Nord Lead A1 Analog Modeling Synthesizer

The Nord Lead A1 analog modeling synthesizer is a stunning sounding synthesizer with a simplified yet hugely influential front panel interface.

Producing stand-out sounds for live or the studio, the Lead A1 is ideal for all musical genres. Thanks to its carefully thought-out user interface, the Lead A1 encourages experimentation, allows for far speedier programming than would otherwise be possible, and ultimately delivers sensational sonic results.

Nord Lead A1 Analog Modeling Synthesizer

Oscillators

• Unique Oscillator concept
• 8 Oscillator Configurations
• Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, AM, Noise, Sub Mix, FM
• Traditional Analog and Digital Waveforms
• Unison

Modulation

• LFO with 5 waveforms
• Mod Envelope
• LFO as additional ModEnv

Filter

• 12, 24 dB low-pass filters
• High-pass and Band-pass filters
• Transistor and diode ladder filter simulations of Mini and TB-303

Effects

• Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulator, Drive

Performance

• 4-part multi-timbral
• Master Clock Sync of Arpeggiator, LFO and Delay
• Velocity and Mod Wheel Morph
• USB MIDI

Special features

• Mutator
• Like Button
• Extra Fat Unison mode

GENERAL FEATURES

• 26 voices, 4 part multitimbral.
• 3 part effects section (FX, delay and reverb) for each part
• 49-key velocity sensitive keyboard (keyboard version only) with octave shift buttons, +/-2 octaves.
• Keyboard Split with 2 slots for the upper and lower sections.
• Modulation Wheel (keyboard version only).
• Pitch Stick with no dead zone at zero crossing (keyboard version only).
• Programmable Pitch bend range, up to +/- 4 octaves
• Separate up/down bend range: -12 or -24 semitones, + 2 semitones
• 1 pedal input for sustain.
• 1 pedal input for expression pedal.

USER INTERFACE

• 3 LED displays, 23 knobs, 3 encoders and 20+ buttons for program and performance editing.

OSCILLATOR SECTION

• Oscillator models of multiple waveforms (traditional analog, extended analog, pulse waveforms, real-time algorithmical waveforms with additive-, FM- and formant- synthesis)
• OSC config knob 11 categories (Pitch, Shape, Osc Sync, Noise Mix, Osc 2 Detune, Sine Mix, Tri Mix, Saw Mix, Square Mix, Freq Modulation, Amp Modulation)

FILTER SECTION

• Multi-mode filter with 12 dB (2-pole) low pass, 24 dB (4-pole) lowpass and band pass, high pass, Ladder M and Ladder TB characteristics.
• Cut off, Resonance, envelope amount, envelope amount controlled by velocity.
• ADR/ASR envelope.
• Filter keyboard tracking can be set to off, 1/3, 2/3 or full.
• Adjustable Filter Distortion.

MODULATION SECTION

• LFO generates a triangle, square, sawtooth, inverted sawtooth or sample and hold waveforms. LFO can be routed to Filter Frequency and Osc mod. The LFO rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
• LFO can be switched to polyphonic Env mode with four different characteristics and sample and hold is manually triggered by keyboard (polyphonic S/H). 
• Arpeggiator: Range: 1 - 4 octave. Modes: up, down, up/down and random. The Arpeggio rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
• ADR/ASR envelope, velocity control on/off, inverse envelope on/off.

AMPLIFIER SECTION

• ADR/ASR envelope, velocity control on/off, gain control.
• Individual Pan-control per program

PERFORMANCE SECTION

• Voice modes: Poly, Legato with portamento, Mono, True Unison 1, 2 & 3.
• Four program slots for layering possibilities and multitimbrality.

EFFECTS

• FX section with Flanger, Phaser, Ring Modulation, Chorus, Ensemble and Drive.
• Delay section with tap tempo, four stages of feedback, stereo ping-pong, dry/wet mix. The Delay speed can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
• Reverb section with five algorithms (Room, Stage 1, Stage 2, Hall 1, Hall 2).

MEMORY

• Programs (single sounds): 8 x 50 (400) locations
• Performances (multi sounds): 4 x 50 (200) locations

AUDIO OUT

• 4 outputs. Each slot can be assigned to its own output.
• Headphones output.
• High resolution low noise 24 bit DACs.

MIDI FEATURES

• All control knobs and switches send and receive control change messages.
• System exclusive bulk dumps. One program or all programs.
• Master Clock will sync to incoming MIDI clock.
• Soft Thru

CONNECTION

• 4 Line Level Audio Outputs - ¼", 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
• Stereo Headphone Output - ¼", 6,35 mm stereo jack
• Sustain Pedal - ¼", 6,35 mm jack.
• Control Pedal - ¼", 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack. Use a Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-7, Roland EV-5, Korg EXP2 or Korg XVP10.
• USB connector with MIDI capabilities
• MIDI In & Out - 5 pin DIN connectors

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

• User Manual
• Power Cord with IEC C14 connector

DIMENSIONS

• Nord Lead A1: 802 x 92 x 260 mm (31.5 x 3.6 x 10.2")

WEIGHT

• Nord Lead A1: 4.85 kg (10.7 lbs)