Nord Synths - The Good & Bad (Nord Wave 2 & Nord Lead A1)

🎹 A retelling of my experiences using Nord synthesizers. Equal parts complaints and kudos. If you are considering a Nord, take a peek here and learn from my experiences. OH MY GOD this is a long one.
00:00 - Opening
06:32 - Native Tangerine (sound example #1)
10:05 - Reason 1
14:21 - Reason 2
22:20 - Prizm Bell Comper (sound example #2)
25:26 - Reason 3
29:57 - Lyra Sweep Pad (sound example #3)
31:35 - Reason 4
37:51 - Reason 5
39:59 - Space Horn Laundry (sound example #4)
43:33 - Reason 6
46:21 - How do they fit?
49:54 - Shit I Don't Care About
52:52 - Outro Music
Hi! I'm Luke Stark and I'm creating videos here as Synth Seeker because I like to share the things I find fun or useful as I make music! Here you will find techniques, discoveries and distractions. Have fun!
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#synthseeker #nord #synthesizer #berlinschool #synthwave

[@kenb7540]

This is by far the most interesting and articulate critique of a synth I’ve ever heard. 👏👏🙏

[@synthseeker]

Thank you kindly.

[@r0bophonic]

As someone who has come up empty finding detailed reviews of Nord synths on KZbin in the past, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!! Makes more sense to me now why you frequently see these on stage but rarely in synthtuber videos.

[@synthseeker]

Glad I could fill a gap!

[@nostandingonlydancin]

Thank you so much! I’ve been waiting for this!

[@synthseeker]

I’m almost done with a much shorter video on external modulation sources. Couple days…

[@nostandingonlydancin]

I went with a original Wave and a Rack 2x in the end. 😛

[@nostandingonlydancin]

Outside of forums I feel this is the first video that clearly talks about the diminishing internal modulation possibilities of the Current Nord Synth range. Performance controls, awesome. I feel it would not over complicated the synth if it had a mod matrix in it. Anyway, thanks again. Great video for anyone looking into the Wave 2 or A1.

[@CAPTAINBAHOO]

Excellent explanations, thanks!

[@synthseeker]

Glad it was informative.

[@ampersanders0n]

BOOM! Love the thinking behind this video. Props!

[@synthseeker]

Thank you kindly. You have a Nord?

[@noodleman990]

This was so amazing thank you. We were lacking solid nord content

[@synthseeker]

Any time!

[@GrumpyOldGuy777]

Really appreciate this deep dive. Considering an A1 and this video really helped me out. Subbed!

[@synthseeker]

Happy to help. Love my A1, had a second one and regret selling it!

[@nalaeel219]

Ty for this. Been looking at the 2A1 for awhile now.

[@synthseeker]

Happy it helped!

[@synthseeker]

Might be a while the HD version to get up, the but the audio seems clear on this one. Enjoy! It's a long one.

[@alexanderlane]

Great vid! Greatly expanded the little I knew of Nord. Probably not on my Gas list, but definitely very cool piece of kit

[@synthseeker]

Knowledge is power. :)

[@ZetaCarinae]

Really helpful, thank you.

[@synthseeker]

Thanks, sorry it was so long. ;)

[@davebakewell1427]

What a breath of fresh air, someone on YT speaking my language instead of the sea of influencers and shills we usually get. Top marks, liked and subscribed.

[@synthseeker]

Hey there! Welcome to the neighborhood. :) do you publish your music online? Love to hear it. :)

[@rayderrich]

I thoroughly enjoyed this long talk about Nord, a brand I have seen live a few times but never paid any attention to. The pros and cons sound clear and anyone should be able to make a decision based on this video. Thanks for your work.

[@synthseeker]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll get back to Berlin School in the next video. :P

[@drysabre2242]

I was about to sell my A1. Glad I watched this review. Will keep it.

[@Shadowbait]

I sold my A1 years ago and regretted it. Now I own a Lead 4 and Wave 2 and it feels silly to buy a third Nord, but I'm forever tempted to get the A1 back.

[@neilchristian1635]

Very good analogy there this Guy knows his stuff..

[@synthseeker]

Hey thanks! Which analogy? Lol…

[@mikemo5520]

Love that glassy 80s sounds!!!

[@synthseeker]

I know right!? Thanks for watching!

[@mikemo5520]

I can make the same sound on my Roland fantom! Why would I get the nord????

[@synthseeker]

@@mikemo5520 Good question! Enjoy your Fantom!

[@antonyfaulkner8649]

Best honest review of Nord Brand Stage Keyboards I've seen on the Web.

[@synthseeker]

Thank you! Is there one you enjoy?

[@ahotdoge7855]

Finally a balanced review that's not just 20 seconds of talking and the rest demo!!! Really well done 👍

[@synthseeker]

Well it’s more a “my experiences” blog than a review but I hope it was useful for you!

