Nord User FAQ - based on the Nord User Forum

This Nord User FAQ contains answers or references of frequently asked questions of members of this forum.
Nord also has very extensive official FAQs for each instrument here: Nord FAQ Be sure to check those out!

Sections:
General NORD FAQ
Nord STAGE FAQ
Nord ELECTRO FAQ
Nord PIANO FAQ
Nord Sample Editor FAQ
NORD Amplification FAQ

 

General NORD FAQ

Which Nord instrument should I buy? I don't know where to begin actually...

  • It can be an adventure finding the "perfect" instrument for your needs. To make this a bit easier, Marc from MyKeysToMusic has made a Nord Buyers Guide video about this. You can find the video here. This will compare the current hardware that is now made and sold by Nord and retailers.
  • Note that the Nord Grand and Nord Piano series are not mentioned in the comparison list. For reviews of these products visit the YouTube channel of "Pianoman Chuck"

My Keys To Music - Nord Buyers Guide 

 

What fuse value is required when changing the internal transformer voltage of the instrument?

 

Which instruments can load samples from the Nord Sample Library?

  • Only the Nord Wave, Nord Electro 3, Nord Electro 4, Nore Electro 5, Nord Stage 2 and 2 EX, and the Nord Piano 2 can load Nord- and user created samples in the .nsmp format.

How do I load new Piano or Sample sounds into my Nord Keyboard?

How can I create my own samples and load them into my Nord Keyboard

Where can I upload / download samples/patches?

  • Patches/samples/demos can be uploaded/downloaded on the Nord User Sounds website: LINK
  • You can link a sound page from the Nord User Sounds website on the Nord User Forum website using the nordusersounds button in the reply window in the toolbar

NUS - Linkbutton


How to choose an amp/speaker for my Nord Keyboard?

Where to find spare parts for my Nord Keyboard?

Can I control other parameters such as Resonance etc. via MORPHING?

Do I need to get the Nord Triple Pedal or is there another way of having Sostenuto, Una Corda, Half-Pedaling, and/or Pedal Noise?

One or several keys of my Nord keyboard are not working, have a too loud level/velocity, or only work when using the organ?

Can I transfer my Programs across different Nord models? 

  • When it comes to Programs (patches) each Nord model is compatible only with itself, regardless the number of keys (for models which have multipleversions). So, for example: a transfer between a Nord Electro5D61 and Nord electro 5 HP 73 is possible, but a transfer between a Nord Electro5D61 and Nord electro 4D61 is not possible.
  • The only exception to this rule are the "EX" versions of the Nord Stage (Classic/EX, 2/2EX), which anyway require special care due to the different amount of sample memory (higher on EX models.
  • There is a site where you can upload a Nord Stage 2 program and see which parameters/samples are used for this program. This site can be found at: https://ns3-program-viewer.herokuapp.com

How can I record my Nord into any/a daw? 

This depends what you would like to record:

  • Midi
    • MIDI has nothing to do with audio. It is ONLY the information about what is played and when, but there is no sound transfer. It is to audio as Sheet music is to a CD. Sheet music contains all the information about what’s on the CD, but it doesn’t contain any sound itself (as said by Analogika).
    • When recording midi (notes) you will need to connect your Nord to your Mac/PC with an USB cable or MIDI interface using the MIDI DIN connection. Depending on the Nord model, it's supporting MIDI over USB (or not). In the DAW (of your choice) you have to create a MIDI channel strip and configure it to listen for MIDI data on the configured MIDI port.
  • Audio
    • Audio can be recorded on your Mac/PC using the onboard microphone connection (not recommended) or an audio interface (external audio card). You have to connect the L/R audio output of your Nord device to this audio interface. In the DAW (of your choice) you have to create a AUDIO channel strip and configure this to the configured audio input on your audio interface where you Nord instrument is connected to.

How can I export my programs to a printable format?

There are 2 ways to perform this:

  1. Export your programs to a Sound List using Nord Sound Manager
  2. If you have a Electro 4, Electro 6, Lead A1, Stage 2, Stage 2EX or Stage 3 there is an script made by cEgws you can use to make a nice (printable) layout. You can find the script in this topic. It uses python to convert the export from the Sound Manager to a new html file. 

Nord STAGE FAQ

Where can I find patches or programs for my Nord Stage Classic or EX?

