Nord User Forum

[rajprods]

Looking for recommendations on a synth to use in a live band setting and in the studio along with my Nord Stage 2 EX. I want to easily program synth sounds for various cover songs, and created my own sounds as needed. I tried out the following synths, but they didn't work for me:

1. Roland System 8 - Keys were horrible and no aftertouch. Shorter keys.
2. Nord A1 - Just seemed too basic. Didn't like the approach to programming sounds. No aftertouch. Shorter keys. Can't name patches.
3. Prophet 08 - Original version. Tiny display, and not ideal for changing patches quickly in a live band setting.

I had a Nord Wave in the past that I really liked, but ended up selling to fund another gear purchase. I realize now that wasn't a great idea, as the Nord Wave would have probably worked. Unfortunately, they are hard to find these days, and the prices have gone sky high.

I currently have a Dave Smith Prophet 6, but I can't see myself using that live. It only has 6 voices, so the voicing is limited. I have the new Moog Subsequent 37 on order which I'll use mainly for synth bass and lead patches.

The Nord Stage 2 EX can cover piano, rhodes, strings, and organ sounds. I can use it for some basic synth sounds, but I wouldn't use it for more complex sounds.

Other synths I've considered, but haven't tested out are:

1. Nord Lead 3
2. Nord Lead 2X
3. Roland Jupiter 50/80 (The 50 doesnt have aftertouch. The 80 is probably too heavy to gig with).
4. Prophet Rev2
5. Access Virus TI2

Any recommendations?

[maxpiano]

In general "any synth you like", looking at your final list "complex sounds" = Access Virus in my opinion.
If you like DSI and the only issue with the P8 was the display now there is the REV2 as an option too.

Of course assuming you only need synthtetic sounds, no emulation of real sounds, in the end it all depends on your needs, but consider also what great music has been composed in the past with "just 6 voices" (or less)...

[Mr_-G-]

There are many options. It is quite remarkable that polyphony and multi-timbrality is still a limiting factor in many and aftertouch seems to be on its way to extinction.
To me there is still no 'perfect' synthesizer
These have called my attention: Deepmind 12 (features/price ratio), Sledge 2 (reminiscent of a polyphonic mini-moog?), Novation Peak.
If $$ is not an issue: Waldorf Quantum (looks really interesting), Solaris.
Most have been reviewed in the SOS magazine, which is online too.
I do not know if my perception is accurate, but the Virus seems that after all these years, they still have lots of issues, if you look at their forum postings.

[BuckW]

I think the polyphony problem is due to the retro synth emulation fad.

An analogy would be why are so many Japanese motorcycles v-twins; because that's what sells these days.

[anotherscott]

no aftertouch

As you saw, that's a common limitation. However, you can also drive whatever synth from your Nord's EXT function and thereby play it from a board with aftertouch. Most synths respond to aftertouch, even if their own action doesn't have it.

This also opens up the possibility of buying a module instead (i.e. a synth with no keys of its own), which opens up more options. Or, if you don't want to have your Nord do double duty because it will be otherwise occupied when you're playing the synth, you could get a module and combine it with a soundless controller of your choice, there are quite a few of those with aftertouch, including models that are small/light/inexpensive.

[fjzingo]

You can always switch to aord stage 3...

I rend to complement my nord stage with different keys dependent of gig. Lead 4, mooglp, electro 4 or montage.

The Roland JD XA is an interesting one, very powerful synt.

[Spider]

From your post, I get that your main interests are: variety of sounds and deep-complex programming, good polyphony, full-size keyboard with aftertouch, and not too expensive.
Have you considered the Waldorf Blofeld? It seems to tick all your boxes, and it's almost ridiculously cheap. And it's also available in module format, if you want to drive it from the Stage Extern section, thereby gaining more octaves and a nice keybed with aftertouch.

[Quai34]

+1 on the Blofield, not because I owe one but because anytime Marlowes has posted a track on this forum, the background sound was done on the blogield and it sounded very good. Check his poss on this forum....

[Murphy]

I have a Prophet REV2 16 voice and it's a fantastic complement to my Nord E573D. I want a Nord Stage 3 Compact, but, there's that wait... These two boards are a little over 20 pounds each and I can still use just one stand. I think the NS3 Compact will be a great keyboard (can't wait to find out) and really doubt the REV2 and NS3 will overlap in capability that much. But for now, the NE73D and REV2 are doing great for me. I like monophonic synths a lot too, but don't use one live that often and as far as polyphonic synths go, I need at least 12 note polyphony (just personal preference). The NS3 increased polyphony inside of the synth is a strong point for me and looking forward to that, but I seem to do OK with 16 in the REV2.

[Quai34]

I agree for the 12 voices, that was my choice when I bought a Used Tetra to polychain it with my Prophet 08....I'm not a big user of all new "bells and ..." Of the Rev2, like extra sequencer, effects and so on, so, I went for the cheapest route with my P08+Tetra...But the Rev2 with your Electro is a killer set up for sure....