial workflow enhancements rather than sound alterations. It includes a redesigned preset browser featuring favorites, search functionality, and direct loading into instrument parts. Furthermore, users will benefit from multi-level undo and redo for parameter edits, along with the ability to simultaneously edit multiple instrument parts. The update also provides a new preset bank crafted by mixer, engineer, and producer Chuck Zwicky. It is important to note that Version 2 encompasses all these 1.3.0 features, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade experience for new and existing users alike. The plugin continues to target producers seeking the distinctive digital wavetable character of late-1980s Waldorf and PPG hardware, now with significantly enhanced capabilities for multitimbral and generative sound design.

Features

• Software recreation of the 1989 Waldorf Microwave wavetable synthesizer.
• Polyphony raised from 8 to 32 voices via emulated additional voice cards, retaining per-voice timing and tuning variation.
• Round Robin and Random Robin voice-allocation modes.
• Polyphonic arpeggiator on each instrument part.
• Global arpeggiator with round robin modes.
• Delay effect with filter, tremolo, diffusion, and pitch shifting.
• Internal synthesis at 250 kHz, independent of DAW sample rate.
• Free 1.3.0 update for all owners: redesigned preset browser, multi-level undo/redo, multi-part editing, and a Chuck Zwicky preset bank.

Price
Intro: 99.00 € (incl. VAT) until July 5, 2026
Regular: 149.00 € (incl. VAT)
Upgrade Intro: 29.00 € (incl. VAT) until July 5, 2026
Upgrade Regular: 49.00 € (incl. VAT)

More info: Waldorf Music | Microwave 1 Plugin V2.0