Fresh Attack from Waldorf

Waldorf Music has launched Attack 3, the next evolution of one of Waldorf Music’s iconic and longest-running instruments, originally launched in 2001. As a true classic reborn, Attack 3 redefines what a modern percussion synthesizer can be.

“A future-ready tool designed to shape the drum sounds of the next decade.”

From punchy kicks to melodic percussion, Attack 3 is Waldorf’s percussion synthesizer built for rhythm. Powered by an almighty virtual analogue synth sound generator and optional samples that capture the unmistakable classic sound of legendary 1980s analogue drum machines and the driving electronic club beats of the 1990s, Attack 3 propels this spirit boldly into today’s productions.

Every parameter can be tweaked in real time and fully automated in user’s DAW, inviting hands-on exploration and deep expression. While sampling capabilities have been expanded, Attack stays true to its philosophy: pure synthesis first, allowing to create unique percussion sounds from scratch.

What’s new?

1. Expanded User Interface

Attack 3 comes with a completely redesigned, scalable interface and a vastly expanded synthesis engine. The new user interface adapts effortlessly to any screen size, while enhanced MIDI Learn lets users define minimum and maximum parameter ranges for expressive performance.

Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples, and MIDI mappings keep inspiration flowing without interruption.

2. Refined Oscillators

The oscillator section has been refined for total precision, featuring accurate phase control for synthetic waveforms and powerful sample playback options, including user samples, velocity mapping, round-robin playback, and flexible start positions. Whether surgical accuracy or organic variation wanted, Attack 3 delivers.

3. Upgraded Filter & Drive

The filter section has been upgraded with new flavours, including 24 dB filters, positive and negative comb filters, and sample-rate reduction.

A rich selection of new drive types — Clip, Transistor, Diode, Crunch, Pickup, and Overdrive — adds grit, weight, and character exactly where needed.

4. Advanced Envelopes

Each sound now features two advanced envelopes with a modern multi-stage ADBDSR mode and adjustable curves, offering full precision and musical feel.

For the first time, all envelope times and levels are fully modulatable, opening the door to dynamic, evolving percussion textures.

5. New LFOs

Attack 3 also introduces two fully featured LFOs per sound, with classic waveforms, sample-and-hold, noise, and tempo sync. Users can fine-tune motion with adjustable start phase or free-running behaviour, bipolar or unipolar modes, plus delay and fade controls for perfectly shaped modulation.

6. Next-Level Modulation

With expanded routing options and an extensive list of modulation sources — including multiple random modes — Attack 3 invites experimentation and rewards creativity with constantly evolving rhythms.

7. New Instrument Effects

The effects section has grown into a true sound-design powerhouse, delivering 24 individual sounds per kit, with 12 sounds playable polyphonically as pitched instruments. Each of the 24 sounds now features its own insert effects, while six output busses provide additional processing. Per sound, a dedicated compressor and EQ are paired with a freely selectable effect from Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Drive, Phaser, or Flanger. Each output bus adds its own compressor, EQ, and three additional effects, allowing users to sculpt their entire kit with studio-grade depth and polish.

After more than 25 years, Attack 3 is back and proves that it remains the go-to tool for producers who want total control over their drums. It’s not just an update, it’s a statement: an ultimate instrument for producers who refuse to compromise when it comes to rhythm.

Attack 3 will be available at an introductory price of 49 EUR (including VAT) until 22 February 2026 — rising thereafter to 99 EUR (including VAT).

Existing owners of Waldorf Edition 2 (full version) can upgrade Attack 3 at an introductory price of 29 EUR (including VAT) until 22 February 2026 — rising thereafter to 49 EUR (including VAT).

Existing owners of Waldorf Edition 2 LE can upgrade Attack 3 at an introductory price of 39 EUR (including VAT) until 22 February 2026 — rising thereafter to 79 EUR (including VAT).

NOTE: Attack 3 comes as a separate plug-in, and the Attack version from WE2 remains unchanged. Users can find their upgrade offer by logging into their “myWaldorf” account and navigating to the “Upgrade Offers” section.