Are we really in control -dynamics nord stage 3

[fjzingo]

While testing the midi out after upgrading to OS 1.12 taking care of the mental midi problems in the previous OS versions I tested controlling my Montage and the Ivory piano in korg Module. What I realized that I got much better control over the dynamics from the Nord keys than I could get from the internal sounds. Then inspired by another thread where a Sepieri midi box was put in between the midi out and in of the stage 2, 3, having local control off and controlling the piano via the extern section adjusting the velocity levels in order to get more dynamics out of the Nord keyboard and pianos.

I decided to test adjusting the velocity curves using a MF limiter/audiobus 3 on my ipad using USB midi in and out via the camera connection kit, and was I surprised. When setting the curves so a little harder response was needed the pianos really came to live, much easier to get control over the sound in a more pianolike fashion.

Perhaps I make a video or perhaps I won't, but I recommend anyone to test this.

/Fredrik

[Ecaroh]

I have long asked for more options for velocity curves. Problem with NS earlier models was that you could only get it lighter or more lighter. And for many of us "normal" curve was too light itself. I believe that NP3 has at least little better with that, right? I have NS3 Compact (and waiting for HA88) so I cannot fully say how it with Hammered Stage 3 models. I don't know how velocity goes with Stage 3. For example, If you'll get 127 too soon, there's not much left to do I am afraid...

[fjzingo]

The response to velocity aon the stage 3 HA88 feels to me very similar to my stage 2, even though the new action is much less clonky and you don't get that annoying bounce. I had some weird experiences with controlling the stage 3 from my Montage with the pedal noise being louder than if controlled from the internal engine. Despite that I suppose controlling a NS3 compact from a yamaha CP4 could be a very tempting alternative getting a really good action teamed up with the stage. Anyhow, having more options for velocity controls on the stage 88 would be preferred.

[Ecaroh]

Little bit off-topic but still related to touch and keyboard actions:

As said, I have new NS3 Compact (I had to give up HP76 because of mechanical keyboard problems). In a way I like it very much: very light to carry, synths are organ are fast and accurate to play, aftertouch responds well (this is a great advantage over HA or HP!) and still there's a lot of resistance to play pianos and EPs quite well (if you compare it to normal synth key action).

There's one thing with Compact action to consider: you need a certain amount of power of fingers or arm weight to press down keys and that's good in a pianistic point of view. But I suppose this "resistance" is implemented with some springing mechanism (vs. hammer action mechanism of HA or HP). I have a feeling that this "springiness" of Compact (or SW73 in general) has a stronger tendency to push your hand or finger up when you keep it down if you compare it to normal piano action. And this is perhaps something that affects your playing at least first when you are not familiar to SW. It can be even be tiring. Another thing what I wonder is that does this action get lighter (or less springing) in time when you play it, say for years?

[BuckW]

Two stage 3's?

I'm getting aroused just thinking about that new variation on menage a tois.

[fjzingo]

I cant say the touch has softened on my electro 4D, that said if it dies its a very slow progression So dont know if Ill would notice. My fingertips always feel a bit soared after playing Pianos on my electro, but its a bit like choosing between soared back and fingertips.......

Little bit off-topic but still related to touch and keyboard actions:

As said, I have new NS3 Compact (I had to give up HP76 because of mechanical keyboard problems). In a way I like it very much: very light to carry, synths are organ are fast and accurate to play, aftertouch responds well (this is a great advantage over HA or HP!) and still there's a lot of resistance to play pianos and EPs quite well (if you compare it to normal synth key action).

There's one thing with Compact action to consider: you need a certain amount of power of fingers or arm weight to press down keys and that's good in a pianistic point of view. But I suppose this "resistance" is implemented with some springing mechanism (vs. hammer action mechanism of HA or HP). I have a feeling that this "springiness" of Compact (or SW73 in general) has a stronger tendency to push your hand or finger up when you keep it down if you compare it to normal piano action. And this is perhaps something that affects your playing at least first when you are not familiar to SW. It can be even be tiring. Another thing what I wonder is that does this action get lighter (or less springing) in time when you play it, say for years?

[Jhbackingtracks]

Yes, it's such a shame there's no option for a heavier curve, more suited for pianists... why not have the option?? ... As you say, the piano suddenly comes to life and breathes and has so much more dynamic to a solo (or any playing) when you can access the softer samples much easier, and then you have the option to take your playing further with more dynamic, rather than starting off at almost close to FULL velocity when playing fast.

This is why, I don't do any gig without my Sipario MIDI Box now, where I have my Nord set to 'local off' and sending it through a custom velocity curve, and then back into the Nord. It works well, but I think it could work much better with an inbuilt heavier curve, and also would be one less thing to have to pack away and start coiling more cables up etc! And that alone would be a godsend! So I really hope one day we might get this. The Nord Piano 2 suddenly got a heavier curve one day and things changed slightly... so I'd love the ability to appear for the flagship current Nord Stage!

[fjzingo]

Sipario it was, thanks for the inspiration to try a similar setup. Actually amazed Clavia has not introduced this function. Currently thinking and rethinking my live rig....

[keyboarder99]

That's really a missing feature! I have a (real) Yamaha S6 and it's so obvious that the velocity on the Nord Stage (Ex2 in my case) is much lighter then the real grand piano.
The piano sounds have quite a good dynamic range but if the keys react too easy you can't play as you would on the real piano...

[maurich]

What about velocity on other keyboard with piano feel?