Waldorf Pulse 2

Having been playing around with this diminutive little synth for the second time in my career, I decided it was high time to do a video on it. Is it possibly one of the most underrated mono synths of the last decade??

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

Had mine for 6 years or so. I rediscover it every now and then. Layers nicely with other synths. You nailed its strengths and weaknesses. It was a nice surprise to find a new video about the Pulse 2. Thanks for taking the time. I learned something new.

[@ZaffinMusic]

★★★★★ The Pulse2 was my first mono after getting back into synths 6 years or so ago and even after owning several monos since then (such as the Subsequent 37, Matriarch, SE-02, Pro-2, Typhon etc) the Pulse2 remains in my setup when others have left. It has its quirks, for sure, but I love the gnarly sound, the matrix and the UI. The fact that it puts edits into a buffer is genius and it’s something that every synth should do. It’s a shame that the promised FX board never materialised (AFAIK?) but regardless, it sounds so good anyway and can’t see me ever getting rid of it.

[@boyracer3000]

Really enjoyed your analysis and playing. It's a great reminder that it's the craftsmanship that makes the song. Thank you!

[@martinlubitz3171]

Thanks for the video Tim, nice as always. The Pulse sounds incredible.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I have yellow Sledge, with its Waldorf Wavetable, classic 3 oscillators, two layers that can be stacked or split, and polyphony, and have been very satisfied with that. Something special about that Waldorf sound. Thanks for bringing this cool tabletop Waldorf synth to our attention. Love all your KZbin posts, best wishes for your continued success.

[@TheHammondx66]

Hi Tim, Thank you for your wonderful and thoughtful reviews. I've owned virtually every major mono & poly synth since 1972, been at this a while. While my favorite analog synth remains the Octave Plateau, Voyetra 8, as a "mono synth" the Waldorf is unbeatable IMHO. I've put it up against my Moog Voyager and for sound quality and versatility, to me, the Pulse 2 holds its own without breaking a sweat. When you consider the cost difference being 4 to 5 times more for a Moog, I'm Waldorf all the way.

[@sczarnecki5887]

Seems like you have a very extensive and well curated collection of instruments. Could you do a studio tour video or series? I think that video(s) would do well.

[@LesFarrington]

I’m buying my third pulse 2 tomorrow. I own the iridium keyboard and the pair make a beast! The pulse is a fantastic synth, It sounds alive and growls its way through a mix.

[@asynchronicity]

With three it would be interesting to see how well they polychain.

[@jamesedinger4956]

I always enjoy your reviews, mostly because you seem to know what you're talking about. I'm going to take a closer look at the Pulse 2. Thanks!

[@phibmobil]

Thanks for this, makes me want to unbox my beautiful little thing. Your videos are so very welcome!

[@LarsBjerregaard]

What a wonderful "little" and affordable synth, and that alternate pulse wave sounds great!

[@mark35mi]

Nice work as always Tim. Thanks for introducing such a variety of different synths... AND explaining what you are doing when noodling.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Yes, love the recordings , with descriptions of what’s going on. Beautiful to listen to, and educational.

[@gabsauvage]

Beautiful composition !

[@t3hjnz]

The hat-tip to Rush was really nice - enjoyed this video a lot and also love the Pulse 2! Mine ends up on every track.

[@anonymoushuman8344]

I thought so, too. For the eight-note paraphony with the pulse wave, Waldorf may have used divide down circuitry: Subdivisions, so to speak.

[@straighttalk2069]

I've been eyeing a Pulse2 for a few years now, so I've recently just bought one, along with a Pro Rev2 16Voice. Nice review. Great DCO synths.

[@snarklar]

Love your videos as well, Tim!

[@ginociancio1]

Hi Tim I enjoyed your time and nollige you got I bought a pule 2 but its driving me crazy how many nice things it got but I keep watching your videos maybe I can learn thanks 👍🎼

[@delta_sine]

Wow!! Sounds #spectacular !!

