The Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin gets a big upgrade with loads of exciting new features, such as virtual voice cards and new multi modes. V1 gets an update, too!
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin V2
Waldorf has released the Microwave 1 Plugin V2. The new version of the software synth arrives with a whole host of new features – so many, in fact, that this is a paid upgrade instead of a simple update. That said, owners of V1 can look forward to an update, too – more on that in a second.
Of course, the Microwave 1 Plugin V2 still closely models the legendary hardware synth from the late ‘80s. That’s why Waldorf hasn’t tinkered with the basic sound design architecture. But the developer has found other ways to make the software synth a lot more versatile.
Back in the day, you could get an expansion board with eight additional voices for your Microwave. Waldorf has now integrated this feature into the plugin through virtual voice cards. You can activate up to four voice cards for up to 32 voices in total. Waldorf says that the plugin also emulates the subtle variations between voice cards.
More voices are always nice to have – especially in multi mode. That’s why Waldorf has added new features here, too, with new Round Robin and Random Robin modes. In Round Robin mode, the active multi instruments are triggered one after the other with each subsequent note. Random Robin mode is similar, but triggers the instruments in random order.
Moreover, the Microwave 1 Plugin V2 offers a polyphonic arpeggiator for each part. In addition, there’s a global arpeggiator with a Round Robin mode. And lastly, the new version includes a new Creative Delay effect with filter, tremolo, diffusion, and pitch shifting.
Free Update 1.3.0 for all Users
While V2 is a paid upgrade, owners of V1 can look forward to an update, as well. Among other things, version 1.3.0 includes a completely redesigned preset browser, new multi-level Undo and Redo functions for parameter editing, and a new feature that lets you edit multiple parts at once. The update is now available for free in your user account.
Price and Compatibility
The Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin V2 is now available from Thomann* for €99. Owners of the previous version can upgrade to V2 for €29.
The software synth runs on macOS 10.14 or higher and Windows 7 or higher in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. At the time of writing, it was unclear whether the iPad version would get the upgrade, too.
More Information
Waldorf Microwave 1 Becomes the Mean Green Machine: Free Update, New Feature
[11 July 2025 / Adam Douglas] There’s a new update for the Waldorf Microwave 1 plugin with a callback to the limited edition Mean Green Machine. It’s got a new feature too.
In 1994, Waldorf released the Mean Green Machine, a Nextel green edition of the Microwave limited to just 99 units. It even had cone-shaped metal feet. Intended as a mutation of the original, the Axel Hartman design was supposed to be wild and nonsensical, where, according to Waldorf, nothing was supposed to match, but in an intentional way.
Now, the unusual look is back with a new (and free!) update to the Microwave 1 plugin that reskins it in the original pea soup-green. There’s more than just a new coat of paint, though, as the update also contains a new patch randomizer called the Mutator.
The new update is free to existing users. To celebrate the release, Waldorf is selling Microwave 1 for €99 until July 22, when it will go back up to €149.
And, if you happen to own one of the original green Microwave units, send a video to Waldorf sharing your story, and they’ll give you the plugin for free. More details on the Waldorf site.
The Waldorf Microwave 1 plugin for Windows and macOS is available from Thomann*.
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin Now Available for iPad
[24 October 2024] The Waldorf Microwave 1 plugin is now also available for iPadOS! The iPad version of the ’90s classic is now on sale in the Apple App Store with an introductory discount.
Waldorf Microwave 1 for iPad
Waldorf released the PC and Mac versions of their iconic Microwave 1 a couple of months ago (see below). Now you can also use the software synth on your iPad for portable wavetable fun! The iPad version is compatible with external MIDI controllers and runs as an AUv3 plugin in iPadOS applications such as Logic for iPad, Cubasis 3, or AUM.
Waldorf Microwave 1 for iPad is now available in the Apple App Store with an introductory discount for $12.99. This offer expires on 03 November 2024; the regular price will be $24.99.
Waldorf Microwave 1
[22 August 2024] The Waldorf Microwave 1 plugin models the quirks of the original rackmount wavetable synth down to its DACs and digital noise.
In 1989, Waldorf released its first synth, the Microwave. A descendent of the PPG Wave series, Waldorf’s rackmount debut featured wavetables from the Wave 2.3, a custom integrated circuit – the Waldorf ASIC – co-developed with Wolfgang Palm, analog Curtis filter chips and unique 68k CPU-based controller software. All of this resulted in a characterful and much-loved digital/analog hybrid synthesizer.
Waldorf has been teasing a return of the Microwave for a few weeks now. While many were undoubtedly hoping for a hardware re-release, the company has instead gone the plugin route. The result is Microwave 1, which was “painstakingly recreated from the original hardware with all its distinctive features and singularities,” in the words of Waldorf.
Waldorf Microwave 1: Bring the (Digital) Noise
The result of many years of development, Microwave 1 features emulations of many aspects of the original hardware, including the ultra-high 250kHz sampling rate, 100% identically recreated digital waveforms and even the digital noise, “rebuilt with all its wonderful artifacts,” according to Waldorf.
Additional emulated characteristics include the digital-to-analog converters plus both Curtis filter chip variants used in revisions A and B of the original hardware. The plugin also lets you detune and recalibrate the analog components.
Waldorf Microwave 1: New GUI
While many loved the sound of the original Microwave hardware, few had favorable things to say about the interface. Restricted to a small LCD screen and single parameter adjustment knob, editing was a rather laborious process. Waldorf has addressed this on the plugin with a fully scalable modern interface that includes graphical representations of the wavetables, envelopes and filter response curves plus animations for modulation and playing positions.
Waldorf Microwave 1: Catch the Wave
Waldorf Microwave 1 features all of the original wavetables with their control structures plus the full original waveform catalogue. You can edit and create user wavetables as well as user waveforms. Waldorf has added randomization modes to assist in wavetable editing. There’s also a multi-mode page with a mixer.
Fans and owners of the hardware, take note. The plugin features all of the original factory single and multi-mode sounds, as well as new and modern sounds and presets. You can import original MIDI and Sys-Ex dump files and the plugin can even control the original hardware.
Price and Availability
Waldorf Microwave 1 is available now as VST, VST3, AU and AAX for macOS and Windows for an introductory price of €115 for 10 days, after which it will rise to an SRP of €149.
If you really want Microwave sounds in hardware form, there’s always the Waldorf M, which has classic Microwave and Microwave II wavetables plus a 24dB/Oct lowpass filter.
More Information
- Waldorf Microwave 1 product page
- All about Waldorf
- All about synthesizers
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