Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $375

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the world of analog sound with the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer, a modern masterpiece that echoes the legendary heritage of its '90s predecessor. Crafted for both seasoned synth veterans and newcomers alike, this monophonic analog synthesizer offers a rich palette of tones that can transform any musical landscape. Equipped with three analog oscillators, the Pulse 2 delivers the kind of fat, aggressive sound that’s perfect for creating everything from deep basslines to soaring leads.

The Pulse 2 doesn’t just rest on its laurels; it expands the horizon with innovative features like Filter FM and Ring Modulation, as well as paraphonic modes that allow for 8-voice chords. Whether you’re exploring its 500 fully-editable presets or crafting original sounds, the intuitive modulation matrix and robust arpeggiator ensure endless creative possibilities. With MIDI and USB connectivity, integrating the Pulse 2 into your existing setup is seamless, while its sturdy metal case and user-friendly design make it a reliable companion for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Key Features:

  • Three analog oscillators with pulse width modulation and hard sync
  • Filter FM and Ring Modulation capabilities
  • Paraphonic modes for up to 8-voice chords
  • 500 fully-editable sound programs
  • 8-slot modulation matrix and powerful arpeggiator
  • USB and MIDI connectivity
  • Sturdy metal casing with a large LCD display
  • Stereo line and headphone outputs
  • Backward-compatible with the original Pulse series

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Pulse 2 Analog Synthesizer Module
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2025
Made In Germany
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Waldorf Pulse 2 is an analog synthesizer with 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play chords and more complex harmonies.

How does the Waldorf Pulse 2 integrate with DAWs?

The Pulse 2 integrates with DAWs via MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, making it compatible with most popular digital audio workstations for seamless music production.

What are the standout features of the Waldorf Pulse 2's sound engine?

The Waldorf Pulse 2 features a powerful analog sound engine with three oscillators, a multimode filter, and extensive modulation capabilities, delivering rich, dynamic sounds suitable for various musical styles.

Can the Waldorf Pulse 2 be used as a desktop synth?

Yes, the Waldorf Pulse 2 is designed as a desktop synth, providing a compact form factor that fits easily into a home studio setup.

What type of connectivity options does the Waldorf Pulse 2 offer?

The Waldorf Pulse 2 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing for versatile integration with other MIDI-enabled devices and computers.

sonicstate

sonicstate

Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synth - SonicLAB Review

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synth - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synth - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 Demo by Perfect Circuit

Waldorf Pulse 2 Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 - first soundcheck - HQ Audio by MrSynthmania

Waldorf Pulse 2 - first soundcheck - HQ Audio

MrSynthmania

MrSynthmania

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Waldorf Pulse 2 by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Waldorf Pulse 2

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 by Tim Shoebridge

Waldorf Pulse 2

Tim Shoebridge

Tim Shoebridge

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Waldorf Pulse 2

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Waldorf PULSE 2 +paraphonic+ analogue synth! by Soundria eurorack modular

Waldorf PULSE 2 +paraphonic+ analogue synth!

Soundria eurorack modular

Soundria eurorack modular

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synthesizer | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synthesizer | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2: 'Synth Porn' by Sonic FIeld

Waldorf Pulse 2: 'Synth Porn'

Sonic FIeld

Sonic FIeld

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Pulse 2 // Farewell to a Future Classic? by Starsky Carr

Waldorf Pulse 2 // Farewell to a Future Classic?

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for You Should Buy The Waldorf Pulse 2 by Alfonso Muchacho

You Should Buy The Waldorf Pulse 2

Alfonso Muchacho

Alfonso Muchacho

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality, top-notch synth

  • Compact size, easy to carry

  • Sturdy build quality, feels like a tank

  • Versatile sound production; lush pads, leads, and basses

  • Highly flexible with paraphonic modes and matrix routing

  • Wide range of tones, covers much sonic territory

  • Unique-sounding presets enhance tracks

  • Audio input adds to versatility

CONS

  • Learning curve for parameter adjustments

  • Hard to read text on the matrix in the dark

  • Occasional OS problems causing oscillators to cut out

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Pulse 2's filter can lose gain quickly with added resonance, making it peaky and inconsistent, a characteristic less common in digital models.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2's oscillator wave modes include unique configurations like UNISON M/P and XOR combinations, unavailable in fully polyphonic setups.

    Source
  • OSC 3 in the Pulse 2 can function uniquely, offering feedback using the drive output back to the mixer, enhancing sound design possibilities.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2 offers paraphonic modes with specific oscillator limitations, allowing 8-voice paraphony only with pulse waves on OSC 1.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2's MIDI implementation can cause the filter to feel steppy at high resonances, which some users find bothersome.

