Waldorf pulse 2 User manual

ANALOG SYNTHESIZER
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K

Content
Pulse 2 User Manual 2
Content
Foreword.............................................................................................................................4!
The Pulse 2 Development Team...................................... 5!
We would like to thank................................................... 5!
Control Features and Connections .........................................................6!
Front Panel...................................................................... 6!
Connections.................................................................... 7!
Introduction......................................................................................................................8!
About this Manual........................................................... 8!
Symbols .......................................................................... 8!
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters.................. 8!
General Safety Guidelines............................................... 9!
Suitable Operating Conditions ....................................... 9!
Power Supply.................................................................. 9!
Operation ....................................................................... 9!
Maintenance ................................................................. 10!
Proper Use .................................................................... 10
Setup and Connection........................................................................................ 11!
Inventory....................................................................... 11!
Setup............................................................................. 11!
Connection ................................................................... 11!
The USB Connection..................................................... 13
Basic Operation ........................................................................................................14!
Switching on/ off............................................................14!
The Volume...................................................................14!
Selecting Sounds............................................................14!
Editing Parameters .........................................................15!
Editing Parameter Controls.............................................15!
Storing Sounds...............................................................16!
Sound Parameter.....................................................................................................18!
Overview of Functions...................................................18!
The Oscillator Section (OSC 1-3) ...................................19!
The LFO Section ............................................................24!
The Envelope Section (ENV F and ENV A) .....................26!
The Arpeggiator Section (ARP) .......................................28!
The Filter Section (VCF) .................................................34!
The Amplifier Section (VCA) ..........................................36!
The Modulation Matrix Menu (Mod)..............................38!
The Sound Menu ...........................................................39
Additional Settings.........................................................................................40!
The Global Menu ..........................................................40!
The Utility Menu ...........................................................45

Content
3 Pulse 2 User Manual
Sound Synthesis Basics...................................................................................47!
Oscillators Introduction................................................. 47!
Filter Introduction.......................................................... 52!
Appendix..........................................................................................................................54!
Updating the Firmware.................................................. 54!
Sending & Receiving System Exclusive Data.................. 55!
Modulation Sources....................................................... 56!
Modulation Targets........................................................ 57!
Tips & Tricks ................................................................. 58!
Technical Data.............................................................. 60!
MIDI Controller Numbers.............................................. 61!
Glossary ........................................................................ 64!
Declaration of Conformity............................................. 69!
Product Warranty & Support.......................................... 72!

Foreword
Pulse 2 User Manual 4
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer.
You now own a compact analog synthesizer with an asto-
nishing sound. And of course, a very exceptional feature set
as for example the paraphonic modes and the APW wave-
form. If you do decide to read the following quick start ma-
nual we can promise you a lot of fun while reading it and
especially afterwards working with the Pulse 2.
Your Waldorf-team
Hint
Waldorf Music is not liable for any erroneous information
contained in this manual. The contents of this manual may
be updated at any time without prior notice. We made every
effort to ensure the information herein is accurate and that
the manual contains no contradictory information. Waldorf
Music extends no liabilities in regard to this manual other
than those required by local law.
This manual or any portion of it may not be reproduced in
any form without the manufacturer's written consent.
Waldorf Music GmbH, Landskroner Straße 52, D-53474 Bad
Neuenahr, Germany

Foreword
5 Pulse 2 User Manual
The Pulse 2 Development Team
Hardware: Frédéric Meslin, Frank Schneider,
Stefan Stenzel
Software: Stefan Stenzel, Frédéric Meslin
Design: Axel Hartmann
Manual: Holger Steinbrink
Revision: 1.0, September 2013
wPlease visit our website pulse2.waldorfmusic.de. Here
you will find the latest firmware version as well as
other downloads for the Pulse 2.
We would like to thank
Christian Bacaj, Willie Eckl, Joachim Flor, Michael von Gar-
nier, Karsten Dubsch, Kurt "Lu" Wangard,吴海彬, and not to
forget, the Sound programmers: Jürgen Driessen, Christian
Gritzner, Till Kopper, Dirk Krause, Rob Lee, Dr. Ingo Weid-
ner.

