Nord Lead 3 Knob Encoder LEDs Not All Working?

[brasco1234]

Hello all. I am a new Nord user and am in the market to buy a Nord Lead 3. I went to see one yesterday, but it seemed to have some problems with the LED displays for some of the knobs. I wanted to see if maybe there is a menu option that I am missing or perhaps some logical reason this would be happening (other than a broken light or function).

First, the "Frequency1 Filter" encoder and the "Mod Envelope Attack" encoder were not lighting up at all. I switched patches, turned knobs, and adjusted the mod wheel (to see Morph settings). I could not make these two knobs light up no matter what. However, I'm not sure if they're truly broken because the knobs worked fine in terms of changing values. I could hear the change in the sound and each knob showed up on the LCD Display and the values changed. Also, I noticed a few other knobs that were dark but upon changing patches they lit up later. So maybe there is a setting causing this? I know that seems unlikely. Could it be something with a Morph or modulation setting? I noticed when moving the Mod Wheel, the encoder LEDs often show a second red light that moves around, too. So maybe it's something to do with that?

Finally, the "LFO 1 Dest" button was also not lighting up. When I pressed this, I got no visual feedback on the LCD Display either. Well, it just kept saying "Arp On" or something like that I think. Is that because of some buried menu setting regarding the arpeggiator?

I'm sorry if these questions are really dumb. As far as I know from other pictures I've seen, I would assume every single LED would light up. But maybe, just maybe, I'm missing something about these particular controls that long-time users might know about? Or maybe I'm just deluding myself because I want to buy it. Thanks in advance for your help!

[23skidoo]

The knobs themselves are disconnected from the lights, the cpu inside is what sets the lights according to the current values of the control - the knobs talk independently to the cpu. I think there are a few occasions when the second filter ring is dark, but in general every single LED ring should have at least one segment lit, and when you sweep the knob, the segment should rotate like a pointer on the knob wheel, regardless of other settings (the panel is always "live"). If some or all segments of any given control do not illuminate, I would not buy the unit at all, because it means either corrosion or electrical damage has likely occurred. The LFO issue is probably a bad switch, but at least one of the destination lights should illuminate at all times anyway. There is not a "no assignment" position.

Overall, that's a damaged unit in some way, probably multiple ways, and it sounds to me like it's been either corrosion damaged (maybe water or other fluids got spilled on it and left there) or it's suffered a surge or some major power fault, at least. There are other things that can cause those symptoms, but those are quite common given the symptoms.

I strongly recommend you avoid it, but that's just my opinion.

[brasco1234]

First, the "Frequency1 Filter" encoder and the "Mod Envelope Attack" encoder were not lighting up at all.

Was the synth section activated?
In the NS2, if the synth section is OFF and you move the filter encoder, it briefly lights up (and the filter type does too) to mark where the dial is at and the switches back off.
Otherwise it sounds like there is something wrong with that unit.

[23skidoo]

Was the synth section activated?
In the NS2, if the synth section is OFF and you move the filter encoder, it briefly lights up (and the filter type does too) to mark where the dial is at and the switches back off.
Otherwise it sounds like there is something wrong with that unit.

Erm, Mr_-G-... you might be confused. He's posting about a Nord LEAD 3. Not a stage. There is no way to disable "the synth section" on a Lead... it's all synth!

[Mr_-G-]

Opps!
No comment!

[brasco1234]

Hello,

I think the current owner should open that NL3 and check all ribbon cables connecting the mainboard to the panel board (disconnect and reseat them) as this may be a simple cause + see if the panel board needs some general contacts cleaning (to be done using a specific product for electronics boards contacts) ; if still not working, then it could be a damage of the chips driving those leds and in that case... would you buy it?

[brasco1234]

Everybody, thank you so much for your replies!! That is what I was expecting to hear...Too bad, but I will not be buying this particular unit. Again, thanks for the help.

[23skidoo]

Wise move. Keep your eyes open and you'll find ones in much better shape. They're my personal favourite of the Nord Lead line (though I have a soft spot for the A1, which really does have a differently tuned sound engine - but it's less capable overall and not as fun to shred on). Good luck finding the right one, and may it give you many decades of enjoyable playing.