Nord User Forum

[mal7896]

Thanks mal7896 for sharing your experience with software pianos on Receptor. This seems to be the most flexible of the serious solutions. You might get away much cheaper, for example Roland A-88 $1000 + Receptor VIP2 $1700. I actually started to consider this as my way to go, but then...

Unfortunately, as I just learned, Muse Research has exited the hardware business and support will be limited only: http://www.museresearch.com. Other hardware VST hosts have disappeared, too. This brings me to the question if out there doesn't exist a software VST hosts that runs on a Windows machine, but boots instead of Windows, rather than running under Windows. It could have the benefits of a Receptor (stability, low latency), but on standard hardware. Any idea?

Thanks for letting me know Muse now longer makes hardware.
Thats a pity
I'm now thinking of selling my NS2 and buying the Nord piano 3 when released Reviews are very positve with regard to action/dynamics

[dhbp-nord]

Receptor was a good idea in principle. In reality it was far too expensive and despite their claims, models got obsolete fairly quickly. Add to that there were companies (Arturia being one) who refused to Receptorize their plugins so as not to cannibalize their own hardware sales.

I had a Receptor Rev C for a while - fun to play with but their DAW plugin (Uniwire) was buggy, and I couldn't load anything new on it. That's when I decided to build my own VST rig out of a Mac Mini at a fraction of the cost and never looked back.

DH

[danrv]

Very interesting and informative post!
I have a Nord Stage 2 HA76 and like everything about it except the pianos.
They record great but for live band, even through my two DXR10s, they're flat and boxy, tinny sounding.
I have similar comments during sound check and I'm not too sure how to respond. I'm standing behind a £2800 stage piano!

The Rhodes and Hammond are fantastic. I use these a lot and have no problem with the HA action but I really
need a 'super piano' sound like a Roland,Yamaha or Korg rather than the 'realistic' Nord samples.
I don't have a lot of room on stage for extra wires or boxes as I have a Triton Extreme as a top board plus
the PA mixer behind me and it does take time to set it all up.
Another level of setup would be too much so I think I'm going to have to go on using the Nord piano sounds.

[Dave Ferris]

.

[dhbp-nord]

I consider it having the best of both worlds - a good quality stage piano for the pianos/rhodes etc, the VSTs for everything else.

There are many "points" to buying stage pianos

My rig is for gigging, home use and the occasional studio gig.

DH

[danrv]

There are many "points" to buying stage pianos

DH

Yes. The main one for me is portability on and off stage. The HA76 is the most compact, weighted 76 key piano there is.
I find 88 key boards too large for the varied stage and venue sizes I play.

Prior to the Nord, I used a Roland XP80 for years. Semi-weighted action but a piano sound that cut through any band mix.
I've got that sample on my Nord which sounds much clearer but only has one velocity layer.

[dhbp-nord]

You are right abut the weight - however I'm too used to 88 keys now and would hate going back, so I get a workout when I move gear.

DH

[danrv]

Yes, been there when I used to use a Roland A80 and module.
That weighed 30kgs.

[mal7896]

Very interesting and informative post!
I have a Nord Stage 2 HA76 and like everything about it except the pianos.
They record great but for live band, even through my two DXR10s, they're flat and boxy, tinny sounding.
I have similar comments during sound check and I'm not too sure how to respond. I'm standing behind a £2800 stage piano!

The Rhodes and Hammond are fantastic. I use these a lot and have no problem with the HA action but I really
need a 'super piano' sound like a Roland,Yamaha or Korg rather than the 'realistic' Nord samples.
I don't have a lot of room on stage for extra wires or boxes as I have a Triton Extreme as a top board plus
the PA mixer behind me and it does take time to set it all up.
Another level of setup would be too much so I think I'm going to have to go on using the Nord piano sounds.

Since I updated to the latest OS I find the new velocity curve improves the piano dynamics quite a lot. Ive also found the grand upright the best piano for jazz gigs.
Anyway Im selling the NS2 and have a NP3 on order.I used it almost exclusively for piano so the extra stuff is not needed. The new action and extra weight of the NP3 should make a big improvement. Excellent reviews as to its playability
I certainly prefer the sound and dynamics of the Nord over the Yamaha CP4. I found the CP4 piano sounds even thinner, and certainly awful dynamics. Impossible to play ppp
All a matter of personal taste I suppose, but nothing comes close to my new Yamaha C3X silent. Gorgeous instrument

[danrv]

Thanks, really helpful.
I don't have the latest OS installed so will do that. The NP3 looks good with the new action.
I have a Yamaha upright L sample installed. Not sure if this is the grand upright but is has a punchy top end.

Surprised about the CP4. Thought that would be pretty good.