Nord User Forum

I have a few questions about the Nord lead

1. What is the difference between it and the Wave?
2. Is this the best synthesizers out there? I am also looking into a Akai MPC Key 37. Can they do all the same things? (Beside drum pas ofc)
3. If I already have an electro, should I get the Lead Rack?

There is no such thing as "The Best" synthesizer.

Every synthesizer has its own characteristics. Some of them will have a large overlap in sonic qualities and some are completely unique.

The Nord Wave and the Akai MPC are not the same sort of instruments. There is some overlap in the sense that they can use samples for the synth engine, but the Wave is a fundamentally a sythesiser and the MPC is fundamentally a sample playback instrument.

"Best" for what? Are you thinking of a specific genre, multiple genres? Does price/performance matter? Portability? Etc.

If we talk about synths, embedded in a stage piano, I‘d say yes. If we talk about the synths themselves (Leads), I‘d siay they are among the group of very good synths.

Cheers

Eumel

I am looking into something specifically for worship, something that can do pads and lead parts.

Worship sounds (pads, strings, vox, woodwinds, leads, etc.) aren't technically demanding -- lots of synthesizers do them well enough.

Don't forget, you'll also want great piano and organ sounds. Right now, the Nord Stage 4 is the "hot ticket" in worship keyboards right now, but other keyboards would also do well.

As others said, no such thing as a "best" syntheziser.

Nord quite wins on ease of use and the possibility to quickly program a sound that will blend nicely in mixes, for a great variety of genres.

On the other hand, it could be more difficult with a Nord to come with a "complex" sound (understand, very evolutive thanks to various modulations options). For example, a Blofeld can do a lot more in terms of textures, albeit with a more digital sound, than a Wave or A1.

If you're looking for "classic" sounds, a Nord will be sufficient, and you'll be quickly ready to play. If you're looking for more synthesis possibilities, there are a lot of better options out there (my second "preferred" brand being probably Waldorf).

Melies59 wrote: ↑26 Jul 2025, 11:24 On the other hand, it could be more difficult with a Nord to come with a "complex" sound (understand, very evolutive thanks to various modulations options)

Not if you have a NL3
Anyway, multi timbrality helps greatly with this for all nord leads. A nice combo of envelopes, phasing LFOs and strategic arpeggiators can do wonders.