Nord has announced its latest analog modelling synthesizer, the Lead A1. Designed to suit a wide variety of musical styles, it claims to have a simpler interface which encourages experimentation and allows faster programming.
Key features include:
- Oscillators: 8 oscillator configuration with Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Dual Osc, FM and both traditional and digital waveforms.
- Modulation: LFO with 5 waveforms, mod envelope, LFO as additional ModEnv.
- Filter: 12, 24dB low-pass filters, high-pass and band-pass filters, Transistor and diode ladder filter simulations of Mini and TB-303
- Effects: Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulator, Drive
- Performance: 4-part multitimbral, Master Clock Sync of Arpeggiator, LFO and Delay, Velocity and Mod Wheel Morph, USB MIDI
Specifications
GENERAL FEATURES
49-key octave velocity sensitive keyboard with octave shift buttons (+/-2 octaves).
Keyboard Split with 2 slots for the upper and lower sections.
Modulation Wheel
Pitch Stick (with no dead zone at zero crossing).
Programmable Pitch bend range, up to +/- 4 octaves
Separate up/down bend range: -12 or -24 semitones, + 2 semitones
1 pedal input for sustain.
1 pedal input for expression pedal.
USER INTERFACE
3 LED displays, 23 knobs, 3 encoders and 20+ buttons for program and performance editing.
OSCILLATOR SECTION
Multiple Oscillator waveforms (traditional analog, extended analog, pulse waveforms, wavetable)
OSC config knob 8 categories (Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, Ring Modulation, Noise, Dual Osc, FM)
FILTER SECTION
Multi-mode filter with 12 dB (2-pole) low pass, 24 dB (4-pole) lowpass and band pass, high pass, Ladder M and Ladder 303 characteristics.
Cut off, Resonance, envelope amount, envelope amount controlled by velocity.
ADR/ASR envelope.
Filter keyboard tracking can be set to off, 1/3, 2/3 or full.
Adjustable Filter Distortion.
MODULATION SECTION
LFO 1 generates a triangle, square, sawtooth, inverted sawtooth or sample and hold waveforms. LFO 1 can be routed to Filter Frequency, Pitch, Shape and Osc mod. The LFO 1 rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
LFO can be switched to Env mode with three different characteristics and sample and hold is manually triggered by keyboard.
Arpeggiator: Range: 1 – 4 octave. Modes: up, down, up/down, random, Poly. The Arpeggio rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
ADR/ASR envelope, velocity control on/off, inverse envelope on/off.
AMPLIFIER SECTION
AD/SR envelope, velocity control on/off, gain control.
individual Pan-control per program
PERFORMANCE SECTION
Voice modes: Poly, Legato with portamento, Mono, True Unison 1, 2 & 3.
Four program slots for layering possibilities.
EFFECTS
FX section with Flanger, Phaser, Ring Modulation, Chorus, Ensemble and Drive.
Delay section with tap tempo, four stages of feedback, ping-pong, dry/wet mix. The Delay speed can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
Reverb section with five algorithms (Room, Stage 1, Stage 2, Hall 1, Hall 2).
MEMORY
Programs (single sounds): 8 x 50 (400) locations
Performances (multi sounds): 4 x 50 (200) locations
AUDIO OUT
4 outputs. Each slot can be assigned to its own output.
Headphones output.
High resolution low noise 24 bit DACs.
MIDI FEATURES
All control knobs and switches send and receive control change messages.
System exclusive bulk dumps. One program or all programs.
Master Clock will sync to incoming MIDI clock.
Soft Thru
CONNECTION
4 Line Level Audio Outputs – ¼”, 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
Stereo Headphone Output – ¼”, 6,35 mm stereo jack
Sustain Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm jack. Use a momentary pedal, like e.g., Roland DP-2, DP-6, Yamaha FC-4, FC-5, Fatar VFP1-25 etc.
Control Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack. Use a Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-7, Roland EV-5, Korg EXP2 or Korg XVP10.
USB connector with MIDI capabilities
MIDI In & Out – 5 pin DIN connectors
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
User Manual
Power Cord with IEC C14 connector
Nord CD ROM with Nord Sound Manager
DIMENSIONS
Nord Lead A1: 864 x 94 x 272 mm (34.0 x 3.7 x 10.7″)
WEIGHT
Nord Lead A1: 4.85 kg (10.7 lbs)
The Nord Lead A1 will be available from April, price to be confirmed. Read more about the instrument on Nord’s official page and look out for more info over the next few days.
Video
Check out this video from Sonic State:
