Waldorf has introduced the Crema, a polyphonic string and pad synthesizer that builds on the sound architecture of its Streichfett, while expanding into additional forms of digital synthesis.

The compact desktop instrument combines two engines: Texture, which brings together string-machine tones, wavetables, and FM sounds, and Lines, an eight-voice virtual-analog synthesizer.

A dual-effects section, dedicated shimmer reverb, and a control for introducing subtle sonic variations provide further options for creating layered pads, sustained strings, and more conventional synthesizer sounds.

Features:

• The Texture engine combines classic string-machine sounds with wavetable and FM synthesis. Its 24 sound types span the character of the Streichfett string section, digital wavetable textures, and FM tones, providing several approaches to building sustained sounds and layered pads within a single engine.
• The string section draws on the Streichfett architecture and includes orchestral-style string and ensemble timbres. Waldorf’s Streichfett Ensemble processing can be applied to the sounds, connecting Crema’s new synthesis options with the layered character associated with traditional string machines.
• The Lines engine is an eight-voice polyphonic virtual-analog synthesizer. It uses two detunable oscillators with sawtooth or pulse waveforms and includes modulation options such as vibrato, stereo tremolo, and pulse-width modulation. This engine provides a different sonic approach from Texture, covering synth leads, basses, and other sounds that benefit from more conventional oscillator-based synthesis.
• Crema includes a Flavour control that introduces subtle variations in pitch and waveform position. This provides a way to add movement and variation to sustained sounds and repeated parts without having to adjust multiple parameters individually.
• The effects section contains two processors with serial and parallel routing options. Available effects include chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, drive, delay, and reverb, alongside a dedicated shimmer reverb. These processing options can be used to add modulation, saturation, spatial depth, or extended high-frequency textures to strings and pads.
• Waldorf includes more than 130 factory sounds created by sound designers including Christian Kleine and LimbicBits. The instrument provides 360 preset slots, and the company’s Chutney Librarian application can be used to organize, store, and transfer sounds between Crema and a computer.
• The instrument measures approximately 252 × 170 × 48 mm, including its controls, and weighs 0.9 kg. Its compact desktop design makes it suitable for setups where a full-size keyboard synthesizer would take up too much space.
• Crema is powered via USB-C and provides MIDI over USB, along with mini-TRS MIDI input and output connections. Stereo audio outputs and a headphone connection provide monitoring and integration with external equipment.
• The instrument also supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) and can receive MIDI control for its two engines on separate channels.

Pricing & Availability:

The Waldorf Crema is available now, priced at €345.45.