  • Here you find a collection of user created patches and programs: nord_stage_program_collection.php. NORD has not released individual programs other than the presets which you found on the Nord Website

Where can I find samples, patches or programs for my Nord Stage 2?

How can I transfer my programs for the Nord Stage Classic or EX to my new Nord Stage 2?

Is it possible to transfer my programs from the NS2/NS2EX to the new Nord Stage 3?

  • Unfortunately, there is no way of converting your programs, and never will be. Basically, all the "number" generations (1,2,3) of the Nord Stage share the same file format, and no conversion is possible!

How can I use my Nord Stage with MIDI and my Computer?

  • Nord Stage Classic/EX: You need a MIDI/USB Interface since the USB port does not transmit MIDI. For the possible configurations and settings, have a look a the the Nord Stage and MIDI Tutorial!
  • Nord Stage 2: The NS2 supports MIDI over USB so you don't nee another cable or interface. Just set the MIDI channels to USB x where x is the desired MIDI channel.
  • An intuituve introduction of how to setup your Nord Stage to be controlled via MIDI can also be found here:  nord-stage-forum-f3/using-a-midi-keyboard-to-control-the-nord-stage-t3203.html#p19200
  • Nord Stage 2: A tutorial (work in progress) on how to setup different MIDI configurations is available here: Nord Stage 2 Midi Tutorial  

I want to play a pure sample sound without any effects, envelopes or filtering going on?

  1. press SHIFT + "(PROGRAM BANK D)/SYNTH INIT" (just above the display)
  2. press SHIFT + "(HOLD ON)/SOUND INIT" (upper left corner of the synth section)
  3. load the sample in the "OSC" section of the synth

When I switch programs on my Nord Stage 2 while holding a sound, my sound gets cut off. How can I solve this?

  • The Nord Stage 2 (and older) do not support "seamless transition". This feature is introduced in the Nord Stage 3.

How can I switch/control my programs using midi program changes?

There are several ways to find out which MSB/LSB/PC you can send to your NS3 to change to a specific program. 
Here are a couple of resources:

Midi Mapper for Nord (mac/windows app)
Nord S3 Midi Commands (windows app)
Nord Midi Values (excel sheet)

 

Nord ELECTRO FAQ

When I use my Nord Electro with headphones, I can only hear the sound from one side. What's going on?

  • The Nord's output setting has to be set to Stereo for both sides of the headphones to work. Use System parameter 2 and make sure the display reads "2.St"

I have a Nord Electro 3 or 4, and I want to use two different sounds in a split or layer configuration. Is this possible?

On my Nord Electro, can I use my expression pedal on a Clav sound for a wah effect, and can I use my sustain pedal to control Rotary speed?

  • If you have a controller pedal connected to your NE3's Expression Pedal socket, it acts as an expression pedal on organ sounds and (if enabled) on samples.
  • On piano/electric piano/Clav sounds, it is disabled by default (it can however be enabled) unless either Ring Mod or P Wah are activated.
  • In Ring Mod mode, the pedal adjusts the mix of dry and effected signal; in P Wah mode, the pedal behaves just like a real wah.
  • If you have a sustain pedal or footswitch connected to the Sustain Pedal socket, it can be set to either sustain organ as well as piano sounds, or to act as an extra Rotary speed switch when in Organ mode.

Nord PIANO FAQ

What pedal do I need to be able to have Pedal Noise and half-pedaling?

  • The Nord Triple Pedal is the only pedal that fully works with the Nord Piano (see also the General Nord FAQ on Pedals).

 

 

Nord Sample Editor FAQ

Where can I get some first information of how to create my own samples?

 

 

Nord Amplification FAQ

One of the most frequently asked questions on the Nord forum is amplification — what do people suggest?

