So - 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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Rusty Mike
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Re: So - Nord Lead A1? - I Bought A Novation Peak

Post by Rusty Mike »

Bongo wrote: 03 Feb 2025, 05:22 What did you end up with and are you happy with your choice?
I bought the Novation Peak. Found a used but pristine unit for a decent price.

It is a great purchase for me. Fits well on my studio desk so I did not have to figure out how to add another keyboard to my tidy studio. I play it with my Arturia KeyLab 61 mkII, which has a good key feel and aftertouch that the Lead A1 lacks. Plus I can easily map the KeyLab's buttons and sliders to controls/parameters on the Peak which give me more expression. It nicely scratches the itch for that analog knobby experience.

It's got a few presets that suit me and much more available through the Components app. I found about 40 or so that I like, and created about 8 of my own so far. haven't been able to use it in my recordings yet, but certainly this year as I've recently completed a few lingering projects.

Sounds very rich, and certainly 'analog enough' for me, even through I'm sure there are purists who will argue it doesn't. I think both the synth engine and the digital effects sound great. Easy enough to navigate for fast gratification but deep enough that I'll never exhaust the possibilities.

Thanks for asking.
Mike from Central NJ, USA
Tools: Ten fingers, two feet, middle-age brain, questionable judgement and taste
Current Nords: Piano 5 73, Electro 6D 73
Ownership History: Electro 2, Electro 3-73 SW, Electro 3HP, Electro 4D, Stage 2EX 76HP
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