Hi all,
i picked up my Nord Piano yesterday and i really like it so far (Still learning how to use the functions etc).
Currently i have a USB audio capture/output device (Roland UA-25EX) that i connect to my iMac to capture the audio (Left and right) and also output sound from the iMac/Synth to a set of surround logitec speakers - which sound fantastic for MP3s and the like - however they dont sound good with the Nord. I used headphones to hear the nord and it sounded fantastic however the speakers didnt seem to be that good.
Are studio monitors really worth that extra money? Would i get away with GOOD Speakers and a dececent amplifier?
Any advice would be great (low cost options would be great ! )
Thanks
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s1mplem1nds - Posts: 15
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Re: Nord Piano 88 + Speakers
Hello yew2533,
It can be difficult to find a set of nearfield monitors that sound good to your ear.
Most studios have about 10 different sets of monitors for tracking, mixdown, and post production work.
There are several threads, and many posts discussing sound systems to support Nord instruments.
It makes for an interesting read.
accessories-and-amplification-f8/which-amps-do-you-folks-like-here-t36.html
accessories-and-amplification-f8/which-small-amp-for-my-nord-stage-t455.html
Here's what I use:
a pair of M-Audio BX-8 powered monitors:
http://www.m-audio.ca/products/en_ca/MA ... D2New.html
My alternate set is a pair of Samson Resolv 50a with a Sub88 powered Sub.
This alternate set of powered speakers is my (boom-box, bookshelf audio, car audio) mix reference.
I would abandon the old skool idea of component audio (speaker, crossover, amplifiers).
I believe the all-in-one (powered speaker) is a much simpler, more integrated approach.
One problem of externalizing your audio, is that you now have to consider speaker placement and room acoustics (neither is an issue with a good set of cans).
I would recommend making a recording directly out of your Piano.
Something that sounds really good to you played through headphones.
Then take this recording and the headphones with you to a music shop that has many choices of audio systems.
Play the recording until you find a set that sounds great (matches the headphones).
{edit} then get them home and discover that your room acoustics totally change the way that they sounded in the store....
Hopefully the shop will have a good return policy.
Cheers, Hanon
It can be difficult to find a set of nearfield monitors that sound good to your ear.
Most studios have about 10 different sets of monitors for tracking, mixdown, and post production work.
There are several threads, and many posts discussing sound systems to support Nord instruments.
It makes for an interesting read.
accessories-and-amplification-f8/which-amps-do-you-folks-like-here-t36.html
accessories-and-amplification-f8/which-small-amp-for-my-nord-stage-t455.html
Here's what I use:
a pair of M-Audio BX-8 powered monitors:
http://www.m-audio.ca/products/en_ca/MA ... D2New.html
My alternate set is a pair of Samson Resolv 50a with a Sub88 powered Sub.
This alternate set of powered speakers is my (boom-box, bookshelf audio, car audio) mix reference.
I would abandon the old skool idea of component audio (speaker, crossover, amplifiers).
I believe the all-in-one (powered speaker) is a much simpler, more integrated approach.
One problem of externalizing your audio, is that you now have to consider speaker placement and room acoustics (neither is an issue with a good set of cans).
I would recommend making a recording directly out of your Piano.
Something that sounds really good to you played through headphones.
Then take this recording and the headphones with you to a music shop that has many choices of audio systems.
Play the recording until you find a set that sounds great (matches the headphones).
{edit} then get them home and discover that your room acoustics totally change the way that they sounded in the store....
Hopefully the shop will have a good return policy.
Cheers, Hanon
Last edited by Hanon_CTS on 31 Jul 2012, 12:29, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Nord Piano 88 + Speakers
Hanon is spot-on with the advice about speaker placement. A great monitor won't deliver if the various issues of tweeter sweet-spot, bass reflection, etc. aren't considered. Get ready, there are dozens of options, at various price ranges.
I use a pair of Alesis Monitor 1 MkII (after buying the NP, no money left for better monitors), and I'm satisfied for now as I worked with their placement for best results. My next monitor will prob be the Focal CMS 65. About 2/3 the cost of the NP(!), but... Clavia created these fine sample-sets and built an instrument to play them. To really "hear" them requires an excellent reproduction (i.e. speaker) system, IMO.
