Waldorf Q Rack User manual

S Y N T H E S I Z E R
User´s Manual
for Q Keyboard and Q Rack

Foreword – Development
3 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the Waldorf Q, the Q Rack or maybe both units. You now own a
synthesizer featuring a wide range of unique sounds from analog to digital.
To ensure your instrument functions properly and enjoys a long life, please read and heed the
instructions in this manual.
Development
Software development: Jürgen Fornoff, Stefan Stenzel
Hardware development: Thomas Kircher
Design: Axel Hartmann
Housing: Frank Schneider
Factory Sound programming: Jürgen Fornoff, Wolfram Franke, Christian Halten, Uwe G.
Hoenig, Jörg Hüttner, Tommy Kircher, Dirk Krause, Hubertus
Maaß, Stefan Stenzel, Tsching, Eric Young
Manual: Oliver Rockstedt, Wolfram Franke, Holger "Tsching" Steinbrink
Head: Wolfgang Düren
Revision Date: July 2000
We would like to thank
Holger Bahr, Sigi Barishi, Steffi vom Berg, H.-P. “Bonni” Bonnenberg, Piera Caccia, Mike Caroll,
Philipp Dahlhausen, Birger Degen, Geoff Farr, Gunther Gräfe, Peter Grandl, Martin Herbst, Thilo
Kloft, Achim Lenzgen, Evi Mognol, Wolfgang Mörs, Cordula Müller, Dr. Georg Müller, Martin
Neideck, Drew Neumann, Marc Pulver, Alex Sauff, Holger "Tsching" Steinbrink, Beate Walkowiak,
Kurt “Lu” Wangard, Sabine Weiland, Hubertus “Hubi” Weller, Rocco Zodiac … and anyone we have
forgotten.
Waldorf Electronics is not liable if this manual contains erroneous information. The contents of this
manual may be updated at any time without prior notice. We made every effort to ensure the
information herein is accurate and that the manual contains no contradictory information. Waldorf
extends no guarantees in regard to this manual other than those required by local law.
This manual or any portion of it may not be reproduced in any form without the manufacturer's
express written consent.
Waldorf Electronics GmbH, Neustraße 12, D-53498 Waldorf, Germany

Control Features and Connections – Front Panel
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 4
Control Features and Connections
Front Panel
098765432
Tempo
Length
Range
Edit Power
On
One Shot
Hold
Cutoff
Velocity
Option
Start/Stop
Edit
Mix
EditEdit
Amp Mod
Source
Volume Velo
Cutoff Mod
Source
FM
Source
Type
Cutoff Resonance
Drive
Keytrack
PanMod
Source
PanEnv Velo
Filter Select
1
2
Attack
Level
Decay
Decay2
Sustain
Sustain2
Release
Mode
Filter
Amp
Env 3/4
Attack
Level
Decay
Decay2
Sustain
Sustain2
Release
Mode
Grab Control
Bank B
Step 9-16
Bank C
Step 17-24
Bank D
Step 25-32
Bank A
Step 1-8
Osc1
Balance
Osc2
Balance
Osc3
Balance
RingMod
Balance
Noise/Ext.
Balance
Edit
Octave Semi Detune FM Source Pulsewidth PWM Source
Octave Semi Detune FM Source Shape Pulsewidth PWM Source
Octave Semi Detune FM Source Shape Pulsewidth PWM Source
PitchMod Source
Glide Rate
Mode
Sync
Edit
Active
Shape
System
Volume
Speed DelayShape Sync
Speed DelayShape Sync
Speed DelayShape Sync
Edit
Pitchbend Modwheel
Utility
Undo
Compare
Recall
Store
Multimode
Play OK
Peek
1
Edit
Mix
SEQ
ENV
Tri Sine
Alt1
Alt2
Saw
Pulse
Shift
Global
Multi
Matrix
Xphorm
Sound
Inst. 2 Inst. 3 Inst. 4Inst. 1
Button 1 Button 2
1
S Y N T H E S I Z E R
Osc1
RingMod
Osc2
Right
Left
Noise/Ext.
Osc3
Mixer
Filter Pan
Pan
Amp
FX
Filter
1
2
33
2
Sound
Pattern
Multi
Tri Sine
Alt1
Alt2
Saw
Pulse
Tri Sine
Saw
Pulse
Pause Hold
1 1
2 2
ab c d ef gh i jk l
nm
Picture 1: Front Panel
aSystem Volume rotary. Controls the overall
volume.
bLFO Section. Contains all the knobs and buttons
associated with the LFOs.
cOscillators Section. Contains all the knobs and
buttons associated with the oscillators.
dMixer Section. Contains all the knobs and
buttons associated with the mixer.
eRouting Section. Contains the Filter Routing
Control.
fMaster Section with display, page dial, value
dials, Instrument Select and function buttons.
gEnvelopes, Sequencer and Program Select
Section. Contains all knobs and buttons
associated with the envelopes, the step
sequencer and program selection.
hFilter Section. Contains all knobs and buttons
associated with the filters.
iAmplifier Section. Contains all knobs associated
with the amplifier.
jFX Section. Contains all knobs and buttons
associated with the Effects.
kArpeggiator Section. Contains all knobs and
buttons associated with the arpeggiator.
lPower button with standby LED.
mKeyboard Section
nController Section with pitchbend wheel,
modulation wheel and two assignable buttons.

