Waldorf Music revamps Attack percussion synthesizer

Two decades after its debut, a refreshed drum machine just stormed back with deeper modulation, heavier effects, and a price that undercuts its former self by half.

Attack 3 relaunch details

• Waldorf Music rolled out Attack 3 as its 2001 follow-up.
• The instrument keeps its percussion-first identity intact.
• Virtual analog synthesis drives its core engine.
• Optional samples echo 1980s drum machines and 1990s club sounds.

Interface and control overhaul

• Attack 3 ships with a fully resizable new interface.
• The updated engine expands its synthesis depth.
• Enhanced MIDI Learn sets custom parameter ranges.
• Dedicated browsers sort kits, samples, and MIDI maps.

Sound engine refinements

• Oscillators gained tighter phase accuracy and sample playback tricks.
• User samples support velocity layers and round robin cycling.
• Filters add 24 dB options and comb variations.
• Drive modes range from Clip to Overdrive flavors.

Modulation and envelopes

• Each sound carries two multi-stage ADBDSR envelopes.
• Envelope times and levels can be modulated freely.
• Two LFOs per sound offer tempo sync and noise shapes.
• Expanded routing adds multiple random modulation sources.

Effects and kit structure

• Every kit hosts 24 sounds with insert effects.
• Twelve sounds can be played polyphonically as instruments.
• Each channel includes its own compressor and EQ.
• Six output busses stack extra processing layers.

Pricing and upgrade path

• Attack 3 launches at 49 EUR before rising to 99 EUR.
• Waldorf Edition 2 owners can upgrade for 29 EUR.
• Waldorf Edition 2 LE users get a 39 EUR upgrade option.
• Intro pricing runs until 22 February 2026.