[@ahotdoge7855]

​@@synthseeker Was very useful, I think sharing your experience gives a good review as to me I bought the wave 2 to compact my sequenced live rig, you said everything I needed to know as I have struggled to find many videos explaining the use with sequencers and midi, so look foward to trying it.

[@marcohuerta510]

Excellent video, I have all the crazy gear, and love the Wave 2 paired with the BASTL Midi Looper. I also use a lot of effect pedals to enhance the sound of the Wave 2. One quick note regarding the stereo outs, you can pan each of the four voices to either left or right. So you can at least get two voices going out in mono, which I do sometimes to send them to my mono effect pedals.

[@synthseeker]

I hear you, what I would prefer is four stereo pairs. :)

[@Jauly]

In the meantime I got a NW2 as well. I see this synthesizer as an up to 4 oscillator 12 voice polysynth by using the group function intensively. That way you can route for example all 4 oscillators (layers) through 1 filter, 1 FX setting and 4 different LFO settings, if you want. So much is possible, one LFO grouped to all 4 layers as well. Just don't think of this synth only as a 4 part multitimbral unit, I know it is promoted that way, but that narrows the perspective of sound design.

[@synthseeker]

I agree. I love the synth but do wish for more. ;)

[@kiko1935]

I appreciate the honesty. As far as the jack of all trades aspect I agree - they don't sound super stand-outish like an Oberheim or a Moog. In fact their Virtual Analog is really not that convincing but I REALLY dig the sound. I never have to fight to fit sounds in a mix, it's smooth and funky. And as far as limited modulation that's a frustration that I've learned to embrace as a creative limitation. Would I like 2 identical LFO's? Sure. But do I need them to make the sounds I want? Not really. The one thing I just don't like at all are the limited envelopes and OSC section on the A1 and mostly because of the reasoning behind it, to make the interface like the Stage Series. That's why I haven't considered buying the A1 although I love everything else about it like the FX and extra polyphony. Great video.

[@synthseeker]

Hey nice to see you... its been a while!

[@krazywabbit]

Personally, this is out of my zip code in terms of use case. However, it’s in someone else’s zip code and for that, I appreciate the work put in as someone will find value. Thumbs up.

[@synthseeker]

Thanks Wabbit!

[@RobMartino]

This is a great review. I've had an A1 for several years and it's been one of the most inspiring pieces of musical gear I've ever had, it's so easy to come up with great custom sounds. I'm thinking of upgrading to the Wave 2 since I really like the additional features (samples, extra effects parameters, more morph sources, more flexible layering system, custom arp patterns, better keybed, etc). I know the Wave 2 loses some of the A1 multi oscillator options (like saw+triangle, etc) which would require two layers to accomplish the same thing, but I think I could live with that. Would you say the sound engines between the two are the same (i.e. if you ran a sawtooth wave through the M filter with similar settings for everything) do they pretty much sound identical? I quite like the A1's overall sound compared to most VA soft synths I've used.

[@synthseeker]

On paper the engine is the same, and barring a couple configs for the oscillator, the sound is the same. :) Thanks for the kind words!

[@Shadowbait]

I bought the Wave 2 hoping it would be essentially an upgraded A1, but I definitely feel like the oscillator section is a MAJOR downgrade. Instead of pairing any oscillator mode with any of a long list of starting waves, the Wave 2 gives you short lists of combinations and only sine waves for FM.

[@888berg]

Amazing work - sooo good! and holy batman that Lyra8 patch is glorious!!!! If you could share it that would be insanely awesome of you!!!!!!

[@synthseeker]

I posted a link to download the patch in the community tab this morning. :)

[@yorisbeltsin3521]

@@synthseeker Oh WOW - Thanks Chief!!!

[@synthseeker]

Enjoy

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Great video! I agree with your impressions. I was wondering if you have had issues with the keybed? Sounding a bit “clacky” in the black keys? 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@synthseeker]

Not that I noticed, but then I'm usually wearing headphones the playing.

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

@@synthseeker oh ok.. thanks for the reply! I appreciate it

[@kenb7540]

Clothes dryer sample is brilliant 😂

[@synthseeker]

Glad it entertained. :)

[@mrlargo7067]

Thank you, very good informative video about pros and cons. I have an A1 and prolly gonna sell it and buy a Wave 2, rly liked how good the sampling sounded and how easy it is to use. It's sort of a user friendly version my old Yamaha EX5R, a relic from the late 90's with endless menu diving, it still sounds good. It have Sampling, VA, FM and Physical Modeling, crazy 90's Yamaha tech, impossible to understand how to tweek but sounds great. Comes with a breath controller, for Sax, Flute etc

[@synthseeker]

I’m glad it was helpful! Sounds like you’re on a good adventure!