Control Features and Connections
Pulse 2 User Manual 6
Control Features and Connections
Front Panel
aDisplay
bSelection Buttons
cSelection Dial
dVolume Dial
eMIDI Input Indicator
fParameter Matrix
gParameter Matrix Buttons
hShift Button
iParameter Matrix Dials

Control Features and Connections
7 Pulse 2 User Manual
Connections
AStereo headphone jack
BAudio line output left/right (only right: mono)
CAudio line mono input
4CV/Gate outputs
5MIDI Out jack
6MIDI In jack
7Locking slot
8USB port
9Power switch
JPower supply socket

Introduction
Pulse 2 User Manual 8
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual was written to help you become familiar
with the Pulse 2 synthesizer. It will also aid experienced
users with routine tasks.
To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is
based on the Pulse 2 parameter names. You will find a
glossary at the end of this manual; it explains the various
terms used.
Important terms are highlighted in bold letters.
Symbols
mCaution – The comments that follow this symbol
will help you avoiding errors and malfunctions.
wInfo – Additional information on a given topic.
+Instruction – Follow these guidelines to execute a
desired function.
[Example – Real-world examples to try out.
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters
All of the Pulse 2 buttons, controls and parameters are
highlighted in bold letters throughout the manual.
Example:
•Press the VCF button at the Parameter matrix.
•Move the Cutoff knob.
The Pulse 2 different modes and parameter pages are
illustrated in a depiction of the display.

Introduction
9 Pulse 2 User Manual
General Safety Guidelines
mPlease read the following safety tips carefully!
They include several precautions you should al-
ways observe when dealing with electronic
equipment. Read all of the instructions before
operating your device
Suitable Operating Conditions
•Use the device indoors only. Outside it could be
rainy or humid as well as too hot or too cold.
•Never use the device under damp conditions such
as in bathrooms, washrooms or around indoor
swimming pools.
•Do not use the device in extremely dusty or dirty
environments in order maintain the surface fi-
nishing of the Pulse 2.
•Make sure that adequate ventilation is available on
all sides of the device. Do not place the device ne-
ar heat sources such as radiators.
•Do not expose the device to direct sunlight, even if
you have a suitable sunscreen.
•Do not expose the device to extreme vibrations.
Power Supply
•Never use a different power cable than the one that
came with the Pulse 2.
•Unplug the device when you are not using it for
longer periods.
•Never touch the plug with wet hands.
•Always pull the plug when unplugging the device,
never the cable.
Operation
•This device, used on its own or with amplifiers,
speakers or headphones, can generate volume levels
that may result in irreparable damage to your hea-
ring and/or speakers and amplifiers. For this reason
you should always keep the volume at appropriate
levels.
•Never place objects containing liquids on or near
the device.
•Always place the device on a stable base only.
•Make sure no foreign objects find their way into the
chassis. If for some reason this should occur, switch

Introduction
Pulse 2 User Manual 10
the power off, unplug the device and consult a qua-
lified repair center.
Maintenance
•Do not open the device or remove the cover. Refer
all service and repair tasks to qualified personnel.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the chas-
sis.
•Use only a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the de-
vice. Never use alcohol, cleaning solutions or simi-
lar chemicals. They will damage the surface of the
chassis.
Proper Use
This device is designed exclusively to produce low-
frequency audio signals for the purpose of generating
sound. Any other use is prohibited and voids the war-
ranty extended by Waldorf Music. Waldorf Music is not
liable for damages due to incorrect use.
mDo not leave your Pulse 2 near children, mothers-
in-law or pets. This could lead to critical interac-
tions.

