The German synth maker has completely redesigned its iconic drum synth with expanded synthesis, advanced modulation, per-sound effects and a scalable interface built for modern production.
Twenty-five years is a long time in music technology, but Waldorf Music has been patient. The company’s Attack percussion synthesiser was first launched in 2001 as a virtual analogue drum machine that prioritised synthesis over samples. Now, after a quarter-century, Attack 3 arrives with a complete overhaul that maintains that philosophy whilst adding the features producers have been requesting since the original.
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Built around an expanded virtual analogue synthesis engine, Attack 3 delivers everything from punchy kicks to melodic percussion through pure synthesis, with optional samples capturing classic 1980s analogue drum machines and 1990s electronic club sounds. The focus remains on creating unique percussion from scratch rather than relying on sample playback, though sampling capabilities have been significantly expanded for those who need them.
The most immediately obvious change is the completely redesigned, scalable interface that adapts to any screen size. Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples and MIDI mappings keep navigation streamlined, whilst enhanced MIDI Learn now allows users to define minimum and maximum parameter ranges for more expressive performance control.
Synthesis improvements run deep. Oscillators now feature accurate phase control for synthetic waveforms, alongside powerful sample playback options that include user samples, velocity mapping, round-robin playback and flexible start positions. The filter section gains new 24dB filters, positive and negative comb filters, sample-rate reduction, and six new drive types – Clip, Transistor, Diode, Crunch, Pickup and Overdrive.
Each sound now features two advanced envelopes with multi-stage ADBDSR mode and adjustable curves. For the first time, all envelope times and levels are fully modulatable, opening possibilities for dynamic, evolving percussion textures. Two fully featured LFOs per sound add classic waveforms, sample-and-hold, noise and tempo sync, with adjustable start phase, bipolar/unipolar modes, plus delay and fade controls.
The instrument effects section has grown into a sound-design tool, delivering 24 individual sounds per kit, with 12 sounds playable polyphonically as pitched instruments. Each sound gets its own insert effects, whilst six output busses provide additional processing. Per sound, a dedicated compressor and EQ pair with a selectable effect from Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Drive, Phaser or Flanger. Each output bus adds its own compressor, EQ and three additional effects.
Attack 3 is available now, and existing Waldorf Edition 2 owners can access upgrade pricing through their myWaldorf account.
Learn more at Waldorf Music, and head here for local enquiries.
