Clavia Nord Micromodular

I waited a long time to write this review,. (have owned it for over a year)

Do we really need another positive review? oh well,. there just aint
much negative to say about it,. I love the editor,. I think it is extrememly well done (v3.03) it's a lot more fun to use than reaktor,. the detail level is just right enough for me,. very musical. People will say that reaktor has more modules and things, which is true, BUT (with the exception of highly memory intensive modules like samplers grain clouds and reverbs), the majority of reaktor's modules are simply combinations of simpler modules,. the

Clavia modular architecture (pardon my crappy spelling) is extremely streamlined and "non redundand!" very little overlap,. it sometimes takes a little more thinking but it's worth it,. I mean hey,. if you want to string together loads of logic modules,. you can build just about anything,. think about it!

The polyphony sucks,. but hey,. basically a tease in this department,.
it makes me want the expanded rack version in a big way,. but instead i'm HOPING!!!! that clavia will bring out a nord modular 2 than I will buy it instead!!! (please please please!!!! :) It sill has to get 10 though,.

People will say,,. oh reaktor is so much better,. well when I bought my MM I was using reaktor,. if it would stay without crashing for a while it was nice but hey, CRASH,. forget using the audio input at that time,. things have evolved in the Software world,. but out of the box I could use my MM in every way and it worked! and worked well,. and did what was advertised,. the best $1100 Canadian I've ever spend!
*** People say oh it only has 100 modules or whatever,. man I've seen some people do some things with this (on the user groups and stuff) that would scare you!,. they do granular synthesis and stuff with this ,. they do physical modeling with this,. they build there own compressers,. vocoders,. peak limiters,. the better YOU ARE,. the better the MM is! it's just gonna make you want MORE DSP DSP DSP!!!
the only thing I can say is,. the filters sound like nord filters,. they sound good,. but they are recognizable after a while,. but any filters are,. if you could make you're own filters some how? maybe you can? I dunno,.
18 bit,. 96Khz,. You can really notive the 96kHz on the oscilators,.
seems to be less aliasing,. really nice sounding,. some of the fitlers are so nice too,. for a digital synth it has some of the nicest FM,. 1 module actually use Phase modulation for FM,. (like the DX machines,.) it sounds better in my opinion.

Very Best,. Try putting reaktor into you;re coat pocket!!!!
and the MM is so cute,. I keep mine nice and clean :)

Never really need to talk to them,. but I've asked them for some questions and the've answered,. clavia are #1 in my opinion,. most other gear I buy I spend time being pissed off at,. not the MM,. it just kicks ass really,. I REALLY WANT THERE TO BE A NORD MODULAR II,. maybe even with some sample ram for granular stuff!! USB,..

The only thing I consider to be in it's leage is reaktor,. and I like reaktor too and reaktor is finally getting bugs worked aout and there are finally some nice windows sound cards,. Reaktor on Mac OS X with a nice .5 MS latency will start to kick ass,. But I'mot droppoing my MM soon,.
wishes ???? Model 2 with RAM and phase linear filters!!!!!

I bought the MM to learn about modular synthesis. With no prior experience and no knowledge at all ("What's an LFO?") I found the manual to be profoundly informative and useful. After reading it through two times and skimming it a third time, I understand how most of the modules work. Some of them (like the note sequencer) work in unique ways and take some time to learn. There is definitely a learning curve (hence the 8), but if you're interested in modular synthesis at all, you should be able to figure it out.

The software itself is easy as pie to use (I'm using the latest version as of 10/25/01). Select a module from the toolbar, drag it into the working area and connect the dots. I can't imagine modular synthesis being much easier than this.

The presets demonstrate the flexibility of the unit, ranging from synthpop sequences to vocodors, etc. for processing external sounds. Some are better than others (of course) but they are useful places to learn how things work. Making your own patches is the raison d'etre of the MM, so the quality of presets really isn't a major reason to buy this thing.

What it doesn't have: no keyboard, no built in effects.

What it does have: three assignable knobs (you'll want more - get a cheap controller), 2 outputs, headphone jack, 1 audio in, midi in/out and editor-dedicated midi in/out. Sound source is entirely software-based, so it is infinitely upgradable (and Clavia supports their products). Has three different types of sequencer modules, all of which are easy to use and as flexible as your skill allows.

