At the Cutting Edge!

The Nord Lead A1 was built for speed a feature that is shown in the design of the user interface. Due to its craft this agility eases experimentation and allows the Lead A1 for nimble programming that produces an outstanding analogue modelling synthesizer.

Creation and deployment

The Lead A1 is a fantastic synth value, sure; but it's not some "souped-down" version of Nord's flagship A4. This synthesizer represents a new direction for the Lead series - one in which your ability to whip up truly impressive patches quickly and intuitively is of paramount importance. Hot new features such as a unique, eight-configuration oscillator block and the new "Like" list make it faster and easier than ever to get the sound you're after during a show or studio session. Need inspiration? The A1 gives you four separate arpeggiators with a 4-octave range and Up/Down and Random modes. And of course, you can sync any or all of them to the Lead A1's master clock.

Oscillator Section

The Nord Lead A1 features their Wave Engine with oscillator configuration shortcuts utilizing two oscillators. Start with a single oscillator waveform (a choice of multiple Analog and Digital waveforms), select an Oscillator Configuration Shortcut - pitch, detune, shape, sync, FM, ring modulation, dual Osc or noise - and use the OSC Control knob to adjust the settings of the configuration.

Filter Section

The Lead A1's filter section features classic 12 and 24 dB low-pass, a high-pass and a band-pass filter, together with emulations of the diode and ladder filters from the Mini and the TB-303 synthesizers. The Lead A1's modeling of these filters capture the character and response of the originals, allowing flexible sound design.

Effects Section

The Lead A1's effects section features two analogue models of an ensemble and chorus, modelled on specific vintage synths and adding analogue feel. Alongside these, choose from ring modulation, phaser, flanger or drive per slot and in addition a separate delay and reverb for each slot

Main features:

49 key velocity sensitive keyboard

Unique oscillator setup with preset configuration shortcuts for fast patch creation

New intuitive interface layout for fast patch creation

Five waveform LFO and Mod envelope

12 and 24 dB/Octave filter

Mini and TB-303 style diode and ladder filters

Effects section with ensemble, chorus, phaser, flanger, ring modulator and drive

Four part multi-timbral

Master clock for internal and external sync

Arpeggiator

Splits and layering

Includes Nord Sound Manager software

MIDI control

Four outputs on ¼” balanced TRS

Headphone output  on ¼” balanced TRS

MIDI In/Out on 5-pin DIN and USB

Tech Specs:

• Type: Keyboard Synthesizer
• Sound Engine: Modeling
• Number of Keys: 49
• Type of Keys: Synth-weighted, Velocity-sensitive
• Other Controllers: Pitch Stick, Mod Wheel
• Polyphony: 24 Notes
• Number of Effects: 6
• Effects Types: Ensemble, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulator, Drive
• Arpeggiator: Yes
• Audio Outputs: 4 x 1/4"
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
• USB: 1 x Type B
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
• Pedal Inputs: 1 x Sustain, 1 x Expression
• Power Source: Internal
• Height: 9cm
• Width: 86cm
• Depth: 27cm
• Weight: 5kg