Control Features and Connections – Rear Panel
5 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Rear Panel
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user-
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Vorsicht! Gerät nicht öffnen. Gefahr eines Stromschlages. Servicear-
beiten nur von geschultem Fachpersonal durchführen lassen!
CAUTION
! !
This device complies to
the FCC rules part 15
In Thru OutLeft/Stereo Right/Mono Left/Stereo Right/Mono Left/Stereo Right/Mono Tip:1/ Ring:2Stereo12 Coaxial100…240VAC
max. 30VA
AB C D E F G I JKH
L
Picture 2: Rear Panel Q Keyboard
APower supply socket 100…240V AC
BControl Pedal / CV In jacks for connecting foot
controllers or analog control voltages (only Q
Keyboard)
CStereo External In jack for feeding external audio
signals into the Mixer section.
DMain Out jacks. Deliver a stereo line level
output signal for connection to a mixing desk or
amplifier.
ESub Out 1 jacks. Deliver a stereo line level
output signal for connection to a mixing desk or
amplifier.
FSub Out 2 jacks. Deliver a stereo line level
output signal for connection to a mixing desk or
amplifier.
GDigital Out jack. S/PDIF type coaxial output for
connection to a digital mixing desk, DAT
recorder or hard disk recording system. Signal is
similar to the Main Out jacks.
HSwitch Pedal jack (stereo) for connecting one or
two footswitch controllers.
IMIDI In jack. Used to receive MIDI data from an
external device.
JMIDI Thru jack. Echoes MIDI data received at
the MIDI In.
KMIDI Out jack. Used to transmit MIDI data to an
external device.
LCard slot. Holds a card of type Q-Card 256 or
higher (located at the front of the Q Rack)

