Nord Lead A1

Analog Modeling Synthesizer

$1,999.00 $2,099.00

49-key velocity sensitive keyboard

This is the new Nord Lead A1 analog modeling synthesizer – a stunning sounding synthesizer with a simplified yet hugely powerful front panel interface.

Producing stand-out sounds for live or for the studio, the Lead A1 is ideal for all musical genres. Thanks to its carefully thought-out user interface, the Lead A1 encourages experimentation, allows for far speedier programming than would otherwise be possible, and ultimately delivers sensational sonic results.

At the heart of the Lead A1 is Nord's new analog modeling engine. Taking their virtual analog synthesis to the next level, this modeling recreates a total analog signal path with uncanny realism, and is capable of immense sonic variety. With 26-voice polyphony and four simultaneous synthesizer parts, the Lead A1 is a true synthesizer powerhouse that goes far beyond the current trend for limited capability analog reissues.

General Features

26 voices, 4 part multitimbral.
3 part effects section (FX, delay and reverb) for each part
49-key velocity sensitive keyboard with octave shift buttons, +/-2 octaves.
Keyboard Split with 2 slots for the upper and lower sections.
Modulation Wheel
Pitch Stick with no dead zone at zero crossing
Programmable Pitch bend range, up to +/- 4 octaves
Separate up/down bend range: -12 or -24 semitones, + 2 semitones
1 pedal input for sustain.
1 pedal input for expression pedal.

User Interface

3 LED displays, 23 knobs, 3 encoders and 20+ buttons for program and performance editing.

Oscillator Section

Oscillator models of multiple waveforms (traditional analog, extended analog, pulse waveforms, real-time algorithmical waveforms with additive-, FM- and formant- synthesis)
OSC config knob 11 categories (Pitch, Shape, Osc Sync, Noise Mix, Osc 2 Detune, Sine Mix, Tri Mix, Saw Mix, Square Mix, Freq Modulation, Amp Modulation)

Filter Section

Multi-mode filter with 12 dB (2-pole) low pass, 24 dB (4-pole) lowpass and band pass, high pass, Ladder M and Ladder TB characteristics.
Cut off, Resonance, envelope amount, envelope amount controlled by velocity.
ADR/ASR envelope.
Filter keyboard tracking can be set to off, 1/3, 2/3 or full.
Adjustable Filter Distortion.

Modulation Section

LFO generates a triangle, square, sawtooth, inverted sawtooth or sample and hold waveforms. LFO can be routed to Filter Frequency and Osc mod. The LFO rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
LFO can be switched to polyphonic Env mode with four different characteristics and sample and hold is manually triggered by keyboard (polyphonic S/H).
Arpeggiator: Range: 1 - 4 octave. Modes: up, down, up/down and random. The Arpeggio rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
ADR/ASR envelope, velocity control on/off, inverse envelope on/off.

Amplifier Section

ADR/ASR envelope, velocity control on/off, gain control.
Individual Pan-control per program

Performance Section

Voice modes: Poly, Legato with portamento, Mono, True Unison 1, 2 & 3.
Four program slots for layering possibilities and multitimbrality.

Effects

FX section with Flanger, Phaser, Ring Modulation, Chorus, Ensemble and Drive.
Delay section with tap tempo, four stages of feedback, stereo ping-pong, dry/wet mix. The Delay speed can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
Reverb section with five algorithms (Room, Stage 1, Stage 2, Hall 1, Hall 2).

Memory

Programs (single sounds): 8 x 50 (400) locations
Performances (multi sounds): 4 x 50 (200) locations

Audio Out

4 outputs. Each slot can be assigned to its own output.
Headphones output
High resolution low noise 24 bit DACs

MIDI Features

All control knobs and switches send and receive control change messages
System exclusive bulk dumps. One program or all programs.
Master Clock will sync to incoming MIDI clock
Soft Thru

Connections

4 Line Level Audio Outputs - 1/4", 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
Stereo Headphone Output - 1/4", 6,35 mm stereo jack
Sustain Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm jack.
Control Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack, like Yamaha FC7, Roland EV-7, Roland EV-5, Korg EXP2 and Korg XVP10.
USB connector with MIDI capabilities
MIDI In, MIDI Out - 5 pin DIN connectors

Included Accessories