WALDORF PULSE 2 - A Great Synthesizer the World Overlooked

Waldorf Pulse 2 was a monophonic analog synthesizer that offered a warm and dynamic sound, derived from the classic Waldorf Pulse. Despite its compact size, its powerful oscillators, analog filters, and complex modulation capabilities made it a highly flexible tool for modern music production.

Unfortunately, after ten years on the market, its production was discontinued in April 2023, which is a great loss, as Pulse 2 was one of the most versatile monophonic analog synthesizers of its time. This was not only due to its unique sound architecture, but also its ability to store and name user sounds, a practical preset management system that was crucial for musicians wanting quick access to their customized sound settings.

History and Development of Pulse 2

Pulse 2 was a modern reinterpretation of the classic Waldorf Pulse, which was released in 1995. The original Pulse became an icon of analog synthesis, thanks to its three oscillators, analog filter, and powerful modulation capabilities.

Waldorf chose to retain the fundamental architecture of the original Pulse but added new features that elevated its sonic flexibility to a new level. The result was a compact desktop module that contained true analog circuits while integrating modern digital control for precise sound manipulation.

Sound Architecture

Pulse 2 was a monophonic synthesizer, but its paraphonic mode allowed up to three notes to be played simultaneously. Its sound structure was based on:

•  Three analog oscillators – Each offering classic waveforms: saw, square, and PWM.
•  Sub-oscillator – Provided deep bass tones, enriching the harmonic complexity of the sound.
•  Analog low-pass filter – A warm and resonant filter that added classic analog expressiveness.
•  Multiple filter modes – Options for low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass filtering, expanding
   sound design possibilities.
•  Ability to store and name user sounds – Essential for flexible studio use.

These features made Pulse 2 excellent for aggressive bass tones, powerful analog leads, and complex modulated sounds.

Analog Filter in Waldorf Pulse 2 – Inspired by Moog's Ladder Filter

Waldorf Pulse 2 includes an analog low-pass filter, which is a key element of its rich and warm sound. This filter draws inspiration from the original Pulse 1, but offers enhanced filtering capabilities and greater flexibility.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Pulse 2’s filter is its ability to switch between different modes, making it significantly more versatile than traditional analog filters.

Features of the Pulse 2 Filter

•  Low-pass filter – The default mode, removing higher frequencies and adding depth and analog
   warmth.
•  High-pass filter – Removes lower frequencies, creating crisp and sharp tones.
•  Band-pass filter – Highlights mid frequencies, ideal for synthetic leads and percussive sounds.
•  Self-oscillation capability – At higher resonance levels, the filter generates its own tone, enabling
   experimental sound effects.

Inspired by Moog’s Ladder Filter – Pulse 2 utilizes classic analog architecture, similar to Moog’s filters, but with modern enhancements.

How Preset Storage and Organization Worked in Pulse 2

Ability to Name and Store Sounds

•  Pulse 2 offered the ability to store presets with text-based names, a feature that was a major
   advantage over some other monophonic analog synthesizers.
•  Some models only allowed numerical preset labeling, limiting sound organization and making
   navigation more difficult.
•  Unfortunately, some modern monophonic analog synthesizers, including certain Behringer
   models, do not allow sound storage at all, which can be a significant limitation for studio work
   and live performances where quick preset access is crucial.

Access via Menu and External Control

•  Presets could be retrieved directly through the main interface or via MIDI programming,
   making it ideal for integration with DAWs and sequencers.

Modulation and Sound Capabilities

Pulse 2 was not just a classic analog synthesizer but featured advanced modulation functions, making it extremely versatile:

•  Two LFO generators – LFO modulation for oscillator frequency, filtering, and amplitude.
•  Filter and amplifier envelopes – Two ADSR envelopes for precise sound shaping.
•  FM and oscillator synchronization – Frequency modulation between oscillators for complex
   metallic textures.
•  Arpeggiator – Automatic sequencing without needing an external sequencer.
•  Paraphonic mode – Pulse 2 could play up to three notes simultaneously, giving it
   pseudo-polyphonic capabilities.

