Nord User Forum

[Martu]

Hello, I have just gotten a Nord Lead 2x but forgot to get an Audio Interface. I want to be able to control my Nord with FL studio. (Place notes in the Piano roll, not record it)
What is the simplest and the cheapest way to do this? What cables do I need? Whats a really cheap Interface? If it's okay I would like to be explained in a really really detailed way (Audio quality does not really matter to me).

- Specs -
- Windows 10
- Fl Studio 12
- Fancy Nord Lead 2x
- Very anxious over how to do basic things

[analogika]

The piano roll has nothing to do with audio.

If I understand correctly, you want to program notes in FL studio and want the Nord to play those notes with its own sounds, and you do NOT want to record that sound?

All you need is a cheap (20€) USB-to-MIDI cable. MIDI is not audio; it does not transmit any sound — it only tells instruments when to play which notes. It has no idea what those notes actually sound like.
It is like sheet music: all the information about which instruments should play which notes at which time is on the sheet, but the sheet itself creates no sound.
Hook up the USB end to the computer and the MIDI plug into the MIDI in of the Nord, and the notes you enter in the piano roll will make the Nord play. (You may have to tell FL to send the notes to the MIDI cable first.)


If you want to RECORD the sounds the Nord makes into your computer, you will also need an audio interface. Some interfaces have both audio plugs AND MIDI plugs so you can connect both to a single box.

[Martu]

The piano roll has nothing to do with audio.

If I understand correctly, you want to program notes in FL studio and want the Nord to play those notes with its own sounds, and you do NOT want to record that sound?

All you need is a cheap (20€) USB-to-MIDI cable. MIDI is not audio; it does not transmit any sound — it only tells instruments when to play which notes. It has no idea what those notes actually sound like.
It is like sheet music: all the information about which instruments should play which notes at which time is on the sheet, but the sheet itself creates no sound.
Hook up the USB end to the computer and the MIDI plug into the MIDI in of the Nord, and the notes you enter in the piano roll will make the Nord play. (You may have to tell FL to send the notes to the MIDI cable first.)


If you want to RECORD the sounds the Nord makes into your computer, you will also need an audio interface. Some interfaces have both audio plugs AND MIDI plugs so you can connect both to a single box.

Okay, I meant something different. I want the Nord sound to go to my computer so I can play it on my fl studio. I want to record my nord sound directly to computer

[analogika]

If all you need is to record your own playing and sound quality is not important, then search for the cheapest "class-compliant" USB audio interface. "Class-compliant" means that it has standard functionality and will work with any Mac/Windows computer, iPad, iPhone, or Android device just by plugging it in, without installing any other software.

Do you wish to control the Nord Lead FROM FL Studio, also (program sequences in the piano roll and have the Nord play them)?
In that case, you will need to connect MIDI, as well.

I'm not sure what options are available that combine both, but USB-MIDI cables can be bought from about 15€, and Line-Level-to-USB audio cables (interface built into the cable) for about 20€.

[OrpheusNY]

Behringer is usually the go-to for really cheap. The U-phoria UM2 would work for you.

If you want something a little better but still affordable, look at Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

The interface will connect to the computer via USB, the Nord will plug into the interface via 1/4” instrument cables. As Analogika said, you’ll also need a Midi to USB cable to play the Nord with midi data from the computer.

[analogika]

Even cheaper:
Behringer Line 2 USB.

https://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_line_2_usb.htm