Step into the world of classic Waldorf wavetable sound with Protein, a compact, performance-ready synthesizer built for musicians who want vintage character without vintage constraints. Its 8-voice polyphonic engine is powered by the original Microwave 1 ASIC architecture, delivering the same gritty, aliased digital tone that defined early Waldorf instruments. With a flexible 4-layer design, you can stack voices for massive textures, split sounds across MIDI zones or craft evolving multi-part patches that feel far bigger than the synth’s footprint. A hands-on interface packed with dedicated knobs encourages immediate sound shaping, while the lightweight, USB-powered form factor makes Protein easy to take anywhere creativity strikes. It matters because it unlocks the timeless Microwave sound—now paired with modern modulation, effects and workflow—in an instrument that fits seamlessly into any desk, stage or travel setup.
Authentic Microwave Wavetable Tone With ASIC-Based Oscillators
Protein’s sound starts with the same ASIC-based dual oscillators found in the original Microwave 1, running internally at the classic 250kHz sample rate to capture the true behavior of that early digital engine. This isn’t an emulation layered on top of modern code—it’s a faithful recreation of the original architecture, complete with the 8-bit quantization, aliasing, DAC coloration and digital noise that gave those instruments their unmistakable edge. Every wavetable from the Microwave library is here in bit-accurate form, including the algorithmic and speech sets that defined its personality. The result is a tone that feels gritty, lively and imperfect in all the best ways—full of the quirky digital artifacts and expressive irregularities that producers have chased for decades.
4-Layer Polyphonic Architecture for Sound Design Depth
With its flexible 4-layer engine, Protein transforms a simple 8-voice synthesizer into a surprisingly massive sound-design platform. Voices can be stacked into multi-layered patches for thick, animated timbres, cycled in round-robin mode for evolving variations or split across MIDI channels for true multi-timbral control. The Load Layer feature makes experimentation effortless by letting you pull layers from any preset in the library and recombine them instantly—turning familiar sounds into entirely new creations in seconds. This approach delivers deep, evolving textures without the usual programming complexity, enabling pads, atmospheres and hybrid tones that feel far bigger than the synth’s footprint.
Modulation, Flavor Control and Expression Tools
A generous modulation toolkit gives this compact instrument surprising expressive range. Each layer provides three envelopes, two LFOs with tempo sync and sample-and-hold and an eight-slot modulation matrix for detailed shaping and motion. Poly-aftertouch support brings further nuance by responding to individual finger pressure, allowing timbre, pitch or modulation depth to shift per note. The distinctive Flavor knob adds a final layer of personality, introducing anything from gentle drift to controlled digital chaos—letting you decide how polished or unpredictable your sound should be. Small adjustments often spark new directions, encouraging playful exploration.
Performance Tools, Presets and Effects for Immediate Creation
Creative momentum stays high thanks to an integrated arpeggiator, 32-step sequencer, and chord and scale modes that make musical ideas flow quickly. Two onboard effects slots round out the sound with reverb, delay, drive, modulation effects, EQ and compression, giving you a complete production chain without reaching for additional plug-ins or outboard. Over 100 factory presets showcase the synth’s range and storage for 250 total patches ensures room to grow. Category filtering and SysEx import/export keep your library organized, making it easy to find inspiration fast or build out a personalized sound collection.
Compact Hands-On Hardware Built for Portable Creativity
A sturdy metal faceplate and lightweight chassis make this synth ready for travel as well as studio use. The front panel is packed with dedicated knobs, delivering a tactile workflow that favors immediate shaping over menu diving, and encouraging sound design that feels physical and intuitive. At just two pounds, it slips easily into a backpack or messenger bag, while USB-C bus power lets you run it from a laptop, power bank or hub with no external adapter. Integration with broader setups is simple thanks to stereo outputs, a headphone jack, USB MIDI and DIN MIDI via the included adapters, ensuring compatibility with both vintage gear and modern production environments.