@@rabbitnoize I just got a nord lead 4. Had the 2x, the wave and the 1. The one is definitely the more in your face, sharp and aggressive of all of them. I will get it again.
Hey man! I've had my Nord Lead 2X since like 2005/06!!! I still play it to this day!! She is the love of my life and I would never sell her lol. Thanks for putting out a video on it with your opinion. It was good to hear someone else's take on it. What a MACHINE
I think the magic of the Lead/Rack 2’s lies in the tge dated engine. Because when you start pushing it, it starts acting up in the weirdest and loveliest ways. It is the exact same thing with the Monomachine and well also it is the same thing that made the TB-303 infamous.
NL3 was my first big synth purchase 15 years ago or so. Sold during divorce and it’s the one synth I’ve always wanted back in my arsenal. The multitimbrality was amazing and I would just get lost in the sonic weirdness for hours. So happy to be brining another one back on board. Truly amazing synth!
Just swapped my Roland Juno di for a Nordlead 4. Last owner found it too complex, but you have to spend time getting to know how keyboards work. Great intro vid. Exciting times ahead.. Big thanks for this one..
My patch from yesterday: With the arp set very fast you can make guitar pluck sounds like karplus strong. When you have poly enabled then you can make fall it apart and get crazy when you push more keys. So coool!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I bought a Nord Rack 2X some months ago out of curiosity. The price was alright, great condition and I always liked Clavia. I really like that it really and always has its very own sound. Not "analogue" in vintage Roland or Korg sense. Not "digital" either. I find it to sound very profound and solid and "worthy" and bold. Hard to express, but I really like it and it works well with the other machines I have. It was kind of a random purchase, but I will never let this Viking synth go ⚓️
I know exactly what you mean. It has a surprising versatility to it. At times the filter can sound super rubbery which I love. I see the NL3 has the more celebrated interface but I think I prefer the sound of the 2x a great deal more
I’ve always wanted to try one of these. Does the resonance on the filter kill the volume and low end? I found the Lead 2 (not the X) did that. How about the X?
There is some volume loss which is pretty common for synths from this time. I honestly don't crank the resonance past 11 oclock simply because it can sound very digital but it still sounds great regardless.
The nl4 is the modern nord I would likely get next. The fx section seems right up my alley and I'm sure they've only improved the sound engine. Feel free to link to any sound demos you make of it 👍
Not to sound stupid but I recently discovered your channel due to Dylan the Knight Owl and their videos state that their intro song was made by you, unless I’m mistaken. Is that video uploaded on your channel/what is the name of it? I’m curious and I may be confusing things but I believe that they must have been referring to you/your channel.
Not stupid at all, I did in fact make that theme song. I have been meaning to upload it but I haven't thought of a good video to do. But I'll let you know when I do, thanks for the comment 😁
I had one of these several years ago. I missed it so I got a Nord Stage 3, which has organs and pianos but it still has a synth engine (A1), and it is not exactly the same than a A1. I have now this Nord sound again and I like it a lot. Probably I won’t sell this unless to get another Nord keyboard. I think the sound is not warm, but it is not sterile either. It is good somehow, and the good thing about this is that I feel it mixes good with anything I could put in front of it. It mixes well with analog synths, with a VA no matter how digital it sounds, with a vst, with a rompler, with acoustic instruments, etc. It sounds balanced to mix an also it sounds unique, no matter what people say. Some people say it doesn’t have good bass, but I have been able to get good basses out of the Nord Stage 3 (I didn’t try with the NL 2X because I had another device for basses at that moment and also I wasn’t as good with synthesis at that moment as I am now)
absolutely! it's not a moog or w/e but it's also not a VST in a box, at least it doesn't feel/sound that way to me. And for basses I love to use unison, two sawtooth (1 an octave higher) and adjust FM amount - man, it gets really funky that way. Thanks for the comment
I’ve owned tons of synths over the years both vintage and new, digital and analog and the Nord lead 2’s FM sounds very unique to the Nord lead 2, nothing else has that tone even synths with similar specs. The Synth1 plug in emulates it perfectly but that’s because it’s supposed to be a virtual Nord lead 2.
Presets on the 2X were more what most expect from a VA compared to 3 which heavily "showcased" FM. If you know what you are doing and want to spend the time on your own patches 3 can cover all this and more.
This is one of the best analog synths I've personally owned and had the Lead 2 prior to this one. Nord has really knocked it out of the park with their Lead series.
