The Nord Modular series is a line of synthesizers produced by Clavia , a Swedish digital synthesizer manufacturer. The Nord Modular series, in common with their sister range the Nord Lead series, are analogue modelling synthesizers, producing sounds that approximate those produced by conventional analogue synths by using DSP chips to digitally model analogue circuitry .
108-485: The Nord Modular range approximates the much more flexible capabilities of modular synthesizers . Unlike most other analogue modeling synth hardware, which generally simulates one or a small number of (usually subtractive ) synth circuit layouts, the Nord Modular provides an almost unlimited variation of synth architectures, with the facility to simulate, in addition to subtractive synthesis, additive , FM , and, in
216-419: A crucifix mask, a monkey tied to a cross , a pig's head spinning on some type of machine, a diagram of a vulva , Reznor wearing an S&M mask while swinging in shackles, and of him wearing a ball gag . A radio edit that partially mutes the song's explicit lyrics also received extensive airtime. Contemporary critics generally praised The Downward Spiral , now classed among the most important albums of
324-491: A delay module to get the chorus effect.) There exist many different types of modules. Modules with the same basic functions may have different inputs, outputs and controls, depending on their degree of complexity. Some examples include the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), which may have options for sync (hard or soft), linear or exponential frequency modulation, and variable waveshape; the voltage-controlled filter (VCF) that may have both resonance and bandwidth controls; and
432-428: A 36-track instrumental album, became available via the band's official website. Ghosts I–IV was made available in a number of different formats and forms, ranging from a free download of the first volume, to a $ 300 Ultra-Deluxe limited edition package. All 2,500 copies of the $ 300 package sold out in three days. The album is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike licence. The album
540-620: A Hole", but an explicit video for "Sin" was only released in partial form for Closure . The original version of the "Down in It" video ended with the implication that Reznor's character had fallen off a building and died in the street. This footage attracted the attention of the FBI . In 1989, while doing promotion for the album, the band members were asked on what shows they would like to appear. They jokingly replied (possibly while intoxicated) that they would like to appear on Dance Party USA , since it
648-692: A Motion Picture , and a 2010 Oscar for Best Original Score . Reznor and Ross again collaborated with Fincher for the official score the American adaptation of the novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , released in December 2011, and then again on Fincher's 2014 film Gone Girl . In July 2012 Reznor teamed up with video game developer Treyarch to compose the theme music for Call of Duty: Black Ops II . Later that year Reznor again worked with Atticus Ross along with Alessandro Cortini on
756-404: A U measurement up or down to some closer convenient metric equivalent; for example, the common 5U modules are exactly 8.75 inches (222.25 mm), but non-American manufacturers may prefer 220 or 230 mm. Other differences are in the plugs used, which can match 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) or 3.5 mm phone connectors , banana jacks , or breadboard patch leads; in the main power supply, which
864-599: A band that could articulate the material as he desired, Reznor was inspired by Prince to play all instruments himself except drums, which he programmed electronically. He has continued to play most parts on Nine Inch Nails recordings ever since. The first Nine Inch Nails performance took place at the Phantasy Theater in Lakewood, Ohio , on October 21, 1988. Soon after, following their live support of Skinny Puppy , Reznor aimed to release one 12-inch single on
972-401: A cohesive product, an instrument. Modules may not be swapped out and usually a typical configuration has been pre-wired. The modules are typically not separable and may physically be parts of a contiguous circuit board. However, the manufacturer provides mechanisms to allow the user to connect modules in different orders and often to connect external components or modules (chosen and supplied by
1080-448: A different band name, because if TVT found out we were recording, they could confiscate all our shit and release it. Jimmy Iovine got involved with Interscope, and we kind of got slave-traded. It wasn't my doing. I didn't know anything about Interscope. And I was real pissed off at him at first because it was going from one bad situation to potentially another one. But Interscope went into it like they really wanted to know what I wanted. It
1188-401: A download of over 400 GB via BitTorrent . In an immediate response, a fan organization known as This One Is On Us quickly downloaded the data and had begun to assemble the footage alongside its own video recordings to create a professional three-part digital film, followed by a physical release created "by fans for fans". This tour documentary became collectively known as Another Version of
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#17327909930391296-665: A few months after the 2000 Fragility tour which itself was recorded and released on CD, DVD, and VHS in 2002 as And All That Could Have Been . A deluxe edition of the live CD came with the companion disc Still , containing stripped-down versions of songs from the Nine Inch Nails catalog along with several new pieces of music. During the Fragility 2.0 tour, Reznor suffered a heroin overdose in London in June 2000, forcing
1404-426: A film adaption of the album and noted Year Zero as "part of a bigger picture of a number of things I'm working on. Essentially, I wrote the soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist." The project moved into the television medium because of high costs for Year Zero as a film, then Reznor found American film producer Lawrence Bender and met with writers. On August 10, 2007, Reznor announced that they would be taking
