Nord Lead 4 Performance Synthesizer Keyboard

Full Description

High-End Performance Synthesizer

The Nord Lead 4 is a powerhouse of a performance synthesizer, boasting built-in effects, performance features and a 4-part multi-timbral design. The Nord Lead 4 features a 49-note velocity-sensitive keybed complete with octave shift buttons. The velocity-sensitive keybed provide fluid playability, emulating the feel of a traditional grand piano for added expression. At the heart of the Nord Lead 4 is the oscillator section, providing two oscillators wiper voice with 20-voice polyphony. The subtractive design features classic waveforms such as Saw, Square, Sine, Triangle, Pulse and PWM. The 4-part multi-timbral design allows you to produce two more sounds at the same time, great for combining sounds and creating your own.

Two Oscillators Per Voice

The oscillator section features a wide variety of wavetables, including the unique Formant Wavetables. The Formant Wavetables delivers a unique sound with resonant qualities independent of the pitch. When modulating the frequency of the Formant Wavetables, it can result is some truly out of this world sounds, with distinctive tonal character. The true Voice Unison mode allows you to layer up to four voices on top of each other per note, allowing you to create powerful sounds with ease. Hard Sync allows you to generate irregular waveforms, resulting in truly unique harmonics. A frequency Modulation also allows you to sculpt your sound, providing the means to add spectral complexity and even brash, aggressive tones.

Integrated Modulation Control

The Nord Lead 4 includes dual versatile LFO-section per slot. The synth provides a wide variety of LFO-shapes, ranging from sines and pulses to cutting-edge saws. This allows you to create a range of sounds from wobbling basses to soft pads. Each LFO can be synced with the Master Clock and can be re-triggered manually with the Impulse Morph functionality. The modulation Envelope section provides even more ways to expand your modulation destinations. It can also be triggered manually for added flexibility.

Filter Section

The filter section is comprised of a range of varying filters including the classic 12, 24 and 48dB Low-Pass, High-Pass and Band-Pass filters. Dedicated ADSR filter envelopes are also included as well as selectable filter tracking. Two ladder filter are also included, incorporated from famous synths designed to capture the essence of the vintage sound. The Filter Drive option allows you to operate separately per voice, distorting the waveform before it hits the effects section.

Built-in Effects & Performance Enhancing Parameters

The built-in effects section makes the Nord Lead 4 perfect for live performances. Each of the four slots features its own dedicated effects section of FX and delay/reverb. The built-in effects are comprised of: Drive, Talk, Compressor, Crush, Comb Filter & Reverb/Delay. These specialised effects can be used for a variety of applications, from adding extra tonality to your sounds to enhancing your live performances. In addition to the effects, the Nord Lead synthesizer features a built-in arpeggiator with up/down and random modes. It also includes layering support, chord memory and a pitch sticks for maximum versatility.

Sleek, Robust Design

The eye-catching signature red finish, not only looks sleek but makes the synth stand out from the crowd. Nord is renowned for its bright red colour scheme, becoming one of the most distinctive synth keyboards out there. The robust design provides optimal durability, ensuring your keyboard can withstand the rigors of extensive live use. Not only is the synth robust but it is lightweight, measuring at only 5.3kg, making it easy to transport your keyboard. The rear of the keyboard features a range of connection including four line level audio outputs, a stereo headphone output, sustain pedal and control pedal jacks, as well as a USB connector with MIDI capabilities.

Reviews

" Capable of combining several types of synthesis (analog modeling, FM and digital microwave), we loved it for its sound quality and versatility. And it is awfully powerful! The different morphing modes, the return of the arpeggiator and the new effects are great assets, especially considering that they are multitimbral and four-part independent." Audio Fanzine

Read the full review here.

" The preview buzz around the Nord Lead 4 was about its new sound engine, the Minimoog and TB filter emulations, and the arpeggiator with its new features. These have all lived up to the hype but it’s actually the Impulse Morphing and Mutator that excite me too – perhaps even more so! The former not only means a lot for the live player but adds a completely new dimension to the sounds on the synth." Music Tech

Read the full review here.

Features

• 4-part multi-timbral with 4 separate outs
• 2-Oscillator Virtual Analog Subtractive synthesis, with Frequency Modulation, Hard and Soft Sync and True Voice Unison
• Morph and Variation performance controls
• Wavetable synthesis, including unique Formant Wavetables
• 12/24 dB Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass filter section plus transistor ladder filter simulations
• 2 LFO/Arpeggiator sections and Mod Env section with flexible routing possibilities
• LFO, Arpeggiator and Delay can be synchronized to the Master Clock (or external MIDI-Clock)
• Crush, Talk and Distortion, Reverb, Delay effects (available per slot)
• 2x oversampled sound engine
• 49-key velocity sensitive keyboard (C-C) (Not Nord Lead 4R).
• USB/MIDI