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Nord Lead A1

Hi-res image here

quote:

Nord Keyboards announce Nord Lead A1 analogue modelling synthesizer Nord Keyboards are proud to announce the new Nord Lead A1 analogue modelling synthesizer. The Lead A1 combines the latest analogue modelling engine from the acclaimed Lead 4, with an innovative streamlined interface for fast-track programming. The Lead 4 and now the Lead A1 are equipped with an all new analogue modeling sound engine, capable of reproducing the character and nuances of the vintage synths of your dreams with breathtaking accuracy. 24-voice polyphonic and four part multi-timbral, the Lead A1 is a flexible choice for either stage or studio, delivering a stunningly rich and versatile palette of sounds. The Lead A1 introduces a new front-panel user interface designed to make programming quick and easy, while retaining hands on flexibility. "We�ve been thinking about and honing this interface for a number of years in response to what we hear from many professional players regarding the ever-increasing time pressures in creating sounds for stage or studio. � says Hans Nordelius, CEO and head designer. One of the main features of the new interface is the Oscillator section, where Oscillator configuration shortcuts allow patches to be created and edited far quicker than is usually possible for synthesis of this complexity. Using a single LFO and simplified Modulation Envelope with intuitive controls on the front panel, it is also very quick to experiment with modulations, always with a clear overview of the structure of the patch. The on-board filters include Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass, along with new stunningly accurate modelled Ladder M and Ladder TB filters introduced in the Lead 4. The Lead A1 features an independent effects processor for each of its four slots. Delay, high quality Reverb, plus a choice of Drive, Ring Modulation, Phaser, Flanger, Ensemble or Chorus are available per slot. The impressive new Ensemble and Chorus effects are analog models of specific classic synths, bringing vintage analogue warmth and feel. Nord's acclaimed Morph function via Velocity or the Mod Wheel is also included, allowing multiple parameters to be morphed in real time and with exceptionally easy control. Additional functions include an independent arpeggiator for each of the four slots, Master Clock sync of the LFO, delay and Arpeggiator, MIDI over USB, and four independent outputs. The Lead A1 also includes the Nord Sound Manager software patch librarian. Like all Nord products, the Lead A1 is handmade in Sweden with meticulous attention to detail and quality control. The Nord Lead A1 will be available in April 2014 with an estimated price of �1299 RRP inc VAT / $1799 MAP.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much money for what it is.

The old NL2X (which it's comparable to) was �900 here, and the A1 is going to be �1300? The Nord Lead 4 is only �1500, so who's going to buy an A1?

Madness.

I'm guessing that it's aimed at gigging musicians, rather than studio guys, hence the on-board FX, reduced numbers of knobs (mostly the ones you'd use in real-time performance, rather than sound design). Hell, if I was still gigging, this could be an attractive purchase. But, for studio use, yeah the NL4 is a far better deal.

talk about innovation.

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney talk about innovation.

Clearly not trying to be innovative. More like trying to push more product. We'll see, though - seems like it could be a tough sell.

If they are trying to sell it to the live crowd then they've priced it just about where the Krome 88 , MOXF8 and the new Roland FA-08


Rather silly

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord If they are trying to sell it to the live crowd then they've priced it just about where the Krome 88 , MOXF8 and the new Roland FA-08 Rather silly

Well, price aside, I don't think that's a valid comparision. Those are all workstation/romplers, not VAs. If someone wanted a knobby VA for live use, they certainly wouldn't be looking at workstation/romplers from the Big Three. The A1 would be more like something to complement a workstation. But, yeah, the street price is going to be a big consideration for many people, especially when the NL4 costs just a little more.

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much money for what it is. The old NL2X (which it's comparable to) was �900 here, and the A1 is going to be �1300? The Nord Lead 4 is only �1500, so who's going to buy an A1? Madness.

yeah, doesnt really make sense

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Well, price aside, I don't think that's a valid comparision. Those are all workstation/romplers, not VAs. If someone wanted a knobby VA for live use, they certainly wouldn't be looking at workstation/romplers from the Big Three. The A1 would be more like something to complement a workstation. But, yeah, the street price is going to be a big consideration for many people, especially when the NL4 costs just a little more.

True

Fairer comparison might be the King Korg, which is �900 vs �1300 and arguably offers more.

Even the Nord rep seems underwhelmed.

No aftertouch either?

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord True Fairer comparison might be the King Korg, which is �900 vs �1300 and arguably offers more.

I was close to getting the king korg but they over priced it by adding new knobs.

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord No aftertouch either?

Seriously?! Well, there goes my theory about it being a "performer's synth." That's just ridiculous, especially at that price. Oh well, hopefully Clavia has done their homework and identified a solid target market for it, 'cause it doesn't seem to be impressing anybody so far.

i honestly don't think anything has changed since their original modular design. They just seem to provide a different hardwired implementation. The nord drum was a joke. These guys are slowly becoming waldorf.

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney These guys are slowly becoming waldorf.

Except that their stuff doesn't break and they release what they say they'll release.

quote:

Originally posted by Looney4Clooney i honestly don't think anything has changed since their original modular design. They just seem to provide a different hardwired implementation. The nord drum was a joke. These guys are slowly becoming waldorf.

what's wrong with Waldorf ? Everybody seems to live the blofield and pulse 2 over at gearslutz.

Yes i'll be getting pulse 2 quite soon.

quote:

Originally posted by tehlord Except that their stuff doesn't break and they release what they say they'll release.

I still haven't given up hope on the Stromberg. never.forget.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik I still haven't given up hope on the Stromberg. never.forget.

Word has it they have

quote:

Originally posted by LoveHate what's wrong with Waldorf ? Everybody seems to live the blofield and pulse 2 over at gearslutz.

Blofeld and the disaster encoder issue and the fact they haven't made an editor,
And the amount if vapour ware they announce ....

They release a virtual version of the blowers that sounds better, stop supporting it,

They have nearly folded about 3 times.
The train so do not run on time at Waldorf

Hmmm ....it does sound quite the dogs on that sonicstate NAMM vid!

quote:

Originally posted by evo8 Hmmm ....it does sound quite the dogs on that sonicstate NAMM vid!

It sounds really great, but it still seems so limited compared to the Nord 4. I don't see where it can do anything that the 4 can't do, so why not just spend a little more and get a lot more synth. A1 seems like a bad move by Nord.

Being marketed as entry level.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT2...be_gdata_player

it's pretty expensive for an entry level synth lol. Most hardware beginners would probably want something like a cheap Roland or Novation. But the guy makes it sound like this is a new direction for Nord so maybe they'll release an A2 or something.

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