• From: Rotterdam
  • Registered: 2009-02-14
  • Posts: 1,149

Topic: Looking at a nord modular

I'm thinking about getting a nord modular. Can people tell me about the sequencer's capabilities? Can you have (like on a nord lead 2) sequence's running from one one preset and contintue play one the other?
How much are they being paid for today? Is there a serious difference between the original and the g2?

score100's Website

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 480

Re: Looking at a nord modular

You can have a sequence running on one patch and play on another, yes.  You can have a sequenced synth and a playable synth in the SAME patch if you want!  The possibilities for sequencing are vast with the Nord Modulars.

Off the top of my head, some key differences between the G1 and the G2 are:

G2 has MIDI modules, G1 does not.
G2 has LCD scribble strips above the control panel knobs, G1 does not.
G2 keyboard (and G2x) has a very elegant physical user interface that make it a joy to use.
G2 has more memory for DSP effects like delay and reverb, G1 does not.
The general consensus is that the G1 sounds a bit more aggressive than the G2.

A huge plus for the G2 for me is that the demo editor lets you make (and hear) sounds without needing a G2.  I love this because I can make patches at work on my break or whatever and then perfect them when I get home.  If you want to get an idea of what the G2 would be like, go here and get the demo: http://www.clavia.se/products/nordmodular/demo.htm.  Then, go here and download some patches from the sequencer section and see what can be done (some won't work with the demo version, but many will) http://electro-music.com/forum/forum-44.html

If the sequencers are something you think you'd be using often, I'd strongly suggest the G2 keyboard.  When you map a sequencer to the control panel, the knobs are mapped to each sequencer step, and a chaser-light runs along the bottom when the sequence is playing.  It's very slick.  Plus the G2 has MIDI modules (not available on the original NM) so you can sequence whatever you want with it.  I've had mine for a while so I don't really know what they go for today.

unicity's Website

3 Reply by score100 (edited by score100 2011-04-07 20:07:37)

  • From: Rotterdam
  • Registered: 2009-02-14
  • Posts: 1,149

Re: Looking at a nord modular

I don't like the g2 front panel when looking at it. The g1 has more knobs, and while it  could be nice to have these advanced sequencer lights this whole paramter grouping thing into osc's and envelopes i'd prefer having single controllers. I consider making making VERY simple patches, that don't need more than 18 controllers. The little lights above the knobs are cool though. wink

I had  a nord lead 2, so I consider I know about what the engine sounds like. For the rest, the possibilities of sounds are so endless that I doubt I'd have any preferences between the two.

score100's Website

4 Reply by unicity (edited by unicity 2011-04-07 20:17:13)

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2008-07-08
  • Posts: 480

Re: Looking at a nord modular

Well for me the G2 panel is a great example of less being more.  At first I thought it was strange that the newer version had less knobs than the older version, but once I tried it....

And hey, if you make really simple patches, wouldn't 8 knobs at a time be easier than 18?  wink

As far as parameter grouping, the front panel legend is just a suggestion.  You're free to map the knobs however you wish.  Just think of it as 5 banks of 24 knobs.

unicity's Website