Nord User Forum

[tckelly47]

Hello all,

I have a Nord C2 and Yamaha CP300 and would like to go through a powered speaker. I will play in mono - no real estate available at the local clubs for stereo. I have been thinking about either a 12" or 15" powered speaker and hopefully one with 2 inputs to avoid the use of a mixer. The C2 and CP300 have internal EQ's so, unless I am wrong, a mixer would be a redundancy and one more thing to bring to the gig. I do not sing and I have on board effects and EQ'ing on these keyboards so would a mixer provide any additional benefits? Obviously if I chose a powered speaker with one input than I would be forced into a mixer but if there is one that I should consider with two inputs then I am open to suggestions. Any thoughts?

[Mooser]

I too have been looking for a powered speaker for my rig, as a "bottom" (below 800 hz.) for my Nord C2, Pro-3x and amplification for piano and other keyboards. I might mention if that if the keyboards have a level control and suitable tone and effects, you don't need a mixer if there is only one input. Just use a "splitter" jack (two-into-one XLR or phone patch) available at Guitar Center or similar for a few bucks. From what I've heard, a powered PA speaker constructed of wood (and with good components, of course) sound better for keyboards and organ than the molded plastic ones, but tend to be heavier. But I haven't heard them all.
Please let the forum know what you come up with. With the on-board effects on most keyboards the pre-amp part of a keyboard amp seems redundant, and with a powered speaker you neither pay for or carry around that front panel. In fact, I rarely use the pre-amp portion of my Peavey KBA-100 amps (it takes two) I go in through the effects loop into the main amp. A large powered speaker (maybe a +-500 watts double-15"-with-horn Peavey or JBL) seems like a better way to go. And yes, if I tried to bring more than one "stack" on stage there would be trouble, there's little enough room as it is.

[Mooser]

Well, I settled on a PV115D powered speaker, 400 watts, 15" and horn. 34" high, about 60 lbs. $299.00 at Guitar Center. Ordered same, and it arrived. Dead as a doornail. I think they forgot to hook the speakers to the amp, it didn't even hiss or hum. Returned same, re-ordered, maybe I'll have it by Christmas.

[flmc59]

That was really bad luck. I think it is rare this days with a DOA(dead on arrival)

[hpage3]

I tried my C2D with a pair of QSC K12 powered speakers. Plugged into the left and right outputs on the C2D. My pipe organ vox/farf organs really sounded real good. I can't wait to run the C2d through my big QSC system which is 2 -QSC KW152 speakers on top of QSC KW181 subs. 2,000 watts per side. Just for fun!
The QSC speakers have a normal/deep switch which will give you all the bass you would normally want Even the K12's ,

[Mooser]

With any luck, both a table-style stand, which will accomadate my pedals, and a working Peavey powered speaker will arrive this week in time for "The Jilly Rizzo"s second performance. "The Jilly Rizzo" album "Evolution of the Temple Garment" is available on I-tunes.

[Octopus]

How about the BK Audio GX-15 PA-system ??

[Farfisameister]

I use a Traynor K4 keyboard amp. It is a rather sophisticated design capable of producing approx 300 watts. It has 3 channels, is no bigger or bulkier than most keyboard amps and, sonically, is the most pleasing keyboard amp I have ever used so far. There are times I have room to bring my Leslie 3300 for my Nord C2 though I still need a keyboard amp for my electro 3 and digital piano (believe it or not but I like the Casio Privia PX330). The Traynor K4 sits nicely on top of the Leslie 3300 to save space.

On a side note, Casio used to be synonymous with 'crap' but the light digital piano I use - and have used for years now - puts the otheres to shame. It weighs 20 lbs, amplifies extremely well, and does acoustic piano, Rhodes, and even 1 Wurly very well. Plus, the action is wondeful. I also have a newish Roland digital piano that is: too heavy, too expensive, sound shrilly and metallic when amplified, and not worth it.

[hammondking]

Mooser - Your splitter jack idea might work ok if you only use one keyboard at a time, but if you're using both together you'll get unwanted distortion. A mixer is required - it's not just about having level controls, you need it to mix the sounds together with no added distortion. Having said that, my second keyboard is a Korg SV-1, with aux inputs, and in a pinch I will run my Nord into the Korg, and the Korg into the amp - works great.

[Octopus]

Thanks!!!!

I have decided to buy a real leslie to have at home. A leslie 145 or the 3300. I have heard that 145 sounds better and have better bas. I am gong to buy pedals. On the other hand 3300 is made to fit clones. No need for modding and service etc.