    Source
  • The modulation matrix allows for precise control, with knobs adjusting slower or faster based on turn speed, enhancing editing accuracy.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2 offers a modulation matrix with 8 slots, 24 sources, and 26 targets, allowing for deep sound customization not typical in its price range.

    Source
  • The "Random" sound feature can generate unique patches, providing unexpected creative opportunities for users exploring new soundscapes.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the Pulse 2's DCO implementation inferior to the Juno line, citing a less pleasant sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners note the Pulse 2 as a staple in their collection, often being the last item they would part with due to its unique sound and features.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ease of changing parameters quickly, despite the limited screen display that doesn't show parameter values until adjusted.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Pulse 2's DCOs can sound buzzy compared to the Moog Minitaur's VCOs, which are described as having a creamier tone.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2's filter is described as beefier and more Moog-like compared to the more subdued, utilitarian DSI filter.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2, unlike the Nord Lead, offers a more present and 3D sound, while also being fatter and deeper in bass character.

    Source
  • The Pulse 2 has a distinctive analog character absent in digital soft synths, making it a unique addition even for those with software-based setups.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Pulse 2 does not offer the visual feedback like the Blofeld's envelope display, which some users miss for more intuitive editing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Pulse 2 was purchased for $425 on eBay, significantly lower than the typical $700+ market price, highlighting potential savings for buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waldorf Pulse 2

soundonsound.com

The Waldorf Pulse 2 is a compact powerhouse, offering a wide range of analog sounds in a sleek desktop form. Its paraphonic modes and diverse oscillators allow for rich, complex textures, making it a versatile choice for adventurous sound designers. While the modulation matrix provides near-modular flexibility, the underutilized display and cumbersome save process are drawbacks. Despite these quirks, the Pulse 2 excels with its robust filter and lively overdrive options. If you crave an analog synth with a modern edge and extensive programmability, the Pulse 2 is a compelling choice.

positive

Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer impresses with its massive sound capabilities and intuitive interface, making it a standout at its price point. It boasts a robust build, though the screen cover can come loose, and the recessed MIDI connections may pose a challenge. Despite these minor flaws, it offers a vast array of sounds, from clean and hi-fi to punchy and aggressive, thanks to its versatile sound engine. The absence of onboard effects is overshadowed by its powerful modulation options and connectivity, making it a future classic for sound design enthusiasts.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 28 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
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sounds_past_midnight

Analog juice 500k ccs

God damn this thing sounds f**king amazing. Only con i can think of is that my osc's would cut out and i would have to unplug and plug the synth back in (believe me, powering it on and off did not work). Im thinking that its an OS problem that can be fixed. Reason i sold it was because times were tough :(

pausetc

Quickly adds sonic territory your other instruments might not cover

The Pulse 2 isn't the best at any one particular thing (like the Tempest is at drum synthesis and performance or the OB-6 is at warm fizzy sounds). However, it covers so much sonic territory decently and has so many unique-sounding presets, that it's a no brainer at it's low price. I frequently switch my MIDI controller over to channel 11 (which I have the Pulse on) to add that last little splash or two to make a track really shine.

blackfan

Versatile Mono

This little fella did all the synth duties on my Hercules & The Beast track on Wolf Music, and In The Water on my EP for Local Talk.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

Listed as a piece of gear used by Legowelt at some point. Off his official website on the "Synthesizers" section.

See how KayKay uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

KayKay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:51, Kay shows her Waldorf Pulse 2.

See how The Toxic Avenger uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

The Toxic Avenger

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

around the 1 min mark you can see the Waldorf Pulse 2.

See how Addison Groove uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Addison Groove

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, Addison Groove discusses and demonstrates the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer, highlighting its intriguing features.

See how Perc uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Perc

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified

"Right now I am about 50% in the box and 50% hardware. Key machines for me are my Elektron Analog Rytm, Waldorf Pulse 2. Korg Monologue and my Jomox and Vermona drum modules."

H

Housemeister

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen at the recording session.

See how Rodney Orpheus uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Rodney Orpheus

Singer, Keyboardist

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via SoundBetter

Rodney Orpheus is listed as using the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer on his SoundBetter producer profile.

See how Synthetix uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Synthetix

Music Producer

...
Verified via Imgur

In a recent photo of the DataCenter studio, Synthetix can be seen using the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer.

See how Carla dal Forno uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Carla dal Forno

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

The Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer can be seen on a stand on the table to the left in a photo shared by Carla dal Forno on her Instagram account, under the caption "my space."

See how Paul Dillon uses Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer

Paul Dillon

Keyboardist, Composer

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via The Cassandra Complex

Paul Dillon is confirmed to use the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer, as listed on The Cassandra Complex gear page, curated by Rodney.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
L

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Gear IQ 55

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socialist_synthesis

Gear IQ 138

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patrickwolf

Gear IQ 604

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