1512-410: A generally heightened education through the development of virtual synthesis systems such as VCV Rack , MAX/MSP, Pd and Reaktor etc. The basic modular functions are: signal, control, logic and timing. Typically, inputs and outputs are an electric voltage . The difference between a synthesizer module and a stand-alone effects unit is that an effects unit will have connections for input and output of
1620-400: A gig which was to be played that night to be cancelled. The incident pushed Reznor into entering rehab, putting Nine Inch Nails on hold while he attempted to become sober. In 2002, Johnny Cash covered the Nine Inch Nails' " Hurt " for his album, American IV: The Man Comes Around , to critical acclaim. After seeing the music video, which later won a Grammy, Reznor himself became a fan of
1728-454: A heavier use of film samples . Reznor chose the name "Nine Inch Nails" because it "abbreviated easily" rather than for "any literal meaning". Other rumored explanations have circulated, alleging that Reznor chose to refer to Jesus's crucifixion with nine-inch spikes, or Freddy Krueger 's nine-inch fingernails. The Nine Inch Nails logo first appeared on the music video for their debut single, " Down in It ". Reznor and Gary Talpas designed
1836-477: A high quality souvenir from our most ambitious tour ever. Nine Inch Nails Revenge , an iPhone / iPod Touch -exclusive rhythm game developed by Tapulous , was released on March 8, 2009 (five months after the company announced the development of the game). This installment in the Tap Tap video game franchise was themed after Nine Inch Nails, and included tracks from Ghosts I–IV and The Slip . Portions of
1944-467: A machine that pleases, tortures, then (apparently) kills him. A third video for "Pinion", partially incorporated into MTV's Alternative Nation opening sequence, showed a toilet that apparently flushes into the mouth of a person in bondage . Reznor and Christopherson compiled the three clips along with footage for "Help Me I Am in Hell" and "Gave Up" into a longform music video titled Broken . It depicts
2052-425: A modular fashion. A modular synthesizer has a case or frame into which arbitrary modules can be fitted; modules are usually connected together using patch cords and a system may include modules from different sources, as long as it fits the form factors of the case and uses the same electrical specifications. A semi-modular synthesizer on the other hand is a collection of modules from a single manufacturer that makes
2160-553: A music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning—different, but every bit as pure. A further six years elapsed before Nine Inch Nails' fourth full-length album. With Teeth was released in May 2005, though it was leaked prior to its official release date. The album was written and recorded throughout 2004 following Reznor's battle with alcoholism and substance abuse and legal issues with his former manager, John Malm Jr. With Teeth debuted on top of
2268-517: A new, smaller modular system, the Doepfer A-100. This led to a new standard for modular systems, Eurorack ; as of 2017, over 100 companies, including Moog and Roland, were developing Eurorack modules. Modules can usually be categorized as either sources or processors. Standard modules found in a modular synthesizer are: Sources - characterized by an output, but no signal input; it may have control inputs: Processors - characterized by
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#17327909930392376-462: A number of manufacturers like Arturia to include digitally programmable matrices in their analog or virtual analog synthesizers. Many fully digital synthesizers, like the Alesis Ion , make use of the logic and nomenclature of a modulation matrix , even when the graphical layout of a hardware matrix is completely absent. The different modules of a semi-modular synthesizer are wired together into
2484-426: A project with Maandig and Atticus Ross dubbed How to Destroy Angels . Its first release, a six-track self-titled EP , was made available for free download in June 2010. Reznor's next collaboration with Ross was co-writing and producing the official score for David Fincher 's 2010 film, The Social Network . Reznor and Ross received two awards for the score, a 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score for
2592-468: A remix of the song "Destroyer" by Telepathe . Reznor also appeared in a documentary called " Sound City " directed by Dave Grohl , in addition to co-writing and performing the song " Mantra " with Grohl and Josh Homme . This led to further collaboration with Reznor and Homme on the 2013 album from Queens of the Stone Age titled ...Like Clockwork . Reznor contributed vocals and drum programing to
2700-476: A restriction which many users felt to be the system's biggest limitation), time-based effects ( reverb , delay , etc.), and physical modelling oscillators. However, there has been some debate in the NM community as to which generation produces the best raw sound, with many users feeling, for example, that the original series' filters had a more subjectively pleasing, grittier sound. The first G2 Modular serial number 001
2808-817: A signal input and an output and may have control inputs: Hardware offerings range from complete systems in cases to kits for hobbyists. Many manufacturers augment their range with products based on recent re-designs of classic modules; often both the original and subsequent reworked designs are available free on the Internet, the original patents having lapsed. Many hobbyist designers also make available bare PCB boards and front panels for sale to other hobbyists. Many early synthesizer modules had height in integer inches: 11" (e.g., Roland 700), 10" (e.g., Wavemakers), 9" (e.g., Aries), 8" (e.g., ARP 2500), 7" (e.g., Polyfusion, Buchla, Serge), 6" (e.g., Emu) and width in 1/4" inch multiples. More recently it has become more popular to follow
2916-502: A small European label. Several labels responded favorably to the demo material and Reznor signed with TVT Records . Nine demos, recorded live in November 1988 and collectively known as Purest Feeling , were released in revised form on the first studio album, Pretty Hate Machine (1989). The overall sound on Purest Feeling is lighter than that of Pretty Hate Machine ; several songs contain more live drumming and guitar, as well as