Setup and Connection
11 Pulse 2 User Manual
Setup and Connection
Inventory
The Waldorf Pulse 2 package comes complete with:
•the Waldorf Pulse 2 Synthesizer
•an external power supply with 12V / 500mA
•a printed Quick Start manual
Please ensure all the items above were included. If
something is missing, contact your local dealer.
We recommend that you save the original packing ma-
terial for future transport.
Setup
Place the Pulse 2 on a clean, even surface.
Connections
In order to get started with your Pulse 2 you will need
an AC power outlet. For the connection of the audio
output you will need either a mixing console or an
audio interface. You can also use a suited headphone.
Last but not least you will mostly likely need a MIDI
master keyboard.
You can also use a computer or hardware sequencer to
make use of the Pulse 2 MIDI features.
+To connect the devices:
1. Turn all units off.
2. Connect the Pulse 2 audio output 2to your
mixing console or your computer audio inter-
face. Optionally connect a suited stereo
headphone to the Pulse 2´s headphone output
1. If you want to use a mono output only,
connect only the Stereo Out Right/Mono out-
put only with a ¼inch mono plug.
3. To play the Pulse 2 you need a MIDI master
keyboard. Connect its MIDI Out jack to the
Pulse 2´s MIDI input 6.
4. If you want to use a computer with a MIDI in-
terface, connect your interface´s MIDI Out jack
to the Pulse 2 MIDI In jack 6.
5. Optionally you can connect the Pulse 2 USB
port 8with a USB cable to your computer. Af-

Setup and Connection
Pulse 2 User Manual 12
ter that the Pulse 2 is automatically available as
a MIDI unit.
6. Connect the power supply cable or the power
cable that came with the Pulse 2 with the Pow-
er supply Jjack.
7. If you want to use the external audio input,
please connect it 3to a line output of your si-
gnal source or a guitar or microphone.
8. If you want to control other devices via
CV/Gate, please connect them to the CV/Gate
outputs 4of the Pulse 2.
9. Then switch on the computer (if connected),
your Pulse 2, the mixing console and finally
the amplifier or active monitor speakers.
wTo check the correct reception of MIDI data send
any MIDI event to the Pulse 2; the MIDI / USB
LED ewill light up on any incoming MIDI mes-
sage. If this is not the case please check the MIDI
connection to the Pulse 2 as well as the Global
MIDI configuration.
wIf you do not choose to connect a mixing conso-
le, you can patch the Pulse 2 output signals 2di-
rectly to an amp or to an audio interface. Use an
input usually called Line, Aux or Tape input.
mBefore connecting and disconnecting the Pulse 2
to a power supply source, turn your amp’s volume
control all the way down to avoid damage due to
on/off switching noise. The Pulse 2 produces a
high level output signal. Please take care that the
connected playback device is suitable for the high
level of an electronic instrument. Never use the
mic or phono input of the connected amp!

13 Pulse 2 User Manual
The USB Connection
Using a USB cable you can connect the Pulse 2 to your
computer observing the following system requirements:
•Windows PC: Windows XP or newer is recom-
mended, a USB port
•Linux PC, a USB port
•Apple: Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.5 or newer, a
USB port
•Apple iPad with iPad Camera Connection Kit
The USB connection of the Pulse 2 allows:
•transmitting and receiving MIDI data
•dumping of firmware updates to the Pulse 2
•Sounds / Global parameters backup and recall
with suitable computer software.
wMake sure to use a computer USB port as well as
a USB cable to avoid problems with data trans-
mission.
wKeep also in mind that we often offer new firm-
ware updates. Please read also the chapter "Up-
dating the Firmware".

Basic Operation
Pulse 2 User Manual 14
Basic Operation
Switching on / off
The Pulse 2 is equipped with a Power switch 8. Flick
it to switch on the Pulse 2. The display ais lit and
shows the installed firmware version. After that, the
Pulse 2 is ready for some action. Flick the Power
switch again to switch off the Pulse 2.
mDon´t forget to save an edited sound program,
before switching off the Pulse 2. Otherwise, your
edits are lost forever.
The Volume
The Volume dial dcontrols the Pulse 2 master volu-
me. The volume setting is global and affects the level of
the audio outputs 2and the headphone output 1.
Selecting Sounds
The Pulse 2 offers 500 sound programs. Use the
Selection dial bor the Selection buttons cto
select these sounds. Turning the dial clockwise or pres-
sing the right button increases the sound program num-
ber, turning the dial counterclockwise or pressing the
left button decreases it. When you are at the end of the
last sound program and turn the Selection dial further,
you will jump to sound program 001 again.
wEverytime you select sound program 500, the
Pulse 2 will automatically create a random sound
patch.
wIf you turn the Selection dial bwhile pressing
the Shift button, you can select a desired sound
category (class), e.g. ARP or POLY. This is perfect
for a faster selection of sounds. To select all
sounds without limitation, you need to set Class
to ALL.

