Nord's classical Virtual Analog Synth Nord LEAD 1/2/2x/3/4/A1 and Nord Rack versions

Nord Rack 2X has distorted AB outputs. Need Advice!

Postby Avsuero » 05 Jan 2020, 04:00

Hi all!

I recently bought a Nord Rack 2X in mint condition but I am noticing that the sound coming out from outputs A&B lack clearness and definition. After making a test I noticed that these outputs do have some distortion compared to the others. Is this to be expected or should I return this unit?

I recorded the test. This is the same patch at the same volume. The Nord Rack is set to output mono signals on AB and CD. The headphone jack sounds even better than these two.



I appreciate your advice,
Thanks!!!!


UPDATE: After more experimenting I noticed this does not happen if I keep the Master Volume and Gain at or below 50%. Is there a way to cleanly boost the signal before the interface to avoid getting too much air in the signal. Or is it not worth keeping it?
Attachments
AB Output.mp3
A&B Outputs
(625.51 KiB) Downloaded 181 times
CD Output.mp3
C&D Outputs
(625.51 KiB) Downloaded 210 times
Last edited by Avsuero on 05 Jan 2020, 18:22, edited 3 times in total.
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Nord Rack 2X has distorted AB outputs. Need Advice!


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Re: Nord Rack 2X has distorted AB outputs. Need Advice!

Postby mkastrup » 11 Jan 2020, 15:40

The output on AB is NOT supposed to sound distorted like that, its supposed to sound just like the CD output. So yep that unit needs repair of some sort.
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Re: Nord Rack 2X has distorted AB outputs. Need Advice!

Postby Avsuero » 11 Jan 2020, 22:52

LewTheKeysGuy wrote:I'm going to ask this question... firstly, what interface are you sending the lead to? secondly have you tried checking your inputs of your interface etc? have you also checked your cables for condition, etc? before you go down the repair route, always check other issues such as gain to interface, panning, ground issues, the usual suspects.

if it is the case of distorted outputs, run a constant tone through ports A and B from the lead 2x rack, see if the outputs crackle etc with any cable movement. I'd say there's the possibility of dry solder joints, etc or crap in the contacts of the outputs, just check and let us know, might be a case of opening up, checking cables, replacing the jack sockets with new ones and seeing if that works. sometimes distortion happens with failing output sockets.

lew



Thank you for the replies!

I am running it directly into my NI Komplete Audio 6.

I did even further testing taking it to my inlaws house and running it into his Metric Halo ULN-8. The distortion was less perceptible but still happening only after driving master volume past 50%. And it was not even necessary to drive it past 50% with that interface since there was 0 noise or air in the line anyways.
(Side note: WOW I realized the difference a $4k interface makes! This thing sounds AMAZING)

To be honestI have no issues running AB through the headphones output and CD work perfectly, so I might keep it. I got it for $500 and its in mint condition. **As long as this is not an issue known for being a sign of the board starting to die completely or something like that.** This is my first Nord product so I don’t know much about their behavior.

Your advice is deeply appreciated!
Last edited by Avsuero on 11 Jan 2020, 22:55, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Nord Rack 2X has distorted AB outputs. Need Advice!

Postby cgrafx » 12 Jan 2020, 00:49

Looking at the mp3 for the AB output there is a pretty significant distortion of the bottom half of the waveform. It is pretty clear there is a problem with the output driver for the AB outputs. It really shouldn't cost much to have that repaired. If were mine, I'd have it serviced. It can be done by any competent repair shop and really shouldn't be very expensive.
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