These features made Pulse 2 suitable not only for analog bass sounds but also for experimental synthesis with complex modulation.

Hardware Limitations and Software Editor Solution

Despite its powerful analog architecture, Waldorf Pulse 2 lacked several essential editing knobs on its panel. Due to this simplified control matrix, most parameters were only accessible via the menu, which could slow down creative workflow.

As a result, third-party developers created software editors that allowed direct manipulation of all Pulse 2 parameters within a graphical interface. For example, AURA Plugins offered the paid Waldorf Pulse 2 Editor & Librarian, which provided parameter automation, preset saving, and DAW synchronization.

While the editor was a highly useful addition, it was unfortunate that Pulse 2 did not include more hardware control elements directly on its panel. Physical knobs would have sped up sound shaping, removing the need for external software solutions.

Despite this compromise, Pulse 2 remained one of the most flexible monophonic analog synthesizers, but its interface could have been more intuitive with additional physical controls.

Connectivity Options with Other Instruments

Pulse 2 offered extensive connectivity options, making it a great central element in an analog setup:

•  MIDI In/Out – Full compatibility with DAWs, sequencers, and external MIDI controllers.
•  CV/Gate outputs – Control modular synthesizers and other analog devices.
•  USB connection – Fast communication with a computer for editing and preset management.
•  Audio input – External signal processing as a third oscillator, expanding sound possibilities.

Thanks to these features, Pulse 2 could easily integrate into a modern studio setup, whether as a standalone analog synthesizer or as part of a modular system.

Comparison with the Original Waldorf Pulse 1

Waldorf Pulse 1 was released in 1995 and quickly became an icon of analog synthesis due to its distinct sound and flexible modulation capabilities. Pulse 2 introduced modern enhancements, but also several key differences.

The biggest change compared to Pulse 1 was the ability to switch filters between different modes, while the original version offered only a classic Moog-style low-pass filter. Pulse 2 provided a broader range of sound design options by including high-pass and band-pass filtering alongside low-pass mode.

Another major innovation was its paraphonic mode, allowing Pulse 2 to play up to three notes simultaneously, whereas Pulse 1 was strictly monophonic. This expanded Pulse 2's possibilities, especially for creating chord structures and layered sounds.

Pulse 2 retained three analog oscillators, but added a sub-oscillator, enhancing the depth of bass sounds.

The preset storage capacity also differed significantly between the two models:

•  Waldorf Pulse 1 allowed storing 40 user sound programs, but only with numerical labels,
   without the ability to add names.
•  Waldorf Pulse 2 had memory for 128 user sound programs, which could be named textually,
   making sound bank organization significantly easier.

Pulse 2 also featured modernized MIDI capabilities, enabling seamless studio integration, including CV/Gate outputs for modular systems. Pulse 1 had basic MIDI functionality, but lacked the smooth connectivity with modern production tools.

Overall, Pulse 2 was more flexible, technologically advanced, and better suited for modern production, whereas Pulse 1 retained a unique analog character, favored by some musicians for its raw dynamics.

Market Alternatives

Pulse 2 was a unique combination of analog sound and digital control, but several monophonic analog synthesizers could serve as alternatives:

•  Moog Minitaur – Excellent for powerful bass tones, but lacks paraphonic mode and complex
   modulation options.
•  Behringer Model D – A classic replica of the Moog Minimoog, but without preset storage.
•  Novation Bass Station II – Strong analog sound, but features fewer oscillators than Pulse 2.
•  Arturia MiniBrute 2 – Aggressive analog character, but lacks preset storage capabilities.

Pulse 2 remains a unique instrument, combining analog power with digital control and the ability to save presets.

Conclusion

Waldorf Pulse 2 was a monophonic analog synthesizer with deep modulation capabilities, making it ideal for basslines, aggressive leads, and experimental synthesis. Thanks to its analog circuits, user sound storage capabilities, and paraphonic mode, it was a great choice for modern music production, requiring rich and dynamic analog sound.

Its discontinuation in 2023 means it has become a collector’s item, still sought after by musicians. When available on the second-hand market, it is quickly sold.