Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $379
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your creative potential with the Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer, a staple in the world of electronic music production. Known for its unparalleled virtual analog synthesis, the Nord Lead 2X offers a broad palette of sounds that range from rich, warm pads to cutting leads and everything in between. Its user-friendly interface ensures that both beginners and seasoned musicians can harness its power with ease, making sound design an intuitive and engaging experience.
The Nord Lead 2X boasts a 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard, providing expressive playability that captures the nuances of your performance. With 20-voice polyphony, you can layer complex sounds without dropping notes, allowing for lush, full performances. The synthesizer's four-part multitimbrality means you can create intricate arrangements by layering different patches, giving you the flexibility to experiment and craft your unique sound.
The dedicated knobs and buttons provide hands-on control, allowing for real-time tweaking without diving into complex menus. Each parameter is easily accessible, so you can focus on the music, not the manual. Whether you're performing live or in the studio, the Nord Lead 2X's robust build ensures reliability and durability.
Key Features:
- Virtual analog sound engine for authentic analog warmth
- 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard
- 20-voice polyphony for complex layering
- Four-part multitimbral capability
- Dedicated knobs and buttons for intuitive control
- High-quality digital effects and powerful modulation options
- MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
- Rugged design for live performance durability
Product specs
| Brand | Nord |
| Model | Lead 2X 49-Key 20-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2003 - 2013 |
| Made In | Sweden |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 20 Voices |
FAQs
-
What kind of synthesis does the Nord Lead 2X use?
-
The Nord Lead 2X utilizes virtual analog synthesis, providing a digital approach to replicating the sound and behavior of classic analog synthesizers.
-
How many voices of polyphony does the Nord Lead 2X offer?
-
The Nord Lead 2X offers 20 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and rich, full sounds.
-
Is the Nord Lead 2X suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, the Nord Lead 2X is designed for live performance with features like velocity-sensitive keys, MIDI control, and a robust build, making it a reliable choice for stage use.
-
How does the Nord Lead 2X differ from the original Nord Lead 2?
-
The Nord Lead 2X features improvements over the Nord Lead 2, including 20 voices of polyphony, extended internal memory, and 24-bit DACs running at 96kHz for enhanced sound quality.
-
What are the MIDI capabilities of the Nord Lead 2X?
-
The Nord Lead 2X includes MIDI input and output, allowing it to be integrated seamlessly into a MIDI setup for both studio and live applications.
Videos
Kraft Music
Kraft Music - Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano
Reviews
PROS
-
Increased memory eliminates need for PCMCIA card
-
20 voice polyphony allows for complex layering
-
Surprisingly decent organs and piano sounds
-
Distinctive sound with a bite, ideal for unique patches
-
Simple yet powerful programming interface
-
Contains essential features for subtractive synthesis without unnecessary fluff
-
Unison and mono modes for versatile sound creation
-
Clear, standout sounds in a mix similar to digital Juno/Prophet
CONS
-
Lacks built-in effects, requiring external solutions for depth
-
Limited to MIDI channel usage, potentially restricting for some setups
-
Sound may lack the warmth of analog synths
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer.
Build quality
-
The keybed is described as "clicky and plastic," leading some to prefer the rack version for better build quality.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Nord Lead 2X runs its model code entirely at 96 KHz, unlike the original which had a sample rate conversion step.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
The Nord Lead 2X lacks USB connectivity, relying solely on MIDI, requiring a MIDI interface or cable for computer connection.
Source
User experience
-
Owners report long-lasting reliability with many using their units for years without issues, highlighting the brand's reputation for durability.
Source
Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 31 Ratings
23
The Pinacle of the VA Synths
The NL-2 has a distinctive bite. Super easy and fun to program which makes it easier to coax sounds out of it that a lot of people will won't bother with. Its simplicity/complexity "ratio" is perfect.
No built in fx which can often deceive and hype up lame patches (Virus, I'm looking at you). Just 2 Osc's, 2 Lfo's, a Filter and 2 ADSR envelopes for the Amp and the Filter. The Osc modes are super basic but you'll get to know them instead of flipping through menus of choices never to get familiar with anything. Likewise the filter modes are clear cut with LP 24 being your go to mode. And make sure to check out the "secret" filter mode too, hold shift and flip through the modes.
The early nords also have lovely unison and mono modes for huge basses, hoovers and supersaw type stuff. That same function can create lush pads with surprising complexity for a synth without onboard FX. To keep it short, it has everything you need in a subtractive synth and nothing you don't.
A great virtual analog synthesizer
Excellent synthesizer, I think everyone has it, and they know about its legendary sound, if you know how to use it you have several classic synthesizers...
This review has been translated automatically into English. See originalPreferred Settings + Usage:
Los presets no los utilizo, aunque debo admitir que es algo complejo, y puedes hacer sonar esta belleza desde cero y dará los mejores resultados que necesitas.
A great virtual analog synthesizer
Excellent synthesizer, most artists who have it know of its iconic and legendary sound...
This review has been translated automatically into English. See originalPreferred Settings + Usage:
Los presets no los utilizo, aunque debo admitir que es muy interactivo y algo complejo, puedes hacer sonar esta belleza desde cero y dará los mejores resultados que necesitas.
Artist usage
Add artist
"Got the Nord Lead. Everybody's got the Nord Lead, you know. You just got to have them for the small sounds."
Jesse played a clavia nord lead 2x in this live performance. A sticker that see "dfa elephant logo" has been placed over the clavia logo.
"Synths... got the Nord Lead, which we use for a few lead things, we use live..." (4:48)
Right of Cashmere Cat's Chuck Taylor's you can see the legendary red synth in his studio.
The Lead 2X Synth can be seen behind Benny at 1:41 and in other places throughout the video.
In 1:07, and 7:22 of this video (as well as at other times during the hectic editing) you can see Sleazy using a Nord Lead synthesizer. I think it's a Lead 1, though that doesn't come up on equipboard. He also mentions using a Nord for Coil's Ape of Naples in this interview: https://archive.org/stream/CoilInterviewTheMillionDollarAltar/Coil%20interview%20-%20The%20Million%20Dollar%20Altar_djvu.txt
Album Usage
The Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Clavia Nord Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
musiqueGear IQ 95
-