Version changes Nord Rack I

[cleptomain]

I recently bought a used Nord Rack I, it shows operating system v2.6 at startup. I read at the clavia website that the final version of the Nord Lead I operating system is v2.7.

Does anybody know what exactly has changed from v2.6 to v2.7?
Does a changelog or a version history exist?

Thanks!

[Wout Blommers]

cleptomain

For me it is the first time someone from Africa reaches the forum.

Even Clavia doesn't know exactly anymore what changes each update had... Well, this is true!
We are in a process reconstructing some of the information.
The problem is the people who know aren't working anymore at the firm.

What we found out until now is there are two real different OS versions: V1.0 and V2.0. The figure behind the dot is an update concerning bugs. Sometimes an updates isn't released and was only used and tested in the house, so it is possible a release is skipped...

I send you (and other interested forum members) my findings until now:

Although not all my questions to other informants are answered, I think I have a rough idea what the differences are in the updates of the original NordLead.

There were two main versions, the V 1.X and the V 2.X. I found a non dated flyer of the V 2.0 update collected back 1966(?) in a shop in The Hague. My NordRack is an updated V1.X to V2.3, because the Panel is being adapted to the update by stickers changing the Panel text.
BTW the synth's serial number is removed by a former owner… [?]

Changes in the V2.0 update

I assume the figure behind the dot is a bug fix and not a real version update.

Added were the Percussion sounds in a special bank. The flyer mentioned the use of the PCMCIA card holder, so this feature was already included in the V1.X and 30 more Percussion mode files could be added, only Clavia never provided these.

The Arpeggiator was renewed by adding the Echo function, which was coupled to the Morph to change its sound with each step. Also the Random feature was introduced. The Panel text is changed using a sticker.

The Filter section was renewed by the introduction of the Notch+ LP Filter.
Here also a sticker changes the names and location of the Filters.

The demo songs were added, although on the Panel there is no indication.

The Midi implementation changed more drastically. The Octave Shift received the feature of pressing both buttons to make the Shift go to Midi Out to control other synth modules. Also sensitivity toward After Touch and being assigned to the LFO's, Osc2, FM or Filter. The Arpeggiator became able to be directed to Midi (Note) Out.

The Pedal became more functions other than only replacing the Modulation
Wheel, the same destinations as After Touch.

Not in the flyer text, but adapted on the Panel, was the [Shift+KBT Track]
as Panic escape. Why mention it when Nord users will never be in panic, will they?

Note worthy is the introduction of the PCMCIA cards 1 to 3. The back side of the flyer is completely dedicated to it. It can be of some importance to this little investigation, because the 4th card was introduced later which would be a signature sound bank release on which Gert-Jan Essenstam contributed. I asked him already about information on this issue, so maybe he can remember when he worked on the project. I will CC this mail also to him.
http://nm-archives.electro-music.com/020_NordLead2/Red_Lady/Index_bestanden/Red_Lady/1100Lib04Bnk02/Nord_Sound_Library04Bank02.htm


Any comments?

I add some photographs.

Wout

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[Wout Blommers]

And for more history about the Nord the patent of the PitchStick.

Wout

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[cleptomain]

Thank you very much.

BTW: The flyer looks very much like "back in the days". Time flies...