[@markolijus]

Thank you sir, this was very helpful to me. Weird, during the elaborative review i thought about my old roland JV1080 , and its many layers but lack of hands on control. After this video i decided to sell some of my old unused gear to fund Wave2 and keep it next to me. Already have Nord Drum 3p and enjoy it very much.

[@synthseeker]

I’m happy you found it helpful! Have fun and send me a video link if you do get a wave 2 and find it enjoyable!

[@markolijus]

​@@synthseeker well i just watched you other video how to fight your GAS, and im not sure if i will buy wave 2 jet ;). did not answer all of your 5 questions with YES... SO .. before i pull the trigger on W2 i should clean the clutter of old and unused gear.. i dont have a synth with realy nice keyaboard that will make me want to use it, i feel that wave 2 will be the one.. but what do i know maybe there is something wrong with me and hoarding gear... dont know.. the more gear a have, less time i have to use it. Thanx again..

[@synthseeker]

I’m sure you will find a path that lets you make music with tools you enjoy using. :)

[@darkeldarblade916]

Love the review. I just purchased a used Nord Wave 2 and I love the Lyra 8 samples! Just amazing. This is one of the reasons I purchased this synth.

[@synthseeker]

It’s beautiful and has a few warts but overall I’m calling it a keeper. :)

[@MikeBaas]

I'll never stop reviewing synthesis.

[@synthseeker]

I hope no one asked you to. :)

[@MikeBaas]

@@synthseeker You apologized mid video!

[@synthseeker]

I think our wires are crossed? Start over. :) 1) You said "I'll never stop reviewing synthesis." 2) I replied "I hope no one asked you to [stop reviewing]." 3) You replied "You apologized mid video!" 4) And now I'm lost. :) One of us is reading between the lines but the other one isn't following the line of discussion. LOL ;)

[@MikeBaas]

@@synthseeker You're the best, man! I would listen to you review all the basic details of any form of synthesis in the middle of any synth overview anytime!

[@synthseeker]

@MikeBaas ok now I understand what you meant…thanks!

[@GeorgeLocke]

I remember playing around with the Nord lead 1 and 2 in the store years and years ago. My impression was that they were very flexible but tended to nasal, cutting sounds.

[@synthseeker]

I’ve never laid hands on a lead 1 or 2, but I’ve heard a lead 2 at a few live performances and agree it has a lot of bite in the mids - which you may want to change or not. Maybe I’ll find a deal on one and explore one day. :)

[@synthseeker]

Of course who knows how they were processing it? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@SethWeisfeld]

Was wondering why there's such a lack of Nord synth content compared to the rest of YT's synth content. Been looking for comparisons of Nord's capabilities versus traditional analog / digital synths. Need way more of this for the Nord users.

[@synthseeker]

I think it's because a) Nords are a bit expensive and b) They don't release new synths very often. The Wave 2 came out in 2020 (4 years ago), the Lead A1 was back in 2014 (10 years ago!) I would love to see a new Lead 5 or A2 with numerous internal modulation capabilities while keeping the 4-parts architecture.

[@skullhqx]

Thanks for your opinions. I’m looking for a ‘knobby’ synth to create patches without resorting to a computer. Already own a Deepmind 12D, Peak and Hydrasynth Desktop. Looking into options like the System 8, Summit and either Nord Lead A1 or Wave 2. The Summit might have an overlap with my Peak though. Still would have the great option to layer. The System 8 seems relatively expensive (about the price of an Nord Lead A1) but it sounds good and seems to have a really nice user interface, but plastic build, so yeah, expensive for what you get. Both Nords seem like good options, with their own ‘sound’, but what do you think and which of there Nords would be the better option? Thanks

[@synthseeker]

I’d go with the A1 if you want avoid a computer and want layers. Everything is on the front panel as a knob or button. No menu diving at all for making sounds. :)

[@skullhqx]

@@synthseeker Yeah, Nord has a somewhat different architecture with the single oscillator. It screams to be layered so to speak. Still getting some samples into the Wave 2 could create some unique patches as well. I'll watch some more of your vids about that. If that is the only computer involvement I could live with that. I got fed up with keeping DAWs and VSTs up to date. Working with hardware synths and sequencers and an iPad (Cubasis) has proven to be a much more creative process for me. But making samples isn't that big of an issue. I'll have some more homework to do. Thanks!

[@Jauly]

For internal modulation madness get the NW1.... it really shines in this regard and is much more a synthesizer for individual sound design than an entertainer keyboard.

[@synthseeker]

Good to know, thanks!

[@Deluca-Piano]

I must ask. Do you sell those awesome patches you created with sampling? I'm planning on buying the Wave 2 soon. I love your Tangerine Dream/80s sounds. Everything you created is exactly what I want in a synth.😂 Thanks for the great video!👍

[@synthseeker]

Sell? No. But if I make them from scratch I generally give them away if someone asks. Sometimes I sample VST's to use as source material...so in those cases I cannot share them. Which patch are you looking for? (give me a timestamp.) If I can share it legally, I'll post it. :)

[@Deluca-Piano]

​@@synthseekerDarn, I really liked that first sound in the video but you say it's from a VST. Also I really like the Lyra Sweep Pad too.

