GEOSynths - Synth Show Reviews - Nord Lead A1

[@gregorythomasmusic]

certainly one of the best reviews of one of my favourite synths. well done and good programming! it's always nice to hear people programming this synth to do something other than trance.

[@josephramone5805]

Excellent review of the A1. After 15 yrs owning a Nord Lead 2x, I sold it to buy an A1. I do miss the ability to do full ADSR filtering, but I won't miss the horrible MIDI implementation of the 2x. The inability to pan the 2x's individual patches, either with the keyboard's interface or through external DAW MIDI pan control, was a deal breaker for me. I loved the 2x, but the A1 is magnitudes more advanced in its MIDI implementation and extensive oscillator waveforms. I'm able to create patches with the A1 that were impossible with the 2x, yet I'm able to recreate most everything I did with the 2x with minimal work. Also, not having to use an external delay-reverb unit, as I was doing with the 2X, is a huge benefit, helping to keep my studio as minimalistic as possible - considering how much hardware and patch cables I already use! Overall, the A1 is a big step up from the 2x.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Your sound design is my exact esthetic. Love listening to you play. My new favorite channel.

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks Derek, glad you find it useful :)

[@awaywithwinds6115]

Such a good review, thank you. Really listened to all you had to say.

[@MarshalArnold]

Awesome review Jamie! I have always enjoyed the Nord workflow, pretty simple to dig into. One of my 1st hardware synths was a Nord Lead 2x. Have owned a few others through the years, today I think my favorite is the Nord Wave.

[@GEOSynths]

I nearly went for a Wave recently, they do sound good. I had a Nord Lead 4 for a short while and wasn't too keen on it, that said the A1 is pretty cool.

[@paulhorsley8922]

Just brought one of these I can’t recommend it enough a great synth, I have it midi,Ed up to my Roland f06 and Digitakt it’s like having 4 analog synths (or fm,wave table,)in one with separate fx on each channel brilliant just brilliant, and nords website has plenty of free patches from professional programmers 👍👍.

[@Art-zs6sl]

I enjoy the sounds in this video. Seems like a great synth if you want to get straight to writing, or aren't interested in programming much. Your 20 scale is great, and your assessment of the instrument was eye opening. Thanks!

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks Art, much appreciated.

[@marcoandreoni2112]

Love the sound designer point of view in your reviews. Please do more! Thanks, greetings from Argentina

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks Marco, I have 6 more Reviews to do :)

[@CJWarlock]

NL4 rulez IMO. :) Nice review. Fantastic patches. Congrats on them. :)

[@johnnyraphaell]

I have the nord lead 1 standing here. Its a whole different beast with a lot of character. The most beautiful digital artifacts haha. It sounds just outstanfing in its own way. Its quite aggressive and clear and pushing at the same time. Never heard another synth doing that.

[@krzysztoffigiel7893]

Fajny kanał. Kupiłem Reflections VOL. 1👍 Eastern Dawn👍👍Abduction to rewelacja👍!! Kiedy VOL.2??

[@JosefK93]

Nice review, I have a NL4 and agree that the performance mode and layering is where these synths shine. I love the ensemble effect in the A1, but the ASR:s and missing LFO2+mod env is too limiting imo for a digital synth. The unison effect is cool but imo makes it harder to mix, I prefer designing the best possible mono sound and then sending it through analog fx pedals. I guess it's a good thing that the workflow and sound is different enough for me to justify an analog poly as well in the future :)

[@LaidbackSounds]

Another superb video !!!

[@AgustinKinderknecht]

Wow, great review... Thanks!

[@digitaldiezel5870]

So glad you got your hands on this!!! I always thought this was a cool board to have.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, I made Patches for it last year. It's the best out of the Nord's for the Sound, just a bit fiddly.

[@chizmo7]

This little beast is great sounding and unique. Also I think it is very versatile. It will actually make really good electric piano sounds. This is handy when I'm watching TV, because I can sit it on my lap. I have already written several songs that this little guy inspired. I highly recommend it.

[@f3d3sacchi]

Just posted your reviews on Italian group Synth Cafe! Thank you GEO!

