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Waldorf XTk 30

Waldorf XTk 30 front view

In 1997 Waldorf Electronics released a DSP based version of the Waldorf microWave called microWave II. A year later they introduced the microWave II/XT: a bigger and orange version of the MW II with additional knobs and a built in delay FX. And in 1999 the keyboard version of this extended MW II/XT was released.
A Fatar keybed with 4 octave of keys with velocity and aftertouch control and a nice panel with 43 encoders and a volume pot to be used. Two thumb wheels for pitchbend and modulation on the left of the keyboard. Wooden ends and a bright orange metal housing.
Inside you find more or less all original microWave wavetable features plus additional features like two filters, some special filter modes like FM and sine-shapers and a built in chorus and delay. A wide modulation matrix offereing all the virtual patch chords to get nice abstract FX or sound noodles.

Waldorf XTk 30 booting

The XTk is a 10 voice synth like the MW II. With a special DSP board you got 20 additional voices to get a 30 voice version of the rack version MW II/XT or the MW II/XTk.
You can use a multimode for multitimbral keysplits or or layers. And 30 voices will give you much fun without causing voice stealing when changing from one to another chord of layered pad sounds.

The MW II in the original, XT and XTk versions got a different, less harsh character as the original microWave. You can get real complex digital sounds, but also nice pads. The obvious built in analog bass emphasing on the output is adding a nice character. I really like the lush pads you can do with it as much as nice FX or atmospheric sound textures. But a typical snappy original microWave bass is not available.

Waldorf XTk 30 back view

Some funny words on the back (lower line in english):
"A word to the wise: This device is home to terrifyingly complex clutter of digital microelectronics, which, even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, pose a great danger to all the rest of your gear, not to mention your earthly existence. Ergo, we implore you to expose this device to neither moisture nor dust and dirt, and particularly, to avoid the interior of the device like you would the plague. We'll even go as far - in your best interest of course - to void the warranty should you fail to comply. Incidentally - you look somewhat bewildered...""
The last sentence is in a nearly 3/4 circle from normal writing direction.

Germany Version in the top line:
"Achtung: In diesem Gehäuse tummeln sich erschreckende Auswüchse digitaler Mikroelektronik, die selbst für den versierten Heimwerker eine nicht zu unterschätzende Gefährdung seiner sämtlichen Gerätschaften inclusive seines irdischen Daseins darstellen. Wir bitten Sie daher inständig, das Gerät weder Feuchtigkeit, noch Schmutz oder Schmodder auszusetzen und speziell das Innere des Geräts strikt zu meiden. Wir gehen - in Ihrem ureigenen Interesse - sogar so weit, sämtliche Garantieansprüche bei Zuwiderhandlung zu negieren. Wenn Sie jedoch dem Drang, das Gehäuse trotz dieser Warnung zu öffnen, nachweislich widerstanden haben, schicken wir Ihnen mit größter Freude eine große Tüete Gummibärchen. Übrigens - Sie schauen ganz verdreht...""

Waldorf XTk 30 Before I put new Waldorf Q like knobs onto the XTk30