Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,017

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

The Clavia Nord Wave synthesizer is a versatile powerhouse designed for musicians who crave both classic and contemporary sounds. Integrating virtual analog synthesis, FM synthesis, and a wavetable engine, this synth provides a rich palette of sonic possibilities. Whether you're performing live or crafting intricate studio compositions, the Nord Wave ensures you have the tools to create captivating music.

The Nord Wave's intuitive interface features a hands-on control layout, allowing you to morph sound parameters effortlessly. It includes a USB port for importing additional wave files, giving you the freedom to personalize your sound library with ease. The built-in editor simplifies the process of loading your custom waves, so you can focus on what matters most—making music.

One of the standout features of the Nord Wave is its inclusion of Mellotron sounds, meticulously sampled to capture their vintage character. With no hard drive or loading times, you can access these samples instantly, ensuring a seamless live performance experience. The powerful effects section, complete with EQ, delay, and tube amp simulations, offers the finishing touches to make your sound truly unique.

The Nord Wave's lightweight design and superior response time make it an ideal companion for gigging musicians. With its wooden pitch stick and morphable synthesis parameters, you'll enjoy expressive control and the ability to shape your sound in real-time.

Key Features:

  • Virtual analog synthesis, FM synthesis, and wavetable engine
  • USB port for importing additional wave files
  • Hands-on interface with morphable synthesis parameters
  • Mellotron sounds included
  • No hard drive or loading times
  • Powerful effects section with EQ, delay, and tube amp simulations
  • Wooden pitch stick for expressive control
  • Lightweight design

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Wave 49-Key 18-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Red
Year 2007 - 2013
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 18 Voices

FAQs

Is the Clavia Nord Wave synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Clavia Nord Wave is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 18 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds without note dropouts.

What type of keys does the Clavia Nord Wave have?

The Clavia Nord Wave features 49 full-size, semi-weighted keys, providing a balanced feel suitable for expressive playing and synthesizer performance.

Does the Clavia Nord Wave support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Clavia Nord Wave includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear and DAWs.

Can the Clavia Nord Wave be used to access piano sounds?

Yes, the Clavia Nord Wave allows access to Nord's unique sound libraries, which include sampled Grands, Uprights, and Electric pianos, as well as other instruments like Strings and Brass.

What are the standout features of the Clavia Nord Wave's sound engine?

The Clavia Nord Wave's sound engine offers robust sample playback capabilities, virtual analog synthesis, and the ability to layer and manipulate sounds, making it versatile for various musical genres.

Nova Musik

Nova Musik

Novamusik.com Nord Wave Synthesizer Full Demo (Part 1 of 2)

Video thumbnail for Novamusik.com Nord Wave Synthesizer Full Demo (Part 1 of 2) by Nova Musik

Novamusik.com Nord Wave Synthesizer Full Demo (Part 1 of 2)

Nova Musik

Nova Musik

Video thumbnail for NORD WAVE , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

NORD WAVE , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Nord Wave Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Nord Wave Synthesizer Demo with Chris Martirano

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Nord Wave Part. 1 | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Nord Wave Part. 1 | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for Clavia Nord Wave by Synth Love

Clavia Nord Wave

Synth Love

Synth Love

Reviews

PROS

  • Ability to load samples into oscillators, including Mellotron sounds

  • Expressive left-hand controls enhance performance flexibility

  • High-quality sound output, excellent for Mellotron enthusiasts

  • Intuitive interface with dedicated knobs for major functions

  • Solid build quality ensures durability

  • Versatile sound design options, including FM synthesis

  • Ideal for ambient, drone, and unique sound creation

  • Suitable for both novices and experienced users

  • Plays well live, great for incorporating computer samples onstage

  • Offers a wide range of synthesis variations in one unit

CONS

  • Heavy keyboard touch may be challenging for beginners

  • OS update process can be difficult for some users

  • Lacks a negative filter envelope, limiting modulation options

  • Effects quality is average; external solutions may be needed

  • No built-in arpeggiator or sequencer, limiting performance options

  • Limited aftertouch functionality

  • Supports stacks but not splits, affecting layering flexibility

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Wave lacks an arpeggiator, which some users miss, requiring them to connect to a laptop for that feature.

    Source
  • The Morph feature on the Nord Wave compensates for the lack of aftertouch by allowing assignments to velocity, key range, and mod wheel.

    Source
  • The Nord Wave 2's arpeggiator has a complex pattern editor, though many prefer sequencing via a DAW for intricate patterns.

    Source
  • The Wave 2's wavetables are note-dependent, limiting traditional sweeping capabilities, with the oscillator control knob inactive in these modes.

