Nord Wave 2 introduced :)

[Blemished]

I honestly have to say that there are people looking at this the wrong way by trying to compare it against the original wave. Think about why the original wave was discontinued, you'd be surprised about the answer as to why. lew

Interesting comment and background on the design, thank you. But I'm puzzled why you think that comparing it with the original Wave is wrong? That's my benchmark as an owner and I would have loved to see an evolution of the original. That would be valuable for me and would mean I'd buy it. Losing key capabilities to use samples in synthesis totally negate the core value of the Wave as a synth in my view. It never made much sense as a simple ROMpler. Other people have different needs of course, but I can't see why this is looking at it the wrong way. As it seems to be a weird hotchpotch of A1 and Stage, maybe they should have called it something else?

The whole stage/organ side of things is anathema to me, although I understand this is where they make their money. Just seems a shame that their recent synths have been weak efforts in relation to their own history. The full spec isn't clear yet, but I think they've made some serious mistakes with this one - as with the NL4 (Gordon Reid's SOS review nails it) - that will put off a lot of the synth-focused user base. There are so many interesting things coming out at the moment in terms of modulars, new analogs, re-issues and powerful new hybrid/digitals (Quantum, Prophet X). I suspect this not-quite-a-Wave 2 will struggle in that context.

[LewTheKeysGuy]

I honestly have to say that there are people looking at this the wrong way by trying to compare it against the original wave. Think about why the original wave was discontinued, you'd be surprised about the answer as to why. lew

Interesting comment and background on the design, thank you. But I'm puzzled why you think that comparing it with the original Wave is wrong? That's my benchmark as an owner and I would have loved to see an evolution of the original. That would be valuable for me and would mean I'd buy it. Losing key capabilities to use samples in synthesis totally negate the core value of the Wave as a synth in my view. It never made much sense as a simple ROMpler. Other people have different needs of course, but I can't see why this is looking at it the wrong way. As it seems to be a weird hotchpotch of A1 and Stage, maybe they should have called it something else?

The whole stage/organ side of things is anathema to me, although I understand this is where they make their money. Just seems a shame that their recent synths have been weak efforts in relation to their own history. The full spec isn't clear yet, but I think they've made some serious mistakes with this one - as with the NL4 (Gordon Reid's SOS review nails it) - that will put off a lot of the synth-focused user base. There are so many interesting things coming out at the moment in terms of modulars, new analogs, re-issues and powerful new hybrid/digitals (Quantum, Prophet X). I suspect this not-quite-a-Wave 2 will struggle in that context.

I do agree with you on this and of course I think my wording on this is wrong, it's rather late and my mind isn't functioning due to lack of sleep as I'm caring for mum.

The Wave 2 from my understanding shouldn't be compared to the original wave as it's a new ground focus, yes there's functions missing I could really do with but that's what happens with Nord. I think they need to stop smoking the nord wead and concentrate on customers and professionald who need certain equipment design from them, after all, we're paying customers here.

From the description, and also from other feedback here, I'm given the impression that this mimics the stage series in build rather than the original lead chassis, that in itself is a little disappointing, but that said, there are things I do love about this new system that meet what I need. Considering Nord shot themselves in the foot by ending rack based nord leads, that to me is professional suicide. I'd go for the Wave 2 and hunt down an A1 and lead 4 as rack versions, maybe a lead 3 rack also, but that's pretty much it. I guess we can only see what comes forward and when it hits the stores. I don't personallly fancy the idea of having to wait 7 months or more for this to arrive in the UK, if it's that, there's other VA's out there to consider. I'm not saying that I'll be disloyal to Nord, but Nord isn't exactly playing ball with me, it takes two to tango, not one to push a mill stone.

lew

[musicaldudeist]

Well, it certainly seems opinions on this instrument vary widely so far. I'm exciting to see more of this instrument in action; see it in actual use.

[cambe]

As I understand it, it's a complete redesign, it takes on the physical principle of the G2X as a 61 key instrument, breaking away from the 49 key aspect, that in itself pleases me. changing the key profile ad action again is. a bold step forward. What you have to think of is this, the original Wave opened up doors for synthesis with sampling and was a bold move for nord especially with the electro and stage series, etc and well worth it. I personally loved the Wave as it was a nice, compact sampler synth and it felt right. Though I miss owning one, The Wave 2 to me would be a welcome replacement. For me, what it offers meets what I need in my production basis so I've no scope to complain. Personally, I see this as a complement to the stage 3 and grand as more of an actual synth than a stage piano. I honestly have to say that there are people looking at this the wrong way by trying to compare it against the original wave. Think about why the original wave was discontinued, you'd be surprised about the answer as to why. This was a bold move for Nord and I'm pleased they've done this. I wasn't expecting a stage 3 replacement, etc and I'm glad of that, that means that I have a working scope that's more comfortable for my needs. I can't wait to feel this instrument, run my fingers across the controls and get to know every parameter and of course, start recording and performing with it.

lew

I totally get your point.

But that's the thing, you are pleased with this idea being a stage and grand owner. Which in their own terms are behemoths. So naturally, being familiar with the stage format and keyboard action this comes to you as a pleasant addition.

And that's the point of Nord. They want to sell this to Stage/Electro players. Completely disregarding their synth consumers.

