The Nord Wave 2 is a powerful 4-part performance synth that integrates virtual analog, samples, FM (Frequency Modulation), and wavetable synthesis with a fast, layer-focused interface. Featuring 61 smooth-playing keys with aftertouch, robust 48-voice polyphony; intuitive performance features; and the immediacy of hands-on controls; the Nord Wave 2 delivers a dazzling universe of amazing sonic opportunity with advanced real-time tweaking and layering. If you’re a serious synthesist, you owe it to yourself to give the Nord Wave 2 a serious audition.
Essentially four independent synthesizers in one sleek, eminently gigable 20-pound chassis, the Nord Wave 2 offers a wealth of possibilities for layering both classic waveforms and samples. Dedicated OLED displays for Program and Oscillator sections provide a clear overview when shaping your sounds. The Wave 2’s broad range of performance features and instantly tweakable hands-on FX makes the Wave 2 Nord’s most versatile performance synthesizer to date.
The Wave 2’s Program Layer section is equipped with faders for easy control over the volume of all four layers at once. The Layer section also provides handy controls for quick layer focus, pan, solo, and multi-editing. A new Group feature allows you to group two, three, or four layers and process them through the same Filter, Envelope, Arpeggiator, LFO and Effect settings — ideal for building complex multi-layered patches that can be edited as a single sound. Alternatively, three split points provide up to four zones with optional crossfades.
Each of the Wave 2’s four layers features an Oscillator section with four modes: Analog, Wavetable, FM, and Samples — and is easily browsed with Nord’s speedy direct category mode. The Oscillator Control features additional control over shape, sync, and detune. The Oscillator section also includes a powerful multi-oscillator Unison effect with massive Superwaves that simultaneously generate hundreds of waveforms for monstrously fat and richly complex sounds.
The Wave 2’s four Oscillator categories are Virtual Analog, Samples, Wavetable, and FM. The Virtual Analog category includes an extensive range of waveforms from classic analog to extended, harmonically rich variations. The Samples category gives you a wide selection of high-quality samples from Nord Sample Library 3.0, including Strings, Brass, Guitars, Choirs, and Chromatic Percussion, as well as the exclusively licensed sounds of the iconic Mellotron and Chamberlin. All sounds are easily replaceable via the Nord Sound Manager. The Wavetable category includes a large number of advanced wavetables that cover a wide range of tonal characteristics. Lastly, the FM category offers 2-, 3-, and 4-operator configurations with harmonic and inharmonic variations. Together, the Wave 2’s four sound engines comprise a virtual history of synthesis. And from the perspective of serious synthesists at Music Experience, the ability to freely layer then is nothing short of mind-blowing!
The Filter section has six Filter types on tap, including a gorgeous emulation of the legendary “Mini” transistor ladder filter. The Filter section is equipped with a full ADSR envelope. The Wave 2 is equipped with a dedicated LFO offering a choice of waveforms for each layer, Vibrato, and AD/AR Modulation Envelope with velocity setting and Invert mode. The LFO offers several morphable parameters, with the rate being syncable to the Master Clock. The Amp section is stocked with a full ADSR envelope including a beefy new Transient Attack mode for adding powerful punch to your patches.
The Wave 2 features an extensive range of morphable parameters including LFO Amount, Oscillator Control, Filter, and Effects that can be controlled from four different sources: Velocity, Aftertouch, Wheel, and Control Pedal. All morph sources can be quickly assigned to control multiple parameters simultaneously, while the powerful Impulse Morph feature lets you change any parameter of your sound instantly.
The Nord Wave 2 is a rhythmic powerhouse, fortified with both a classic arpeggiator and a Polyphonic mode with directly editable patterns that will re-trigger all held keys — either straight or patterned — and featuring different inversions for exciting new harmonic variations. The Wave 2’s new Gate mode chops your sound up in a rhythmic pattern with adjustable depth. The Pattern mode contains a wide selection of Rhythmic Patterns and facilitates easy editing for creating your own custom patterns.
The Wave 2 features a separate Effect section for each layer, providing instantly tweakable, studio-grade stereo effects that include Tremolo, Pan, Ring Modulator, Chorus, Ensemble, and Vibe as well as EQ with Drive control. All effects can be controlled via the Control Pedal (or other Morph sources) and can also be synchronized to the Master Clock for rhythmic effects. There’s also an advanced stereo Delay effect with Ping Pong mode, Analog Mode, and Tap Tempo; and Feedback options for adding Ensemble, Chorus, and Vibe; as well as HP/LP and BP filters in the Feedback loop. Lastly, the Wave 2’s FX engine features separate per-layer Reverb sections, each with five different Reverb categories (Booth, Room, Stage, Hall, and the absolutely huge Cathedral), Bright and Dark modes, and a new Chorale effect for lush modulation.
