Clavia Nord Modular G2 Analog Synthesizers (2004-?) — Specs & History

A virtual modular synthesizer with expanded DSP power and enhanced synthesis capabilities, available in keyboard and rack formats.

Overview

The Clavia Nord Modular G2 is a virtual modular synthesizer and the successor to the original Nord Modular. It comes in two models: a keyboard version with a 36-key interface and a rack-mount Engine version without front-panel controls. The system uses a real-time DSP compiler to manage resources efficiently, allowing complex patching across four independent synth slots. It supports 8 morph groups and features improved oscillators for FM synthesis, including a string oscillator and a Bode-style frequency shifter. The G2 integrates audio and control signal routing with reduced distinction between the two, enabling flexible modulation and signal paths.

Specifications

OS Version	OS 1.22 (G2) / 1.20 (editor software)
Keyboard	Three octave (36-key) keyboard with plastic keys on coil springs
Controllers	Mod wheel and Nord Lead-style wooden lever pitch stick
Front panel	4 LCD displays, 8 rotary encoder knobs with LED rings, and 8 large push buttons with LEDs
Knob resolution	Low resolution (incremental encoders)
Patch storage	15 pages per patch for storing knob and switch assignments, selected via front panel buttons
Audio I/O	4 audio inputs, 4 audio outputs
MIDI	Includes MIDI Out (in addition to MIDI In)
Internal architecture	4 internal mono busses for routing audio or control signals between slots
DSP	Up to 8 DSP chips, running approximately twice as fast as the original Nord Modular chips. A much faster auxiliary processor
Slots	4 slots (independent synth patches)
Morph groups	8 morph groups

Design

The Nord Modular G2 features a metal chassis painted red. Its signal flow blurs the line between audio and control signals, enabling versatile patching. The system includes enhanced oscillators for FM synthesis in the Chowning/DX7 style and introduces a new string oscillator. Effects include a reverb module, and new modules include a Bode-style frequency shifter, multiplexer/demultiplexer, voltage-addressed sequencers, expanded MIDI processing, control-to-MIDI conversion, and advanced arpeggiator modules. The DSP compiler operates in real time and conserves processing resources dynamically.

Context

The Nord Modular G2 continues Clavia's line of virtual modular synthesizers, directly succeeding the original Nord Modular. It expands on its predecessor with faster DSPs and new synthesis modules. Two models were released: the Nord Modular G2 (keyboard version with controls) and the Nord Modular G2 Engine (rack-mount unit without controls). Unlike the original line, the G2 does not include a rack version with front-panel controls. The G2X, a later expanded model, is not part of this product variant.

Market

One example market price for the Nord Modular G2 is approximately US $3,480.

eBay Listings

Find Clavia Nord Modular G2 on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.