[@regruse9040]

As always informative, inspiring and thought provoking. I have a Blofeld which I love and a Dreadbox nyx v2 (which I'm failing to get to grips with) This is making me reconsider Pulse 2

[@dooldriverr]

Thanks for doing the Pulse 2 there are only a few Vids on it, I have had mine for years now.

[@juno6]

I love my Pulse 2. I also have a Pulse 1, which I also love. The P2 is really flexible and sounds fantastic. Your review is great, but you omitted a lot of great features, hard sync, pw cross mod (X1 & X3), ring mod (osc 2 X osc 3), audio input, filter FM, filter drive, even drive FM!!! Another cool feature is the ability of mod matrix to output any modulation source to the cv outs. You can even combine various before outputting them. Btw, APW is a pulse wave with a sub oscillator added.

[@crhkrebs]

Are the rotary encoders as problematic as the ones on the Blofeld?

[@juno6]

@@crhkrebs I never used a Blofeld 😬

[@jackcimino8822]

@@crhkrebs I read one review saying that the Pulse 2 is virtually bug-free.

[@crhkrebs]

@@jackcimino8822 it’s not the bugs, as in software or firmware. It’s mechanical issues with their rotary encoders……at least with the Blofeld.

[@Jason75913]

@@jackcimino8822 mine occasionally bugs up when receiving MIDI from some of my other synths, like my Ultranova

[@k-g-p]

And still he's the best looking man here on youtube. Thanks for the insights! 🙏 As always very informativ and well made video.

[@darrenmackay2536]

Just got a Pulse2 a week ago - was the last of display stock - playing with it the past 3 days. Love the waldorf matrix myself. and think waldorf is very under rated...

[@ryanbmd7988]

Really enjoyed this exploration, pricing used must be taken advantage now. Great work Tim!

[@H-4-D3423]

My take on this, and it's kind of going off-topic, but not only have Waldorf forgotten to support old synthesizers like this - but they've not replaced many synths that have been hugely popular too. My main thought is the Blofeld keyboard. Another amazing device with lots of fans. I'm almost confused why Waldorf have focused on expensive synths, which most users cannot justify the expense of. A Blofeld 2, with more sliders, knobs, and a bigger screen would sell really well for Waldorf. This has left huge gaps in the lower end of the market, which other manufacturers have flooded new exciting products into. A shame Waldorf haven't tapped back into this buoyant affordable end of the market more. Great vid as always Tim.

[@H-4-D3423]

@KESHER MEDIA 100% agree.

[@Jason75913]

I'm pretty sure they are following the money, and perhaps they make much more from the sales of pricier synths they make, oddly enough. You'd think the cheaper stuff like the Blofeld would be their bread and butter by selling in greater numbers to offset (and more) the smaller margin of revenue in in more affordable gear. Their pricier sy ths must be selling more.

[@leNotstrom]

The developers for the Blofeld or Rocket are no longer on board with Waldorf. Completely different team now. Plus the low budget market is now very crowded.

[@stockholm1752]

“Where’s my Waldorf Salad?!” - Watery Fowls

[@WingHouseCup]

Absolutely great sound demo. It's unbelievable that its sound still holds up today. I would agree a firmware update would bring it to the next level.

[@chakko007]

Good point about the interface. That was my main issue with the Blofeld as well, especially comparing it to its software version, Largo.

[@richied1939]

Please don’t forget us Pulse 1 owners with your SW release. Would be a no brainier for many of us I would imagine. Thanks for another great video.

[@LuxscapeMusic]

Great vid. I was always Pulse curious. Interesting remarks about the volume from patch to patch. I noticed the same with my Blofeld. The Waldorf synths do have some ethereal sounds though, might still get a Pulse at some point, it could be a classic.

[@jason.martin]

Brilliant reveiw and demo

[@FLOTRONmusic]

Just got a used one the other day, thanks to this video :)

[@chitlun]

I had an original Pulse that I swapped a few years ago and have regretted that stupid move ever since! Amazing synth, with one of the best arpeggiators I’ve ever used.

