NAMM: Waldorf Debuts "Analog Plug-In" for Mac/PC

AFB16 (Click for a close-up)

Rot Analog Filter Step Sequencer Plug-In (Click for a close-up)

The AFB16 is the first "analog plug-in" for your computer, and is a totally unique innovation from Waldorf-Music AG. Combining the sound of Waldorf analog technology with the flexibility of a digital musical computer system, the Waldorf AFB16 can be seamlessly integrated into the computer-based production environment of the modern studio.

Over the last few years, the computer has established a dominant position as the central element of music production and virtually every music studio in the world is now based around a computer. However, many users still seek the warmth and inimitable sound character of analog components for their otherwise all-digital production environments - this is where the Waldorf AFB16 Analog Filter Bank provides the ultimate solution.

The AFB16 places 16 high-quality analog filters (featuring self oscillation and analog overdrive) directly into a digital audio workstation's signal path using the widely available USB 2.0 interface. This enables real-time analog processing of audio signals or the use as a filter component to change the sound color for virtual instruments. After connecting the AFB16 to the computer using a standard USB cable, the AFB16 automatically integrates itself into the digital production environment and 16 real analog filters will be available inside all compatible host systems. Full dynamic control of the filters is achieved inside the host system and plug-ins.

The Waldorf Rot Analog Filter Step Sequencer is the first AFB16 plug-in, and is included with the AFB16. Rot (German for "red") is a pattern based step sequencer that is capable of producing tempo-synchronized filter patterns for cutoff and resonance. AFB16-compatible versions of the Waldorf PPG Wave 2.V and Waldorf D-Pole plug-ins are already in development.

Waldorf will also provide a free Software Development Kit to all interested 3rd party companies that permits an easy made adjustment of the AFB16 to all current production tools.

AFB16 Specifications:

• Analog filter - 16 analog discrete lowpass filter with self oscillation and overdrivable VCA, 12/24 dB per octave
• Connection - USB 2.0, power cable
• LED - 16 filter status LED + 1 USB activity LED + 1 power LED
• Housing - 19"/2 RU rackmountable
• Design - Silver brushed aluminium with countersinked rubyred acrylic glass
• System Requirements - PC: WinXP/2000, min. P3 500 MHz with min. 128MB RAM, USB 2.0 Mac: OS9.x/OS X, min. 128 MB RAM, USB 2.0 (PCI card)
• Software - Any application or plug-in with AFB16 support Plug-ins - Waldorf Rot Analog Filter Step Sequencer, more Instruments/Plug-ins are in development

Specifications are subject to change.