| Synth Name: | Nord Lead |
| Synth Manufacturer: | Clavia |
| Dates: | 1995 – |
| Polyphony: | Nord Lead : 4 (12 expanded) Nord Lead 2 : 16 Nord Lead 2X : 20 Nord Lead 3 : 24 Nord Lead 4 : 20 Nord Lead A1 : 26 |
| 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: | Nord Lead 3 only |
| Velocity: | Yes |
| Memory: | Nord Lead 1/2 : 99 patches Nord Lead 2X : 4x99 patches Nord Lead 3 : 1024 patches Nord Lead 4 : 4x99 patches Nord Lead A1 : 8x50 patches |
| Keyboard: | 49 keys |
| Left Control: | Pitch bend, mod wheel |
| Ext Control: | MIDI in/out |
The Nord Lead is a series of virtual analog subtractive synthesizers, manufactured by Clavia.
Released in 1995,[1] the original Nord Lead was the digital synthesizer that made the term virtual analog synthesis popular.[2] The now widely accepted term "virtual analog", was first coined by Clavia with the release of the Nord Lead.[3] 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.[3] It was created with the help of Peter Jubel, who also co-founded Propellerhead Software.[4] 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",[3] 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.[5]
The Clavia Nord Lead 2 was launched in 1997, two years after the production of the original Nord Lead. It updated the polyphony from four to 16 voices.[6] 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, filter distortion and 4 individual outputs. Patch storage was also increased. A PCMCIA storage slot was also added.
The Nord Lead 3 was a more advanced version introduced in 2001, with many new features like 4 operator FM Synthesis (Sinus Modulation),[7] 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 PCMCIA patch storage was removed.[8] The 2X retains the synthesis engine of its predecessor and consequently its sound characteristics.
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.[9] Each unit (of only 300) came with an individually numbered certificate.
In 2013 Clavia announced the Nord Lead 4 at the annual Musikmesse show in Germany.[10] 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.[11] 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.
At the 2014 NAMM Show, Clavia announced the Nord Lead A1.[12] 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.