[@trainwreckgrill]

Thank you for this video! I've been getting quite frustrated with Clavia's decision over the last years and I feel like nobody but me feels that way. You were pretty much speaking my mind out loud and it felt really good to watch. ^^ Especially the lack of a real 2nd OSC and the VERY limited modulation possibilities are grinding my gears. I'm sitting here in front of my NL4 and it does so many things so much better. Like, for example, on the NW2 they literally wasted two precious FX slots with 'Tremolo' and 'Pan'. So you can EITHER use tremolo OR panning OR another effect. Meanwhile on the NL4 you can modulate the amplitude with the 1st LFO (which allows for not only simple tremolo but also AM) and with the 2nd LFO you can modulate the panning. So not only can you use BOTH tremolo and panning at the same time, but you still have an empty FX slot you can use ontop of that. That's what happens when you have a couple LFOs that actually can do something. The NORD series always has been very limited when it comes to modulation capabilities. Only ~6 destinations for both the LFOs and the MOD ENV wasn't impressive even decades ago, but it didn't matter because it always felt like Clavia thought really well about those few mod destinations. It always gave you enough room to be creative and you never really felt that restricted with what you can do. I can see why they nerfed it on the NLA1, since it was supposed to be a more simple and less expensive alternative to the NL4, but WHY did they do the same thing for their new, very expensive synthesizer "flagship"? I really hope if Clavia will ever announce a NW3 or even a NL5 (but I kinda already lost hope for that one) that they will go back a couple steps and give us the classic mod possibilities we all loved for all those years, or even more.

[@synthseeker]

Well…superbooth is coming…maybe Nord pendulum of simplicity and limitations will swing back the other way. :)

[@trainwreckgrill]

@@synthseeker Yes, I hope so! 🙏 And sorry for my little rant, I just had to get that out of my system.. ^^"

[@synthseeker]

All good friend. :)

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

I'm considering the A1 as my first synth. What would you recommend instead (that has all the same features plus the omitted ones you mention, is currently in production and is available)? Thanks....

[@synthseeker]

@@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton - take a look at the Novation Summit, or the ASM Hydrasynth. However the lead A1 is a good synth for beginners too!

[@luciousfl0w]

Thank you for giving the well needed context for Nord Synths! Quick question on multitimbrality, does it respond well to individual program change messages per part? I.E if I was writing a song could I send an independent program change msg to part 1 and another to part 3 to go from a bridge to a chorus section?

[@synthseeker]

Yes you can. :)

[@luciousfl0w]

Amazing, just added another saved search to reverb😂. Thanks for the reply ✨

[@audiolego]

I so miss my Nord Lead 1 rack. It was traded for another synth. I lost that trade thinking about it now. Nord sounds good.

[@synthseeker]

I feel your pain.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Wasn’t really into this when it came out....but I really think it would be a nice compliment to my Prophet X.

[@synthseeker]

It is very similar to the Prophet X in spirit, I'm not 100% sure they would compliment each other rather than duplicate functionality, but hey...do a comparison video if you pick up a wave 2!

[@arthurcrime]

Have a look at the blush response review of the wave 2,for something very different. I have a wave 2,and love it.

[@synthseeker]

He has a great review and fun jam at the end! I'm glad that he and I have the same views on the Wave 2 - great for performers, lacking enough internal mod options, and making up for it by using the (admittedly awesome) internal effects. It's a good example of two isolated users having the same likes and dislikes. Hopefully Nord designers may come to similar conclusions for their next synth. Thanks for watching!

[@rustboymusic]

Thanks a lot for this review! Literally one of the few about NW2. Lovely synth, but why oh why they reset local control to ON, if you turn the synth off? It's a big pain in the §$%% in the studio.

[@synthseeker]

I can imagine, I use a different master controller, so that's not a problem for me, but I can see how annoying it would be.

[@lellebauer]

Would be nice if you could change "local control" via Midi

I had the same observations about the stage, but the master clock is effectively an additional LFO you can hook into at the division you want in the effects chain. ARP or synth LFO

[@synthseeker]

This is true of the Wave2 and A1 as well, I agree…I just wish there was a bit more.

[@Shadowbait]

It really is weird how few Nord reviews are out there. I share your frustrations with the limited modulation and oscillator configuration on the Lead A1 and Wave 2. I was especially disappointed that the Wave 2's "wavetables" aren't sweepable or replaceable. I kept hoping for a firmware update to add some of what it lacks, but as-is it just feels like a showcase of missed opportunities. Yet I still can't bring myself to sell it, because it sounds amazing and it's the only Nord I have with aftertouch. Overall the Lead 4 is by far my favorite though.

