Nord Lead 4 Reviews / Thoughts?

[dejanx]

Hi there,

I'm new to the Forum.

I thought this would be the best place to hear people's opinions on the Nord Lead 4.

Tomorrow, I'm off into town to try one out. The guy offered me a great price (For new). To say I'm tempted is an understatement. He can only hold it for a few days for me though. So it'll probably be an impulse buy.

So does anyone own the Nord Lead 4? What's your thoughts? Likes / dislikes?

I did once own the Nord Lead 2x a few years back. Sadly, I sold it on. Regretted it ever since. On paper the Nord Lead 4 sounds pretty close to the 2x - Obviously with a few more features. And added Effects (Finally!).

Thanks in advance!

[WoutBlommers]

Well, I will always keep my Lead2, simple because I use the Ring Modulator a lot

[pablomastodon]

I've had one for exactly one week now...in the vernacular, I would say the NL4 is phreaking AWESOME! Never knew arpeggiators could be so much fun. IMPULSE MORPHS and patterns on LFO are just wicked sick (more vernacular). Two more prominent features commonly pointed out are two new filter models and the crusher in the f/x section, which are really excellent, but I'm enjoying the Talk effects just as much or even more.

To borrow a phrase from an early 70's TV ad campaign here in the States: "try it, you'll like it." But two Alka-Seltzer will not help you combat the sleep loss you're sure to suffer after bringing one of these home.

Bless,

Pablo

Disclaimer: my "day" (and night and weekend and sometimes holiday) job is Nord Tech Support for Canada and USA. Opinions expressed here are my own.

[dejanx]

- I came accross this video. Ok, it's in German. But there's a few new demos in regards to sounds than what's currently been up on YouTube.
I'm completely sold. It sounds great! Quite dark, in some respect.
Although a lot people are quite disappointed by the lack of Aftertouch, I'm not too fussed. I quite like the idea of these "Impulse Morph" buttons and how they'll change the sound instantly.
The stone Mod Wheel, too. That's one thing I miss about the 2x. Always loved the Nord Synth for that feature alone.
As for Effects, that's one thing I'm very excited about. About time the Lead series had some on-board Effects.
(Not that there's anything wrong with a dry Nord sound).
I have a feeling the Nord Lead 4 will be coming home with me tonight. If not, I'll re-think about purchasing the 2x again.

[Mr_-G-]

I agree that the missing aftertouch is difficult to understand in keyboards of this kind (and price).
Some recently complained about the keybed, but I have not seen one yet to try.
It sounds great and I wonder whether there is a Wave2 coming soon which is a NL4+sample oscillator.

[dejanx]

OK, so I ended bringing it home with me. It was inevitable, wasn't it? Heh.
I can't give an in-depth review as I've not spent more than an hour on it since I got back.
First impressions are quite good. Presets are lacking a little. I wasn't blown away by them. However, all the tools on the front panel are there to create sounds of your choice (Or "dreams" as they'd say)...
A quick flick through the Filters and I've falling in love with them. Very nice sounding! Can't fault 'em.
- The Effects are also really good. They add a lot of character to the Nord sound.
The "Distortion", "Crush" and "Talk" Effects will come in very handy for me, too. As I like a "Harsh" sound.
Sadly no Aftertouch. But with the "Impulse Morph" buttons, I can forgive that.
The Keyboard is extremely lightweight. That's not a problem for me. I'm certainly no Piano player. So I'm not used to heavy Ivory keys as some might be.
The Nord itself is quite compact and lightweight, which is always and an advantage. (Unlike an extremely heavy Access Virus).
Plus - Those Red wooden panels on the side are stunning. Adds that "Vintage-look".
All-in-all, I'm happy. ^^

[WoutBlommers]

I agree that the missing aftertouch is difficult to understand in keyboards of this kind (and price). ...

Not that strange: the Leads use the Fatar TP/7BA 49 keyboard. They didn't change the inner side, so only that keyboards fits in... The synth recognizes After Touch!

[WoutBlommers]

... The stone Mod Wheel, too. ...

Who ever told that it was stone? It's just aluminum...

[dejanx]

... The stone Mod Wheel, too. ...

Who ever told that it was stone? It's just aluminum...

Ah. I picked that up from a review of the Nord Lead 3.
So, it's just a Stone-looking Mod Wheel? Ha.

[Mr_-G-]

No aftertouch seems to be a new fashion... Many old kbds had it jx8p, jx10p, dx7, dx7ii, etc why not now? Roland jupiter 50 does not have it either.