Nord User Forum

Yes, the A1 has a poor Fatar TP7 unlike the TP8/9 the Prophet, the Virus and so on have. It is really light and has a very bad velocity translation. So when you do heavy velocity modulations, the modulation is all over the place.

You could get an A1r, or swap the TP7 for a TP8 or TP9. This is not so difficult actually. I was thinking about this exact thing, but sold the A1 for other limitations, I pointed out several times here on the board.

Interesting, I wonder if it is that straightforward to exchange the keybed. Are those available from Fatar? I thought you cannot get parts directly.

Mr_-G- wrote:Interesting, I wonder if it is that straightforward to exchange the keybed. Are those available from Fatar? I thought you cannot get parts directly.

Doepfer sells Fatar keybeds as spare parts and has a 49keys TP9S in the catalog.

Anyone knows which keybed is in the NL2X?

The same. It's a real pity.

Nordlead 1,2(x),4, A1 (49): Fatar TP/7BA
Nordlead 3 (49): Fatar TP/9S, weighted
NordWave (49): Fatar TP/9S, unweighted
Nord Modular G2 (37): Fatar TP/9S

Also note that the rack mount A1 and NL4 do not respond to aftertouch! So even if you choose a great controller keyboard you're still going to have some limitations.

Some mush should be expected for after touch; the mushier the better for controlling that aspect. Most keybeads don't have good control and it tends to be either all on or all off.

Can someone comment on this, i don't have an A1.

The A1 and the NL4 don't support AT at all.

I agree that Lead A1's keyboard is its weakest link. Of course aftertouch is another thing that would make it much more appealing.

If I compare A1 keys to my Access Virus T2 Polar or (200e) Roland A-500Pro MIDI controller, difference is clear and not very flattering for A1. Both Virus and Roland have a high quality feeling and enough response. A1 feels too light and more like those cheapest MIDI controllers. Sound is great but better keyboard would really make it a great instrument.

Duplobaustein wrote:The same. It's a real pity.

Nordlead 1,2(x),4, A1 (49): Fatar TP/7BA
Nordlead 3 (49): Fatar TP/9S, weighted
NordWave (49): Fatar TP/9S, unweighted
Nord Modular G2 (37): Fatar TP/9S

This is a very interesting piece of information, thanks!
Where did you get it from?

I briefly had a Wave and I remember being surprised by the keybed, it was way better than the 2X.
Never tried a Lead3, but if it's "weighted" it should be even better for expressive playing?

Just for sake of comparison, lately I tried out in a shop the Virus and the Minimoog reissue, and I thought they had the best synth action I ever played.
I think they too use some variation of TP8 or 9, do you have some info?