[@ToddCampopiano]

Hi Tim, thanks for the in depth review of the Waldorf Pulse 2. I used to own a Pulse 1 for many years. I was such a big fan of the synth that immediately bought the Pulse 2 when it came out. I then decided to downsize my studio and sold the Pulse 1. I really regret that decision. Although the Pulse 2 is more flexible and easier to program from the front panel, I find the sound of the Pulse 1 to be superior. It just sounds more aggressive and raw like a mono analog synthesizer should. Although I will probably keep my Pulse 2 because of its small footprint, I still plan on getting another Pulse 1.

[@thekitchensynth]

I agree with everything you have said here Tim. It really is a great sounding and versatile instrument but I also wish Waldorf would just revisit it a little to bring it up to date in terms of updates to various interfaces. It would then continue to have commercial legs for years to come. I do understand it is getting on in terms of age and Waldorf will put their resources to newer releases... But it would be soooo nice if they did in the way that Novation and Arturia continue to support their older synths. Nonetheless... I wouldn't part with it!

[@leNotstrom]

No one of the original programmer and designer of the Pulse 2 is working for Waldorf any longer, so unfortunately an update will never happen.

[@Jason75913]

@@leNotstrom That blows, and Waldorf themselves lack the data to work on updates using their current employees or what?

[@YouthTheBand]

I have a pulse 2 and love it and I just want to highlight what I find special about it. First, low end is insane. I think the DCOs work to its advantage here. Second, the pitch bend wheel range is settable to 3 (!) Octaves. So I use this with my continuum fingerboard for certain lead sounds if I want to do dramatic pitch bends.

[@breslin44]

I love the Pulse 2. I find it thunderous in the bottom end. I learnt synthesis on a Blofeld, so working with a matrix really doesn’t bother me. I don’t understand why more don’t appreciate it. Their loss I suppose.

[@markussamnell6408]

I find it easy to work with, but perhaps not as fun as tweaking a "mostly" one-knob-per-function, however there are other machines for that. Soundwise this is probably one of my favorite machines. The bottom end can be quite devastating.

[@SuperBond113]

How to polychain waldorf blofeld keyboard to its desktop ? Thanks in advance

[@supercompooper]

I'm always using the pulse 2 since I got it when it came out. it's a lot of fun always

[@rockstarjazzcat]

I’ve one. Nice overview. I think it has a lot more potential than what I’ve typically seen it used for. Cool that price has come down. Cheers, Daniel

[@rockstarjazzcat]

And nice nod to Subdivisions on keys. Was that conscious? :)

[@Rolf_D]

Great Video! On other underrated Waldorf Synth is the Blofeld Desktop Synth!

[@imola8]

i love my pulse2. It`s bass sound is just so nice and gritty. Still a good buy i find.

[@agnz]

This, the as1 & the typhon are the monos I recommend frequently (& now the uno synth pro also) I borrowed a friend's pulse 2 a while back and still pine for it. I found the controller matrix really gelled with my sound design process & the looping envelopes etc are really flexible. I think that its lack of onboard effects perhaps didn't help it fare too well in the showroom but id much rather that than have its current feature set nerfed

[@seekersystems]

I had one and got it very gnarly as I was in a raspy monosynth mood. Low end was fab. There was a really rubbery bass that I could get out of it too. I didnt really explore it deep enough ( I was just getting started with synthesis) and therefore, to your point - the matrix thing just took a little 'instant' off of the gratification.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

