LEAD A1

Nord Lead A1 is an analog modeling synthesizer, composed of 4 independent modules also in the effects section, configurable in Split/Layer. Capable of generating Analog and Digital waveforms - 8 oscillator configurations: Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Sub Mix, FM; LFO with 5 waveforms, Mod. Envelope; Multi-mode filter 12/24 dB Low-Pass, High/Band-Pass; Mini and TB-303 filter simulation; FX Modulation: Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Mod., Drive - Delay (Tap/MIDI Sync) - Reverb; Arpeggiator, Velocity and Mod. Wheel Morph, USB MIDI, 4 independent audio outputs; Velocity Sensitive 49-key keyboard, controls: Stone Wheel/Pitch Stick/pedals.

Nord Lead A1 has an unmistakable timbre with high-impact sounds, combined with a very intuitive user interface, thanks to the extensive control panel it can create highly effective sounds with just a few operations.

NORD'S MOST ADVANCED PHYSICAL MODELING TECHNOLOGY

NORD Lead A1 implements a new physical modeling generation system that entirely recreates the entire path of an analog signal with great realism and consequent timbral versatility.

COMBINED WITH OPERATIONAL SIMPLICITY

Fundamental to Lead A1 is the intuitive interface of the control panel, its structure is in fact the result of suggestions and advice from professional musicians and the most experienced Sound Designers, who need to create high quality sounds in a short time both in the studio and Live. The structure of the oscillators, the modulation matrix, and the envelopes allow the creation and experimentation of sound, much faster than any other synthesizer.

OSCILLATOR SECTION

The oscillator section of Lead A1 generates 47 different waveforms : from those typical of analog subtractive synthesis, to digital ones with harmonic and inharmonic content.

The Oscillator Configuration Shortcuts allow you to instantly select your preferred configuration: Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, Sub Mix, FM, AM or Noise ; while the Osc. Ctrl knob adjusts the parameters accordingly. This method eliminates the complexity of these processes, leaving plenty of room for creativity and experimentation; useful for both less experienced and more advanced users.

OSCILLATOR CONFIGURATION:

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• PITCH A Adjusts the frequency (Pitch) of the original oscillator.
  
• DETUNE Adds a second oscillator, with control of its frequency (Pitch).
  
• SUB MIX Adds a second oscillator, with a selection of waveforms and frequencies.
  
• SHAPE Waveform shaping: Panel Analog, Extended Analog and Fixed Pulse, uses a traditional Waveshaping system. The other waveforms are modified through a Spectral Shaping process.
  
• SYNC Simulates Hard Sync by adding an oscillator that acts as a reference for the Sync itself.
  
• FM Oscillator 1 is modulated at high frequency by a sine wave generated by oscillator 2. Various Pitch Offsets are available for oscillator 2: from -12 to +48 semitones.
  
• AM Uses a second oscillator to generate amplitude modulation.
  
• NOISE Adds Noise to the original oscillator, Osc Control adjusts the mix.
  

FILTER SECTION

The Lead A1's Filter section features the classic 12 and 24 dB Low Pass , a High Pass and a Band Pass , as well as simulations of the filters found on the legendary Mini and TB-303 synthesizers. The filters have a smooth response with a typically analog warmth; the modeling has managed to fully capture the character and feel of the originals.

EFFECT SECTION

The Lead A1 effects section features two new Ensemble and Chorus effects with a particularly warm character, carefully modeled on those of some renowned vintage Synths. In addition to these, you can choose between: Ring Modulation, Phaser, Flanger, or Drive, as well as a Delay with Tap Tempo and Reverb; independently for each Slot .

LFO & MODULATION

Lead A1 has an LFO with various waveforms and a three-stage Modulation Envelope: ADR/ASR, with Velocity adjustment and Invert function; the LFO speed can be synchronized to the Master or MIDI Clock.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

ARPEGGIATOR

Lead A1 has 4 independent Arpeggiators with Up/Down and Random modes, a 4 octave range, and the ability to sync to the Master Clock.

MASTER CLOCK

Master Clock allows the LFO, arpeggiator and Delay to be synchronized to the internal Clock, or to an external MIDI Clock. The Tap Tempo button sets the tempo, to follow a drummer or audio tracks.

SPLITS AND LAYERS

Having four identical and equally powerful synthesizers at your disposal at the same time opens up truly incredible possibilities for layering timbre and rhythm. The Split mode offers two Slots on each part of the division. The Hold function prolongs notes and chords played even after the keys are released.

MULTI FOCUS MODE

Multi Focus mode allows editing and control of all four Slots simultaneously; and can be saved as a Performance parameter for refined real-time control of all the parts generated by the synthesizer.

MOD WHEEL AND VELOCITY MORPH

Morph allows simultaneous control of multiple parameters via the Modulation Wheel, Velocity or Pedal. It's an easy function to set up and use, just rotate the desired knob while holding down the Morph button.

INDEPENDENT AUDIO OUTPUTS

The NORD Lead A1 has 4 independent audio outputs , with the possibility of routing each Slot to a different output, it is also possible to control the Pan via a knob on the front panel.

SOUNDMANAGER

Lead A1 comes with a dedicated version of the NORD Sound Manager, (OS X and Windows), a dedicated application for organizing, backing up and transferring programs created on the instrument to your computer.

MIDI CONTROL

Lead A1 can be used via MIDI or USB, with an external Sequencer or with the Sound Manager, all its knobs transmit the related MIDI Control Data.