Clavia Nord Modular G2X

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Specifications

The rebirth of a classic

The original Nord Lead and Nord Lead 2 are among the most popular synthesizers ever built. Used extensively in studios, on stage and on records by the world's greatest artists, the Nord Leads have contributed with their characteristic sound on hit song after hit song. And of course, that's how we want to keep it!

So why change a winning concept, you may ask. Well, we didn't change the concept - or the sound, for that matter. We simply improved the concept and upgraded the hardware to make it possible for the Virtual Analog sound to live on for many more years to come!

The Nord Lead 2X has the same characteristic sound and functions as the Nord Lead 2, except for some very nice improvements:

X-tra polyphony: The Nord Lead 2X comes with 20 voices polyphony - very useful when creating layered sounds, "power pads", awesome leads and booming basses. 20 voices are also very beneficial in sequencing situations when you use more than one sound at a time.

X-tra memory: The Nord Lead 2X comes with a large internal memory holding 4 x 99 user Programs, 100 user Performances and 4 x 10 user Percussion Kits plus 6 x 99 factory Programs and 3 x 100 factory Performances! The Nord Lead 2X is 100% patch compatible with the Nord Lead 2 which means that you can transfer sounds directly between the models via MIDI.

X-tra high resolution: The awesome sound in the Nord Lead 2X is refined even further thanks to the brand new, crystal clear 24-bit DACs running at 96kHz.

Polyphony
20 voices. 4 part multi-timbral.

Special features
Velocity programming: Each function that is controlled by a knob, can be programmed to be controlled by velocity.
Morphing: Each function that is controlled by a knob can also be controlled by the modulation wheel/pedal to continuously fade between two sets of values.

Performance controllers
4-octave velocity sensitive keyboard.
Octave Shift buttons (+/-2 oct.)
Keyboard Split, two sections.
Wooden Pitch Stick, designed to change the pitch continuously without any dead spots. It gives you complete control of the pitch and allows you to make true and natural vibrato. The effect increases exponentially as you move it further from the center. Patent pending for the "Pitch Stick".
Modulation Wheel for modulating a number of selectable destinations. Looks great, feels great, works great.
1 pedal input for sustain and 1 for expression pedal.

User interface
3 digit LED display, 26 knobs and 27 buttons for program editing.

Oscillator section
Oscillator 1 generating sine, triangle, sawtooth or pulse wave with adjustable width. Oscillator 2 generating triangle, sawtooth or pulse (with adjustable width) and can also generate noise with a color control. Oscillator 2 can be hard synched to oscillator 1. Linear deep frequency modulation of osc 1 from osc 2. A wide range of new waveforms with a strong formant character is achieved with the synchable noise, where noise can be synched to Osc. 1.

Filter section
12 dB "2 pole" lowpass, 24 dB "4 pole" lowpass, bandpass or highpass, Notch + Lowpass. Cut off, resonance, envelope amount, envelope amount controlled by velocity. ADSR envelope. Filter keyboard tracking can be set to full, 2/3, 1/3 or off. Filter distortion.

Amplifier section
ADSR envelope, gain control.

Modulation section
Lfo 1 generating triangle, saw, pulse, LF filtered noise and random staircase routed to Osc 1+2, Osc 2, filter, pulse-width and FM amount. Lfo 2 produces a triangle waveform, routed to Osc 1 and 2 or amplifier. It also controls the rate for the arpeggiator. Arpeggiator: Range: 1 - 4 octave. Modes: up, down, up/down, random. Echo can be set between 1 and 8 repeats. Modulation envelope (attack, decay) for Osc 2 pitch, FM amount and pulse width.

Performance section
Play mode: Poly, legato, mono, unison mono, unison poly. Manual mode. Four program slots for layering possibilities. Portamento/Auto portamento.

Percussion kits
40 user "analog" percussion kits. Each percussion kit holds 8 independent sounds, configured in 8 zones across the keyboard.

Internal memory
Programs (single sounds): 990 (396 (4 x 99) user, 594 (6 x 99) factory).
Performances (multi sounds): 400 (100 user, 300 (3 x 100) factory).
Percussion kits (multi zone sounds): 40 (4 x 10) user.

Audio Out
4 outputs. Each slot can have its own output. Modes: Stereo, mono and multitimbral mode. Headphones output. High resolution, low noise 24-bit DACs running at 96kHz.

