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Average Price: $776

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Description

With the Nord Modular you are able to construct the “synthesizers of your dreams”. Simply drag synth modules out onto the computer screen, make your connections using “virtual patch cords”, and in no time you’ll have your new synthesizer in front of you.

The innovative and flexible architecture of the Nord Modular allows for extensive sound sculpturing. How about a 5-oscillator-per-note synthesizer with 5 LFO’s, two resonant 24 dB/oct low-pass filters with separate envelopes or maybe a fat string sound with 14 oscillators – in stereo. Move your body to a mega fat bass sequence built up with 4 oscillators and a distorted classic analog lowpass filter in combination with a note sequencer module. Or, why not a classic 6 operator FM patch for that “electric” piano sound or a 24 sine wave oscillator patch for additive synthesis.

All your patches can be stored in the Nord Modular synthesizer and recalled later on – also without a computer connected! Stereo analog inputs open up for extensive sound processing possibilities. 16-band vocoding, anyone? Nord Modular has it all. Your imagination is only the beginning...

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-modular

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Modular Rack Desktop / Rackmount Virtual Synthesizer
Finish Red
Year 1997 - 2003
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What is the polyphony capability of the Clavia Nord Modular?

The Clavia Nord Modular offers 32-voice polyphony, allowing you to create complex patches with multiple simultaneous notes.

Does the Clavia Nord Modular support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Clavia Nord Modular features MIDI Input and MIDI Output, enabling integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What makes the Clavia Nord Modular unique compared to other synthesizers?

The Clavia Nord Modular is a digital modular synthesizer that combines hardware DSP with a software editor, offering extensive sound sculpting capabilities and flexibility for creating custom patches.

Is the Clavia Nord Modular suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Clavia Nord Modular is designed for both studio use and live performances, providing versatile sound design options and reliable MIDI connectivity.

Can the Clavia Nord Modular be used as a standalone unit?

The Clavia Nord Modular is a rackmount synthesizer and requires connection to a computer for patch editing through its dedicated software, making it ideal for studio setups.

Jannis Fransson

Jannis Fransson

Clavia Nord Modular G1 / Classic - My Demo #2

Video thumbnail for Clavia Nord Modular G1 / Classic - My Demo #2 by Jannis Fransson

Clavia Nord Modular G1 / Classic - My Demo #2

Jannis Fransson

Jannis Fransson

Video thumbnail for Clavia Nord Modular Rack G1 // Sound Editing & Mapping In The Machine - No Computer by LESINDES

Clavia Nord Modular Rack G1 // Sound Editing & Mapping In The Machine - No Computer

LESINDES

LESINDES

Video thumbnail for Depeche Mode The Things You Said synth cover Clavia Nord Modular G1 Atari ST Steinberg Cubase by Obsolete Nonsense

Depeche Mode The Things You Said synth cover Clavia Nord Modular G1 Atari ST Steinberg Cubase

Obsolete Nonsense

Obsolete Nonsense

Video thumbnail for Yazoo (Yaz) Don’t Go instrumental synth cover Clavia Nord Modular G1 Atari Mega ST Steinberg Cubase by Obsolete Nonsense

Yazoo (Yaz) Don’t Go instrumental synth cover Clavia Nord Modular G1 Atari Mega ST Steinberg Cubase

Obsolete Nonsense

Obsolete Nonsense

Video thumbnail for Clavia Nord Modular G1 / Classic - My Demo #1 by Jannis Fransson

Clavia Nord Modular G1 / Classic - My Demo #1

Jannis Fransson

Jannis Fransson

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior sound quality, reminiscent of early Nord Leads

  • Capable of generating experimental modular synth patches

  • Thousands of patches available online

  • Flexible control with freely assignable knobs

  • Can process external audio through two channels

  • Still compatible with current operating systems

CONS

  • Requires a computer to create new sounds

  • Small keyboard size

  • Editor not updated past Windows 2k/XP era, though workarounds exist

  • Concerns about future OS compatibility with the editor

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Clavia Nord Modular.

Software and compatibility

  • The Nord Modular G1 editor can be run on modern OSX with a current program, eliminating the need for vintage hardware or a Windows XP virtual machine.

    Source
  • On Mac, works only on PPC and Intel processors; M1/M2 are not supported.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Modular G1 is noted for its ability to mimic the Nord Lead 1/2 with thousands of patches available, providing flexibility in sound design.

    Source
  • The G1 allows for using one of its four slots as an FX processor, enhancing its utility beyond just a traditional synthesizer.

