NORD KEYBO ARDS – WINT ER 2 00 9 THE nord PRODUCT RANGE winter 2009 Handmade in sweden by devoted musiclovers at Clavia DMI AB
Contents NORD Elect ro 3 10 Nor d Stage EX 18 Nor d Wave 26 Nor d C1 34 Nor d Lead 2 X 42 Manufacturer: Clavia DMI AB, Box 4214, SE-102 65 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46 8 442 73 60, Fax: +46 8 644 26 50, Email: clavia@clavia.se www.nordkeyboards.
A BRIEF The COMPANY HISTORY 80’s 1983 Clavia was founded in 1983 by Hans Nordelius in Stockholm, Sweden. In a basement in a suburb of Stockholm he created the Digital Percussion Plate 1 which was released later the same year. For the first time ever drummers could play sampled sounds with great feel and dynamics. The sounds were stored on removable EPROM cartridges in 8-bit format. Needless to say, the product was an instant success. 1984 In 1984 the brand name ddrum was introduced.
The 90’s 1995 The Nord Lead synthesizer was released in 1995. It was Clavias first synthesizer and the first on the market to emulate analog synthesis. Thanks to its warm analog-like sound and straight forward user interface, the Nord Lead quickly became a huge success. With the Nord Lead Clavia introduced the term virtual analog, which since then has become widely accepted and synonymous with this form of synthesis.
The New millennium 2001 The goal when developing the Nord Electro, introduced in 2001, was to create the best emulations of classical electromechanical keyboards on the market. The Nord Electro doesn’t offer any brass sounds or orchestral banks, just outstanding electro-mechanical sounds with a lot of passion. Unlike the instruments it emulates it is also extremely portable. The Nord Lead 3 was also released in 2001 and has been described as the ultimate performance synthesizer.
THE FUTURE Clavia is dedicated to continue to develop amazing and exquisite instruments according to our principles and philosophy, aimed at the performing musician. Magnus Kjellander - Partner and Head of Software Development and Hans Nordelius - Founder, Innovator and CEO.
THE are Nord keyboards eden, handmade in Sw o wh le op pe l rea by as loves music just much as you do. nord fACTORY The Nord factory is located in the creative area of Stockholm called SoFo, in the district of Södermalm. It occupies three stories of an old industrial brick building close to the major music shop district and is brimming with creativity.
The logistics of the production line is like a carefully crafted piece of art. Months ahead the crew knows exactly what products will be assembled and shipped on e.g a particular Tuesday. Furthermore During the fin al asse mbly, ever y me mber of the crew takes ful l responsibility . they also could tell you what was delivered 18 months ago! Our Quality Control starts at the very first production station.
VIRTUAL ELECTROMECHANICAL KEYBOARD Mi ssi o n: T o m ake a new Elect ro b etter tha n a nyth i ng we’ve ever m ade b ef or e. I nc ludi ng all T he gr eat Stage pi a no sou nds. With the introduction of the Nord Electro 3, the legacy of the original Electro and the knowhow that have shaped some of the other Nord models have been combined.
How do you improve on a classic performance keyboard like the original Electro? You could take it gently, or you just do what we did with the Electro 3; push it as far as you can, and then a bit further. The demands from a performing keyboard player haven’t really changed all that much, good quality never goes out of style. We just want to offer you some of the best stuff we have, in a affordable and easy-to-use instrument.
You can add virtually any sound you want to the Nord Electro 3. Sounds that we offer for free are from the Mellotron Library or any ORGAN SECTION other instrument from the expanding and extensive Nord Sample Library, which is the same format as the Nord Wave uses. The growling sound, and the soul of a B3 is hard to replicate faithfully in a digital instrument. We’ve spent years perfecting our digital mod- NORD SAMPLE EDITOR els and the Electro 3 contains the best emulation so far.
VOX AND FARFISA The Farfisa* and Vox* models are just as impressive as the B3. The massive savage sound created by their 12-top oscillator frequencydivider designs is of course also a nosample zone in the Electro 3; you have the same behavior and unique response from our models as in the original instruments.
BRAND NEW EFFECT SECTION The Nord Electro 3 is equipped with a great selection of high quality effects including a lush sounding reverb with five different algorithms. There is also a selection of tremolo, panning, wah-wah, phaser, flanger and chorus effects, and a ring modulator. ENHANCED ROTARY SPEAKER EMULATOR The rotary speaker emulator originates from the award winning Nord C1 Combo Organ, with its acclaimed sound quality.
EASY-TO-USE MANAGER XL MEMORY CAPACITY The Electro 3 Manager is an easy-to-use The Nord Electro 3 has a flash memory for tool that allows you to load the Electro 3 pianos and samples with a total size of 256 with new pianos and samples, and to ar- MB. 68 MB of the memory is reserved for OS upgrades, Pianos and samples can range and make backups of the memories. the sample partition.
