Nord User Forum

Now I guess it's time/order for the new Nord Lead 5?

Is there a point to release a NL5 when there is the Wave 2?

Yes, if Nord does release a new synth, it would be the Wave 2 probably. I think the A1 and Lead 4 were the last of the Lead series-

-dj

Mr_-G- wrote:Is there a point to release a NL5 when there is the Wave 2?

The Wave 2 is anything but not a "Lead" successor. There are too many limitations in the classic synth section, even compared to the A1. The Wave 2 mainly lives on the samples and the effects.
I really hope for a NL5 with all the good ingredients of the NL4 and the A1, and of course a proper 5-octaves keybed with AT and OLED-displays.

Nordlicht wrote:

Mr_-G- wrote:Is there a point to release a NL5 when there is the Wave 2?

The Wave 2 is anything but not a "Lead" successor. There are too many limitations in the classic synth section, even compared to the A1. The Wave 2 mainly lives on the samples and the effects.

100 % agree

Nordlicht wrote: I really hope for a NL5 with all the good ingredients of the NL4 and the A1, and of course a proper 5-octaves keybed with AT and OLED-displays.

I believe that a Lead 4 or A1 successor will have the same 4 octave keybed. I would rather see new features in OLED and programmable arpegiator (and one or two new effects from the existing synths).

I actually prefer the red dial of the Lead A1 compared to the Wave 2 OLED. It feels less like a computer and more like a vintage instrument, in a similar manner to the microkorg or Prophet 5 aesthetic.

I find the fast action keys of the A1 to be more usable than the squishy keys of the Wave 2. I also prefer 4 octaves over 5, its compact yet still very playable. That's I just my own personal opinion though and completely subjective.

I would really hope the next Nord lead features audio input and audio rate modulation. I would have loved a successor to be announced at NAMM 2025 but unfortunately not. I have been waiting a long time for a successor, though will now instead get a Pro 16 I guess.