[@synthseeker]

I really lean into its sampling for most patches and in that respect I think it pays for itself. As for wavetables…well…it’s a table of waves. ;)

[@LesterH25]

I love my Nord Lead 4. Huge surprise for me. It’s immediate and is one massive sweet spot. It’s cost me 20k to find out a second hand Nord is my favourite synth of all time.

[@synthseeker]

How’s that?! 20k?

[@LesterH25]

@@synthseeker rough estimate and I enjoyed the ride. I squeezed something out of all of them. Virus, Kronos, PolyBrute, matrixbrute, countless other synths and effects boxes. I sold a lot of them so I’d say my net spend is maybe minus 10k. My current set up is a Lemondrop synth, Blofeld, Nord lead 4 and a drumbrute impact. This is my favourite set up and I enjoy switching them all on, without intimidation. They’re easy to play and noodle on and full of surprises. Absolutely brilliant video and channel btw. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amjEdmejnsxlqpIsi=4eWUrilMJrgg6s3U

[@zap7759]

People are lucky in today's world. All they need to do is buy a Pro-800 and say "Oh" then move on from the analog poly mystique. Just bought a NL4 btw :p

[@Winter-zv1dv]

Absolutely similar experience for me. I own (and do enjoy) a large collection of synths, from Montage and Fantom to Quantum and Prophet. Yet, I keep coming back to the A1. It’s more fun. It’s absolutely the fastest to patch. Fast means flow. Flow means creative. Creative means productive. All of those mean inspiring. Patching a Montage Scene feels like work and takes hours to get anywhere. Within minutes, I have a 4 part performance patch on the A1 and can’t stop making music. So, I just purchased a Stage 4 that arrives tomorrow. I already predict it’s going to become my favorite and all others will be used to support and sample.

[@LabofmusicRecords]

1. Awesome good looking 2. Very nice keyboard 3. A lot of knobs 4. really aweseome good looking 😅 I ordered mine yesterday😎

[@synthseeker]

Win!

[@jonas9197]

Hi, thank you for your great review. It helped me see my Wave 2 in a better light. I used to be really frustrated about it. Actually i was frustrated by two other major disadvantages, i would like to add: 1) The faders and knobs are not motorised. So if you change program (maybe in a live performance for the next song), even if you want to make only small adjustments (let's say in the level of a layer or the resonance of a filter) you AND THE AUDIENCE will hear a sudden jump, depending on where the fader or knob has been before. That sounds ugly and doesn't really make fun. Other instruments (like my Korg Grandstage, which is "only" a stage piano) did solve that by endless knobs with circular LED's arround. 2) If you change program, all sound immediately STOPPS. The Reverb is immediately cut off. So you can not change program during a song ore are limited to the four layers within one program. My Korg and other intruments are capable of that. Those would be minor issues in studio setting. But I think especially for a performance Synthesizer those two problems are really bad. I would love to hear your and others opinions and maybe (if you have) solutions to it. Best regards

[@synthseeker]

Thanks for sharing! For #1 I feel for you. For #2 maybe in the future that problem will be solved, as an example on several Korg synths when you change patches it carries over the tails from the others. Here's to hoping it becomes a standard behavior in synths. :)

[@LabofmusicRecords]

31:10 omg what a niiiiiiice sound 😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@synthseeker]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@EZWest-om4nu]

At one point in time I really wanted a Wave2, even further back in time I really wanted the A1. When compared to other options, the Waldorf Iridium feels like the better way for me than the Wave2. Especially with regard to modulation, and sampling. You can sample directly into the Iridium. Which works with my computer-less setup. Also I don’t “play” the keys. I just use the sounds. The A1 just eventually became old enough to where I’m looking for the successor.

[@synthseeker]

Use the tools that move you. :)

[@DSPsWifesBf]

Yea, I’d personally choose the synth with more mod capabilities.

[@arlonrando]

As i wanna do songs i use Logic Pro all the time. What holds me back is that it does not have digital outputs, i dont wanna convert DAAD all the time. But great live keyboard if you wanna just play and not run computer all the time.

[@synthseeker]

Thanks for sharing. Which synths do you use with digital outs? Let people know which work and which don’t! :)

[@ehdyn]

Speaking of recording with your phone.. if you have Kymatica Aum on an iPhone you can go into the settings and select Measurement Mode for surprisingly high quality recordings.. can even do M/S and process through any AUs on the way in

[@synthseeker]

Thanks for the tip!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Why doesn’t the A1 have an LCD display like Nord’s older synths? It’s impossible to find patches on it!

[@synthseeker]

Not impossible...it's a "classic" workflow, just like my D-10 from long ago. :P I'm happy with it. I tend to save the patch changes into the midi of the project anyway.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

You didn’t have 768 presets on your D10 😂

[@RikMaxSpeed]

What really annoys me is that LCDs are super cheap and older Nord synths use them, but they then inexplicably switched to old LEDs on the A1. Patches are not named, and can’t be searched by type - sad.

