Is it possible to use NP88 to play another intrument sound?

[Grasoon]

Just like I explain in the subject. Is it possible? I am planning to buy a new keyboard that can play various sounds like Korg Kronos. However, it very expensive in my country. If I use something like Motif XS rack and computer, can I use them with NP88 to play another sounds? Is it the same thing with connect NP88 with the Garage Band in a subject below?

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

Edit* The sound I need is including drum and percussion

[Hanon_CTS]

Hello Grasoon,
Yes, you can use the Nord Piano (NP) to trigger/ play other types of instruments via MIDI.
Most external instruments allow the definition of zones in which they will react or ignore, so you could easily set it up so that drums or bass played in the lowest 2 octaves of the NP.
GarageBand (GB) should function the same way. You'll need to set the NP for the appropriate USB-MIDI channel and tell GB to look for this Nord as a MIDI source.
Cheers, Hanon

[Grasoon]

Dear Hanon,

Thank you very much for your quick respond as always. I probable have to come back here looking for more answers since I'm very new to the music world.

So if you guys can help me just a little bit more, what will be your recommendations for such a tool that would give me variety of sounds that can help me making music from techno, hip hop to Jazz.

Thank you very much in advance for your kind help

[Hanon_CTS]

What will be your recommendations for such a tool that would give me variety of sounds that can help me make music styles ranging from techno, hip hop, to Jazz?

Thank you very much in advance for your kind help

Hello Grasoon,
Wow, that's a tall order.
How much money is budgeted for your project?

There are so many directions that you could go.
Hardware tone modules, softsynths and VSTi s, combinations.

From your previous post, I'd say that if you have a Mac with GarageBand. That could be a start toward software based synths.
Also, the Yamaha Motif XS Rack is a very powerful and capable hardware synth.

I would encourage other members to chime in with their experiences here.

Cheers, hanon

[Grasoon]

Hi again Hanon and thank you very much for advice, I would love to go for hardware route. At first, I'm very interested in Nord Rack but not sure that it will serve me well if I want sound like drum or guitar or brass. Just like I mentioned in my original post that I'm looking for something like Motif XS rack or something like that (connected via computer I think). Of if you think that software is the way to go, I might to consider it (since I'm very new). However, I've tried Ableton and Reason (trial version) and think that they are very difficult to understand. So hardware might be better for me.

As for budget, I can go for something around USD 1,000 plus/minus

Thank you very much, again!!

[Hanon_CTS]

I would love to go for hardware route. At first, I'm very interested in Nord Rack but not sure that it will serve me well if I want sound like drum or guitar or brass.....

As for budget, I can go for something around USD 1,000 plus/minus

Hello Grasoon,
I can certainly appreciate wanting to stay with hardware.
The Nord Lead Rack is an excellent synthesizer, but it's just that, a synthesizer.
Another issue that you may not have considered is that the Nord Piano, while being an excellent piano, is a rather limited MIDI controller.
Usually, you would want your MIDI controller to be able to send pitch bend, modulation wheel, aftertouch, some continuous controllers for cutoff frequency, resonance, and about a dozen other things that the NP won't do.

Within your budget, you may consider getting a pre-owned workstation like the Korg Triton Classic.
I've seen several great workstations for sell than $999
Korg Triton Classic $500
Yamaha Motif ES $600
Roland Fantom X6 $800

My choice out of the three is the Korg, but they're all three great.

Perhaps some other members can chime in and share their thoughts and recommendations also.
Cheers, Hanon

[Grasoon]

That was just in time to help me save money!!! Thank you sir. I was planned to buy an Ipad with its apps (Sample Tank) to use with my NP. However, based on your information, I might not be able to use them (what a shame) So, I will have to continue my search of the dream machine. Thanks again Hanon.

Hope its not too late to say Happy New Year to you all in Nord forum. Hope you have a great year. In Buddhism's calendar this year is 2555 So I hope all of you have a great year full with happiness and joys.

Cheers!!!

[Hanon_CTS]

Hope its not too late to say Happy New Year to you all in Nord forum. Hope you have a great year. In Buddhism's calendar this year is 2555 So I hope all of you have a great year full with happiness and joys.

Cheers!!!

Thank you very much.
Happy New Year to you also!
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Cheers, Hanon

[Grasoon]

So, one last question for this issue. Based on your information above about the limitation of NP as a MIDI controller (and my limited knowledge). To make it simple to dummies like me, it mean that I can't use NP with Sampletank or any other soft synth, right? Just Yes or No will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance,
Cheers!!!

[Hanon_CTS]

(does)it mean that I can't use NP with Sampletank or any other soft synth, right? Just Yes or No will be greatly appreciated.

Hello Grasoon,
No, It doesn't mean that you can't use it, because you certainly can.
What I mean is that by using the NP as a master MIDI controller, you would be missing out on a lot of techniques like pitch bending, modulation, aftertouch, and the most expressive aspects of instruments other than piano.
Cheers, Hanon