Synth section - NS3 vs NS4

[kondziorex]

Hi,

I am on lookout for new keyboard and I’m trying to decide between Nord Stage 3 compact and Nord Stage 4 compact. The additional synth layer and per layer effect chain are nice additions however I’m a little worried about redesigned synth sections.

From what I could read I really miss the envelopes knobs as everything is now accessible through OLED and encoders. However the thing I fear the most is the wave 2 synth engine.

My previous keyboard was stage 3 which utilized lead a1 engine and I loved it. The lack of separate pitch envelope wasn’t a problem as I play and program mostly classic synth patches (TOTO like), but the oscillator configurations were a blast for me. Also I didn’t mind the effects per panel. The wave 2 engine utilizes only predefined oscillators configurations and the design highly suggests layering from what I can tell.

And that’s the core of the problem - is it better:
- to have 2 highly configurable synth layers + extern section,
- to have 3 synth layers, BUT in worst case scenario only 1 synth due to the dual oscillator setup + extern section which is now shared with synth layers.

I would be grateful for any help and expertise.

Thanks!!
Konrad

[M_a_c]

Well... This is a very subjective thing... I prefer the NS4, because of it´s FX-Chain for every layer... My synth sound live from the FXs and what is missing from a stronger Saw-Wave in the NS3, I bring in with a sample...

[Melies59]

Hello,

I suggest you to have a look at this post, where we already exchanged on some differences between the two synth engines. Feel free to ask any other question you may have after reading: viewtopic.php?p=183384#p183384

Both machines have their strengths and weaknesses. For the moment, I am lucky enough to be able to keep both NS3 (its memory is full of personal programs with lots of synth sounds, using a lot the wavetables, the dual osc, the formants...) and the NS4 I am starting to discover.

I like both, but they are not completely interchangeable.

[cphollis]

Hi,

I am on lookout for new keyboard and I’m trying to decide between Nord Stage 3 compact and Nord Stage 4 compact. The additional synth layer and per layer effect chain are nice additions however I’m a little worried about redesigned synth sections.

From what I could read I really miss the envelopes knobs as everything is now accessible through OLED and encoders. However the thing I fear the most is the wave 2 synth engine.

My previous keyboard was stage 3 which utilized lead a1 engine and I loved it. The lack of separate pitch envelope wasn’t a problem as I play and program mostly classic synth patches (TOTO like), but the oscillator configurations were a blast for me. Also I didn’t mind the effects per panel. The wave 2 engine utilizes only predefined oscillators configurations and the design highly suggests layering from what I can tell.

And that’s the core of the problem - is it better:
- to have 2 highly configurable synth layers + extern section,
- to have 3 synth layers, BUT in worst case scenario only 1 synth due to the dual oscillator setup + extern section which is now shared with synth layers.

I would be grateful for any help and expertise.

Thanks!!
Konrad

It depends on what you're doing, of course. I do a lot of cover band stuff with layered samples and synths, so -- yeah -- three engines is better than two. And once you get used to per-engine FX chains, it's really hard to go back.

[Melies59]

Use case with NS4 :
To reproduce a dual osc sound of a NS3 (and even if a recent update implemented a few dual analog waveform configurations), you may need 2 layers on the NS4. So you're left with one more let's say for a bass sample (in the end, same as with the NS3) and in that case no external control.

I agree, the FX per layer is the biggest upgrade from the NS3 and one that will be difficult to live without once you're accustomed to. For the synth section, they are different, and they each have their own advantages. Most of the "classic" sounds can be reproduced with no difficulties on both.

[catosim]

Well... This is a very subjective thing... I prefer the NS4, because of it´s FX-Chain for every layer... My synth sound live from the FXs and what is missing from a stronger Saw-Wave in the NS3, I bring in with a sample...

+1
That beeing said, I do have both NS3 and NS4. I use the NS4 for almost everything, but I do miss the «richness» of the NS3-synth, wich is not as rich as the LeadA1…..and so it goes

[M_a_c]

I´d just sampled some Sounds for the NS4 from older Synths WITH FX in the recorded sample and the result appeares (of course) much brighter as the original one - and there is the full spectrum of FX in the NS4 not used yet. So with the lost of older and beloved (NS3) sounds, there also come new options to find something new/ even better. But you´re right - each keyboard has its own special soul. Well - I just try to reach the (age) level to be serouis about it and say: I now have the NS4 and should love this engine / work with this, instead of searching for lost older possibilities...


... but with that I still need an explaination for keeping my D-05, my Fantom, my MODX, my...