[@synthseeker]

@@RikMaxSpeed - The A1 was designed with the intent that you would make your own patches, it's so easy to program. And for me at least, when I make a patch, save it to B:32 I tend to remember when I put them. I don't really need to search by name. I put my basses in bank B, leads in A, Pads in C, Arps in D. And no screen is just one thing that keeps the costs down. If you need text names and big displays there are other options I suppose. You could always keep the patch manager open and see the name there via usb.

[@mog068]

I totally love my Lead 2X. Every recent thing I've done, it has been go-to because it is easy to find more or less what I'm looking for. It is my newest apart from some drum machines and an Erica DB-01 which I'm still not sure I like that much. Alpha Juno 2 sounds great but is not fun to program. Casio CZ101 same. Moog Rogue is fun but limited. I'm not into soft synths generally, though the Ableton Simpler is a superpower I'm trying to attain.

[@mog068]

2X I bought second hand for $600 in ~2008. It was used by a player in local bar bands and he sold it because he bought a Stage (2, 3, whatever was the latest at the time.)

[@synthseeker]

There are more than a few out there. :)

[@Cowboy-Ben-Alman]

A+ clothes dryer sample

[@synthseeker]

Next up?! CPAP WHEEZING!

[@charthers8903]

Is this relevant to the Lead A1 as well?

[@synthseeker]

Yes. The general statements I'm making apply to both the A1 and the Wave 2. I own and love both, and they have both the pros and cons I mention. :)

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Why don’t the Nord Waves have more sample RAM? Why isn’t it extensible? Compared to my phone they’re absolutely puny, and there are good ROMplers on iPhones and iPads.

[@synthseeker]

We can but try to work with the tool as designed. It's fun!

[@markchristopher2signal2]

Subbed

[@synthseeker]

Thank you kindly!

[@markchristopher2signal2]

@@synthseeker I'm probably going to binge watch.

[@synthseeker]

You may get sick of my voice but OK if it makes you happy.

[@markchristopher2signal2]

@@synthseeker I miss my Nord lead 1. This one is nice

[@tsumtsumlemon]

When I saw the NLA1 in stock at a store, I was drawn to the design, and while looking through used stock, I ended up purchasing the NL4, which was still quite expensive. I'm a beginner, and I bought the NL4 to perform on stage as a stage-synthesizer, so I wish I had gone with the current model, the NLA1, which produces faster sounds and has a unique oscillator. What should I do?

[@synthseeker]

NL4 has better modulation options and as for speed of sound design - you can get fast with the NL4 too? I’d just stay with it.

[@tsumtsumlemon]

@@synthseeker It's true that there are modulators that are useful for distorted sounds, but I feel like they lack originality. Is it possible to use it for band performances without a computer?

[@synthseeker]

I would say more than just distorted sounds, many more options as the lfos have more shape options, a second lfo, more targets, the envelopes both full ADSR and seven (!) impulse morph slots…those should give you a good selection of sound design options. I’d stay with it and really dig into it. ;) in my region Lead4s are pretty rare - no one sells them used. Keep it in the collection as a rare item. :)

[@tsumtsumlemon]

@@synthseeker Actually, I live in Japan, but Nord's second-hand products are traded in a few. I completely like the good design and sound quality, so if I dig deeper in terms of sound making and still want to cheat on other products in Nord, I think I'll look for the second-hand market again🤣

[@synthseeker]

@tsumtsumlemon Roger that. :)

[@chrismeif7961]

Nord Lead 1 user since 1996. It has a rawer sound, that is a little less polite than modern nords. She is as steady as a rock. Not the most complex synth, but I can make the patch that fits my song in total darkness. I usually run mine through a modulation pedal then some sort of delay or reverb. However.... this Nord Wave 2 has me thinking it is time for a change. It has a lot more range. I tried a NL4 and it was too aggro for me as I tend to like more retro sounds. Then I tried an A1, it had some beautiful sounds. I was getting interesting sounds even though it didnt have the most synth modulation options. But the filter OD irked me. I loved the MG filter and chorus and ensemble. Phas and flange were passable. I did not like the delay at all and the reverb was kinda meh. I still went back to the NL1 at the end of the day because I like to have a triangle and a saw for example in the same patch. Still I am flirting with the temptation of a Nord Wave 2....

[@synthseeker]

With the wave 2 you can use any sampled source you want as the oscillator wave. :)

[@Zwopper]

Had one, LOVED it! BUT, not being able to hold individual layers with the sustain pedal was a deal breaker for me.

[@synthseeker]

I’ll have to try it. I think if should work using an external controller.

