FIND.　SHAPE.　PLAY.

ELZ_1 core is a compact synthesizer module designed to bring the ELZ_1 sound into the gear you already use - keyboards, MIDI controllers, DAWs, and live rigs.

Rather than asking you to rebuild your setup around a new instrument, ELZ_1 core adds a new sonic direction to what is already there. It puts the character and depth of ELZ_1 into a form that is easy to place, connect, and play.

FIND.

GET TO THE SOUND FASTER.

Patch Tag and a redesigned patch browser let you search by the kind of sound you need, instead of remembering where it lives. Choose from sound categories and get to the right patch with less friction.

Keep your go-to patches in Favorite, then assign the ones you need now to Shortcut for instant recall. Whether you are building a track or moving through a live set, less searching means more momentum.

SHAPE.

MAKE THE SOUND MOVE.

Three Performance Macros turn detailed sound design into immediate performance control.

Each Macro can control up to three parameters at once - across oscillators, filters, effects, and more - so a single move can reshape the character of a patch in real time.

The redesigned Edit UI keeps deeper programming close at hand, while the Macros make the result playable the moment inspiration hits.

PLAY.

PLAY IT YOUR WAY.

Connect a compatible USB MIDI controller directly to ELZ_1 core via USB HOST. Supported controllers can also receive bus power directly from ELZ_1 core, keeping the setup simple and computer-free.

Use the keys or controller you already know as the interface to ELZ_1. ELZ_1 core's dedicated TRIG function also lets you trigger chords or drum sounds from the unit itself when you want to get an idea moving without an external keyboard.

THE ELZ_1 SOUND. (Key Features)

ELZ_1 core brings the ELZ_1 sound architecture into a compact module, with 18 synth engines and up to three layers spanning wavetable, FM, granular, physical modeling, and more—plus 49 diverse effects and extensive sound-design features.

WAVE TABLE

256-waveform wavetable synth engine.

SUPER OSC

Super synth engine with 5 detunable sub-oscillators.

ZTRINGS

Physical Modelling Strings engine.

SiGRINDER

Granular synthesizer engine.

DNA EXPLORER

Extract and generate waveform DNA from audio.

MASKED NOISE

Noise oscillator.

SAND FLUTE

Extract and generate tone from noise.

8BIT WAVE MEMORY

Editing your own waveform.

8BIT WAV MEMORY (MORPH)

Morphing 3 waveforms.

8BIT WAV MEMORY (FM MODE)

2 operators, 8bit FM mode.

8BIT WAV MEMORY (WARP)

Crossfades two waveforms into an intermediate waveform.

8BIT WAV MEMORY (ADSAR)

Waveforms change according to envelope.

8BIT WAV MEMORY (TIME)

3 waveforms change in the orders.

LOW-BIT OSC

2 - 8 bit variable low-bit oscillator.

STANDARD OSC

32-bit floating-point processing high resolution oscillator.

CUSTOM OSC

Choose 2 waveforms / period of cycles.

FM SYNTH

4-op, 31-algorithm FM with 32-bit floating-point processing.

STK DRUMMER

5 types of drum kits.
(SmplTrek .stk file compatible)

