Nord lead 1 versions / expansions

Oli

Hi,

Sorry to ask this here, as it is probably a bit obvious to most members, but I am having trouble finding definitive information on the Nord Lead 1.

I have just ordered a Nord Lead 1 Rack OS v2.x, and am trying to find a web site with detailed information on what's in the box. Clavia only host very little information on the Lead 1, and I am a little unclear about the information I have read from other sites.

I am assuming the one I have purchased is OS v2.x based on the inclusion of a v2.x (photocopied/printed?) manual, and the presence of a PCMCIA card slot.

I believe the original release of the Lead had only 4 voices, and 40 user patches. Later, there were (various?) expansions available, and also a version 2 release of the Lead 1. My impression is that as the rack I have ordered is OS v2.x, with a PCMCIA card slot, then it may (must?) also have the additional 8 voices of the expansion? I'm not sure if this is an original version 2 release, or a retrofit - didn't notice anything saying V2 on the case.

Are there any really comprehensive resource sites for the Lead 1? I haven't managed to locate any so far. I find it pretty pointless and disappointing that Clavia would pull this info from their site. Meh

I'm also not sure what was the latest OS release for the Lead 1. I have read here that it was 2.3, but also read claims about a v2.4. Is there a site somewhere with release notes for the OS versions?

Thanks for reading,

Oli

Oli · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:50 am Post subject:

Well, just received my Lead 1 Rack today. Did the power supply conversion, and have been playing with it tonight. What fun!

The synth is just as good as I remembered, from playing with my friend's Lead keyboard, years ago.

I think it's a great synth, and probably my current favourite for lead sounds.

I still think real analogue synths tend to have much better bottom end, are easier to make thick, fat, and warm. I still love VA's for what they are though. I love the convenience, and playing with my Lead 1 tonight, I think it is easy to make musically useful patches, and easy to fit the sounds in a mix.

My Lead is software version 2.5; does anyone know if this was the last OS released for the Lead 1? If no one knows, I will just send a querie to Clavia support.

Very enjoyable synth. Now to read the manual...

Oli · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:14 pm Post subject:

Just been reading a NL1 Yahoo group. Seems there was at least software version 2.7/2.07.

There appears to be an inconsistency with the version nomenclature, where 2.0x and 2.x are the same release.

It appears that all v2.x ROMs had the same features, and successive bug fix releases. I haven't tracked down a revison history.

It seems that Clavia have never released hex files for owners to burn their own EPROMs. I was fortunate enough to do so with some other gear, like a JoMoX XBase09, but don't think I'll bother pursuing the matter much further with the NL1.