Description
The Nord NLEAD-A1 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer from Nord features an analog modeling sound engine designed to provide virtual analog sounds as well as access to digital waveforms. It has a 49-key Fatar keybed and is capable of 24-voice polyphony and 4 simultaneous synth parts. Its interface is designed to provide simplified access to the synth engine's parameters, including its oscillator, filter, modulation, and effects sections.
Oscillator Section
The Nord Lead A1 features their Wave Engine with oscillator configuration shortcuts utilizing two oscillators. Start with a single oscillator waveform (a choice of multiple Analog and Digital waveforms), select an Oscillator Configuration Shortcut - pitch, detune, shape, sync, FM, ring modulation, dual Osc or noise - and use the OSC Control knob to adjust the settings of the configuration.
The end result is high speed programming without the need for the usual complexity of routing and patching, and with the opportunity for ready experimentation
Filter Section
The Lead A1's filter section features classic 12 and 24 dB low-pass, a high-pass and a band-pass filter, together with emulations of the diode and ladder filters from the Mini and the TB-303 synthesizers. The Lead A1's modeling of these filters capture the character and response of the originals, allowing flexible sound design
Effects Section
The Lead A1's effects section features two analog models of an ensemble and chorus, modeled on specific vintage synths and adding analog feel. Alongside these, choose from ring modulation, phaser, flanger or drive per slot and in addition a separate delay and reverb for each slot.
Mod Wheel and Velocity Morph
The Morph function via mod wheel, velocity or pedal, allows you to control multiple parameters of the Lead A1 simultaneously. Morph can be used by just holding the Morph button and adjusting any desired knob
Master Clock
The Master Clock function of the Lead A1 allows the LFO, arpeggiator and delay to be synchronized, either internally or slaved to external MIDI clock. A tap tempo button allows you to tap to the tempo of a drummer or to playback tracks
Arpeggiator
The Lead A1 features four separate arpeggiators with Up/Down and random modes and a 4-octave range. Any or all can be sync'd to the Lead A1's master clock
Splits and Layers
Having four identical, equally powerful synthesizers at once opens layering possibilities. The Split-mode gives you two 2 slots on each side of the split. A flexible Hold functionality lets you latch and hold slots independently in the background while playing something else on top
Four Outputs
The Lead A1 features four independent audio outputs with the ability to route each slot to a different output. Plus, control of Pan via the front panel knob is a welcome addition in the Lead A1
Sound Manager
The Lead A1 includes the Nord Sound Manager software for OS X and Windows. Sound Manager is a dedicated librarian app which allows easy reorganizing, back-up and transfer of programs
MIDI Control
The Lead A1 features the convenience of MIDI over USB for use with a sequencer and all of the Lead A1's knobs transmit MIDI Control data
The Hardware
Like all Nord keyboards the Lead A1 is handmade in Nord's Stockholm factory. The Fatar 49-key keybed, all-metal chassis, and tactile knobs are designed for years of use
Product Specifications:
General:
Voices: 26, multitimbral parts: 4.
Keyboard: 49 velocity-sensitive keys, octave shift ±2 octaves.
Pitch Stick and modulation wheel (keyboard version only).
Sustain and expression pedal inputs.
Oscillator Section
Configurations: Pitch, Shape, Sync, Noise Mix, Detune, Sine/Tri/Saw/Square mixes, FM, AM.
Waveforms: Traditional analog and extended digital.
Unison mode: Extra Fat Unison available.
Filter Section:
Types: 12 dB, 24 dB, high-pass, band-pass, Ladder M, Ladder TB.
Controls: Cutoff, resonance, envelope amount, distortion, velocity tracking.
Modulation:
LFO: Triangle, square, saw, inverted saw, sample-and-hold.
Arpeggiator: Up to 4 octaves, up, down, up/down, random modes, syncable.
Envelopes: ADR/ASR with velocity options.
Amplifier:
ADR/ASR envelope, gain, and velocity control.
Individual pan per program.
Effects:
FX section: Flanger, phaser, ring modulator, chorus, ensemble, drive.
Delay: Tap tempo, ping-pong, syncable, feedback, dry/wet mix.
Reverb: 5 algorithms (Room, Stage 1/2, Hall 1/2).
Memory:
Programs: 8 banks of 50 (400).
Performances: 4 banks of 50 (200).
Connections:
4 unbalanced ¼" line outputs.
Stereo headphone out (¼").
Sustain pedal (¼").
Control pedal (TRS).
MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN).
USB (MIDI only).
Power input: IEC C14 connector.
Included Accessories:
User manual.
Power cord.
Weight: 10 lbs.
Dimensions: 31.5 x 10 x 4"
Shipping Weight: 13 lbs.
Shipping Dimensions: 34 x 12 x 5"
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