(This section is baed on the extensive FAQ writen by user "cphollis" here: https://www.norduserforum.com/accessories-and-amplification-f8/nord-amplification-faq-t16772.html)

  • There is no one “right” or “best” answer, because so much depends on you, what music you play, where you play it and what you’re hoping to achieve. What’s great for one person may not work for another. And if you play in a wide variety of situations, you may find that you need more than one answer.
  • For many Nord users, it all gets down to acoustic pianos. Acoustic piano samples are difficult to amplify properly. Nord piano samples are even more difficult, as they are raw and unprocessed. This FAQ focuses on advice to help you get your acoustic piano samples sounding good. However, you’ll find that when you get the APs sounding good, the rest (organs, DPs, etc.) also sounds good. 
  • When it comes to stage amplification, the three primary variables to consider are frequency response, dispersion and power.
  • A reasonably flat frequency response is best for acoustic pianos. Guitar amps (and many keyboard amps) don’t have a flat frequency response, which is why your acoustic pianos sound miserable through them. Some people like the “sound” of particular amps for specific roles, e.g. playing a Rhodes electric piano. That same effect can also be achieved using the Nord’s on-board effects through a good speaker.
  • Dispersion describes how “wide” the beam of sound is produced from the speaker. Narrow dispersion angles (60-90 degrees) can throw sound to the back of a large room, but anyone listening off-angle won’t get an ideal experience. Wider dispersion angles (105-180 degrees) make it easier to fill a smaller venue with a pleasant sound stage.
  • Power is usually thought of in terms of loudness, but there’s another aspect worth considering: handling transients. You bang hard on a piano keyboard, you’ll produce a sharp peak of sound that you want your amplification to handle comfortably, and more watts can help. Loudness is measured in terms of SPL — sound pressure. For example, a single QSC K8.2 is rated at 128 dB @1 M, peak 122 dB @ 1 M, continuous. That’s pretty loud. If a pair of them aren’t loud enough, tell the guitar player to turn down.
  • Your playing situation and choice of material will affect your criteria as well. If you’re playing modest jazz gigs in a small venue, you may want modest power and wide dispersion. If you’re playing classic rock with a loud band outdoors, you’ll want much more power and perhaps more narrow dispersion.
  • If you gig frequently, size and weight will also be a factor. And, in most situations, budget is a concern.

Why do the piano sounds from my Nord sound bad, but other keyboards sound better?

  • Many other keyboards process their acoustic piano sounds so they sound better through less-expensive amplification. The raw Nord samples are unprocessed. However, you’re free to layer on effects, compression and EQ to make them sound processed.

Why not a keyboard amp?

  • Some people play through them and love them. Generally speaking, they don’t have a flat response curve, they are very directional and they weigh a ton. Many of us avoid them.

Why do people keep steering me to self-powered PA speakers, or PPAs?

  • Because they do a lot of things well, and there are many good ones on the market. They can be light, powerful and great-sounding all at the same time. But not always the best answer for everyone. Don’t forget, you’ll want a pair of poles as well.
  • I’m having a tough time justifying spending a lot of money on keyboard amplification. Why is this stuff so expensive?
  • It’s up to you, of course. Might I point out that Nord keyboards aren’t exactly cheap either? A great instrument through cheap amplification will sound like a cheap instrument. 

Do I need stereo?

  • No, you don’t need stereo, but you may end up preferring it. Lots of people are happy with mono through a single speaker. On the Nords, you’ll have to select piano voices that sound good in mono, as most don’t. 
  • Others like the rich stereo sound stage. Nord pianos, in particular, sound wonderful through a nice stereo setup.

What about those columnar line arrays, like the Bose L1?

  • They’re wonderful for smaller venues and acoustic-level material — for example, backing a choir at church. However, they usually don’t stand up to louder material, and they don’t project well. We’re also talking mono, unless you buy two.

What about that Spacestation I hear about?

  • The CPS SSv3 is a handy, all-in-one stereo amp that has unique abilities. Put something like a B3 leslie sim through it and you’ll be amazed. But it’s hard to get a pristine acoustic piano sound out of it. It also doesn’t get super-loud. That being said, I have one and use it for smaller gigs as it does a great job of filling the room with a pleasing stereo sound. It also requires some special considerations regarding placement and orientation.
  • Some people like the stereo effect so much that they bring a separate small self-powered PA speaker and set it on top, which dramatically improves the acoustic piano sounds. But now we’re talking two pieces of gear instead of one.

Don’t I need a bigger speaker — like a 12” — for bass?

  • Usually not. People are usually surprised when they hear how much bass response a modern 8” PA speaker delivers. Go look at the frequency response curves. If that’s not enough for you, consider adding a small subwoofer instead. The 8” units are light, powerful, disperse well and sound great.

Why do I need amplification at all? Can’t I just play through the PA?

