Waldorf Protein

Protein - Authentic Wavetable Power in a Compact Form

Protein is a compact and affordable 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer built around original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators, enhanced with modern features inspired by Waldorf’s Iridium lineage. It blends classic digital character with contemporary sound design tools in a portable new format.

With its small footprint (252 × 170 × 48 mm) and light weight of just 0.9 kg, Protein delivers serious sonic depth wherever you go, marking the start of a new Waldorf product line.

Sound Engine

Explore evolving wavetables with envelope and velocity modulation, faithful 8-bit character, and authentic aliasing. Shape tones using modeled CEM analogue filters with cutoff, resonance, dirt options, and flexible modulation. Pitch control includes scales, chords, and smooth glide behavior.

Layers & Modulation

Up to 4 layers across 8 voices allow stacked, round-robin, split, or multitimbral setups. The Load Layer feature lets you recombine layers from presets instantly. Three envelopes, two tempo-sync LFOs, an 8-slot modulation matrix, poly-aftertouch, and MPE support provide deep control.

Effects & Performance

Two effect slots offer reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor, and more. Performance tools include an advanced arpeggiator, 32-step sequencer, chord and scale modes, MIDI CC learn, and MPE compatibility.

Presets & Connectivity

Protein ships with over 150 factory presets and stores up to 250 patches, with easy import/export via MIDI SysEx. Connectivity includes stereo audio outputs, headphone out, DIN and mini-TRS MIDI, USB-C for power and MIDI, plus USB firmware updates.

Key Specifications
8-voice polyphony, up to 4 layers
Two Microwave ASIC-based oscillators per voice
250 kHz internal sampling rate
Faithful Microwave 1 wavetable set
USB-powered (power supply not included)

Included
Waldorf Protein Synthesizer
2× MIDI mini-TRS to DIN adapters
USB-C to USB-C cable
Quick Start Guide