I can't comment on whether autechre have in the past
used a nord lead, but after talking to Sean the other
day I'm aware that the sounds that they have been using
recently have all been homegrown using synthesis language
packages - real hardcore geeky stuff like supercollider,
used to synthesise sounds, and max, which is more involved
in the midi side of things. So, think pascal, smalltalk
and numerous algorithmically driven sound components,
rather than knob twiddling.
I also heard rumours that mr r.james may be playing with
a piece of homegrown music creation software which could
potentially be released to the general public...
Matt