Basic Operation
15 Pulse 2 User Manual
Editing Parameters
In order to change or edit a sound in the Pulse 2, you
must access the appropriate parameters. In spite of the
Pulse 2 compactness it uses a sophisticated user inter-
face allowing fast editing of any parameter. The change
of any value is done with the dials in the Parameter
matrix i.
The dials control all parameter values. Turning a dial
clockwise increases the corresponding value; turning it
counterclockwise decreases it. The dials have a built-in
dynamic response feature. If you turn the control slowly,
the value changes very smoothly, too. If you turn it
faster, it accelerates as well. This gives you the chance
of adjusting the whole value range in just one turn
without losing accurate control when necessary.
Editing Parameter Controls
The basic sound programming of the Pulse 2 is done via
the so-called Parameter Matrix fwhich has all im-
portant parameters silkscreened on the machine´s front
panel. Changing the parameters is done with the six
endless Parameter Matrix dials i. Changing the edit
level is done with the five Parameter Matrix buttons
g. This sounds more complex than it is. With a simple
example you will understand the structure of the Pulse 2
handling easily.
Would you like to change the Cutoff of the Pulse filter?
Please proceed as follows:
+To access a specific panel parameter:
1. Locate the section that contains the desired
parameter on the front panel. For example, if
you want to change Cutoff, refer to the VCF
section. To do this please press the VCF Pa-
rameter Matrix button until the LED lights
up.
2. With the first endless dial you can now chan-
ge Cutoff parameter.
3. Whenever you change a parameter by mo-
ving a dial, the display shows the edited pa-
rameter and its current value.
wKeep in mind that based on the selected Oscilla-
tor Shape some parameters are not accessible.
This will be remarked in the further sections of
this manual.

Basic Operation
Pulse 2 User Manual 16
Storing Sounds
After you have finished editing a sound, you must store
it if you intend to use it again. Any of the Pulse 2 memo-
ry locations are available for this purpose.
+To store a sound program:
1. Press the Shift h+ Store buttons to activate
the Store page.
2. Use the Selection dial cto select the desti-
nation program number. The default value is
the currently selected sound but you may
want to store your edits in a different lo-
cation.
3. Edit the sound name (if wished). First press
the right Selection button to navigate to the
naming function. A sound name can use up
to 14 characters. Use the Selection dial to
change the setting of the first character. Use
the six Parameter Matrix buttons to change
the next six characters. Use the right
Selection button to switch to the next seven
characters. Here you can use the same con-
trols as for the first seven characters.
4. Now you can select the category class of
your sound. It is strongly recommended to
select an appropriate category class for your
sound program. This helps you finding your
sound later. Use the right Selection button
to switch to the class selection. With the
Selection dial you can choose the corres-
ponding class.
5. Finally press Shift + Store to store the sound
to the selected location.
6. By pressing any button before performing the
step 5, you can discard the storing process at
any time
mWhenever you store a sound, the selected memo-
ry location is overwritten. Therefore, any pre-
viously stored sound at this location will be era-
sed and there is no way to get it back. So, you

17 Pulse 2 User Manual
should do backups of the sounds regularly. If you
want to restore the factory presets, you can
download them as a Standard MIDI File from our
website.
wUse the Store function also if you want to copy
sounds. There is no need to edit a sound before
storing it. When receiving individual sounds
through sysex transfer, they must be store ma-
nually in the Pulse 2.

