Nord Wave Synthesizer / Sampler Keyboard

Full Description

The Nord Wave Synthesiser combines analog, FM synthesis, wavetable and sampled waveforms and you can use pretty much any standard audio file as a sound source. The Nord Wave brings the user replaceable samples back again, by integrating them in a virtual analog environment.

The Nord Wave Synthesiser boasts two oscillators which can produce many sounds from classic analog waveforms (with sync), wavetables, FM synthesis , sampled waves (single cycle waveforms with attack) and noise and other miscellaneous waveforms.

Digital Samples with Analog Effects

Applying a resonant filter with a 24 dB slope to a sampled sound may be amazing, but you can incorporate all elements of an analog synthesizer: amplifier and modulation envelopes, LFOs, filters, and effects. Some convenient sample modifications are also available. By using alternative start points, you can skip the attack portion of the sample and only use the body of the sound for e.g. modulation purposes.

Easy Sound Exploration and Storage

You'll be glad to know that the Nord Wave is compatible with the Nord Sample Library, a huge free library of incredible sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples.

Thanks to Flash memory sample data storage, you can easily replace existing samples, including the factory preset samples. Flash memory also allows for fast load times for samples and even for complex programs. You don't need a hard drive or other type of media for storing samples when you shut down the Wave; once you power up the unit you've got access to all the samples at the turn of a knob.

Thanks to Clavia's compression algorithm, this allows, on average, 2 to 3 times data compression of any downloadable samples to the Nord Wave without any loss of quality.

Use any audio recording as an oscillator source in a virtual analog environment. Just import any standard audio file to the Nord Sample Editor software, map it to a key, and get playing!

Along with the compression algorithm, the samples are automatically encoded within the Nord Sample Editor and decoded back in realtime when played on the keyboard, so all the important character of a sound is kept without losing quality.

Sound Manager and Sample Editor

Use the Nord Sound Manager (OS X and Windows) to back up and rearrange programs and transfer sample Instrument files.

The Nord Sample Editor allows you to map your own audio files across the keyboard. It boasts features to speed up the process of arranging and adjusting individual samples. If you have a single audio file with chromatic (or any other interval) recording of each note, you'll quickly be up and running.

Two Synths in One

Use the Slot function to seamlessly switch between two sounds without cutting off any sustaining notes. Or, layer two sounds together to create an immense sound palette. You can control everything easily by the Slot A & B buttons, which are conveniently located near the pitch stick, mod wheel, and octave-switching buttons, making them as much performance controllers as programming features.

Modulation excess

The Nord Wave features two LFOs with wide frequency ranges, one of these can actually double as an envelope if it is set to single cycle mode. These two LFOs possess five waveforms and seven modulation destinations each. You don't need an LFO for creating vibrato, as this function has its own set of parameters. The Nord Wave also has a dedicated Modulation Envelope that can be set in AD or AR-modes, with six possible destinations.

Six Different Filter Types

The Nord Wave incorporates six different high-quality filter types. Along with the standard low-, high- and band-pass filters, there is a multi peak filter, comb filter, and a format filter, which creates vowel effects. You can modulate filter parameters via the dedicated ADSR envelope, velocity, any of the LFOs, or the Modulation Envelope. Use Morph Grouping to modulate the modulators!

Morphing

Nord's Morph Grouping technique lets you alter the setting of virtually any sound-related parameter in real time with the modulation wheel, control pedal, note velocity or note number. There's much to play around with; have the filter open up as you strike a key harder, use the modulation wheel to change the amplifier envelope from pad- to pluck-style at the same time as you increase the filter resonance. You can use several Morph setups at the same time, so you can change your sound dramatically on the fly.

Setting up Complex Morph scenarios is easy too - just hold the corresponding Morph controller button and tweak the parameters to your liking.

Effects Section

The effects on the Nord Wave let you get rich effects without the need of outboard gear. Create a small amount of reverb, chorus, a massive delay, or tube-style overdrive. There are five different reverb algorithms , from a small room to a large hall. The delay boasts stereo capabilities, and a tap-tempo function as well as selectable feedback amount. There are three chorus algorithms, and the tube overdrive can range from a subtle boost to crushing distortion.

Easy Chord function

Add any number of intervals to the notes you are playing with Chord Functions. Just hold the Chord button and play the intervals on the keyboard. Release the chord button and the intervals you just played will be added to any single note you play.

Claiva-Patented Pitch Stick

The Clavia-patented pitch stick allows for pitch and vibrato control. You can apply very subtle vibratos, pitch changes, and everywhere in between, with no detent, or "dead-zone."

Convenient Knobs and Buttons

Around your left hand are Ergonomically fitted pitch and modulation controls, the Program Change-dial, Octave Shift, Panel, Chord, and Keyboard Focus buttons. All these controls in one place allow quick and easy adjustments to major settings as you perform.

The front panel boasts accessibility. Physical knobs and buttons are provided for every sound-related parameter on the front panel.

Click on the link below for more information on Oscillator Modulation and the Various Sections of the Nord Wave Synthesiser:

Features/Specifications

Keyboard

• Type: 4 octave velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard
• Number of Keys: 49
• Flash Memory: 189Mb (180Mb for user samples)

Functions

• 18 stereo voices
• Wooden Pitch Stick
• Modulation Wheel
• LCD-window and Value Dial
• Master Level Control
• 3 Morph Sources (Modulation Wheel / Control Pedal, Note Number, Note Velocity)

Physical Specs

• Dimensions: 870 x 274 x 98mm (34.3 x 10.8 x 3.9 inches)
• Weight: 6 Kg, 13.3 lbs.

Included Accessories

• Owner's Manual
• Power Cord

Connections

• 2 Line Level Audio Outputs: ¼", 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
• Stereo Headphone Output: ¼", 6,35 mm stereo jack
• Sustain Pedal: ¼", 6,35 mm jack. Use a momentary pedal, like e.g, Roland DP-2, DP-6, Yamaha FC-4, FC-5, Fatar VFP1-25 etc.
• Control Pedal: ¼", 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack. Use a Control/Expression pedal like e.g. Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-5 etc.
• USB: type B connector
• MIDI in & out: 5 pin DIN connectors
• IEC320 C7 power connector