Back in 1997, this synth kicked off the digital modular revolution, letting you patch virtual modules on a computer while tweaking hands-on from a compact hardware box—pure innovation that hooked artists like Autechre and The Chemical Brothers.
Its virtual analog engine packs oscillators, LFOs, envelope generators, multimode filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, notch), mixers, effects like chorus and distortion, plus logic gates and up to four sequencer modules, all wired freely in the Nord Modular Editor software on a PC or Mac. Polyphony hits 32 voices max (starting at 4, expandable), with total voices hinging on patch complexity across four multitimbral parts; DSP usage per module keeps things efficient, like 0.64% for one output. The keyboard version rocks a 2-octave velocity-sensitive keybed with octave shift buttons, 18 assignable knobs grouped for real-time control of four slots, dedicated buttons, a 2x16 LCD display, and rotary dial. I/O includes two line-level audio ins (16-bit/48kHz ADC), four assignable outs (18-bit/96kHz DAC), headphones, MIDI In/Out (DIN), USB, control and sustain pedal inputs—housed in a sleek 473 x 264 x 70 mm chassis weighing 4.7 kg. A rackmount version swaps the keys for 19-inch ears at 423 x 176 x 118 mm and 3.2 kg.
Players still geek out over its endless sound design flexibility and intuitive panel, though some note the software dependency and knob limits for dense patches as quirks of its era. If you're chasing vintage modular vibes without cables everywhere, this one's a gem.