[@Tigerrider2]

Great review, and lovely sounds. I am looking to replace my Novation Ultranova and am undecided between the Lead 4 and the A1 There is nowhere near me to try either of these so am stuck with youtube reviews. I kind of get some of the differences especially not being able to use reverb and delay at the same time on the 4. But unsure if the 4 has Unison... Have you done a similar video to this one on the 4 ? If so can you put a link here please, Cheers,

[@Angelstarscotland]

I absolutely love it....... not a synth I’ve ever looked into, wow so good

[@thisisianroe]

Probably one of the best demo's I've seen of the A1 - and this has officially had me SOLD! :D Just maybe a purchase of the Minitaur at some point for some phatter base when I next get paid ;)

[@FanaticsArea]

Here's a recording I did of the A1; making use of performance modes. Just a live play and so not polished but it gives an idea of the type of stuff the A1 can do. I like the chords starting at around the 11 minute mark. drive.google.com/file/d/1ffu4ZnUCIpp8O1T0r2gwQpJ5OJikaagC/view?usp=drivesdk

[@Donetur]

I own a Nord Stage 3 which has this engine. I was surprised how good it can sound, better than the Nord Lead 2X I owned years ago, it sounds more organic and analog somehow. I am full of real analog gear but I still think this sounds amazing no matter to what I compare with, even a Prophet, this has its own character. I simply love it.

[@mrlargo7067]

I call my A1 the "pad machine". If you want a deep synth with lots of modulation this is not for you. But it sounds wonderful, perhaps not analog but Nord analogish and Nord digitalish. IMHO it's the best sounding Nord. And once you get use to the symbiose 2d osc and how to use it, creating sounds on the A1 is very fast and very rewarding. If you looking for a poly synth that is good at everything, check out Novation PEAK/Summit. I call my PEAK the "jack of all trade" Check out Jamie's video of the PEAK.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

I've seen some other demos of the A1 and it sounds pretty nice. I had a NL2 and it sounded boring. Thanks for reviewing!

[@designhappens8444]

cool, knowledgeable, substantial, musical, subbed!

[@NigDub]

@GEOsynths Looking to add something to my DSI Pro2 and Elektron Analog keys. Lately, I have been really into Richard Barbieri in his Japan period (love those ring mod tones in Ghosts) would you recommend the A1 for that or rather one of the leads? Both Sylvian and Barbieri used leads in the past.

[@DominoChild]

Compared to the Prologue which one is the better buy.

[@cyhanvox1323]

heloo thank for video! is the envelope modulation also used to adjust the filter envelope? where is the filter envelope?

[@roeltgoxhabelliu6995]

what do u recommend smth better and more economical or maybe just a better bang for my buck

[@Spektralfarben-Music]

Great review, thanks! If the A1 had a decent keyboard with aftertouch (e.g. Fatar TP/9) it would be almost perfect (regarding the whole concept). I have an A1 and love it - but I miss aftertouch every day and am annoyed by this cheap and clattery keyboard.

[@oxytronix]

nice demo

[@MinimalWave1982]

This synth just sounds right out of the box you dont need to polish eq the sound.

[@gregorythomasmusic]

one of it's greatest strengths in the studio or live. it sits so well in a mix.

[@johnnyraphaell]

Wow this airy lead is phenomenal! For these sounds its THE SYNTH. But not for all sounds- sadly

[@SebAnt]

Fabulous!

[@Elazarko]

Hey! I'm looking for a high quality (no reliability issues) 61-76 key keyboard, something with control over the sound similar to what a Nord keyboards has.. with preference for internal speakers.. somthing around $600 any good recommendations?

[@kignacio]

1:25 and I was like wow when I heard the sound of your wow. Would make a great bass loop. 1:25 1:25 1:25 1:25

[@izziOnBass]

Hi can you pls do one for Lead 4 ?

[@janpieternieman5295]

Which one is the better of the two, the KingKorg or this one.

[@vonk369]

Does the nord lead a1 has something like the multi mode on access virus?

[@LeoFelipelli]

Hi! Would you recomend this over the Behringer Deepmind? Thanks

[@GEOSynths]

Well, it can do 4 Layers, which the DM12 can only do 1, so there's that. The strength in the DM12 is the FX and Processing, so you have to consider that.

[@LeoFelipelli]

​@@GEOSynths Thank you! Finally, I have bought an A1. I already had a few hours of enjoyment. :)

[@uirehuigedkahds]

16:00 Sounds like ecco the dolphin

[@patsybrady]

👍🏿for that Like button (on the Nord)

[@Mr_Bollie]

Sounds like you prefer other digital poly synths over this. What's your favorite there?

