Nordstage 2 vs nord eletro 3

[Wvlfzerge]

Yeahhh!! i can split the keyboard from the "Sampler editor" via PC? , even create the sample , Gosh!! i knew nord is the solution!! without losing that pretty warm sound!!...thank you VERY MUCH guys!!!,

[vortmaxx]

Okay, here it comes (sigh)

I am in the market to upgrade my old reliable E2. I have been pouring over threads in several different forums for the past couple of weeks and this thread seems to be the most current, though not necessarily the most applicable to my situation, so I though I would try here first.

I was originally planning on going straight for the E3, but have come across a used Stage EX Compact that is a little cheaper. My first thought was- more features and a little less $ than the E3. No brainer, Right? In sifting through the Nord website, I found it possible to compare the 2 indirectly by looking at the comparison charts for the E3 vs E3HP, and the Stage EX vs Stage 2. I'm getting warmer...

I am not overly concerned with the synth section. As far as I am concerned, it would be an "extra", not a deal breaker. I have gleaned that the E3 has the better/upgraded B3, while the EX would have the same engine as my E2- which is really not that bad at all and really has little if anything to do with why I am upgrading. Still, that would be 1 point in favor of the E3. Am I correct in that they both have the same, upgraded Leslie sim?

My other concern is the piano section (duh, it IS the other half of the board for my intents and purposes). The Stage has the larger memory and I would thus assume that I would be able to store more/better piano samples. I guess this is where I get lost in the math and am looking for a little guidance. Am I correct in thinking from what I've read that both have access to the entire library? If so, it would appear that the memory on the E3 is not large enough for some of the larger Grand samples. This would seem to be 1 point in favor of the Stage EX. Also, does the "Piano Memory" spec refer to the EPs and Clav as well? I would like to be able to have at my disposal, say, a nice Grand (perhaps 1 of the Studios or the Lady D), one of the honky/ragtime-y uprights, a Wurli, and the "Bright Tines" Rhodes. It seems that either board would have enough memory if I am willing to sacrifice some of the 'string resonance' with the acoustic pianos, but also appears to be pushing the limits of the E3.

Finally, and of some consideration is the split capabilities, or lack thereof. I play a handful of cover tunes that benefit from having 2 or 3 types of instruments, namely the Reggae stuff, which does not generally require a predominantly 1 sound approach, but rather splashes of organ, piano, and clav here and there along the way. I have found it doable but somewhat of a PITA to shift between patches on the fly, especially since I am using a Ventilator and have to hit the bypass every time (though I do get some interesting colors when I forget to turn it off, not so nice when I forget to turn it back on again. Note- next generation Vent needs to have midi.) This would seem to be 1 point in favor of the EX.

Those are my main concerns/issues/dilemmas. If you have gotten this far, I sincerely appreciate your perseverance. If anyone has experience with either or, more applicably, both boards, any advice regarding the aforementioned issues, along with any intangibles would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Matt

[vortmaxx]

One thing you might be missing in the "pros" column for the Stage is that you can route pianos out stereo 1&2 and put the organ out 3&4 and run it to your Ventilator from there, and never concern yourself with the bypass button ever again.

Electric Pianos and Clav (and Harpsichord, etc.) all count towards the Piano memory usage. So, everything you see as an .npno file, available in the "Piano Library" goes into that space. Note that the rest of the sample library is incompatible with the Stage EX and would only work on the Electro 3 (or Stage 2, or Piano 2) so that's something else to consider. The jockeying of pianos and weighing needs for XL vs LG samples is something we all need to do until we find the selection of acoustuc and electric pianos we want, so you're correct on the memory size challenges.

[stiiiiiiive]

One thing you might be missing in the "pros" column for the Stage is that you can route pianos out stereo 1&2 and put the organ out 3&4 and run it to your Ventilator from there, and never concern yourself with the bypass button ever again.

That being, you can use different "output modes" on the E3. The options are:
- stereo: any program is routed to both L+R outputs
- separate outs: organs are routed to L out, pianos and samples are routed to R out
- split outs: tonewhell organ is routed to L out, transistor organs are routed to R out so piano and samples do.

Not stereo, though, still useful.

[vortmaxx]

Wow! Thanks, both of you. I hadn't realized that it was possible to route the outs for the pianos and organs separately. That does make a difference, although the upgraded Leslie Sim for both the E3 and EX is part of the impetus for wanting to sell my E2, along with the Vent to help offset the cost of the upgrade (btw, anyone interested in a gently used, low mileage Vent? )

Stereo for me is a factor, as I do not gig that much and I do not consider it too much of a hassle to schlep the second speaker. I'll be going to check out the EX next week to see how it feels, but I have a feeling I will be bringing my checkbook. Now I just need to unload my E2.

Thanks again,

Matt

[bdodds]

That being, you can use different "output modes" on the E3. The options are:
- stereo: any program is routed to both L+R outputs
- separate outs: organs are routed to L out, pianos and samples are routed to R out
- split outs: tonewhell organ is routed to L out, transistor organs are routed to R out so piano and samples do.

Not stereo, though, still useful.

Yes, a good point to note. I assumed, possibly incorrectly, that he knew this about his E2 but still used the stereo outs (and therefore the Bypass switch) for a stereo-specific reason, and since you need to mod the Vent to do stereo, that was the only logical conclusion I came to regarding his current setup. But either way, having all the facts about both the E3 and Stage are important.

[bdodds]

oh also, having owned an E3, a Stage Classic, and now an NS2, and having run them all through a 145 and a Ventilator, if you're at all a stickler for authenticity you might want to keep the Ventilator. At the very least I'd suggest delaying the sale of the Vent until you have a chance to A/B the E3/Stage leslie sim and see if you like it.

[vortmaxx]

You know....I went back and forth for a long time about putting it on the market. When I had the opportunity to test drive an E3, I was actually looking at PA speakers for my E2, and the difference in the Leslie sims on the E2 and the E3 to me was like night and day. The brilliant salesman said something to the effect of "well, if you like that you're gonna love this" and pulled out the Vent.

Completely. Blown. Away. I bought it a week later for fear that they would stop making them.

I have regretted almost every quality piece of gear that I have ever sold, borrowed-out-never-to-be-returned, or otherwise lost along the way, and to me it is still difficult to think of giving up this amazing little box. It breathes, smokes, growls, sings, and just really blows me away every time....but this is probably getting a little off the topic. Anyways, it may be moot since I'm not willing to "give" it away and as of yet have not even had any nibbles. Suffice to say, I won't be too upset if I don't sell it.

Thanks again for the advice. I really do appreciate it.

[bdodds]

I have regretted almost every quality piece of gear that I have ever sold, borrowed-out-never-to-be-returned, or otherwise lost along the way

hah. that's how you wind up with rooms like this:



My nords I sold last year were the first boards I've sold in nearly 25 years of collecting stuff.

[Cute James]

Wow!

[bows out of respect]