3024-472: A typical configuration but can be re-wired by the user using patch cords. Some examples are the ARP 2600 , Anyware Semtex, Cwejman S1, EML101, Evenfall Minimodular, Future Retro XS, Korg MS-10 / MS-20 / PS-3100 / PS-3200 / PS-3300 , Mungo State Zero, Roland System 100 , Korg Volca Modular and Moog Mother-32 . Reconfigurable systems allow certain signals to be routed through modules in different orders without
3132-409: A very small number of modules in a given patch. However, because of the flexible nature of the unit 'polyphony' does not correspond strictly to 'number of different notes sounding at one time'- indeed with some thought and careful programming it is possible to exceed the specified polyphony of the unit (by this definition of polyphony at least). Clavia introduced the first generation in 1998. The series
3240-435: Is Resistance and Solutions Backwards Initiative. In response to the increasing oppression of the government, several corporate, government, and subversive websites were transported back in time to the present by a group of scientists working clandestinely against the authorities. The websites-from-the-future were sent to the year 2007 to warn American people of the impending dystopian future and to prevent it from ever forming in
3348-493: Is an American industrial rock band formed in Cleveland in 1988. Its members are the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Trent Reznor and his frequent collaborator, Atticus Ross . Reznor was previously the only permanent member of the band until Ross was officialized in 2016. The band's debut album, Pretty Hate Machine (1989), was released via TVT Records . After disagreeing with TVT about how to promote
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3456-635: Is done touring for the foreseeable future." The "Wave Goodbye" tour concluded on September 10, 2009, at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. Reznor subsequently released two tracks under the Nine Inch Nails moniker: the theme song for the film Tetsuo: The Bullet Man , and a cover of U2 's " Zoo Station ", included in the Achtung Baby tribute album AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered . In 2009 Reznor married Mariqueen Maandig , and formed
3564-425: Is for example no restriction on connecting audio signal outputs to control signal or logic inputs (or vice versa), allowing for a great deal of flexibility in patch creation. Patches are only limited in complexity by the available DSP resources. However, the more complex a patch is in general, the smaller the available polyphony is and, in practice, the specified full polyphony of the unit is only achievable when using
3672-407: Is most often ±12 V or ±15 V, but can range from 2.5±2.5 V to 0±18 V for different manufacturers or systems; in the trigger or gate voltages (Moog S-trigger or positive gate), with typical audio signal levels (often ±5 V with ±5 V headroom); and with control voltages of volts/octave, typically 1 V/octave , but in some cases 1.2 V/octave . In most analog modular systems
3780-458: Is needed only to provide the patch editing interface. The Nord Modular line of synthesizers features a range of modules familiar to users of hardware modulars: audio input and output modules, Oscillators , Low Frequency Oscillators (or LFOs) , envelope generators , filters of various kinds, mixers, audio effects such as distortion and chorus , logic gates and four sequencer modules, which can be connected in almost any configuration- there
3888-562: The Billboard Top Music Videos and Billboard Comprehensive Music Videos charts in the United States. Nine Inch Nails' fifth studio album, Year Zero , was released on April 17, 2007, only two years after With Teeth , a marked change in the slow pace from the release of previous albums. With lyrics written from the perspective of multiple fictitious characters, Year Zero is a concept album criticizing
3996-514: The Billboard 200, Nine Inch Nails' second reign at number one with an album. The album's package lacks typical liner notes; instead it simply lists the names of songs and co-producers, and the URL for an online PDF poster with lyrics and full credits. The entire album was made available in streaming audio on the band's official MySpace page in advance of its release date. Critical reception of
4104-617: The Closure video documented highlights from the tour, including full live videos of "Eraser", "Hurt" and a one-take "March of the Pigs" clip directed by Peter Christoperson. In 1997 Reznor also produced the soundtrack to the David Lynch film Lost Highway , which featured one new Nine Inch Nails song, " The Perfect Drug ". Around this time, Reznor's studio perfectionism, struggles with addiction, and bouts of writer's block prolonged
4212-532: The Exotic Birds , a synthpop band managed by John Malm Jr. Reznor became friends with Malm, who informally became his manager when he left to work on his own music. At the time, Reznor was employed as an assistant engineer and janitor at Right Track Studios. Studio owner Bart Koster granted Reznor free access to the studio between bookings to record demos , commenting that it cost him nothing more than "a little wear on [his] tape heads". Unable to find
4320-1090: The Ghosts series: Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts . The band announced a number of new projects in 2024 through their multimedia company With Teeth. When touring, Reznor typically assembles a live band to perform with him under the Nine Inch Nails name. This live band has varied over the decades, with various members leaving and returning; the most recent lineup consists of Robin Finck (who initially joined in 1994), Alessandro Cortini (who initially joined in 2005), and Ilan Rubin (who initially joined in 2008) alongside Reznor and Ross. The band's concerts are noted for their extensive use of thematic visual elements, complex special effects, and elaborate lighting. Songs are often rearranged to fit any given performance, and melodies or lyrics of songs that are not scheduled to be performed are sometimes assimilated into other songs. Nine Inch Nails has sold over 20 million records and been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards , winning for