Contents – Rear Panel
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 6
Contents
Foreword ..........................................................3
Development......................................................3
We would like to thank........................................3
Control Features and Connections....................4
Front Panel.........................................................4
Rear Panel..........................................................5
Contents...........................................................6
Introduction......................................................8
About this Manual...............................................8
Symbols.........................................................8
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters ....8
What to read? .....................................................8
If you are new to the whole issue .....................9
If you have experience with synthesizers...........9
If you are a synthesizer crack.........................11
General Safety Guidelines..................................13
Suitable Operating Conditions .......................13
Power Supply...............................................13
Operation....................................................13
Maintenance................................................13
Proper Use...................................................14
Setup and Connection.....................................15
Inventory..........................................................15
Setup ...............................................................15
Connections .....................................................15
Audio Connections............................................17
Digital S/PDIF Output........................................17
External Input....................................................18
Switch Pedal Inputs ...........................................18
Control Pedal/CV Inputs.....................................18
Overview.........................................................19
Memory Structure..............................................19
Memory Card....................................................20
Maintenance................................................20
Basic Operation..............................................21
Switching on.....................................................21
Switching off.....................................................21
Panic Function..................................................22
System Volume.................................................22
Demo Playback.................................................22
The Master Section............................................23
Selecting Programs............................................23
Selecting Programs with the Page Dial............24
Selecting Programs with the Number Buttons ..24
Bank Hold ...................................................25
Switching Banks ...........................................26
Selecting Programs on Memory Cards.............26
Instruments and Sounds .....................................27
Switching between Instruments to change Sounds
...................................................................27
Creating Sound Layers with Instruments..........27
Replacing Sounds in Layers ...........................28
Editing Sounds in Layers................................28
Deactivating Sound Layers.............................28
Editing Parameters.............................................28
Edit Buffers...................................................28
Editing Panel Parameters ...............................29
Editing Alternative Panel Parameters...............30
Control and Button Types..............................30
Editing Display Menu Parameters...................31
Viewing Parameter Values without Change – Peek
...................................................................32
Comparing Edited Programs with Stored Programs
...................................................................32
Recalling Edited Programs .............................33
Storing Programs ..........................................33
Multi Mode......................................................35
Selecting an Instrument for editing ......................35
Basic Instrument settings ...................................36
MIDI and Status Settings.....................................37
Tuning .............................................................38
Velocity Range..................................................38
Keyboard Range................................................39
Sequencer Pattern .............................................39
Multi Parameters...............................................39
Step Sequencer...............................................41
Editing Sequence Patterns ..................................41
Activating the Step Sequencer Controls...........41
Step Selection ..............................................41
Deselecting all Steps.....................................42
Programming Notes or Chords .......................42
Programming a Pause....................................42
Holding Notes over More Than One Step........42
Limiting the Audible Range of the Sequence to
One Bank ....................................................43
Changing Modulation Signal Values for Selected
Steps ...........................................................43
Changing Modulation Signal Values for All Steps
At Once.......................................................44
Sequencer Panel Controls ..................................44
Sequencer Rotaries............................................45
Sequencer Edit Menu.........................................45
Sound Parameters ..........................................49
Overview of Functions.......................................49
The Tempo.......................................................50

Contents – Rear Panel
7 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Modulation Speed Levels ...................................51
FM (Frequency Modulation)...........................51
Fast Modulation............................................51
Standard Modulation ....................................53
Xphorm – Interpolating between two sounds........55
Xphorm Edit Menu........................................57
Triggering of Voices...........................................57
Sound Edit Menu..........................................57
Oscillators........................................................59
Oscillator Shapes..........................................59
Oscillators Panel Controls .............................65
Oscillators Edit Menu....................................71
Glide ...............................................................72
Mixer...............................................................72
Mixer Panel Controls ....................................73
Mixer Edit Menu...........................................75
Routing ............................................................76
Filter................................................................77
Selecting and Editing Filters ...........................78
Filter Panel Controls......................................79
Filter Edit Menu............................................81
Filter Types.......................................................82
Bypass.........................................................82
24dB Low Pass and 12dB Low Pass................82
24dB Band Pass and 12dB Band Pass..............82
24dB High Pass and 12dB High Pass ..............83
24dB Notch and 12dB Notch.........................83
Comb+ and Comb-.......................................84
Amplifier..........................................................87
Amplifier Edit Menu......................................88
Effects ..............................................................89
Effect Panel Controls.....................................89
FX1 and FX2 Edit Menus ...............................89
Bypass.........................................................90
Chorus ........................................................90
Flanger........................................................90
Phaser .........................................................91
Delay ..........................................................92
Overdrive ....................................................93
Five FX........................................................94
Vocoder ......................................................95
Arpeggiator.......................................................98
Arpeggiator Panel Controls ............................98
Arpeggiator Edit Menu ..................................99
Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step Data..................103
Envelopes.......................................................106
Envelope Panel Controls..............................106
ADSR Envelope..........................................107
ADS1DS2R Envelope..................................108
One Shot ...................................................109
Loop S1S2 .................................................110
Loop All ....................................................111
Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs).....................112
Low Frequency Oscillator Panel Controls......112
LFO Edit Menu...........................................113
Modulation Matrix ..........................................114
Matrix Edit Menu........................................114
Modifier Matrix...............................................115
Matrix Edit Menu........................................115
Drum Map......................................................118
Drum Map Sound Menu..............................118
Global Parameters ........................................ 120
Global Menu..............................................120
Utility Menu ...................................................129
MIDI Control.................................................. 131
Channel Based MIDI Messages.........................131
Program Change Messages ..........................131
Note On and Note Off Messages..................131
Aftertouch Messages ...................................131
Poly Pressure Messages ...............................131
Pitchbend Messages....................................131
Modulation Wheel......................................132
Breath Control Messages .............................132
Foot Controller Messages.............................132
Channel Volume Messages..........................132
Pan Messages.............................................132
Sustain Pedal Messages ...............................132
Sostenuto Pedal Messages ...........................132
Footswitches ..............................................132
Pedals .......................................................132
All Notes Off Message.................................133
All Sound Off Message................................133
Reset All Controllers Message ......................133
Influencing / Editing Sounds over MIDI..............133
Controllers as Modulation Sources ...............133
Changing Sound Parameters with Controllers 133
Changing Sound Parameters with System
Exclusive Data............................................133
System Exclusive Data Transmission..................134
Sending System Exclusive Data ....................134
Receiving System Exclusive Data..................135
Other Functions............................................ 136
Updating the System Software......................136
Tips & Tricks..............................................138
Appendix ......................................................139
Technical Data ...............................................139
Glossary.........................................................140
Controller Numbers.........................................144
MIDI Implementation Chart..............................148
CE Declaration................................................149

Introduction – About this Manual
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 8
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual was written to help you become familiar with the Waldorf Q and Q Rack. It will also
help experienced users with routine tasks.
Since this manual is valid for the keyboard- as well as the rack-version, we will seperately point out
the particular differences. Hence we will talk only of the Q within the manual. To avoid confusion,
the terminology in this manual is based on the Q parameter names. You will find a glossary at the end
of the manual; it explains the various terms used herein.
We also used a uniform set of symbols to alert you to topics of particular interest or significance.
Important terms are highlighted in bold letters.
Symbols
mCaution – The comments that follow this symbol will help you avoid errors and malfunctions.
☞Instruction – Follow these guidelines to execute a desired function.
wInfo – Additional information on a given topic.
.Example – Real-world examples to try out.
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters
All of the Q’s buttons, controls and parameters are highlighted in bold letters throughout the manual.
Example:
•Press the Play button.
Also, each section and the main control elements have position no. a…nwhich refer to the pictures
at the beginning of this manual. The connectors on the rear panel are referenced by position no.
A…L. We suggest you make a copy of this page to have it at hand when necessary.
The Q’s diverse modes and parameter pages are illustrated in a depiction of the display:
Inst:1 Sound:A001
Q-rious WMF
A continuous parameter’s value range is indicated from low to high with the two values shown in
italic letters, separated by three dots. Example:
Semi -12…+12
What to read?
The biggest problem with any manual is to find a way to cover the needs of an absolute expert and a
beginner. There are people who read a manual from front to back while others don’t even touch it.
The latter is the worst choice, especially when the manual describes a Waldorf instrument. To make
sure that everyone finds the information he needs to work with the Q, we assembled the following
chapters that tell you which sections you at least should read.

Introduction – What to read?
9 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
If you are new to the whole issue
Is this your first or second synthesizer? Then you should first read the whole manual once. You don’t
need to do that while you’re exploring the Q, you can also read it as you would read a good book.
But read it. You don’t need to understand everything but after you’ve read the manual, you know
where to find a particular topic. Then it’s time to go deep into the Q and when you’re stuck, you will
find the answer quickly and easily.
Furthermore, we recommend getting a good book explaining synthesizers and sound synthesis in
general. This book might help you when you don’t understand a certain term that is used in the
manual. The appendix of the Q manual contains a Glossary but it is possible that you want or need
even deeper explanation. A good book explaining analog sound synthesis is published by the German
publisher WIZOO and is called “Analog Sound Synthesis”. You can find further info about it and
other books covering similar topics on:
http://www.wizoo.com
If you have experience with synthesizers
Do you own a couple of synthesizers and edited some sounds on them to fit your needs? Then make
sure to read at least the following chapters:
Section Chapter Sub-Chapter
Introduction General Safety Guidelines all chapters
Setup and Connection Audio Connections
Digital S/PDIF Output
Switching off
Panic Function
Selecting Programs all chapters
Instruments and Sounds all chapters
Basic Operation
Editing Parameters all chapters
Multi Parameters all chaptersMulti Mode
Instrument Parameters all chapters
Step Sequencer all chapters

Introduction – What to read?
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 10
The Tempo
Clock
Modulation Speed Levels
Xphorm
Oscillators FM and FM Source
Wavetable Oscillators
Pulsewidth
PWM and PWM Source
PitchMod and PitchMod Source
Sync
Keytrack
Glide Mode
Mixer Balance
RingMod
Noise / Ext. Balance
N/E Select F1 / F2 Feed
Routing
Filter Selecting and Editing Filters
CutoffMod and CutoffMod Source
FM and FM Source
Drive
Env
Velo
Pan
PanMod and PanMod Source
Filter Types Notch
Comb + and Comb -
Amplifier Velo
AmpMod and AmpMod Source
Effects Introduction
Mix
Delay Tempo
Length
Deviation
Vocoder all Chapters
Arpeggiator Edit Menu all chapters
Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step
Data all chapters
Envelopes Mode
ADS1DS2R Envelope
One Shot Envelope
LoopS1S2 Envelope
Loop All Envelope
LFOs Sync
Delay
Keytrack
Fade
Clocked
Phase
Modulation Matrix all chapters
Sound Parameters
Modifier Matrix all chapters
Drum Map all chapters

Introduction – What to read?
11 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Global Parameters Global Menu Sysex Device ID
Clock
Controller Send
Input Gain
Channel Based MIDI
Messages Program Change Messages Poly Pressure Messages
Sostenuto Pedal Messages
Footswitches
Pedals
Influencing and Editing
Sounds over MIDI all chapters
MIDI Control
Other Functions Updating the System Software
Table 1: Suggested chapters for advanced users
If you are a synthesizer crack
Do you own a whole bunch of various synthesizers of all flavors, analog, digital, sample playback,
and know how to create and modify sounds, multis and other patch types on them? Do you already
own any Waldorf synthesizers so that you are familiar with their structure and some typical terms.
Then make sure to read at least the following chapters. They describe the unusual features and
functions of the Q.

Introduction –
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 12
Section Chapter Sub-Chapter
Introduction General Safety Guidelines Power Supply
Setup and Connection External Input
Switching off
Panic Function
Selecting Programs Sound Selection by Category
Instruments and Sounds all chapters
Basic Operation
Editing Parameters all chapters
Multi Parameters Ctrl W…ZMulti Mode
Instrument Parameters Selecting an Instrument for editing
MIDI and Status Settings
Step Sequencer all chapters
The Tempo
Clock
Modulation Speed Levels
Xphorm
Oscillators FM and FM Source
Wavetable Oscillators
Mixer Balance
Noise / Ext. Balance
N/E Select F1 / F2 Feed
Routing
Filter Selecting and Editing Filters
FM and FM Source
Pan
PanMod and PanMod Source
Filter Types Comb + and Comb -
Vocoder all chapters
Arpeggiator Edit Menu all chapters
Arpeggiator Edit Menu Step
Data all chapters
Envelopes Mode
ADS1DS2R Envelope
One Shot Envelope
LoopS1S2 Envelope
Loop All Envelope
LFOs Sync
Fade
Clocked
Phase
Modulation Matrix all chapters
Sound Parameters
Modifier Matrix all chapters
Global Parameters Global Menu Global MIDI Channel
Sysex Device ID
Clock
Controller Send
PrgChange
Input Gain
Table 2: Suggested chapters for synthesizer cracks

