Clavia Nord Modular

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Clavia Nord Modular is a line of synthesizers produced by Clavia, a Swedish digital synthesizer manufacturer. The Nord Modular synthesizers produce sounds using analog modelling as well as FM Synthesis.

The Nord Modular is programmed using the Nord Modular Editor software (available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS). The software, which is supplied with the synthesizers (and which can also be downloaded from Clavia's website), 'talks' to the synthesizer via a pair of MIDI cables (first generation) or by a USB cable (second generation).

The Nord Modular pioneered the concept of a 'virtual modular synthesizer.' The nord editor software graphically represents arrangements of virtual modules wired together with virtual cables, mimicking the way a sound would be created on a modular synthesizer. The Nord Modular line of synthesizers features a number of modules: In/Out, Oscillators, Low Frequency Oscillators (or LFO's), Envelopes, Filters, Mixers, Audio, Control, Logic and Sequencers. A patch can be a very basic wiring of an oscillator to an output module (thus producing a constant sound) or a very complex one, utilizing dozens of modules.

Clavia discontinued the original Modular line in 2004 upon releasing the newer generation Nord Modular G2. The G2 is an updated and more powerful version of the original Modular (the G2 uses a new version of the Editor software as well). However, there has been some debate in the NM community as to which generation produces the best raw sound.

[edit] The original Nord Modular (or 'Classic') series

(from the Clavia website)

The (first generation) Nord Modular family consists of three hardware models: Nord Modular Key, Nord Modular Rack and Nord Micro Modular. They are all built around the same type of electronics and use the same type of DSP. Nord Modular Key and Rack have 4 DSPs as standard (can be expanded to 8 with the Nord Modular Voice Expansion Board), and the Nord Micro Modular has 1 DSP (non-expandable).

Nord Modular Key and Rack specifications

General

Programmable polyphonic modular synthesizer Minimum 4 voices expandable to minimum 8 voices Maximum 32 voices depending on patch complexity 4-part multi-timbral Holds patches (sounds) and operating system in Flash memory. Software upgradable via the computer. Dynamical patch storage in 9 banks with 99 memory locations. The amount of patches that can be stored depends on their size (number of modules used) 24-bit internal processing at 96 kHz sampling frequency MIDI features

All parameters, except for the Master Level, can transmit and receive MIDI Control Change messages. Notes can be received over the entire MIDI range. MIDI clock Synchronizing.

Hardware

18 user-assignable editing knobs 18 dedicated function buttons Rotary dial 2x16 character backlit LCD display Two analog audio inputs, line level. 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADCs, 48 kHz sampling frequency 4 assignable outputs, line-level. 18-bit linear DACs, 96 kHz sampling frequency Headphones output MIDI In and Out for "public MIDI" PC In and Out for communication with computer Editor Control pedal, Sustain or ON/Off pedal inputs 2 octave velocity sensitive keyboard with octave shift buttons (+/- 2 octaves) (Nord Modular Key) Midi In trig indicator (Nord Modular Rack)

Dimensions (Nord Modular Key)

473(W) 264(D) 70(H) mm 18.6"(W) 10.4"(D) 3.5"(H) Weight: 4.7 kg, 10.36 lbs

Dimensions (Nord Modular Rack)

423(W) 176(D) 118(H) mm 16.6"(W) 6.9"(D) 4.6"(H) 19" rack mountable with supplied rack ears Weight: 3.2 kg, 7.05 lbs

Specifications subject to change without notice Nord Micro Modular specifications

Programmable modular synthesizer with polyphonic capacity 24-bit internal processing at 96 kHz sampling frequency Maximum 4 voices (practical limit) depending on patch complexity 3 user-assignable editing knobs and one user-assignable button 3 dedicated function buttons 2x7-segment LED display Holds 99 user patches (sounds) and operating system software in Flash memory. Software upgradable via the computer. MIDI features

All parameters, except the master level, can transmit and receive MIDI Control Change messages. Notes can be received over the entire MIDI range. MIDI clock Synchronizing. Nord Micro Modular hardware specifications

Two analog audio inputs, line level. 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADCs, 48 kHz sampling frequency 2 assignable outputs, line-level. 18-bit linear DACs, 96 kHz sampling frequency Headphones output MIDI In and Out for "public MIDI" PC In and Out for communication with computer Editor Dimensions: 210 (W), 120 (D), 40 (H) mm

Classic Nord Modulars are sold for about 700$ to 1000$ in second hand stores and on E-Bay.

The Nord Modular appears in the Nine Inch Nails video for Into The Void.

[edit] External links

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