Stage Classic vs NS2 ?? (Help please)

[RedLeo]

As you know, the memory locations available for storing synth sounds in the Classic are labelled Synth, Pad and of course Bass. With the factory sound load all the slots are filled with corresponding synth sounds according to category. However, this is all only a convenience. All the memory slots are actually the same; you can write or load any type of synth sound into any of the 297 memory locations. As you write and collect sounds of your own, you probably start to store them any-old-how, so the three bank categories become pretty meaningless anyway.

Obviously they just decided to do away with this with this system and just have a general synth bank in the Stage 2. If you need to categorise your synth sounds, you could just use Sound Manager to group similar types of sounds in adjacent locations however you want. As to why they changed, who knows? Personally I just ignore the categories and just think of them as Banks 1 2 and 3 rather than Synth Pad and Bass.

I understand why you prefer the old system as you use a lot of bass sounds, but really, all that was happening was that Clavia just grouped their bass synth presets together for you before you bought the instrument, but now you've got to do it yourself with a Stage 2. Simple as that.

[monsterjazzlicks]

Thanks very much indeed RedLeo,

RE: SYNTH SECTION - So on the NS2, is there still 3 x BANKS (slots 1, 2 and 3), or is there just 1 x BANK (ie 1 x slot with 297 [or however many] x locations)?

On the NSC, do you mean that I could (say) DUMP all of the BASS sounds into the PAD BANK, and DUMP all of the SYNTH sounds into the BASS BANK (or whatever)?

Would you know if there are still 99 x BASS SOUNDS (not the NORD SAMPLE LIBRARY) on the NS2 (wherever they may be scattered!) by default? Because I could only find about 10! lol

Much appreciated,

Paul

[RedLeo]

On the NSC, do you mean that I could (say) DUMP all of the BASS sounds into the PAD BANK, and DUMP all of the SYNTH sounds into the BASS BANK (or whatever)?

Yes you can do that, any memory slot will store any type of synth sound; the Synth, Pad and Bass labels are purely cosmetic.

As to your other questions, I'll have a look at the Stage 2 manual later and get back to you - I've only got the Classic myself.

[pablomastodon]

Hi Paul,

The Synth/Pad/Bass descriptors on Stage Classic and EX are just that -- descriptors. Names. One might just as easily call them Ed, Fred and Susan. The names do not necessarily have anything to do with the contents. Yes, for organizational purposes, we like to think that these names are meaningful, but you have probably encountered several of those programs which you would probably have categorized differently. This is true across several Nord models. Some things which are listed as PADS may be more lead synth-like, while some things which are listed as SYNTH really seem to belong in the PAD category. The important things are: 1) there are 297 locations, and 2) you can arrange them in any fashion you like. Drag 'n drop on computer from within Nord Sound Manager will allow you to put anything anywhere you want.

I believe (but don't recall for sure and am too lazy at the moment to double-check), the Stage Classic/EX units actually had 97 programs loaded into each of these subdivided banks. The NS2 leaves some empty room to allow the musician to write some new programs without having to violate the sanctity of the factory programming. A further note on this: BE NOT AFRAID TO VIOLATE THE SANCTITY of factory programming on any Nord instrument. Ever. Everything is always reloadable. It's your instrument, make it your own. No one else on the planet knows more about what your ears want to hear than you.

Bless,

Pablo

[monsterjazzlicks]

RedLeo,

As to your other questions, I'll have a look at the Stage 2 manual later and get back to you - I've only got the Classic myself.

Cheers my man. That would be great!

Best,

Paul

[monsterjazzlicks]

Thanks Pablo,

Sure yes, some of the (say) PAD patches do sound great if placed in MONO and TRANSPOSED down an octave; hence turning it into a BASS patch! And similarly, TRANSPOSING a BASS patch up an octave and placing it in POLY also works to the same principle. So everything (in the SYNTH engine is transferable and interchangeable, if you like).

But is the NS2 SOUND MANAGER the same as the NSC MANAGER please? Or is it somewhat more sophisticated?

I have not ever tried drag&droppin' sounds within the SYNTH library. I never thought about that method before (because I have been quite content with where all of the SYNTH library sounds are by default). I have only ever used drag&drop facility for the PIANO library.

Yes, the NSC has 99 x locations for each of the three SYNTH library subdivisions. So 297 total.

I modified (in some way or another) ALL of the factory BASS sounds on the NSC to suit my needs/taste. And have everything (original/default) backed up (as you imply).

But as I say, I am concerned that, on the NS2, there are not many actual BASSES onboard. Yes, I know I could create my own by editing some of the FACTORY DEFAULTS; but having (as on the NSC) 99 or so to play with as a starting point right off the bat really makes things more appetising and convenient. Secondly, is it not possible (knowing NORD it probably isn't!) to IMPORT NSC SYNTH sounds directly into the SYNTH section (not the SAMPLER) of a NS2?

Thanks a lot,

Paul

[RedLeo]

Secondly, is it not possible (knowing NORD it probably isn't!) to IMPORT NSC SYNTH sounds directly into the SYNTH section (not the SAMPLER) of a NS2?

Sadly not, the synth sections and hence the file types are not compatible between the Stage and the Stage 2.

[monsterjazzlicks]

Hi RL,

Secondly, is it not possible (knowing NORD it probably isn't!) to IMPORT NSC SYNTH sounds directly into the SYNTH section (not the SAMPLER) of a NS2?

Sadly not, the synth sections and hence the file types are not compatible between the Stage and the Stage 2.

Ok, thanks for letting me know. A real shame to lose all of that vast amount of PROGRAMMING!

I wonder if it will be the SAME with the NS3 and NS2!?

Paul

[pablomastodon]

It surely will. The NS3 will possess functions which do not currently exist on the NS2 and others will be different. That is the way of life. A Philips bit will not work in a Torx fitting. This is "the march of progress" in action. Otherwise, what would be the point of making an NS3?

Bless,

Pablo

[monsterjazzlicks]

Pablo,

I beg to differ (on the grounds that they are both NORD products, and STAGE models at that). When Yamaha brought out the DX7 Mark2, you could still IMPORT all of your Mark1 presets. But that's another debate!

Cheers,

Paul