Polyphony (as other reviers point out) depends on the complexity of the patch. While the MM's chief competitors (i.e. the Micro Q) have a more poly, the MM's strength lies in the mind-blowing range of possibilities made available by the mix-and-match method of patch creation. Also, I've found that with careful programming two note polyphony can be achieved quite easily.

Of course, "polyphony" is a confusing word, since one patch can have a lot going on even though you can only play one note at a time. Self-playing patterns are the name of the game. You can, for instance, create one patch that has a complex rhythm playing while you tinker with a mono bass line.

MIDI works fine.

I give this a 9 because more knobs would have been nice, and because occasionally when you insert or remove a new module into a patch (before you've connected it to anything) the sound you're working on completely changes (rates of LFOs suddenly change, for example). This is a software problem and is fixable (and not especially bad. Otherwise, I can't complain.

I wouldn't buy this thing to be my only sound source. That said, the MM is an incredibly fun, flexible and inspiring tool for sound creation. The possibilities (within the polyphony limit) are vast. No onboard effects means that an outboard unit is necessary (at least reverb - essential). Dark, scathing, rumbling soundscapes, chest-rattling bass lines, funky grooves, it can do it. Create sounds for your sampler/drum machine, process vocals or other external sources (this is an incredible effects box for guitar, other synths, etc.). The possibilities are limited only by the user's willingness to explore.

I give this category a 9 because of the limited poly, which I feel is not a terrible problem considering the price and purpose of the unit.

It's solid. I wouldn't play football with it. $500 is a lot for a football. At the same time, I don't take it places, so I'm going to leave this one for the gigging folks.

Their web site is incredible. It has in-depth tutorials on using different modules, or just on certain techniques (FM, for instance). If you're thinking about getting one of these, you should check the site out. I've never dealt with them one on one, but the website deserves top honors.

The biggest problem with the MicroModular (aside from its addictive quality) is it makes you want its big brother, which is, I gather, four of these strapped together. Still, if you're interested in getting into the sound creation business, you can't go wrong with this one. It would fit into any electronic/experimental musician's arsenal. Ambient, techno, trance - you name it, it can be used there. As I said, it's probably not a wise choice if its going to be your only sound source, but as a second source it kicks. The price is worth what you get: a top notch product that will very quickly become the center of your musical focus. I find that once I get started on a patch, I can work for hours without knowing it. It's fun, it's easy as pie to play with (no little screens and menus, which I can't stand) and the sounds it makes go from sweet in insane. Learning enough so you can sit down and create a sound in your head takes time, of course, but this box is a great way to learn.

I run this through a few different boxes depending on my mood. I've got a Roland reverb unit which is an essential extension of the MM's sound. Also use a Line 6 delay modeler to phunk it up, and an Art TubePac preamp for keeping warm.

I use V3.03. It's just awesome in it's possiblities, which are actually endless. The only limtiation is the DSP, which is main difference from its big brother, the Modular. Editing patches is a bit tricky, at least you HAVE to have some kind of knowledge of how synths are made and structured. And if you know how most synths work, this 'virtual modular' thing is still gonna scare you. The best part is that you can dowload patches from the Net, which makes it possible to learn it from there. There are so many great matsches already,that if you only love its sound, you'll have a great time with this baby anyway.

As you probably know, the Micro Modular has no keyboard. The only control you have, and that's pretty much, is on the four knobs on the module. The polyphony depends on the patches, on how much CPU you need. To describe the Micro as monosynth would be not really fair, because in fact it is not. But in daily practice, just don't expect to get huge polyphonic pads - the CPU is limited. It's just the way it is. The effects are interesting, everything can be done, except for reverb. But a little delay can be nice, and all kinds of smart things can be done (effect can be made) with the Micro, especially when you use its Audio Input. You can process a sound e.g. through its filters and - with the right patch - this can be very impressive. The filters are really nothing to be ashamed of, I think. The have enough bite and fatness to compare the Micro with all the great synths. In fact, the filters on the Micro are the same as found on the 'big' Modular. With this kind of features, the Micro lets itself use as a quite original effect tool - it depends on what you can get out of it. Midi implementation is excellent, you can control anything with anything. And talking about sequencers, it has some nice little secrets, too. What about creating your own drum sounds from scratch, and creat infinte patterns with these sounds and - in the end - let it act as master or slave. Like a five-star arpeggiator, you can just do even more you can imagine. Still.. you have to get to know it. It's not a preset synth, although the factory presets are useful to get a good impression.

