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Average Price: $2,077

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$1501+

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Description

Commemorating a quarter-century of sonic excellence, the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition synthesizer merges classic charm with modern capabilities. Designed for both professional musicians and passionate hobbyists, this limited edition synthesizer pays homage to Clavia's groundbreaking legacy. With only 299 units crafted, each synth boasts a unique custom-printed front panel and an eye-catching inverted keyboard color scheme.

Beneath its distinctive exterior, the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition retains the robust sound engine of its predecessor, offering expanded memory and a vast array of presets. Its 20-voice polyphony ensures rich, layered soundscapes, making it ideal for complex compositions and live performances. The synth's intuitive interface, featuring 26 knobs and 27 buttons, provides seamless control over every nuance of your sound, from the delicate timbre shifts to dynamic modulation.

Equipped with a 4-octave velocity-sensitive keyboard, morphing capabilities, and a wooden pitch stick, the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition invites exploration and creativity. Whether you're diving into deep basses, soaring leads, or intricate pads, this synth delivers crystal-clear sound quality, thanks to its 24-bit/96kHz converters. Perfect for seasoned professionals and aspiring artists alike, this synthesizer is not just an instrument—it's a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • 25th-anniversary limited edition with custom-printed front panel
  • 20-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
  • 4-octave velocity-sensitive keyboard with octave shift buttons (+/-2 oct.)
  • Morphing capabilities controlled by modulation wheel/pedal
  • Wooden pitch stick and modulation wheel
  • Expanded memory with 4 x 99 user programs and 100 user performances
  • Crystal-clear 24-bit/96kHz sound quality
  • 3-digit LED display and intuitive control interface with 26 knobs and 27 buttons

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Lead 2X Anniversary Edition 49-Key 20-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Red with Inverted Keys
Year 2008
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 20 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition's sound engine?

The Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition features a virtual analog synthesis engine with 20-voice polyphony and high-resolution 24-bit DACs for pristine sound quality. It offers extensive modulation capabilities and a robust library of onboard programs.

Is the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Lead 2X is designed for live performance with its intuitive interface, real-time control knobs, and sturdy build. Its 49-key synth action keyboard and versatile sound engine make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

How does the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition integrate with other MIDI equipment?

The Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition includes MIDI input and output, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI equipment. It supports MIDI assignable parameter editing, making it compatible with various setups and DAWs for studio or live use.

What is the difference between the Nord Lead 2 and the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition?

The Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition offers improvements over the original Nord Lead 2, including 20 voices of polyphony and extended internal memory. It also features 24-bit DACs for enhanced sound quality.

Does the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition come with any preset sounds?

Yes, the Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition comes with an extensive library of onboard programs and performance setups, providing a wide range of preset sounds suitable for various musical styles.

NYC Records

NYC Records

HUMAN LEAGUE "Human" chords (chorus) on NORD LEAD 2x Anniversary edition.

Video thumbnail for HUMAN LEAGUE "Human" chords (chorus) on NORD LEAD 2x Anniversary edition. by NYC Records

HUMAN LEAGUE "Human" chords (chorus) on NORD LEAD 2x Anniversary edition.

NYC Records

NYC Records

Video thumbnail for nord lead 2x anniversary model by Barbaros Dere

nord lead 2x anniversary model

Barbaros Dere

Barbaros Dere

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition.

Build quality

  • Owners note the Nord Lead 2X's keybed can feel flabby and plastic, suggesting investment in a separate controller for better tactile response.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Lead 2X operates at 96 KHz for oscillators and 48 KHz for filters, offering a unique anti-aliasing approach with its high sample rate conversion.

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  • The Nord Lead 2X lacks built-in effects, so external pedals are recommended if using it outside a DAW environment.

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  • The Nord Lead 2X supports splits and includes a live panel mode, which is beneficial for sound design.

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Software and compatibility

  • The Nord Lead 2X lacks USB, relying solely on MIDI connections, necessitating a MIDI interface or USB-MIDI cable for computer connectivity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Synth1 VST, the Nord Lead 2X includes patch morphing and distinct oscillator and filter tones, differentiating it from supposed software emulations.

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  • The Nord Lead 2X has a dry, metallic, and buzzy sound, contrasting with the lush, chorus-rich tones of the Behringer Deepmind 12, which emulates a Juno.

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  • The Nord Lead 2X is noted for its Prophet 5-like characteristics, making it less versatile but distinct in its sound profile.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It’s been suggested to negotiate the price down to around 600 euros for a used Nord Lead 2X, indicating potential overpricing at 700 euros.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Nord Lead 2X inspiring and note its sterile, cold sound as particularly effective when paired with reverb or delay.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the portability and lightweight design of the Nord Lead 2X for gigging purposes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Nord Lead 2X is popular for synthpop, 80s pop, and modern music styles like Passion Pit and M83.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Clavia Nord Lead 2X

soundonsound.com

The Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition impresses with its expanded polyphony and storage, delivering a powerful sonic experience with intuitive controls. Its 24-bit DACs provide crisp sound, though the lack of aftertouch, effects, and a MIDI Thru may deter some users. Despite navigation challenges with its simple display, the synth's robust build and rich, morphable sounds make it a worthy investment for those seeking a classic virtual-analog experience.

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Artist usage

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See how Vorwerk uses Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition

Vorwerk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

Clearly be seen in numerous pictures on his facebook page.

See how Boston Bun uses Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition

Boston Bun

Music Producer

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Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 1:20 into this video.

See how FerrariLover uses Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition

FerrariLover

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

you can see Ferrari's nord lead anniversary model in a new year's eve facebook post she made a few hours before the clock struck midnight on 2021. she has mentioned in an interview that the synth was one of the early pieces of gear she got, circa 2009, as it was used by J.B. Dunkel of Air, who has influenced her.

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 Nord Lead 2X Anniversary Edition, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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teodor_pop

teodor_pop

Gear IQ 135

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