    Source
  • The Nord Wave allows users to load custom waveforms, offering an endless array of oscillator types and sounds, enhancing flexibility beyond traditional virtual analog synths.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the Nord Wave as a performance-oriented synth rather than one for casual "noodling," attributed to its design and features.

    Source
  • The Nord Wave's design, which places controls on the left side, is deliberately crafted to enable ease of use during live performances, allowing users to manipulate controls with their left hand while playing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest waiting for good used deals on the Nord Wave, as it's considered overpriced when bought new.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users utilize the Nord Wave for unique, unorthodox sample-based synthesis, combining guitar feedback samples with FM synthesis for distinct sounds.

    Source
  • The Nord Lead 4 excels in aggressive acid and techno sounds, while the Nord Wave 2 is favored for creating lush cinematic soundscapes.

    Source
  • The Wave 2 is highlighted for its capability in 90s underground house music, complementing setups with Elektron and Vermona gear.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A reported issue with the Nord A1 model involves noisy power supplies, noted as part of its design by Nord, but found annoying by users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Nord Lead A1 offers a broader variety of starting sounds with 42 waveforms and 11 oscillator configurations, compared to the Nord Wave 2's limited FM sine waves.

    Source
  • The Nord Lead A1 includes a "drive" distortion effect that's distinct from the Wave 2's drive settings in the filter and EQ stages.

    Source
  • The Nord Lead 2X, viewed as less versatile and outdated by some users, is considered inferior to the Nord Wave, which is praised for its sample playback capabilities.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • NW2 lacks the ability to route external synths through its effects section, a limitation noted by users seeking integrated effects processing.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
andreleme

A Nord like no other

Many synthesis variations in a same box, like no other Nord. But no arpeggiator nor sequencer. Limited aftertouch.

Roles:
Genres:
From Gear Setup
adamdavidson

Excellent synthesis and sample processing with masterkeyboard capability

Excellent subtractive synthesis with decent realtime sample processing. This is my masterkeyboard too.

stefano_venom_sartori

.

My first red-bitch...i loved it

emlynlucas

Great for Samples

Excellent Synth for playing live and taking samples from your computer to the stage!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Clavia Nord Wave

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Dave Grohl - Play [Keys in Master Version]" by painmanist, Dave Grohl is observed using the Clavia Nord Wave synthesizer.

See how Deadmau5 uses Clavia Nord Wave

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

The Clavia Nord Wave can be seen in this video Deadmau5 posted.

See how Flume uses Clavia Nord Wave

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via Photo

Nord Wave synthesizer can be seen on the top

See how James Blake uses Clavia Nord Wave

James Blake

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

At about 35:28 you can see that the higher Nord is actually a Wave rather than a lead.

See how Kiko Loureiro uses Clavia Nord Wave

Kiko Loureiro

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AbYQp-eix4 At the 4:38 mark, that distinctive black slope, the controller and button config, plus he mentions it's a Wave, is a giveaway.

See how Owl City uses Clavia Nord Wave

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Ayoungmusic

Adam Young's studio includes a Nord Wave amongst its synthesizers.

See how Jordan Rudess uses Clavia Nord Wave

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

Jordan Rudess shows his Clavia Nord Wave in his studio at around 0:34 in this video.

See how Washed Out uses Clavia Nord Wave

Washed Out

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photoshelter

In this photo, Washed Out can be seen using a Clavia Nord Wave.

See how Vitalic uses Clavia Nord Wave

Vitalic

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"The Nord Wave is really cool because it's a synthesizer between a sampler and a synthesizer. I used it a lot for pads, violins and piano..."

See how Edgar Froese uses Clavia Nord Wave

Edgar Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

The red Clavia Nord Wave easy viewable as one of the main keyboards with the Korg Radias on the Electric Mandarine Tour with Tangerine Dream, for example.

See how D-Block & S-te-Fan uses Clavia Nord Wave

D-Block & S-te-Fan

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

"Using this baby for this melody!"

See how Astrix uses Clavia Nord Wave

Astrix

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post captioned "Night out with that awesome gang," Astrix is seen using the Clavia Nord Wave synthesizer.

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 Wave, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
andreleme

andreleme

Gear IQ 485

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

1 alternative for Clavia Nord Wave, curated by the Equipboard community.

Nord Wave 2

$1,999.00 - $2,999.00

newer

Nord has finally launched an updated version of the Nord Wave, Nord Wave 2.

More Clavia Nord Synthesizers

Clavia Nord Lead 4

$1,435.36 - $1,799.00

 
Tyler Joseph Deadmau5 James Blake
29 artists using
Sequential Prophet-6

$3,289.36 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,475.01 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$299.79 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$385.00 - $530.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides