Differences between Nord Lead models and A1

[Spider]

Ok, to finally set the matter straight (or at least, firmly crooked) I compiled a comparison table of the features of all Lead models (except Lead 1 and 2 that are essentially the same as the 2X), trying to be as comprehensive as possible and adding in the Wave for good measure.

Hope it can be useful as a general reference, feel free to comment or point out mistakes!

Nord synth comparison.pdf

Nord synth feature comparison

(16.1 KiB) Downloaded 459 times

[ljefe]

Thank you for this, Spider!

[Spider]

So, after all my studying and researching to choose between the Lead4 and A1... I found a great deal on a good old Lead2X and went for it.

And guess what? I'm LOVING it.
Yes, it has less features than the two newest sisters. Does this make it more limited? I don't think so.
Of course there are no wavetables and no effects, and it's not possible to preview parameter values (especially limiting for Morphed programs).
The lack of USB and Nord Sound Manager is really a non-issue, a midi-to-USB cable and MIDI-OX work just the same.

And there are also a few unique tricks up its sleeve.
The LFO's "Echo" function provides a more than decent alternative to a delay effect.
The ability to "sync noise" creates some very convincing formants for vocal-quack-clav type sounds.
The percussion kits are unique to the 2X and very handy (see below).
And the memory capacity is much bigger than the 4 or A1: yes there are the same 400 programs and 100 performances, but these are also the 40 percussion kits (with 8 perc sounds each, so 320 fully editable percussive sounds!).
And moreover, these are just the RAM-overwritable ones- there are further 600 programs and 300 performances in the fixed ROM memory. I dare you not to find many useful sounds there, that you can then edit and store in RAM.

And of course the simpler interface and lack of double-function buttons and knobs makes programming a real pleasure.
All in all I find it a great machine, and definitely less limited than the specs would suggest.

Oh, and did I mention it's an Anniversary model... So sexy!
So yes, I guess I'm officially in the honeymoon phase

[Spider]

@Spider: yes, I'm still in love with my NL2X ...
Choosing a synth is very personal, like selecting a tie (?) ... just read what old Jim thinks about the NL's
https://jimatwood.wordpress.com/2014/10 ... rd-lead-4/

/Michael
"lead-er"

[Spider]

dude, you still wear ties?

Spider, time is ripe for new profile pic for you showing off your BLACK KEYS!
and yes, the NL2X is a really beefy synth; a pinch or two of outboard f/x and it's golden

[Spider]

Spider, time is ripe for new profile pic for you showing off your BLACK KEYS!

Done!

[jfenton]

Th black key's remind me of my old Vox Continental I had in the 70's

[Spider]

@Pablo:

... yes, the NL2X is a really beefy synth; a pinch or two of outboard f/x and it's golden ...

Wise words as always from Mr Know-it-all!

/Michael
lead-ing tie-guy

[pablomastodon]

ouch! I'm sure that was said with kind intentions, but I surely do not know it all and hope that I don't always sound like I'm pretending to...my ego not that big

besides, I got that "pinch of outboard f/x" from an old post of YOURS, Mr. Still-Wears-Neckties!

[Marlowes]

@Pablo: yes, very good intentions. I eagerly read all your posts here and agree with almost everything you write. A solid source of knowledge and very useful experience!

/Vänligen
Michael in Scania
tie-d to my NL's