Honestly no, I think you would be better Suited for a workstation synth that has both piano samples and synthesis. Roland has their fantom 0 series that can achieve this (the trade off is you have less "hands on" controls)
I have not played the 1 or the 2. Some people claim the originals sound a bit more "raw" and that the 2x is cleaner because better DACs. Personally I will take cleaner sound and multi timbrality + polyphony over the limitations the original had.
@@kiko1935 it’s more the converters, some cirrus logic chip that sounds clear but thin, and blurry lows. Same with G2. But it does great sounds at pads and aggressive fm. 1 sound is unbeatable, can do whatever. 2 and G1 have the same cool sound, same circuitry, very useful
I find Nord key beds and weighted keys (on some models) to have the best action. But the dated sounds (90s), lack of a workstation model and limited on-the-fly live performance options (plus the time bomb display) are holding Nord back. Traded mine for a partial payment on a Roland Phantom.
I got the Nord Lead 2x in exchange for my Roland FA 06, the best deal I ever made. The Nord has such a distinctive sound that gets my creativity going. I don't even miss the FX's. The Roland Fa 06 has 2500 sounds, I didn't find a single one that inspired me. I guess I'm done with Roland's emulations of old farts, gonna sell my System 8 as well.
Workstations are really hit and miss for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the MODX and then Montage but mostly for the FM-X sounds. When working with traditional sampled waveforms you just can't get the same sounds that you can on a subtractive synth engine, digital or analog. The system 8 while having a decent interface doesn't come close to the flexibility of the Nord. I felt like I had pushed its limits a week after I got it; meanwhile I am still discovering sounds on the Nord that I had no idea it could do. I do have my eye on the Nord wave 2 but only if I can find an amazing deal for it. Uses samples but the interface is WAY better than anything Roland or Yamaha can offer in terms of editing.
@@kiko1935 the System 8 helpt me a lot with learning substractive synthesis with the knob per function interface. But when I applied this knowledge to the Deepmind I found the DM much better sounding and way deeper. The FM is fun on the System 8 but there's many alternatives for that. Have fun with the NL 2x, its multitimbrality with separative outputs and Midi channels is fantastic and makes it a great Midi controller as well !
Indeed, one of the best! I do not wanna be that "old is better" guy, but I do love this and even more the original 2 (without the X). A gear that I play almost every day since I got it. I"ve got all the Nord Lead versions but the original 2 is the best. No matter what.
I've heard the original nord lead is the most organic sounding VA synth! I would love to get my hands on a Nord lead 4 for more modern features - not the A1 just because the envelopes are not traditional 4 stage. Thanks for your comment!!
@@kiko1935 I worked so far with all of them except the 4 and owned a 2x for years. They're all wonderful and have great shit going on. Listen back to those first couple of Crystal Method albums and the Nord sounds just blow me away - also when Underworld got their hands on one all bets were off!
@@YuzoTibi The X version uses a different D/A converter and without any tech snobbery, there is a huge difference. It has a much clearer sound, which makes it less enjoyable for me. I had the same problem with Nord Lead 4. It's a fantastic instrument and you can get a lot of exciting stuff out of it, but not the kind of analogue-like sound that the original NL2 has. And I just love that sound.
@@GregoryBlankMusic I got an NL2 (without X) in pristine condition a few weeks before. I absolutely love the sound and feel. - How does the NL2 sound compare to the first NL? It has different DAC and also the software side is different from what I heard about it. I know about the less polyphony and I am curious about the sonic qualities of the first one. I consider getting also a Nord Rack (1). Thank you!
I know just what you mean. I’m guessing you’re a bit younger, and it’s nice to see your generation make this discovery. The fist time I played a Nord synth was about 7 years ago at guitar center in LA. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’ve since bought every Nord Lead model in the line up, (along with an Electro 6 for more traditional stuff). My situation is a bit over the top, but I don’t believe the Nord lead series is fully appreciated for their beautiful, unique capabilities. Ps- all of the original Prophet 5 presets are buried in there as well.
