All user reviews of 4/5 for the Clavia Nord Wave

The Nord Wave is a synth / sampler digital rather unique hybrid of its kind.

- Modeling Synthesizer and Reading Samples - 49 ratings keyboard velocity sensitive (49 notes) with selection of the octave,
- Multitimbral 2 parts
- 2 oscillators, 6 waveforms + sample playback,
- Filters, low pass, band pass, high pass, "notch" and forming
- Morphing assignable to velocity, the modulation wheel, the pedal control (each function, controlled by a knob, can be controlled by the velocity response or modulation wheel)
- Modulation Wheel, "Pitch Stick"
- LCD backlit,
- 33 knobs, 26 buttons switch for editing,
- 2 LFO
- Section of effects including: - Modeling tube amp
- Reverb
- Levelling serious, acute,
- "Tap" Delay
- MIDI IN / OUT
- Sustain pedal input,
- Pedal input control
- USB port for communication with the editing software,
- Headphone Jack,
- Dimensions: 865x265x90 mm (small and easy to carry)

UTILIZATION

The use is simple and finally the manual (in English only) provides enough information to not have to turn around too long. The only issue remains unclear in publishing samples via a PC / Mac not really obvious at first interface. Once the hand editing software is simple to sample part. Unfortunately this is prerequisite (for this part) to the computer that just spoils the intuitive use of NORDWAVE. We regret the absence of an 'audio in' on the fly to sample any sound (big plus Korg Micro Sampler for example).
Regarding the synthesis part, everything is done with the knobs available and editing is done with the 'store' button, very easy.

SOUNDS

The sound is, let's face it, quite powerful. It was the sound Clavia (love it or do not like) with the key associated with the use of samples makes it a pretty unique instrument finally. As the ability to mix a sample of subtractive synthesis gives a range of possibilities original and very creative (the most important anyway).
While the sound is typed, the brand puts his signature to this level. It is not neutral, it's pretty Metallic, even for samples, very close to that found on the Nordlead 2/3. At first it seemed obvious but with the use and mastery we get to the mix everywhere. And he is doing well the guy with a real dynamic without resorting to a variety of compressors & co.
The party has effect me, but not at all convinced. It's just out side the metallic / digital tear in the ears, I do not like at all. It is best to use an external effects to soften and round the source because NORDWAVE in need, even if it remains a very independent instrument.
Amp modeling lamp is used sparingly because it is a 'simulation' so we quickly capsized in a not very graceful digital distortion. But it is more important for 'dirty' sound.
As for memory, it is clearly insufficient on this machine and it feels like a real frustration to the number of samples that can be imported. It is not dramatic but adding a SD card reader is sorely lacking in the device.
Access to the bank of the Clavia is remarkable and allows NORDWAVE of your desire to become either an emulator acoustic sound very good (Mellotron, String, Brass etc ...) or put LIVE sounds of some old cuckoos Roland, Moog, Sequential Circuits, Arp & co. Excellent!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months and I had already tasted the range of Nordlead.
What interested me is the hybrid appearance sampler / synthesizer and the possibility of merging the two parties. Casually Clavia is the latest brand to have done since the late studio sampler (if I'm not mistaken). A pity that there have no new series corrected and improved (memory, etc. .. in audio) NORDWAVE is because somewhere, the last heir of the samplers / synths / keyboards tailored to the studio.
With this Swedish knife while we have extraordinary opportunities to merge the acoustics of a sample of the analog modeling and it is still quite concrete.
The new price was, I think, a little excessive, but on occasion it is fully justified.
To view the brand does not seem ready to put the cover and the latest copies are now heavily coveted.

For all characteristics has been said in the posts below.

UTILIZATION

Minimal manual. Fortunately use "construction of his killing" mode is intuitive. Nothing to do with the Japanese competitors linters parameters, level of interwoven menus, and "templates" to help make sense. Here we touch the knob and hear the effect. simple and effective.

SOUNDS

THE big highlight of this fabulous machine! For years I looking for a lead sound good singing in the Minimoog
(I use this synth on stage for the Jazz-Rock) never succeed to get the various synthesizers I possesses. The in half an hour it was done!
Often people who come after a talk show set is interested by NORDWAVE. It produces sounds with a lot of personality and "out" in the mix much better than other machines I use (Yamaha S90, Roland XV and Roland JP8000) is the star!
Lead in sounds, tablecloths textural and complex modulations it is remarkable. For sounds acoustic style pianos / violins / brass is not his thing.

OVERALL OPINION

The synth + attaching I possesses far. It is light, which is very appreciable for the stage. The sound engineers are often surprised by the "potato" it delivers. on the other hand I find mediocre reliability: it had to go into repair twice in two years: 1 times cramée USB audio output and a part of the deteriorated internal programming socket, one time. In this respect, this is what I explained the technician: in fact Clavia does not capa series of decoupling on the audio output does not denature the sound (they are among the only ones who do like this) and look if there are defects in common mode or "spikes" that back by jacks, the synthesizer is vulnerable. This is embarrassing because on stage is not always mastery configurations => better isolate the audio outputs a DI box.
I hope it will keep for a long time ... otherwise I will replace the same!