Nord Lead A1 vs Moog Voyager - a quick Lead Sound comparison 

W41N Thanks for your comments, very appreciated. You’re right, the sound of the A1 is amazing, although there’s still this "analoge factor" in the Moog, some kind of inaccuracy when turning the knobs, a bit more "life" in the sound. I also had the NL 2X but I didn’t like its sound, a bit too harsh and "digital", and even basic triangle or saw sounds were unexpectedly thin when adding the second oscillator. On the other hand the A1 always sounds great and warm. Yes, next step would be a combination of the NL 4 and A1 with a proper keybed and displays.

@@Spektralfarben-Music Even as a non-player/none synth owner, I've not been blown away with some of their older synths. I watched footage of the 2X, and spookily came to a similar conclusion as you. It just didn't have something in the sound that the A1 does. I think if you hear a synth, especially digital/VA, and it sounds nice over RU-vid with compression, then it'll sound better in the flesh. I'm hoping to buy a couple of synths. It's an itch I'd love to scratch...

@@Spektralfarben-Music Did you ever played a NL 1? They say they sound better than NL2 etc more Raw

Gotu Mayne No, unfortunately I’ve never had the opportunity to play the original Nord Lead (1). I’ve also read that it would sound more "raw" than the successors but I think these are small differences. Of course, the 1 is kind of iconic and therefore something special.

@@Spektralfarben-Music thx ,Indeed too bad would have liked to hear your opinion .

Yes, that's surely true!

I can notice it but it is too small, it wouldn’t be that relevant in a mix. I think the Nord is enjoyable. But I also think the Voyager is not an analog synth I personally find the best of Moog. I prefer the old Minimoog.

I heard it too, subtle, but it is there, not good or bad, just different personalities

Use the filter and you will hear

The Moog bites more. You can hear it good. The nord is ok burning my ears to clean and not sharp enough

Danke für dein Feedback! Die Effekte überdecken hier natürlich viel, aber der Grundsound beider Synths bei gleichen Wellformen ist recht nah. Der Hauptunterschied ist, dass der digitale Nord beim Drehen der Potis und extremen Einstellungen nicht mehr stufenlose Änderungen zeigt (digital eben) und Artefakte hörbar sind. Und der analoge klingt nie identisch, auch bei scheinbar "gleicher" Einstellung. Beide machen viel Spaß und klingen mehr als toll! Danke fürs Anhören!

Thanks! Yes, there are some serious point that many people would want to see in a A2 (display, proper keybed with aftertouch, "real" 2nd oscillator).

I’ve had an A1 now for 5 years and I still lose myself when I play it. It’s very easy to make your own unique sound then with a couple of tweaks you then get something different and more inspiring. I used to love recording songs. Used to do loads. Now since the A1, I make sounds and believe me every sound inspires a new tune. It’s even made me a better playing. I don’t think about it, I just play. Extremely fun. Had workstations my whole life and wanted a synth. Just buy the A1 now. It hasn’t dipped in price the whole 5 years it’s been out. That tells you something. I think nord bring stuff out every 8-10 years so don’t wait. If u get one now and don’t like it in a couple of years you can sell it and hardly loose any money. Can’t go wrong. It won synth of the year 2014. I’ve had so much fun with it and it covers 90s house, 80’s, 70s, new age retro and pretty much anything new and unique that you yourself can create. It can cover trance but I think access virus is the boss of that genre.

Drewbasevic 94 Thanks for your feedback! Yes, the A1 is just like a good friend: always there, always a pleasure to play and always sounding great! I’m so much hoping for a Lead A2 with some serious improvements regarding display and keybed.

@@Spektralfarben-Music All that will probably be included in the Lead 5, though. If Nord intends to keep producing a cheaper VA, it can't let it cannibalise more expensive products.

Danke für dein Feedback! Ja, natürlich nicht ebenbürtig, vor allem nicht beim Schrauben. Analog bleibt analog. Aber der A1 macht tierisch Spaß. Hatte früher den Lead 2X (Ltd. Ed.) aber mir war er im Sound immer zu harsch und dünn. Wenn man da den 2. Oszi verstimmt hatte, ging ihm völlig die Kraft aus. Das ist bei einem Voyager oder selbst beim kleineren Little Phatty gerade umgedreht. Ich bin froh, dass ich den 2X gegen den A1 "getauscht" habe 😊

Danke 😊

Hi and thanks for your comment. Well, the synth sections are quite similar, but there are some significant differences. The A1 does have velocity morph (what is really nice to have) and I also like its mutate and randomize function. Furthermore, the Moog filter sounds buzzier in the A1 compared to the stage 3. And of course, the biggest difference is that the A1 has four independent slots. The A1 allows me to get faster to the sound I want, and all in all it makes more fun to fiddle around with it. On the other hand, I really miss a proper keybed with aftertouch and a proper display - these are the big pros of the Stage 3. When Nord will be offering a Lead 5 or A2, with a decent keybed (5 octaves?) and an OLED display, I would probably exchange my A1.