There's no reverb HOWEVER you can 1000% make string sounds by adding a long release time - there is also an arp that has a chase delay setting. And believe it or not yes I've heard some really great Rhodes style patches - keep in mind it won't sound exactly like it but it does a really good job
Your demo does justice to the best qualities of the 2x. I own a Nord Lead 2x keyboard, as well as two Virus TI(the 61 keyboard and the desktop). I've had these in my studio for years. The Virus blows away the Nord when it comes to Moog emulations(from the Mini to the Memory Moog). It also does a great emulation of Oberheim brass and polyphonics like the CS80 and the Jupiter. In fact, I'd say the Virus goes well beyond those synths due to its superb modulation capabilities and effects engine. The pads on the Virus are vastly superior to the Nord's. Not even in the same galaxy. That said, where the Nord outshines the Virus is in metalic stabs, 80s bright arps, and most of all, in HARD leads. For the latter, the Nord is difficult to beat and the main reason I've kept it all of these years.
I haven't used an A1 in person so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but my feeling is that you're getting more polyphony and an effects section which is nice. However, a major annoyance in my opinion is that the envelopes on the A1 are either ADS or ADR... Have no idea why they did that. Also the oscillator section is not as straight forward as it is on these old nord leads, if you wanted a dual oscillator or one with a sub you have to do some extra clicking than on the nl2x. But people absolutely love the A1 so what do I know.
Now this is how the Nord Lead line should be reviewed.! They are not trying to be something else.. They are just insanely good at being a monster without limits.. Now with the NL2 mind bending plugin.. There is no limit to what this synth can do.. Enjoy my friend.. You won’t sell this anytime soon, Cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪
It‘s been years that I did it the last time, but I‘m rather sure, you have to press „Save“ once and the preset number starts blinking, then step through the patches to an empty slot and press „Save“ a second time. While stepping you can listen to the patch you are going to overwrite and so you can identify empty slots as those play the default sound.
I've had a 2X since 2003 (will never sell it) and I just noticed that there are ZERO repair videos on CZcams. WTF is that? All of the other gear in my studio has multiple videos of opening it up to fix. This 19 year old synth? Nope. It's not only great sounding. It's a tank! I kinda want to open it up just so I can document what it looks like in there.
It’s good for like star war sounds much better than the older keyboards for those sounds. But for raw string or brass sounds or anything straight raw it’s thinner sounding say to even a Roland D50. That’s what it is.
You can actually achieve pretty great string/brass sounds on it as well. I would say the one type of patch I don't think the 2x excels at is, ironically, LEADS Bc the more you crank the reasonance the more VA it sounds. But you can do quite a bit by stacking multiple parts together
HA! So you've finally seen the light with the Nords.. Yep they rock, If you can try a Nordlead 1 the sound is the strangely the best of them all! It´s Vicious! and so easy to use. Ive had The Nordlead 2 And A1 I´m keeping the Nordlead 1 and the A1 glad your enjoying yours.
Yep! Don’t ask me how but it sounds grittier, and stronger more bite.. So weird but Nord 1 sounds the best I used to think it was a myth but now I have one and have compared it’s true.. cheers.
so, I'm more than a couple minutes in... given that it's not written in the title, or anywhere in the description... which friggin' model are you talking about here, man?!? sheesh
@@markolijus I liked it so much I got the rack 2. Wave 2 is a more complex synth but there is a lot of "menu diving" aka choosing a category and scrolling through different combinations and sounds. The Nord Lead series is pretty much knob per function which is FAST
From what I know about the NL4 it has a similar architecture but you also have built in FX which will give you some crazy diverse sounds. So short answer, yes, I think you'll be in good hands 👍
@@kiko1935 spent a day with it and what can i say... its great! such a well designed synth, its very simple and fun making multi timbral patches with it. sounds are crystal clear and super hi fi to my ears yet characterful. really loved it's talk 1 and 2 formant effects. im kinda curious now to compare its sound with older models, but overall i couldn't be happier with it
@@kiko1935 Man.. All is know is this sounds like a broad that's out of my league.. And when you hit the impulse buttons it's goes ughnfffrekekekekekekeAFFWASHHH then plonk. It's all I know. All I know about the situation.
No. You don't sound dramatic. Nord Lead 2x it's the only VA synth that stands out for the quality, the character, its huge unison mode, punch and versatility. It is a technological marvel that Clavia achieved to make a synth so versatile and unique with a control panel half of the most synths have and without deep diving menus. Only who will play and knows what he/she wants will understand why this synth saved the dignity of VA synths.
The Nord Lead 3 has what many people call the best UI out of all the Nord leads, also a decent lcd screen and aftertouch. I am very curious about it, do you have one?
There isn't much difference between the sound of the 2 vs 3 - despite what 'the Internet' seemed to 'think' for a while. I remember a big expose on the Non-difference was published on a forum a couple of years ago, leading to a lot of egg on faces. I have a 3 and an A1, the A1 sounds noticeably higher quality but the 3's interface is def better.
