Attack 3 - Update from Waldorf Edition 2 percussion synth plugin interface

Attack 3 - Update from Waldorf Edition 2: Percussion Synthesizer by Waldorf

Attack 3 - Update from Waldorf Edition 2 is a percussion synthesizer plugin from Waldorf, built for creating kicks, percussion and melodic drum sounds. It is an upgrade path for owners of Waldorf Edition 2.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
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01Overview

Attack 3 - Update from Waldorf Edition 2 is the next version of Waldorf's Attack, a percussion synth first released in 2001. It is built around a virtual analogue synth sound generator and optional samples. The developer says it draws on the sound of 1980s analogue drum machines and 1990s electronic club beats. Every parameter can be adjusted in real time and automated in your DAW. The developer describes it as an upgrade for owners of Waldorf Edition 2.

Best for

  • Kick drum design
  • Percussion synthesis
  • Melodic percussion
  • Electronic drum kits
  • Club-style drum programming
  • Sample-based percussion
Developer
Waldorf
Category
Synths
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Redesigned, scalable UI with a vastly expanded synthesis engine
  • Virtual analogue synth generator with optional samples
  • New 24 dB filters with positive and negative comb filters
  • Six drive types: Clip, Transistor, Diode, Crunch, Pickup, Overdrive
  • Two multi-stage ADBDSR envelopes per sound with adjustable curves
  • Two LFOs per sound with tempo sync and sample-and-hold
  • 24 sounds per kit, 12 playable polyphonically
  • Six output busses, each with compressor, EQ and three effects
03In depth

Sound Design and Synthesis Engine

Attack 3 uses an expanded synthesis engine with refined oscillators that offer accurate phase control for synthetic waveforms. Sample playback options include user samples, velocity mapping, round-robin and flexible start positions.

The filter section adds new 24 dB filters along with positive and negative comb filters and sample-rate reduction. A range of drive types is included for added grit: Clip, Transistor, Diode, Crunch, Pickup and Overdrive.

Each sound has two envelopes with a multi-stage ADBDSR mode and adjustable curves. All envelope times and levels can be modulated, and two LFOs per sound offer classic waveforms, sample-and-hold, noise and tempo sync.

Kits, Routing and Output Processing

Each kit holds 24 sounds, with 12 playable polyphonically. Every sound includes insert effects, including a dedicated compressor and EQ, paired with one selectable effect from Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Drive, Phaser or Flanger.

There are six output busses. Each adds its own compressor, EQ and three additional effects, so you can shape a full kit's mix in one place.

Modulation routing has been expanded, with several random modes among the available modulation sources. Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples and MIDI mappings, plus enhanced MIDI Learn, help with organizing and mapping your work.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

DeveloperWaldorf
TypePlugin
CategorySynth
FormatsVST3, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Attack 3 support?

Attack 3 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What operating systems does Attack 3 run on?

Attack 3 runs on Windows and macOS. The Windows version requires Windows 10 or 11 on Intel or AMD processors. The macOS version requires macOS 10.14 or higher and supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Is Attack 3 an upgrade for existing users?

Yes. The developer describes this product as an upgrade path for owners of Waldorf Edition 2. Buyers without Edition 2 should use the standard Attack purchase path instead.

Can I automate parameters in Attack 3?

Yes. Waldorf says every parameter can be tweaked in real time and automated in your DAW.

07Developer

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