I feel the same about the Roland Gaia SH01 which is still going strong after 9 to 10 years in production. The Gaia is my favorite digital poly in the 35 years I have been buying synths. The Gaia offers three one oscillator synths layered together which means each oscillator has complete independent control of ALL parameters. Now when you consider each oscillator can be panned and 3 layers with 64 notes of polyphony, we end up with GIGANTIC stereo fields. Pan left/right and center then each panned position is a different synth (can be) and you have 3 different amp and filter envelopes (total 6) going all across the stereo field....wow. As a mono synth (mono mode) it does okay, but I added an analog graphic EQ and boost all the frequencies for a boost in tone/volume and low end, it gets big with those 3 independent oscillators with each drifting on their own LFO sine wave rates.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Yes, I have always wanted one, for the reasons you described. Then I bought a yellow Sledge, with its Waldorf Wavetable, and classic 3 oscillators, and have been very satisfied with that. But I still think about the SH01, and it’s cool stereo, independent oscillators. Glad to hear you’re enjoying yours. Might have to get one, next time one shows up on Craigslist. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it. Very underrated indeed. Your post has me thinking about trying the stereo thing you mentioned, on my Roland FA07 synth stacking three sounds, panned left/center/right. And saving as a preset. I also often purchase two of the same mono synths, for that fat stereo sound. (2 Neutrons, 2 MicroFreaks, 2 Behringer TD-3, 2 RD-6) Hearing things in stereo, is magical, ethereal :-)

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

​@@TheScreamingFrog916 Oh my! We are kindred spirits indeed. Stereo recording is just amazing to work with. AND...your stereo monosynth idea is always in my thinking when buying one...great minds think alike! Here's an idea for monosynths; been thinking of adding a stereo 31 band graphic EQ to a monosynth then splitting up the frequencies between left and right above 800hz. For years I have been thinking about your combinations of mono's. thinking maybe start with a MiniBrute2 add the Neutron and maybe a Wasp for center/right/left. Also wondering about adding 2 Yamaha CS Refaces for right/left to my Minilogue. Always thought the Sledge was kool, although today it is too big and too close to the Gaia for consideration.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene cool! There are some stereo effects that do what you are describing, that are amazing. Taking a mono input, splitting into two modulatable filters, that send different frequencies to each side. One of those, is high priority on my next purchase list. So far, my favorite synth duo is the MicroFreaks. I purchased both of mine used, to lower cost, when doubling up. With their multiple oscillator types, grid style modulation connections, powerful arpeggio/sequence capabilities, and knob per function interface, they are my favorite desktop synth. You can have them both playing the same note, with subtle/strong differences between them, or have each one running it’s own different arpeggios/sequences. Plus, if you create a combination you like, you can save them as patches for later recall. They really are a game changing addition to my setup. Best wishes, for your having fun experiments with stereo sound sculpting.

[@Jason75913]

@@TheScreamingFrog916 FA-07 is far better than the Gaia, honestly. You get four oscillators in its best engine, or three in the Jupiter-50-derived SNS engine, which is great for simpler sounds or especially vintage sounds. Crank up that Pitch EG Depth in the SNS patches all the way (with Pitch EG Attack and Decay at zero each) on leads or basses to fatten them up. "Analogue Feel" gives you oscillator drift without having to use up an LFO for the effect. Pitch EG can double as a mod EG if you leave pitch depth at zero and assign whatever you want in the mod matrices to be modulated by the pitch EG (4-osc engine only). The depth of the FA and Juno-DS blow the Gaia out of the water. FA filters sound much better, too, plus FX power of the FA is much greater. JD-Xi also has the SNS engine, and with much better analogue drum samples than the Juno.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@Jason75913 Thanks very much for this detailed information. It reminds me that the FA-07 is so much more than piano, strings, and organ. Will have to spend some time experimenting with the synth in it. I also have the Roland VR-09, which has a nice synth in it, programable with an iPad app.

[@ProckGnosis]

I like the Pulse 2, but regarding just the basic tone (the osc's and filter), for whatever reason, it just didn't grab me as much as the Novation BS2 or any of my Dreadbox mono synths. Also agree with a few of the other comments that compared with Novation or Arturia, it's curious that Waldorf hasn't invested much in expanding the synth with firmware updates. That was a missed opportunity. Again, the Pulse 2 is a solid synth, but it could have been more than a "solid synth" with just a little more effort from Waldorf, it seems.

