Stage 4 firmware 1.04 released

[StuartR]

Finally, a significant firmware upgrade for the Stage 4. Note the new features, especially the ability to engage SHIFT functionality by just holding down most keys. This works to engage Solo mode for sections too.

Nord Stage 4 - Update History
v1.04 (2023-05-31)
Note: Please use the latest version of Nord Sound Manager (v7.72 or higher) for full compatibility with v1.04+ content.

MIDI:

Use of NRPN has been introduced to facilitate a complete controller specification for the panel. Note: NRPN should be set to Send/Receive in the MIDI menu for complete functionality in Local Off/MIDI loop scenarios
MIDI CC/NRPN implementation now includes the entire panel
Drawbar values are flushed when switching to and from Drawbar Live mode
Drawbars should send MIDI in Drawbar Live mode. Fixed
Program Change without bank select messages now works
MIDI for Pump pedal now works
MIDI for Synth Vibrato pedal now works
Using sustain pedal in Extern mode could cause issues with hanging notes for certain setups. This was due to Note Off not being sent while sustain was pressed down, but only sent when Sustain went off again. Now changed to work as on global channel.
New UI behaviours:

Hold to Shift:
Most buttons on the panel can now have their Shift function activated by holding down the button, without engaging Shift.
In the case of selector buttons this results in first moving one step, then going back+turning on the shift function
Section Solo:
Pressing down on a section On button turns all other sections off, keeping only the pressed one (or turns it on)
Percussion/Vib Chorus
The Percussion/Vib Chorus settings are not shown by lit LEDs if Percussion is turned Off
Program/Preset Store, Load, Lists, Organize:

Note: Categories for Programs and Synth Presets have been updated. Please use the latest version of Nord Sound Manager (v7.72 or higher) for correct display of all categories.

Added ABC sort for Programs
Added Category sort for Programs and Presets
Added List view for Presets
Preset view was updated and in Cat mode Page buttons can be used for switching categories
Other new/changed features:

Triple sensor technology is now used for Synth as well, making it possible to repeat notes from further down in the strike range
Stereo Vibe (non-Variation) has been updated to better preserve character of original mono effect. Note: Vibe variation for Delay is the same as before still.
Drawbar Preset/Live state is now stored in program
The Bright filter for samples is now on the leftmost dial in the Waveform/Sample menu. Shift+dial shows info.
The Bright filter was previously always turned on (under the hood) when using one of the LP filters for samples. This is no longer the case.
Arpeggiator shows “disabled” sign over Pattern view if Pattern is turned Off.
Sustain pedal func menu now dynamically shows additional options if Nord TP-1 is connected.
Improvements related to sustain pedals and dynamic features such as Pedal Noise
Program and preset formats have been updated.
Bug fixes:

Outputs 1-2 had inverted phase vs. 3-4. Fixed
Double triggers could occur for piano sounds, under certain circumstances. Fixed
Fixed bug where Rotary speaker under rare circumstances could run at wrong frequency
Effects were not always correctly loaded for presets, if focused from NSM. Fixed
Changing Program with solo active caused wrong layers to be active. Fixed
Certain Foot Switch settings could require manual reset, after boot, to have proper effect. Fixed
Going from Live Mode to Program, the display could in some circumstances show “Live 0” rather than Program name. Fixed
Non-related Preset names could appear for other Layers after having stored preset. Fixed
Page buttons changed programs in Store Preset To view. Fixed
Wrong sound/program could be heard when doing Store To from Live Mode
Turning on Pedal for Layer Scene II also switched scene. Fixed
Fixes related to Copy/Paste
Morph Assign LEDs are now correctly updated when loading presets
Clearing Morph removed Preset name. Fixed
“E” for edited program disappeared if going to Live Mode and back. Fixed
Sustain as Rotor Hold no longer causes “E” to remain in display (but is showed momentarily on press)
Delay rate LED did not always blink at correct rate. Fixed
Entering Preset Library with Solo on now turns Solo off (Solo is retained for Single Layer load)
When Extern CC numbers are morphed, an “M” symbol now appears next to the dial(s)
PStick LED now blinks when Range is adjusted. If turning On/Off PStick while in Range “menu” the On/Off state is shown momentarily.
Various fixes and optimizations

[waaldam]

Where can we find NRPN specification list?

[Philipp]

Thanks. At my post HERE I have asked NS4 owners who entered bugs on the Google Sheet NS4 Issues/Bugs List to check and see if their bug was fixed. I've added a column to the far right in the Google sheet for the OS to be entered that fixed their bug.

[maxpiano]

Where can we find NRPN specification list?

They'll probably add that to the next NS4 manual revision, but meantime you can just enable their Send/Receive and use a MIDI Monitor to discover each controller's CC/NRPN being sent

[BaBaBoowee]

I have a Stage 4 HA 73 and after launching the updater, connecting the USB, and clicking update…everything is paused. The Mac says “Rebooting to update mode…”. The Nord Stage 4 says “Ready to Update”.

Waited 5 minutes.

Any idea why it is paused and not updating?

[analogika]

I have a Stage 4 HA 73 and after launching the updater, connecting the USB, and clicking update…everything is paused. The Mac says “Rebooting to update mode…”. The Nord Stage 4 says “Ready to Update”.

Waited 5 minutes.

Any idea why it is paused and not updating?

Are you connected through a hub, or directly?

[BaBaBoowee]

Directly to my Mac.
I used the same process for upgrade to version 0.98.

[StuartR]

Worked fine via Windows 11. It’s possible your USB connection to the Stage 4 from your MAC was lost. I presume you’ve tried this several times without success?

[spradders]

No news on fader catch/jump.

[dannymo]

When Extern CC numbers are morphed, an “M” symbol now appears next to the dial(s)

Does this mean we can morph CC values now? If so they really buried the lede!