Sound Parameter
Pulse 2 User Manual 18
Sound Parameter
Overview of Functions
The Waldorf Pulse 2 consists of numerous sound-
shaping components
wIs the Pulse 2 your first synthesizer? Are you curi-
ous about sound synthesis? If so, we recommend
to read the chapter "Sound Synthesis Basics" in
this manual.
You should know that the Pulse 2 consists of two diffe-
rent types of components for sound generation and
sound shaping:
•Sound Synthesis: Oscillators, Filter, Amplifier with
saturation: These modules represent the audio signal
flow. Sound generation actually occurs within the
Oscillators and and the Noise generator. These pro-
duce various waves as for example square and
sawtooth. The Filter then shapes the sound by ampli-
fying (boosting) or attenuating (dampening) certain
frequencies. The Amplifier is located at the end of
the signal chain. It sets the overall volume of the si-
gnal and can add some saturation.
•Modulators: The Modulators are designed to mani-
pulate or modulate the sound generating compo-
nents to add dynamics to the sound. The Low-
frequency Oscillators (LFO) are designed for pe-
riodic or recurring modulations while the Envelopes
are normally used for modulations that occur once.

Sound Parameter
19 Pulse 2 User Manual
The Oscillator Section (OSC 1-3)
The Pulse 2 offers three oscillators that nearly use similar
parameters for editing.
All controls of the oscillators can be found in the OSC
parameter matrix.
+Selecting an Oscillator
Choose the desired oscillator with the button. The LED
of the corresponding Oscillator will light up.
wA detailled introduction of the oscillators can be
found in the chapter "Sound Synthesis Basics".
wKeep in mind that based on the selected Oscilla-
tor Shape some parameters are not accessible.
This will be remarked in the further sections!
Shape diverse
Sets the type of waveform to be generated by the Oscil-
lator.
wKeep in mind: Some shapes are not available for
all of the three oscillators.
The following shapes are currently available:
•PWM (only OSC 1 and OSC 2)selects the pulse
waveform. This waveform produces a hollow / me-
tallic sound. If the PWM waveform is selected, the
parameter Pulsewidth is used to change the pul-
sewidth of the waveform.
•SQR (only OSC 3)selects a square wave with a fix
pulsewidth of 50%.
•SAW selects the sawtooth waveform. A Sawtooth
wave has all the harmonics of the fundamental
frequency in descending magnitude.
•TRI selects the triangular waveform. The triangle
mainly consists of the odd harmonics with very
low magnitudes and sounds close to a sine wave.
•APW (only OSC 1) means "Alternate Pulse Wave".
The positive effect is that you get PWM like sounds

Sound Parameter
Pulse 2 User Manual 20
but with constant energy, at the cost of having to
tolerate a subharmonic one octave below.
•UNISON M (only OSC 1)creates an unison in
mono mode by using a cluster of eight pulse oscil-
lators at once. So if you play a single note, all eight
oscillators play this note, slightly detuned to enrich
the sound. Detuning (UNISON DETUNE) can be
controlled with Keytrack.
•UNISON P (only OSC 1)creates an unison in po-
lyphonic mode by using a cluster of eight pulse
oscillators. If you trigger one note only, all eight
oscillators will be played with the same root pitch.
If you trigger eight different notes, every oscillators
plays its own pitch. Detuning (UNI-DETUNE) can
be controlled with the Keytrack parameter.
•UNIAPW M (only OSC 1)creates an unison in
mono mode (same as UNISON M) by using a
cluster of eight APW oscillators at once.
•UNIAPW P (only OSC 1)creates an unison in
polyphonic mode (same as UNISON P) by using a
cluster of eight APW oscillators at once.
wKeep in mind: If one of the Unison shapes is
selected, the Keytrack parameter controls the
detuning of the poly pulse oscillators.
wIf one of the Unison modes is selected as Shape,
you cannot use OSC 2 and OSC 3. Both oscilla-
tors are not accessible then.
•Para-8 (only OSC 1)creates a special paraphonic
mode where all eight PWM oscillators sound with
frequencies according to the held notes. So if you
play a chord with up to eight notes, that chord is
played by the oscillators. In this special case, the
the Keytrack parameter controls the fading of the
pulsewidth modulation. The rate also depends on
Attack and Release of the amplifier envelope ENV
A.
wKeep in mind: If Para-8 is selected as Shape, you
cannot use OSC 2 and OSC 3. Both oscillators
are not accessible then.
wKeep also in mind: The signal path of the Pulse 2
is mono. All eight voices need to use one VCF
and one VCA.