@@Spektralfarben-Music hi thanks. I see now what the relevant differences are (I would add the sample option for the NS3 as well). With Clavia no matter what product you have, you can always miss something from other of their products so you can always consider getting 2 of them (marketing I guess).

Hi and thanks for your comment! I actually kept the Nord but sold the Moog (OK, I regret now having sold the Moog but I used it very rarely and bought instead a Nord Stage 3). I also thought of selling the Lead A1, but this little synth makes so much fun, always sounds great and is so comfortable to use. The keybed is the poorest of all my keyboards but it’s OK to play with it. I really miss Aftertouch and a proper Display but unless Nord isn’t making a Lead A2 or a Lead 5 (with Aftertouch and OLED display) I will keep the A1.

@@Spektralfarben-Music Thank you for the swift reply! It truly sounds great from everything I heard and can emulate quite a variety of different sounds from classic synths as well. I'm on the fence about purchasing yet, since I'm "hoping" Nord releases a new Lead with updated features. The A1 is just about hitting 9 years.. this is quite a long time without an update from there.. but we can hope!

@@orpheusthedrummer It's difficult to say right now if or when Nord will bring new devices. The global situation is too uncertain (supply of raw materials and parts). The new prices of the A1 are significantly higher than 2 or 3 years ago, so I would buy only used at the moment (and after all, Clavia builds very robust and high-quality devices). I think that almost all Nord Lead users would like to have a new Nord Lead that combines all the features of the A1 and the 4, perhaps with a 5-octave keyboard with aftertouch and OLED display (and also with a 3rd oscillator 😅). All the best to you and good luck with any purchase decision!

@@Spektralfarben-Music Thank you! And good advice, I agree with all the chip shortages, who knows how long before things go back to "normal" if ever! Its $2699 over here in Canada. A little too steep for me on a 9 year old synth. I think I'll wait it off and not make any impulse buys! 😄

although that 'edge' that I perceived could be a matter of parameters rather than limitation

Danke für die Rückmeldung! Ja, der Unterschied ist in der Praxis oder in einem Mix vernachlässigbar, auch wenn hier die Effekte viel überdecken. Selbst der Grundsound der Oszillatoren ist extrem nah beieinander. Es ist mehr das Gefühl beim Spielen :)

Exactly! 😁 Thanks for watching!

@@Spektralfarben-Music it's been a while. how's life treating you alf?

@@FormsInSpace You're right, time goes by... Well, we're quite fine despite the whole virus thing. I reduced my musical activities due to my new job but that's also OK. I enjoy messing around with my various musical toys 😉

gktde9874 Vielen Dank! Das stimmt was du sagst, und hier im Vergleich machen die Effekte viel aus, um beide "richtig groß" klingen zu lassen. Trotzdem muss ich dem A1 bestätigen, dass sogar die nackten Oszillatoren verdammt satt und recht nah am Moog klingen. Was fehlt, ist die "Zufälligkeit" des Analogen und natürlich der 3. Oszillator 😄. Ich werde noch ein Video machen mit den Basissounds ohne jeden Effekt.

They sound almost the same to be honest. In a mix you would have no idea which is which

Much ? Okay !

I have both and they are both amazing. The Nord is way more versatile however. WAY more versatile.

4yrs later, how do you view the difference in sound of this patch? Was analog fever and modular madness worth it? 😛

Hi and thanks for watching! And sorry that the video created negative feelings for you. I spent my childhood in the 1970s as one of 6 children, so you can perhaps imagine that I wasn’t able to "swim in money" either. But I always had the vision of making music and always played instruments at any opportunity there was. And after several weeks of a "hard" holiday job I could afford my first own instrument, of course second hand. Try to see things positive: electronic gear never was cheaper and better available than today. There are many great software synthesizers and tools for computers or smartphones that are available for free! I wish you all the best and also your that dreams will come true. Keep on believing!

Netteste Antwort ever auf RU-vid! ♥@@Spektralfarben-Music