Nord User Forum

[Fallboard]

So I love my new NS3 so very, very much. But I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding the Preset/Program/Song organization system and find myself confused. Is there a video that shows you how to organize all of this stuff, how to work with the saving system, etc? The "advanced" tutorial from Chris M. on YouTube seems to make the assumption you've already used the NS keyboards before. Thanks!

[Obwanz]

Hold shift, go into list mode, and press organize to move programs, songs etc to where you want them. Make sure you are holding shift the whole time. Hope that helps!

[NordNerd431]

So I love my new NS3 so very, very much. But I'm having a bit of a hard time understanding the Preset/Program/Song organization system and find myself confused. Is there a video that shows you how to organize all of this stuff, how to work with the saving system, etc? The "advanced" tutorial from Chris M. on YouTube seems to make the assumption you've already used the NS keyboards before. Thanks!

Do they not cover this in the instruction manual? I am currently deciding on whether to buy a NS3, and have no idea how in depth the Nord manuals are.

[Obwanz]

I have no idea. I haven’t had to look at the manual yet, but you can download the NS3 manual from Nord’s website under downloads and Stage 3. Its very easy to understand how it works without using a manual though. Chris Martirano explains all of this on the NS3 advanced tutorial for Kraft Music on YouTube!

[Mikecruiser]

Coming from the world of Kurzweil and Yamaha ROMplers, I don’t find the Nord Stage intuitive at all.
I’m getting there, but it’s a struggle. I would also like to see some videos/tutorials for absolute newbies...

[kbrkr]

I feel your pain as this is my first Nord as well. I'm spoiled by the kronos Setlist and myriad Program selection buttons.

On the Nord the User Program slots start at Bank G01. There are 50 program slots per bank for your own sounds. Programs are also categorized and you can see the CAT selection button under the display. If you press Shift+Program Knob, you will enter List mode. You can then list out the programs. When done, press Shift again to exit list mode.

I have cheated the program selection quandry as I have setup my Forescore iPad App to send MIDI Program Change messages to the Nord to select the Bank and the program that I need during a performance for each song. I send Channel, MSB, LSB, and Program change for each program. So, to select program H25, I will send 1,0,6,24 over midi. Works like a charm.

Also, I use a Yamaha BT-101 wireless Bluetooth MIDI adapter on the Nord and send directly from the Ipad to the Nord without wires! This works out Fantastic.

With this setup, I really don't worry about how the Nord manages programs. I just keep bread and butter sounds in the SONG mode slots for FAST selection.

[Mikecruiser]

I feel your pain as this is my first Nord as well. I'm spoiled by the kronos Setlist and myriad Program selection SONG mode slots.

I’m actually figuring out storing/organising programs, but I’m really struggling to make a lot of the sample waveforms (orchestral instruments, Strings, brass, etc) useable...

[kbrkr]

I feel your pain as this is my first Nord as well. I'm spoiled by the kronos Setlist and myriad Program selection SONG mode slots.

I’m actually figuring out storing/organising programs, but I’m really struggling to make a lot of the sample waveforms (orchestral instruments, Strings, brass, etc) useable...

Do some research on additive synthesis, this may help you. Start with a basic waveform, and adjust ADSR to sound natural, add some filtering to taste, perhaps add a Osc2 to fatten the sound, adjust effects, Amp Sim, EQ and then try the Waveform and see what you can come up with. I find it helpful to search online for a graphic example of the sound I'm looking to replicate; like a Bell and the waveform shape kinda gives some insight into the parameters you need to change. It's hard to explain in a short description like this.

[baekgaard]

I’m actually figuring out storing/organising programs, but I’m really struggling to make a lot of the sample waveforms (orchestral instruments, Strings, brass, etc) useable...

As a starting point, with the NS3 you have a "sensible" program set up as part of all stored waveforms. So start by loading the built-in preset based on the sample, and then tweak to your hearts content. If you only change the sample (waveform), you will re-use whatever ADR settings and filters were already in the synth section, and some combinations may not make as much sense as others. I'm not with my instrument right now, but IIRC, list-mode ("shift" and "synth preset" in combination with the soft buttons to change between categories and stored user presets vs sample-based presets) is the key. Note that it changed with 1.22, so the manual is not fully in line with how it actually is (currently).

[baekgaard]

On the Nord the User Program slots start at Bank G01.

You are probably aware already, but on the Nord, you can use any location and overwrite what was there. There aren't really any "factory" vs "user" presets; some presets are just loaded up with initial data.

So if you don't need/like the built-in presets (songs/programs/presets), you can just store your own in the location, if you prefer so.