Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
Videos
Nova Musik
Novamusik.com Nord Wave Synthesizer Full Demo (Part 1 of 2)
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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings
485
A Nord like no other
Many synthesis variations in a same box, like no other Nord. But no arpeggiator nor sequencer. Limited aftertouch.
266
Excellent synthesis and sample processing with masterkeyboard capability
Excellent subtractive synthesis with decent realtime sample processing. This is my masterkeyboard too.
221
Great for Samples
Excellent Synth for playing live and taking samples from your computer to the stage!
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video titled "Dave Grohl - Play [Keys in Master Version]" by painmanist, Dave Grohl is observed using the Clavia Nord Wave synthesizer.
At about 35:28 you can see that the higher Nord is actually a Wave rather than a lead.
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.
Jordan Rudess shows his Clavia Nord Wave in his studio at around 0:34 in this video.
"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..."
Album Usage
The Clavia Nord Wave 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 Wave, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Clavia Nord Wave, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,999.00 - $2,999.00
More Clavia Nord Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
adamdavidsonGear IQ 266
-