Introduction – General Safety Guidelines
13 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
General Safety Guidelines
mPlease read the following safety tips carefully! They include several precautions you should
always observe when dealing with electronic equipment. Read all of the instructions before
operating your device.
Suitable Operating Conditions
•Use the device in enclosed rooms only.
•Never use the device under damp conditions such as in bathrooms, washrooms or around
indoor swimming pools.
•Do not use the device in extremely dusty or dirty environments.
•Make sure that adequate ventilation is available at all sides of the device.
•Do not place the device near heat sources such as radiators.
•Do not expose the device to direct sunlight.
•Do not expose the device to extreme vibrations.
Power Supply
•The internal power supply of the Q has an automatic current switch. It can be connected
without any additional transformer to AC power outlets with currents from 100V to 240V
AC. If the available power outlet doesn’t provide this current, consult a qualified
technician.
•Never use a different power cable than the one that came with the Q.
•Never install a different plug. If the included cable is not equipped with a suitable plug for
your local sockets, take the Q and the cable to a qualified electrician.
•Unplug the device when you are not using it for longer periods.
•Never touch the plug with wet hands.
•Always pull the plug when unplugging the device, never the cable.
Operation
•Never place objects containing liquids on or near the device.
•Place the device on a stable base only. Use a suitable platform or rack.
•Make sure no foreign objects find their way into the chassis. If for some reason this should
occur, switch the power off, unplug the device and consult a qualified repair center.
•This device, used on its own or with amplifiers, speakers or headphones, can generate
volume levels that may do irreparable damage to your hearing. For this reason you should
keep the volume at tolerable levels.
Maintenance
•Do not open the device or remove the cover. Refer all service and repair tasks to qualified
personnel. The interior of the chassis contains no components that require user
maintenance.

Introduction – General Safety Guidelines
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 14
•Use only a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the device. Never use alcohol, cleaning
solutions or similar chemicals. They will damage the surface of the chassis.
Proper Use
This device is designed exclusively to produce low-frequency audio signals for the purpose of
generating sound. Any other use is prohibited and voids the warranty extended by Waldorf
Electronics GmbH. Waldorf Electronics GmbH is not liable for damages due to incorrect use.

Setup and Connection – Inventory
15 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Setup and Connection
Inventory
The Waldorf Q comes complete with:
•the Q or the Q Rack
•power supply cable
•this manual
Please ensure all the items above were included. If something is missing, contact your local dealer.
We recommend that you save the original packing material for future transport.
mMake sure you fill out the warranty card and send it to the appropriate distributor or the
address printed on the card. This is the only way we can keep you informed of updates and
upgrades. Other available services are listed on the warranty card.
Setup
Place the Q on a clean, even surface. If you choose to take the device on the road, we suggest
transporting it in a special keyboard case, which should be available from your dealer.
Connections
In order to get started with your Q you will need an AC power outlet, a mixing console, an amp and
an audio monitor such as a speaker cabinet. The Q Rack also needs to connect with a MIDI master
keyboard.
You can also use a computer or sequencer to make use of the Q’s MIDI features.

