Changing Programs Mid-Song

[beautytheory]

Forgive my ignorance, but I'm rather new to electronic music/MIDI/etc. I've been playing piano for years, and just got a Nord Stage 2.

My biggest question so far is, how do I hook up a pedal and set it to change between programs (back and forth) mid-song?

Let me give you an example. On one song, I start with a basic upright piano, but in the choruses it switches to an upright with some trombone layered over top. The programs are already set and functioning just fine. The trouble, I find, is in trying to switch back and forth quickly without disrupting the flow of the song. I assume there's a way to make this change with a foot pedal, just like a guitar goes from clear-channel to distortion with just a tap of a pedal.

How do I do this? Thanks guys!

Matthew

[beautytheory]

Unfortunately, the Stage 2 cannot do this by itself. There are gadgets (or other keyboards) available that can switch Programs on the Stage 2 remotely and may be able to do this using a remote footswitch - other users in on the forum may be able to suggest some models you could try. However, there may still be a problem, because switching programs on a Stage 2 (however you do it) causes the sound to cut out briefly, which may be a problem for you. If it is, then there are other ways to switch sounds without them cutting out, but you will still not be able to use a footswitch.

First, you can set the two sounds you need within a single program - one in Slot A and the other in Slot B. You can then change between the two sounds smoothly using the Slot A and B buttons.

Secondly, if all you need to do is add another instrument (like adding trombone to your piano sound), then you can use an expression pedal to fade-in the trombone sound using the Morph feature of the Stage 2.

[beautytheory]

Just a small addition to what RedLeo said: You can also switch between slots A and B while holding down the sustain pedal. Depending on the song, that can help a lot.

For foot control, I use a Behringer FCB1010, which supports all three possibilities RedLeo mentioned (switching between slots A and B, morphing, and changing programs). See this thread for more info and different options: http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage ... t1645.html

Using the UnOfficial ("UnO") firmware, I have set up a dedicated button to switch between slots, which I can hit quickly and reliably without interrupting my playing. Same for Leslie fast/slow. The two expression pedals usually control morphs (see here: http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage ... t3290.html). Usually one of these morphs just changes the volume of whatever instrument I'm playing (e.g. for solos).

I'm very happy with it, but there are a few downsides:

• It's a bit difficult to program (but that's OK because it's something you can do at home, and for most use cases, setting everything up once is sufficient).
• It won't fit under an X stand.
• If you use one of the buttons as a sustain pedal (either using the mod I described in that thread, or using the UnO firmware), a piece of rubber inside that button will wear out after a while. It can be fixed easily, but it's one more thing that keeps this thing from being the "perfect solution."

[beautytheory]

Thanks, guys! I'm curious, though, RedLeo, how would I set the expression pedal to fade a sound in or out? The actual step-by-step of it I can't figure out.

[beautytheory]

Use the Morph Assign feature (page 19 in the manual).

If I remember correctly:

With your expression pedal in the "up" (off) position, press and hold the Morph Assign/CTRLPED button and turn the level knob in the synth section to its minimum (off) position.

While continuing to hold the Morph Assign/CTRLPED button, push your expression pedal to its fully on position. Now turn the synth level knob to its fully on position (or somewhere in between - basically the loudest you want the synth to be). You should see a second red light appear on the ring around the synth level knob to indicate this second (louder) value.

Then release the Morph Assign/CTRLPED button and that's it. The expression pedal should now adjust the synth volume between the two values you have just set. You should see the red light on the ring around the synth level knob move as you move the expression pedal.

Note: if you don't have an expression pedal, you can use the modwheel instead (provided it's not doing anything else). Set the modwheel as if it were the expression pedal and follow the instructions above, but press and hold the Morph Assign/WHEEL button instead. The modwheel should now act as a level control for the synth.

If you make a mistake during the process, press the SHIFT button and the Morph Assign/CTRLPED (or Morph Assign/WHEEL) buttons together to "clear" the Morph and start again.

[bazhill]

Hi,
Just an addition to RedLeo's post above, you can also use the expression to morph a sound out as you morph a new sound in. I find this really useful and by using splits as well you can create a program that incorporates many sounds for one track using the expression pedal and morph/split functions.
All the best

[beautytheory]

Thank you guys so much! With your instructions, I got it in like 30 seconds! Bazhill, I'm curious now, how would I do what you describe? I got the part that RedLeo explained. . . but now I'm curious about that, too, as it would be a very useful tool in my performances.

Bless you guys -- thanks!

[phil59]

Hi
I use the same way as bazhill.
You assign the two sounds to the expression pedal. One sound 0 to 10 and the other 10 to 0. Then when your expression pedal is on the middle you have the two sound at the same volume for example

[bazhill]

Hi again Beauty T
I hope I can explain this well enough....but here goes.

I create a program on slot A, say, a piano and a synth horn sound. I split the keyboard putting the horns to my right hand, say, split point 7 (of 10)
I then create a program on slot B...an organ and a synth pad and split that program to right and left. (i often adjust octave up or down to get the right sound)
Then using the morph on the control pedal I can change between the slots by moving the pedal. You need to morph up or down both sounds in each slot. I then have 4 sounds that I can use in a song without taking my hands off the keys.
I hope I've explained this correctly.
Cheers
Baz

[phil59]

Super