If you read on the Gearslutz forum, you will find many many threads discussing monitors (with the usual passion for or against a certain monitor), although these guys are mostly using them for mastering, mixdown, etc. So, keep that in mind.
Just a quick web search "gearslutz focal cms 65" (or any other monitor brand) will get you started.
Good Luck! drparticle
I use a pair of Alesis Monitor 1 MkII (after buying the NP, no money left for better monitors), and I'm satisfied for now as I worked with their placement for best results. My next monitor will prob be the Focal CMS 65. About 2/3 the cost of the NP(!), but... Clavia created these fine sample-sets and built an instrument to play them. To really "hear" them requires an excellent reproduction (i.e. speaker) system, IMO.
If you read on the Gearslutz forum, you will find many many threads discussing monitors (with the usual passion for or against a certain monitor), although these guys are mostly using them for mastering, mixdown, etc. So, keep that in mind.
Just a quick web search "gearslutz focal cms 65" (or any other monitor brand) will get you started.
Good Luck! drparticle
Last edited by drparticle on 31 Jul 2012, 12:29, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Nord Piano 88 + Speakers
I use Yamaha HS80's x 4 plus the HS10 sub. I have a speaker on each corner of a 12/15 ft. square. The Nord Piano plus the other gear is piped into a Mackie VLZ3 monitor. Monitor placement, not an issue as I am old school, "turn it up" works and sounds excellent. Now for mixing, that's a whole different setup, Adam A7's plus Sub 7, Apogee Ensemble, almost perfect.
Near fields or mid fields are better, IMHO, then keyboard or guitar amps for the Nord Piano in your studio, living room, bed room, garage, closet , whatever small space you are using to make music. The Nord piano samples are outstanding, so you want to be able to hear what's there. Traditional amps don't cut it and sound like crap. Playing live outside the above noted spaces, creates an entirely different set of problems the subject perhaps of a different thread.
Near fields or mid fields are better, IMHO, then keyboard or guitar amps for the Nord Piano in your studio, living room, bed room, garage, closet , whatever small space you are using to make music. The Nord piano samples are outstanding, so you want to be able to hear what's there. Traditional amps don't cut it and sound like crap. Playing live outside the above noted spaces, creates an entirely different set of problems the subject perhaps of a different thread.
Last edited by nordfanatic on 31 Jul 2012, 12:29, edited 2 times in total.
Nord Piano 88, Lead 1 Rack; Roland JP80, Fantom XR, XV-5080, XV-3080, JD-990 x 3, JV-2080, D-550, JV-1080, R8 Mk II; Korg "Kronos 61", M3-88, M1REX, MS-2000R, Wavestation; Yamaha Motif XS, TX-802, DX7, DX7 II FD; Oberheim Matrix 1000
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nordfanatic - Posts: 13
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Re: Nord Piano 88 + Speakers
yew2533 wrote:Hi all,
i picked up my Nord Piano yesterday and i really like it so far (Still learning how to use the functions etc).
.....
Are studio monitors really worth that extra money? Would i get away with GOOD Speakers and a dececent amplifier?
Any advice would be great (low cost options would be great ! )
Thanks
Hi!
And congratulations on your new Nord Piano!
I can tell I'm using the amp + speakers solution and I'm happy with it.
My setup is: a Teac amp + Jamo speakers (home audio stuff).
The output level of the Nord is rather low, but still usable with standard home audio amps.
I'd like to have powered monitors, but as you say I did get away with what I had available.
Last edited by robotwolf on 31 Jul 2012, 12:29, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Nord Piano 88 + Speakers
Regarding El piano sounds, I find that running them through a good tube amp is awesome. You really get the grit and overdrive sounds. But the challenge are the true nd beautiful piano sounds. I guess they do require monitors to do hem justice. I am looking for advice on a solution that would work in jazz setting in small venues like a cafe.
Lars
Lars
Last edited by Larsaukrust on 31 Jul 2012, 12:29, edited 2 times in total.
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