Setup and Connection – Connections
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 16
In Thru Out
MIDIMAIN OUT SUB OUT 1 SUB OUT 2 PEDALIN
Left/Stereo Right/Mono
D.OUT
Left/Stereo Right/Mono Left/Stereo Right/Mono
PEDAL / CV IN
Tip:1 / Ring:2Stereo12 Coaxial
Control Pedals
(only Q Keyboard)
Tip / Ground:
47k Ω Potentiometer
Ring: +5V
External In
from mixing desk or
audio source
Tip: Left Signal
Ring: Right Signal
Main Output
to mixing desk,
headphone or
amplifier
Left/Stereo:
Tip: Left Signal
Ring: Right Signal Digital Output
S/PDIF Format
Switch Pedals
Switch 1: Tip /
Ground
Switch 2: Ring /
Ground
MIDI Thru
to MIDI In of further
tone generators
Sub Output 1
to mixing desk or
amplifier
Left/Stereo:
Tip: Left Signal
Ring: Right Signal
Sub Output 2
to mixing desk or
amplifier
Left/Stereo:
Tip: Left Signal
Ring: Right Signal
MIDI Out
to MIDI In of a
Computer or tone
generator
MIDI In
from MIDI Out of a
Computer or other
MIDI Controller
Out In
Connections
☞To connect the devices:
1. Turn all units off.
2. Connect the Q’s main audio outputs Main Out Dto your mixing console. Optionally
connect the auxilliary audio outputs Sub Out 1 Eand Sub Out 2 Ftoo.
3. If you want to use a computer, connect your computers MIDI Out jack to the Q’s MIDI In
jack Iand the computers MIDI In jack to the Q’s MIDI Out jack K.
4. Connect the power supply cable that came with the Q with the Power Supply A jack.

Setup and Connection – Audio Connections
17 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
5. Plug the other side of the power supply cable into a suitable AC power outlet.
6. The Q should power up itself. If not, switch on the Q with the Power button l.
7. Then switch on the computer (if connected), the mixing console and finally the amplifier.
8. To play the Q Rack you need a MIDI master keyboard. Please connect the Q Rack´s MIDI
In jack Iwith the MIDI Out jack of the keyboard. Instead of this you can also connect
the Q rack to a MIDI computer system.
Audio Connections
The Q provides three analog stereo audio outputs that can be used individually. All outputs are
affected by the setting of the System Volume a control. If you choose to send only one mono or
stereo signal to your mixer, use the Main Out Djacks. You can connect each output stereophonically
or monophonically as follows:
☞To connect an output stereophonically with two mono cables:
•Connect the Left and Right jack with 1/4-inch mono plugs.
☞To connect an output stereophonically with one stereo cable:
•Only connect the Left/Stereo jack of the output with a 1/4-inch stereo plug. Don’t plug
any cable into the Right/Mono jack of the output pair.
☞To connect an output monophonically:
•Only connect the Right/Mono jack of the output pair with a 1/4 inch mono plug. Don’t
plug any cable into the Left/Stereo jack of the output pair.
☞To connect a headphone:
•Connect the headphone with the Left/Stereo jack of the Main Out D.
wIf you do not choose to connect a mixing console, you can patch the Q’s output signals directly
to an amp. Use an input usually called Aux or Tape input.
mBefore connecting and disconnecting the Q to a power supply source, turn your amp’s
volume control all the way down to avoid damage due to on/off switching noise.
The Q produces a high level output signal (see technical data). Please take care that the
connected playback device is suitable for the high level of an electronic instrument.
Never use the mic or phono input of the connected amp!
Digital S/PDIF Output
In addition to the 6 analog audio outputs, the Q is equipped with an S/PDIF type digital output G.
You can use this output to connect the Q to a digital mixing console or to record the sound signal on
a DAT machine or hard disk recording system. The signal on the digital out connector is always
identical to the Main Out jacks D.

