Modor NF-1 synth

The Modor NF-1 is a digital DSP synthesiser that advances the classic virtual analogue architecture by rebuilding oscillators, filters, effects and modulation in a modern digital framework with expanded sound design capability.

Overview

Modor has designed the NF-1 as a forward-thinking synth that preserves the familiar signal flow of oscillators feeding multimode and formant filters before entering a flexible effects engine, while its fully digital foundation introduces waveforms, filter options and modulation behaviour that go far beyond vintage virtual analogue instruments. The hardware upgrade introduced in 2017 refines the physical experience through more stable potentiometers, a quieter Cirrus Logic CS4392 DAC and a USB MIDI connector, and it also improves electromagnetic immunity and output drive so the line output powers headphones directly. The NF-1 retains its distinctive sound across both generations and every unit continues to receive ongoing firmware updates, including full microtonal capability from OS013 onward.

Oscillator Section

The NF-1 uses three identical oscillators that operate independently and offer ten waveforms designed for musical versatility and experimental timbre creation. Pulse-width-modulated Saw, Square and Triangle waves generate the core virtual analogue tones, while SYNC introduces hard-sync-style harmonics without relying on analogue circuitry. ADD provides additive partial shaping, and SONAR, WIND and ARC introduce specialised noise-based textures for percussive, windy or retro-digital colours. FM and FBFM use sinusoidal pairs to achieve classic FM movement or aggressive feedback-driven harmonics. The combination of fully independent oscillators and these extended waveform types gives the NF-1 a broader sonic range than typical VA synths.

Filter Section

The main filter operates as a 12 dB per octave multimode design that continuously morphs between low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop responses, allowing intermediate shapes rather than forcing fixed positions. The unique formant filter expands the tonal palette with three morphing vowels and ten factory formant presets, while users can adjust each formant’s frequency to create evolving vocal timbres not available on traditional hardware synthesisers.

Effects Section

The comb-filter block creates everything from classic chorus and flanging to metallic resonances by adjusting delay time, feedback and modulation depth, while the dedicated delay section produces slapbacks, rhythmic repeats or evolving echo tails. All effect parameters respond to modulation sources, giving precise or chaotic movement across time-based effects.

Modulation Section

Four three-stage envelopes each provide three level parameters and four time settings, allowing detailed shaping of amplitude, filter behaviour or advanced modulation routing. Two LFOs switch between triangle, saw, square and sine waves, with an additional triangle LFO linked to the mod wheel for performance control. A sample-and-hold generator with a low-pass option adds stepped or smoothed randomness. The modulation matrix allows seven definable modulation routings, choosing among nineteen sources and eighty-six destinations, ensuring deep control over every stage of the synthesis engine.

Connectivity, Interface and Build

The NF-1 offers standard MIDI In, Out and Thru on DIN connections as well as class-compliant USB MIDI for simple integration with computers. The stereo output uses 6.35 mm jacks and drives headphones directly. Sustain and expression inputs extend performance control. A 16 by 2 green-backlit LCD displays patch information and supports Latin and Cyrillic characters. The front panel uses forty-two rotary knobs, twenty pushbuttons, a rotary encoder and a combined power and volume control, giving direct hands-on access to all major functions. The chassis measures 440 mm wide without rack ears or 480 mm with ears, fits a 6U rack space and weighs approximately 6 kg.

Why Choose the Modor NF-1

• Offers a modern digital engine that behaves like a VA synth but reaches far beyond its limits

• Encourages adventurous sound design with unusual waveforms and a unique hardware formant filter

• Provides deep modulation routing for complex evolving textures

• Improves workflow with a stable hardware build and low-noise DAC

• Integrates easily into studio setups via DIN or class-compliant USB MIDI

• Continues to receive firmware upgrades, ensuring lasting value

• Digital DSP engine with enhanced virtual analogue architecture
• Three independent oscillators with ten waveform types
• 12 dB multimode resonant filter with continuous morphing
• Hardware formant filter with morphing vowels and user-defined formants
• Comb-filter effects for chorus, flanger and resonant textures
• Dedicated delay section with full parameter control
• Four three-stage envelopes with level and time parameters
• Two multifunction LFOs, one performance LFO and sample-and-hold generator
• Modulation matrix with seven user routings, nineteen sources and eighty-six destinations
• 8-voice polyphony with poly, mono and mono-legato modes
• 448 patch memory across fourteen banks
• Class-compliant USB MIDI plus DIN MIDI In, Out and Thru
• Stereo line outputs capable of driving headphones
• Expression and sustain inputs
• Updated hardware with sturdy potentiometers and low-noise Cirrus Logic CS4392 DAC
• 16 x 2 LCD supporting Latin and Cyrillic characters
• Rack-mountable 6U chassis with recessed rear connections

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.