The Waldorf Pulse 2 is a desktop monophonic analog synthesizer that builds upon the legacy of the original Pulse and Pulse Plus from the mid-1990s. Released after a lengthy development period (announced in 2012), this modern iteration adopts the form factor of Waldorf's Blofeld synthesizer rather than the 2U rack design of its predecessors. The Pulse 2 features a striking black and green design with a beautifully engineered curved metal chassis.

Despite its compact size, the Pulse 2 delivers impressive sonic capabilities through its three digitally controlled analog oscillators, multimode filter, and extensive modulation options. The instrument particularly excels at creating aggressive, biting sounds with its distinct analog character, capable of producing everything from deep basses and cutting leads to complex arpeggios and even paraphonic pads.

Key Features

The Pulse 2 distinguishes itself with several innovative features including paraphonic capabilities that allow up to 8-note polyphony (through clever oscillator allocation), cross-modulated pulse width modulation, and a versatile multimode filter. The synth offers 500 patch memory locations with 400 factory presets organized by categories.

Programming is handled through six luxurious encoders and a matrix-based interface that provides access to all 54 individual voice elements. While not as immediately tweakable as synths with more knobs, the well-designed matrix system allows for surprisingly quick editing once familiar. The bright display primarily shows the current patch number, with the patch name and category displayed in smaller text below.

The synth includes an advanced arpeggiator with pattern editing capabilities and CV/Gate outputs that support both Oct/Volt and Hz/Volt standards, making it compatible with external analog equipment. Audio connectivity includes stereo outputs (despite being a mono synth), an external audio input for processing external signals through the filter, and a headphone output.

Sound Character

The Pulse 2 delivers a wide range of sounds from smooth and sweet to aggressive and nasty. Its three oscillators provide exceptional tonal variety, especially with the first oscillator's Alternate Pulse Wave (APW) that includes a constant subharmonic pitched an octave down, and oscillator 2's cross-modulated PWM capability.

The multimode filter delivers distinctive character, particularly in its 24dB and 12dB low-pass modes, with resonance that easily self-oscillates. The sound can be further shaped through tube or fuzz drive curves that add satisfying overdrive or blatant distortion respectively.

With its fast, snappy envelopes, wide-ranging LFOs, and extensive modulation matrix, the Pulse 2 excels at creating dynamic, evolving sounds that cut through mixes with authority. It's particularly well-suited for bass, aggressive leads, and complex arpeggiated sequences.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

• 3 digitally controlled analog oscillators
• 8 analog oscillators for square waves (used in paraphonic modes)
• 3 analog-controlled saw/tri waveshapers with individual mixer VCAs
• Oscillator 1: Pulse, Sawtooth, Triangle, Sine and APW (Alternate Pulse Wave) waveforms
• Oscillator 2: Pulse, Sawtooth, Triangle, Sine waveforms with cross-modulated PWM
• Oscillator 3: Triangle, Sawtooth, Square waves (or can be replaced by external input or feedback)
• Oscillator tuning: +/- 48 semitones
• Hard sync capability for oscillator 2
• White noise generator
• Paraphonic capabilities:
  • Para8: Up to 8-note polyphony using pulse oscillators
  • Para4: 4-note polyphony with doubled oscillators
  • Unison modes: Mono (8 oscillators on single note) and Poly (distributed across played notes)

Filter

• Multimode filter with:
  • 24dB low-pass mode
  • 12dB low-pass mode
  • 12dB band-pass mode
  • 12dB high-pass mode
• Self-oscillating resonance
• Filter feedback option (FB)

Modulation

• 2 ADSR envelopes (hardwired to VCF and VCA but also available in mod matrix)
• Envelope looping options
• Velocity control for envelopes
• 2 LFOs:
  • LFO1: Multiple waveforms with MIDI synchronization, range from near-zero to ~100Hz
  • LFO2: Triangle wave with variable onset time, range from near-zero to ~100Hz
• 8-slot modulation matrix with:
  • 24 modulation sources
  • 24 modulation destinations
  • Mathematical functions (addition, multiplication, smoothing, etc.)

Drive/Distortion

• Selectable drive curves:
  • Tube (asymmetrical distortion)
  • Fuzz (blatant distortion)
  • FX (undocumented, in development at time of review)

Arpeggiator

• Adjustable direction, speed, range, swing
• Pattern editor for up to 16 steps
• Per-step modifications for glide and length
• Conditional playback options (odd/even cycles)
• Step transposition and velocity shifting

Memory

• 500 patch memory locations (400 factory presets)
• Category-based patch search

Connectivity

• Audio:
  • Stereo 1/4" outputs
  • 1/4" external audio input
  • 1/4" headphone output
• Control:
  • CV output (configurable as Oct/Volt or Hz/Volt, unipolar or bipolar)
  • Gate output
  • MIDI In and Out (with configurable Thru function)
  • Class-compliant USB MIDI interface
• Power: 12V external power supply

Physical

• Dimensions: 304x132x54 mm
• Desktop form factor in curved metal chassis
• Black and green design
• 6 high-quality encoders with software acceleration
• Programming matrix with 9 rows (54 accessible parameters)
• Bright display (primarily showing patch number)