The Q has some good features and is capable of some great sounds but if you are expecting instant gratification and a good work horse I wouldn't recommend buying this synth.

In my opinion the Q is good for sweepy digital FM sounds. Play these sounds while tweaking the knobs or with the arpeggiator and you are in heaven.

BUT- it is important to note this is not virtual analog heaven.

I have yet been able to achieve thick warms tones which I could remotely consider analog with my Q.

The preset patches aren't really that practical for writting music. Sometimes when I switch through the patches of my Q it reminds me of a DX-7 and a JV-880 but with a slight bit more power.

Once you get inside the Q and start tweaking, this is when the instrument comes to life. However, getting it to breath takes a substantial amount of time. Another thing, DON'T expect instant results when twisting a knob on the Q! To get the sounds you want may take time! And in some cases the sound may not even be possible.

The low end of the Q is very weak. It simply doesn't have the punch and that classic "balls to the wall tone" which can cut through a mix. To me the bass on this synth sounds hollow. You can try to change this by adding a comb filter or a little distortion but I am afriad the hollowness may be inescapable.

If you are looking for tight, punchy, analog sounds such as pads or bass I don't recomend this synth. I first suggest checking out the Virus or the Nordlead. The Q is cool. But it is not worth the current price tag.

If you are looking for a unique yet very digital sounding synth which will add that special sparkle to your songs, this may be the ticket for you!

NOTE: The good thing about Waldorf synths is new features are added and bugs are ironed out with ever O.S release. Perhaps the overall sound of the Q might be solidified in the next O.S. update.

Tested: Waldorf Yellow Q os 2.01.

Reviewed by: Drake Fallings

Looking at things from a musical perspective.