[@GEOSynths]

On contrary, I really like the A1, but i was being objective compared to others.

[@Mr_Bollie]

@@GEOSynths Thank you so much! I'm torn between the Lead A1 (because I own the 6D and love Nord's quality and almost boring ease of use), Hydrasynth, and Korg Wavestate (because it seems to inspire to create some interesting Peter Gabriel-like sequences).

[@GEOSynths]

Bollie i have all 3 of those and while the hydrasynth is very extensive, the A1 sound quality is much better. Obviously the hydra has great control with aftertouch and poly aftertouch, the sound is what counts. The wavestate is cool, but not a true synth in that its all sample based.

[@Mr_Bollie]

@@GEOSynths That is so helpful, thank you so much! Then it fits the initial impression I got when I bought the 6D: A workhorse. Even though I'm a guitarist, the 6D inspires me to play a couple times a day. And it looks like Lead A1 could be just as inspiring. :)

[@noobslayerr9732]

King of trance

[@jhdrummer4815]

Are there piano sounds similar to Korg M1? Thanks

[@GEOSynths]

No, that’s the Nord Wave 2. There’s no samples as such, just Nords “wave tables”

[@jhdrummer4815]

@@GEOSynths Thanks!

[@ahzootube]

Sequential Take 5 or Nord Lead A1 ? I am in between

[@GEOSynths]

@@ahzootube both are very good, I’ve done patches for both, what sort of sounds are you wanting to use/make?

[@ahzootube]

@@GEOSynths Hey, thanks for the reply! I am looking for both organic and modern sounds to use in productions inspired by guys like Joy Orbison. My issue with flagship synth sounds like Moog Muse is they make it sound too big or much like synth music if you know what I mean :) It's weird to put my finger on. I would like to create a workflow between Roland tr8s, A1rack and Torso T1 sequencing it. I am just not sure if I should stick to Sequential Take 5, which I have but I am not using it so often due to lack of keyboard skills... What is your take in the light of this information?

[@888berg]

How do you build a house? Deep house on that thing

[@sentokan]

How do u do to filter all sounds from the 4 layers at the same time? Like around minute 22.

[@GEOSynths]

Shinobi it’s called “multi focus” so you can select all 4 layers.

[@lawrencevaughan5373]

In the description is says DSI Sequential next to the score, is this a spoiler for the next video or a typo? 😜

[@GEOSynths]

Haha...Copy and Paste my friend...

[@melvinmckjr]

What’s that patch you used at 10:00?

[@GEOSynths]

It’s in my bank and the Performance is called “Heavenly”. I demonstrate it at 3:49 in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXiyh5qKpqigeqM

[@MaxZorin8]

Oscillator section is a kinda "rip off" from Braids module (by Mutable Instruments).

[@jobatimus]

This keyboard sound good........................

[@AlainHubert]

It sounds perfect. And to me, that's not a good thing. It suffers from the same predictable behavior, and mathematical rectitude as most other VAs out there. Probably because it's very difficult to model the behavior of electrons interactions accurately. Nice review nonetheless. Thanks for sharing.

[@GEOSynths]

Yes, it is quite clean sound and there are some ways to make it less predictable, but Nord has a sound, some people like it some don't, but still 4 layers is pretty cool.

[@FanaticsArea]

@@GEOSynths You did a great review there. I'm a Nord Lead fan and I think you gave a fair score. I expect you had to recap on the A1's odd single-variable osc design before making the video! It's not standard by any means but the A1 is a fun synth and you can soon lose hours with it. The wavetable style approach with the selectable osc waveforms combined with the Shaper function leads to some very interesting sounds. Very musical, even when the harmonics are clashing away.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, i've done lots of Patches/Performances for it, so know quite well, but I hadn't used it for a while and essentially had to re-learn how to use it...Not the most intuitive of Synths, but can do some good results!

[@jeffc1753]

Modal Electronics did digital right with their 002. The oscillators have a subtle constant movement, and every voice is slightly defined from each other, creates a nice organic pulsing movement of sound. Very forward thinking but unfortunately there are very few manufacturers that pay attention to such detail.