[@Zwopper]

@@synthseeker I wrote to Clavia about it and they said it was not possible. Not even as a software update. That broke it for me, I guess I'll have to wait for the 73 key Wave 3. 😁

[@synthseeker]

They probably assumed you meant you were plugging a sustain pedal into the wave 2 itself. What I mean is that I’m plugging the sustain pedal into a controlling keyboard or in my case an Ableton Push 2. Then I address each layer on the Wave 2 as it’s own midi channel and you can totally sustain one layer while the other one is not sustaining using sustain pedal that way. It absolutely works - I just tried it. If you want me to make a video about it to demonstrate I’ll be happy to do so. But if you’re using the Wave 2 as your master keyboard and your sustain pedal is plugged into the Wave 2, they don’t have a good way to internally address a single layer short of muting the other layers. However by using an external controller it is completely possible. But that may defeat the purpose of having the Wave 2 as a master key board. I can understand your frustration! ;)

[@Zwopper]

@@synthseeker That might work, but would be impossible for me in a rehearsal or live setting.

[@synthseeker]

I understand, everyone has their own use cases! What did you end up using instead? :)

[@borispradel1037]

This has been a great review. I own three Nords. The oldest is a Nord Lead 2x from 2005, that's about 17 years old and it's still in perfect working condition. Thanks a lot... I've had the NW2 for 8 months now and I just learn that you can assign velocity to any parameter while the light is blinking... great!. BTW, factory presets don't do this synth any justice. They're plain bad, basic and boring.

[@synthseeker]

That’s a great tip!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

I’ve owned the A1R, A1 and Nord Waves 1 & 2. At first I loved the sound of the A1 but a few years later it sounded uninspiring when compared to more recent synths, with little lower end, doesn’t have the presence of a Roland for example. The Nord Wave 2 was a disappointment, in part because Nord haven’t updated their sample library, so many of the sounds were already the same on the much older Wave 1. The user interface is really good, Roland could learn a trick or two.

[@synthseeker]

Everything has its uses but I can understand how you feel. What did you replace them with?

[@xntricity6446]

I love the functionality of the wave 2 however a major contender is the novation summit which is slightly cheaper too.

[@synthseeker]

I own and LOVE my Summit! I’d say the major difference is a lack of sampling on the Summit and only two layers vs four. It’s definitely a synth I recommend though!

[@xntricity6446]

@@synthseeker Thats great thanks, i have alot of to think about before i decide between the 2. The noise floor does scare me a little with the Novation but user control can eliminate this.

[@synthseeker]

In practice I typically don’t hear the noise floor but I’m also older and don’t hear well above 18khz.

[@xntricity6446]

@@synthseeker the majority dont complain about noise so it might be when volume is put to max. And im same as i may not hear it either 😁 may i ask, i know the wave 2 can run 4 different arps at once, can the summit run 2 individual arps? I calnt seem to find the answer anywhere. Thanking you

[@synthseeker]

Yes, the summit can run individual arps per layer (2).

[@niellseen]

There are 4 oscillators on the Nord wave 2 It’s four part multi😊

[@synthseeker]

More than that depending on how you have it configured. ;)

[@ChrisPBacon3000]

I love the sound, interface, etc... Can't believe they still don't offer at least an option in white (in line with Nordic weather theme). Just can't deal with red.

[@synthseeker]

Ho ho ho! (My thought on red.)

[@g3cd]

Nord MIDI implementation is not good in general. Changing presets via MIDI seems always buggy because MSB is only processed after an LSB signal and the numbering of presets is not decimal. Also I'd wish you could access the four voices independently on a single MIDI channel instead of 4 (or do a global MIDI setting so different channels are saved globally, not for each preset anew). While Dave Smith's synths are a dream to steer over MIDI and super transparent, both my Nord Wave 2 and my Nord Drum 3P made my "remote MIDI control"-life very, very complicated. What I like about the Nord Wave 2: it has the best keybed I own, it's very easy to get some really quirky synth sounds out of it, the built-in samples are solid (especially the pianos, organs, choirs, accordions and mellotron, it's a pity you can't use the hi-res Stage 3/4 samples though as data storage is very limited) and the effects are very useable. I also use it as a controller for desktop synths as MIDI settings are very accessible.

[@synthseeker]

I published a set of M4L devices that make bank/patch control trivial if it helps :) Not sure if you use max though. Thanks for sharing.

[@UcPhotos.Online]

Nords last forever I have Nord 2 bought in 2000 only the paint under the wooden stick has come off all knobs were fantastic still

[@synthseeker]

Yeah Swedish avionics controls right?! Love ‘em!

[@fullkefka]

I had a nord lead 2 and I hate when you save a preset and that preset changue it’s sound when you play it and you had to make the syntesis always and for me bother me to much but I can say it sound its very unique and I like it but with the time I sold it and changue for the nord lead 4 r

[@synthseeker]

Do you still play the lead 4?

