Nord Releases The Lead A1 Synth, Debuts at NAMM
By Ruben Lone
The latest in their line of analog modeling synths, the Lead A1 is Nord‘s newest performance synthesizer. With a quick user interface and simplified front panel, the A1 recreates analog sounds to a tee, and packs features including 8 oscillator configurations, filters, LFOs, onboard effects including chorus and ensemble, and master clock control for onboard syncing.
The power in this synth comes in the oscillator functionality with a new Wave engine, which allows for shortcuts to Pitch, Detune, Shape, Sync, FM (frequency modulation), AM (amplitude modulation), Dual Oscillators or Noise, without requiring the patching usually found on all-analog synths.
Nord’s products are often build around ease of use for live applications, especially in their Nord Stage and Lead series. However, the Lead A1 breaks down some of the more tedious walls of analog synthesis for speedier response and improvisation. This technology mirrors the functionality of modern DAWs which presently center on working on the fly in the studio and on the road (i.e. Ableton and Logic), keeping creativity flowing without technical hangups. While Nords aren’t exactly beginner instruments and an understanding analog synthesis makes using their gear all the more useful, it seems like the A1 would be nice for entry-level players and pros alike.
The Nord A1 Lead will be showcased at the upcoming NAMM Show which begins today in Las Vegas.
