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Average Price: $573

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Polyphony - 16 Voices Oscillators - 2 VSM oscillators: sine, triangle, sawtooth, pulse and noise LFO - 2 LFO's (triangle, sawtooth, random) control OSC 1 or 2, filter, pulse-width, ADSR envelope Filter - 12 dB/oct 2-pole lowpass, 24dB/oct 4-pole lowpass / bandpass / highpass (both with cutoff, resonance, env amount, env velocity, key tracking, ADSR envelope) VCA - ADSR envelope and Amplifier Gain control Keyboard - 49 keys (velocity sensitive) Memory - 99 patches (59 preset, 40 user), 99 performances, 10 drum kits Control - MIDI (4 parts), all knobs and controls send MIDI CC data Date Produced - 1997

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Rack 2 16-Voice Rackmount Virtual Analog 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 16 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Clavia Nord Rack 2 use?

The Clavia Nord Rack 2 is a rackmount virtual analog synthesizer, which means it uses digital signal processing to emulate the sound of traditional analog synthesizers.

How many voices of polyphony does the Nord Rack 2 offer?

The Nord Rack 2 provides 16 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is ideal for complex chords and layered sounds.

What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Nord Rack 2?

The Nord Rack 2 features MIDI input and output, enabling you to connect it to other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and integration into your setup.

Is the Nord Rack 2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Rack 2 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, intuitive interface, and versatile sound capabilities, making it a reliable choice for stage use.

Can the Nord Rack 2 be used with modern DAWs?

The Nord Rack 2 can be integrated with modern DAWs using its MIDI connectivity, allowing you to control the synthesizer from your digital audio workstation and incorporate its sounds into your projects.

SuganoMusic

SuganoMusic

Clavia nord rack 2 DEMO

Video thumbnail for Clavia nord rack 2 DEMO by SuganoMusic

Clavia nord rack 2 DEMO

SuganoMusic

SuganoMusic

Video thumbnail for Nord Rack 2 Synth Jam by Optoproductions

Nord Rack 2 Synth Jam

Optoproductions

Optoproductions

Video thumbnail for Clavia Nord Rack 2 (1997) Digital Synthesizer Part 1 - No Talking Demo by Nacho Marty Meyer

Clavia Nord Rack 2 (1997) Digital Synthesizer Part 1 - No Talking Demo

Nacho Marty Meyer

Nacho Marty Meyer

Video thumbnail for Nord Rack 2 Tutorial - Virtual Analog Synthesizer by Optoproductions

Nord Rack 2 Tutorial - Virtual Analog Synthesizer

Optoproductions

Optoproductions

Reviews

PROS

  • Groundbreaking virtual analog synthesis for warm, rich sounds

  • Dedicated knobs for real-time control and instant sound shaping

  • Versatile sound creation, from crisp to nasty analog-digital sounds

  • Solid build quality ensures durability

  • Individual outputs for each part enhance external effect integration

  • Layering capabilities transform it into a powerful sound design tool

  • Unique Pelle's Mode boosts productivity

  • Amazing chorus effect for epic plucks, basses, and leads

CONS

  • Limited in creating otherworldly, unique sounds

  • Lacks built-in main effects like reverb and delay

  • Some find it only suitable for basics despite its potential

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Clavia Nord Rack 2.

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Rack 2 lacks on-board effects, which some users see as a limitation, though others prefer working with the raw sound.

    Source
  • The Nord Rack 2X offers patch morphing and multitimbrality, enhancing its versatility in sound design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Common issues in used units include power supply failures and worn potentiometers, often due to heavy use or mishandling.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users suggest considering early Virus models in a similar price range for alternative sound capabilities.

    Source
  • The Nord Rack 2X was updated to run at a consistent 96 KHz across its model, unlike the original Nord Lead which ran at varying sample rates.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Nord Rack 2 is praised for creating good leads and lush pads, aligning with its intended use for these sound types.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the Nord Rack 2X is highly regarded for its clean sound and remains a favorite among users with extensive synth experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Nord Rack 2 is seen as a bargain at current used prices, particularly for those looking for rack-mounted polyphony in a limited space.

    Source
  • Even older units are seen as reliable, making them desirable in both sound quality and longevity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners praise the Nord Rack 2X for its robust build, noting the excellent quality of the knobs and overall construction.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Nord Rack 2X requires a MIDI interface or MIDI-to-USB cable for computer connection, as it lacks USB ports.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 29 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bubbajones

The virtual analog concept combines classic ideas with today's technology. Instead of analog components we use digital signal processors (DSPs) that we program to emulate analog synthesis.

In 1995 Clavia launched the original Nord Lead Virtual Analog synthesizer. It immediately became a ground breaking success and set industry standard. Two years later the Nord Lead was followed by Nord Lead 2 which took the virtual analog concept even further, adding a number of improvements and new features.

