Nord User Forum

[catosim]

This is a question because I´m lazy, and instead of figuring it out myself I just ask you guys
Can I use the USB connection on my NS3 to control a softsynth, instead of the standard MIDI-cable?
If so: has anyone tried connecting directly to a laptop (Macbook in this case) without any audiointerface?
If so 2: is the latency OK?

Regards Cato

[analogika]

Yes, and yes. It’s in the basic spec list on the clavia site.

[baekgaard]

Maybe it would be slightly more motivating for those of us considering spending time answering your questions that you also indicated willingness to do so as well yourself... I would normally have typed a reasoned answer, but in your case I'll keep it short too:

Yes, wrong question but it could have been yes, and it depends

Let me know if you need more details...

[catosim]

Maybe it would be slightly more motivating for those of us considering spending time answering your questions that you also indicated willingness to do so as well yourself... I would normally have typed a reasoned answer, but in your case I'll keep it short too:

Yes, wrong question but it could have been yes, and it depends

Let me know if you need more details...

I agree with your motivation to respond - and keeping it short
The reason for the question is that I´m considering to buy Mainstage, but only IF it works the way I was hoping (as you have replied it does).
I have an OK audiointerface with FW connection but I prefer not to use it, basically wants to have as few connections as possible.

So regardless of my laziness I hope someone can share wether the latency is acceptable with USB connection directly to the laptop.
Promise not to abuse your knowhow with lots of meaningless questions in the future..

Cato

[baekgaard]

I don't think there is a latency issue comparing between USB and Serial MIDI. Many Serial MIDI interfaces even talk to the computer via USB.

In my experience, latency in transmitting MIDI data (single note) is on the 1 ms level or so, and if anything it might be shorter via USB than Serial MIDI -- at least assuming a modern computer architecture that does not add any additional latency or jitter on the driver side.

Latency in sound output is usually longer, though; the shortest I can get on my modern windows computer is around 3-5 ms (less than that and I get glitches), including the time it takes to generate the sound from the softsynth.

So in your case, if you're happy with the sound output in the built-in mini jack on your Mac, then if it would work with Serial MIDI, it should also work with USB MIDI. But note that MIDI is not directly related to audio. When you ask if it would work without an audio interface, I guess you are thinking of an audio interface that also has a MIDI port?

In any case, I have connected my NS3 to my Macbook Pro, and it works out of the box.

[catosim]

When you ask if it would work without an audio interface, I guess you are thinking of an audio interface that also has a MIDI port?

Yes exactly.
Thanks a lot for your response.
Very good reminder about the mini-jack output on the Mac.
I´m aware the difference between MIDI and audio, but thank you anyway!

I´ll download the Mainstage and check out the "Extern" function on the NS.

Cato

[baekgaard]

Cool, good luck

[Berretje]

This is a question because I´m lazy, and instead of figuring it out myself I just ask you guys
Can I use the USB connection on my NS3 to control a softsynth, instead of the standard MIDI-cable?
If so: has anyone tried connecting directly to a laptop (Macbook in this case) without any audiointerface?
If so 2: is the latency OK?

Regards Cato

Yes
Yes
Yes

[jamie8]

works great i use this setup with a nord stage388 and a korg kronos all being controlled by MainStage via usb!

[Copia]

I have used the Stage 3 to control Mainstage without an audio interface. The only way I know to do that is send out the mini headphone jack as mentioned above and into the monitor in jack on the rear of the Stage 3. My experience is the latency is somewhat poor running this way (not on the USB into Mainstage side as baekgaard said but in sending out of the headphone jack). The sound was good, but due to the size of the Mainstage concerts I run, I did notice occasional clipping when practicing alone.

This was covered over by the band (if it occurred) in performance and sounded great practically, but being ever in search of the best method, I've decided to switch to running out of Mainstage into an audio interface to FOH rather than through the monitor in jack and back through the Stage 3. I think it's a better long-term solution for my needs with many Mainstage concerts in what I play.

Hope you find a great solution!