Nord User Forum

[mark_m]

Just wanted to log some feedback on the Grand before I get used to it and forget... In no particular order.

Knobs - All parameter adjustment knobs should be infinite rotation without absolute position, so when you change patches the knobs aren't at random positions relative to the patch settings. Having a setting jump as soon as you touch a knob with a new patch is not useful. The knobs should inherit the patch settings so that if I want to adjust a mild effect down a bit further, it doesn't jump to perhaps the maximum setting that was used on a previous patch. I don't know what anyone was thinking.

Voices such as boys chorus for example, should be sampled with the same voices and harmonic structure for each of the variations. If there are samples with different vowels, one should be able to switch between those and have it seem like the same set of voices singing a new syllable. The same would hold true with choruses of horns, strings, etc.

I don't see in the manual and still have not found how to navigate directly between program banks, to load from or save to a different bank than you're currently in. Should not have to scroll through the whole list to get between banks.

The steel stage legs look like a nice design but the execution is utter crap. I've never seen such sloppy fabrication in anything above say a cheap hibachi. Not at all worthy of the Nord name nor of the price which is extraordinary for such a cheaply made stand.

Other than that, the sounds are wonderful and I'm happy with the keyboard. Action is a bit bouncy but it's not in my way.

[baekgaard]

Congrats with your new board!

Just wanted to log some feedback on the Grand before I get used to it and forget... In no particular order.

Knobs - All parameter adjustment knobs should be infinite rotation without absolute position, so when you change patches the knobs aren't at random positions relative to the patch settings. Having a setting jump as soon as you touch a knob with a new patch is not useful. The knobs should inherit the patch settings so that if I want to adjust a mild effect down a bit further, it doesn't jump to perhaps the maximum setting that was used on a previous patch. I don't know what anyone was thinking.

All recent Nords are like this, including your Electro 3

So it's maybe not so likely to change on the Grand first, if ever. This is more of an issue perhaps for some on the stage or the wave series.

Note that if you hold down shift you can turn any knob to see its current value, so as a workaround you can dial close to the current setting first.

Voices such as boys chorus for example, should be sampled with the same voices and harmonic structure for each of the variations. If there are samples with different vowels, one should be able to switch between those and have it seem like the same set of voices singing a new syllable. The same would hold true with choruses of horns, strings, etc.

You can load any set of voices you like - or sample ones you like yourself. Check if there are more suitable ones to your liking in the Nord sample library.

I Don't see in the manual and still have not found how to navigate directly between program banks, to load from or save to a different bank than you're currently in. Should not have to scroll through the whole list to get between banks.

When you do a quick dial (called speed dialing) you jump to the next bank. This may help you. You may also consider using list mode (shift dial) in alpha or categorical mode.

[mark_m]

Thanks for your reply:)

Re. the knobs, it's every bit as annoying on the Electro 3, but more disappointing this hasn't been improved by now. I understand it's a cost thing, because some LEDs or a small alphanumeric display would be needed to show knob position. But at the price of the NG, it would be nice to have fixed this.

Re. samples, "go make your own samples" is not really very helpful but I will check the library, thanks.

Does "quick dial" mean turn the knob really fast? I'm using list mode but it seems archaic to have only a linear access whatever the total number of programs in all the banks is. Might be an easier way to navigate with a laptop hooked up?

Thanks in any case for your reply and don't worry I still love the product, but these are things that might be made better in a future version.

[mark_m]

p.s. I haven't tried the shift-turn on knobs, does the value stay put while you're doing that? Will check it out, not very handy if you've just switched programs and need to make a tweak with one hand while playing with the other.

[baekgaard]

Few comments/replies: Yes, speed dial is giving the dial a quick turn. You don't need to spin it for long, just fast.

And shift dial does not change the actual value.

Some people use an iPad for one click program changes (or a PC). There are programs that does this and they may also show you your score/chord sheet.

Also, forgot to say that going to numeric mode may be a bit easier when navigating within the bank.

Good luck!



Sent from my phone in brevity

[aakash]

I'm also critical of how Nord handles the outsourced fabrication of their still-expensive accessories. It's one thing to outsource accessories to overseas (Asian) manufacturers but it is unfair to charge prices that would suggest in-house (Swedish) manufacturing practices and labor standards.

The keyboards and actual instruments are wonderful and robust. The stands, legs, monitors, cases and everything else is mediocre in terms of quality.

I wonder if their business model depends on ridiculous margins from overpriced, overseas-made accessories that their keyboard buyers "have to have".

[Berretje]

... In no particular order.

not useful... I don't know what anyone was thinking...should ... should be able to ... Should not have to... the execution is utter crap...such sloppy fabrication... cheap hibachi. Not at all worthy ... price which is extraordinary ... cheaply made...annoying ... disappointing ... not really very helpful ... seems archaic...not very handy

Other than that, ...I'm happy with the keyboard.

Haha, excellent!

[cphollis]

The Nord Grand is a deep instrument. Once you get over the newness (and some flaws) get yourself some wonderful headphones (or monitors) and be prepared to get deep. I can get lost in the sound and the feel. Just like a real piano.

[mark_m]

I do enjoy the instrument, have excellent headphones and get lost in it as well. But I'm constantly hit by how archaic the interface is. And I don't have any idea what other keyboards are like, presumably not way better. But honestly a digital interface today, I just about expect to be able to say the name of a patch and have it come up, or a set of matches to choose from. There should be a keypad to type the name and have it auto-completing as I type, like searching on my TV or laptop. Scrolling through a linear list seems highly antiquated. Admittedly I need to study the manual but so much could be more intuitive and contemporary.

As one of the "high end" players in the field, I do expect and hope that Nord would be the pace-setter for interface design, and bring things up at least to the present, if not lead the way to the future.

[Spider]

I had to google what a hibachi is ...and after that I got even more confused