Nord User Forum

[Papamotif]

I´m trying to convince my self to use another grand piano than the Grand Imperial. I have loaded the Bright grand in both Lrg and XL to my Electro 5. I think there is a rather distinct difference between the two versions. The Lrg feels more "direct" in the touch and more "open" in britghtness. I can feel there´s more layers in the XL but it´s sounds more "muddy".

I knew there should be a difference but not that much!

Any thoughts?

[maurus]

Use the one you like best. In my experience, for some grands the difference in character between the L and XL versions is quite noticeable. For instance I prefer the L version of the Grand Imperial over its XL version since it sounds more even to my ears.

But these differences will mostly be heard in the studio/with headphones. Live, things are very different and depending on context you often don't hear much of a difference between M, L and XL.

PS. The difference between L and XL is not more layers but less (i.e. no) stretch groups in the samples. Otherwise L and XL are the same as far as I know.

[benny ray]

My understanding is that string resonance is sampled on the entire keyboard XL. The L sample string resonance is only in the middle of the keyboard. I also read that XL had more layers and less stretch groups than the L sample. This is what i read when is googled the subject of L and XL sample. For me the XL sounds fuller, bigger sound not as thin as the L sample. Just my opinion.

[maurus]

My understanding is that string resonance is sampled on the entire keyboard XL.

This is true for both L and XL samples. It's the M sample which has damper resonances only in the middle of the keyboard. Easy to check and hear for oneself... but see also here: http://www.nordkeyboards.com/sound-libr ... nformation

Cheers, maurus

PS more layers for XL is nowhere documented and I can't hear it either.

[benny ray]

I really don't know the differences in L and XL samples other than what i read on website or what someone else has quoted. I wasn't there for the sampling but i have an ear to what i like. The XL cannot be the same as L sample or there would be no reason list 2 different size samples. It's all about what you like and what your ear tells you. Some like L and some prefer XL. Some like green and some like red. All about your taste.

[maurus]

The XL cannot be the same as L sample or there would be no reason list 2 different size samples.

Indeed. As I wrote above (and as is stated on the Nord website) the difference is that in the XL samples every key is individually sampled (in Clavia speak this is termed "fully mapped") whereas in the L versions there are stretch groups, i.e. a small number of close-by keys derive from the samples of just one key. This makes for a rather audible difference in studio conditions.

Otherwise you are perfectly right of course - just use what you find best for your purposes and preferences