Nord Lead 2 Pelle Mode - Dispersion Effect

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Rattling & Warming Up

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Feedback Hammer Time

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Layered Groove

Nord Lead 1 & 2 Pelle Mode - Metal Duet

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Layered Rhythm in VCV Rack

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Bell/String Arp

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - VCV Rack Layered Sequence

NL1 & NL2 live sequenced in VRV-Rack/Marbles with a touch of delay

Nord Lead 1 & 2 Pelle Mode - Plucked Duet

5x tanpura string sound with a touch of phasing delay in VCV Rack

almost but not quite #ReasonFriktion

Nord Lead Pelle Mode - Tanpura

While working on my dissertation, I found relaxation in the knobs and keys of my trusty Nord Lead 1 & 2. We have shared life and beautiful memories for 20 years. I thought I knew them well, until a memory from 2010 resurfaced in which Wout Blommers published the code to activate a hidden algorithm, also known as ‘Pelle mode’.

After some research, I found that after a decade, barely any documentation emerged about this mysterious and bizarre hidden synth within a synth. There is consensus that it involves Karplus-Strong synthesis, but only a few occasionally take a guess at the meaning of a limited number of parameters. However, Pelle mode sounded uncontrollable, unpredictable, loud, or sometimes just didn't. There must be at least one usable sound, right? How much work could it take to methodically go through them and create a meaningful interface? Well… more than anticipated.

After countless hypotheses, tests, iterations, and rewrites, I am satisfied with a model that works well enough to launch. So, with some blood, sweat, and tinnitus, I present: the 8-minute crash course on ‘Pelle mode’.
https://youtu.be/D7SQaK6BvLg

Have fun.

Waveguide Chronicles

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