Digital sounding. Nice but nefarious. Reminds me of Access Virus. Nord is definitely foreign and expensive. I’m sure it will cut through the mix. At least Kiko is transparent. Hope it works out for you.
@@kiko1935 I'm sorry....I didn't mean to CRUSH you ha ha ha. lame. RE: Hydrasynth "HOLY SHIT....im gonna go nuts with this thing" HA HA HA HA. alright. fuuuuu czcams.com/video/Yy75GGPbluw/video.html
@@TRaddcliffyes, I ended up selling the Hydrasynth, and that proves...what exactly? You got so excited trying to "own" me you forgot to make a point lmao
@@TRaddcliff nothing to clarify. I sold the Hydra, Bc I ended up not liking it, I kept the Nord which I've used every day for 7 months. There's no "HA GOTCHA" there. I also never said the Nord was "the best synth ever" in the video, that's called click bait for the thumbnail that you decided to take literally because you're butt hurt for some reason. Enjoy being salty.
I’ve had my NL1 for about 20 years now, and nothing sounds like it. It is so much it’s own instrument as an old Moog. It just sounds like a Nord!
the NL1 sound is second to no instrument
I wonder how it would compare to a nl4
@@rabbitnoize nl1 > nl4
@@rabbitnoize I just got a nord lead 4. Had the 2x, the wave and the 1.
The one is definitely the more in your face, sharp and aggressive of all of them. I will get it again.
Can it also do a decent piano sound I’m looking for a synth that can also do piano
Love seeing love for the lead series, cheers!
Dude, I think it was your Nord Lead 2 video that inspired me to get this, so cheers!
Hey man! I've had my Nord Lead 2X since like 2005/06!!! I still play it to this day!! She is the love of my life and I would never sell her lol. Thanks for putting out a video on it with your opinion. It was good to hear someone else's take on it. What a MACHINE
Stor röd Nord Lead 2 our favourite keyboard , still rockin'
I think the magic of the Lead/Rack 2’s lies in the tge dated engine. Because when you start pushing it, it starts acting up in the weirdest and loveliest ways. It is the exact same thing with the Monomachine and well also it is the same thing that made the TB-303 infamous.
Your „this sounds like“ associations cracked me up 😂
i'm using Nords (1,2,2x) since 1998 and they are my all time fav synths !! all of my fav producers have one ..
Yes! Nord Lead 2x is masterpiece!
NL3 was my first big synth purchase 15 years ago or so. Sold during divorce and it’s the one synth I’ve always wanted back in my arsenal. The multitimbrality was amazing and I would just get lost in the sonic weirdness for hours.
So happy to be brining another one back on board. Truly amazing synth!
I've owned an nl3 for over a decade, and despite having other VA synths, the nl is special and one of my favorites.
is a monster
me 2. I miss it still. I sold it and bought a korg M3 and Virus TI polar. now I own only a midi minilab though haha
I love my NL2x combine with my Juno 6. Thank you for this love letter to the NL2x!
Have you done a video pairing them together? I'd love to give that a watch!
Just swapped my Roland Juno di for a Nordlead 4. Last owner found it too complex, but you have to spend time getting to know how keyboards work.
Great intro vid. Exciting times ahead.. Big thanks for this one..
Love mine. I think it’s one of the best synth ever in terms of sound, build quality and user interface.
Yes! It says "virtual analog" but I really think it has an other worldly character that makes it so unique
I got my Nord Wave 2 last week and I'm planing to buy a Nord 2x or Nord 3 one day :) Love the sound and the look.
Man the dying fly sound, sounds like a nord was used for Armin van bureen - blue fear lead sound from 1997. But probably nord 1 or 2
My patch from yesterday: With the arp set very fast you can make guitar pluck sounds like karplus strong. When you have poly enabled then you can make fall it apart and get crazy when you push more keys. So coool!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I bought a Nord Rack 2X some months ago out of curiosity. The price was alright, great condition and I always liked Clavia. I really like that it really and always has its very own sound. Not "analogue" in vintage Roland or Korg sense. Not "digital" either. I find it to sound very profound and solid and "worthy" and bold. Hard to express, but I really like it and it works well with the other machines I have. It was kind of a random purchase, but I will never let this Viking synth go ⚓️
I know exactly what you mean. It has a surprising versatility to it. At times the filter can sound super rubbery which I love. I see the NL3 has the more celebrated interface but I think I prefer the sound of the 2x a great deal more
I concur
"A fly is dying" 😆
I’ve always wanted to try one of these. Does the resonance on the filter kill the volume and low end? I found the Lead 2 (not the X) did that. How about the X?
There is some volume loss which is pretty common for synths from this time. I honestly don't crank the resonance past 11 oclock simply because it can sound very digital but it still sounds great regardless.
I have a NL 1 with expansion to 12 voices polyphony. Single or multi timbral, the sound is very powerful!
sweet.
Yeah boi I got one of these!
I’ve had the same impression with the nl4. I wonder how these two would compare against each other.
The nl4 is the modern nord I would likely get next. The fx section seems right up my alley and I'm sure they've only improved the sound engine. Feel free to link to any sound demos you make of it 👍
I agree ... I have many analog synths and Nord lead 2x is still around 😉
Would love to hear some of your patches in a video 👍
@@kiko1935 Great idea, that would be fun! ... maybe someday I will give it a try ✌️ 2x really offers a lot!! Very creative synth!
I got a 2x and i'm using it every day
Not to sound stupid but I recently discovered your channel due to Dylan the Knight Owl and their videos state that their intro song was made by you, unless I’m mistaken. Is that video uploaded on your channel/what is the name of it? I’m curious and I may be confusing things but I believe that they must have been referring to you/your channel.
Not stupid at all, I did in fact make that theme song. I have been meaning to upload it but I haven't thought of a good video to do. But I'll let you know when I do, thanks for the comment 😁
Ive been wanting a Nord Lead for a while now, and finally got the NL2 yesterday... for 400 usd!!! its sounds amazing
I own a lot of analog gear OB Matrix12, Memory Moog, JX8p and a DX5 at one point. But my go to synth is a Nord Lead A1.
I had one of these several years ago. I missed it so I got a Nord Stage 3, which has organs and pianos but it still has a synth engine (A1), and it is not exactly the same than a A1. I have now this Nord sound again and I like it a lot. Probably I won’t sell this unless to get another Nord keyboard. I think the sound is not warm, but it is not sterile either. It is good somehow, and the good thing about this is that I feel it mixes good with anything I could put in front of it. It mixes well with analog synths, with a VA no matter how digital it sounds, with a vst, with a rompler, with acoustic instruments, etc. It sounds balanced to mix an also it sounds unique, no matter what people say. Some people say it doesn’t have good bass, but I have been able to get good basses out of the Nord Stage 3 (I didn’t try with the NL 2X because I had another device for basses at that moment and also I wasn’t as good with synthesis at that moment as I am now)
absolutely! it's not a moog or w/e but it's also not a VST in a box, at least it doesn't feel/sound that way to me. And for basses I love to use unison, two sawtooth (1 an octave higher) and adjust FM amount - man, it gets really funky that way. Thanks for the comment
I’ve owned tons of synths over the years both vintage and new, digital and analog and the Nord lead 2’s FM sounds very unique to the Nord lead 2, nothing else has that tone even synths with similar specs. The Synth1 plug in emulates it perfectly but that’s because it’s supposed to be a virtual Nord lead 2.
Presets on the 2X were more what most expect from a VA compared to 3 which heavily "showcased" FM. If you know what you are doing and want to spend the time on your own patches 3 can cover all this and more.
I'm glad that the red boi is a success!
If I do ever sell this, it will be to fund another Nord. IF.
@@kiko1935 This statement can, and will be held against you in the court of synth-law.
Nord makes the best synths on the market imo
Love seeing some more love for The Nords, cool you love the 2X! Did you every try the 1, 3 or 4?
Thanks for the comment. Only tried 2x/2X rack but was seriously considering the 4. I may get it in the future, really like the impulse morph buttons
@@kiko1935 Yeah, those morph buttons are ace. loads of extra sounds within a sound 🙂 We used this extensively when creating sounds for it. Cheers!
This is one of the best analog synths I've personally owned and had the Lead 2 prior to this one. Nord has really knocked it out of the park with their Lead series.
It's not analog.
@@gagarinkafka5863 sorry, analog emulating.
@@playbassken Perfect!
I’m a guitar player looking for a synth that can also do piano is this one I should choose ?
Honestly no, I think you would be better Suited for a workstation synth that has both piano samples and synthesis. Roland has their fantom 0 series that can achieve this (the trade off is you have less "hands on" controls)
Watching and laughing cause I'm listening to the synth and thinking almost the same You're saying on the video. 😀
What do you think about difference between 1 or 2, what sounds better?
