AndertonsKeyboardDept: Jack’s Journey with the Nord Wave 2

Jack Duxbury kicks off the video by reminiscing about his polysynth journey that ended up full circle with the Nord Wave 2. Imagine starting a quest for the ultimate synth only to be gifted that very instrument by a generous viewer. It’s like serendipity served with a twist of synth joy and gratitude. Jack shares the unexpected happiness this unit has brought into his studio life, and it’s refreshing to see someone truly stoked about a piece of gear that’s stuck around longer than unwashed studio socks. It’s not just another synth to Jack; it’s his ambient powerhouse.

So, what makes the Nord Wave 2 stand out? Jack dives right into the heart of the beast – the wave and sample capabilities. Forget about complex modulation, ’cause here, the magic’s all in those waves. Jack walks us through the initial sounds, starting with that big, brash saw wave. It’s like the first sip of a cheap beer – raw and real. But the fun starts when Jack injects samples into the mix. He uses the Sample Robot to snatch samples from his favorite virtual instruments and effortlessly loads them into the Nord. This hack is like turning street food into a gourmet meal – simple, satisfying, and oh-so-right.

Jack’s got a thing for layers, and the Nord Wave 2 doesn’t disappoint in that department. The multi timbrel layering comes into play as Jack layers up samples like a DJ stacks beats at a late-night gig. He’s all about using it like a four-track tape machine, borrowing a trick or two from ambient guitarists and applying it to his synth escapades. Just like building a sonic burrito, each layer adds a new texture, turning a basic synth sound into a full-on dish of sonic flavors. Jack showcases his creative process, highlighting how these layers create dynamic and captivating soundscapes.

Diving deeper into the Nord’s capabilities, Jack explores the filter and MIDI options that serve as his secret ingredients for creating engaging sound designs. With the Nord Wave 2, tweaking filters across layers becomes intuitive, thanks to its group control feature. Jack demonstrates how he toys with filters like an old-school DJ spinning vinyl records, with each adjustment affecting his entire sound palette. Additionally, the MIDI control, particularly through an app called Ribbon, allows him to manipulate layers with finesse. The app acts like a fluid, invisible beat conductor, orchestrating the synth’s multiple voices with precision. Jack’s use of wireless MIDI tech is like adding hot sauce to an already spicy track – elevating the vibe without breaking a sweat.