NAMM 2014: Nord Keyboards Announce Nord Lead A1 Analogue Modelling Synthesizer

Nord have today announced a brand new analogue modelling synth to be displayed at this years’ NAMM show which kicks off this week. The Nord Lead A1 uses the Nord Lead 4’s modelling engine combined with a brand new interface designed to speedily program and and customise.

We’ll have more info soon hot from NAMM, in the meantime let’s have a look at Nords’ press release…

Press Release
Nord Keyboards are proud to announce the new Nord Lead A1 analogue modelling synthesizer. The Lead A1 combines the latest analogue modelling engine from the acclaimed Lead 4, with an innovative streamlined interface for fast-track programming.

The Lead 4 and now the Lead A1 are equipped with an all new analogue modeling sound engine, capable of reproducing the character and nuances of the vintage synths of your dreams with breathtaking accuracy. 24-voice polyphonic and four part multi-timbral, the Lead A1 is a flexible choice for either stage or studio, delivering a stunningly rich and versatile palette of sounds.

The Lead A1 introduces a new front-panel user interface designed to make programming quick and easy, while retaining hands on flexibility.

“We’ve been thinking about and honing this interface for a number of years in response to what we hear from many professional players regarding the ever-increasing time pressures in creating sounds for stage or studio. ” says Hans Nordelius, CEO and head designer.

One of the main features of the new interface is the Oscillator section, where Oscillator configuration shortcuts allow patches to be created and edited far quicker than is usually possible for synthesis of this complexity.

Using a single LFO and simplified Modulation Envelope with intuitive controls on the front panel, it is also very quick to experiment with modulations, always with a clear overview of the structure of the patch.

The on-board filters include Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass, along with new stunningly accurate modelled Ladder M and Ladder TB filters introduced in the Lead 4. The Lead A1 features an independent effects processor for each of its four slots. Delay, high quality Reverb, plus a choice of Drive, Ring Modulation, Phaser, Flanger, Ensemble or Chorus are available per slot. The impressive new Ensemble and Chorus effects are analog models of specific classic synths, bringing vintage analogue warmth and feel.

Nord’s acclaimed Morph function via Velocity or the Mod Wheel is also included, allowing multiple parameters to be morphed in real time and with exceptionally easy control.

Additional functions include an independent arpeggiator for each of the four slots, Master Clock sync of the LFO, delay and Arpeggiator, MIDI over USB, and four independent outputs. The Lead A1 also includes the Nord Sound Manager software patch librarian.

Like all Nord products, the Lead A1 is handmade in Sweden with meticulous attention to detail and quality control.

The Nord Lead A1 will be available in April 2014 with an estimated price of £1299 RRP inc VAT / $1799 MAP.
For more information please visit www.nordkeyboards.com/a1/

Visitors to the NAMM Show can see the Lead A1 on the booth of USA distributor American Music & Sound, #B6464.
Nord Keyboards are distributed in the UK and ROI by Sound Technology Ltd.  For more information please call 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/nord

Quick specs
• Synth engine: 96 kHz, 32 bit floating point processing
• Polyphony: 24 voices
• Multitimbral: 4 parts
• Keybed: 49 keys
• Weight: 4.85 kg (10.7 lbs)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 802 x 92 x 260 mm (31.5 x 3.6 x 10.2”)