As I wrote in the above, I think its filters (to start with) are really awesome. Most people, the first thing they do is check the filters out - I can't blame them. With the Micro, it's all there. The bite, the directness, the character, you can hear it in the mix most of the time. In the beginning, it stronly reminded me of the Nord Lead series synths, but I have to admit it's got its own character. And again, it all deoends on how good you are in turning all these possiblities into your own creations. A little experiment will teach you that it's worth it. In fact, you'll be wanting the 'big' Modular, you will get addicted to its sound. No really, it stands completely in its own right between all these Roland, Korg and Yamaha stuff. This one has a truly unique sound. And woth the MIDI possibilities, the thing enables you to get any control you can imagine, and therefore I think its expressiveness is excellent.

Never had a single problem with it for almost two years. Patches are stored and backupped very easily. Another thing (but not about reliability) is that I hate the adaptor (wall warts as Americans call it) - these kind of things are a pain i the ass when playing live a lot. But so far the material seems to be very solid and dependable.

The only thing I can remember about 'customer support' was something I heard on the Modular mailing list, is that the people at Clavia really do listen to their end users very carefully.

As I mentioned I can always identify the Micro very well in my productions. Being extremely versatile and everything, to me it is of very big value. It's just like you have all these synths in one little amazing box. Never disappointed me, both artistically and professionally.

Version 3.03. Fantastic editor, very easy and powerful. The manual is very clear

With complex patches you have only 1 note, but no complaint for the money i paid. Infinite combinations of oscillators, filters, effects, .... and all with great quality

I like very much the sounds and the effects. If you make experimental music you need this box

It seems hard

The web site is OK

You can get sounds that are impossible with much more expensive machines. And it is an excelent effects processor. I think it is the synth with the best relation quality/price in the market, even if you pay $500 or more

I use version 3.03. The out-of-box presets scratch the surface of the sonic abilities. The editing isn't as easy for users who are new to synthesis. But there so many patches available on-line (Clavia & others) that I don't find myself having to edit that often...and after that it's mostly fine tuning. The manual is comprehensive. Wizoo's is a bit more "meat & potatoes"...I generally consult that book more often. Not that you'll need a manual that often once you've gone round with it.

It's a four voice machine though you're often in mono mode due to it being one section of the larger Modular. There are 3 on-board knobs and you can assign the mod wheel. The features are really in the editor...where you've got millions of possiblities for sound structure. It's other uses, besides straight synth, are processor, vocoder, and rhythm box. It has many drum options. A 16 step sequence generator, ect. The more you put into the box the more you get out. It's very versatile and useful as far as features go. Again, the ease of use is dependent on your level of expertise on the basics of synthesis.

Well if you know Clavia/Nord you will recognize the sound straight away. No synth sounds like a Nord...atleast to me. There is no chance of finding "realistic" or "acoustic" sounds...at least in comparison to machine built for those sounds. You will find realistic emulations of 303, Jupiter, Prophet, Moog, 808, Wavestation, ect. The classic 78 analog sounds are all here for the constructing (or downloading, as the case might be). It will work well for all the types of music that you'd use the above synths/boxes for...pop, electronic, hip-hop, trance, hard-house, prog, surf. Again it must be said, you're really going to squeeze out as much as you are willing to learn/explore/risk with the Modular & MicroMod. Although I'd demo a Nord if I wasn't familar with the characteristics of Clavia. They don't sound like Korgs or Waldorfs...there's a very big difference, to my ear. To me it's an icy, brittle somewhat hollow sound...but in a good way, atleast I like it. They're not nearly as fluid sounding as Waldorfs. Mods seem to be a good digital representation of the late 70's/early 80's synths, done via Clavia. People who like Nords will not be disappointed.

