Nord Modular

Clavia, the company that introduced the first commercial "virtual analog synthesizer" two years ago, unveils another revolutionary product based on the same innovative technology that brought the Nord Lead to the forefront of the keyboard market. The new synthesizer Nord Modular takes synth programming and sound development several steps further.

THE VIRTUAL MODULAR CONCEPT The Nord Modular is a polyphonic synthesizer where you create your synthesizer, from scratch, on a computer screen. The sounds are generated by an external hardware module. The hardware models are available in two versions. One with a two octave keyboard, perfect for easy editing and real-time playing and one 19" rackmodel. On the screen the user is able to create patches using "virtual cables" that he connects between the various modules (OSC, VCF, VCA, LFO's, filters, all of the classical synth building blocks you might expect, plus a vast range of other useful modules). The modules are 100 % software and new modules will be added by Clavia. The Nord Modular is 4-part multi-timbral and offers a minimum of 4 voices or more depending on patch complexity.

FOUR MODULAR SYNTHESIZERS IN ONE
On the computer screen the user can toggle between 4 separate patches (synthesizers). These 4 patches can be played simultaneously and assigned to 4 independent outputs.

NORD MODULAR EXPANSION CARD
An expansion card is available that doubles the capacity of the Nord Modular polyphony to a minimum of 8 voices.

REAL TIME EDITING
The Nord Modular can also be used without the editing software as a stand-alone two octave synthesizer. You can carry it with you to the gig! Mounted onto the panel are 18 knobs that can be assigned to different parameters. As with the Nord Lead, all editing parameters can be assigned to and controlled through MIDI.

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
The audio output from each part is fully assignable to the 4 outputs. In the old days there were signal inputs to the modular systems. The Nord modular offers two analog inputs assignable to each of the four parts. Put in the signal and patch it!

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The Nord Modular system is built around hardware, a 2 octave keyboard or a 19" rack module, and a PC Software package. Editing options feature all of the classical synth building blocks you might expect. They are all available within the software editor where the user can create patches by first assembling the desired modules on the monitor screen and then drawing virtual cables to make the proper connections.

MEMORY
100 Patches can be stored into the Nord Modular modules. Patches can also be stored onto the computer.

MORPHING
The modular offers morphing possibillities in a startingly new way. Four separate morph sources can be set to independently control a group of knob- and button parameters in the patch. All four morph sources can be simultaneuosly controlled by any MIDI controller, the Modular assign knobs, key note and velocity.

MODULES
New synth building blocks will be developed, by Clavia, for the Nord Modular.