Clavia Nord Lead is the first virtual analog subtractive synthesizer developed in Sweden, being released to the public by Clavia in 1995. Analog Modeling Synthesizer, also referred to as Virtual Analog or VA is a synthesizer that emulates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using digital signal processing components. ... Subtractive synthesis is a method of sound synthesis characterised by the application of an audio filter to a source signal. ... Clavia is a Swedish virtual analog synthesizer and digital percussion system manufacturer founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1983 by Hans Nordelius and Mikael Carlsson. ...

This synthesizer was distinctive for its red coloration and knob-laden surface; it was later identified as avant-garde to the Clavia Nord Lead line of synthesizers. After the post release of the Nord Lead, several updates followed suit; such as the Nord Lead 2, Nord Lead 2x, and Nord Lead 3. The Nord Lead pursued its mission to emulate the classic analog sounds of the Roland TB-303 and the Minimoog, the Nord Lead in itself has now been crowned a classic. A work similar to Marcel Duchamps Fountain Avant garde (written avant-garde) is a French phrase, one of many French phrases used by English speakers. ... The Roland TB-303 Bass Line is a synthesizer with built-in sequencer manufactured by the Roland corporation in 1982 that had a defining role in the development of contemporary electronic music. ... The Minimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer, invented by David van Koevering and Robert Moog. ...

Updates

Clavia Nord Lead 2

Clavia Nord Lead 2 was launched two years after the production of the original Lead.

Compared to synthesizers being constructed via analog components, the Clavia Nord Lead 2 uses digital signal processors (DSPs) programmed to emulate both Subtractive and FM synthesis. Due to Clavia's advanced method of programming, the Clavia Nord Lead 2 reproduces the warmth and richness of the traditional analog sound. This synthesizer also gives you the ability to create a wide palette of sounds through additional modifications. The chassis of the Nord Lead 2 is red metal with a series of LEDs scattered throughout the upper-left-hand corner of the apparatus. The term synthesiser is also used to mean frequency synthesiser, an electronic system found in communications. ... A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor designed specifically for digital signal processing, generally in real-time. ... Subtractive synthesis is a method of sound synthesis characterised by the application of an audio filter to a source signal. ... Frequency modulation synthesis (or FM synthesis) is a form of audio synthesis where the timbre of a simple waveform is changed by frequency modulating it with a modulating frequency that is also in the audio range, resulting in a more complex waveform and a different-sounding tone. ...

Nord Lead 2X

In 2003 Clavia introduced the 2X, a refresh of the Nord Lead 2. It boasted increased polyphony (20 voice), high-resolution 24-bit 96 kHz DACs, and vastly expanded patch memory. The 2X retains the synthesis engine of its predecessor and consequently its sound characteristics.

Despite the increased polyphony and resolution, the original Nord Lead 2 is still preferred by many musicians who claim the 18-bit DACs give the sound a gritty warmth that was lost when Clavia improved the quality of the signal processing.

Nord Lead synthesizers have been used by many notable musicians, including:

• Apoptygma Berzerk
• The Aquabats
• Audiopathik
• Autechre
• Beck
• Ben Folds
• The Bravery
• Covenant
• The Crystal Method
• David Bowie
• Deadmau5
• Depeche Mode
• Devo
• Die Sektor
• Dr. Dre
• Duke Special
• Emery
• Frank Delgado
• Hallucinogen (musician)
• Hiromi Uehara
• Infected Mushroom
• Jean Michel Jarre
• Keane
• Klee (band)
• KMFDM
• Kraftwerk
• Malajube
• Man Down Medic
• Nine Inch Nails
• Opeth
• Per Wiberg
• Pet Shop Boys
• Peter Gabriel
• Polysics
• The Prodigy
• Psyclon Nine
• RZA
• Scooter
• Shpongle
• Simon Posford
• Skazi
• Teebee
• Underworld
• Wilco