Nord Lead A1 - 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer
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Nord Lead A1 Analog Modeling Synthesizer with 4-Part Multitimbral Architecture
The Nord Lead A1 is a 49 key analog modeling synthesizer built for fast sound creation through a streamlined front panel and four simultaneous synthesizer parts. Its 26 voice polyphony, eight Oscillator Configurations, extensive analog and digital waveforms, multimode filtering, advanced modulation, and per part effects provide a broad sonic palette while keeping programming immediate and performance focused for both live and studio use.
Why Choose the Nord Lead A1?
The Lead A1 is designed around a simplified oscillator architecture that makes complex synthesis faster to navigate. Eight Oscillator Configurations provide direct access to Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Sub Mix, and FM, while traditional analog and digital waveforms provide the foundation for everything from classic synthesizer tones to more complex textures. Its multimode Filter section adds 12 dB and 24 dB Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and transistor and diode ladder filter simulations inspired by classic Mini and TB 303 designs.
Four independent program slots support extensive layering and multitimbral performance, while Master Clock synchronization keeps the Arpeggiator, LFO, and Delay working together rhythmically. Velocity and Mod Wheel Morph provide expressive real time parameter control, and Extra Fat Unison adds additional width and density. For musicians looking to buy an analog modeling synthesizer that emphasizes immediate programming without sacrificing deep sound design possibilities, the Nord Lead A1 provides a fast and flexible workflow for stage and studio production.
Key Features
• Analog modeling synthesis engine with 26 voice polyphony
• 4 part multitimbral architecture with four simultaneous synthesizer parts
• 49 key velocity sensitive keyboard
• Eight Oscillator Configurations: Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Sub Mix, and FM
• Traditional Analog and Digital Waveforms with Unison
• Multimode filtering with 12 dB and 24 dB Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Pass filters
• Transistor and diode ladder filter simulations inspired by Mini and TB 303 synthesizers
• LFO with 5 waveforms plus polyphonic Envelope mode
• Arpeggiator with up to 4 octave range and Master Clock synchronization
• Master Clock synchronization for Arpeggiator, LFO, and Delay
• Velocity and Mod Wheel Morph functionality
• Poly, Legato, Mono, and True Unison voice modes
• Extra Fat Unison mode
• Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulator, and Drive effects
• Delay with Tap Tempo, Ping Pong, feedback, and Dry/Wet control
• Five Reverb algorithms
• Four independent audio outputs with individual Slot routing
• USB MIDI plus MIDI In and Out
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Keyboard | 49 key velocity sensitive keyboard |
| Octave Shift | +/- 2 octaves | |
| Synth Architecture | Polyphony | 26 voices |
| Multitimbrality | 4 part | |
| Program Slots | 4 simultaneous synthesizer parts | |
| Keyboard Split | 2 Slots for upper and lower sections | |
| Oscillator Section | Oscillator Configurations | 8 |
| Configuration Types | Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Sub Mix, FM | |
| Waveforms | Traditional Analog and Digital Waveforms | |
| Oscillator Models | Traditional analog, extended analog, pulse, real time algorithmic, additive, FM, and formant synthesis | |
| Unison | Yes | |
| Filter Section | Low Pass | 12 dB and 24 dB |
| High Pass | Yes | |
| Band Pass | Yes | |
| Ladder Filters | Ladder M and Ladder TB | |
| Controls | Cutoff, Resonance, Envelope Amount | |
| Velocity | Envelope Amount can be controlled by velocity | |
| Filter Envelope | ADR/ASR | |
| Keyboard Tracking | Off, 1/3, 2/3, or Full | |
| Filter Distortion | Adjustable | |
| Modulation | LFO Waveforms | Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, Inverted Sawtooth, Sample and Hold |
| LFO Destinations | Filter Frequency and Oscillator Modulation | |
| Envelope Mode | LFO can operate as polyphonic Envelope mode | |
| Mod Envelope | ADR/ASR | |
| Velocity Control | On/Off | |
| Inverse Envelope | On/Off | |
| Arpeggiator | Range | 1 to 4 octaves |
| Modes | Up, Down, Up/Down, Random | |
| Master Clock Sync | Yes | |
| Performance | Voice Modes | Poly, Legato with Portamento, Mono, True Unison 1, 2, and 3 |
| Morph Sources | Velocity and Modulation Wheel | |
| Modulation Wheel | Yes | |
| Pitch Stick | Yes | |
| Pitch Bend Range | Programmable up to +/- 4 octaves | |
| Separate Bend Range | -12 or -24 semitones down, +2 semitones up | |
| Multi Focus Mode | Simultaneous control of all 4 Slots | |
| Effects | FX | Flanger, Phaser, Ring Modulation, Chorus, Ensemble, Drive |
| Per Part Effects | FX, Delay, and Reverb for each part | |
| Delay | Tap Tempo | Yes |
| Feedback | 4 stages | |
| Ping Pong | Stereo | |
| Mix | Dry/Wet | |
| Master Clock Sync | Yes | |
| Reverb | Algorithms | Room, Stage 1, Stage 2, Hall 1, Hall 2 |
| Memory | Programs | 400 locations |
| Program Organization | 8 × 50 | |
| Performances | 200 locations | |
| Performance Organization | 4 × 50 | |
| Audio Output | Line Outputs | 4 × 1/4 in unbalanced |
| Slot Routing | Each Slot can be assigned to its own output | |
| Headphone Output | 1 × 1/4 in stereo | |
| D/A Conversion | High resolution low noise 24 bit DACs | |
| Pedal Connections | Sustain Pedal | 1 × 1/4 in |
| Control Pedal | 1 × 1/4 in TRS | |
| MIDI & USB | MIDI In | 5 pin DIN |
| MIDI Out | 5 pin DIN | |
| USB | USB with MIDI capabilities | |
| MIDI Control | Knobs and switches send and receive Control Change messages | |
| MIDI Clock | Master Clock syncs to incoming MIDI clock | |
| Soft Thru | Yes | |
| Physical Information | Dimensions | 31.5 × 3.6 × 10.2 in (802 × 92 × 260 mm) |
| Net Weight | 10.7 lb (4.85 kg) |
Ideal Applications for the Nord Lead A1
The Nord Lead A1 is designed for live performers, synthesizer players, producers, and studio musicians who need rapid sound programming, flexible analog modeling synthesis, extensive layering, real time performance control, and versatile effects without a complex programming workflow.
Purchase Information
Items Included
Nord Lead A1 Analog Modeling Synthesizer.
Product Information
Brand: Nord
Model: AMS-NLEAD-A1
UPC: 834035001202