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Average Price: $375
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$500
$1501+
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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
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Is the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Waldorf Pulse 2 is an analog synthesizer with 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play chords and more complex harmonies.
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How does the Waldorf Pulse 2 integrate with DAWs?
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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.
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What are the standout features of the Waldorf Pulse 2's sound engine?
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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.
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Can the Waldorf Pulse 2 be used as a desktop synth?
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Yes, the Waldorf Pulse 2 is designed as a desktop synth, providing a compact form factor that fits easily into a home studio setup.
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What type of connectivity options does the Waldorf Pulse 2 offer?
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The Waldorf Pulse 2 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing for versatile integration with other MIDI-enabled devices and computers.
Videos
sonicstate
Waldorf Pulse 2 Analog Synth - SonicLAB Review
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality, top-notch synth
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Compact size, easy to carry
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Sturdy build quality, feels like a tank
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Versatile sound production; lush pads, leads, and basses
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Highly flexible with paraphonic modes and matrix routing
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Wide range of tones, covers much sonic territory
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Unique-sounding presets enhance tracks
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Audio input adds to versatility
CONS
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Learning curve for parameter adjustments
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Hard to read text on the matrix in the dark
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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
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The Pulse 2's filter can lose gain quickly with added resonance, making it peaky and inconsistent, a characteristic less common in digital models.
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The Pulse 2's oscillator wave modes include unique configurations like UNISON M/P and XOR combinations, unavailable in fully polyphonic setups.
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OSC 3 in the Pulse 2 can function uniquely, offering feedback using the drive output back to the mixer, enhancing sound design possibilities.
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The Pulse 2 offers paraphonic modes with specific oscillator limitations, allowing 8-voice paraphony only with pulse waves on OSC 1.
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The Pulse 2's MIDI implementation can cause the filter to feel steppy at high resonances, which some users find bothersome.
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The modulation matrix allows for precise control, with knobs adjusting slower or faster based on turn speed, enhancing editing accuracy.
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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.
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The "Random" sound feature can generate unique patches, providing unexpected creative opportunities for users exploring new soundscapes.
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User experience
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Some users find the Pulse 2's DCO implementation inferior to the Juno line, citing a less pleasant sound quality.
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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.
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Owners appreciate the ease of changing parameters quickly, despite the limited screen display that doesn't show parameter values until adjusted.
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Comparisons
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The Pulse 2's DCOs can sound buzzy compared to the Moog Minitaur's VCOs, which are described as having a creamier tone.
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The Pulse 2's filter is described as beefier and more Moog-like compared to the more subdued, utilitarian DSI filter.
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The Pulse 2, unlike the Nord Lead, offers a more present and 3D sound, while also being fatter and deeper in bass character.
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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.
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Software and compatibility
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The Pulse 2 does not offer the visual feedback like the Blofeld's envelope display, which some users miss for more intuitive editing.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 28 Ratings
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 :(
141
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
Listed as a piece of gear used by Legowelt at some point. Off his official website on the "Synthesizers" section.
In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, Addison Groove discusses and demonstrates the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer, highlighting its intriguing features.
"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."
Rodney Orpheus is listed as using the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer on his SoundBetter producer profile.
In a recent photo of the DataCenter studio, Synthetix can be seen using the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer.
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
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