4428-469: The System 100m in 1979. In the late 1970s, modular synthesizers started to be largely supplanted in pop music by highly integrated keyboard synthesizers, racks of MIDI -connected gear, and samplers . By the 1990s, modular synthesizers had fallen out of favor compared to cheaper, smaller digital and software synthesizers. However, there continued to be a community who chose the physically patched approach,
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4536-561: The United States government 's policies and their effect on the world fifteen years in the future. Critical response to the album was generally favorable, with an average rating of 76% on Metacritic . The story takes place in the United States in 2022, which has been termed "Year 0", by the government, being the year America was reborn. It had suffered several major terrorist attacks, apparently by Islamic fundamentalists, including attacks on Los Angeles and Seattle , and in response,
4644-704: The Voodoo Music Experience festival during a headlining appearance in hurricane-stricken New Orleans, Reznor's former home. The Nine Inch Nails live band completed a tour of North American amphitheaters in the summer of 2006, joined by Bauhaus , TV on the Radio , and Peaches . The Beside You in Time tour documentary was released in February 2007 via three formats: DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc. The home video release debuted at number one on both
4752-773: The "album of the year", whereas Pitchfork Media panned its "melodramatic" lyrics. Nine Inch Nails released three commercial singles from the album in different territories: " The Day the World Went Away " in North America; " We're in This Together " in the EU and Japan (on three separate discs); and " Into the Void " in Australia. Several songs from the album became regulars on alternative rock radio stations, however
4860-497: The 1970s, The Downward Spiral 's diverse textures and moods depict a protagonist's mental progress. Flood co-produced several tracks, while Alan Moulder mixed most, and later found more extensive production duties on future albums. Reznor invited Sean Beavan to work on The Downward Spiral . After contributing to remixes of Nine Inch Nails songs, such as " Closer ", Beavan mixed and co-produced Marilyn Manson 's Antichrist Superstar in 1996. The Downward Spiral , like Broken ,
4968-484: The 1990s. In 2005, Spin ranked it 25th among the "100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005". In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it 200 among " The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time ". Blender named it the 80th Greatest American Album . It was ranked No. 488 in the book The Top 500 Heavy Metal Albums of All Time by Martin Popoff . In 2001 Q named The Downward Spiral as one of the 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time ; in 2010
5076-688: The EP, so he just used the ending. I'm glad it's on his website. Duke and Steve worked with me on the remix, in the very early days of Garbage ." Early ideas for The Downward Spiral arose after the Lollapalooza 1991 festival's concerts ended in September. Reznor elaborated the album's themes into lyrics. Despite initially choosing to record the album in New Orleans , Reznor searched for and moved to 10050 Cielo Drive, in Los Angeles (known as
5184-527: The Manson Murder House) renting it for $ 11,000 per month from July 4, 1992, the start of the making of both Broken and The Downward Spiral . Nine Inch Nails' second studio album, The Downward Spiral , entered the Billboard 200 at number two, and is the band's highest seller in the US, over four million copies, among five million worldwide. Influenced by Pink Floyd and by David Bowie of
5292-842: The Nord Modular Voice Expansion Board), and the Nord Micro Modular has 1 DSP (non-expandable). General MIDI features Hardware Dimensions (Nord Modular Key) Dimensions (Nord Modular Rack) General MIDI features Hardware Dimensions Used Nord Modulars can still be found for sale online. The Nord Modular appears in the Nine Inch Nails video for Into The Void . Other known users are Autechre and Apparat. Modular synthesizers Modular synthesizers are synthesizers composed of separate modules for different functions. The modules can be connected together by
5400-613: The Same ", was directed by Francis Lawrence but reportedly scrapped in the post-production stage. All three singles topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Nine Inch Nails launched a North American arena tour in Autumn 2005, supported by Queens of the Stone Age , Autolux and Death from Above 1979 . Another opening act on the tour, hip-hop artist Saul Williams , performed on stage with Nine Inch Nails at
5508-451: The Truth and was released throughout late December 2009 to February 2010 via three formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc and BitTorrent. To date, the group and the project has received significant attention from media outlets such as USA Today , Rolling Stone , Techdirt and Pitchfork TV , and holds the support of both Reznor and the fan community with theatrical screenings being held all over
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#17327909930395616-411: The album Ghosts I-IV were also used in making of the soundtrack for the documentary Citizenfour . In February 2009, Reznor posted his thoughts about the future of Nine Inch Nails on his official website, stating that "I've been thinking for some time now it's time to make NIN disappear for a while." Reznor since clarified that he "isn't done creating music under the moniker, but that Nine Inch Nails
5724-553: The album dropped to number 16 and slipped out of the Billboard Top 10 only a week after its release, resulting in the band setting a record for the biggest drop from number one , which has since been broken. Reznor funded the subsequent North American tour out of his own pocket. Before the album's release, the song " Starfuckers, Inc. " provoked media speculation about whom Reznor had intended its acerbic lyrics to satirize. Cinesexuality critic Patricia MacCormack interprets
