Waldorf Crema Compact Polyphonic String And Pad Synthesizer

Waldorf Crema is a compact polyphonic string and pad synthesiser that reimagines the classic string machine for modern players. Taking the much-loved Streichfett sound and fusing it with wavetable, FM and virtual analogue synthesis, it delivers everything from lush vintage ensembles to evolving cinematic textures in a portable, performance-ready box.

With two independent sound engines, a deep effects section and hands-on controls, Crema makes it easy to build huge layered pads, shimmering strings and animated soundscapes that move and breathe. Whether you are scoring, producing electronic music or adding width and warmth to a live rig, Crema gives you instant inspiration with a sound that feels familiar yet completely fresh.

Part of Waldorf’s compact line alongside Protein, Crema is designed to travel. USB-C power and MIDI, mini TRS MIDI and stereo outputs keep your setup clean, while over 130 factory presets and 360 total slots mean your favourite sounds are always to hand. Every knob invites you to tweak, and every patch feels like a new discovery.

Texture and Lines Sound Engines

At the heart of Crema are two polyphonic engines: Texture and Lines. Texture blends the legendary Streichfett string tone with 17 Waldorf wavetables and 6 FM types, all processed through the classic Streichfett Ensemble for instant width and movement. Lines adds a polyphonic virtual analogue synth with two detunable oscillators, vibrato, PWM and stereo tremolo, perfect for warm pads and animated chords. Use them individually or together to create layered sounds that are rich, deep and full of character.

Organic Movement with Flavour, Arp and Sequencer

Crema is built for sounds that evolve. The Flavour control introduces subtle pitch and waveform variations, giving your patches an organic, slightly imperfect feel that recalls vintage hardware. An onboard arpeggiator and step sequencer, complete with external clock sync, let you turn simple chords into rhythmic patterns and pulsing textures that lock tightly to your track or live setup.

Powerful Dual Effects and Flexible Routing

A dual effects section with nine different processors, including chorus, flanger, phaser, delay and reverb, plus a dedicated Shimmer reverb, lets you finish your sound inside the box. Serial or parallel routing options mean you can keep things subtle and spacious or go full-on cinematic and washed out. It is all designed to keep you in the creative flow without needing extra outboard.

Compact, Connected and Ready to Play

Despite its deep engine, Crema remains compact and easy to integrate. USB-C handles both power and MIDI, while mini TRS MIDI in and out, stereo audio outputs and a headphone output keep it flexible in the studio or on stage. Independent MIDI channels for each engine make it simple to control Texture and Lines from different controllers or sequencer tracks, and the free Chutney Librarian app makes managing your 360 presets quick and painless.

• Dual Polyphonic Engines: Texture and Lines - Run the classic-inspired Texture engine alongside the virtual analogue Lines engine to build layered pads and strings with real depth. Each engine has its own character, giving you a wide palette from one compact instrument.
• Texture Engine with Streichfett, Wavetable and FM - Combine Streichfett strings, 17 Waldorf wavetables and 6 FM types, all through the lush Streichfett Ensemble. This lets you move effortlessly from vintage string machine tones to modern, harmonically rich textures that evolve over time.
• Lines Virtual Analogue with Stereo Modulation - Two detunable saw or pulse oscillators, vibrato, pulse width modulation and stereo tremolo give Lines a classic poly synth feel. It is ideal for warm chords, shimmering pads and motion-filled parts that sit beautifully in a mix.
• Deep Effects and Preset Management - Nine onboard effects, including a dedicated Shimmer reverb, plus serial or parallel routing, mean you can sculpt finished sounds without extra gear. Over 130 factory presets and 360 total slots, managed via the free Chutney Librarian app, keep your favourite patches organised and ready to recall.

Sound Engines

• Two polyphonic sound engines: Texture and Lines
• Texture engine: 24 sound types
• Texture content: Streichfett strings, 17 Waldorf wavetables, 6 FM types
• Texture processing: Streichfett Ensemble
• Lines engine: Polyphonic virtual analogue synthesis
• Lines oscillators: Two detunable oscillators (Saw / Pulse)
• Lines modulation: Vibrato, pulse width modulation (PWM), stereo tremolo
• Flavour control for subtle pitch and waveform variation

Performance and Sequencing

• Arpeggiator with external clock synchronisation
• Step sequencer with external clock synchronisation
• Independent MIDI channels for Texture and Lines engines

Effects

• Dual effects section
• Nine effects including chorus, flanger, phaser, delay and reverb
• Dedicated Shimmer reverb
• Serial or parallel effects routing

Presets

• Over 130 factory presets
• 360 total preset slots
• Preset management via free Chutney Librarian app

Connectivity

• USB-C for power and MIDI
• Mini TRS MIDI In
• Mini TRS MIDI Out
• Stereo audio outputs
• Headphone output

Physical

• Dimensions: 252 × 170 × 48 mm
• Weight: 0.9 kg