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. The now widely accepted term "virtual analog", was first coined by Clavia with the release of the Nord Lead. 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.
The first Nord Lead was released in 1995 to positive reviews. It was created with the help of Peter Jubel, who also co-founded Propellerhead Software. 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", which gave the player a direct access to all sound parameters without having to walk through editing menus.
The Nord Lead supported four notes of polyphony, but could be expanded to twelve via an expansion board.
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. A ring modulator, OSC 1 can sync with the white noise generator, Sine waveform added for OSC 1, increased LFO and arpeggiator waveforms and patterns, distortion and 4 individual outputs.
The Nord Lead 3 was a more advanced version introduced in 2001, with many new features like 4 operator FM Synthesis (Sinus Modulation), 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.
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 2X retains the synthesis engine of its predecessor and consequently its sound characteristics.
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