18 Distinctive Synth Engines

Up to 3 Oscillator Layers

DISTORTION

INSERT

OVER DRIVE

INSERT

FUZZ

INSERT

CHORUS

INSERT

FLANGER

INSERT

PHASER

INSERT

RING MUDULATOR

INSERT

TREMOLO

INSERT

VIBRATO

INSERT

CRUSHER

INSERT

4 POLE FILTER

INSERT

FORMANT

INSERT

TRIM FILTER

INSERT

ISOLATOR

INSERT

AUTO WAH

INSERT

RACK COMP

INSERT

STEREO CHORUS

EFX I

AUTO PAN

EFX I

AUTO WAH

EFX I

FLANGER

EFX I

PHASER

EFX I

RING MODULATOR

EFX I

TREMOLO

EFX I

VIBRATO

EFX I

DELAY

EFX II

PINGPONG DELAY

EFX II

REVERSE DELAY

EFX II

TAPE ECHO

EFX II

GRAIN FX

EFX II

GRAIN PARTICLE

EFX II

GRAIN PAD

EFX II

GRAIN SHIFT DOWN

EFX II

GRAIN UNCERTAIN

EFX II

REVERB

EFX II

VINYL

MASTER

CASSETTE TAPE

MASTER

ROOM

MASTER

HALL

MASTER

ARENA

MASTER

TUNNEL

MASTER

PLATE

MASTER

INFINITY

MASTER

CUSTOM REVERB

MASTER

MIRAGE

MASTER

AMBIENT ROOM

MASTER

AMBIENT HALL

MASTER

AMBIENT INFINITY

MASTER

MASTER COMP

MASTER

CRUSHER

MASTER

49 Versatile Effects

4-Module Effect Architecture

Quick Patch Access with Tag, Favorite & Shortcut

3 Performance Macros with Up to 3 Parameters Each

16 Built-In Waldorf Wavetables & Serum Wavetable Import

256 Performance-Ready Presets with Macros

128-Step Sequencer with 128 Patterns

Connect & Power USB MIDI Devices Directly 

FREE Waldorf Edition 2 LE Coupon Included

FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

What is the difference between ELZ_1 core and ELZ_1 play?

ELZ_1 core brings the ELZ_1 sound architecture into a compact module, with the same 18 synth engines as ELZ_1 play but without the keyboard, looper, and Sync In/Out. Instead, it adds a dedicated USB port for USB MIDI keyboards and controllers, with bus power for easy plug-and-play use.

Can ELZ_1 core be used as a standalone synthesizer?

Yes. ELZ_1 core can be played directly from a MIDI keyboard or controller via USB or 5-pin MIDI, without a computer. It also includes a built-in 128-step sequencer for creating and playing back phrases.

Can I use ELZ_1 core with a DAW?

Yes. ELZ_1 core connects directly to a computer via USB-C and supports both USB MIDI and 2-in/2-out USB audio at 48 kHz/16-bit, making it easy to integrate with your DAW for music production and recording.

Can ELZ_1 core import Serum wavetables?

Yes. ELZ_1 core supports Serum wavetable import, allowing you to expand its wavetable library with your own compatible wavetables. It also includes 16 built-in Waldorf wavetables from the legendary PPG and Microwave.

What types of synthesis does ELZ_1 core support?

ELZ_1 core features 18 distinctive synth engines covering a wide range of synthesis methods, including wavetable, FM, granular, physical modeling, low-bit, noise-based synthesis, and more. Up to three oscillator layers can be combined in a single sound for extensive sound design possibilities.

How can I use the 49 different effects on ELZ_1 core?

ELZ_1 core offers a diverse range of effects, from essential effects to granular effects and even a cassette tape simulator. You can assign them to four effect modules—INSERT, EFX I, EFX II, and MASTER—and use up to four effects simultaneously.
EFX II or MASTER can also be used as a send effect for external audio input.

Specifications

Hardware and I/O

Display

2.4-inch full-color LCD

Knobs

5 rotary encoders

Buttons

25 full-color LED buttons

Side Panels

Solid walnut

I/O

INPUT
3.5mm stereo mini input

OUTPUT
2 x 1/4-inch phone line outputs
3.5mm stereo mini headphone output

MIDI

5-pin DIN MIDI input
5-pin DIN MIDI output

USB

Type-C
USB Audio: USB 2.0, 48kHz/16bit, 2-in/2-out
USB MIDI
Mass Storage Class

Type-A
USB MIDI Host (bus power for connected devices)

Power

DC9V AC adapter (Included)

External Storage Card

32GB standard size (Included)

Dimensions (W x D x H)

234 x 103 x 57 mm
9.21 × 4.06 × 2.24 inches

Weight

0.97 kg
2.14 lbs

Software Features

Synthesizer

18 oscillator types
- WAVE TABLE oscillator: 16 built-in Waldorf wavetables from the legendary PPG and Microwave, Serum wavetables import support

Up to 3 oscillators per sound
Up to 20-voice polyphony (depending on oscillator type)
9 filter / EQ types
4 envelope types
12 arpeggiator modes

512 sound memories, including 256 presets
Patch Tag, Favorite & Shortcut functions
3 Performance Macros, up to 3 parameters each

Effects

49 effect types
4-Module Effect Architecture
- INSERT, EFX I, EFX II, MASTER

Sequencer

Up to 128 steps per pattern — Single track
128 patterns
Step & real-time recording
Non-quantized recording with MicroTiming REC

Accessories

32GB external storage card (incl. preset wavetables)
AC adapter
Quick Reference Guide / Warranty
 *USB and other connection cables sold separately

Disclaimer: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.

All specifications and/or appearance are subject to change without notice.