Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin
Waldorf Music · €99
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin is a software recreation of the classic Microwave hybrid wavetable synth, with V2 expanding polyphony to 32 voices.
A faithful Microwave 1 recreation that V2 finally makes session-friendly with 32-voice polyphony, arpeggiators, and modern workflow extras.
Best for: Producers who want authentic Waldorf hybrid wavetable grit and pads without hunting vintage hardware.
Pros
- Official recreation of the 1989 Microwave hybrid architecture
- V2 raises polyphony from 8 to 32 voices for modern arrangements
- Adds dual arpeggiators, delay, and Robin modes for playability
- Street price often under €100 during promos
Cons
- Not a general-purpose modern wavetable workstation like Serum 2 or Pigments
- Interface and workflow still feel hardware-era compared with 2020s synths
- Library depth is more focused than flagship hybrid competitors
Overview
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin is the software take on the 1989 Microwave: digital wavetable oscillators into analog-style filtering that defined a generation of hybrid pads, basses, and digital grit. The original plugin recreated the voice card character; Version 2 is the release that makes it practical in contemporary sessions by lifting polyphony from eight to thirty-two voices and adding arpeggiators, delay, and Robin modes.
It excels at the Microwave sweet spot—brittle yet warm wavetable motion, glassy bells, and evolving pads that do not sound like modern Serum-style supersaws. Official hardware recreation means the idiosyncrasies that made the box collectible are part of the product brief, not an afterthought. At promo pricing near €99 it is accessible for a named classic.
The limitations are intentional focus. This is not a multi-engine flagship with sample, granular, and spectral engines. Against Pigments 6 or Phase Plant it is narrower; against Serum 2 it is less of a visual sound-design classroom. The UI still communicates hardware heritage more than 2026 workflow fashion.
Choose Microwave 1 Plugin when you want that specific Waldorf hybrid color and enough voices for real arrangements. Choose Pigments or Serum when you need broader synthesis engines and modern modulation depth. Our Microwave V2 article covers the polyphony and arpeggiator upgrades in detail.
Specifications
- Instrument type
- Hybrid wavetable synthesizer recreation
- Version
- Microwave 1 Plugin V2
- Polyphony
- Up to 32 voices (V2; original plugin was 8)
- Price
- €99 promotional / €149 regular (confirm on Waldorf store)
- Formats
- VST3, AU, AAX (per Waldorf distribution)
- Heritage
- Based on the 1989 Waldorf Microwave hardware
Last verified 2026-07-16
FAQ
How much does Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin cost?
Waldorf has listed Version 2 around €99 on promo (regular €149). Confirm current pricing on the official Waldorf store.
What changed in Microwave 1 Plugin V2?
V2 multiplies polyphony to 32 voices and adds dual arpeggiators, a new delay, and Robin modes, making dense chords and patterns far more practical than the 8-voice original plugin.
Is this the same as PPG Wave or modern Waldorf Nave?
No. Microwave 1 Plugin targets the Microwave hybrid era specifically. PPG Wave and later Waldorf softsynths are different product lines.
Direct competitors
Waldorf Microwave 1 Plugin vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.