5832-480: The album was mostly positive: Rolling Stone ' s Rob Sheffield described the album as "vintage Nine Inch Nails". PopMatters condemned the album, claiming Reznor "ran out of ideas." I think, fundamentally, music is something inherently people love and need and relate to, and a lot of what's out right now feels like McDonalds. It's quick-fix. You kind of have a stomachache afterwards. Trent Reznor, Salt Lake Tribune interview (2005) A music video for
5940-639: The album was ranked No. 102 on their 250 Best Albums of Q's Lifetime (1986–2011) list. After The Downward Spiral 's release, Reznor produced an accompanying remix album entitled Further Down the Spiral , the only non-major Nine Inch Nails release to be certified gold in the United States and among the best-selling remix albums of all time . It contained contributions from Coil with Danny Hyde , electronic musician Aphex Twin , producer Rick Rubin , and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro , among others. After The Downward Spiral 's 1994 release,
6048-464: The album, the band signed with Interscope Records and released the EP Broken (1992). The following albums, The Downward Spiral (1994) and The Fragile (1999), were released to critical acclaim and commercial success. Following a hiatus, Nine Inch Nails resumed touring in 2005 and released its fourth album With Teeth (2005). Following the release of the next album Year Zero (2007),
6156-522: The alternate reality game. Fan participation in the alternate reality game caught the attention of media outlets such as USA Today and Billboard , who have cited fan-site The NIN Hotline, forum Echoing the Sound, fan club The Spiral, and NinWiki as sources for new discoveries. The album's first single, " Survivalism ", and other tracks from Year Zero were released as multitrack audio files for fans to remix. A remix album titled Year Zero Remixed
6264-411: The audio signal and knobs or switches for users to control various parameters of the device (for example, the modulation rate for a chorus effect) while a synthesizer module may have connections for input and output, but will also have connections so that the device's parameters can be further controlled by other modules (for example, to connect a low-frequency oscillator module to the modulation input of
6372-572: The band left Interscope after a feud. Nine Inch Nails continued touring and independently released Ghosts I–IV (2008) and The Slip (2008) before a second hiatus. Their eighth album, Hesitation Marks (2013), was followed by a trilogy which consisted of the EPs Not the Actual Events (2016) and Add Violence (2017) and their ninth album Bad Witch (2018). In 2020, Nine Inch Nails simultaneously released two further installments in
6480-429: The concept to television networks in an attempt to secure a deal: "We're about to pitch it to the network, so we're a couple of weeks away from meeting all of the main people, and we'll see what happens." Since first announcing his plans for a television series, progress slowed, reportedly due to the 2007–2008 Writer's Guild strike , but it nevertheless continued. In 2010, the resultant miniseries, also named Year Zero ,
6588-492: The continuously variable nature of knobs and sliders, reproducing an exact patch can be difficult. There are also software synthesizers for personal computers which are organized as interconnectable modules. Many of these are virtual analog synthesizers, where the modules simulate hardware functionality. Some of them are also virtual modular systems, which simulate real historical modular synthesizers. Computers have grown so powerful that software programs can realistically model
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#17327909930396696-492: The crowd, and destroying their instruments to close. The widest mainstream audience was a mud-soaked performance at Woodstock '94 , and seen by Pay-Per-View in up to 24 million homes. Enjoying mainstream success thereafter, Nine Inch Nails then performed amid greater production values, adding theatrical visual elements. Supporting acts on tour included the Jim Rose Circus and Marilyn Manson. Released in 1997,
6804-653: The envelope generator which may provide outputs at each stage of the process. Examples of more complex modules include the frequency shifter, sequencer, and vocoder. Modular synthesizers may be bulky and expensive. There are some standards that manufacturers follow for their range of physical synthesizers, such as 1 V/octave control voltages, and gate and trigger thresholds providing general compatibility; however, connecting synthesizers from different manufacturers may require cables with different kinds of plugs. German engineer Dieter Doepfer believed modular synthesizers could still be useful for creating unique sounds, and created
6912-521: The film The Crow , which went to number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The music video for "Closer", directed by Mark Romanek , was in MTV's frequent rotation, although the network, deeming it too graphic, heavily censored the original. The video shows events in a laboratory dealing with religion, sexuality, animal cruelty, politics, and terror; controversial imagery included a nude bald woman with
7020-403: The first Nine Inch Nails release distributed by Interscope Records and reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. In the liner notes, Reznor credited the 1991 Nine Inch Nails touring band as an influence on the EP's sound. He characterized Broken as a guitar-based "blast of destruction", and as "a lot harder ... than Pretty Hate Machine ". The inspiration for the harder sound came from
7128-593: The first place. An alternate reality game emerged parallel to the Year Zero concept, expanding upon its storyline. Clues hidden on tour merchandise initially led fans to discover a network of fictitious, in-game websites that describe an " Orwellian picture of the United States circa the year 2022". Before Year Zero ' s release, unreleased songs from the album were found on USB drives hidden at Nine Inch Nails concert venues in Lisbon and Barcelona, as part of