MIDI features
All control knobs and switches for program editing transmit and receive Control Change messages. System exclusive bulk dumps. One Program/Performance or all Programs/Performances in a bank. MIDI clock synchronizing LFO 1 and LFO 2/arpeggiator restart. Triggering of the filter and amplifier envelopes and velocity control from separate programmable MIDI channel and note numbers. Fully patch compatible with Nord Lead 2/Nord Rack 2.

Dimensions
865(W) 265(D) 90(H) mm. Weight 5.3 kg

435(W) 210(D) 105(H) mm. Weight 4.5 kg (Nord Rack 2X)

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Tech Sheet

THE MODULAR SYSTEM

 

Description
 
Consists of a hardware synthesizer and a PC/Mac software editor. When connected to each other via USB, the software editor and the instrument work seamlessly together, perfectly synchronized.
 
 
  
 
Sound Generation
 Modular synthesis – freely configurable sound architecture. Combine building blocks called Modules into a sound, here referred to as a Patch. The modules can be connected to each other in any desired structure, virtually without limitations. Some modules generate sounds and some of them are processing sounds (see Sound Modules). The modules support well-known synthesis techniques such as subtractive, additive, FM, physical modeling, FX processing or any combination thereof.
 
 
  
 
Sound Hierarchy
 Each Patch works as an individual and independent synthesizer.
· A patch is divided into two sections:
 The Voice area (VA) holds the polyphonic part of the sound.
 The Effect area (FX) holds the monophonic part of the sound.
· 8 Variations per patch let you store and recall multiple, favorite settings of every  patch with the push of a button.
 
 
  
 
Sound Modules
 · Over 160 Modules organized in 16 categories: In/Out, Note, Osc, LFO, Random, Envelope, Shaper, Filter, Mixer, Switch, Level, Logic, Sequencer, FX, Delay, and MIDI.

(See the complete list of modules for reference on all the available ones.)
 
 
  
 
Audio Quality
 · True 24 bit processing system with 96 kHz sampling rate.
 
 
  
 
Audio Busses
 · 4 channels of audio from Voice Area to Effect Area.
· 4 channels of audio between the 4 Patches in a Performance.
· 4 channels/buses of audio to physical Output connectors of the instrument  (freely assignable).
· 4 channels/buses of audio Input.
 
 
  
 
Audio Effects
 Totally free configuration of effects and signal routing via the dedicated Effect Area. Among the available Modules are the ones usually found in effect processors, such as Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, EQ, Pitch Shifter, Compressor, Noise Gates and Delays.
 
 
  
 
VOICING

 

Performances
 
A Performance consists of up to 4 Patches together with information about MIDI settings, layers, splits, etc.
 
 
  
 
Multitimbrality
 Features Clavia's classical Slot concept. The instrument is divided into 4 slots (edit buffers A to D) with the possibility of holding one Patch in each one of them independently, thus up to 4 patches can sound simultaneously.
 
 
  
 
Layering/Splitting
 Easy assign of layers and split points with the dedicated buttons on the synth's top panel.
· The G2 lets you work with configurations for MIDI channels, layers and splits individually for every Slot/Patch. This can be done either in Patch mode (single) or in Performance mode (multi).
· With the Split Point button you can create up to 4 split points either freely assigned or set to the 4 predefined LEDs along the keyboard.
 
 
  
 
Polyphony
 · Maximum of 32 voices. Depending on complexity (number of Modules used  and how they are combined).
· Minimum for a single Patch is at least 3 voices (4 if the Effect Area is unused). For G2X or a voice expanded G2, minimum is 7 voices (8 if the Effect Area is  unused).
 
 
  
 
SOUND STORAGE
 

Synthesizer
 
A dynamic file system that contains 6 MB of flash memory dedicated for Patches and Performances, with the maximum capacity of holding:
· 32 Banks divided into 128 memory locations for patches.
· 8 Banks divided into 128 locations for performances.
 
 
  
 
Editor Software
 · Built in Patch Browser enables fast access to Patches stored on the computer hard drive as well as the synthesizer's internal file system, which simplifies the organization of files (moving/deleting/adding). Consequently you can store as many patches and Performances as you want (the only restriction is the capacity of your computer's hard drive).
· Bank Upload/Download dialog for quick transfers/backups of complete banks of patches between your computer and synthesizer.
 
 
  
 
File Size
 · Small sized Patch files (an average of 3 kilobytes) make it easy to share and store patches.
 
