Nord User Forum

[rodYah1]

Hi all,
Considering adding a Virus TI Desktop to layer with the Stage 2 via Extern.

Interested in anyone's experience with this setup. Do Extern MIDI controls (few as they are) integrate well with TI?

Thanks


Nord Stage 2 (88)
Yahama Motif XF7

[pablomastodon]

Hi rodYah1,

I don't know about Virus TI specifically, but have much experience with External Section use generally and it is a FANTASTIC function, one which is apparently underutilized by many/most Stage players. Obviously, the NS2 is not intended to be a full-blown midi controller with livicated controls for addressing external instruments in the same manner as, for example, the Axium series, but which other "regular" keyboard has any such controls at all? None that I can think of...

Bless,

Pablo

[DJKeys]

I use my Virus TI2 Polar on stage midid to my Nord Stage 2. Works perfectly for patch changes, volume, pedal, etc. Not sure exactly what your needs are, but the Extern section is programmable per patch, which I like because on some songs I play both keyboards and on some I play the Virus sounds from the NS 2 keyboard.

What exactly do you need to accomplish?

-dj

[rodYah1]

Thxs DJKeys. Had been thinking about additional layering for Nord Stage 2 (hence suggestion of TI Desktop). But like the flexibility of ur setup. Are there any particular issues and/or programming specialities that I need to be aware of (more than just Extern programming per patch)?

[DJKeys]

Layering the two can make some awesome sounds for sure. I cannot think of anything offhand, but if you have questions as you go forward, since I have a similar system, I will be glad to assist if possible. I also use the TI2 for step sequences (yes, it is possible), as the Nord cannot do that. The Virus is a deep synth and I have only scratched its surface, but it seems the perfect complement to the NS 2-

-dj

[hg123]

A little late, but I do the same. I use a Snow for the smaller size (and it was cheap). Awesome for layering. Check out Howard Scarr's patches. Lots of great vintage pads that layer well with the Nord.

One hint: Run the Nord through the Virus inputs. Program Multi's with two synths with two MIDI channels for the Nord Externs, third as an Input Patch. You can use the effects (Virus reverbs and amp sims) on the Nord. Side benefit that you can get the sound guy to run you stereo if you only have two outs!

Stage setup attached

Nord and Virus

photo.JPG (779.06 KiB) Viewed 2273 times

[rodYah1]

Thanks hg123. When I purchase a Virus TI, I might come back to you and ask you to expand on "Program Multi's with two synths with two MIDI channels for the Nord Externs, third as an Input Patch" or now if you have time!

Thanks again

[hg123]

Good lord, long-winded. Hope it helps...

First, I wouldn't ignore the A1 Rack as a potential solution. It wasn't available when I bought the Virus. About the same price as a used Virus desktop and way easier to program. I think I could probably get better results with the simpler UI on the A1. Besides, it matches the color!

Virus has single voice and multi voice modes. Desktop has up to 16 voices or timbres in multi mode. That is, individual patches addressable by separate MIDI channels. Snow has 4. Since the Nord Stage has two Extern channels, you can only control two of the voices at a time. I would still prefer the desktop over the Snow for more immediate programming. 

I test pre-built patches and create my own using Virus Control (and some menu diving) using the Nord as a controller over USB to a Mac. For gigs, I have everything preset and leave the Mac at home. I connect with 5 pin MIDI for gigs. 

For each voice in a multi voice patch, I use separate MIDI channels that I program into a corresponding patch on the Stage. I use the Virus exactly like the other sections on the Nord. Say, layered with B3 or string samples or on splits with a piano. Extern sections are brilliant and very simple to use.

Now audio. For gigs, I use a short stereo cable from the Nord outs to Virus inputs and take the Virus outs into a stereo DI for FoH. Normally, I run the Nord dry straight to the outputs (there's a thru setting that you must change) using the Virus as a passive mixer. But, you can also use one of the "voices" on the multi voice patch with an "effects only" voice. This bypasses the internal oscillators and lets you run the Nord through the Virus' filters and effects. This also works with two voices MIDI'ed to the Extern. For Pink Floyd's Shine On, I have a patch with B3 on the "Curry" amp sim layered with the JL Beautiful Virus patch and split with the Shine On lead Virus patch!

Physically, for gigs, the Snow fits nicely on a music stand right above the Nord. Industrial Velco locks it down tight. I can carry everything in my car's trunk and total at about 50 lb. 

[rodYah1]

Thanks hg123! Super helpful.

[valle4]

Hello, I'm a quite new to the midi world but I would like to learn more and to be able to understand
what the virus lets you do with the nord sound. Do you have a youtube video that I can watch?