    Source
  • The Nord G2X is lauded for its unique capabilities, with owners expressing there's nothing comparable in hardware.

    Source
  • The Nord Modular G2 is considered one of the best FX units, offering four inputs and outputs for versatile sound processing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners use the Nord Modular G1 as a control center for modular systems, integrating it with analog oscillators and filters through MIDI to CV interfaces.

    Source
  • The G2 engine is praised for its ability to create complex delays, with higher RAM allowing more intricate soundscapes compared to the original Nord Modular.

    Source
  • Autechre and Chemical Brothers have been noted to utilize the G2 for their music production, showcasing its professional-grade capabilities.

    Source

Build quality

  • It is critical to check all buttons, rotaries, and the encoder for functionality before purchasing, as these are prone to wear over time.

    Source
  • Some MIDI cables may not fit due to Clavia's low top case design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Dedicated MIDI interface is essential; connecting via PC port can cause crashes or erratic behavior.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Seen as a solid Reaktor and expensive eurorack alternative, offering ample sound processing capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners note a distinct character in Nord's digital filters, highlighting their punchiness compared to the Virus synth, which is better for analog trance sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its age, MIDI interface ensures longevity and compatibility across different systems like Linux.

    Source
  • Many who sold their Nord Micromodular regret it, as it retains a unique sound quality that's hard to replicate with other gear.

    Source
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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3582

Mini monster, able to generate wild, experimental modular synth patches to use on the go...

Gives you the sound quality of the early Nord Leads which is subjectively better than newer versions. It has the possibility to generate wild, experimental modular synth patches (but you will need a computer based editor to create new patches). Once created you can store them withing the synth and freely assign knobs to the various parameters of the modules used. Did I already say that I really like the flexibility and sound of this synth? There are literally thousands of patches on the internet for this little monster synth.

The only downsides are the small keyboard and the fact that you need a computer to create new sounds. Fortunately the editor still works with the latest operating systems but I fear the day that the editor will stop working in Windows 25 or OSX El Crappo...

I've looked into upgrading to the V2 which has a larger keyboard and more modules but less knobs (but more usefull encoders with ring LEDs) and does seem to sound more "polished". But I didn't really think the benefits would outweigh the downsides (and additional cost). Maybe one day...

If only Clavia would make a Modular V3 where you could plug in a KVM like the old Roland Samplers so you would not need a computer anymore to edit it. Or just create a browser user interface (BUI) to which you could simply browse with any web enabled device...

lostchildren

Flexible synth, but with an aging editor that is hard to get running on modern hardware.

The Nord Modular is a great virtual modular synth but the editor was't updated past the version which ran on Windows from the Windows 2k / XP era. There is a version which wraps the old editor with Wine though. The virtual modules still sound good today, and you can run two channels of external audio in for processing as well.

elements

Prime tool. 24 bit 96khz back in the 90s.

Incredible sounding musical instrument and sound design tool.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phil Winter uses Clavia Nord Modular

Phil Winter

Keyboardist, Composer

Tunng

...
Verified via Photo

Phil is playing a Nord Modular in this picture.

See how Arovane uses Clavia Nord Modular

Arovane

Music Producer

...
Verified via Hybridmagazine

In this interview , Arovane explains his workflow and some pieces of hardware/software he uses: http://www.hybridmagazine.com/level/interviews/0102/arovane.shtml

See how Michael Bradford uses Clavia Nord Modular

Michael Bradford

Guitarist, Composer

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken in Mike's studio a Clavia Nord Modular Synth is seen on top of the right rack.

See how Derango uses Clavia Nord Modular

Derango

Music Producer

...
Verified via Archive

In an interview from 2005, Ola from Derango states: "Now years later and with a better computer, a nice soundcard, a pair of monitors, a nord modular and the Virus A, Our sound production has been taken to a higher level, and is still evolving". There is also an image from Discogs, showing Ola on the floor playing the Clavia Nord Modular synthesizer.

See how Mark “Spike” Stent uses Clavia Nord Modular

Mark “Spike” Stent

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

In the article "Spike Stent" on Sound On Sound, Mark “Spike” Stent confirms using the Clavia Nord Modular.

See how Masashi Hamauzu uses Clavia Nord Modular

Masashi Hamauzu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Masashi Hamauzu is often seen performing with a Clavia Nord Modular during his live shows with Imeruat, as documented by The Wild Faery Company.

Album Usage

The Clavia Nord Modular 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 Modular, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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