Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $555
Standard/Professional
$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 creativity with the Clavia Nord Lead Rack, a powerful addition to any musician’s arsenal. This synthesizer module is renowned for its virtual analog sound engine, delivering the warmth and character of analog synthesis with the flexibility of digital technology. Perfect for both studio and live settings, the Nord Lead Rack offers an extensive range of sounds, from classic vintage tones to cutting-edge modern textures.
Designed to inspire, the Nord Lead Rack features a versatile arpeggiator, allowing you to create intricate patterns and rhythms effortlessly. Its intuitive interface ensures that sound shaping is straightforward, giving you quick access to essential controls. With a robust polyphony, it can handle complex compositions without breaking a sweat.
The Nord Lead Rack is built for musicians who demand reliability and ease of use. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a powerful synth module that doesn’t compromise on sound quality or performance.
Key Features:
- Virtual analog sound engine for rich, authentic tones
- Extensive range of presets and sound design capabilities
- Intuitive control interface for seamless creativity
- Versatile arpeggiator for dynamic pattern creation
- Robust polyphony for complex compositions
- Ideal for both studio work and live performances
Product specs
| Brand | Nord |
| Model | Lead Rack Rackmount Virtual Analog Synthesizer |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 1995 - 1997 |
| Made In | Sweden |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Polyphony | 4 Voices |
FAQs
-
What type of synthesis does the Clavia Nord Lead Rack use?
-
The Clavia Nord Lead Rack utilizes virtual analog synthesis, which emulates the sound and behavior of traditional analog synthesizers while offering the flexibility and convenience of digital technology.
-
How many voices of polyphony does the Nord Lead Rack support?
-
The Nord Lead Rack supports 4 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to four notes simultaneously, which is suitable for creating complex chords and layered sounds.
-
Is the Nord Lead Rack suitable for live performance setups?
-
Yes, the Nord Lead Rack is designed for live performance with its robust build and intuitive interface, making it easy to integrate into a rack-mounted setup for gigs.
-
Does the Nord Lead Rack have MIDI connectivity?
-
The Nord Lead Rack includes MIDI Input and Output, enabling it to connect seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices such as controllers and sequencers for expanded performance and recording capabilities.
-
Can the Nord Lead Rack be used in a studio environment?
-
Absolutely, the Nord Lead Rack is ideal for studio use, offering high-quality digital sound and flexible programming options, making it a versatile tool for music production and sound design.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Clavia Nord Lead Rack.
Build quality
-
Owners praise the Nord Lead Rack 2X for its robust build, noting high-quality knobs and a clean sound despite its age.
Source
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
-
The Nord Lead 2X does not include USB; requires a MIDI interface or MIDI-to-USB cable for computer connectivity.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
-
The Nord Lead 2X's architecture and sound differ significantly from the Synth1 VST, despite being inspired by it.
Source -
The Nord Lead 2X is praised for its ability to sit well in mixes, unlike the JD800, which can overpower other elements without careful EQing.
Source -
Early Virus synths are suggested as alternatives within the same price range, offering a different sound palette.
Source
Other
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
-
Power supplies and potentiometers are noted as potential weak points, often related to the amount of physical abuse the synth has endured.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
the Clavia Nord Lead Rack is listed as one of the gear that helped define Autechre's game-changing sound
In this video at 4:09 we can see Clavia Nord Rack
This picture was taken during the studio recording of Mutter. You can see the Nord Rack on the right where the other racks are. It is used in the Spieluhr bells, for example.
Seen at 11:09 in the video.
It can be seen in this image on Twitter.
Another Rack Synth is this first Clavia attempt to make a decent Virtual Analogue synthesizer. Needless to say, this machine is a modern classic, inspired by the SCI Prophet 5 (even the presets are clearly intended to clone the P5 ). I don't know whether Clavia succeeded there, but they did came up with a workhorse that is able to come quite close to some of the budget analog and digital synths I own. Because it's a bit of a chameleon it's been my favored live-synth for almost 10 years. But don't expect really big sounds from it, it sure won't mimic the classic analogs 100%. Unless you treat it with some analog effects and filters it's just not strong enough and it will always keep that typical Nord digital edge. Especially in the higher octave ranges it never really convinces. It's a great synth for starters and once you collected a few more desired (analog-)synths it just might become the tool that will give room for those classic synths to take care of parts that really matter. I wouldn't get rid of it, perhaps if I ever get the desire to buy a slightly more versatile (4 outputs, 16 voices and some other extra features) Nord Lead 2 I might get rid of it.
All across the video, but clearly seen at minute 19:17. Lower left corner of the screen.
It can be seen in the sixth photo, which bears the caption: "The Apple Powerbook (left), increasingly important to Marius de Vries' work, sits atop his Yamaha SY77 workstation: also visible are his Clavia Nord Rack and Roland JP8080 virtual analogue synths." It appears to be the original version.
In this video at 3:13 minutes see Clavia Nord Rack
At 2:00, Steve Monti talks about his Nord Rack.
Album Usage
The Clavia Nord Lead Rack 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 Rack, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783090732)
-s.webp?v=1783090756)
More Clavia Nord Synthesizers
-m.webp?v=1783090807)
-m.webp?v=1782480506)
$2,223.06
$3,286.79 - $3,499.99
in Synthesizers Rank
$469.00 - $699.99
in Synthesizers Rank
$19,549.06
in Synthesizers Rank
$999.00 - $1,084.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$3,217.26 - $3,590.00
in Synthesizers Rank
-m.webp?v=1782831553)
$1,200.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$439.00 - $549.00
in Synthesizers Rank
.jpg?v=1783063093)
-m.webp?v=1783118423)
$388.00 - $579.99
in Synthesizers Rank
$750.00 - $2,398.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$279.00 - $349.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$2,000.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$411.00 - $699.99
in Synthesizers Rank
$2,432.00 - $2,873.45
in Synthesizers Rank
$1,471.89 - $1,899.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$299.55 - $652.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$385.00 - $530.00
in Synthesizers Rank
$1,362.52 - $1,839.99
in Synthesizers Rank
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
