Nord User Forum

There are no amp simulations in the NW2, but even without them turned on (in the NS3), the effect in each instrument behaves very differently. I just tested with a Single sawtooth wave and the drive in the NS3 is just stronger and affects the signal more with a completely flat setting.

This is not a huge deal, other than that, the NW2 is a great instrument!

-dj

I am surprised that nobody seems to have mentioned the huge downgrade in synthesis capabilities compared to the original Wave. I was interested in the Wave 2 for a few reasons but when I reviewed the synthesis capabilities it is such a big step backwards that its just not for me.

Short and simple, I LOVE my wave 2 and love it’s live capabilities.

Jupiter4 wrote:I am surprised that nobody seems to have mentioned the huge downgrade in synthesis capabilities compared to the original Wave. I was interested in the Wave 2 for a few reasons but when I reviewed the synthesis capabilities it is such a big step backwards that its just not for me.

I have had both instruments, can you share the "big step backward" that you describe? There are a few differences for sure, but the NW2 seems to have more synthesis ability to me-

Thanks-

-dj

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|---For all of you who own Wave 2--- |
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Just to let you know. Johannes made possible to choose Wave 2 as your keyboard in "my gear" section on UCP. So if you own Wave 2 you could only choose Nord Wave, until now.

DJKeys wrote:

Jupiter4 wrote:I am surprised that nobody seems to have mentioned the huge downgrade in synthesis capabilities compared to the original Wave. I was interested in the Wave 2 for a few reasons but when I reviewed the synthesis capabilities it is such a big step backwards that its just not for me.

I have had both instruments, can you share the "big step backward" that you describe? There are a few differences for sure, but the NW2 seems to have more synthesis ability to me-

Thanks-

-dj

I do remember the original Wave had some more exotic filters and things like that. I'd also like to know what is different, the Wave2 doesn't seem like a huge step backwards. I would have liked to see some of those specialty filters carried over just for more experimental sound design, but that's not the end of the world for me. If I want a formant filter or other thing like that i can just get a pedal for it.

I love my wave 2, but I do think there are things that could be improved.

Here is my wishlist for future updates:

1) vibrato sync across layers
2) improved drive like the one in the stage 3
3) more wave combinations and the ability to tune and mix them on a single layer. For example, a saw with square suboscillator. This feature is on the stage 3.
4) soft sync or note sync. This is a feature I’ve seen on some moog synths like the Sirin and subsequent 37. Very useful for getting a consistent attack on bass patches.

Amadrius wrote:I love my wave 2, but I do think there are things that could be improved.

Here is my wishlist for future updates:

1) vibrato sync across layers
2) improved drive like the one in the stage 3
3) more wave combinations and the ability to tune and mix them on a single layer. For example, a saw with square suboscillator. This feature is on the stage 3.
4) soft sync or note sync. This is a feature I’ve seen on some moog synths like the Sirin and subsequent 37. Very useful for getting a consistent attack on bass patches.

The first 3 would be very useful to me and while I don't need the 4th it would definitely be valuable for many tasks.

I am happy with everything except the EQ Drive, fixing that would be great!

-dj

DJKeys wrote:

Jupiter4 wrote: huge downgrade in synthesis capabilities compared to the original Wave.

There are a few differences for sure, but the NW2 seems to have more synthesis ability to me

The differences are quite big surely. The Wave 1 has more flexibility in the Oscillator section, chord mode, much better modulation capabilities and more variety of filters. And generally a knob-per function layout, without the "condensed" interface of the Wave 2.

On the other hand, the Wave 2 has only one LFO (and very limited), fixed oscillator combinations and arguably more "boring" filters (quite subjective).
BUT...it also has a bigger and better keyboard, more flexible aftertouch, a great arpeggiator, impulse morph, much better effects,the best split/layer/group system of any Nord ever, and of course 2x multitimbrality (4 synths vs 2), almost 3x the polyphony (48 vs 18) and more than 5x the memory.

All in all the Wave 2 is MUCH more powerful than the original, but I agree that if somebody doesn't need advanced split/layering/effects and prefers more modulation, controls and exotic filters, then the Wave 1 is still a better synth.