7236-408: The flexibility and the sound of traditional modular systems. Since the late 1990s, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of analog synthesizers aided by physical standardization practices, an increase in available retro gear and interest, decreased production costs and increased electronic reliability and stability, the rediscovered ability of modules to control things other than sound, and
7344-401: The frequency is exponentially related to the control voltage (such as 1 volt/octave or 1.2 volts/octave), sometimes called linear because the human ear perceives frequencies in a logarithmic fashion, with each octave having the same perceptual size. Some synthesizers (such as Korg MS-20 , ETI 4600 ) use a system where the frequency (but not the perceived pitch) is linear with voltage. Due to
7452-604: The government seized absolute control of the country. The government is a Christian fundamentalist theocracy, maintaining control of the populace through institutions like the Bureau of Morality and the First Evangelical Church of Plano. The government corporation Cedocore distributes the drug Parepin through the water supply, making Americans who drink water apathetic and carefree. There are several underground rebel groups, mainly operating online, most notably Art
7560-623: The introduction of the Moog synthesizer and the Buchla Modular Electronic Music System , created around the same period. The Moog was composed of separate modules which created and shaped sounds, such as envelopes , noise generators , filters , and sequencers , connected by patch cords . The Japanese company Roland released the Roland System 100 in 1975, followed by the System 700 in 1976 and
7668-593: The labeling of Nine Inch Nails as a commercially oriented band and demanded his label terminate his contract, but they ignored his plea. In response, Reznor secretly began recording under various pseudonyms to avoid record company interference. Involved in a feud with TVT, he signed a record deal with Interscope Records and created Nothing Records : We made it very clear we were not doing another record for TVT. But they made it pretty clear they weren't ready to sell. So I felt like, well, I've finally got this thing going but it's dead. Flood and I had to record Broken under
7776-408: The lead single "Down in It" in London without meeting Reznor face-to-face) and Mark "Flood" Ellis . Reznor asked Sean Beavan to mix the demos of Pretty Hate Machine , which had received multiple offers for record deals. He mixed sound during Nine Inch Nails' live concerts for several years, eventually becoming an unofficial member of the live band and singing live backup vocals from his place at
7884-477: The live band supported it by embarking on the Self Destruct Tour . The stage set-up featured dirty curtains, rising and lowering for visuals shown during songs such as "Hurt". The tour debuted the band's grungy, messy image as the members appeared in ragged attire slathered in corn starch . Performances were violent and chaotic, band members often injuring themselves by attacking each other, diving into
7992-454: The live band's early success in front of rock oriented audiences to this aggressive attitude. Nine Inch Nails then embarked on a world tour that continued through the first Lollapalooza festival in 1991. After a poor European reception opening for Guns N' Roses , the band returned to the US amid pressure from TVT to produce a follow-up to Pretty Hate Machine . After finding out they were hindering control of his project, Reznor criticized
8100-563: The logo, inspired by Tibor Kalman 's typography on the Talking Heads album Remain in Light . The logo features the band's initials, with the second N mirrored . Talpas, a native of Cleveland, continued to design Nine Inch Nails packaging until 1997. Written, arranged, and performed by Reznor, Nine Inch Nails' first album Pretty Hate Machine debuted in 1989. It marked his first collaboration with Adrian Sherwood (who produced
8208-549: The lyrics." Against touring of the brand new material, Reznor began living and recording full-time at Le Pig, working on a follow-up free of restrictions from his record label. Peter Christopherson of the bands Coil and Throbbing Gristle directed a performance video for "Wish", but the EP's most controversial video accompanied "Happiness in Slavery". The video was almost universally banned for its graphic depiction of performance artist Bob Flanagan disrobed and lying on
8316-631: The majority of 2012 with Nine Inch Nails "in mind". Reznor eventually confirmed that he was working on new Nine Inch Nails material and might be performing live again. In February 2013, Reznor announced the return of Nine Inch Nails and revealed the Twenty Thirteen Tour . He also revealed that the new lineup of the band would include Eric Avery of Jane's Addiction , Adrian Belew of King Crimson , and Josh Eustis of Telefon Tel Aviv , as well as returning members Alessandro Cortini and Ilan Rubin . However, both Avery and Belew would quit
8424-576: The mixing console. Flood's production would appear on each major Nine Inch Nails release until 1994, and Sherwood has made remixes for the band as recently as 2000. Reznor and his co-producers expanded upon the Right Track Studio demos by adding singles " Head Like a Hole " and " Sin ". Rolling Stone ' s Michael Azerrad described the album as "industrial-strength noise over a pop framework" and "harrowing but catchy music"; Reznor proclaimed this combination "a sincere statement" of "what
8532-402: The murder of a young man who is kidnapped and tortured while forced to watch the videos. This footage was never officially released, but instead appeared covertly among tape trading circles. A separate performance video for "Gave Up" featuring Richard Patrick and Marilyn Manson was filmed at Le Pig. A live recording of "Wish" was also filmed, and both videos appeared in Closure . Broken
8640-419: The production of The Fragile . Five years elapsed between The Downward Spiral and Nine Inch Nails' next studio album, The Fragile , which arrived as a double album in September 1999. The Fragile was conceived by making "songwriting and arranging and production and sound design ... the same thing. A song would start with a drum loop or a visual and eventually a song would emerge out of it and that
