Hi Konaboy!
Thanks for your review, a lot of topics were discussed here on the forum, very recognizable.
I agree with you on some points, disagree on others,
I do agree that a USB port would be a nice addition for OS updates and MIDI over USB. OS updates seem to pose a challenge for some USB - MIDI interfaces, I think you are not the only one. But I hope they will keep the DIN MIDI ports in future models..
I don't think the volume of the headphones output of the ND2 is too low perse. I think it very much depends on the headphones you're using. With my headphones (250 ohms, closed type), maximum volume will damage my ears. But others on this forum had a similar experience as you, discussed here
nord-drum-forum-f27/headphone-impendance-once-and-for-all-t10393.html. I suspect the impedance of the ND2 headphones output is a tad higher than usual, so that you get a weaker output with low impedance (eg 30 or 40 ohms) headphones. Just a theory. Don't forget to check the channel level settings b.t.w. The ND3p has an improved headphones output level according to the website.
With a low volume on your headphones you might tend to hit the pads harder to compensate.
The acoustic noise of sticks and pads annoy me too, but are not unique to the Nord Pad. Especially if you want to record acoustic drums combined with electronic drums you should take care of mic positioning. Try to hit acoustic drums a bit harder, and play the pads more gently. Adjusting the response of the pads with the sensitivity settings might help here. Also check the channel level settings. Programming drum sounds that blend in with the acoustic noise from the pads also helps if there is a lot of the pad sounds bleeding into your drum mics.
I also prefer one function per knob, but you'll get used to the ND2 quickly is my experience. This layout keeps the unit small. Perhaps an intermediate design would be nice, where you pick the main parameter with buttons, and tweak the parameters for each channel with 2 rows of 6 endless encoders..
The MIDI options are equally complex as those of the Nord Stage I think. The difference perhaps is that the menu on the Stage is easier to understand, the bigger display on the Stage certainly helps. If you want to want to program beats with the app or a sequencer, simply ignore the individual MIDI channels, the default settings will do. If you want to control sound parameters with MIDI, use the individual MIDI channels. In combination with a keyboard the individual MIDI channels can be interesting too, you can play melodies with a single drum sound, but check the manual, or read some threads here to find out how that works..
Cheers,
Albert