Maybe someone from the Nodal team is reading this and will fix the bug in the next update!

Can you tell us the exact preset and sound set again so we can check it out? Thanks!

 

I just checked the preset and noticed/remembered that it was another VST plugin (Waldorf Blofeld) that bugged and not Nodal Red.

So everything OK with Nodal Red 2x. It is indeed nice sounding synthplug.

I only wish the soundbank preset names were clearer. Right now, at least the ones I use are just named "1.00", "1.01", "1.02"... etc.

 

Unfortunately, that's the way it is; they're *.SYX files from the original, there's no other way. I save the presets I like with my DAW as presets (export VST3 presets). I created a Nodal Red folder, and I put the best songs in there! That way, I can find everything again.

 

I also created hardware presets for the Blofeld, which you can download for free here: http://ohlenbostelhelge.magix.net/public/blofeld.htm and then imported the sounds into the Blofeld plugin. I also noticed errors, but the Blofeld plugin seems to be error-free.
I've already spoken to the support team. It seems there's no better solution...!

Here is another free sound set from me:
The Transform Soundset by Sonic Sirius for the Waldorf - Blofeld Plugin VSTi
https://audiosex.pro/threads/the-tr...us-for-the-waldorf-blofeld-plugin-vsti.79254/

 

Happens to me with most of Jexus sounds. Bad, cos that guy is genius

 

The Nord Lead 2x has 24-bit/96KHz digital-to-analog converters. Anyone who thinks this colours the sound in any sort of audible way, knows almost nothing about audio engineering.

 

You'll get coloring anyways converters differ , but overall I agree difference will be negligible. Thats why I said earlier emulation of this rather primitive VA synth is so boring you won't get anything more than you get from from a VA VST like Ichiro Toda Synth1 and many others.
They should be emulating NL 1 or 2 which were really special soundwise, they had different sound, 18bit DACs, secret physical modelling mode and different DSP code by little known DSP genius Peter "Pelle" Jubel who than coded Recycle, Rebirth and Reason.

 

Can you tell, does software plugin sound like hardware? Same? Or how is it close? Not comparing DA outputs etc.

 

Hardware is always slightly superior to software, that's down to the PC itself. For me, the Blofeld Original has a bit more bass and warmth. In direct comparisons, most of the presets sound almost identical, although the hardware can sound slightly warmer or more “interesting” due to its analog converters.

Both versions use the same oscillators (VA, wavetable, samples) and presets, so that the characteristic “Waldorf sound” is retained
The plugin comes very close to the original, authentic Blofeld sound, but is not a 1:1 clone. The sound of the software can be a very precise and detailed reproduction, but without the physical “warmth” and peculiarities of the hardware.

 

Synth1 has nothing to do with the Nord 2 sound, don't be silly.

 

agreed... the hardware came first - not the plugins. plugins are BASED on the hardware

 

Who Does Nord Lead Best? Discovery Pro vs. Nodal Red 2X Battle

Nord Lead 2 Reborn | Everything New in Discovery Pro 8.1 by DiscoDSP

Gearwire Labs: discoDSP Discovery vs. Nord Lead2

Discovery 2.7 is an affordable software rebuild of the Nord Lead2.

 

In modern equipment, they differ only in trivial meaningless ways.

They aren't going to emulate those because they aren't based on the DSP56300 chip. (NL1/2 are based on Motorola 56002)

Emulation of the NL3 is possible but that is less popular than the NL2X.

As for NL2X being a bit boring, I actually agree (but I extend that to the whole NL series). But if you don't like it, don't use it, it's that simple.

 

Last edited: Apr 9, 2025 at 10:47 AM

It's only a genuine comparison when we're comparing a digital synth to a genuine native or true emulation.

OsTIrus sounds identical to the Virus TI to me. The Korg Native plugins also sound identical to me.
Minifreak V plugin sounds slightly different to the hardware, and it is entirely due to the analog filters.


The Blofeld plugin has identical tone to the hardware. It might be my imagination but it seems to have different internal clipping behaviour to the hardware unit (hardware Blofeld has fairly low volume output at default patch settings because there are a number of overdrive options). I've noticed no other differences.