[@fullkefka]

@@synthseeker of course I’m a psytrance producer I’m a owner of two acces virus t1 a destock and the snow one mini nova and the nord lead 4r I like to combine the sounds for my tracks fm leads for all

[@MeblIkea]

Damn, if your synth are taking too much space, I can help you (yeah, I'm super generous). You just have to send me some of these Nord keyboards (specially the Lead A1) to my place (no need to thank me).

[@synthseeker]

Space is tight yes but it feels cozy to me. :)

[@MeblIkea]

@@synthseeker btw, what are the best ways to get (even an old) Lead / Nord keyboard when I'm broke? (second hand, I can find one for ~400€ (is it the cheapest I can get it for?))

[@synthseeker]

@MeblIkea tough call…steady vigilance???

[@synthseeker]

Didn’t a new VST emulation of the Nord come out in the last month called the NERD? audiokitpro.com/nerdsynth/

[@MeblIkea]

@@synthseeker btw, I got myself a cool fancy Casio PT-80, I just spent my last 48 hours jamming on it :D I'm considering doing a VST out of it.

[@dodgingrain3695]

Lots of Nord's have multiple oscillators. lol, if someone wants the sound of a virus the best recommendation is to buy a virus.

[@synthseeker]

Sure, the old leads...but none of the current production line has more than single oscillators...though I was pretty clear that the A1-style oscillators could function as multi-oscillator groups depending on their configuration in your patch. But I agree that the Virus is a distinct synth. :D

[@BlackMan614]

Nice job. I tried watching Tim Shoebridge's review and it was unwatchable. He couldn't get past one of the faders breaking. He was triggered. hehe

[@synthseeker]

He has rational arguments though. However I really like the machine as a foundational synth. :) Thanks for sharing!

[@BlackMan614]

@@synthseeker No he didn't! You and him need to watch BlushResponse putting the Wave2 thru its paces. He makes it sound like a completely different synth. Shoebridge is like typical gearslutz moron - '1 lfo... lame'.

[@hakonberg8003]

Great video! BUT: Elephant in the room.... am I the only one who finds the Nord sound INSTANTLY recognisable as being 'thin, metallic sounding '??

[@synthseeker]

I do not personally with the newer nords, but I’m also older and I can’t hear harsh frequencies above about 17.5 kHz. Now the lead 2 series…yes.

[@ryanhursh6322]

I always feel the same but as stated, there are very few videos on Nord products and it’s quite possible they just aren’t getting good representation.

[@user-JM1967]

Why doesn't Rick Wakeman use a Nord Keyboard?

[@synthseeker]

Because he has roadies who will move/setup dozens of keys in a rig for him? I haven't seen him live in like, 35 years so I'm not sure what he uses lately. :)

[@user-JM1967]

@@synthseeker maybe Nord doesn't pay Rick Wakeman. Korg, Yamaha e Roland pay him, all free on stage.

[@synthseeker]

@@user-JM1967 Good point, sponsorship is a thing.

[@Winter-zv1dv]

The entire culture around synthesizers can be split in half. The first half are gear nuts. They watch every video. They comment on every synth (especially those they have never used) and the comments are predominantly negative. Their ideal synth would have 500 knobs and sliders, be made of carbon fiber, be a sonic clone of every synth in existence, have 10+ LFOs, envelopes, synthesis engines, be made in the USA and cost $199. Also, fully analog. But also digital. For all 500 notes of polyphony. The other half makes music. They live in flow state. They want to distill the emotional essence of synthesis by patching in as few motions and interruptions as possible. They don’t have time to use a dozen LFOs or complain about a missing mod matrix destination because a roadblock on a grid of 5000 other streets is irrelevant. They don’t speak up, they don’t post on forums, they make music and they tend to buy Nords.

[@synthseeker]

It may be a bit more complicated than that but I understand what you’re trying to say. Maybe split it into collectors, composers, and players. Put those three on the triangle points and draw where we find ourselves inside the triangle. But I agree, Nords are extremely performance oriented. :) thanks for sharing!

[@DSPsWifesBf]

“Simple good. More than one lfo bad”

[@synthseeker]

Well, I do like at least being able to point that lfo to multiple places. ;)

[@chizmo7]

Bought my first minimoog in 1978. I’ve owned prophets, still own jupiters and oberheims etc. I was never a fan of samplers. I tried to like virtual analogs but they always disappointed. Until I bought a used lead 2 rack. I have 3 nord synths now and craving a wave 2. I find their instruments to possess the very thing I didn’t like about samplers and V.A. Synths: PERSONALITY. And then add all of the good things you mention. My style of playing is old school. I don’t care about exotic modulation routings. I care about making sounds that are playable with my hands. In fact I generally hate tons of layers and sounds that are so busy that the machine is playing itself. Not my style. For traditional players the nords are wonderful.

[@synthseeker]

Sounds like you are the kind of player Nord is trying hard to keep happy. :) Have fun!