[@FanaticsArea]

@@jeffc1753 A VST but OB-X Pro-II does a great job with drift: www.sonicprojects.ch/opxpro2/description.html

[@jriceblue]

How do I build a house ...BASS?

[@GEOSynths]

Haha...Very good :)

[@RobertMRyder]

Wish you had a Nord Lead 4 ;-)

[@GEOSynths]

I had one, sold it... :)

[@RobertMRyder]

@@GEOSynths well, sir, I'm always happy to throw money at you, so if you happen to have some original NL4 sound banks gathering dust... but I did learn a lot about the A1 here. Waa kinda jealous some of the features didn't get into the 4, back in the day

[@GEOSynths]

The 4 has a better layout, but it was missing a Chorus Effect...I might pick one up again at some point, I was limited in Space at the time.

[@RobertMRyder]

@@GEOSynths I do like modulating the comb filter for a chorusy effect.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, but then you only have either a Reverb or a Delay, not both...A bit weird, as it was the higher spec version, they should have put the A1 FX in there, but it seems like they've abandoned development for the Leads...Shame.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

The more I learn about the A1, the more I'm interested in adding it to my studio.That pad at 15:04 is stunningly beautiful. May sell my Juno 106 for this...

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks...but don't sell your Juno..Ever...haha

[@ernestbuckley8671]

@@GEOSynths I enjoyed your video, forgot to mention that.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

@@GEOSynths I know I know... its a beauty. Limited but its a beauty.

[@johnadams5489]

I'm surprised that Nord or anyone for that matter would make single OSC synth in this day and age.

[@tombaonline4829]

again the way this nord works is through the performances layering love how a sub 37 is a psuedo dou synth and doesnt get any flack. nord def has a sound you either "get' or dont "get"

[@johnadams5489]

@@tombaonline4829 Baloney. Why don''t you just buy a Juno106? Sure, FX and "performance laying" can improve the sound, but for $1795 I would go with a Novation PEAK that has 3 Osc, an analog filter and 8 voices for a lot less money. That synth would blow the doors off a 1 osc Nord anything. You can't shine shit.

[@tombaonline4829]

The fact you "just got it via a trade" already makes you over critical of it. This is what happens with possessions. If you pine for something work towards something and save for it then you appreciate it more. You dont appreciate this synth period. The sounds i hear YOU doing i do not hear on ANY other synth even. This synth is under appreciated

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks for the comment, however you are projecting how you would feel, not me. I don't "pine" for Synthesizers or possessions in general. I bought the Nord Lead A1 new when it came out, but due to lack of space it wasn't getting used, so I sold it, I then had a Montage for sale and wanted the Cash and wasn't looking for a trade, but as the A1 was offered, I accepted...Trade doesn't mean I got it for free! My score is based upon making thousands of Patches over 10 PolySynths, so when I'm reviewing a Synth, it's from a Sound Designers point of view, hence why there are 5 Categories that make up the score. The A1 is a good Synth, I've pointed out the strengths in the Performance mode and did a Live Stream (Episode 5) where I make a Patch with it...That said it does have drawbacks compared to the other Synths. It doesn't mean that it's not a good one, if it wasn't any good, I wouldn't have made Patches for it and would have passed on it, like I did with the Nord Lead 4, Montage, JD-XA etc.

[@jeffc1753]

TOMBA ONLINE How in the world does he show a lack of appreciation? He doesn’t, in fact; just the opposite. You come off as simply being a negative person.

[@jumpingman8160]

Don't kill me, but I never cared for any of the Nord products.

[@Mike_the_Barbarian]

same.. never struck me as interesting. Supposedly Great Organ sound though.

[@tombaonline4829]

@@Mike_the_Barbarian nords cut through a mix their leads are very fitting

[@haarman77]

Have a NS3 Compact and absolutely love it! What do you currently play?

[@oc10121989]

the fact that it has only 1 osc per part (A B C D) and sounds worse then the nord lead 2\3\4 made it in inaccpetable for me

[@gregorythomasmusic]

sounds worse? it's not a 1osc synth, they've completely re-thought (for better or worse) the oscillator architecture for this synth. it forces the user into a new and more unexpected work flow. sometimes, the traditionalist in me finds it annoying, but it's not a traditional subtractive synth by any means.

[@oc10121989]

@@gregorythomasmusic they should have gave the traditional nord leads the same unison mode as this, also more polyphony