I have not played the 1 or the 2. Some people claim the originals sound a bit more "raw" and that the 2x is cleaner because better DACs. Personally I will take cleaner sound and multi timbrality + polyphony over the limitations the original had.
Got a rack 2X myself,once you fall in love with it you can never part ways.
Also it's red, baby!!
I can't lie, if it sounded like microwaved doo doo on summer's day the red would make up for it 👍
Do you still have/love this synth? Great video!
I have the rack version now! sits on my desk as we speak
Hi, the NM G2 DEMO has a very annoying semi tone stepping of the pitch bend over MIDI. I'm wondering if the hardware G2 has this too. Thank you!
I love 1, 2 and G1... have the 3 as well, different story!
3 apparently has one of the best user interfaces but was developed by a different team so it sounds quite a bit different, yeah?
@@kiko1935 it’s more the converters, some cirrus logic chip that sounds clear but thin, and blurry lows. Same with G2. But it does great sounds at pads and aggressive fm. 1 sound is unbeatable, can do whatever. 2 and G1 have the same cool sound, same circuitry, very useful
I find Nord key beds and weighted keys (on some models) to have the best action.
But the dated sounds (90s), lack of a workstation model and limited on-the-fly live performance options (plus the time bomb display) are holding Nord back.
Traded mine for a partial payment on a Roland Phantom.
I got the Nord Lead 2x in exchange for my Roland FA 06, the best deal I ever made.
The Nord has such a distinctive sound that gets my creativity going. I don't even miss the FX's.
The Roland Fa 06 has 2500 sounds, I didn't find a single one that inspired me.
I guess I'm done with Roland's emulations of old farts, gonna sell my System 8 as well.
Workstations are really hit and miss for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the MODX and then Montage but mostly for the FM-X sounds. When working with traditional sampled waveforms you just can't get the same sounds that you can on a subtractive synth engine, digital or analog.
The system 8 while having a decent interface doesn't come close to the flexibility of the Nord. I felt like I had pushed its limits a week after I got it; meanwhile I am still discovering sounds on the Nord that I had no idea it could do.
I do have my eye on the Nord wave 2 but only if I can find an amazing deal for it. Uses samples but the interface is WAY better than anything Roland or Yamaha can offer in terms of editing.
@@kiko1935 the System 8 helpt me a lot with learning substractive synthesis with the knob per function interface. But when I applied this knowledge to the Deepmind I found the DM much better sounding and way deeper. The FM is fun on the System 8 but there's many alternatives for that. Have fun with the NL 2x, its multitimbrality with separative outputs and Midi channels is fantastic and makes it a great Midi controller as well !
Indeed, one of the best! I do not wanna be that "old is better" guy, but I do love this and even more the original 2 (without the X). A gear that I play almost every day since I got it. I"ve got all the Nord Lead versions but the original 2 is the best. No matter what.
I've heard the original nord lead is the most organic sounding VA synth! I would love to get my hands on a Nord lead 4 for more modern features - not the A1 just because the envelopes are not traditional 4 stage. Thanks for your comment!!
@@kiko1935 I worked so far with all of them except the 4 and owned a 2x for years. They're all wonderful and have great shit going on. Listen back to those first couple of Crystal Method albums and the Nord sounds just blow me away - also when Underworld got their hands on one all bets were off!
Can you tell more specific what makes the NL2 your favorite one? How does the sound differ compared to the first and „2X“? Thanks!
@@YuzoTibi The X version uses a different D/A converter and without any tech snobbery, there is a huge difference. It has a much clearer sound, which makes it less enjoyable for me. I had the same problem with Nord Lead 4. It's a fantastic instrument and you can get a lot of exciting stuff out of it, but not the kind of analogue-like sound that the original NL2 has. And I just love that sound.
@@GregoryBlankMusic I got an NL2 (without X) in pristine condition a few weeks before. I absolutely love the sound and feel. - How does the NL2 sound compare to the first NL? It has different DAC and also the software side is different from what I heard about it. I know about the less polyphony and I am curious about the sonic qualities of the first one. I consider getting also a Nord Rack (1). Thank you!
I know just what you mean. I’m guessing you’re a bit younger, and it’s nice to see your generation make this discovery. The fist time I played a Nord synth was about 7 years ago at guitar center in LA. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’ve since bought every Nord Lead model in the line up, (along with an Electro 6 for more traditional stuff). My situation is a bit over the top, but I don’t believe the Nord lead series is fully appreciated for their beautiful, unique capabilities. Ps- all of the original Prophet 5 presets are buried in there as well.
