Nord User Forum

[BuckW]

It doesn't seem all that useful to me but maybe I is just ignant.

[maxpiano]

Whenever you need to control any external equipment, whether it is an expander, another synth or a Computer/Tablet.... as a dedicated section, with its Zones and settings and not based on Global MIDI

[DJKeys]

The Extern section is one of the most powerful features on the Stage. I use two keyboards and would be lost without it. I can trigger program changes, play the second keyboard from the Stage (or not depending on the case), so it is invaluable to me. If you are only using the Stage, then of course it would not have much use.

-dj

[ericL]

I use External significantly as I control a Yamaha Motif XS Rack from my NS2. I have the rack set to receive patch changes from the NS2 on two separate channels (one for each Panel on the NS2). So each Program on the NS2 can theoretically control 2 different sounds coming from the rack, each with controls set from the NS2 (wheel, pitch, volume, aftertouch, etc.) and you can also Morph the External section, which I use mostly for volume morphs to bring my rack unit in or out of the mix.

It is extremely capable - sends bank and program changes - I have my Motif Rack set up in a performance mode where I can basically access all of the thousands of sounds in it with a simple bank/program change coming from the NS2. It took me a little while to dial it in, but once I got it working on one Program, I just replicated that External MIDI setup across the other Programs where I need to count on my rack unit. Love it.

[anotherscott]

Right, it's all about wanting to be able to use sounds that aren't already in the Nord Stage itself. So if you have a sound in an iPad/iPhone, laptop, MIDI sound module, some other keyboard, and you want to use that sound in conjunction with the Nord's own sounds, the EXT function allows you to easily do it.

[Jasonbass32]

Just like Eric above, I use the external section to essentially bring in two channels of my Roland Integra 7 into my stage 2 programs. Once set up, the Integra 7 actually feels like it's part of the Nord Stage. I turn the Stage 2's global midi channel off and use External slot A to control midi channel 14 on the Integra 7 and external slot B to control midi channel 15 on the Integra 7. For each applicable program, the Nord sends MSB, LSB, Program Change, Volume level, and CC#91 (reverb level) to the Integra 7. The Integra 7 always stays on a studio set called 'External Midi'' and never changes. For a few programs, like the Integra 7 Supernatural Piano 'Full Grand 1', the Nord is simply acting as a midi controller without any onboard sounds active. You can even set the external velocity curve. But layering is the strongest part of the external section. The Integra 7 and Nord sounds layer quite nice.

[Quai34]

I do all of what has been posted above and with an VX580 fully loaded with SRX and SR-JV vards...I agree, they blend each other very well in layers.

[AlexNagel]

It doesn't seem all that useful to me but maybe I is just ignant.

You can use extern section in a quite unconventional way to have more control over keyboard velocity/dynamics:

https://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage-forum-f3/nord-stage-3-impressions-musikmesse-t12967-50.html#p83907

[hijlko]

I use the external section for:
1. control sounds on a Yamaha MOXF8 (having the NS2 compact on top of a two layer keyboard setup).
2. sending program change to a Guitar Effects Module (which I otherwise had to set separately.

I could use even more than the existing 2 external sections but it is what it is.

[FlametopFred]

When adding something like a Nord Rack or Nord Lead (in a rack) it is like adding another entire voice section to the Stage, controlled by the External controlls.

Very useful indeed.

I have added a Roland VK-8m and use the CC control to turn on and off the Leslie - which is not easily done with the Roland itself