[@decimal1815]

Looking forward to the OBX8 demo / critique Tim. No pressure :0)

[@snarklar]

I hope they're (Waldorf) paying attention. The pulse 2 has been rising in popularity it seems. I just got one in today but I already love it from looking into it for a while. But yeah. I've been seeing a decent amount of talk about it here in 2022 so, hey Waldorf! Let's get that update going!

[@ChazSeamus28]

I agree with you about the 3 oscillators. The dreadbox synths have such a massive sound with that 3rd oscillator in there. I don't mind dco's. I actually like them.

[@fjfrancois]

DCO’s are cool.

[@ecthroi]

had one for about 5 years and have used it on plenty of music. great range of uses, and the arp/matrix/etc. gets really interesting and weird if you want. all that said i think i've sort of exhausted its practical use for me and it's something i'm probably going to pass on to someone else soon...at the end of the day it's mostly a solid analog mono and the extra paraphony possible gets kinda samey eventually.

[@etnasoundvision7180]

Fantastico 👍🎶

[@IanWaugh]

Hi Tim - Great vid and music as usual. Was initially tempted in the first half but you talked me out of it in the second 😀 Lack of updates is a shame but many big synth companies (inc. Roland) are the same. Definitely not Arturia 😀

[@zuur303]

Exactly this! I even checked the price but nah. Not new at least, maybe a second hand one if I ever come across it at a good price. If manufacturers give up on a synth they should just open source the firmware imho.

[@niallmorrison3097]

True that, even look at the minitaur and how it’s got updates overtime.

[@marknhopgood]

Just bought mine for £250 s/h very pleased with it and will use it on the next #Mairk project. Nice review.

[@scottgraham5480]

A fantastic preview of how to actually make music for beginners I would say sir 😎

[@maxmatson1578]

That main Melody on the first demo track you made reminds me a lot of "subdivisions" by Rush.🎹👌

[@psiagarik]

Thanks Tim.

[@watchaddicts1213]

Hi Tim. First, thanks for the post as always. Second, I owe you a BIG, courteous reply RE the Nymphes (vs XD) conversation. Specifically, the time you've kindly taken with me on that issue. I've been on the road for days and days, earning a bit of money that I hope will afford me the TIME to NOT be on the road, but rather in the home studio, sorting things out. Sorting...that's the prelude to actual musical production. It seems that some 'preludes' can go on for years. You want everything to be just right before you start, correct? The Pulse 2 was merely one of many synths I sold back in 2017. About the time I thought, 'Wait a minute...I can do this ENTIRELY as a midi studio...a screen, software and controllers, (after which some pretty precious cargo went flying out the door), the Pulse 2 seemed simply one more thing in a box...in the floor. Like: 'Now...what was this one again, and why did I buy it?' sort of thing. I had overdosed on synths. I gotta sleep now, but I plan to return with the morning coffee. Mainly, there's this: The Pulse 2 does seem extremely not yet finished---even the HUGE NUMBERS indicating Preset position kind of SCREAM that, I think..unless Waldorf was thinking of Pulse 2 being a synth for the geriatric set?. For me, I would try to get to work with this synth and... (STOP) I continued on...a bunch more copy, but then I decided I should stop here for now and take a second look in the morning after some sleep. I might be infringing.

[@waggon321]

I've got about a dozen monos, all great. But this thing has a certain magic

[@gianfry1980]

great video

[@wendelynmusic]

It may be $350 in the UK, I can't find it for less than $899 in the states. Sure sounds good though. I have been looking for something like this. Hmmm. glad to see this review.

[@neilloughran4437]

The Tangram influence is big on this one :D.