@@ZenMountain - Cool. I’m not sure what’s funny about that statement, but I’m happy you’re amused.
No reverb? Or sustain? I am newbie, I really like this but I might need some strings or like a rhodes sound. Is that possible?
There's no reverb HOWEVER you can 1000% make string sounds by adding a long release time - there is also an arp that has a chase delay setting. And believe it or not yes I've heard some really great Rhodes style patches - keep in mind it won't sound exactly like it but it does a really good job
Thanks!
Your demo does justice to the best qualities of the 2x.
I own a Nord Lead 2x keyboard, as well as two Virus TI(the 61 keyboard and the desktop). I've had these in my studio for years.
The Virus blows away the Nord when it comes to Moog emulations(from the Mini to the Memory Moog). It also does a great emulation of Oberheim brass and polyphonics like the CS80 and the Jupiter. In fact, I'd say the Virus goes well beyond those synths due to its superb modulation capabilities and effects engine.
The pads on the Virus are vastly superior to the Nord's. Not even in the same galaxy.
That said, where the Nord outshines the Virus is in metalic stabs, 80s bright arps, and most of all, in HARD leads. For the latter, the Nord is difficult to beat and the main reason I've kept it all of these years.
does the a1 hold up to this in your opinion?
I haven't used an A1 in person so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but my feeling is that you're getting more polyphony and an effects section which is nice. However, a major annoyance in my opinion is that the envelopes on the A1 are either ADS or ADR... Have no idea why they did that. Also the oscillator section is not as straight forward as it is on these old nord leads, if you wanted a dual oscillator or one with a sub you have to do some extra clicking than on the nl2x. But people absolutely love the A1 so what do I know.
Now this is how the Nord Lead line should be reviewed.! They are not trying to be something else.. They are just insanely good at being a monster without limits.. Now with the NL2 mind bending plugin.. There is no limit to what this synth can do.. Enjoy my friend.. You won’t sell this anytime soon, Cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪
The Nordlead 2 is the best ever made
Can anyone teach me how to save preset? :DDDD Especially in an empty slot.😀
It‘s been years that I did it the last time, but I‘m rather sure, you have to press „Save“ once and the preset number starts blinking, then step through the patches to an empty slot and press „Save“ a second time. While stepping you can listen to the patch you are going to overwrite and so you can identify empty slots as those play the default sound.
Korg MS 2000 is where it's at.
Good enough for crystal method.
I've had a 2X since 2003 (will never sell it) and I just noticed that there are ZERO repair videos on CZcams. WTF is that? All of the other gear in my studio has multiple videos of opening it up to fix. This 19 year old synth? Nope. It's not only great sounding. It's a tank! I kinda want to open it up just so I can document what it looks like in there.
I've hauled this thing around to gigs for years and years too.
Can you connect this to your daw with usb?
Unfortunately this synth does not have USB connection, however you can connect audio/midi to an interface which then connects to USB 👍
I wonder why it still not have a super saw
It’s good for like star war sounds much better than the older keyboards for those sounds. But for raw string or brass sounds or anything straight raw it’s thinner sounding say to even a Roland D50. That’s what it is.
You can actually achieve pretty great string/brass sounds on it as well. I would say the one type of patch I don't think the 2x excels at is, ironically, LEADS Bc the more you crank the reasonance the more VA it sounds. But you can do quite a bit by stacking multiple parts together
Honeymoon, that’s normal dude ;)
I don't know, I've recorded been inspired to record with this thing since the day I got it, that doesn't happen so often!
@@kiko1935 Yeah if that's the case than some honeymoon phases are waaay better than others.
HA! So you've finally seen the light with the Nords.. Yep they rock, If you can try a Nordlead 1 the sound is the strangely the best of them all! It´s Vicious! and so easy to use.
Ive had The Nordlead 2 And A1 I´m keeping the Nordlead 1 and the A1 glad your enjoying yours.
nl1 and nl2 are so different sonically?
Yep! Don’t ask me how but it sounds grittier, and stronger more bite.. So weird but Nord 1 sounds the best I used to think it was a myth but now I have one and have compared it’s true.. cheers.
so, I'm more than a couple minutes in... given that it's not written in the title, or anywhere in the description... which friggin' model are you talking about here, man?!? sheesh
Read the description.
a flies dying 🤣🤣🤣
do you still have a lot of love for this synth? i kinda really want a wave 2, but if i find this one used, ill go for it..
