Ewww... Does Discovery REALLY sound like a Nord Lead???

[Jlacck]

I wasn't sure which forum to post this question in (the Software or hardware) but I decided to post in here since I figure this form seems to get more views therefore more replies.

Anyhow, I was playing around with the demo version of Disco's Discovery soft synth to see if I liked it. I heard that its suppose to mimic the Nord Lead 2 and the opinions that I've read in other posts claims that it does a good job of emulating a Nord Lead.

HOWEVER... I find myself not liking the software AT ALL! Its the sound quality that bugs me (no its not my sound card). I felt that its sound was too neutral sounding for my tastes. I find this discouraging because I was actually considering buying a Nord 2x rack, but if the Nord sounds anything like the Discovery, I don't think I will like the Nord either.

I've only heard a Nord in person once or twice, and the demos on the Company's website don't sound all that great to me (I really don't put stock in company demo's anyway as I feel they usually don't do their products much justice). Hence my question, does the Nord really sound like the Discovery?

[MadScience]

I recently auditioned a Nord lead 2x and am considering getting one, I liked it over the virus, but I'll compare more. I also have discovery and I agree with your view on it. To me they don't sound alike at all. I don't get much use from discovery, but I think the nord lead 2x sounds great.

[krushing]

That said, Nordleads *are* somewhat "neutral" (or "pleasing, depending how you look at it) in character - this also usually means it's pretty easy to get it sit in a mix.

[Jlacck]

That said, Nordleads *are* somewhat "neutral" (or "pleasing, depending how you look at it) in character

I was actually under the impression from reviews I've read that the Nord leads are actually known for their character which people often compare to as analog sounding. I didn't hear anything "analog-ish" sounding about the Discovery in any way what-so-ever (although I thought it did have some pretty usable sine sub basses).

In any case, I can understand how something "neutral sounding" can sit better in a mix but the "sound" of the unit has to excite me enough in the first place. Maybe I'd have to do a side by side comparison of the Nord and Discovery to really see what the differences are if any (especially since I really wanted to get a Nord Lead). But if the Nord sounds anything like the Discovery then it sounds like I better keep looking for another synth.

[DonaldCrunk]

agreed with all above - but - to add -


interacting with a hardware synthesizer with editing capabilities can produce tones all its own. there's something about interacting with a piece of metal/plastic on your lap with knobbies that let's you find the 'sweet spot' of a particular synth and make good use of that - it takes you _far longer_ to do the same with a softy.

[Tech-Dek]

Yeah..thats the reason I am purchasing a hardware synth. It feels better to me and is a little more personal when using it. Kinda like DJing with vinyl vs. MP3. Iwth the hardware synth everything is right there in front of you..and the sound is warmer and different in color to VST's. I just went to GC and test drove a few different synths in my price range and I recommend doin the same if you can. Using both hardware and soft synths just gives you a more diverse sound palette.

[Kojak]

I was actually under the impression from reviews I've read that the Nord leads are actually known for their character which people often compare to as analog sounding. I didn't hear anything "analog-ish" sounding about the Discovery in any way what-so-ever (although I thought it did have some pretty usable sine sub basses).

If you really want an analog sound and character, you can find plenty of used vintage analog pieces for cheaper than a new nord.

[sensorium]

I've auditioned my NL3 next to discovery, and I think discovery does a terrible job at emulating it's sound. All of those people that claim it's identical are on crack.

That being said, the Nords do not have internal effects, so the instant gratification is not there like with others (Virus, KStation etc...) This is made up by the actual sound quality of the oscillators (which are better that any other VA in my opinion, except maybe the JP-8000). The Nord sounds so good, it does not need to be drenched in effects. It certainly does sound fantastic through a sherman filter and a TC reverb/delay though. That's fine with me because internal effects always suck anyway. A nice small stone phase shifter brings out the warmth also.

The true magic of the Nord is in the interface. No other synth on the planet can train you in the art of subtractive synthesis any faster.....also, no other synth will inspire you so easily to create new/interesting sounds.

I say go for it. If you hate it, sell it.

[Jlacck]

Well I might have to run to my local Guitar Center and see if they still have a Nord Lead 2x (or 3) available. Perhaps I can play around with it a little more and see if its something that suits my tastes. But for a minute there I was definitely put off by Discovery and since it was supposingly based on (or modeled after) the Nord Lead, I thought I'd be put off by the Nord as well.

If you really want an analog sound and character, you can find plenty of used vintage analog pieces for cheaper than a new nord.

I actually plan to purchase a few analog synths to compliment whatever VA I intend to buy. Not to mention I'll probably keep a few soft synths as well for a nice rounded sound pallet. But for the type of music I do, if I used nothing but vintage keyboards and analog synths my music would probably start to sound dated pretty quickly! Having said that, I tend to look for synths (be it VAs, Analog Synths, Soft Synths or even plain ol romplers) that have a character or an excitement about them that sounds anything BUT bland *think organic-like*.

Anyway, its good to see that its just ME who thinks something is a lil funky about Discovery.