[@mankku81]

Sounds very Tangerine 😀

[@Jason75913]

1-2 oscillators is enough, that is probably at least part of why Moog restricts themselves to just two quite often. 3-4 allows for a broader sonic pallette, of course, especially with cross-mod options. Shame they don't go for it. They seem to like limiting themselves and rehashing older products, much like Roland. I picked up a Pulse 2 a couple years ago. I hate the overt glassiness, but it is a non-issue for pluck leads and basses, which is what I prefer it for. Sick trance synth. It can also nail vintage sounds up to a point. I am shocked at how much cheaper it is from UK retailers versus the American ones. It's absurd, so I have to be greatful that the UK and the USA are closely tied, haha! I wish my Kross2 had a good matrix, Korg really hit themselves on the head hard when trying to get it right. APW sounds like pulse width with some sawtooth mixed in for extra buzz and body. The patch level is there to compensate for the drastic changes in volume. It almost fully mitigates the issue, so it is basicallly a non-issue.

[@astrarivm]

Tim, thank you for this review! What computer keyboard do you use?

[@Phil-1]

I might get one of these soon. I had one of the original Pulses many years ago. It had window-shaking bass, but it didn't have much character, so I sold it eventually. The current one is so cheap it's almost silly not to have one.

[@snarklar]

Just got one in today. Looking forward to getting home and into it. Been wanting one for a while. The price has been rising here in the us. I was able to get it at about retail, but it took me a bit.

[@asynchronicity]

The third oscillator is great for various flavors of reverse keytracking of pitch and other stuff👍

[@hugocaldeiravinagre]

Great review. I have a pulse 2 and spent hours trying to find a way to restart the oscillator phase on midi note on, until i watched your review and confirmed that the oscillators cant bet restarted. can you recommend any small desktop synths with this feature? does any of the roland boutiques do this ? thanks.

[@TimShoebridge]

Thanks 👍 Moog tend to have an eye for detail with this kind of requirement... The minitaur definitely supports note-on reset and fits the "small desktop" requirement nicely. I don't own one but am tempted as there's always a good selection on the used market these days...

[@BluffMunkey]

I've owned both this and a couple of the originals. I do love the way they sound, but just can't get on with the grid based UI. I can't help feeling that if they created a 'Pulse Plus' with a more fully featured UI (like all their other current synths) they'd sell as many as they could manufacture.

[@mb2776]

there's allready a pulse plus, It was basically a pulse with cv interface and some other stuff. best thing is to get a programer for your synth

[@fearmo1852]

Considering Waldorf's pricing I bet a pulse 2 with a full featured UI would be $2k lol. But I do agree this is why I went for the XT versus the small rack format.

[@Jason75913]

@@mb2776 a programmer for a Pulse 2? The menu-diving is basically non-existent, reserved only for the mod matrix, utterly ridiculous suggestion. The whole synth engine is on the front panel, and certain parameters have to be cycled through, this thing couldn't any less need a programmer. A programmer for, say, the Nautilus makes far more sense, that thing is menu-divey as heck because Korg can no longer, or refuses to, make good interfaces for their performance keyboards. Roland's MC-101 would benefit greatly from a programmer, too.

[@drcatexperience]

Hi Tim, yes indeed, the volume jumps from one patch to another are a menace. It is good that I have found you your review outlining this problem. In reality I suspected that it was mine only doing it especially when it came back from a repair. The headphone AC had caused the unit to fail as soon as powered up. One thing I would like to double check although I fear IT IS my unit doing it after the repair. Have you or anyone ever noticed that some of the patches can distort if the volume of the unit is set to max? Now it is a subtle one for most patches on mine and you may or may not have this problem or maybe have assumed that the patch had that much distortion in it? Can U Tim or one of your followers check this? Keep up with the good work Tim, I am wondering what software were you thinking of developing?

[@johnnyraphaell]

Hmm i have this problem with my nord lead 1 too- the levels can vary. But in the amp section you have a volume parameter to safe in the patch. So let the pulse a lot of headroom- push the synth with the soundcard about 12 db and programm every sound to 0dbu/ -18dbfs rms. And everything is fine.

[@HAENDEL_Music]

There is a 15€ editor plugin with you can move all parameters. So if the pulse2 is used in DAW ambient, you can manipulate all parameters.