I gig & travel with it everytime out. There's no easier piece of gear to take than Modulars or Micros. Obviously with the Rack or Micro you'll need a controller.

I really like Clavia. Though in the time I've owned my Nords (Classic & MicroMod) I've not had to deal with them directly. The synths are so solid that if you can get around in the manual & website, no problem. The upgrades are free and always at the ready on their site.

This red devil is the heart of my studio & live set up. There's nothing that could give you so much for the cash you'll spend. I probably wouldn't pay over $500usd for it. But the closer to $400 you get, the bigger the bargain. Coupled with a Wavestation, XTk and a MPC, you're going strong. I've been playing professionally for sometime. I travel 6 months out of the year (give or take). Besides the full Modular there's nothing that compares. Cats that like Nords will tell you straight away how badass a machine it is. It's not a 2, 3 or Electro...it's has it's own character that's a bit retro but certainly a daily-use synth. I generally go to the Micro to begin building up tracks or soundscapes. The FX are awesome due to the FM & sine on-board. The step-sequence is useful. The drum sounds are good, though I don't use them every often. The basses are great. Aside from the hiss I can barely tell my CS-15 or SH bass from the Micro (obviously you can *tell*, but who wants to tour with their 101 or Source or CS?...not me). I highly recommend the Nord Modulars. Just remember to be happy with the sonic character of the Nord before you buy. To me you have to like the personality and the Micro's not like any other synth sound out there. It'd also be good to have some background knowledge of how to get sound from a synth. This isn't to say there are *ample* patches on-line...I have a couple 1000 to scroll through everytime I sit down. I've personally built up maybe 100 of them. Some cats may have the time or want to sit down and construct patch after patch but the editing takes time...and not just 10 minutes. I find it way easier to scroll through pre-sets and edit a ballpark sound to exactly what I need. But if you want to geek around...there's plenty to keep you squinting well into the evening. 90% of you should be more than satisfied with the Micro, especially if you get it under $450.

I'll say seven- it's easy to get at the presets, but once you hear what this synth can REALLY do, you'll want to experiment and try the many patches available- which takes time. you get what you put in with this synth- and it's capable of brilliant tweakable magic.

clavia (unlike some lame companies) is great- they continue to support this synth with upgrades and more sounds to download. polyphony is an overemphasized commodity- how many voices did the juno 106 have? the mini moog? or the arp stuff? this synth is great at dabbling in those style of sounds and textures---- if you want a 128 voice grand piano buy something else. you can also send expression info. for several of the facets of the sound via midi to your sequencer- very phresh- since the micro was made to be tweaked.

as mentioned, don't buy this hoping for a grand piano or saxaphone- although there are some ok rhodes sounds. retro synths? yes- in spades. newer dancier synths? yes! and you can easily create sounds that match the bpm of your tracks (if you're a midi geek like me) and create the sweetness. the effects also shine (there's no delay- but the phaser is NASTY and there's plenty more)- I use the 24 bit compression often when creating vocal/guitar samples with great success. the sounds are very expressive- you can TWEAK them to bits- especially if you're willing to program the parameters of the sound you wish to manipulate (there's 3 knobs- but I've found that to be all I need in a live application- in a studio you have a computer to edit the sounds).

it's compact size is an asset- it can sit on top of your controller (with some velcro if you start tweaking too much you nasty rock thing you!) or your drum machine (it fits on top of my mpc 2000). it's very dependable, just don't mind the wall wart- it's worth it to keep the synth stealthy in size.

clavia rules.

it's an amazing synth. a great effects processor- and a great live tool for tweaking and creating sound. it even has great vocoder applications (but that doesn't mean you have to use it you generic dweebs- you know who you are). you get what you put into this synth---if you're willing to spend an hour finding the perfect sound you will NEVER be dissapointed, otherwise- it's still worth the price. (you don't have to pay over $500).

