nord lead ROM Version 2.0 Shipping

July 12, 1996 -- Clavia's revolutionary nord lead "Virtual Analog'' polyphonic lead synthesizer is now being shipped with a new operating system featuring ROM Version 2.0.

The new 2.0 system offers numerous and valuable updates, including a new Performance Bank which contains 100 Performances (layered sounds). Some of these sounds are faithful reproductions of classic organ sounds. By using a special "pseudo-additive" synthesis, Clavia has filtered out a minor number of "partials" from each Oscillator and combined them into different drawbar configurations, successfully emulating the sound of drawbar organs such as the classic "B3" with all its attendant hums, clicks, tonewheel sounds and rotary speaker effects. Over 40 original factory sounds from the classic vintage "Prophet-5" have also been faithfully recreated and stored in the factory performance bank.

In addition, the new ROM contains ten Analog Drumkits, each with eight sounds across the keyboard, all individually editable in real time. An expanded Nord Lead with a PCMCIA S-RAM card can store up to 30 additional kits

Additional new features include: a new random mode for the arpeggiator; external transmission of arpeggiated notes via MIDI; an Echo function in the LFO 2 section; a Notch filter in series with a Low Pass filter; expression pedal control independent of the Modulation wheel; Aftertouch reception; Octave-transpose via MIDI OUT; improved MIDI Sync; and demo sequences onboard that demonstrate the nord lead's new sound features.

Although the ROM Version 2.0 makes the nord lead a much more powerful and flexible synthesizer, the keyboard's retail price remains at $1,995, with the rack system still listing for $1,695. Owners of older nord leads can upgrade their systems with the new software for only $99, available at all Clavia dealers.

Armadillo Enterprises is the exclusive distributor in the U.S. for ddrum electronic percussion, nord lead virtual analog synthesizers, EBS Bass Systems, Neuser Basses, Stuart Spector Design Ltd. Basses and Dean Guitars, with corporate headquarters in Clearwater, Florida.

For more information, visit their web site at www.clavia.se.