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Average Price: $379

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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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.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for How to use a Synth - Create your own sounds ! - Nord Lead 2X Tutorial by AXIMETRIK

How to use a Synth - Create your own sounds ! - Nord Lead 2X Tutorial

AXIMETRIK

AXIMETRIK

Video thumbnail for Nord Lead 2x 50 Custom Performances by Chronos by LFOstore

Nord Lead 2x 50 Custom Performances by Chronos

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for at the risk of sounding dramatic, this synth is a masterpiece by KIKO1

at the risk of sounding dramatic, this synth is a masterpiece

KIKO1

KIKO1

Video thumbnail for Nord - Lead 2X Synthesizer at GAK by GAK

Nord - Lead 2X Synthesizer at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Nord Lead 2X, Clavia by Retro Synths

Nord Lead 2X, Clavia

Retro Synths

Retro Synths

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

  • The Nord Lead 2X differs from Synth1 in sound and behavior, lacking effects aside from distortion and offering patch morphing capabilities.

    Source
  • The Nord Lead 2X has a distinct, bold metallic, buzzy sound, compared to the more lush Behringer Deepmind 12, which is modeled after a Juno.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest negotiating the price of a used Nord Lead 2X down to around 600 euros for better value.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 31 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
intemporalis

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.

crystalmatrix_paquini

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 original

Preferred 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.

jp8k
jp8k

108

One of the best Virtual Analogs on the market.

Fantastic, VA synthesizer! I've used it on a bunch of tracks!

crystalmatrix_paquini

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 original

Preferred 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.

cueboyd

Great Poly Synth

Great Poly Synth, Simple and Clean Sounding. It's like A Digital Juno/Prophet hybrid but without the warmth. Great for sounds that stick out in the mix.

stefano_venom_sartori

.

Big and ignorant sound, used with the Nord Wave

L

Good Sound

It only got midi channel

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave uses it in this play through

See how Tyler Joseph uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Tyler Joseph

Singer, Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

31:40 Next to Tyler there is that Synth

See how Sander Van Doorn uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Sander Van Doorn

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"Got the Nord Lead. Everybody's got the Nord Lead, you know. You just got to have them for the small sounds."

See how Jesse F. Keeler uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Jesse F. Keeler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Death from Above 1979

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Modestep uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Modestep

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

"Synths... got the Nord Lead, which we use for a few lead things, we use live..." (4:48)

See how Cashmere Cat uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Cashmere Cat

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Right of Cashmere Cat's Chuck Taylor's you can see the legendary red synth in his studio.

See how Brandon Flowers uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Brandon Flowers

Singer, Keyboardist

The Killers

...
Verified via YouTube

Flowers can be seen playing the Nord Lead 2X during "Mr. Brightside".

See how Benny Blanco uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

Bangers and Cash

...
Verified via YouTube

The Lead 2X Synth can be seen behind Benny at 1:41 and in other places throughout the video.

See how David August uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

David August

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Nord Lead 2X on the right at 8:50'ish.

See how Peter Christopherson uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Peter Christopherson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Coil

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Christian Löffler uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Christian Löffler

Music Producer

...
Verified via XLR8R

"(...) for synths, it would have been the Nord Lead 2X, which is actually a pretty basic synth, but it does everything quite well."

See how Fjaak uses Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "FJAAK - Against The Clock" by 180 Fact, Fjaak is seen using the Clavia Nord Lead 2X Synthesizer to create lead synth sounds.

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 yours
hotelritz

hotelritz

Gear IQ 64

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

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