Clavia Nord Lead 4 Synthesizer

It has been quiet in Stockholm for a while as we wait to hear news of development from the Swedish manufacturer Clavia. Despite the Nord Lead 2 being updated again to meet modern demands, there was already a step forward in development with the Clavia Nord Lead 3, and so to us it seemed that every change to the Nord Lead 2 was a step-backwards in the development of Synthesizers from the house of Clavia. All of this has added to our excitement as it now seems Clavia has gotten back to its roots with the introduction of Nord Lead 4.

The Clavia Nord Lead 4 finally delivers fresh sounds and is adorned with wooden side-walls, borrowed from Nord Stage models. The fourth generation extends the Nord Lead era which began in 1995 and is based on popular virtual analog sound generators which consists of 2 oscillators and a broad filter section. The sound generator was also given an extensive effect section.

The 2 oscillators feature various analog style wave forms. In addition, popular digital waveforms such as bells or organs can also be selected. The mixed signal from oscillator 1 and 2 follows a path through a pronounced filter section. 6 different filter types can be selected which, with a lot of effort, were developed to imitate the filter characteristics of the TB 303 and the Moog Ladder filters. Next to 2 different overdrive modes, a Bitcrusher and 3 different Talk effects, the blend-able effects section offers mixable classic effects such as reverb and delay which are usable on every individual sound.

The various sound modifications can be controlled via the modulation wheel making it possible to add a high degree of variation into the performance very easily. The Performance mode in combination with the Arpeggiator produces very abstract and inspiring sequences making this device a true secret weapon for live performances.!!!