Waldorf Crema is a new compact string and pad synthesizer from the German synth maker, and it is built on the sound of the Waldorf Streichfett. Where Streichfett chased the analog string machines of the 1970s, Crema adds the digital pads of the 1980s and 1990s through wavetable and FM synthesis, then layers on dual effects and a dedicated Shimmer reverb. Waldorf calls it the finishing touch for every sound, and the pitch is simple: swelling strings, lush pads and evolving textures in one small desktop box.
Two engines, one sound
Crema is bi-timbral, with two engines that can play together.
- Texture. Strings, wavetables and FM in one engine, with 24 sound types that run from classic Streichfett strings to Waldorf wavetables and rich FM tones. You can morph between sounds, shape their movement and run the classic Streichfett Ensemble effect through any of them.
- Lines. An eight voice polyphonic virtual analog engine with two detunable oscillators, Pulse or Saw waveforms, and modulation including stereo tremolo, vibrato and PWM (pulse width modulation). Waldorf pitches it for punchy basses and expressive leads that add contrast to the pads.
Effects and the Flavour knob
Two effects processors can be routed in series or parallel, with chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, drive, delay and reverb on tap, plus a dedicated Shimmer reverb for big, floating soundscapes. A single Flavour knob adds small variations in pitch and wave position, which Waldorf describes as a little imperfection that brings warmth and organic movement.
Presets and librarian
Crema ships with over 130 factory sounds from sound designers including Christian Kleine and LimbicBits. There are 360 preset slots, and the free Chutney Librarian app stores, organizes and moves sounds between Crema and a computer.
Key specs
- Polyphonic, bi-timbral string and pad synthesizer
- Engines: Texture (strings, wavetable, FM) and Lines (8 voice virtual analog)
- Dual effects with serial or parallel routing, plus Shimmer reverb
- Over 130 factory sounds, 360 preset slots
- Power over USB-C
- MIDI over USB plus mini TRS MIDI in and out
- MPE support and separate MIDI channels for each engine
- Stereo audio outputs and a headphone output
- Size: 252 x 170 x 48 mm including controls
- Weight: 0.9 kg
One thing to know before you plan a laptop only setup: per the Crema FAQ, USB carries MIDI only, so audio comes out of the stereo or headphone outputs, not over USB.
Part of the compact family
Crema shares the form factor of the Waldorf Protein and joins it in Waldorf's compact line. If you like the original string machine sound in software, Waldorf also makes Streichfett as a plugin.
Where to get it
Crema is listed as in stock in the Waldorf web shop, and Waldorf also offers a Crema and Wavecase bundle for anyone who wants to take it on the road. Check the shop for current pricing in your region.
Building out a desk setup? See our looks at the Moog Model 112 and Model 210 synth amps, the Arturia MiniFreak 49 and the Behringer PolyEight.