Adding your own custom sample instruments to your Wave 2 is quick and easy thanks to the new streamlined Nord Sample Editor 3 for Mac and Windows, which lets you map, and loop samples, and transfer them to your Nord Wave 2 faster than ever. With awesome sonic capabilities and intuitive real-time, hands-on controls (including aftertouch), packed into a sleek, roadworthy 20-pound chassis, the Nord Wave 2 deserves your serious consideration if you’re in the market for a world-class performance synth.
The Nord Wave 2 is a powerful 4-part performance synthesizer combining Virtual Analog synthesis, Samples, FM and Wavetable with an intuitive layer-focused interface. With 48 voice polyphony, innovative performance features and hands-on controls, the Nord Wave 2 offers outstanding sonic possibilities with advanced layering and tweaking on the fly.
With 4 independent synthesizers in one the Nord Wave 2 offers exceptional possibilities for layering both classic waveforms and samples. Dedicated OLED displays for Program and Oscillator sections provide an excellent overview when shaping your sounds. The wide range of performance features and instantly tweakable hands-on effects makes the Wave 2 our most versatile performance synthesizer ever.
Monitor Mode : The new Monitor mode displays your settings for Amp Envelope and Filters in the Program display for better overview and control.
The Wave 2 features a Program Layer section with faders for easily controlling the volume or pan for all 4 layer parts at once. The Layer section also provides handy features for quick layer focus, pan control, solo and multi-editing.
Group Mode : The new Group feature allows you to group 2, 3 or 4 layers and lets them share the same Filter, Envelope, Arpeggiator, LFO and Effect-settings - perfect when creating complex multi-layered sounds that can be edited as one coherent sound.
The Oscillator section for each of the 4 layers offers 4 modes: Analog, Wavetable, FM and Samples and is easily browsed with our new direct category mode. The Oscillator Control features additional control over shape, sync or detune.
Analog : An extensive range of waveforms from classic analog to extended, harmonically rich new additions.
Samples : Include high-quality samples from our Nord Sample Library 3.0 as well as the possibility to add your own custom samples using the Nord Sample Editor 3. Use the embedded sample presets for instantly playable dynamic sounds or sculpt your own sound from scratch with the "Raw Samp" mode.
Wavetable : A large number of advanced wavetables covering a wide range of tonal characteristics.
FM : 2, 3 and 4 operator configurations with harmonic and inharmonic variations.
Unison : The Wave 2 features a powerful multi-oscillator Unison effect with true Superwaves simultaneously generating hundreds of waveforms for extremely thick and fat sounds.
The Sample section has 1 GB of memory and comes loaded with a wide selection of quality samples including Strings, Brass, Guitars, Choirs, Chromatic Percussion as well as the exclusively licensed sounds of the legendary Mellotron and Chamberlin. All sounds are easily replaceable using the Nord Sound Manager.
Create and transfer your own samples : Adding your own custom sample instruments has never been easier thanks to the new streamlined Nord Sample Editor 3 for Mac and Windows that lets you map, loop and transfer samples to your Nord Wave 2 in a breeze.
The Filter section has 6 Filter types featuring classic 12 and 24 dB Low Pass, a High Pass, High Pass/Low Pass and a Band Pass filter, together with a stunning emulation of the transistor ladder filter from the legendary Mini. The unique modeling of these filters captures the true character and response of the classic analog instruments, allowing for flexible and precise sound design. The Filter section is equippied with full ADSR envelope.
The Wave 2 features a dedicated LFO for each layer with a choice of waveforms plus AD/AR Modulation Envelope with dedicated velocity setting and Invert mode. The LFO has several morphable parameters and the rate can be synchronized to the Master Clock.
The Amp Section is equipped with a full ADSR envelope featuring a powerful new Transient Attack mode for adding more punch to your sounds.
The Wave 2 features an extensive range of morphable parameters that can be controlled from four different sources: Velocity, Aftertouch, Wheel and Control Pedal. All morph sources can be quickly assigned to control multiple parameters simultaneously and the powerful Impulse Morph feature lets you instantly change any parameter of your sound.