 
  
 
MORPHING
 
Concept
 Clavia's well-known Morphing technology makes it easy to control multiple parameters from one source (e.g. modulation wheel, aftertouch) with the possibility to set the range for each parameter individually.
 
 
  
 
Available Sources
 Modulation Wheel, Velocity, Keyboard Range, Aftertouch, Control Pedal, Sustain Pedal, Pitch Stick or any of the eight top panel rotary encoders. (G2X features two extra assignable modulation wheels.)
 
 
  
 
PARAMETER PAGES
 

Concept
 
An interface that gives you instant access to all parameters in the Patch architecture, either from the synthesizer's top panel or from the software editor.
 
 
  
 
Hardware Support
 Extremely easy from the synth's top panel with 15 pages organized in 5 rows (1 to 5) and 3 columns (A to C). From each page you can control parameters with the 8 dedicated rotary encoders, mounted together with 4 displays that show all parameter information.
 
 
  
 
Page Modes
 · Single Patch mode - Parameter Pages are linked to one specific patch.
· Global mode-for controlling parameters in all 4 Slots from the same page.
 
 
  
 
EDITOR SOFTWARE
 

User Interface
 
· A tab system organizes available Modules in an easy and accessible way.
· Computer keyboard shortcuts for most vital functions.
· Fast Intuitive user interface that utilizes Drag & Drop for most tasks such as selecting, placing, moving and connecting modules or assigning parameters to the Parameter Pages.
· Multiple Undo/Redo function.
· Custom color of individual modules for easy overview of Patches.
· Fast replace function for modules that keeps track of connections and parameter settings.
· List of Recent Files.
· Hide/Show groups of connections/cables.
· Instant Hint views system displays configurations of MIDI CCs (continuos controllers), Morph programming and assigned parameters.
 
 
  
 
Online Help
 · Integrated help system brings you answers to your questions with the touch of a button.
· Index and search functions.
 
 
  
 
Tools
 · Virtual keyboard lets you play the sound directly from the editor.
· Notepad lets you store reminders etc. together with your work.
· Patch Browser (See Sound Storage).
· Bank Upload/Download dialog (see Sound Storage).
 
 
  
 
Min. Requirements
 Macintosh
 Windows
 
Mac G3, 400 MHz, USB-port, 128 MB RAM, OSX 10.2 (or later)
 PC Pentium II, 500 MHz, USB-port, 128 MB RAM, Windows 98SE/2000/XP
 
The computer is used only for the purpose of visual patching and sending instructions to the G2 and has nothing to do with the processing of sounds. Therefore the computer requirements are comparably low.
 
 
 
  
 
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION
 

External
 
· 16 MIDI channels via MIDI In, Out and Thru.
· Note On/Off, Aftertouch, Pitch Bend, Program Change, MIDI CC (freely assignable to any parameter), SysEx dump and Bank Select.
 
 
  
 
Internal
 MIDI can be internally routed from one slot to an other via internal virtual MIDI connections (e.g. Slot A sequencers can play a slot B Patch).
 
 
  
 
MIDI Sync
 · MIDI clock sync and song position pointers let you control Delays, LFO and Sequencer modules.
· The G2 can function as a master clock for external gear.
 
 
  
 
Extras
 Except for normal MIDI functions, the G2 can produce and process MIDI information on any channel (regardless of the Slot's main channel) through a set of specially designed MIDI processing Modules. It also supports MIDI automation of external gear from its front panel using the module Midi Control Automate.
 
 
  
 
MODEL SPECIFIC FEATURES
 

G2
 
· 3-octaves keyboard.
· 1 modulation wheel.
· Back panel mounted XLR mic input.
 
 
  
 
G2X
 · 5-octaves, semi-weighted keyboard.
· 3 modulation wheels with built in LEDs.
· Top panel mounted XLR mic input.
· Shipped with gooseneck microphone.
· Shipped with a built in voice expansion, thus delivering twice the processing power as the 3-octave G2 and Engine.
 
 
  
 
Engine
 · 19'' rack unit, no keyboard.
· Entirely controlled by software editor, no hardware buttons and controllers.
· Features the same in-/outputs as the other models except for microphone and pedal inputs.
 
 
  
 
SYNTHESIZER CONTROLLERS FOR G2 and G2X (key models)
 

Modulation Wheels
 
· G2-1 modulation wheel.
· G2X-3 modulation wheels with extra built in LEDs.
 
