Having introduced Iridium Desktop as a high-quality 16-voice synthesizer in a compact desktop form factor, Waldorf is proud to take the concept further by announcing availability of its Iridium Keyboard counterpart — radically redesigning its namesake around an all-new 49-key FATAR TP/8SK semi-weighted polyphonic aftertouch keyboard.

Alongside this fantastically expressive new keyboard action, Iridium Keyboard offers an expanded front panel with one-knob-per-function control as a workflow-raising result of this high-class synthesizer’s palpable physical makeover, also allowing for six freely programmable Macro buttons with which users can define functions from a wide range of features for additional performance control.

The all-new FATAR TP/8SK keyboard features polyphonic aftertouch and three contacts per key for new levels of response and playability. Best of all, tremendous tonal changes flow freely when playing the Iridium Keyboard live since polyphonic aftertouch is transmitted individually for each note played. Performers can conceivably play and hold down any number of keys simultaneously, subsequently moving each finger individually. In other words, individual keys are affected by the pressure applied by each finger, thereby creating, for instance, individual data streams for modulation purposes, whereas with monophonic (Channel) aftertouch all notes played will respond in the same way.

With a powerful Modulation Matrix offering 40 independent modulation assignments, each with individual settings for Source, Amount, and Destination, Iridium Keyboard brings tremendous modulation options, of course — just like its Iridium desktop synthesizer namesake. Notably, Iridium Keyboard is also capable of processing MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) data, duly making multiple parameters of different notes separately controllable to effectively enable it to behave more like an acoustic instrument in terms of spontaneous, polyphonic sound control.

The one-knob-per-function control approach afforded by its expanded front panel along with its industrial-grade highly responsive touchscreen display provide all the hands-on control and visual feedback you need to create incredible sound.