Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Nord's classical Virtual Analog Synth Nord LEAD 1/2/2x/3/4/A1 and Nord Rack versions
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mikey77890
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Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by mikey77890 »

Hi everyone,

I am a new, proud owner of a Nord Lead A1 (my first ever synth). I was wondering if anyone had any tips for how to emulate the sounds from logic's (Apple) built-in analog synth plugin (Retro Synth). I'm having trouble matching nobs on the plugin to nobs on the physical A1. I've attached a screenshot of the plugin (below in a reply). I'd also be willing to pay someone to work with me on this 1on1 via phone. :thanks: :thanks:
Last edited by mikey77890 on 16 Mar 2017, 22:16, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by Marlowes »

Hej!

Looks like a fun project ... but I have a presentation at school tomorrow and have to concentrate on that. :?

Any possibility to add a mp3 demo? You have Logic ... ;)
Might make it easier for a non logician. :idea:

But you are totally right - the NLA1 is THE synth for retro tweaking! :thumbup:

/Vänligen
Michael in Scania
Last edited by Marlowes on 16 Mar 2017, 21:16, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by mikey77890 »

That's a great idea. Thanks, I will create an mp3 sample of it. I realized, the tone I'm looking for is not the default. I will attach an MP3 of the settings I have, though.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by mikey77890 »

Here is an MP3 sample and the updated screen shot of the settings from the logic plugin. Thank you!! :yourock:
Attachments
The settings panel of the plugin
The settings panel of the plugin
Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 1.17.29 PM.png (1019.76 KiB) Viewed 2408 times
demo-retro-synth-custom-settings.mp3
MP3 Sample sounds
(1.42 MiB) Downloaded 208 times
Screenshot of Retro Synth settings
Screenshot of Retro Synth settings
Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 1.10.42 PM.png (3.01 MiB) Viewed 2409 times
Last edited by Mr_-G- on 17 Mar 2017, 23:40, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by Mr_-G- »

I put the MP3 sample inline for you.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by maxpiano »

You cannot emulate it 1:1 i.e. just by mapping and copying settings, because the synth structures have a few but significant differences (e.g. the Retro has ADSR envelopes while A1 has ADR, ..)

On the other hand the (analog section of) the Retro synth is pretty basic so, once you learn the principles and to program the A1 synth chain, it is pretty easy to "emulate" the Retro sound by looking at Retro parameters and transform (not copy) them into A1 settings.

Recommendation: study the A1 from its manual first and learn it by tweaking existing patches, then you will find it will be easy to go to the next step i.e create your own patches and/or reproduce the Retro ones (initially best if finding a similar A1 patch and then adjust/modify it, rather than starting from scratch)

PS: for a general learning of subtractive synthesis, there are many tutorials on line, such as the massive one made by SoundOnSound between 1999-2004 and still available on https://web.archive.org/web/20160403115 ... ecrets.htm (non need to read it all, just the first few articles)
Last edited by maxpiano on 18 Mar 2017, 08:44, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by mikey77890 »

Synth Secrets Complete.pdf
Synth Secrets - Complete PDF
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Some great soul built a PDF version of the Synth Secrets series. It has high resolution graphics and better legibility.
Last edited by mikey77890 on 28 Mar 2017, 19:52, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by jonilikeskeys »

MP3: NLA1-Performance-File:
LogicRetroSynth.nlap
(427 Bytes) Downloaded 123 times
Hey!
I tried to recreate the sound.. got it pretty close, still not 100%.
The performance-file attached might be a good starting point for your for further tweaks. ;)
The possibility to use the LFO as an ENVELOPE is REALLY good, I use it a lot.
Once you have downloaded the performance to your NLA1 make sure, to make it more "playable" - what I mean is: Add velocity and wheel morphs so the performance gets more playable.
Have fun!
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Logic Retro Synth.mp3
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Last edited by jonilikeskeys on 03 Apr 2017, 11:23, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Emulating Logic X's Retro Synth on Nord Lead A1

Post by mikey77890 »

Wow! Thanks a lot for taking the time to do that, man.
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