8748-450: The rendition: I pop the video in, and wow ... Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps ... Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore ... It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by
8856-462: The second generation of the series, physical modelling synthesis methods, as well as a number of other sound generation and processing techniques. Because of the flexibility offered by these synths, patches cannot be programmed from the control panel. Instead, patch editing is performed on a PC (connected via 2 dedicated MIDI ports in the case of the first generation and USB in the second generation or G2 systems), running editor software bundled with
8964-412: The signals, sounds, and patchability of modular synthesizers. While potentially lacking the physical presence of desirable analog sound generation, real voltage manipulation, knobs, sliders, cables, and LEDs , software modular synthesizers offer the infinite variations and visual patching at a more affordable price and in a compact form factor. The popular plugin formats such as VST may be combined in
9072-611: The song " The Hand That Feeds " premiered on the Nine Inch Nails official website in March 2005. Reznor released the source files for it in GarageBand format a month later, allowing fans to remix the song. He similarly released files for the album's second single " Only " in a wider range of formats, including Pro Tools and ACID Pro . David Fincher directed a video for "Only" with primarily computer-generated imagery . The planned music video for its third single, " Every Day Is Exactly
9180-583: The song "Kalopsia" and vocals on "Fairweather Friends" along with Elton John on piano and vocals. In October a project with Dr. Dre and Beats Electronics was announced that Reznor wrote was "probably not what you're expecting [from me]". The project was named "Daisy"; a digital music service was announced in January 2013. It was until January 2014 that the service was fully launched, with Reznor serving as chief creative officer. In an interview with BBC Radio 1 , Reznor indicated that he would be writing for
9288-457: The song as a "scathing attack on the alternative music scene," particularly Reznor's former friend and protégé Marilyn Manson. The two artists put aside their differences when Manson appeared in the song's music video, retitled "Starsuckers, Inc." and performed on stage with Nine Inch Nails at Madison Square Garden in 2000. Reznor followed The Fragile with another remix album, Things Falling Apart , released in November 2000 to poor reviews,
9396-619: The songs "Wish" in 1992 and " Happiness in Slavery " in 1996. Time magazine named Reznor one of its most influential people in 1997, while Spin magazine has described him as "the most vital artist in music". In 2004, Rolling Stone placed Nine Inch Nails at No. 94 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time . Nine Inch Nails was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, after being nominated in 2014 (the band's first year of eligibility) and again in 2015. While living in Cleveland in 1987, Trent Reznor played keyboards in
9504-422: The standard 19" rack unit system: 6U (Wiard), 5U (8.75" e.g., Moog/Modcan), 4U (e.g., Serge), 3U ( Eurorack ). Two 3U unit standards, in particular, are notable: Frac Rack (e.g., PAiA), which uses the entire 3U for the front panel, and Eurorack (e.g., Doepfer) which has a 2 mm horizontal lip that the front panels are seated between. Further minor variations exist where European or Japanese manufacturers round
9612-481: The synths. The editor software is in appearance and function not dissimilar to computer-based modular synthesis environments like Reaktor which offer a graphical representation of the simulated modules and the associated connections between them. Unlike those systems however, the Nord Modulars are capable of functioning independently of a computer — the host computer plays no part in sound generation and
9720-601: The use of patch cords. Examples include the Oberheim Matrix and Rhodes Chroma , and Moog Voyager. Hybrid synthesizers use hardware and software in combination to realize patches. Examples include the Arturia Origin by Arturia (fully self-contained), Clavia Nord Modular and Clavia Nord Modular G2 (these need an external computer to edit patches) and Audiocubes . Nine Inch Nails Nine Inch Nails , commonly abbreviated as NIN , stylized as NIИ ,
9828-423: The user to create a patch . The outputs from the modules may include audio signals , analog control voltages , or digital signals for logic or timing conditions. Typical modules are voltage-controlled oscillators , voltage-controlled filters , voltage-controlled amplifiers and envelope generators . The first modular synthesizer was developed by German engineer Harald Bode in the late 1950s. The 1960s saw
9936-632: The user) between those of the instrument. Matrix systems use pin matrices or other crosspoint switches rather than patch cords. The ARP 2500 was the first synthesizer to use a fixed switch matrix. The pin matrix was made popular in the EMS VCS-3 and its descendants like the EMS Synthi 100 . Other systems include the ETI 4600, and the Maplin 5600s. The clean logical layout of these matrices has inspired
10044-486: The way the live band played during concerts such as Lollapalooza. Songs from Broken earned Nine Inch Nails two Grammy Awards: a performance of the EP's first single " Happiness in Slavery " from Woodstock '94 , and the second single " Wish ". In reference to receiving the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for "Wish", Reznor joked that "Wish" became "the only song to ever win a Grammy that says 'fist fuck' in
10152-402: The website, but can still be found on p2p networks (Reznor subsequently made it available in higher quality (256 kbit/s mp3) at remix.nin.com). Vig later spoke about his remix while answering questions on a music production forum, saying "I started recording a lot of new parts, and took it in a much different direction. When it was finished, Trent thought the front part of the mix didn't fit