The virtual analog concept combines classic ideas with today's technology. Instead of analog components we use digital signal processors (DSPs) that we program to emulate analog synthesis. The programming is made very carefully to reproduce the warmth and richness of the traditional analog sound. But the virtual analog technique opens up for much more possibilities than "just" analog sound. You can create crisp or really nasty "analog-digital" sounds that widely exceeds the limits of competing products. Awesome leads, booming basses, frantic techno - at your fingertips. Every function has a dedicated knob, just like it used to be in the good old days. No more complex menus! Total real time control and instant accessibility make it a breeze to shape the sounds exactly the way you want them.

From Gear Setup
ozoneau

No Bull****

No fluff, with almost all the stuff you need to design basic sounds, but with layering it becomes a muscle car. Individual outputs for each of the 4 parts makes it external effect friendly. Solid build quality. Like the particular sound it has.

mikefiction

It sounds pretty good

A little limited, but has a good tone. Good for basics. Great for basics really. Won't make your friends cry with the strange otherworldy beauty you've created with it. But it will get a job done well. I sold mine when I had a studio purge and I do kinda miss it. Maybe I'll get another one.

verlaeckt_stephan

Red Predator

For the days when the house is too small and your aggression has to be removed, nice animal

seducsyn

Pluck Factory

Just so bright and fat enough. Chorus just amazing. You can hear some epic plucks, basses and lead sounds out of it. Plus it has Pelle's Mode too. So productive. There is only missing main fx's such as reverb and delay.

pyretux

Polyvalent digital synthesizer

The sound on this gear is really fine. Very polyvalent sounds. I really appreciate the 4 outputs and their routing (4 mono, 2 stereo, 2 mono + 1 stereo, etc....), as well as the layering possibilities.

verlaeckt_stephan

My techno toy

For the days when the house is too small and the aggression has to go

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mathew Jonson uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Tech Talk interview on Telekom Electronic Beats TV, Mathew Jonson discusses his studio setup, including his use of the Clavia Nord Rack 2 synthesizer.

See how Leftfield uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Leftfield

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Leftfield is shown using the Clavia Nord Rack 2 synthesizer in a Facebook post by the band.

See how Scooter uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video at 3:20, the Clavia Nord Rack 2 can be seen at the bottom of Scooter's right synth rack. Layout matches the synth and name "nord rack 2" is visible on the front panel.

See how Chicane uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Chicane

Music Producer

...
Verified via Electronic Music Blog

In the pictures of Chicane's Modena 1 studio, the Clavia Nord Rack 2 can be seen on the desk between the keyboard and screens. In the bottom right corner the Clavia Nord Rack 2 has a row of three buttons, whereas the similar-looking Nord Rack 1 has only two buttons in this position. It could potentially be a Clavia Nord Rack 2X, but the seemingly warmer colors of the panel print on the picture and the release date of the Nord Rack 2X, are strong hints towards the plain Nord Rack 2.

See how Darude uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Darude

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This item can be seen at 4:05 in this YouTube video.

See how D.Ramirez uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

D.Ramirez

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Clavia Nord Rack 2 in video

See how Funkagenda uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Funkagenda

Music Producer

Mark Knight & Funkagenda

...
Verified via Photo

"I'm glad you're comfy pal, but I kinda need my hand to work x"

See how Roman Flügel uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Roman Flügel

Music Producer

Sensorama

...
Verified via MusicRadar

It can be seen at the left side in his studio.

See how J. Willgoose, Esq. uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

J. Willgoose, Esq.

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Public Service Broadcasting

...
Verified via Photo

"I bought the Nord Lead 4 as a semi-replacement for my old Nord Rack 2, bought (second-hand!) and seen below. It’s a great little synth and has served me very well through the first EP and album," says Willgoose, in this article.

N

Norman Cook

Music Producer

Beats International

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the Sound On Sound article "Classic Tracks: Fatboy Slim ‘Praise You’," Norman Cook is shown using the Clavia Nord Rack 2.

See how Rick J. Jordan uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Rick J. Jordan

Keyboardist, Composer

Scooter

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 3:18 minutes see in bottom right rack Nord Rack 2

See how Chymera uses Clavia Nord Rack 2

Chymera

...
Verified via YouTube

Chymera can be seen using the Nord Rack 2 connected to his Macbook in the video "Making Melodic Techno With Chymera."

Album Usage

The Clavia Nord Rack 2 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 Rack 2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2
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Roland XV-5080 Sound Modules
2
Studio Electronics SE-1
Studio Electronics SE-1 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Korg Radias Rack
Korg Radias Rack Synthesizers
2
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2

Community setups

Show yours
navin_kala

navin_kala

Gear IQ 103

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

keyhead

keyhead

Gear IQ 126

S

syndrom6667

Gear IQ 93

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

barry_warne

barry_warne

Gear IQ 194

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

angelofthebottomlesspit

angelofthebottomlesspit

Gear IQ 105

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