Nord ELECTRO 3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ORGAN SECTION • • • • • • • • • • • Organ section from the acclaimed Nord C1 Combo Organ. Three classic organ models: B3, Vox Continental, and Farfisa with full polyphony. 9 digitally controlled drawbars. Two complete organ registrations for every program. The drawbars of Electro 3 are represented by up/down buttons and LED bar graphs instead of the ordinary mechanical drawbars.
Br i ng eve n mor e of the aw ar d wi n ni ng Nor d pi a no sou nds t o each a nd ever y perf or m a nce! T wi ce the s amp le memor y i n the new Stage EX. Stunning acoustic grand samples, classic organs, electric pianos, clavinet, synthesizers, and every effect you’re likely to want. GRAND PIANO • WURLITZER • E-PIANO • TONEWHEEL ORGAN • VOX • FARFISA • SYNTHESIZER... O ne dr eam, o ne package, one am azing instrument, – the new Stage EX.
NEW FEATURES IN NORD STAGE EX The Stage EX stems directly from the Nord The Stage’s user interface is designed from a Stage, but have gone through a major hard- basic concept: All vital functions are repre- ware change and also received a cosmetic sented on the front panel - easy to access, makeover. The new features are: and never further away than a press of a single button.
MODELS The Nord Stage EX comes in three different models, 88, 76 and Compact. The 88 and 76 both feature weighted hammer-action keyboards while the compact is equipped with a semi-weighted organ (waterfall profile) keyboard. Other than keyboard type and the number of accessories available, all three models share the same set of features. The latest version - the Stage EX - boasts an internal memory which is twice the size of the previous models.
THE SYNTH SECTION Don’t let the panel fool you; the Stage’s Synth Section is a wolf in sheep’s clothing – small, but with a big sound. After more than 10 years of designing synthesizers, we accepted a new challenge - designing a powerful synth with a few controls that would equal the quick and easy manipulation of the Organ and Piano sections.
NORD STAGE CLASSIC REVISIONS The Stage models have been subject to a few makeovers. The very first series of the Stage are now called Revision A, with a smooth red paint on the top panel. Revision B that followed were augmented with brackets for the music stand and also introduced the textured paint on the panel and the chassis. Revision B units are also identified with the text revision B under the Nord Stage logo to the right on the panel.
THE EFFECTS No sound is complete without the proper use of effects. In the Nord Stage we incorporated all the effects required to cover musicians’ needs. All of the three instrument sections - Organ, Piano and Synth - can individually be routed through the Stage’s built-in effect units. Turning the effects on and off, and controlling the routing is easily done by a touch of dedicated buttons, readily accessible at the bottom of each effects unit.
ACCESSORIES Keyboard Stand SOFT CASE The Nord Stage 88/76 can be fitted with legs remi- A semi-hard, padded, customsized soft case with niscent of a classic electric piano. They are very easy wheels is available for safe and comfortable trans- to assemble and disassemble for transport. The legs portation are optional and sold separately. MUSIC STAND An easily attachable music stand is also available for the 88/76 models.
NORD WAVE SYNTHESIZER Our l atest tech no logy allow s you t o i ntegr ate di gi tal s amp les i n a n a n alog e nvi ro nme nt. Massi ve w a vef or m capabi li t i es, f i lter s a nd effect s wi ll ge ner ate sou nds most def i ni tely never hear d b ef or e. You might get the impression you are looking at a regular analog style synthesizer. Nothing could be more right - nothing could be more wrong.
WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT By having two oscillators capable of producing a vast array of sounds from classic analog waveforms (with sync), FM synthesis, wavetables, sampled waves (single cycle waveforms with attack) as well as noise and other miscellaneous waveforms, the Nord Wave has an unprecedented pallet of sounds for you to use as foundation. Need a rich and full string quartet? No problem, just call up a string sample.
OSCILLATOR MODULATION HIGH QUALITY SAMPLES Oscillator 1 uses two types of oscillator modulation To us, quality supersedes quantity. Great samples to bring out different characteristics to a blended are not determined by their size in bytes, but by sound: Phase Modulation and Frequency Modula- how well their detail and character are preserved. tion.
USE YOUR OWN SAMPLES to create a massive sound palette. Everything is easily controlled by the Slot A & B buttons conve- Nord Wave offers the unprecedented power to niently located near the pitch stick, mod wheel, and use any audio recording as an oscillator source in octave-switching buttons, making them as much a virtual analog environment. Simply import any performance controllers as programming features.
EFFECTS The effect section gives your sound a final touch. Whether it is just a small amount of reverb, chorus, a massive delay, or tube-style overdrive, your sounds become more dynamic with rich effects without having to MORPHING Nord’s unique Morph Grouping technique allows you to alter the setting of virtually any sound-related parameter in real time with the modulation wheel, control pedal, use outboard gear. Five different reverb algorithms are provided, from a small room to a large hall.