10260-438: The world. Nine Inch Nails art director and webmaster Rob Sheridan noted on the band's official website: This is yet another example of a devoted fanbase and a policy of openness combining to fill in blanks left by old media barriers. The entire NIN camp is absolutely thrilled that treating our fans with respect and nurturing their creativity has led to such an overwhelming outpour of incredible content, and that we now have such
10368-481: Was created improvisationally over a ten-week period and contributors included Atticus Ross , Alan Moulder , Alessandro Cortini , Adrian Belew , and Brian Viglione . Similar to the announcement that ultimately led to the release of Ghosts I–IV , a post on the band's website in April 2008 read "2 weeks!" On May 5, Nine Inch Nails released The Slip via its website without any advertisement or promotion. The album
10476-596: Was discontinued in 2004 upon the release of the next generation Nord Modular G2 series. The G2 is an updated and more powerful version of the original Modular (the G2 uses a new version of the Editor software as well), with greater polyphony and a large number of new modules to address the perceived limitations of the first generation, most notably a range of MIDI sequencing and output modules (the first generation's sequencing capabilities were limited to control of internal parameters,
10584-456: Was followed by the companion remix EP Fixed in late 1992. The only track that was left off the final version of the release is the remix of "Last", produced by Butch Vig (the outro of the "Last" remix is heard in "Throw This Away", which also includes Reznor's remix of "Suck"). The unedited version appeared on the internet as an 8-bit mono 11 kHz file, "NIN_LAST.AIFF", available by FTP from cyberden.com in 1993; it has been removed from
10692-452: Was good, after I put my raving lunatic act on. In 1992, Nine Inch Nails relocated to 10050 Cielo Drive, Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles (renamed "Le Pig" by Reznor), the site of the Tate murders , when Charles Manson 's "family" murdered Sharon Tate , wife of noted film director Roman Polanski , and four of her friends. The band used it to record Broken , an extended play (EP) that was
10800-471: Was in [his] head at the time". In fact, the song "Down in It" spent over two months on Billboard 's club-play dance chart. After spending 113 weeks on the Billboard 200 , Pretty Hate Machine became one of the first independently released records to attain platinum certification . Three music videos were created in promotion of the album. MTV aired the videos for "Down in It" and "Head Like
10908-583: Was later expanded to include several more North American dates as well as dates in South America. Cortini and Josh Freese returned as members from the previous tour, while Robin Finck rejoined the band and Justin Meldal-Johnsen was added on bass guitar. Freese and Cortini left the live band, but it became a quartet with the addition of Ilan Rubin on drums. On January 7, 2009, Reznor uploaded unedited HD-quality footage from three shows as
11016-417: Was later released, containing remixes from Year Zero by other artists. The remix album was Nine Inch Nails' final release on a major record label for over five years, as the act had completed its contractual obligation to Interscope Records and did not renew its contract. The remix album was accompanied by an interactive remix site with multitrack downloads and the ability to post remixes. Reznor planned
11124-500: Was made available for download free of charge with a message from Reznor, "this one's on me," protected under the same Creative Commons licence as Ghosts , and has seen individual downloads surpassing 1.4 million. The Slip has since been released on CD as a limited edition set of 250,000. Since the release of Ghosts I–IV and The Slip , a 25-date tour titled Lights in the Sky , was announced in several North American cities, and
11232-549: Was presented to Derek Sherinian by Bengt Lilja in 2004 to honor Sherinian for his high profile usage of Nord/Clavia products. G2 series was discontinued in 2009. (from the Clavia website) The (first generation) Nord Modular family consists of three hardware models: Nord Modular Key, Nord Modular Rack and Nord Micro Modular. They are all built around the same type of electronics and use the same type of DSP. Nord Modular Key and Rack have 4 DSPs as standard (can be expanded to 8 with
11340-467: Was recorded at Le Pig Studios. " March of the Pigs " and " Closer " were singles. Two other tracks, " Hurt " and " Piggy ", though not singles, were issued to radio. Also in 1994, the band released the promotional single " Burn ", which Reznor produced, on the soundtrack of Oliver Stone film Natural Born Killers . as well as a cover of the Joy Division song "Dead Souls" on the soundtrack to
11448-425: Was reported to be in development with HBO and BBC Worldwide Productions, with the screenplay and script written by Reznor and Carnivàle writer Daniel Knauf , but at the end of 2012 Reznor said that the project was "in a holding state". In February 2008, Reznor posted a news update on the Nine Inch Nails website entitled "2 weeks". On March 2, Ghosts I–IV (the first release on The Null Corporation label),
11556-589: Was the most absurd option they could think of at the time. Much to their surprise, they were booked on the show, and made an appearance. In 1990, Nine Inch Nails began the Pretty Hate Machine Tour Series , in which it toured North America as an opening act for alternative rock artists such as Peter Murphy and the Jesus and Mary Chain . Reznor began smashing his equipment while on stage; Rockbeat interviewer Mike Gitter attributed
11664-514: Was the song." Canadian rock producer Bob Ezrin was consulted on the album's track listing; the liner notes state that he "provided final continuity and flow." On the heels of the band's previous successes, media anticipation surrounded The Fragile more than a year before its release, when it was already described as "oft-delayed". The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 228,000 copies in its first week and receiving generally positive reviews. Spin hailed The Fragile as
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