 
  
 
Pitch Stick
 · Both key models feature Clavia's famous, patented high-resolution Pitch Stick.
 
 
  
 
Keyboard
 · G2-3 octave synth keyboard with aftertouch.
· G2X-5 octave semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch.
 
 
  
 
Octave Shift
 · 2 dedicated, easy accessible buttons extend the range of the built in keyboard.
 
 
  
 
Keyboard Hold
 · Makes every note you play sustain until you press a new key.
 
 
  
 
SYNTHESIZER PANEL FOR G2 and G2X (key models)
 

Parameter Pages
 
· 5 page buttons and 3 column buttons provide real-time tweaking of up to 120 parameters.
 
 
  
 
Patch/Menu Navigation
 · Rotary Dial and 4 Navigation buttons for rapid access to Patches and Performances.
 
 
  
 
Slot Control
 · 4 Slot buttons facilitate working with 4 Patches simultaneously.
 
 
  
 
Morphing
 · Programming can be done with Drag & Drop on the software editor or by pressing two buttons on the synth's top panel.
· 8 Morph buttons let you assign parameters to eight different control sources for every Patch.
 
 
  
 
Variations
 · Instant recall of 8 Variations per Patch via 8 dedicated buttons.
 
 
  
 
Keyboard Split
 · Intelligent split interface via Keyboard Split- and the 4 Slot buttons.
· 4 fixed LEDs along the keyboard indicate the position of the split points (split points can also be freely assigned).
 
 
  
 
System Settings
 · System, Patch and Store buttons for access to all system and patch related menus and saving procedures.
 
 
  
 
MIDI Indicator
 · Flashes when MIDI information is received or transmitted
 
 
  
 
Microphone Level
 · With the Mic Level knob you can adjust the incoming signal of a microphone connected to the built in XLR jack.
· A built in meter with LEDs visualizes the incoming signal level.
 
 
  
 
CONNECTIONS
 

MIDI
 
· In, Out and Thru.
 
 
  
 
Audio Inputs
 · 4 analog audio inputs, line-level, 24-bit ADCs, 96 kHz sampling rate
· 1 XLR microphone input with built in preamp (uses one of the audio inputs). (On G2X the XLR is mounted on the top panel, Engine has no XLR microphone input.)
 
 
  
 
Audio Outputs
 · 4 individual user configurable outputs, line-level, 24-bit DACs, 96 kHz sampling rate.
· 1 Headphones output.
 
 
  
 
Editor Communication
 · USB 1.1 port.
 
 
  
 
External Controllers
 · 1 Control Pedal jack.
· 1 Sustain Pedal jack.
(Both pedals can also double as morph sources, Engine has no pedal jacks)
 
 
  
 
Power Supply
 · Built in power supply. Connect with enclosed standard AC-chord.
 
 
  
 
PHYSICAL DATA
 

Models
 
G2 (3 octaves)
 
G2X (5 Octaves)
 
Engine (1U,19'' Rack)
 
Dimensions
(all measures include knobs, screws, contacts and rubber feet)
 665(W) 284(D) 104 (H) mm
26.2''(W) 11.2''(D) 4.1''(H)
 1007(W) 294(D) 104(H) mm
39.6''(W) 11.6''(D) 4.1''(H)
 437(W) 120(D) 44(H) mm
17.3''(W) 4.7''(D) 1.8''(H)
 
Weight
 5.1 kg , 11.24 lbs.
 8.2 kg , 18,07 lbs.
 1.9 kg , 4.19 lbs.
 
 
  
 
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
 

All Models
 
· 1 USB cable.
· 1 Power cable.
· CD Rom with software and sound libraries.

 

G2/G2X
 
· Printed manual with more than 200 pages.
 
 
  
 
G2X
 · Shipped with an additional gooseneck microphone.
 
 
  
 
Engine
 · Rack mountable with supplied rack ears.
 
 
  
 
ACCESSORIES
 

Voice Expansion
 
· G2 and Engine can be expanded to the same power as the G2X with a voice expansion board (part no 10280).
 
 
  
 
Soft Case
 · G2 and G2X perfect fit custom designed soft cases (part No 10320 resp. 10138).
 
 
  
 
SOFTWARE UPGRADE POLICY
 

Clavia offers every G2 customer free upgrades for both the editor software and the synthesizer's operating system as well as free access to future sound libraries.