{"id":7870,"date":"2026-02-25T15:00:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/?p=7870"},"modified":"2026-02-26T11:22:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T11:22:06","slug":"waldorf-wave-16-voice-shadow-black-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/waldorf-wave-16-voice-shadow-black-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Waldorf Wave \u2013 16-Voice \u2013 Shadow Black Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Professionally Serviced, Rare Shadow Edition Example in Very Good Condition<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Overview<\/b><\/p>\n<p>We are delighted to present this <b>Waldorf Wave \u2013 16-Voice Shadow Black Edition<\/b>, a magnificent example of Waldorf\u2019s flagship hybrid wavetable polysynth and one of the most ambitious electronic instruments ever produced.<\/p>\n<p>Representing the culmination of the PPG\/Waldorf lineage, the Wave combined deep digital synthesis with true analogue filtering to create a sound that remains as inspiring today as when it first appeared in 1993. Its vast, hands-on interface and powerful modulation system made it a studio centrepiece for artists seeking uncompromising creative depth.<\/p>\n<p>Equally prized by <b>musicians, producers, collectors, and investors<\/b>, the Wave endures as both a remarkable creative instrument and a testament to early-1990s German engineering excellence.<\/p>\n<p>This Shadow Black Edition example, configured with 16 voices, is offered through the <b>RL Music Brokering Service<\/b>on behalf of a long-term UK owner and is one of only a small number of these special-finish units ever built.<\/p>\n<p><b>Condition<\/b><\/p>\n<p>This Waldorf Wave is presented in <b>very good overall condition<\/b>, graded <b>8.5\/10<\/b> under <b>RL Music\u2019s in-house professional evaluation system<\/b>, applied to all collector-grade instruments to ensure transparency and confidence for discerning buyers.<\/p>\n<p>There are some light signs of age-related wear visible in areas of the panel finish, entirely consistent with a 30-year-old instrument, but nothing that detracts from its inspiring presentation or function. The control surface, display, and hardware all perform exactly as intended, and the instrument remains <b>very visually impressive<\/b> \u2014 clearly well cared for and maintained throughout its life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"970\"><strong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"401\">1. Keybed and Key Discolouration<\/strong><br data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"404\" \/>The key surfaces exhibit an ivory discolouration from age. We believe the Wave employs the Fatar TP\/8S keybed. All keys operate perfectly and there is no functional issue, but for buyers who prefer a brighter appearance, there are potential cosmetic restoration options \u2014 either through careful whitening treatment or replacement of the key-tops. Both routes would involve some effort and cost and are entirely optional, as the instrument performs flawlessly. If you are interested in exploring these cosmetic possibilities, please contact us prior to purchase.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"1264\"><strong data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"997\">2. Display Brightness<\/strong><br data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1000\" \/>The back-lit LED display functions perfectly with no segment loss, but its fixed brightness level is relatively low. There is no user adjustment for display intensity, so the Wave is best viewed in a softly lit environment for comfortable editing and navigation.<\/p>\n<p><b>Servicing &amp; Restoration<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The instrument was <b>evaluated and bench-tested by KSR in October 2025<\/b>, confirming full operational status ahead of sale.<br \/>\nFollowing purchase, a <b>comprehensive post-sale service<\/b> will be carried out by KSR, including PSU re-capping, power-conditioning, calibration, and other preventive maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.<\/p>\n<p>During recent maintenance, a <b>new set of front-panel struts<\/b> was fitted \u2014 a known improvement over the original design \u2014 providing greater stability and a fully adjustable playing angle.<\/p>\n<p>This post-sale service is included in the price, ensuring that the instrument leaves RL Music performing at its absolute best.<\/p>\n<p><b>Provenance<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Brokered on behalf of a UK client, this Wave has remained in the UK since 2009, when the current owner acquired it from another UK seller. It has spent the last sixteen years in a private home-studio environment and has been meticulously cared for throughout.<\/p>\n<p><b>Technical Overview<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Polyphony:<\/b> 16 voices (expandable to 48)<\/li>\n<li><b>Oscillators:<\/b> 2 digital wavetable oscillators + noise source per voice, with user-editable waves and FM-assisted UPAWs<\/li>\n<li><b>Filters\/VCAs:<\/b> Per-voice CEM3387 analogue section \u2014 24 dB\/oct low-pass + 12 dB\/oct high-pass (BP configuration possible)<\/li>\n<li><b>Modulation:<\/b> 2 LFOs + 4 multi-stage envelopes per voice for extensive modulation and wavescanning<\/li>\n<li><b>Multitimbrality:<\/b> Up to 8 parts simultaneously<\/li>\n<li><b>Operating System:<\/b> OS 1.8 \u2013 1.911<\/li>\n<li><b>I\/O:<\/b> Standard factory MIDI and audio configuration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These specifications confirm the Wave\u2019s position as one of the most flexible and sonically distinctive hybrid synthesizers ever made.<\/p>\n<p><b>Unique Features<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>HxC Floppy-Drive Emulator<\/b> \u2014 Installed in 2022, this modern SD-card-based replacement for the original 3.5\u2033 floppy mechanism preserves the Wave\u2019s appearance while vastly improving reliability. The supplied SD card includes multiple sound banks \u2014 notably the Drew Neumann set \u2014 and can be managed easily on any computer.