How the heck did you do that? It’s probably way beyond my technical abilities but I’m just curious. I’d love my a1 to have a proper screen!
Not my image unfortunately. Looks like an Arduino running it.
I bought a used NLA1r that still has plastic on two screen. Will live stream the peel off if you are interested.
uhm… sounds weird tbh. Nord is a swedish company… they wouldn’t sell over Temu. Temu sells if clones… afaik?!
I like the older Nord synths better. Remind me of Swedish version of the Virus synths. Still after using both Nord and Virus, preferred the Virus and went that route.
Nord Wave 2 has more than 2 operators in different configurations. Have a look at Cuckoo’s video starting at min 29:00
pic or it didn’t happen
My question was about A1.
Yeah, well, you got options now.
I’m thinking of buying Nord Lead A1 as my first real hardware synth with proper keys (A4 Mk1 doesn’t count, I guess ).
Is it still worth it in 2025? Or should I be considering something else?
I - on a hobby level - “produce” electronic music in the neighborhood of trance / techno / ambient and despite A1 having a distinct “dated” sound, I really like what I’m hearing from Discovery Pro which I understand is inspired by A1?. I LOVE the looks of the A1, the form factor and general build quality of Nord’s stuff is fantastic.
I suspect I could probably get something else, more modern, for half the price with a better DAW integration, etc. (like Minifreak from Arturia or Hadrasynth), but part of the reason I’m considering A1 is that it will encourage / force me to use it without the computer - at least at first - to just learn the synth & to learn play the keyboard.
Is this a good idea? Or not?
I have had an Nord Lead 4R for about the last ten years and it’s a great piece of gear. These Nords are really immediate (very much a nob per function), the 4 part multitimbral is great (especially running with Elektron boxes), and it always sounds great (always sits well with other gear). It’s a great balance of interaction, workflow and immediacy. I’d never sell it.
It’s never not a good idea to get a Nord Lead, if you can afford it.
I had a Nord Lead 2 rack version, swapped it for a 2x keyboard, and used the original Discovery for many years when in the box. They’re the best.
Nord Lead 2’s seem to be particularly affordable these days, which might be an alternative for you.
That’s a great recommendation! Thanks
I try to avoid 2nd hand gear. Also, I imagine A1 is an evolution / improvement to the original Leads, so - as long as I can afford it - I’m leaning towards the most recent one. Thanks
I think Discovery Pro is a repro of NL2.
And as far as I’ve been able to grasp, the NL1, NL2 and NL2x are very similar, with the NL3, 4 and A1 going in slightly different directions.
Here’s some quick info on A1:
There’s an iOS app that aims to repro the A1 to some extent: Nerd Synth A2x
Awesome! Thanks
Nords have the same build as Elektrons - tanks. Worst case is that you will need to replace some buttons which doesn’t cost much. I wouldn’t consider the sound of the A1 dated at all.
Discovery Pro is a NL2 emulation based of the Motorola chip they used. Free but beta (buggy) version by The Usual Suspects - Nodal Red 2x on their discord.
Nerd Synth A2x review
In conclusion, no emulation comes close to the A1 nor has the same spec.
Nord Wave 2 doesn’t have all of A1 waveforms but offer other features.
alternatively:
Already mentioned in the previous post.
links are helpful tho…