New Nord Stage 3 compact 73 keys unboxing and setup

[jalexquijano]

Just purchased a brand new Nord Stage 3 compact KB. Once I open the box and pull it out, should i connect it to my computer, download the latest OS system and transfer it to my kb? I thought that for the price of this KB the OS should be upgraded. Just watched this video on youtube and have concerns on damaging the kb:





I thought it was only plugging 2 mono cables at the rear panel directly to my Yamaha EMX 860ST power mixer in 2 separate channels period. Your guidance is appreciated.

[Schorsch]

Hi,

I don’t think that you have to worry about damaging your NS3 when updating the OS, it’s a safe and easy procedure and I haven’t had any problems with it when upgrading my two NS3 several times. You will see the OS version of your NS3 on the main display right after you switched the Stage on. If your NS3 does not carry the most recent OS version 2.62 I would just start the update software from Nord.

You are right regarding the connection of the NS3 to your Mixer/amplification, just use two TS cables to connect Output 1+2 of your Stage to either a stereo input or 2 mono inputs of your mixer, keep in mind to pan the 2 mono inputs hard right and left since the piano sounds are best in stereo

[jalexquijano]

Thanks!! Ill do as you recommend.

[docbop]

Just purchased a brand new Nord Stage 3 compact KB. Once I open the box and pull it out, should i connect it to my computer, download the latest OS system and transfer it to my kb? I thought that for the price of this KB the OS should be upgraded. Just watched this video on youtube and have concerns on damaging the kb:





I thought it was only plugging 2 mono cables at the rear panel directly to my Yamaha EMX 860ST power mixer in 2 separate channels period. Your guidance is appreciated.

A new Nord should come with the latest OS already installed, my Stage 3 I got a few months ago did. When you turn on your Nord it shows you what version of the OS is installed. Write down the version number then go to the Nord website and compare version number with the latest they have for download. I bet your's is already on the current version.

[neomad]

No keyboard (or electronic device) ever comes with the latest firmware always, independently of the price ! it depends when it was shipped to the music store... and if between shipment, storage, and and the sale of end customer an upgrade happens, how come the keyboard will get the OS upgrade if unit is sealed in a warehouse?

[harmonizer]

You seem to be a new user of Nord keyboards. Be aware that most of the Nord-provided acoustic piano sounds sound significantly better when used with stereo amplification, as opposed to being used with a single speaker. I would even say that many of them just don't sound right when used with a single speaker, and the "single speaker deficit" is larger than what I have seen with other keyboards. And in my experience, pressing the Mono button on the Nord keyboard does not change this much.

My short answer suggestion is to just use the "White Grand" as your AP sound for both single speaker and stereo amplification setups.

My longer answer: If you can run with stereo amplification and two separate speakers, you should find that all or most of the Nord-provided acoustic piano sounds will sound very good. If you find yourself forced to use a single speaker for some reason, I would suggest trying these two Nord AP sounds: (1) The White Grand has been reported by others to work well with a single speaker. I have not been able to test it myself since my old Electro 3 does not support this newer AP sound. (2) For me, the "Royal Grand 3D" sounds very nice with a single speaker when used at home. The only caveat is that it does not cut through well for use in my covers band. It would probably work well in smaller acoustic or jazz settings.

[DJKeys]

No keyboard (or electronic device) ever comes with the latest firmware always, independently of the price ! it depends when it was shipped to the music store... and if between shipment, storage, and and the sale of end customer an upgrade happens, how come the keyboard will get the OS upgrade if unit is sealed in a warehouse?

This has been my experience as well. The instrument is loaded with the current OS at the factory, but by the time the sealed box reaches the consumer, it is likely it will need an update-

-dj

[Valpurgis]

This has been my experience as well. The instrument is loaded with the current OS at the factory, but by the time the sealed box reaches the consumer, it is likely it will need an update-

-dj

As the last firmware update was in November 2021 this instrument took a long journey before reaching the customer. Even back in 1872 it should not take more than 80 days

[WannitBBBad]

Just purchased a brand new Nord Stage 3 compact KB. Once I open the box and pull it out, should i connect it to my computer, download the latest OS system and transfer it to my kb? ...

Hello, and welcome to the Forum! As noted above by others, the OS update is very easy, but check the version currently loaded on your Stage 3. Given the last OS version was posted almost a year ago, your Stage 3 is likely to be already loaded with version 2.62. Good luck to you.