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Who makes the editor plugin?

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Always hoped Waldorf would make a Keyboard version of this, shame they discontinued it. Match it with some FX pedals and it's a monster.

[@AmeyahOfficialTV]

29:43 i have read every daw can be used to play the firmware update the DAW (that was recommended for the blofeld, so it could work for the pulse 2, since blofeld had also the firmware update supplied as mid file.)

[@ingolf7411]

The Waldorf little devices are fascinating instruments regarding the sound. But the user Interface with a lot of menu diving drove me crazy. Despite the wonderful sound I finally sold my Waldorf Blofeld. But as always ... a great presentation.

[@mr.irrelevant3588]

same here, i couldn't deal with it after awhile and eventually sold it.

[@senacht]

Current street price new is $899 USD all the places I’m looking. Still a lot of synth for the money. But nowhere near your £350 (or about $470 USD) on this side of the pond. At $470 it’d be an absolute no brainer purchase. It’s an utterly gorgeous sounding synth.

[@Geepstar]

I love your vids mr Shoebridge.. (and your accent)

[@Waldemar_la_Tendresse]

I'm currently watching the video as the Pulse 2 has been re-released and I was looking for a good review. There simply aren't very many KZbin channels that deal with synthesizers and music on a level that is so good in terms of quality, information and music that people like to use them as a reference again and again. Loop is one such channel, Alex Ball is another, Tim Shoebridge is yet another.

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Wow sounds better than the Moog one in mono mode.

[@Pepijn_a.k.a._Akikaze]

Great demo! The Pulse 2 has some extras compared to the Mark 1. It is definitely worth buying. I don't understand Waldorf's marketing strategy. Their products are either very cheap or very expensive. Consider this Pulse and the Blofeld opposed to the M and Quantum. The cheap instruments give you more value for your money. The cumbersome user interface might be overcome by using an expensive Stereoping programmer. I got it for the Mark 1.

[@inlasttonowhere4459]

US price for this beauty is 899$ or 685 pounds. Where did you look? At any rate, it's standard price for this year here in the US (Sweetwater 4/3/2022)

[@mikomixmikomix6674]

Bonjour, je n'arrive pas a faire fonctionner le midi out du pulse 2 :(

[@hakonsoreide]

The Pulse 2 looks and sounds great, but that volume drop-off feels like a dealbreaker to me since I like playing filters. I suppose it would be possible to control the filters from MIDI and create a MIDI macro that adjusts volume at the same time.

[@anonymoushuman8344]

For eight-note paraphony with the pulse wave they might use the divide down method: Subdivisions, so to speak. 👍

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Watched this video and decided to buy one since it’s being discontinued. I think they marked it up a bit for the sendoff though. $649 USD “on sale” from $899.

[@jason.martin]

Is there a way to link up multiple pulse 2's? for a true polyphonic synth? I think the first pulse back in the 90's could do that

[@TimShoebridge]

If you don't mind using a computer then you could always try my software... www.soundmangling.com/2022/04/26/polychain-diy/ and it's not limited to one specific synth

[@jason.martin]

@@TimShoebridge Excellent I will have a look thanks !

[@mauchkimberly]

350 pounds, is that new? It's $899 before tax new in the states so... But I did find it used for as low as $400 before shipping on reverb.

[@SeverityOne]

Well, personally I don't like all these little knobby desktop units, let alone little keyboards, because I don't have the space. At least, not where I want to keep my synths. So rack units are ideal for me, and as for editing, you can always get an external knobby box like the Novation Remote SL Zero that I picked up second-hand, or even a software editor/librarian. Which is why I'm happy to have found a Novation Super Bass Station; if nothing else, it takes up half the space of a Pulse Plus.

[@SyntheticTree]

I think you can very well play two oscs paraphonically, assigning K-LOWEST and K-HIGHEST as modulation sources for pitch of two oscs of your choice.