  • You can, and many people do just that. However, that presumes you’re playing through a decent PA with someone competent at the controls. Even in those situations, many prefer to bring their own monitoring. IEMs (in ear monitors) are popular for this.
  • If you play in situations where there’s limited PA resources — and no good sound person — you’re responsible for your own sound. For example, if I’m showing up to a new gig where I’ve been told there’s a great PA and a great sound person, I still bring my amplification — just in case.

I can’t be heard over the other instruments. What should I do?

  • Tell them to turn down. Seriously. Playing overly loud is unprofessional, damages your hearing and will annoy your audience and the venue owner. If, despite your best efforts, you still can’t be heard, several thousand watts of amplification (plus hearing protection) can tame most noisy musicians. 
  • When they turn up, you turn up — until they start to complain, at which time you can suggest that everyone turns down. Repeat as needed.

Aren’t more watts better?

  • Not always. The insider joke is that we call them “marketing watts” because there’s no standard way of measuring them. SPLs will help you compare relative volume levels if that’s important to you. Once you’ve got enough volume, sound quality will matter more to you than simply having more watts.
  • Case in point: my RCF TT08-a claims 750 watts, my QSC K8.2 claims 2000 watts. Both claim peak SPL of 128 db. Guess which is the better sounding speaker? Hint: the much more expensive one with fewer watts.

I see substantial price differences between PA units that look similar. What’s going on?

  • There’s more going on than just size and power. Component quality (especially speakers), build quality, DSP — all add to the cost of a unit. Most of the time, this will be reflected in the quality of sound. 
  • However, once you get past the mid-point in the market (e.g. ~$700 or so), the law of diminishing returns sets in. A speaker that costs twice as much will sound better, but not twice as good.

People tell me that I should get a PA cabinet made of wood. Why?

  • There are those that swear that wooden PA cabinets sound better. They may have a point as wooden units cost more, and this will keep you away from cheaper products. I own multiple PA units made of both wood and plastic, and can’t say that one is inherently better than the other. 

I don’t have much money. What should I do?

  • It’s less expensive in the long run to save up and buy something you like, instead of burning through a lot purchases you end up not liking -- like I did. Used equipment is definitely an option. And never pay published prices for new — instead, call around and find a retailer who will discount substantially. The EV ZXA1-90 is widely used and represents a decent starting point.

Do I need my own mixer?

  • Well, it helps. Since mixers boost the signal level, it makes it easier to get all the volume out of your amplification (gain staging) and avoid a lot of hiss. It also makes it easier to play through your own rig and the PA system at the same time.

Why can’t I just EQ a cheaper speaker to sound good?

  • If that worked well, more people would do it. But it doesn’t work well. Save the EQ for adjusting to individual room acoustics. If you’re using decent amplification, you’ll find yourself using a lot less EQ.

What are the popular self-powered PA (PPA) brands?

  • The ones most discussed on the forums are ElectroVoice, Yamaha and QSC. That doesn’t mean other brands aren’t good (actually, many are quite good), it’s just that these are the ones that come up most often. If you don’t know where to start, start with these.

I’m not planning to gig. Can’t I just use studio monitor or my home audio system?

  • Of course! But if you do plan to gig at some point, you’ll want something different.

Where can I go to try out different setups?

  • It would be great to walk into a music store that has your favorite Nord set up, along with a dozen or so amplification choices. Best of luck with that. For most people, you do your homework and get advice from people on forums like this. Others buy from retailers with liberal return policies.

Any exceptions to these suggestions?

  • Yes, of course. If you play synth-heavy material, you’ll want a lot more from your amplification, especially bass handling and volume. If you stick to B3 sounds, you’ll be eyeing a real Leslie speaker. If all you do is play Rhodes, you’ll be thinking about a guitar amp. 
  • However, these guidelines should be helpful for people who play a significant amount of acoustic pianos with other instruments thrown in.

I’ve read elsewhere that you have a lot of different amplification gear. Why so much?

  • I started playing out about 15 years ago. I kept buying different stuff and not selling any. I also started to do PA work for the bands I was in. I won’t bore you with the full inventory. Nobody really needs that much stuff. 
  • In most situations, I’d be happy with a pair of QSC K8.2s, which are my current bang-for-buck favorite.

 

 

For Team Members and FAQ Editors: Edit this page, discuss this FAQ here, or PM me if you want to add an entry here.