Stage 3 and 2nd synth

[cvselman]

For the sonic variety it could be a benefit to consider something else to pair with the Nord.
I have the A1, (and Stage) and it's really good. Nevertheless, I love to pair the Stage with my Roland D50 (or D05 for less weight), or maybe Access Virus (desktop version).
This provides a different sonic character that's much appreciated.

I had aD50 back in the day and its a great all-rounder synth but I'm not looking for pianos, strings etc, I just want synth for the fun of synth. Thank you for reminding me how great the D50 was/is.

[cvselman]

For the sonic variety it could be a benefit to consider something else to pair with the Nord.
I have the A1, (and Stage) and it's really good. Nevertheless, I love to pair the Stage with my Roland D50 (or D05 for less weight), or maybe Access Virus (desktop version).
This provides a different sonic character that's much appreciated.

I had aD50 back in the day and its a great all-rounder synth but I'm not looking for pianos, strings etc, I just want synth for the fun of synth. Thank you for reminding me how great the D50 was/is.

[cvselman]

I use a Nord Lead A1 with my Stage 3 compact, and I'm very happy with the combination. I connect them via MIDI so that the extern section of the stage sends sustain pedal and control pedal inputs to the Lead, so I don't need multiple pedals. Program changes are handled via the stage song selection. Using dual keyboard, I can play Stage sounds from the Lead if required.

I find it good that they both have more or less the same synth engine, as it is less of a learning curve for programming.

Yes, thats exactly what I'm hoping.

[cvselman]

Main thing I don't like is the keybed. It's just not great. It works but feels dead after playing the Stage 3.

This is one of the reasons I bought the NW2, it has a great keybed. It has always been a mystery to me why Nord put the least expensive Fatar keyboard in both the NL4 and the A1, neither of which are cheap instruments.

-dj

I'd quite like the Wave 2 but it's bigger, I'm trying to keep it tight on space. I have a Nord gig bag for my /stage 3 with a large side pocket that looks just right to pop the Lead A1 into making it even easier. Most of my gigs are festivals and such and the best I can expect is 15 to set and a quick 'line check' before launching into a 45-minute single set then pack and get away within another 15 minutes. Parking may be several fields away and I need to be able to carry everything I need in a single journey. Two keys in a single bag that can also go over my shoulder will leave me two hands free to carry a bag of leads etc. and my keyboard stand. I also wonder if a Wave 2 is only an organ section short of being a Stage 4.

[cvselman]

Sorry for the multiple duplicate posts above, it didn't look like my reply was going through and then there was suddenly several the same.

[Elias]

I also wonder if a Wave 2 is only an organ section short of being a Stage 4.

Wave 2 has no piano engine. It can play sampled pianos (.nsmp#), but not an actual dedicated piano (.npno). It's more like an advanced Nord Lead that can play samples as well.

I know you didn't ask (and I'm sure you know), but I'll still remind you: 2 instruments instead of 1 is probably 3-5 times the work in setting up. If setup time is a significant issue, I wouldn't even consider a double board setup. But of course if you really need 2, the A1 will be a simple addition.

[WannitBBBad]

If it was me, I would lean toward the Wave 2. As you work on mastering the synth capabilities you can also capitalize on it being able to play any samples you create with the Stage 3. Good luck!

[catosim]

Well, the A1 is indeed a very good synth. I should probably sell mine, since it’s way to little in use.
I just don’t want to get rid of it, because it sounds amazing (the very few times i give it a go)

[tsss27]

My requirements and priorities may be different than yours but I would not get an A1, I'd much rather get either:
1. If weight/size was not an issue, Wave 2
2. If the above are an issue, Sequential Take 5
The Wave 2 is simple to program once you get used to Nord's architecture. It's a different way of working than most synths, but it is more standardized than the A1. The NW2 has a much nicer keyboard with aftertouch, and the fact that it can play samples makes it far more flexible.
Take5 is potentially cheaper than either of the Nords. It's also smaller and the keybed is very good with aftertouch. It's a real analog synth so if your main interest is analog synth sounds in a small size it's a great choice. Easy to program if you understand synthesis while also being deeper than the Nords if you need that functionality later on (it's largely hidden on the surface level.) Also the tones are not necessarily the same (though you can make the same patches on either synth,) so it gives you more variety in these kinds of sounds.

As for your pads, it is possible to create Nord samples without the obvious loop points. Depending on the complexity of your samples I may be able to set them up for you.