Setup and Connection – External Input
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 18
External Input
The Q offers a stereo External In jack Cthat can be used to feed an external signal into the mixer
section. Therefore, the signal can be processed via the filters and the effects section in the same way
as the oscillators.
wAs the external signal is treated like any other sound source within the Q, it is necessary to
trigger the Amplifier Envelope to get the signal passed through. To do so, notes must be sent to
the Q’s sound generation, either by playing on the keyboard, receiving MIDI notes or via the
internal step sequencer or arpeggiator. Please read the chapter “External In” in the “Sound
Parameters” section for further info.
Switch Pedal Inputs
The Q features two inputs for switch pedals. These switch pedals can be of any type, you can i.e. use
foot switches, sustain pedals etc. It also doesn’t matter if the pedal or switch is open or closed in
either pressed or non-pressed state. You can adjust the behavior of each pedal separately in the
Global menu.
The Switch Pedal Jack Hon the Q is a stereophonic 1/4 inch phono jack. You can connect one
switch pedal to it with a monophonic 1/4 inch phono plug or two switches using a stereophonic plug.
If you do so, the plug has to be connected as follows:
•Footswitch 1 is connected to the tip and the ground.
•Footswitch 2 is connected to the ring and the ground.
You can use an adapter that routes a stereo 1/4 inch phono plug to two mono 1/4 inch phono jacks.
Control Pedal/CV Inputs (only Q Keyboard)
The Q features two inputs for control pedals or control voltages.
If a control pedal is used, a potentiometer of 47KOhms or higher is recommended. This covers almost
any type of control pedal on the market. It doesn’t matter in which direction the control pedal works,
this can be adjusted in the Global menu later.
If CV is used, make sure to match these specifications:
•Tip: CV in (internally connected to +5V by a 4K7 Resistor)
•Ring: internally connected to +5V by a 4K7 Resistor.
•Input Voltage Range: 0 to 5V
It doesn’t matter if the incoming CV is linear or logarithmic, this can be adjusted in the Global menu
as well as the initial offset and the overall gain.

Overview – Memory Structure
19 Waldorf Q User’s Manual
Overview
Memory Structure
The memory architecture of the Q is divided into three main sections as shown in the following
picture. All memory locations are freely programmable, so there is no separation into preset and user
programs.
SoundMulti
001
100
001
100
.
.
Bank C
Pattern
001
100
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Internal Memory
Sound Bank X…Multi Bank X…
001
010
.
.
.
Drum Map D…
Card Memory
001
100
001
020
.
.
.
Bank B
Bank A
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Picture 3: Memory Structure
•100 Multi programs (Multi 001…100)
A Multi program stores information about how up to 16 Sound programs sound at once.
•300 Sound programs (Sound A001…C100)
A Sound program stores information about the character of a sound.
•20 Drum Maps (Drum Map D001...D020)
•100 Pattern programs (Pattern 001…100)
A Pattern is used to store step sequencer information that can be used in a Sound or Multi
program.

Overview – Memory Card
Waldorf Q User’s Manual 20
Memory Card
You can expand the number of program locations by using a memory card of the type Q-Card 256 .
wIt is possible that there are cards with more memory available for the Q as technology moves
on. Please ask your Waldorf dealer or check our website for further infos.
Picture 4: Q-Card
☞To plug a Q-Card into your Q:
1. Make sure that you see the yellow arrow and that you can read the text “TOP”. The yellow
arrow points into the direction where the card is plugged into the card slot. The golden
contact plate has to be on the bottom side of the card.
2. Push the card carefully into the card slot Llocated on the rear of the Q Keyboard until
you feel that it can’t be moved further. You won’t hear a click, the card just stops moving.
The card slot at the Q Rack is located at the left side of the front panel. The text "TOP"
should point to the right side.
3. Now the card is ready to be used.
Maintenance
Although it is nearly impossible to destroy the Q-Card you should handle it with the same care as you
would do with a floppy disk. However, it might be that you have to clean the contact plate if the card
stopped working.
☞To clean a dirty contact plate:
1. Use a soft pencil eraser and wipe over the contact plate carefully until it looks shiny.
2. Check if the card works.
mNever use any other type of eraser than a pencil eraser. There are various erasers for ink or
charcoal that aren’t suited for this cleaning process. They might destroy or scratch the surface
of the contact plate.
wThe Q-Card is equipped with FLASH memory, the same type of memory that is used for the
internal memory of the Q. This means that you never need to replace a battery or to recharge
the card.