Wheel Assign : Instantly assign LFO, Oscillator Control or Filter to the Modulation Wheel.
The Nord Wave 2 is truly a rhythmical powerhouse with both a classic arpeggiator and a polyphonic mode with directly editable patterns.
Polyphonic mode : The Poly mode is a polyphonic Arpeggiator that will retrig all held keys either straight or patterned featuring different inversions for exciting harmonic variations.
Gate mode : The brand new Gate mode chops your sound up in a rhythmic pattern with adjustable depth.
Pattern mode : The Pattern mode contains a wide selection of Rhythmic Patterns allows easy editing for creating your own custom patterns.
The Master Clock of the Wave 2 allows the LFO, Arpeggiator and various effects to be synchronized, either internally or by an external MIDI clock. With Master Clock synchronization you can synchronize 4 layers with individual patterns, all perfectly in sync with Delays and LFO's. A Tap Tempo allows you to easily tap to the tempo of a drummer or to playback tracks.
A separate Effect section for each layer featuring a great selection of instantly tweakable high quality stereo effects modelled after classic stomp boxes.
Modulation Effects : Tremolo, Pan, Ring Modulator, Chorus, Ensemble and Vibe effects with Rate and Amount control. All effects are controllable via Control Pedal (or other Morph sources) and can also be synchronized to the Master Clock for rhythmic effects.
EQ & Drive : with Bass and Treble control - or 1 Band Sweepable EQ. A sparkling Tube Drive emulation is also available.
Delay : Advanced stereo Delay effect with Ping Pong mode, Analog Mode and Tap Tempo. New features include creative new Feedback options for adding Ensemble, Chorus, Vibe as well as HP/LP and BP filter in the Feedback loop.
Reverb : The Reverb section has five different Reverb sizes (Booth, Room, Stage, Hall and new Cathedral) for adding some ambience to your sounds, and the amount is now morphable. New features include Bright and Dark modes for either extended or reduced treble. The new Chorale effect adds a lush modulation effect.
Having four identical, equally powerful synthesizers at once opens for exceptional layering possibilities. The Split mode offers three split points providing up to 4 zones with optional crossfades. The flexible Hold functionality lets you latch and hold slots independently in the background while playing something else on top.
The Nord Wave 2 is compatible with the Nord Sound Manager software for OS X and Windows. The Nord Sound Manager allows easy reorganizing, back-up and transfer of programs and is available for download here.
The Wave 2 features the convenience of MIDI over USB for use with a sequencer or with the included Sound Manager software.
The Nord Wave 2 features a 61-key (C-C) semi weighted waterfall keybed with Aftertouch.
Like all Nord instruments, the Nord Wave 2 is handmade in Nord's Stockholm factory with incredible attention to detail and quality control.
Type | Keyboard Synth |
---|---|
Sound Engine Type(s) |
FM, Wavetable, Sample-based, Virtual Analog Synthesis |
Analog/Digital |
Digital |
Number of Keys | 61 |
Type of Keys | Semi-weighted, Velocity-sensitive |
Aftertouch | Yes |
Other Controllers | Modulation Wheel, Pitch Stick |
Polyphony | 48 Notes |
Presets | 4-part Multi-timbral, 16 x 25 Programs, Nord Sample Library 3.0 |
Oscillators | Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Pulse |
LFO | 1 x LFO (5 x waveforms) |
Filter | 12dB/24dB Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass, Ladder M, LP+HP |
Envelope Generator | ADSR (amp), AD/AR (mod) |
Effects Types | Tremolo, Ring Mod, Chorus, Ensemble, Vibe, Drive, 5 x Reverbs, Advanced Delay with Feedback |
Arpeggiator |
Polyphonic |
Memory |
1GB Sound Memory |
Audio Inputs |
1 x 1/8" (monitor in) |
Audio Outputs |
2 x 1/4" (L/R) |
Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
USB | 1 x Type B |
MIDI I/O | In/Out/USB |
Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (sustain), 1 x 1/4" (control pedal) |
Software | Nord Sound Manager |
OS Requirements - Mac | MacOS 10.7 or later |
OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 or later |
Power Supply | Standard IEC AC cable |
Height |
3.9" |
Width | 38.9" |
Depth | 11.6" |
Weight | 19.29 lbs. |
Manufacturer Part Number | AMS-N WAVE2 |