Using Nord Stage 2 EX LIVE

[ZwaTheSillyGoose]

I have a Stage 2 EX but most of my time is in the studio. However, I have a gig coming up and my backline amplification isn't good enough (SubZero DR-30 Drum / Keyboard Amp). It's only a small venue so I don't want to plug into the PA and rely on foldback.

So two questions
1. What is a good standard backline amp that will faithfully reproduce the Stage 2 sounds? I'm a pianist, so the grand piano is the setting I use most.
2. Do I use the 1/4" jack outputs from Ch1 and Ch2? I've previously experimented with the headphone output.

Many thanks

Edward

[Hobster]

I use a pair of FBT StageMaxx 12Ma monitors running off Ch1 and Ch2, which I was lucky enough to find second-hand for around half-price as they're not cheap...!
Put simply, these are by far the best monitors for keyboards that I've ever heard/tested, let alone owned!!

[ZwaTheSillyGoose]

A bit too rich for me, given that we're unlikely to do more than a couple of gigs a year. Look very tasty though....

[ZwaTheSillyGoose]

Is it correct you are looking for something as an alternative to the PA, not a monitor for yourself? If so I suggest to check the QSC K8.2 or 10.2 which are a good recommendation - you may also take a look here:post105241.html?hilit=QSC%208.2#p105241

[ZwaTheSillyGoose]

No, I'm looking for a monitor for myself. It's a small pub gig and the PA will be almost entirely for the vocals. The QSC look good but too expensive.

I've more or less decided on Behringer Ultratone K900fx Ultra-Flexible 90-Watt Keyboard Amplifier. For the money, it looks like a good bet.

Thanks everyone!

[Schorsch]

Agree that the QSC is a bit of an overkill for that purpose, the Behringer will do the job

[AdamStage2]

You may find that using a Keyboard Amp directly will be fine as a personal on stage Monitor but it won't give you the best sound for your Nord,most keyboard Amps are usually Mono,and whilst it might be ok for some sounds they tend to be very Boomy or Boxy,and dependant on your venue not the most flattering sound wise,you can flip the Nord to output in Mono,but bear that in mind if your using sounds with specific FX on that might make use of panning/Modulation,as you may find some sounds don't sound as good in mono as they did in stereo

I've not found a decent Keyboard Amp that really compliments the Sound of the Nord directly out of the Keyboard,even those with onboard Eqs,as they tend to be basic Lo/Mid/Treble Hifi type controls and to get the best quality sound your going to need some form of half decent equaliser in between the Keyboard and PA.

[Rusty Mike]

For what you're going to spend on a keyboard amp, you should seriously consider a powered PA speaker. Look at models that be used as pole mounted or floor wedge. Nearly any one you look at will sound better than a keyboard amp. You can always add a small, inexpensive mixer if you need more controls, EQ, flexible routing, etc.

That is from the collective experiences of many keyboard players here and in other forums. Trust us.

[RichardG]

For what you're going to spend on a keyboard amp, you should seriously consider a powered PA speaker. Look at models that be used as pole mounted or floor wedge. Nearly any one you look at will sound better than a keyboard amp. You can always add a small, inexpensive mixer if you need more controls, EQ, flexible routing, etc.

That is from the collective experiences of many keyboard players here and in other forums. Trust us.

Agreed, and gives you balanced outputs for the FoH as well.
Very happy with my QSC K-10 and small mixer combo.
Lots of low (so the sound has 'body') and rivals anything else on stage (yes you, guitarists )

[Rusty Mike]

Just for giggles, I looked up the price of the K900FX amp. In the US, it retails for $250. I did a search of powered PA speakers between $200-$300US at a reputable dealer here in the US. It came back with 12 powered PA speakers in that price range, 10 of which are very competitive and would send much better than the K900FX. Six of those models are Behringer.

Three models (Mackie Thump 12. Behringer Eurolive B112D, Samson X12D) include multiple inputs so you can mix more than one keyboard. They all include line level outs so you can feed FOH.

Your net can widen a bit if you look for used as well.