The Clavia Nord Wave 2 was released in 2020, and it was a great follow-up to its predecessor. Featuring four independent parts that allow for sophisticated layering, multiple synthesis types (virtual analog, sample playback, FM, and wavetable synthesis), and a variety of effects, it can cover a lot of bases. As an Omnisphere controller, the main drawback is that each layer in an Omnisphere patch can’t be edited individually, as it can when using the Nord Wave 2’s internal sounds. Most controls in the profile are assigned to affect all 4 layers, but even with that limitation, you can adjust their levels independently, control the filter (including many filter types), envelopes, LFO, arpeggiator, and effects, which is plenty to have fun with. Although it’s not cheap, the Nord Wave 2 is a great workhorse synth and a good controller for Omnisphere.
Clavia Nord Wave Strengths:
- Intuitive Layout
- Effects Control
- Good Build Quality
Clavia Nord Wave Details:
| Used Price | $2,999 |
|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Keyboard Type | Semi-weighted |
| Size of Controls | Medium |
| Dimensions | 38.9” × 11.6” × 3.9” |
| Weight | 19.29 lbs |
| USB Powered | No |
| Pitch Bender | Yes |
| Mod Wheel | Yes |
| Sends Aftertouch | Yes |
| Sustain Pedal Input | Yes |
| Expression Pedal Input | Yes |
| Ribbon | No |
| Non-Functional Controls | Morph Program Section Oscillator Category Oscillator Waveform Osc Ctrl Amp Env Attack Transient Effects Rate Mst Clk Parametric EQ Group Wheel Assign |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Sequencer | No |
| MIDI Messages | CC |
Omnisphere Sections Controlled by the Clavia Nord Wave 2:
| Independent Layer Control | No |
|---|---|
| Number of Oscillators | 4 |
| Number of Wavetables | 0 |
| Number of Envelopes | 3 |
| Number of LFOs | 2 |
| Filter Types | Classic LPF 2-pole Classic LPF 4-pole Beefy LPF 4-pole OB LPF 2-pole OB HPF 2-pole OB BPF 2-pole Jupiter HPF 2-pole |
| FX Units | Global Ambience Global Tone Vintage Tremolo Analog Chorus Ring of Fire Solina Ensemble Analog Vibrato Tube Overdrive Swiss Army Delay Solar Shimmer Classic Tube Filters |
| Soundsources | No |
| Mod Matrix | No |
| FM | No |
| Ring Mod | No |
| Waveshaper | No |
| Unison | Yes |
| Harmonia | No |
| Granular | No |
| ORB | No |
| Arpeggiator | No |
Ratings
| Control of Omnisphere |  |
|---|---|
| Panel Layout | |
| Ease of Use |  |
| Keyboard Feel | |
| Build Quality | |
