The original Nord Lead and Nord Lead 2 are among the most popular synthesizers ever built. Debuting in 1995, the first Nord Lead virtual analog synthesizer took the music world by storm. It instantly became an industry standard and has secured its place among the most revered classic synthesizers. Its warm analog sound coupled with cutting-edge digital technology moved the Nord Lead into a "leading" position in the synthesizer community. Musicians from all over the world loved its simplicity, intuitive design, and its musicality and expression offered with the virtual analog concept.
Featuring all the characteristics of its predecessor, while incorporating many new features
The Nord Lead 2X can be used as a sound design tool and a MIDI controller in one
The Nord Lead 2X and its rackmount version, the Nord Rack 2X, (each sold seperately) preserve all of the essential parts of the Nord Lead 2, including the fast and easy user interface as well as its characteristic sound. But they also incorporate many new features. The "in your face" sound has been enhanced with 24-bit D/A converters. The preset memory houses 7 x 99 factory Programs, 3 x 100 factory Performances, and 7 x 10 Percussion Kits. Additionally, the user banks give you room to store your own sounds: 3 x 99 Programs, 3 x 100 Performances, and 3 x 10 Percussion Kits. The polyphony has been upgraded to 20 voices. The Nord Lead 2X and Nord Rack 2X are compatible with the Nord Lead 2, so you can transfer your custom sounds directly via MIDI.
The Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X continues the tradition of Nord's unique method of sound generation. Mathematical simulations of the signals generated by analog oscillators are the basis for an incredible sound that speaks for itself. People know Nord by its sound, and the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X give you that certain quality that is unmistakable.
The Stage and Studio Synth
The compact and smart design of the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X makes this synthesizer equally perfect for live performance and for production studio work. With 26 knobs and 27 buttons--all sending MIDI controller data--the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X communicates with every piece of MIDI gear in your setup.
In your studio, the Nord Lead 2X can be used as a sound design tool and a MIDI controller in one. Sporting 20 voices of polyphony, the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X is perfect for layered pads, screaming leads, and thick, booming basses. The keyboard version can be split, with two sounds layered on either side of the split point. You can have four simultaneous programs playing at once, and with a movable split point, the possibilities are captivating.
The Nord Rack 2X, rackmount version of the Lead 2X, is perfect for live performance and production studio work. View larger
Virtual Analog allows you to have the physical control of classic synths without any of the downsides
Both the keyboard and rack versions of the Nord Lead 2X are 4-part multitimbral, and these four parts are used together in the Performance Mode. The Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X also has four assignable outputs, so each Performance voice can be routed to its own analog output. Imagine the 2X in a multi-monitor studio setup, or in a creative multi-speaker PA system, and you can begin to see how much fun the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X can be.
Virtual Analog
Part of the allure of classic synthesizers is the physical control of the sound--if you wanted to change the shape of the sound, you just turned a knob. Then digital technology changed synthesizers, replacing those knobs with a handful of buttons, a small LCD, and a top panel graphic that displayed the sound engine’s routing. Virtual analog brings the technology and physical control together to recreate the warm, thick sound of analog synths without the overheating or tuning deficiencies. Modern technology allows the knobs to not only digitally manipulate the internal sound, but also send MIDI information to be captured in a sequencer or change a parameter on another MIDI-enabled device. Nord is known for many things, including the unique Pitch Stick and modulation wheel combo. With the Pitch Stick, you can create your own vibrato, much like a guitarist or violinist, without the “dimple†resting place (the “dead zoneâ€) other pitch benders use. This ergonomic handling adds another dimension to your performance.
Velocity Programming
A special Velocity Programming section can be controlled by the Modulation Wheel, making it possible to continuously morph between parameter settings. This feature is a musically expressive tool that allows you to shape your sound in real time.
MIDI
Let’s go MIDI controlling! In the studio, the Nord Lead 2X/Rack 2X offers real time MIDI recording of knob settings and special “MIDI patches†to recreate many of the effects produced by external patching on traditional units. For example, let your pre-recorded drum pattern trigger filter and amplifier envelopes, where the hi-hat pattern triggers the filter envelope and the kick drum pattern simultaneously triggers the amplifier envelope.
Four Synths in One
There are four parts that are directly accessible from the front panel. This makes it possible to instantly create layers with up to four different sounds, where each separate sound in the layer can easily be edited in real time. Each sound can have its own independent output. Make your own super patches in the Performance section. Create monster basses and mega pads.
Which Nord Virtual Analog Synthesizer is Right for You?
|  |  |
| Nord Lead 2X | Nord Rack 2X |
| Performance Controllers | 4 octave velocity sensitive w/ octave shift buttons
(+/-2 oct.)
Keyboard split, two sections
Modulation wheel
Pitch Stick (with no dead zone at zero crossing)
1 pedal input for sustain
1 for expression pedal | 1 pedal for sustain
1 for expression pedal |
| Included Accessories | User Manual
Power Cord with IEC320 C7 connector
Nord CD-ROM | User Manual
Power Cord with IEC320 C7 connector
Nord CD-ROM
Rack Ears |
| Dimensions | 34" x 10.4" x 4.1" | 17.3" x 3.6" 4.3" |
