Musikmesse 2014 video: Nord Lead A1R desktop/rack synth unveiled

MUSIKMESSE 2014: Clavia announced its A1 analogue modelling synth at NAMM earlier this year, and it's following this up by bringing the A1R - a desktop/rack version - to Frankfurt.

This has an identical feature set but loses the keyboard. So, you get the latest Nord analogue modelling engine and a 'streamlined' interface that's designed for fast programming.

It's also worth noting that a few features have been added to the A1 since January. The Like function enables you to temporarily store up to 50 versions of a patch while you're programming before committing one to memory, while the Mutator option (taken from the Nord Lead 4) lets you create a variation of a patch by adjusting either certain parameters that conform to set rules, or by randomising all parameters.

There's also the Unison mode, which is designed to add that all-important analogue-style fatness.

The Nord A1R will ship in June priced at £1049. The standard A1 will be available from April for £1249. Find out more on the Clavia Nord website.

Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.