Accessories Keep your Nord instrument in perfect shape with the ultimate soft case, featuring a plush interior, thick padding, and the distinctive Nord red color. The mid-sized pocket will hold all your cables and accessories. Carrying handles, shoulder strap, and two backpack straps lets you carry your instrument any way you want.
Apart from difficulties in sourcing, restoring, and maintaining these vintage organs, their sheer size and weight make them anything but ideal for the gigging musician – especially when you add out-board effects, amplifiers and speakers. ONE TONEWHEEL ORGAN • TWO TRANSISTOR ORGANS • ROTATING SPEAKER • OVERDRIVE • EQ • DELAY Earthy and vivid organ sounds have remained popular throughout the decades of pop and Rock & Roll music.
Can you tell the difference? T h r ee i n o ne! The dual manual Nord C1 Combo Organ comprises three types of vintage organs; a classic tonewheel, Vox* Continental and Farfisa* Compact Deluxe, all carefully modeled from their vintage originals.
DIGITAL DRAWBARS & SWITCHES Best Friends The fabulous sound aside, some areas of the original instrument’s Even though our rotary simulation is nothing less than amaz- design were up for improvement. For instance, the ability to store ing, we are the first to acknowledge that the C1:s best friend your favorite sounds and quickly recall them as you play. This gets in the pursuit of sonic excellence is an external rotary cabinet.
ON THE ROAD Having three vintage organs in your studio is fun, but it’s even better when you can easily carry them with you to a gig. That is why the Nord C1 Combo Organ is lightweight and very portable. With the optional soft case you can carry the massive power of three vintage monster organs in one hand; weighing in at merely 15 kg (33 lbs) you will save energy for your performance. APPEARANCE The Nord C1 Combo Organ is not just about smart design and gorgeous sound; it is about stage presence.
T H E NEW T ONEW H EEL B E AST GO WITH THE FLOW The unique tonewheel generator design is the heart of the vintage sound. This is where the basic sound is created by 91 spinning discs and magnetic coils. Nord has modeled all tone generators for a full polyphony of 147 notes. The model also includes significant artifacts like wheel crosstalk, cable leakage and coil energy robbing. Especially the energy robbing is crucial for organ playing techniques.
ACCESSORIES H ALF MOON SWITCH With the Half Moon Switch you can control the speed of the built-in rotating speaker simulation as well as an external rotary speaker connected via the 11-pin Leslie* connection. The Half Moon Switch offers 3 speed settings (slow – stop – fast) and is easily attached without the use of any tools at various locations along the left side of the lower manual.
Nord C1 COMBO ORGAN TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL EFFECT SECTION Master Level Control 100 Program Locations 2 Live Buffers 3-band Equalizer Overdrive 3 types of Speaker Simulations - including Rotary Speaker with selectable speed (slow - stop - fast) Delay - with feedback and tap-tempo function Reverb - 5 algorithms ORGAN SECTION 3 Organ Models: - Classic Tonewheel Organ - Vox* Continental Transistor Organ - Farfisa* Compact Deluxe Transistor Organ Full Polyphony 20 Digitally Controlled Drawbars 6 D
VIRTUAL ANALOG SYNTHESIZER Debut i ng i n 1995, the f i r st Nor d Lead virtual analog synthesizer t ook the musi c wor ld by st or m. It i nsta nt ly b ecame a n i ndust r y sta nd ar d a nd takes a p l ace amo ng the most r ever ed c l assi c synthesizers. Its warm analog sound coupled with cutting-edge digital technology moved the Nord Lead into a “leading” position in the synthesizer community.
The Lead 2 improved upon the The NORD Lead 2X – Rebirth of a Classic original Nord Lead, including an Why change a winning concept? We didn’t! With the Nord expanded polyphony. A decade Lead 2X, we simply upgraded the hardware, maintaining later, the Nord Lead, and its live on for years to come, and the Nord Lead 2X is part of descendant the Nord Lead 2, are still among the most popular synths ever built. Used worldwide on stage and in studios, the same concept and sound.
Virtual Analog Velocity Programming Part of the allure of classic synthesizers is the physi- A special Velocity Programming section can be con- cal control of the sound. If you want to change the trolled by the Modulation Wheel, making it possible shape of the sound, you turn a knob. Then digital to continuously morph between parameter settings.
Nord lead 2X rack version Nord Lead 2X is also available in a rack version; Nord Rack 2X. Nord Lead 2X Technical Specifications POLYPHONY 20 voices. 4 part multitimbral. SPECI AL FEATURES Velocity Morphing: each function, controlled by a knob, can be controlled to respond to keyboard velocity. Wheel Morphing: each function, controlled by a knob, can also be controlled by the Modulation Wheel/Control Pedal to continuously fade between two sets of values.
world wide nord Distributors Visit www.nordkeyboards.com for a detailed world wide distributor list.
Handmade in sweden by devoted musiclovers at Clavia DMI AB 48 www.nordkeyboards.