 

Hardware synthesizer and software synthesizer sound differences.

Sound Quality

Hardware synthesizers: They often offer higher sound quality, especially with analog models. The sound is described as warmer, livelier, and more dynamic. Analog hardware generates sounds through physical electronic circuits, resulting in a more complex and expressive sound. These sounds often cut through better in the mix.

Software synthesizers: The sound quality depends on the processing power of the computer and the digital audio workstation (DAW) used. Modern software synths can imitate hardware very well, but some musicians find the sound a bit flatter or less authentic. Nevertheless, they are flexible and often offer a wide range of effects and modulation options.

Audible Differences

Hardware synthesizers often produce a more powerful bass and clearer highs (sub- and crispness ranges).
These characteristics can be subtle in the mix but noticeable to trained ears.

In blind tests, the differences between high-quality software synths and their hardware counterparts are often barely audible, especially in digital emulations of analogue synths

 

the more i use hardware the more i like it. that was impossible for me in the past...
i feel more professional when working with hardware

 

But blofeld is digital.. Digital hardware with digital code vs digital plugin with digital code...

 

Perhaps AI can shed some light on this.

The Waldorf Blofeld hardware synthesizer and the Waldorf Blofeld plugin sound different despite using similar sound generation technologies. The differences can be attributed to several factors:

1. Hardware vs. Software Architecture
The hardware version uses special digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that influence the sound, giving it a slightly different character. This can result in a warmer or "grittier" sound that isn't exactly reproduced in the software.
The plugin is completely digital and depends on the quality of the audio engine of the DAW and computer, making it more precise but sometimes less organic.

2. Operation and Features
The plugin offers a modern interface with a powerful preset browser and easy operation, while the hardware is considered less intuitive.
The software allows for direct integration of samples and user wavetables, which is only possible with the hardware version via external tools like "Spectre."

3. Effects and Modulation
The plugin's effects section is more modern and flexible, while the hardware version is considered somewhat outdated in this area.
The plugin's modulation matrix offers expanded options, including mathematical modifiers that can further customize the sound.
4. Multitimbrality
Both versions are 16-way multitimbral, but configuration is easier in the plugin, as it offers a clear GUI.

5. Sound Character
The hardware Blofeld is often described as "harsh," "cool," and "digital," while the plugin can also create warm, analog sounds with clever programming.

In summary: The difference in sound between the hardware and the plugin lies primarily in the converters of the hardware and the purely digital processing of the plugin. Both versions have their strengths – the hardware for its organic sound, and the plugin for its flexibility and user-friendliness.

 

Still having the same debates, years after. How does a converter chip affects the signal ? Linearly ? Dynamically ?
No precise info about it on the web, by the way.

 

The sound of an instrument also depends on the quality of the programmer. Some people are simply a little better, and that's why some things sound better! The original Blofeld (hardware) was programmed by Stefan Stenzel, one of the best. Lennar (Sylenth1) is also an exceptional programmer.

AMAZONA: Hello Lennar, the Sylenth seems to be based on extremely sophisticated algorithms. Have you been involved in other audio projects, or did you first acquire your DSP knowledge for the Sylenth? Lennar: I've worked on many audio and DSP projects for Siemens VDO and the University of Twente (Netherlands). These mainly involved equalizer filters for automotive multimedia. I've also participated in scientific research projects involving active multi-channel noise reduction. https://www.amazona.de/interview-lennar-digital/

Stefan Stenzel Former Chief Technology Officer, Waldorf Music

As the former Chief Technology Officer of Waldorf Music, Stefan Stenzel played a central role in the company's growth and its development of legendary synthesizers such as the Waldorf Wave. Known for his expertise in digital synthesis and sound design, Stenzel led projects that solidified Waldorf's standing in the industry and established its reputation for creating innovative, high-quality instruments. His contributions laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements at Waldorf and left a lasting impact on electronic music technology.
www.soundsynthesisclub.com/team/stefan-stenzel

 

Last edited: Apr 10, 2025 at 7:55 AM