[@MrNot4saken]

The Moog Matriarch has 4 oscillators and another possible one by patching turning the lfo into another oscillator

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

Nice 4 Price🎶🎹🎶😁

[@vjmacintyre]

350 GBP converts to $574.48 CAD, but when I look it up, it's $974 CAD for this synth!

[@williamwallace6508]

Top channel. I have a question about the small synths used in this line of reviews. Specifically the typhon. Its very noisy . Turn it on and turn it up withiout a patch and see what i mean! Everyone is reporting this issue i have spoken to

[@TimShoebridge]

It is very prone to ground loop issues. Using USB for power and MIDI is becoming very popular now but manufacturers really need to take extra steps to eliminate the noise that can be generated.....

[@williamwallace6508]

@@TimShoebridge I may be wrong, but to my knowledge ALL these units have pretty serious ground loop issues (noticeable humming), which are apparent using only a USB charger and headphones. Nothing else in the loop. So it's not even an issue with the charger used. Try it!

[@lordsharshabeel]

The paraphonic mode is fun, but sadly locked into 12-tone equal temperament due to lack of MIDI Tuning Standard support. I sold mine for this reason. Waldorf never finishes anything, so there’s no hope of ever receiving a firmware update.

[@impulsecoupling]

i'm commenting while watching the intro jam, so forgive me if you touched on this. I have one of these gems, and my biggest gripe is not the grid UI like many complain about-i think it works fine. My biggest gripe is the poorly utilized display. Why a MASSIVE font size for patch number? Use that display to show some current values for various settings. Maybe a tiny likeness of the grid with values while in edit mode? Perhaps they intended it to be for performance to verify program change.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, especially while the Blofeld has almost the exact same physical layout, it would have helped quite a bit to offer some of the same graphical representations for programming that the Blofeld has. When I bought the Pulse 2, I honestly expected Waldorf would update the UI (at least a little bit) with later firmware updates to make it more like the Blofeld. Didn't happen though...

[@impulsecoupling]

@@ProckGnosis Haha Waldorf is not exactly known for dropping constant improvements after release. Oh well, I love the form factor of these. i wish they'd release more.

[@ProckGnosis]

@@impulsecoupling Yeah, I'm an "in the middle" fan of Waldorf. I've had mixed (good and bad) interaction with the customer support, and of the 3 products I've purchased (Blofeld, Pulse 2, and the KB37), only one, the Pulse 2, didn't have "needs-to-be-fixed" problems. That's part of the reason I'm surprised they don't try harder to compensate with some decent firmware updates. I don't want to say that's indicative of German customer service (I live in Germany), but I've had very similar experiences with other German businesses, where the company seems almost agitated by my pointing out problems with their product.

[@RoyChartier]

Even a MiniMoog would have difficulty hitting the bottom end of a Pulse 1 or 2....it is just ridiculous.

[@richardseymour6091]

They redid their website this december and they've practically erased it from the site. It's available to buy, but the support pages are missing (yet they have the pulse and pulse +) really a shame considering how much power is in that thing. Hopefully they'll give it one last kick, but it's doubtful.

[@-l5905]

The U.K price for this synth is so strange, it's $400 more in Canada ($974) and the U.S.A price is ($900) At this time £349 = $574.48 Canadian Dollars. Even with The U.K's VAT it's still a lot cheaper there.

[@fjfrancois]

Yeah with $900 I can get 2 Roland SE-02

[@hugocaldeiravinagre]

got min second hand used from spain for 340€ plus shipping

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Do you have a review of the Monopoly up yet?

[@TimShoebridge]

No not yet, but it's on the to-do list

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

@@TimShoebridge cool really excited. How are you liking the Behringer quality?

[@TimShoebridge]

@@TwinCitiesOxygen Quality with the Behringer synths I own has not been an issue

[@burger659]

the randomization function is cool :)..many say that pulse 1 sounds better..

[@devondetroit2529]

If they are still selling it, they should update it

[@HAENDEL_Music]

It is a little bit complicated to program the item, but with an editor it is very easy and finaly sounds really FAT!