Nord User Forum

Hi,

I am currently looking for a module to hook my NS EX up to in order to have access to

1) additional sounds, in particular sampling
2) if possible, a sequencer and
3) MIDI'ing arpeggiator
4) Maybe including MIDI/Audio Interface via USB
5) Not too complex menu diving/editing but rather hands-on tweaking

For the moment I have considered those choices, maybe buying used would be an option:

A http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MotifXSRack
B http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Octatrack
C http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SD50
D http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M3-Module
E http://www.zzounds.com/item--ROLSONICCELL

The M3-M and Octatrack seem to be the easiest ones to tweak but very different beasts. I've read from many people using a Fantom Rack (which is not any longer produced, maybe used?? or has it a replacement??) or Motif Rack to complement the classic Stage, but it looks a bit complex to program it.

Anyway, I know the specs more or less, but am more interested in actual workflows and experiences so if anyone has good (or bad) experiences using one of those (or other) modules! Thanks!

Hello Johannes,
The only one in your list that I don't have experience with is the OctaTrack.
I'd avoid the SonicCell and SD50 at all costs, because the editing via the big knob and tiny screen is painstakingly tedious.
The Yamaha Motif XS Rack is a good choice when it comes to sounds and features, but is limited by more difficult editing. It is arguable that the included editor software more than compensates for this shortcoming.

The Korg M3M is an awesome choice because it has excellent sounds "in all but grand piano" and it has the best user interface and editing capability. You can also add the Radias expansion card and have an additional 24 voice, 4 part multitimbral VA mayhem.

The only drawback to the M3M is that the module size is very large (the panel is about 26" X 7")
If I can ever figure out how to mount the M3M panel on my NSEx it'll go to gigs with me more often.

Cheers, Hanon

If I were you I would give the V-Machine a try. It does the MIDI/Audio Interface via USB part and you can load very different VST's, depending on your actual and future needs. You can even replace the NS organ with VB3. There are also lots of free VST that really sound great, some are samplers.

Drawbacks: SM Pro Audio sucks. Their notion for 'soon' equals 1-2 years. They are dumb. To speak with them is like to speak to a wall... Forgett to use NI VST's.

For easy projects (1 or 2 VST's at the same) it works very well. Complex projects can be a nightmare with the actual CPU (I doubt there will ever be a faster CPU, although every 2-3 months they tell us 'soon').

Ramon

Yeah the M3M seems nice, but it is a bit difficult so setup...+1 on a mounting solution over the NSEX. Plus it is a bit pricey.

Good point with the V-Machine. I was very interested some time ago but heard some complaints but I might reconsider it. For me a dealbreaker was that I wanted a ARP and/or basic sequencer with it, and so far I could not find out if there is a way to load some software in the V-Machine that can do it?!
And on a sidenote, any ideas how KOMPLETE is compatible with the V-Machine?

KOMPLETE isn't compatible because there is still no way to authorize NI plugins in the V-Machine, and would probably never be.

But give it a try, they are cheap now. There are lots of free VST's (classic emulations, samplers, effects...) out there that sound even better than the ones from big companies. If you have a list of your prefered VSTi's I can try to tell you if they work on the V-Machine. The unit also runs MIDI-VST's (arpegiator, event processor,....) so it can solve some of the deficiencies the NS has when used as a master keyboard.

And the best part: if you don't like something, you can try something else. You aren't limited by the sounds your module has.

Ramon

Johannes wrote:Yeah the M3M seems nice, but it is a bit difficult so setup...+1 on a mounting solution over the NSEX.

Hi Johannes,
here's an artist rendering of what it would look like



Cheers, Hanon