Nord Lead
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
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

Clavia Nord Lead 2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer Download
Korg Ms2000b
Clavia Nord Lead

The Nord Lead is a series of virtual analogsubtractive synthesizers, manufactured by Clavia.

In 1995 Clavia launched the original Nord Lead Virtual Analog synthesizer. It immediately became a ground breaking success and set industry standard. Two years later the Nord Lead was followed by Nord Lead 2 which took the virtual analog concept even further, adding a number of improvements and new features. Clavia Nord Rack 2 Digital Virtual Analog Synthesizer Synth Module. $600 + $30 Shipping. Make an Offer. $755.31 + $116.20 Shipping. Make an Offer. Clavia Nord Rack 2 Synthesizer Nord Lead. The original Nord Lead and Nord Lead 2 are among the most popular synthesizers ever built. Debuting in 1995, the first Nord Lead virtual analog synthesizer took the music world by storm. It instantly became an industry standard and has secured its place among the most revered classic synthesizers.

Clavia Nord Lead 2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer Download

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.

Models[edit]

Nord keyboards. In 1995, Clavia released the Nord Lead.Called 'a magic piece of electronics' by Sound on Sound it popularized the virtual analog type of synthesis. In 1997 the Nord Lead 2 was released, with many improvements, including increasing polyphony from 4 to 16 notes.

Nord Rack (rack version of Nord Lead)

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

Nord Lead 2[edit]

Korg Ms2000b

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]

Nord Lead 3

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]

Nord Lead 2X

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]

Nord Lead 4

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]

Nord Lead A1

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.

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^cGordon 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 Ex