Nords are forgotten on the synth world. And they will continue to be... Meanwhile several synths are coming out in module/rack /small form factors with a much more appealing approach.

[tsss27]

Nords are forgotten on the synth world. And they will continue to be... Meanwhile several synths are coming out in module/rack /small form factors with a much more appealing approach.

And the module / rack / small form synths nearly always get an immediate pass from me. That being said, Nord should absolutely make a rack version of this, as well as a rack unit dedicated to sample playback alone (including piano library.) Both of these would sell very well. It just seems like common sense.

[cambe]

Nords are forgotten on the synth world. And they will continue to be... Meanwhile several synths are coming out in module/rack /small form factors with a much more appealing approach.

And the module / rack / small form synths nearly always get an immediate pass from me. That being said, Nord should absolutely make a rack version of this, as well as a rack unit dedicated to sample playback alone (including piano library.) Both of these would sell very well. It just seems like common sense.

By "small form" I mean 3 octaves (new Korg wavestate, argon 8, DSi pro 3, jupiter xm) or 4 octaves (asm hydrasynth, prophet 6, ob6, prologue 8, system 8) etc... And whatever goes beyond that (rev2 for example) there's always a module to back it up

[tsss27]

I guess we can only see what comes forward and when it hits the stores. I don't personallly fancy the idea of having to wait 7 months or more for this to arrive in the UK, if it's that, there's other VA's out there to consider. I'm not saying that I'll be disloyal to Nord, but Nord isn't exactly playing ball with me, it takes two to tango, not one to push a mill stone.

lew

Honestly I would strongly consider a non-Nord synth regardless of any missing features simply because you have the Stage already and therefore you have that flavor of synthesis. The Udo Super6 has peaked my interest recently. This synth appears to be perfect for us ergonomically as there is no screen or menu system. It has not shipped yet so unsure of the keyboard quality but from the demos I've heard so far I think it sounds wonderful. Basic oscillators as well as wave tables etc.

Then the Sequential Pro3 is coming out, seems like a very versatile monosynth with both analog and digital oscillators and 3 different analog filters.

I'm curious on the full-sized Roland Jupiter X as well.

Of course there are also several great ones that have been out for a while already, both analog and digital. So many sounds to explore. At least for me I would never limit myself to only one brand of keyboard. Even people officially endorsed don't seem to do that.

[tsss27]

By "small form" I mean 3 octaves (new Korg wavestate, argon 8, DSi pro 3) or 4 octaves (asm hydrasynth, prophet 6, ob6, prologue 8) etc... And whatever goes beyond that (rev2 for example) there's always a module to back it up

Oh, ok. In that case it's perfectly fine and I prefer it. Usually when people talk about small form it's mini keys, tiny knobs, etc. That is what I don't like. Every synth I've owned (excluding workstation-types) was 4 octaves or less. I'm using synths for jazz fusion, funk, etc and I find 4 octaves to be plenty.
Kind of how I wish Nord made a Stage 3 Compact 61...

[cambe]

I guess we can only see what comes forward and when it hits the stores. I don't personallly fancy the idea of having to wait 7 months or more for this to arrive in the UK, if it's that, there's other VA's out there to consider. I'm not saying that I'll be disloyal to Nord, but Nord isn't exactly playing ball with me, it takes two to tango, not one to push a mill stone.

lew

Honestly I would strongly consider a non-Nord synth regardless of any missing features simply because you have the Stage already and therefore you have that flavor of synthesis. The Udo Super6 has peaked my interest recently. This synth appears to be perfect for us ergonomically as there is no screen or menu system. It has not shipped yet so unsure of the keyboard quality but from the demos I've heard so far I think it sounds wonderful. Basic oscillators as well as wave tables etc.

Then the Sequential Pro3 is coming out, seems like a very versatile monosynth with both analog and digital oscillators and 3 different analog filters.

I'm curious on the full-sized Roland Jupiter X as well.

Of course there are also several great ones that have been out for a while already, both analog and digital. So many sounds to explore. At least for me I would never limit myself to only one brand of keyboard. Even people officially endorsed don't seem to do that.

You perfectly get the point

Physical specs for the UDO 6 ?

49 keys, synth action

Imagine paying even more of a premium to make it more inconvenient (61 keys) and sluggish (organ keybed)

Nobody would choose that

I personally see myself acquiring the Peak, the super 6 and the list goes on...

If a Nord wave 2 b stock or used would appear, perhaps I would think about it

But then again, it looks like as inconvenient as an Emulator II would have felt like In the 80s (at least it had synth action keys)

[tsss27]

Super 6 is high on my list. I'm hoping there will be some people who get it and decide right away that they don't like it so I can get a good deal. lol...that usually happens with new gear at least!

I still say the semi-weighted vs synth thing is a bit pointless because they are often used interchangeably. For example it says the Sequential Prophet6 is semi-weighted. That one was one of the best synth actions I have played as far as feel. It didn't feel sluggish at all to me and I am playing lots of runs (with no piano training; I don't like fully weighted actions for anything.) I don't know what this Nord action feels like but actions designed for organ are supposed to be very quick for very rapid playing. If it feels slow then that's a pretty big fail I'd say!