Hey! I can input on three of these synths, since I own all of em..
Waldorf.. is it bright orange? This is the Microwave XT.. I have one. My absolute favourite. Great pads, basses, and otherworldy sounds you won't get from other synths- very unique and personal. However, it doesn't excel at modeling an analogue or anything to that extent. But for nice clean sounds it's the BOMB. I dirty mine up with a rackmount SansAmp and an Electrix Filter Factory & EQ Killer. Amazing buy. (I've seen them at Guitar Center in Boston for US$500 recently)
Nord Lead- I have the version 1 model with the revision 2 ROM. My 'go to' synth for writing because it's so quick and painless, but it just doesn't have the depth of sound my other synths do. However, it sits in a mix incredibly well and is SO useful for thickening other sounds. It also takes effects extraordinarly well..especially distortions.
Access Virus C- I have the rackmount "Rack XL" Version. It's a C in a 1-space rack. This thing probably sounds the best out of all three synths, my only real complaints with the unit are 1) it can overwhelm a mix easily. 2) slight aliasing in the hi and low end on certain patches. With the new filters, however, the Virus has let me put aside any plans of buying a real analogue synth- the OS 6.5 Moog-modeled "analogue" filters sound incredibly, very thick and meaty. Beautiful synth.
All three are good, it all depends on your style(s) of music. I do a lot of jazzy, breaks type stuff, and some chill shit too, and my setup kicks for this.. I'm quite proud of it. (I also use the MPC 2kXL , event TR-8s, and a mac running logic)
ciao,
reppo
I'm in love wit a V-Dub engine