Nord Lead
Nord Lead | |
---|---|
![]() Nord Lead 2x | |
Manufacturer | Clavia |
Dates | 1994 – |
Technical specifications | |
Polyphony | Nord Lead: 4 (12 expanded) Nord Lead 2: 16 Nord Lead 2X: 20 Nord Lead 3: 24 Nord Lead 4: 20 |
Timbrality | 4 |
Oscillator | 2 per voice |
LFO | Triangle / Sawtooth / Square / Random / Sample and Hold |
Synthesis type | Virtual Analog Subtractive |
Filter | 1 Digital multi-mode filter |
Attenuator | ADSR envelope generator |
Aftertouch expression | Nord Lead 3 only |
Velocity expression | Yes |
Storage memory | Nord Lead 1/2: 99 patches Nord Lead 2X: 4x99 patches Nord Lead 3: 1024 patches |
Input/output | |
Keyboard | 49 keys |
Left-hand control | Pitch bend, mod wheel |
External control | MIDI in/out |
The Nord Lead is a series of virtual analog subtractive synthesizers, manufactured by Clavia.
Released in 1994, the original Nord Lead was the digital synthesizer that made the term virtual analog synthesis popular.[1] The now widely accepted term "virtual analog", was first coined by Clavia with the release of the Nord Lead.[2] This synthesizer was distinctive for its red coloration, knob-laden surface and unique pitch-stick and modulation wheel. After the Nord Lead, several updates followed suit; such as the Nord Lead 2, Nord Lead 3, and Nord Lead 2x.
Contents
Models[edit]
Nord Lead[edit]
The first Nord Lead was released in 1995 to positive reviews.[2] It was created with the help of Peter Jubel, who also co-founded Propellerhead Software.[3] Compared to synthesizers being constructed via analog components, the Nord Lead uses digital signal processors (DSPs) programmed to emulate both Subtractive and analogue FM synthesis (cross-modulation) to reproduce the warmth and richness of a traditional analog sound. The Nord Lead was also unusual for its time in being "covered in knobs",[2] which gave the player a direct access to all sound parameters without having to walk through editing menus.
The Nord Lead featured four notes of polyphony. A later hardware upgrade increased the polyphony to twelve voices. The expansion also added PCMCIA card storage of patches and a drum map feature.[4]
Nord Lead 2[edit]
The Clavia Nord Lead 2 was launched two years after the production of the original Nord Lead. It updated the polyphony from four to 16 voices.[5] Also added were a ring modulator, OSC 1 sync-able with the white noise generator, Sine waveform added for OSC 1, increased LFO and arpeggiator waveforms and patterns, distortion and 4 individual outputs. Patch storage was also increased. A PCMCIA storage slot was also added.
Nord Lead 3[edit]
The Nord Lead 3 was a more advanced version introduced in 2001, with many new features like 4 operator FM Synthesis (Sinus Modulation),[6] and an arpeggiator. The most visible new feature was replacing all the control knobs with endless rotary knobs surrounded by a lighted indicating collar to show the current setting. The Nord Lead 3 was however much more expensive than the Nord Lead 2, so the Nord Lead 2 and later Nord Lead 2X was sold in parallel to this flagship product. The Nord Lead 3 was discontinued in 2007, leaving the Nord Lead 2X the only remaining product in the Nord Lead series.
Nord Lead 2X[edit]
In 2003 Clavia introduced the 2X, a refresh of the Nord Lead 2. It included increased polyphony (20 voice), high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz DACs, and vastly expanded patch memory. The PCMCIA patch storage was removed.[7] The 2X retains the synthesis engine of its predecessor and consequently its sound characteristics.
Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition[edit]
In 2008, Clavia released a special limited edition of the Lead 2X with inverted key colors (black keys and white sharps/flats) and special logos to commemorate the 25-year history of the Clavia company.[8] Each unit (of only 300) came with an individually numbered certificate.
Nord Lead 4[edit]
In 2013 Clavia announced the Nord Lead 4 at the annual Musikmesse show in Germany.[9] The new variant boasts an updated sound engine, new filter sections and a "True Voice Unison" mode which can support up to 4 oscillators simultaneously. Furthermore, similar to the Nord Wave, the Lead 4 has a dedicated FX section featuring reverb, delay, crush and distortion.[10] The ability to quickly edit sounds whilst performing live is made possible as a result of the new "variation" controls in which the user can map up to 7 control parameters per program. Also similar to the Nord Wave, the Lead 4 supports MIDI I/O over USB 2.0.
Nord Lead A1[edit]
At NAMM 2014 Clavia announced the Nord Lead A1[11] The model attempts to make the Nord Lead line accessible to a wider user base, with a new oscillator interface and numerous enhancements intended to facilitate quick and creative sound design.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Sound to sense, sense to sound: a state of the art in sound and music computing. Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH. "[...]virtual analog synthesis. This term became popular when the Nord Lead 1 synthesizer was introduced in to the market"
- ^ a b c Gordon Reid (1995). "Clavia Nord". Sound On Sound (May 1995). Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
- ^ Debbie Poyser and Derek Johnson (2003). "Man Of Reason". Sound On Sound (January 2003).
- ^ "Nord Lead/Rack". Clavia. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
- ^ "Clavia Nord Lead 2". Sound On Sound. September 1997. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
- ^ "Clavia Nord Lead 3". Vintage Synth Explorer.
- ^ "Nord Lead 2X". Clavia DMI.
- ^ http://www.gearjunkies.com/product_info.php?products_id=15367
- ^ "Nord Lead 4 at Musikmesse 2013". Future Publishing Ltd.
- ^ "Nord Lead 4 Product Description". Clavia.
- ^ "Nord Lead A1 at NAMM 2014". MusicTech.
Further reading[edit]
- "Clavia Nord Lead Classic". Future Music. No. 59. ISSN 0967-0378. OCLC 1032779031.
- "Clavia Nord Lead 2". Future Music. No. 60. ISSN 0967-0378. OCLC 1032779031.