V3.03
the standard presets are just there to show the box off, they are better then GM (hehe) but you will soon start searching other patches or make them yourself

4 voices
Since its modular there are a lot of effects build in, but a chorus or a reverb unit is wanted to place the sounds a little deeper in the mix

I don't use it for realistic instruments but for percussion like fast attack sound that morph away in something different.
The low&highs are something you would never expect from a little box like this, its working on 96Khz and your hear the sonic difference and clarity compared to anything else

had it only for a few days, took it on a work-trip to the UK and connected my midiport USB to my laptop and I spend 1 week every evening in my hotel playing with it as a little fix for my bedroom studio I left home....

nop,

This box is awesome, I have a JP8080 and a JV1080 which are now only sitting there eating power.
This box is so great, you seauence yer patch, sample it in your seauencer and you are off to create another patch. the semi random pattern generator can be used for hours on end at a trance gig, this thing is actually my tech wet dream

If you know how to use the basics of a computer, you can get some sounds out of the micro modular. If you want good sounds...well, that's another thing!
Since you're patching together all the modules and in that way build your own sounds, you have to know, or be willing to learn, the basics of synthesis too. It's a great tool to use in the learning process BTW!!!
It was the first synth I bought (about a year ago) and it helped me understand synthesis in a new way.
The manual is good, it explains the modules and gives you some good tips.

Limited polyphony, often it's monophonic. Depending on how you build your patches, it doesn't have to be a problem though.
Since there are only 3 knobs, you might like to get a external MIDI-box like the Doepfer PocketControl or similar!

I love it...just love it!! Some people say that the sound is thin and lacks 'punch'...well, maybe that's because they are terrible patchers!? After spending a year with this red devil, I think I can get the sounds I like out of it... It might need a bit of outboard EFX...some reverb.
Ok, the filters doesn't have the same power as the ones in my Waldorf XT, but not many digital synths do!
I use it for heavily experimental soundscape stuff...microtonal, weird pads etc. For that kind of music, I can't imagine a better synth!!!

Even though it's small I think it could take a punch or two. I've gigged and travelled with it - no problem at all!!!
Some people have had problems with the modular and their MIDI-interfaces, though I haven't.
The software seems to be bug-free, I haven't had any problems at all with it!

I've just send a couple of e-mail back and forth. Good and fast answers! Clavia is a small but great company, and they are well known for their great support!

I love it...belive me, I really do! I think of my life as 'before and after the micro modular'. I really can't imagine not having it... For a while I thought about getting a Modular Rack instead, but since I like the size of the micro I got a Waldorf XT instead. They get a along just fine :)
I would buy another one if something happened to it, no doubt about it!!!!

Verson 3.o. If your just playing presets it's simple and straightfoward. Creating your own sounds is a little more difficult but in the process you may create something unexpected. It would help to have a screen dedicated for the patch editor. The Manual is average.

The cool thing about the Mirco mod is you get the same sounds as the Big Mod. Bad thing is you don't get many voices.

But, with the real modular synths you can't get more than one voice at a time anyway...

The effects like chorus and distortion are easy. The vocoder is a little clumsy but with some tweaking it actually sounds pretty good.

The sequencer is easy to use... your basic 16 step sequncer, but what's cool is you can link 16 step seq modules to get longer patterns.

The little box sounds great. I heard someone say "it sounds great and it's very similar to a real modular synth - only you don't have to kick it and it stays in tune"

No problems so far...

Haven't had to use it.

If you don't know anything about modular synthisis, this box is a great piece of gear to begin with. If you've got the money, go for the big one.

(Using V3.0 Software) Generally, this unit is a dream to use- at last
WYSIWYG synthesis! The manual is good, if a tad unweildy- don't buy
this unit is you are not already quite au fait with analogue
synthesis, or be prepared for much trail & error, as the presets it
comes with aren't exactly great.

The features don't look great on paper- but look at the price!
It isn't multitibral, but you can get round this with cunning
programming. Oh- and there's analogue inputs; VERY useful.

Stunning. You will not need another analogue modelling synth. I think
that the best adjective for this unit is transparent- it does what
it says, and does it very well. Put a reverb unit after it (I use
a Lexicon MPX100), and make Richard D.James sound like a rank
amateur.

It works. And the jack sockets are good quality.

No need as yet- but the Clavia website is very useful.

Think of a noise and go there. This is one of the few synths I would
happily call a musical instrument- virtual, yes, but very useable.
If you buy one, it will become the heart of your setup. You may even
loose a few friends.