MicroQ

Back in 2000, this compact powerhouse distilled the legendary Waldorf Q's virtual analog magic into a desk-friendly module—or keyboard version with 37 full-sized keys—making pro-level wavetable synthesis accessible without breaking the bank.

At its core, it packs three oscillators per voice (pulse, saw, triangle, sine, plus wavetables with 128 positions and sub-oscillators), sync and FM capabilities, and dual filters (24dB or 12dB low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, notch, comb with positive/negative feedback) that can run serial or parallel, even with distortion and FM. A 16x modulation matrix, three LFOs (tempo-syncable up to audio rates), and one envelope drive the sound, while 25 voices dynamically allocate for more polyphony on simpler patches. Controls center on a 2x20 LCD, red alpha dial, seven endless encoders, four instrument buttons for quick preset switching, and utility buttons—menu-diving required, but it gets intuitive fast. It offers 300 singles, 100 multis, 20 drum maps, a clever arpeggiator, 16-part multitimbrality, six individual audio outs plus stereo input, and effects like chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, delay, or vocoder (two per program, up to five in multi). Housed in a rugged all-metal blue (or Phoenix Edition) chassis, it's built to last.

Over two decades on, players love its lush pads, punchy basses, and versatile leads straight from the presets, praising the dense, unpredictable tones that rival bigger synths. Some note the interface feels dated with its deep menus, but a quick manual skim unlocks the flow, keeping it a go-to for hands-on virtual analog wizardry.