Clavia Nord Lead is a virtual analog subtractive synthesizer, which was developed in Sweden, being released to the public by Clavia in 1995. The Nord Lead was the first synthesizer on the market to emulate analog synthesis. The now widely accepted term "virtual analog", was first coined by Clavia with the release of the Nord Lead. This synthesizer was distinctive for its red coloration, knob-laden surface and stone modulation wheel; it was later identified as avant-garde to the Clavia Nord Lead line of synthesizers. After the post release of the Nord Lead, several updates followed suit; such as the Nord Lead 2, Nord Lead 2x, and Nord Lead 3. The Nord Lead pursued its mission to emulate the classic analog synthesizer sounds, such like a Minimoog, ARP 2600, etc.