The Nord Wave 2 is a powerful 4-part performance synthesizer that combines Virtual Analog synthesis, Samples, FM and Wavetable synthesis in a single, intuitive instrument. With 48 voices of polyphony and innovative performance features, it offers exceptional sonic possibilities with advanced layering capabilities and real-time control.

This five-octave synthesizer serves as a successor to the original Nord Wave (2007-2013) and represents a natural evolution of Clavia's Lead family of synthesizers. The Wave 2 features a sophisticated architecture with multiple oscillator types, multimode filters, and a flexible four-layer sound structure that can be used for complex layering, keyboard splits, or multi-timbral sequencing.

Design&Interface

The Wave 2 features Nord's signature design with a metal body, grey end panels, and the classic red color scheme. The interface includes familiar positive-action knobs and buttons, along with the signature wooden pitch stick and thin mod wheel. Two clear OLED displays provide excellent visibility and represent a significant improvement over previous Nord models' cryptic LED displays.

The five-octave keyboard is a major upgrade, featuring aftertouch sensitivity, semi-weighted action, and a waterfall design with smooth finish. The keyboard mechanism is firmly sprung with excellent aftertouch response, making it highly expressive for performance.

Sound Engines

Virtual Analog Synthesis

The analog oscillator section offers up to three oscillators per voice through a multimode design. Categories include:

• Basic: Single oscillators with sine, triangle, saw, square, and pulse waves
• Shape: Pulse-width and morphing variations including shape morphing from various waveforms to sine
• Sync: Hard sync sounds with characteristic buzzy, formant-like resonances
• Multi & Super: Detunable double and triple saws, plus heavily phased "supersaw" variations

Sample Playback

Features 1GB of sample memory with instant loading, mono/stereo support, and simple looping capabilities. While not a full sampler, it effectively functions as a sophisticated ROMpler with the ability to load custom samples via the Nord Sample Editor application.

FM Synthesis

Offers 10 algorithms using 2-4 operators with simplified operation compared to typical Yamaha implementations. Features one modulator with variable pitch/ratio, making it accessible while still capable of creating both classic DX-style sounds and experimental tones.

Wavetable Synthesis

Includes 46 discrete waveforms in various groups without interpolation between waves, similar to late '80s digital synthesizers like the Korg DW series.

Filter & Modulation

The multimode filter section provides six filter types:

• 12dB and 24dB lowpass filters
• Moog ladder emulation
• Non-resonant LP+HP dual filter
• Bandpass and highpass filters

The modulation system centers around Nord's Morph functionality rather than a traditional modulation matrix. This allows real-time control of multiple parameters simultaneously via velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel, and expression pedal. The Impulse Morph feature provides instant parameter changes at the press of a button.

Effects Processing

Each of the four layers features a complete, independent effects chain:

• Multi-effects: Tremolo, Autopan, Ring Mod, Phaser, Chorus, Ensemble, and Vibe
• EQ: Two-band Bass/Treble or single sweepable mid
• Drive/Distortion: Tube-style distortion
• Delay: Digital/analog character with ping-pong and feedback loop effects
• Reverb: Five algorithms from Booth to Cathedral with EQ and modulation options

Performance Features

The advanced arpeggiator offers multiple modes including polyphonic triggering and gate effects for rhythmic slicing. The four-layer architecture supports complex splits with up to three split points, and layers can transmit on individual MIDI channels for use as a master keyboard.

Software Support

Includes two free applications:

• Nord Sample Editor: Create and transfer custom sample sets
• Nord Sound Manager: Program librarian for organizing and backing up sounds

Technical Specifications

General

• Architecture: 4-part synthesizer with dedicated volume/pan faders
• Audio Quality: 24-bit DACs, high resolution, low noise
• Synthesis Types: Sample, Virtual Analog, Wavetable, and FM synthesis
• Polyphony: 48 voices
• Sample Memory: 1 GB for Nord Sample Library 3.0

Displays

• OLED displays for Program and Oscillator sections

Keyboard

• Keyboard: 61-note semi-weighted with aftertouch
• Octave Range: +/-2 octaves via shift buttons

Oscillator Section

• Analog Modes: Basic, Shape, Shape Sine, Multi, Sync, Bell, Noise
• Wavetable Modes: Wavetables, Formants
• FM Modes: Dual, Triple, Vocal, Multi with Harmonic/Inharmonic algorithms
• Sample Playback: Nord Sample Library 3.0 compatible
• Tuning Range: Semitone (-24 to +24), Fine tune
• Unison: 3 amount options

Filter Section

• Types: 12dB lowpass, 24dB lowpass, bandpass, highpass, Ladder M, LP+HP
• Controls: Cutoff, Resonance, Envelope amount with velocity control
• Envelope: ADSR with keyboard tracking (off, 1/3, 2/3, full)
• Drive: Adjustable filter distortion

Modulation

• LFO: Triangle, square, sawtooth, inverted sawtooth, sample & hold
• LFO Destinations: Filter Frequency, Osc Pitch, Osc Mod
• Additional Envelope: AD/AR envelope
• Morph Sources: Wheel, Aftertouch, Velocity, Control Pedal
• Impulse Morph: Instant parameter overrides

Arpeggiator/Gate

• Range: 1-4 octaves
• Modes: Up, down, up/down, random, zig-zag
• Poly Mode: Polyphonic arpeggiator for full chords
• Gate: Rhythmic level gate with adjustable hardness
• Pattern Mode: 30+ editable presets plus custom patterns
• Sync: Master clock synchronization

Amplifier

• Envelope: ADSR with transient attack mode
• Velocity: 3 sensitivity levels
• Voice Modes: Poly, Legato, Mono with glide

Layer Control

• Layers: 4 independent layers with LED faders
• Splits: 3 split points with 8 locations and crossfade
• Pan: Individual pan control per layer
• Solo: Quick layer isolation
• Group: Multi-layer editing functionality
• Lock: Layer configuration lock

Effects (Per Layer)

• Multi-FX: Tremolo, Pan, Ring Mod, Chorus, Ensemble, Vibe
• EQ: Bass/Treble or Parametric 1-band
• Drive: Tube distortion effect
• Delay: Digital/analog with ping-pong, feedback effects (Chorus, Vibe, Ensemble), feedback filters (HP, LP, BP)
• Reverb: 5 algorithms (Booth, Room, Stage, Hall, Cathedral) with Dark/Bright/Chorale modes

Memory & Programs

• Program Storage: 400 locations (16 banks × 25)
• Organization: By name, category, filtered subsets, alphabetical
• Functions: Copy/paste, transpose, live mode

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs: 2 × 1/4" unbalanced line outputs
• Headphone Output: 1/4" stereo jack
• Pedal Inputs: Sustain (1/4"), Control pedal (1/4" TRS)
• MIDI: In/Out (5-pin DIN), USB with MIDI capability
• Audio Input: 3.5mm monitor input
• Power: IEC C14 connector

MIDI Features

• Control: All knobs/switches send/receive CC messages
• Clock Sync: Master clock syncs to incoming MIDI clock
• Modes: Global and Layer MIDI modes

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 990 × 100 × 295 mm (38.9" × 3.9" × 11.6")
• Weight: 8.75 kg (19.29 lbs)

Included Accessories

• User Manual
• Power Cord with IEC C14 connector
• Nord Sample Editor software
• Nord Sound Manager software