Does the Nord Lead A1 sound like a Nord Lead?

[Ricoche]

Hi everyone,

I currently own the entire Nord Lead ( NL1, 2, 2x, 3, 4, and A1) lineup. Here are my thoughts about the A1 vs NL4.

1. The A1 sounds better because it has the classic 70s/80s effects pallet. Turn off the effects or add similar effects to the NL4 and they become closer in sound.

2. The A1 is absolutely too expensive. In Japan it's more expensive than the NL4. I just bought my A1 for $1100 B grade and that was pushing it I thought.

3. Of all the Nord leads, ( 1, 2, 2x, 3, 4, and A1 ), the NL3 sounds the most different. I love the FM on the NL3 and it compliments all other Nord Leads beautifully.

4. If you are into Classic Synths, synthpop, Italo Disco oriented stuff, then the A1 should meet your demands nicely. I own synths such as the Polysix, Juno-60, JX-8P, Matrix 6, etc. and the A1 replaces them nicely in a live performance situation. The NL4 does too, but I need my Boss DC-2, or some other form of warm chorus or dimension pedal. Plus I need a delay and reverb if I want multiple effects going on at the same time.

5. On a budget, I recommend the NL2 with your own effects if you want that classic Nord Sound. If you have your own boutique effects and the extra cash, then I'd go for the NL4. If you already own any of the Nord Leads except the NL3 then hands down the NL3 as a second NL synth. Otherwise, if you want an all in one solution then the A1 would be my choice

My only exception to the above would be if you are into a particular kind of music like a few have mentioned previously that might not be suited for the Clavia Nord Lead. With the exception of the NL3, if you can't do a particular kind of music on the NL4 it won't work on the NL2 either. These Nords to the audience all kind of sound the same. I have NEVER had an audience member come up to me and say "Boy I sure liked that NL2 sound better than the NL4!"

Overall, the Nord leads are great synths and all of them will work in most situations with the right effects, playing style, and programming.

Enjoy!

[Motion Drive]

Thx everybody for the inputs. I finally made a choice and went for the NL4. After listening and testing i came to the conclusion, that the NL4 fills best the gap. Having the Virus TI and all the VST's like Diva, Spectrasonics, Monark, Arturia etc. I don't feel the need for another synth imitating this vintage sound. So thats why i went for the synth with more individual sound and more manipulation possibilities.

Finally again a proud owner of a Nord Lead...ihaaa

[Muziksculp]

Thx everybody for the inputs. I finally made a choice and went for the NL4. After listening and testing i came to the conclusion, that the NL4 fills best the gap. Having the Virus TI and all the VST's like Diva, Spectrasonics, Monark, Arturia etc. I don't feel the need for another synth imitating this vintage sound. So thats why i went for the synth with more individual sound and more manipulation possibilities.

Finally again a proud owner of a Nord Lead...ihaaa

Hi Motion Drive,

Congratulations on your new NL4. Very good choice

Along with your Virus Ti, and Plug-In Synths, the NL4 is a great complement, and a joy to use. No menus to deal with, a fantastic synth to program, and a great performance Synth. I have the NL4 (Rack), and it is one of my favorite synths. Wouldn't want to be without it, and I do have a Virus TI2, and other HW and SW Synths. But the NL4 is a real beauty, especially once you begin tweaking it, I find the presets not very inspiring, but then again, I never rely on presets, and do my sound programming for everything I own.

Enjoy

Cheers,
Muziksculp