Welcome to the Synthzone Battle of the Week.

Contender nr 1: Clavia Nord Modular



Specs:

Voices: Minimum 4 voices, max 32. Depends on patch complexity.
Multitimbral parts: 4
Hardware: 18 user-assignable editing knobs
18 dedicated function buttons
4 assignable outputs
FX: Phaser, distortion and chorus modules. Whole bunch of digital sound mangling modules.
Special: Flexible signal routing, since you build virtual modular synths on your computer screen (not just sound programming).

Link: http://www.clavia.se/nordmodular/hardware.htm

Contender nr 2: Novation Supernova II rack



Specs:

Voices: 24, expandable to 48.
Multitimbral parts: 8
Hardware: It's plastered with knobs and buttons. A cool blue LCD keeps you updated on exact parameter values.
8 assignable outputs.
FX: All the usual digital fx. 7(!) simultaneous fx per part.
Special: Includes a 42-band vocoder. Has arpeggiators for each part.

Common on both contenders: Both include 2 analog inputs for external audio processing. Both look sexy as hell!

My comments: The Clavia really appeals to the experimental side of me (I already have the Micro Modular, which is like a quarter of the big one). The SNIIrack really appeals to the more lazy techno freak in me.

I'm getting one of these babies soon. Right now I'm leaning towards the Novation, mostly because of significant price-drops on the 24-voice model. Who knows? I love the Micromod and having 4 parts would be heaven. I'll be auditioning the Nova this week. Can't trust those MP3s.

Cast your votes and comments!

-tek



[This message has been edited by tekminus (edited 09-23-2002).]