Nord Modular

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Nord Modular (Classic, keyboard version)
Nord Modular (Classic, keyboard version)

The Clavia Nord Modular series is a line of synthesizers produced by Clavia, a Swedish digital synthesizer manufacturer. The Nord Modular series, in common with their sister range the Nord Lead series, are analogue modelling synthesizers, producing sounds which approximate those produced by conventional analogue synths by using DSP chips to digitally model analogue circuitry.

However, unlike most other analogue modelling synth hardware, which generally simulate one or a small number of (usually subtractive ) synth circuit layouts, the Nord Modular range approximates the much more flexible world of modular synthesizers, offering an almost unlimited variation of synth architectures, with the facility to simulate, in addition to subtractive synthesis, additive, AM, FM, and, in the second generation of the series, physical modelling synthesis methods, as well as a number of other sound generation and processing techniques.

Because of the flexibility offered by these synths, patches cannot be programmed from the controls on the units themselves. Patch editing is instead performed on a PC or Mac (connected via 2 dedicated MIDI ports in the case of the first generation and USB in the second generation or G2 systems), running editor software bundled with the synths.

The editor software is in appearance and function not dissimilar to computer-based modular synthesis environments like Reaktor which offer a graphical representation of the simulated modules and the associated connections between them. Unlike those systems however, the Nord Modular s are capable of functioning independently of a computer- the host computer plays no part in sound generation and is needed only to provide the patch editing interface.

The Nord Modular line of synthesizers features a range of modules familiar to users of hardware modulars: audio input and output modules, Oscillators, Low Frequency Oscillators (or LFOs), envelopes, filters of various kinds, mixers, audio effects such as distortion and chorus , logic gates and sequencers, which can be connected in almost any configuration- there is for example no restriction on connecting audio signal outputs to control signal or logic inputs (or vice-versa), allowing for a great deal of flexibility in patch creation. Patches are only limited in complexity by the available DSP resources.

However, the more complex a patch is in general, the smaller the available polyphony is, and in practice the specified full polyphony of the unit is only achievable when using a very small number of modules in a given patch. However it should be noted that because of the flexible nature of the unit 'polyphony' does not correspond strictly to 'number of different notes sounding at one time'- indeed with some thought and careful programming it is possible to exceed the specified polyphony of the unit (by this definition of polyphony at least).

Clavia introduced the first generation in 1998. The series was discontinued in 2004 upon the release of the next generation Nord Modular G2 series. 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), with greater polyphony and a large number of new modules to address the perceived limitations of the first generation, most notably a range of MIDI sequencing and output modules (the first generation's sequencing capabilities were limited to control of internal parameters, a restriction which many users felt to be the system's biggest limitation), time-based effects ( reverb, delay, etc.), and physical modelling oscillators. However, there has been some debate in the NM community as to which generation produces the best raw sound, with many users feeling, for example, that the original series' filters had a more subjectively pleasing, grittier 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.

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