Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
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Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
Hi.
I'm about to pull the trigger on a lead A1. This synth will be my only hardware synth and I intend to use it to replace the vsts I have been using (I just don't really enjoy mouse clicking to program sounds). I'm not an experienced synthesist and that's why I've chosen the A1 over the 4 (I've spent the last few weeks doing my research) . I just want a final check that the Nord lead A1 is the right synth for me. I'm looking for a versatile synth that can do a variety of sounds and has no menu diving to program it. Obviously it should sound good!
Any final words of advice before I click buy?
I'm about to pull the trigger on a lead A1. This synth will be my only hardware synth and I intend to use it to replace the vsts I have been using (I just don't really enjoy mouse clicking to program sounds). I'm not an experienced synthesist and that's why I've chosen the A1 over the 4 (I've spent the last few weeks doing my research) . I just want a final check that the Nord lead A1 is the right synth for me. I'm looking for a versatile synth that can do a variety of sounds and has no menu diving to program it. Obviously it should sound good!
Any final words of advice before I click buy?
- starkaudio
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
I'm in the same boat as you. I own two A1rs. Love them to death. Go for it.
- Marlowes
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
I own one NLA1. It's a keeper!
/Michael
/Michael
NE3HP, NP88, NS2, DPP1, NL2X, NL2X, NLA1, NL4, NE5D, NW2 (Collect Them All?), some classic Rolands, Arturias, a Waldorf, a Kurz, a WONOK3, a pile of guitars, a P-bass, loopers, amps and computers ...
I'm a gearslut!
I'm a gearslut!
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
I've had an A1 for almost two years. I love it and I'm still finding new directions to go. It is very easy to program sounds that react in various creative ways to your playing, making it a very expressive instrument to play.
The only thing I haven't been able to do with it is a really thick, saturated bass sound like I can easily get from the Dave Smith Pro 2 or Moog Sub 37. I haven't tried using all 4 layers to get as fat as possible, so maybe that can be done. I have made some nice bass sounds on the A1, with a pop when you play harder (by using 2 layers) but none of my bass sounds have had such a solid, fat foundation as I can get on my analog or hybrid synths. Maybe analog filter/overdrive is important for those sounds?
The only thing I haven't been able to do with it is a really thick, saturated bass sound like I can easily get from the Dave Smith Pro 2 or Moog Sub 37. I haven't tried using all 4 layers to get as fat as possible, so maybe that can be done. I have made some nice bass sounds on the A1, with a pop when you play harder (by using 2 layers) but none of my bass sounds have had such a solid, fat foundation as I can get on my analog or hybrid synths. Maybe analog filter/overdrive is important for those sounds?
Nord Piano 5-73, Omnisphere, NI Komplete, Logic Pro.
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
The only other thing I'd consider is an Access Virus of some sort - http://www.virus.info/page/render/lang/ ... rview.html
Disclaimer: also have Moog Sub37, Nord Piano 3, and Ableton Push 2.
Disclaimer: also have Moog Sub37, Nord Piano 3, and Ableton Push 2.
Last edited by derrellpiper on 14 Jan 2017, 18:08, edited 1 time in total.
Linnstrument, Pro 3 SE, Tempest, Prophet 10 & 12, Synclavier Regen, Cirklon 2, Torso T-1, Max/Ableton/Push 3, Kawai MP11SE, Pioneer Pro XDJ-XZ.
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
So I got my A1!
Quick question - which cables should I use to connect the A1 to my komplete audio 6 interface?
Quick question - which cables should I use to connect the A1 to my komplete audio 6 interface?
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
1/4" TS (1/4" TRS will also work but aren't needed). Best you can buy: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GoldInst10
For the MIDI, use any 5-pin MIDI cable. It's a digital signal so no reason to use anything better than standard shielded MIDI cable. Depending on how you're planning on using it, you'll need at least MIDI Out from the A1 to your DAW and then optionally MIDI In from your Komplete to the A1, if you want to control it from the DAW.
You will give us a review, yes? I have one on order too!
For the MIDI, use any 5-pin MIDI cable. It's a digital signal so no reason to use anything better than standard shielded MIDI cable. Depending on how you're planning on using it, you'll need at least MIDI Out from the A1 to your DAW and then optionally MIDI In from your Komplete to the A1, if you want to control it from the DAW.
You will give us a review, yes? I have one on order too!
Last edited by derrellpiper on 15 Jan 2017, 00:41, edited 4 times in total.
Linnstrument, Pro 3 SE, Tempest, Prophet 10 & 12, Synclavier Regen, Cirklon 2, Torso T-1, Max/Ableton/Push 3, Kawai MP11SE, Pioneer Pro XDJ-XZ.
- starkaudio
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
I agree with derrellpiper, but another option for midi is that you could just use a single USB cable from the computer to the A1.It will provide midi in and out with a single cable and let you use the patch manager if you wish. Back up your sounds and so on. It will also let you upgrade the firmware if needed at a later date.Gr8expectations wrote:So I got my A1!
Quick question - which cables should I use to connect the A1 to my komplete audio 6 interface?
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Re: Nord lead A1 as only hardware synth
And starkaudio's right too. That's a USB Type-B "host" cable, something like this:
Linnstrument, Pro 3 SE, Tempest, Prophet 10 & 12, Synclavier Regen, Cirklon 2, Torso T-1, Max/Ableton/Push 3, Kawai MP11SE, Pioneer Pro XDJ-XZ.