<\/p>\n<p><b>Shadow Black Edition Finish<\/b> \u2014 Produced toward the end of Waldorf\u2019s manufacturing run circa 1995, the Shadow Edition features a rare anthracite-black finish applied to only a small number of hand-built units. Functionally identical to the standard model, this version\u2019s understated aesthetic underscores the Wave\u2019s industrial design elegance and makes it particularly desirable among enthusiasts of high-end hybrid synthesis.<\/p>\n<p><b>Accessories<\/b><\/p>\n<p>This Waldorf Wave is supplied with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b>a Brand new IEC Power-Cable (UK 3-pin plug type)<\/li>\n<li><b>SD card with sound banks for the HxC system<\/b><b><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Handy Links<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xFG1CZ6D53A?si=SIsu6DFDWv9bCJSw\">Waldorf Wave &#8211; YouTube Sounds (no talking)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundonsound.com\/reviews\/waldorf-wave\">Sound On Sound \u2013 Waldorf Wave Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/waldorf-wave_manual-1.pdf\">RL Music Archive \u2013 Waldorf Wave Owner\u2019s Manual (PDF Download)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Price &amp; Availability<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>\u00a316,990 GBP &#8211; This Wave is now SOLD &#8211; this listing was updated on 21st January 2026.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>As this is a <b>brokered sale<\/b>, no VAT is applicable to UK buyers. International buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes levied in their respective countries.<\/p>\n<p>The instrument will be supplied fully tested, carefully packaged, and prepared to <b>RL Music standards \u2014 meaning it has been professionally inspected, fully quality-controlled, and presented to the highest collector-grade specification to ensure authenticity, reliability, and buyer confidence.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Increasingly sought-after on the international market, examples of this calibre represent not only superb musical instruments but also sound long-term investments in analogue and hybrid synthesis heritage.<\/p>\n<p><b>Payment<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Due to the high value, we accept <b>bank transfer only<\/b> (UK Faster Payments \/ CHAPS or international wire).<br \/>\nFull payment details will be provided on the invoice.<\/p>\n<p><b>Packing &amp; Shipping<\/b><\/p>\n<p>We ship worldwide. Packing, shipping, and insurance are <b>not included<\/b> in the sale price and are <b>quoted upon request<\/b>.<br \/>\nOur standard practice is professional, export-grade packaging tailored to the instrument and fully insured for its sale value.<\/p>\n<p>UK buyers are welcome to collect from <b>Reading, Berkshire<\/b>, or we can arrange a <b>dedicated personal delivery within the UK<\/b> (subject to quotation).<br \/>\nWe are happy to tailor a logistics solution to your specific requirements.<\/p>\n<p><b>Warranty<\/b><\/p>\n<p>RL Music provides a full <b>3-month warranty<\/b> on this instrument, covering all labour and parts. Our warranty guarantees that the synth will arrive in excellent working order and perform exactly as described.<\/p>\n<p><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Few synthesizers combine ambition, design, and sonic depth quite like the <b>Waldorf Wave<\/b>.<br \/>\nThis Shadow Black Edition example pairs <b>very good condition<\/b>, <b>verified technical integrity<\/b>, and <b>documented servicing by KSR<\/b> \u2014 a rare opportunity for <b>musicians, producers, studios, collectors, and investors alike<\/b> to acquire one of the most remarkable hybrid instruments ever built.<\/p>\n<p><b>Pictures\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If you would like specific photographs \u2014 such as panel close-ups, internal boards, MIDI ports, or serial plates \u2014 please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-7870 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_01.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_01-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_02.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_02-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_03.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_03-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_04.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_05.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_05-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_06.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_07.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_07-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_08.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_08-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_09.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_09-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_10.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Waldorf_Wave_RB_10-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<a href='http:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/enquire\/' class='small-button smallred'><span>BUY THIS WAVE<\/span><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Professionally Serviced, Rare Shadow Edition Example in Very Good Condition Overview We are delighted to present this Waldorf Wave \u2013 16-Voice Shadow Black Edition, a magnificent example of Waldorf\u2019s flagship hybrid wavetable polysynth and one of the most ambitious electronic instruments ever produced. Representing the culmination of the PPG\/Waldorf lineage, the Wave combined deep digital [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7903,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,7],"tags":[241,126,239,141,240,242,104,22,243,179],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7870"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7870"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8146,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7870\/revisions\/8146"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rlmusic.co.uk\/rlm3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}