Stage 3 Compact vs Electro 6D

[smokymtnmaple]

I am considering purchasing a Nord but I am not sure which model is best for me. I have a couple of keyboards with fully weighted key action so I'm looking for something with synth action or semi-weighted action. I have some questions about the Stage 3 compact vs the Electro 6D. Also, if you think there is a model better suited for me feel free to suggest it, but from what I've seen online these two appear to be my best options.

First, does the Stage 3 compact and Electro 6D have the same sounds? I know you can access sounds from Nord and download them to the keyboards, but are all sounds available for both keyboards or do they have unique sounds?

Second, Nord seems to emphasize piano and organ sounds when marketing their keyboards, but what about other sounds? Can anyone explain how a Nord compares with Korg and Yamaha synths? What about orchestral sounds?

Third, I believe Nord refers to the semi-weighted as waterfall action. How does this compare to other semi-weighted keys?

Fourth, I'm looking to use this keyboard for live performance mostly. Can anyone explain the advantages of the Stage 3 compact over the Electro 6D for this scenario?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[analogika]

[harmonizer]

The Stage 3 Compact has a much more flexible split capability than the Electro 6D. The Stage 3 Compact has a pitch bend control, while the Electro 6D does not.
I think you would find that the piano and organ sounds available for these two Nord models are very similar.

There is another thread which compares these two boards:
general-nord-forum-f29/stage-3-compact- ... 15138.html
user "anotherscott" includes details if you navigate to the second page of that thread.

[anotherscott]

First, does the Stage 3 compact and Electro 6D have the same sounds? I know you can access sounds from Nord and download them to the keyboards, but are all sounds available for both keyboards or do they have unique sounds?

I believe all the sounds of the Electro are available on the Stage, except the B3+Bass organ mode. The Stage is capable of many other sounds that are not acheivable on the Electro, because of its full synth section and additional layer functions.

Second, Nord seems to emphasize piano and organ sounds when marketing their keyboards, but what about other sounds? Can anyone explain how a Nord compares with Korg and Yamaha synths? What about orchestral sounds?

Orchestral sounds lag other brands, largely because they can't trigger different samples at different velocities.

Third, I believe Nord refers to the semi-weighted as waterfall action. How does this compare to other semi-weighted keys?

Waterfall means that the front of the keys are shaped like a waterfall (straight down, no lip, no hard edges). It facilitates some organ techniques.

Fourth, I'm looking to use this keyboard for live performance mostly. Can anyone explain the advantages of the Stage 3 compact over the Electro 6D for this scenario?

Sound advantages as mentioned above. EXT functions to split/layer additional sounds from an attached device (like a sound module or iPhone/iPad for example). Expressive synth functions via pitch bend, mod wheel, aftertouch. Arpeggiator. Song Mode for quick access to the sounds you need for a particular song (without using up more program locations with duplicates, as you would do on the Electro). 5 one-button patch recall buttons instead of 4 (which also means 25 sounds at a time available quickly in numeric entry mode instead of 16). Additional output routing options to send different sounds to different external porocessing or different amps or different channels of a mixing board. More effects controls. That's what comes to mind off-hand.

ETA: and yes, check out that thread mentioned in the previous post!

[Hlaalu]

Second, Nord seems to emphasize piano and organ sounds when marketing their keyboards, but what about other sounds? Can anyone explain how a Nord compares with Korg and Yamaha synths? What about orchestral sounds?

Other than pianos and organs, the "other sounds" would be the ones generated by the synthesizer, which by definition can't be listened to in advance, and then the sample library. Both the piano and the sample library are entirely listenable via the Nord webiste in its entirety, which, despite what you listen through your PC speakers doesn't necessarily match what you'll listen with your keyboard, should give you a good idea nevertheless: https://www.nordkeyboards.com/sound-libraries

I think you would find that the piano and organ sounds available for these two Nord models are very similar.

I think in this case the "very similar" wording could create misunderstandings: the organ sound might be slightly different between the two, but the pianos are *identical*, not "very similar", since they come from the very same sample files.

[analogika]

Hi, Smokey

Unless the price difference is the issue, just buy the Stage 3. You will not regret it.

-dj

[anotherscott]

the pianos are *identical*, not "very similar", since they come from the very same sample files.

though the NS3 lets you layer two piano instances and detune them from each other, yielding some additional piano timbres you cannot acheive on the Electro.

[analogika]

The synthesizer on the Stage 3 is FAR more capable than the sample playback engine on the Electro.

The Stage 3 synth engine does sample playback as well, but that's just one of the modes — there's FM, Wavetable, and various virtual-analog, as well as the surprisingly useful formants, also. Additionally, you get Unison layering with detune, an arpeggiator, plus full filter controls for cutoff and resonance, as well as control over dynamic response and separate envelopes for filter and volume. Plus the pitch bend and mod wheel, and aftertouch control for morphing parameters.

All of that times two, because you have one synth engine (along with one organ and one piano engine) each for both Slots A and B.

[smokymtnmaple]

This video was very helpful. Thank you!

[ajstan]

This video was very helpful. Thank you!

Glad it was helpful. The "My Keys to Music" channel is a great resource for Nord owners from basic to advanced topics. The three-part Stage 3 synth tutorial is a favorite of mine.