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fredziak « On the road to perfect synth »
Published on 02/07/14 at 10:42Released in late 2007, the Nord Wave is in line with the famous Nord Lead first "virtual analog" synthesizer history. One could also call it a "Nord Lead extended" his philosophy is to offer the same engine and the same ergonomics but with more diverse oscillators, including integrating sample playback.
I will not describe here all its features and content myself to mention some outstanding points.
First, the quality of design and manufacturing: it is an instrument of pro, and it shows as soon as you touch interface. Nothing to do with most competitors toys!
The sound engine does not reinvent the wheel: subtractive two oscillators, a filter (several types still with a choice between 12 and 24 dB) and modulation possibilities rather conventional. The interest lies in the variety of options on the oscillators between virtual analog wave forms, samples in ROM and RAM and FM synthesis. The machine includes a good chorus, delay, reverb and amp simulation with distortion.
The flash memory can import samples and keep them in the machine. This is a very significant comfort, so much so quickly is its limited size.
UTILIZATION
Ergonomics is the best I have ever given experiment on a synthesizer. A perfect balance between direct manipulation legacy analog old and modern possibilities. This is probably the biggest highlight Clavia equipment in general.
The keyboard is light and 4 octaves. I was a little afraid that it is limiting but my little clumsy hands there finally feel very comfortable, making it a good compact master keyboard, which I find much better than the Nord Lead despite the apparent similarity. The aftertouch lack of flexibility but it has the merit to exist.
Programs include two independent "slots" that allow bitimbralité. From my perspective, it's not worth a true multitimbral with a notion of separate "performance". In use, I rather consider monotimbral.
The synthesis engine may well be limited, there is plenty to do. I just wish one of the two oscillators do accept samples: I wish I could do more mixes.
Program management and samples is done via a specific software through a USB connection. One can find excellent quality files over the Internet (starting with the manufacturer's website) and prepare or even easily via other software. These programs are effective, but management of the links between programs and samples is sorely lacking in use.
SOUNDS
Enjoy the sounds of both the high quality of virtual analog synthesis engine and diversity permitted by the oscillators and import samples. Beyond that, I am regularly amazed by the effectiveness of envelopes and color filter. Can include out very convincing bass.
FM synthesis is efficient, more restrained than a DX7 but easier to access.
The samples used to consider the reproduction of acoustic timbres machine but rather invites you to divert to make synthetic sounds or at least hybrids. Cross modulation distortion and allow the instrument to excel in the sounds flay the eardrum. Nothing, however, forced to abuse and you can also get out of the water silky, beautiful soaring copper or warm vocals. The Nord Wave also shines in the Mellotron sounds with samples directly extracted from the original tapes. Finally, make it digest old analog waves and you get pretty colors ...
Finally, I emphasize that the Nord Wave is a comprehensive as well as the Nord Lead, the sample playback is an option for further VA.
OVERALL OPINION
For me, the ideal would be a Nord Wave synth with a little more memory, multitimbral, 3 complete oscillators, multi-layered samples and a larger keyboard. It's been quite a few things to add but the Nord Wave is on track and already a real favorite. It is paradoxical that there is nothing revolutionary on paper, but is extremely effective to use. Indeed, some bikes from there 20 years had a more powerful synthesis engine. But the Nord Wave is much more pleasant to handle. This is true as a musician rather than an instrument for machine engineer. Of course we can regret his few limitations but it is surely the consideration of a philosophy that prefers targeted excellence to mediocrity dispersed. One can only rejoice.
I will not describe here all its features and content myself to mention some outstanding points.
First, the quality of design and manufacturing: it is an instrument of pro, and it shows as soon as you touch interface. Nothing to do with most competitors toys!
The sound engine does not reinvent the wheel: subtractive two oscillators, a filter (several types still with a choice between 12 and 24 dB) and modulation possibilities rather conventional. The interest lies in the variety of options on the oscillators between virtual analog wave forms, samples in ROM and RAM and FM synthesis. The machine includes a good chorus, delay, reverb and amp simulation with distortion.
The flash memory can import samples and keep them in the machine. This is a very significant comfort, so much so quickly is its limited size.
UTILIZATION
Ergonomics is the best I have ever given experiment on a synthesizer. A perfect balance between direct manipulation legacy analog old and modern possibilities. This is probably the biggest highlight Clavia equipment in general.
The keyboard is light and 4 octaves. I was a little afraid that it is limiting but my little clumsy hands there finally feel very comfortable, making it a good compact master keyboard, which I find much better than the Nord Lead despite the apparent similarity. The aftertouch lack of flexibility but it has the merit to exist.
Programs include two independent "slots" that allow bitimbralité. From my perspective, it's not worth a true multitimbral with a notion of separate "performance". In use, I rather consider monotimbral.
The synthesis engine may well be limited, there is plenty to do. I just wish one of the two oscillators do accept samples: I wish I could do more mixes.
Program management and samples is done via a specific software through a USB connection. One can find excellent quality files over the Internet (starting with the manufacturer's website) and prepare or even easily via other software. These programs are effective, but management of the links between programs and samples is sorely lacking in use.
SOUNDS
Enjoy the sounds of both the high quality of virtual analog synthesis engine and diversity permitted by the oscillators and import samples. Beyond that, I am regularly amazed by the effectiveness of envelopes and color filter. Can include out very convincing bass.
FM synthesis is efficient, more restrained than a DX7 but easier to access.
The samples used to consider the reproduction of acoustic timbres machine but rather invites you to divert to make synthetic sounds or at least hybrids. Cross modulation distortion and allow the instrument to excel in the sounds flay the eardrum. Nothing, however, forced to abuse and you can also get out of the water silky, beautiful soaring copper or warm vocals. The Nord Wave also shines in the Mellotron sounds with samples directly extracted from the original tapes. Finally, make it digest old analog waves and you get pretty colors ...
Finally, I emphasize that the Nord Wave is a comprehensive as well as the Nord Lead, the sample playback is an option for further VA.
OVERALL OPINION
For me, the ideal would be a Nord Wave synth with a little more memory, multitimbral, 3 complete oscillators, multi-layered samples and a larger keyboard. It's been quite a few things to add but the Nord Wave is on track and already a real favorite. It is paradoxical that there is nothing revolutionary on paper, but is extremely effective to use. Indeed, some bikes from there 20 years had a more powerful synthesis engine. But the Nord Wave is much more pleasant to handle. This is true as a musician rather than an instrument for machine engineer. Of course we can regret his few limitations but it is surely the consideration of a philosophy that prefers targeted excellence to mediocrity dispersed. One can only rejoice.