Waldorf WDF-RKT-1 Rocket Desktop Synthesizer

I'm no expert but I've had a few analog synths in the sub $500 category (Moog Minitaur, Korg Minilogue, DSI Mopho, DSI/Pioneer Toariz AS-1) and the Rocket is by far my favorite. Yes, the oscillators are digital but the signal path is analog and sounds are as fat, warm, smooth or biting as you like. I have to make sure I don't turn it on when I sit down to actually practice, otherwise I'll just end up tweaking and turning knobs all day. It has limitations to be sure (e.g. no attack control, limited LFOs) but amount of awesome sounds you can get out of this machine with little effort is incredible. The ability to play actual chords in unison mode is a big plus. And the boost switch gives you some solid overdrive. I'm still getting to know my Rocket but it's already a key part of my studio set up & live rig. If you're at all tempted, I say go for it. I've paired mine with an Arturia Keystep and it's a great match.

This synth is a great value, even for replacing a Moog, etc. Extremely versatile. Mobile. And doesn't sound cheap. It's a solid unit!

If you are serious about synthesis then this synth is probably not for you.If you are buying this synth for a child to mess around with then it is waaay overpriced!If you are buying this synth because you just want to add more sounds to your palette then the synth is waaay overpriced!It sounds very 1 dimensional.If this synth cost $99 I would have been pleased.It would have been a worthwhile purchase.

This synth is a joy to use and has a clever design that gives you a world of sounds with a minimum number of controls. I love that most dials have multiple functions and you can go from detuned saws to chords with one twist of the knob. Make sure to read the manual, there are a bunch of secrets you might not find, like the random generator.One of the reasons I wanted the rocket was the specific lack of presets, it makes you focus on designing your own material. It dropped right into my setup and I'm getting some really nice analog sounds from it routed through effects on my Virus TI.Get it!