The Clavia/Nord line

[The Magic Hoof]

I know that I could look this up but I'm hoping someone can spare me reading for 3 hours about their line of synths. Here's the deal: I've got a NL and it's my go-to synth. I don't know what else Clavia has released, but can anything top the Nord Lead series? I'm not sure what I'm missing in their line of synths. I like the NL so much that I'd be willing to shell out for an even better synth from their line.

If I could get something that sounds as good as a NL, that's as easy to program, but with stuff like a good arpeggiator and some other bells and whistles I think I'd be in heaven.

[Yoozer]

Not really - there is the Wave but I'd call that different instead of better. Though it shares a bit of architecture.

There's also the Modulars (Classic and G2) which are better in the way that they build on the existing structure but add more possibilities. Their purpose is different though.

If you sequence with a computer you could simply use an arpeggiator plugin.

[The Magic Hoof]

Last sentence - yep. What arpeggiator do you use or do others use though? I was thinking that the arpeggiations wouldn't be as solid as using one built directly into the synth, but what do I know.

[Yoozer]

If you're not using MIDI clock signals to sync the arpeggiator to solidity is relative anyway. The Waldorf Q's arp used to run out of sync.

I just use Ableton's built-in one.

[shadowfac]

The original Nord Modulars (otherwise known as G1) have the same sound as the original Nord Leads, but due to their modular architecture you can build your own sequencers and arpeggiators to your taste. My suggestion would be not selling your Lead, but complementing it with a Nord Modular Rack.

The Nord Lead 3 has a very nice arpeggiator, where you can turn each step on or off, even while playing. But it has a very different sound than the NL1 or NL2... more clean and polished. It's also much more powerful.... 24 voices, FM, osc distortion, filter distortion, dual filters, comb-like filters. And also has the best interface of all. But it's more expensive and would not replace your current Lead.

If you're not against messing with a PC editor and are willing to spend a little time building your own stuff, I think the Nord Modular (G1) rack may be your best bet.

[Joe Porto]

The Nord Lead 3 would be the direct upgrade to the original NL, but I hate the cheap wiggly knobs, even though they include LED indicators. I much prefer the Nord Lead 2X.

The Wave adds wavetable and sample synthesis and digital FX, but only has two slots.

As others suggested, if you are happy with the NL, then get something complimentary from a different manufacturer.

[Oli]

I love the G1. It's a very capable platform. Getting cheaper too.

Some people were disappointed that making a Lead architecture in the G1 didn't sound exactly the same as a real Lead. The filters on the G2 are never fully open. It doesn't bother me, and the difference is only slight. Being a modular architecture, you can work around most issues any way.

The additional synthesis options are good, with plenty of FM fun. It doesn't have onboard effects that you may see from many other digital synths. It also doesn't really emulate analogue faithfully. I still consider it a great synth, though.

[Oli]

Originally Posted by Joe Porto

As others suggested, if you are happy with the NL, then get something complimentary from a different manufacturer.

Yeah, that's a better idea

[shadowfac]

Originally Posted by Joe Porto

The Nord Lead 3 would be the direct upgrade to the original NL, but I hate the cheap wiggly knobs

I disagree about the knobs being cheap or wiggly. I have a NL3 and a G2, and the encoders on both are very firm and reliable. Maybe you got a beat up one or something?

[Joe Porto]

Originally Posted by shadowfac

I disagree about the knobs being cheap or wiggly. I have a NL3 and a G2, and the encoders on both are very firm and reliable. Maybe you got a beat up one or something?

Perhaps they changed the pot specs. I demoed a NL3 when they were first released, and the knobs were really loose, so I kind of wrote it off. If the current offering is as you say, then I may actually look at that synth again. I sold my NL2 several years ago, and I still regret it.

[code 10]

Originally Posted by shadowfac

I disagree about the knobs being cheap or wiggly. I have a NL3 and a G2, and the encoders on both are very firm and reliable. Maybe you got a beat up one or something?

Their keys feel like playing a keyboard thats got tissue paper for keys, utterly disgusting!

[AJ Reynolds]

i'd be happy with both the NL and NL3. NL3 is more flexible but the NL is still the best sounding VA imo.

[Phaidon]

Originally Posted by Joe Porto

The Nord Lead 3 would be the direct upgrade to the original NL, but I hate the cheap wiggly knobs, even though they include LED indicators. I much prefer the Nord Lead 2X.
.

Wow.
I couldn't disagree more!!!

Cheap?wiggly? compare to what? what's better?

Man, I love the NL3 knobage. Pure royalty.

[Phaidon]

Originally Posted by Tony-->

Their keys feel like playing a keyboard thats got tissue paper for keys, utterly disgusting!

[shadowfac]

Yeah, the NL3 keyboard is a bit crappy. I'm not an accomplished keyboardist and rarely bang hard on the keys, so I don't mind that much, but I could see piano players being quite disappointed with that. But... is the keyboard on the NL1/NL2 much better?

A solution, of course, is to get the NL3 rack and a decent controller.

[code 10]

Originally Posted by Phaidon

Werd up.......

I laughed so hard when my eyes saw the price tag attached to the Nord Wave - 49 Note, like, £1,600,00, WTF, for that kak? LO-Freekin-L!

Even my two bob CME UF 60 has better keys and thats garbage! LOL.

[Oli]

My G2x has a nice keyboard, and fantastic knobs. Really couldn't fault the knobs at all. I would be very surprised if the NL3 ever had anything different. If someone has found bad encoders, I think they would be the exception, not the norm. The G2x keys are different, though, being semi weighted, with stiffer springs. Still not as tight as the Ti2, though.

[Spectral Climax]

For me, only Wave can be "better" than a NL, under certain circumstances though...Clavia made it with specific restrictions in mind, to make some people buy both NL and Wave synths. G1 and G2 are much different instruments and NL3 is...different too!

If you want a better VA, you can try an Alesis ION..its much better in almost every aspect except the interface..also it doesn't sound like a Nord..Nord Leads have a unique "plastic,round sound" (with a good meaning), which is a standard in many genres.

[Arcadia]

Honestly I don't get the point of this thread... if you're happy with your NL why are you looking to replace it? Clavia make nothing else now other than the NordWave, which is a completely different animal than the NL2 or NL3 since it combines virtual analog synthesis with sampled waveforms. On the other hand, have you ever checked out the discoDSP Discovery softsynth? Does NL sounds quite well and even imports NL2 patches.

[SonOfSteven]

Originally Posted by Joe Porto

As others suggested, if you are happy with the NL, then get something complimentary from a different manufacturer.

I also agree,

why not get something like a future retro XS, its analog and has a nice interface that u would like. I think those 2 would be a perfect match.
I have a nordlead 3 and played around with the XS and its realy realy good.

[Spectral Climax]

An analog semi modular might not be something great for someone who praise the "perfect" balance that a NL can achieve with memory, midi, polyphony, almost excellent interface and a unique (quite powerful) sound...I would consider a Future Retro XS though...or even better, a SE-1x! (very powerful mono as it seems)