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