Nord User Forum

[9blackoranges]

I am keen on purchasing a Nord Electro 6 for its internal sounds but also want it to function with my DAW and other midi capable hardware.

In headline terms, is it good/bad/easy/difficult/limited etc?

For example:-

1 Can it send midi notes out to a DAW AND play internal sounds at the same time in split and/or dual modes? Or is it one or the other only?

2. If the keyboard is split and one layer is transposed up an octave does it send out the midi notes at the transposed setting or the original level.

3. Is anyone using the Nord Electro 6 with the IK Multimedia Hammond B3-x software programme? Does it match up so all 3 manuals (Upper/lower/Pedals) all work across the full range of each keyboard range? Does it do so when run in stand-alone mode and when used as a plug-in in a DAW?

Any help guidance appreciated.

[anotherscott]

My understanding is that it sends MIDI notes out simultaneously with playing its internal sounds, and all on one channel. Whether you are playing one or multiple sounds or using splits or layers makes no difference. Octave settings make no difference. Drawbars would only control one manual of B3X, since even though the Nord supports two manuals (no bass pedals, though), the drawbars are associated with just one set of CC commands and just one MIDI channel, leaving B3X no way to address the two manuals separately. Though if your are well versed in this kind of stuff, you could possibly make use of Nord's MIDI command for shifting drawbar focus to lower manual to remap what gets sent to B3X. (IOW, I don't think B3X has any such facility, but some other MIDI manipulation program could conceivably read what the Nord sends and use that information to alter what gets sent to B3X.)

[9blackoranges]

Thanks 'another scott'.

It looks like the Nord is not for me then. I do need the split/layers/ octave shifts to be recognised/transmitted in the midi it sends out. And seems of little use with the B3x programme.

ps. Are you the same 'another scott' as in Roland Forums?

[anotherscott]

It looks like the Nord is not for me then. I do need the split/layers/ octave shifts to be recognised/transmitted in the midi it sends out.

As long as you're connected to a computer, there are ways to finesse the MIDI data. For example, programs like Gig Performer, Camelot Pro, Cantabile, and Mainstage should be able to take single-channel MIDI input and split/layer it into different key ranges that trigger different VSTs and shift their octaves. But yes, it can also be nice to have this facility in the board.

And seems of little use with the B3x programme.

Well, depending on what you want to do. While live drawbar manipulation may be restricted to one manual, a split to play a saved preset on a lower manual should work, or you could add something like a Korg NanoKontrol (the original 9-slider version) to get drawbar control for a second manual. There are ways... but the question is then if the Electro offers enough other compelling things you're looking to have to make it worth the effort/compromises.

But if you're looking for drawbar/waterfall keyboards in the Electro price range that also have flexible MIDI control functions, I'd look at Dexibell J7, Yamaha YC61, and the Hammond SK1. They are all multi-zone MIDI controllers (i.e. they do splits/layers over MIDI), and they all have separate MIDI addressability for upper and lower manuals, which there should be some way for b3X to make use of. Some relevant organ/controller differences I can see...

Dexibell has motorized drawbars. 73 keys only.
Yamaha has pitch and modulation controls (but no pedal drawbar control like the other two). 61 keys only.
Hammond has three MIDI zones for splits/layers (the others have four). 61, 73, or 88 keys.

Of course there are many other differences in their built-in sound capabilities.

ps. Are you the same 'another scott' as in Roland Forums?

C'est moi!