@@markolijus I liked it so much I got the rack 2.
Wave 2 is a more complex synth but there is a lot of "menu diving" aka choosing a category and scrolling through different combinations and sounds. The Nord Lead series is pretty much knob per function which is FAST
Im about to get a lead 4. do u think il be able to get those sort of sounds out of it?
From what I know about the NL4 it has a similar architecture but you also have built in FX which will give you some crazy diverse sounds.
So short answer, yes, I think you'll be in good hands 👍
@@kiko1935 awesome! i think im buying one tommorow, and this video is partially the reason why
@@mrbigmusic8161 awesome, great to hear that! Let me know what you think about it
@@kiko1935 spent a day with it and what can i say... its great! such a well designed synth, its very simple and fun making multi timbral patches with it. sounds are crystal clear and super hi fi to my ears yet characterful. really loved it's talk 1 and 2 formant effects. im kinda curious now to compare its sound with older models, but overall i couldn't be happier with it
Nord Lead 4 + Rack 2X is the way. After delivery of the 4 every other poly in existence is hideous, undesirable.
Nice! What do you like most about the 4?anything you don't like?
@@kiko1935 Man.. All is know is this sounds like a broad that's out of my league.. And when you hit the impulse buttons it's goes ughnfffrekekekekekekeAFFWASHHH then plonk. It's all I know.
All I know about the situation.
Only people caring about the A/D "label" stare at their synth more than use it.
No. You don't sound dramatic. Nord Lead 2x it's the only VA synth that stands out for the quality, the character, its huge unison mode, punch and versatility.
It is a technological marvel that Clavia achieved to make a synth so versatile and unique with a control panel half of the most synths have and without deep diving menus.
Only who will play and knows what he/she wants will understand why this synth saved the dignity of VA synths.
Nord Lead 3 owner here. I’m not a fan of any of the Prophets both for the sound and Interface.
You should try the Nord Lead 3.
The Nord Lead 3 has what many people call the best UI out of all the Nord leads, also a decent lcd screen and aftertouch. I am very curious about it, do you have one?
@@kiko1935 Indeed.
The UI is unsurpassed, but the sound is amazing. It sounds like nothing before or after.
@@Zwopper very cool. Is the arpeggio or lfo sync better on the nl3? That's one area the 2x falls short in
@@kiko1935 On the second to last OS it works great.
There isn't much difference between the sound of the 2 vs 3 - despite what 'the Internet' seemed to 'think' for a while. I remember a big expose on the Non-difference was published on a forum a couple of years ago, leading to a lot of egg on faces.
I have a 3 and an A1, the A1 sounds noticeably higher quality but the 3's interface is def better.
Digital sounding. Nice but nefarious. Reminds me of Access Virus. Nord is definitely foreign and expensive. I’m sure it will cut through the mix. At least Kiko is transparent. Hope it works out for you.
I think it sounds a bit like a suped up Sega Genesis. And because of that I'll pass. I would take a Nord modular over this any day
The Clavia Nord Lead 2X in the beginning sounds like from a thriller movie
I don’t take anyone seriously when they say best synth ever on the first day.
Oh man, I'm just shattered that you don't take me seriously. I'll try to recover from this loss somehow 😭
@@kiko1935 I'm sorry....I didn't mean to CRUSH you ha ha ha. lame.
RE: Hydrasynth "HOLY SHIT....im gonna go nuts with this thing" HA HA HA HA. alright. fuuuuu
czcams.com/video/Yy75GGPbluw/video.html
@@TRaddcliffyes, I ended up selling the Hydrasynth, and that proves...what exactly? You got so excited trying to "own" me you forgot to make a point lmao
@@kiko1935 wow yer that thick. Good luck.I’ll let you think about it for a sec. Then if you still need help, I’ll clarify it for you.
@@TRaddcliff nothing to clarify. I sold the Hydra, Bc I ended up not liking it, I kept the Nord which I've used every day for 7 months. There's no "HA GOTCHA" there. I also never said the Nord was "the best synth ever" in the video, that's called click bait for the thumbnail that you decided to take literally because you're butt hurt for some reason. Enjoy being salty.
Hydra synth sucks
shots fired!!!
I’m an analog snob and own many. But I also have a NL2r, A1, and NL4, and they are fantastic sounding.
How's the Nord Lead 4 compared to the others? I'm seriously considering copping one