Waldorf – Attack 3 v3.0.0 for WiN

Attack is back. And it’s stronger than ever

We proudly present Attack 3, a new version of one of Waldorf Music’s most iconic and enduring instruments. A true classic reborn, Attack 3 redefines what a modern drum synthesizer can be. At its core is a powerful analog-style synthesizer that produces 24 individual sounds for each drum kit, with 12 sounds capable of being played polyphonically as fixed-pitch instruments. From powerful strikes to melodic percussion, Attack 3 is designed to create rhythms that will move both hearts and ears.

Attack 3 embodies the inimitable spirit of the legendary analog drum machines of the 1980s and the driving electronic club sounds of the 1990s , boldly bringing them into modern productions. It’s a future-ready instrument designed to shape the drum sound of the next decade.

Every sound is alive

Every parameter can be adjusted in real time and fully automated in your DAW, allowing for experimentation and expressiveness. Despite its advanced sampling capabilities, Attack remains true to its philosophy: pure synthesis, first and foremost, allowing you to create unique percussion sounds from scratch.

New design for faster drum creation

With a completely redesigned, scalable interface and a greatly expanded synthesis engine, Attack 3 proves that after more than 25 years it remains an essential tool for producers who need complete control over their drums.

The new user interface easily adapts to any screen size, and the improved MIDI Learn feature lets you set minimum and maximum parameter ranges for expressive playing. Dedicated browsers for kits, sounds, samples , and MIDI mappings will keep you entertained.

Advanced sample playback capabilities

The oscillator section has been enhanced for absolute precision. It now includes precise phase control for synth signals and powerful sample playback capabilities, including user samples, with velocity mapping, loop playback, and flexible start positions. Attack 3 is suitable for both those who demand surgical precision and those who prefer organic variation.

New filters, various operating modes

The filter section has been expanded with new features, including filters with 24 dB attenuation, positive and negative comb filters, and a downsampling function. A wide range of new operating modes— Clip, Transistor, Diode, Crash, Pickup, and Overdrive—imbue the sound with distinctive expressiveness and character exactly where it’s needed.

Each sound now features two advanced envelopes with a modern, multi-stage ADBDSR mode and customizable curves, delivering the highest precision and realism. For the first time, all envelope parameters are fully modulated, opening up the possibility of creating dynamic, fluid percussive textures.

Creative movement, constant development

Attack 3 also adds two fully functional low-frequency oscillators for each sound, featuring classic waveforms, sample-and-hold functionality, a noise generator, and tempo sync. Customize the movement with adjustable initial phase or free-running mode, bipolar or unipolar modes, and delay and decay controls for perfect modulation.

Modulation has reached a new level. With expanded routing options and a vast list of modulation sources, including multiple random generation modes, Attack 3 offers numerous opportunities for experimentation and encourages creativity with constantly changing rhythms.

Full control, maximum effect

The effects section has become a true sound design hub. Each of the 24 sounds has its own built-in effects, and six output buses provide additional processing. Each sound has a dedicated compressor and EQ, as well as a freely selectable effect: chorus, delay, reverb, drive, phaser, or flanger. Each output bus has its own compressor, EQ, and three additional effects, allowing you to add studio-quality depth and quality to the entire instrument suite.