Nord Lead 2 vs 2x

[chris malhiot]

Hello everyone! I just recently purchased a Nord Lead 2x and love it but I have read better reviews for the original 2. I just came across a 2 that is in almost mint condition but I have not tested it out yet. I am curious if you guys would suggest looking into purchasing the original 2 and sell my 2x. Or if you guys don't think I'll even hear a difference then I'll just forget about it. See to me the 2x sounds great but I'm always down to get even more warmth and from what Ive heard the original 2 can deliver that. Anyway, can't wait to hear what you guys think and look forward to interacting with you guys more in the future. All the best!

[stiiiiiiive]

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum

My two cents: don't bother.

I'm not saying there is no difference and I'm sure some different valuable opinions will come. Hey, this is how you do, huh?
I'm saying if you are looking for warmth, the difference you might hear will not be that huge. You may be interested in using some light distorsion pedal instead. I obtained good results through EHX LPB2ube and EHX Germanium4 Pi. Oh and the EHX Cathedral's spring simulation is great to, I sometimes use it with zero reverb time so that I get that warm-more-guitarish sound. I hope this helps

[mjbrands]

Great advice, I think. The difference is supposedly fairly subtle and I think the 2X is a more practical machine than the 2. I also think an -analog- distortion pedal can add some warmth, if used in small doses (crazy, over-the-top can be fun too). A reverb (analog or digital) might be more versatile though.

[SocProf]

Were the reviews published in different time periods? People's expectations for VA synths have risen over time, so comparing reviews from different periods can be misleading. The Roland JP 8000 got much better user reviews than the SH 201 even though they have the same basic sound, just slightly different parameters.

Here is the Sound on Sound review for the 2X. He seems to think it is an improvement over the 2.
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan04/a ... lead2x.htm

[stiiiiiiive]

That is an insightfull comment.
I remember reading the Nord Lead test in SOS. The author was thrilled by how Mooguesque the experience was. This is obviously because there was nothing as close as the Nord Lead to a Moog at that time.

[chris malhiot]

Ok, thanks for all the insight guys! I'll will definitely keep what you guys have said in mind. I think I'm still gonna go check the 2 out since I've never played on one, it'll be fun. But more than likely I'll end up keeping my 2X. Thanks again guys!

[mjbrands]

He, just make sure you don't end up with both (yes, I'm a bit of a hoarder myself).

[chris malhiot]

hahaha yeah that is a possibility with me. I def love gear but I'll try and be smart about it