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Nord Electro + Semi Modular (Pittsburgh Microvolt) Musings

Postby bh247484 » 09 Feb 2018, 19:33

Wanted to get some opinions here. I'm considering getting a Nord Electro but am disappointed by its limited synth section (no real filter shaping). Was thinking I might get/build a sample library of analog single cycle waves (anyone know of a good existing library) thereby creating some faux analog oscillators (need polyphony, Electro multisamples can do that) and then run the output of the Electro through a semi modular mono synth's filter.

Saw the Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 being teased at NAMM, looks pretty great. Other suggestions for Semi Modular synths I could use? Would like it to be small enough to fit on the Electro's surface.

Basically wondering is this technically feasible? If I send the midi out from the Nord Electro to the Semi Modular that should act as an envelope follower to get the Electro's sampled oscillators synced up to the Semi Modulars Filter envelopes. Maybe even thinking of adding a wave shaper to the signal flow before the filter if I can find the $$$.

Am I overlooking anything or does this sound reasonable?

Anybody have any other suggestions for creating/tweaking synths sounds on the Electro?

Thanks!
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Nord Electro + Semi Modular (Pittsburgh Microvolt) Musings


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Re: Nord Electro + Semi Modular (Pittsburgh Microvolt) Musin

Postby cgrafx » 09 Feb 2018, 20:08

The electro is not a synth. Yes you can duct tape and bubble gum some interesting things with what your suggesting, but the electro is still not a synth.

If you want a synth, get a synth. something like a Yamaha MX49 can be had for something around $400. comes with a velocity sensitive keyboard, pitch and mod wheels and will get you portamento (all things missing from the electro).
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Re: Nord Electro + Semi Modular (Pittsburgh Microvolt) Musin

Postby stiiiiiiive » 09 Feb 2018, 21:55

Hey bh247484, welcome to the forum!

Cgraphx says if you want a synth get a synth. I would put it another way.

If you want a proper synth, that is if you want your NE to offer the experience a Nord Stage or any other proper synth would offer, then get a synth. What you describe won't lead to that experience, BUT...

...if you want your NE to sound like a synth, or if you want your NE to give the impression of having a synth, try anything. You certainly won't obtain the full monty, i.e. amplitude envelope and filter and filter envelope PER voice, but hey, as long as you get fun!

Having an envelope filter after the main outupt of your NE will give you "paraphony". That may be disapointing to many, I find it challenging, hence stimulating.
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Re: Nord Electro + Semi Modular (Pittsburgh Microvolt) Musin

Postby ACCORDIONMAN » 10 Feb 2018, 11:57

I really like your thinking here - I think it's great to experiment with stuff! I always seem to make my best music this way.

I'm not sure what your set up will be - two keyboards? One keyboard? But if you are basically going to be using one keyboard and you want synth sounds - yes you are right to say the Electro is limited. I have been using the Electro 5D for about a year now.

Even if you get an external filter, you still will be limited on things like ADSR. The electro 5D gives you one knob to control all these. Looks like the Electro 6 has two knobs which would be better but still limited.

The obvious answer - Nord Stage! My suggestion would be if the synth sounds are quite important to you, depending on budget -pick up a Nord Stage. For the price of a new Electro 5/6 you could get a used Nord Stage compact, which has a proper synth engine with much more control.

Worth a look maybe?
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