A1 Lead in NS3 a big deal? (Post changed for clarity)

[Randelph]

Nord Stage Classic guy here. When I heard the Nord Stage 3 was getting essentially the A1 synth, it really piqued my curiousity and GAS. I've never played the A1, but I've heard very good things about its sound and user friendliness. Yes, I know the NS3 only has 2 slots compared to 4, and its inspired by but not an exact copy of the A1.

On my Stage Classic I use the morph function a lot for filter sweeps, wicked fun, but I find the filter at the last third of the sweep to be brittle and harsh.

So my questions are:
1. How do you like the low pass filter on the A1?
2. How do you like the A1 overall for sound and capability? I was told the NS Classic synth section was based on the Nord Wave, so that's a point of possible comparison.

Thanks!

[Eumel]

Caution: As far as I understand, the NS3 has the A1 engine, but is only 2-part multi- timbral. The A1 is 4-part-multi-timbral. Please correct me if I'm wrong...

Cheers

Eumel

[starkaudio]

You are correct.

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/n ... ifications

[Randelph]

Hi guys. I wasn't asking if the Nord Stage 3 synth section was an exact copy of the A1 Lead, I know its not, how could it be? I was primarily asking if you like how the low cut filter sounds on the A1, and if, overall, you liked the sound of the A1.

On my Nord Stage Classic I use the morph function on the filter with my sweep pedal alot(!), and I like the sound of the filter until you get to the last 1/3 of its range, and of course it gets sharper and brighter, but it doesn't sound good to me, more like a buzzing insect, no "warmth" or "hugeness" to it.

I guess this forum, or at least this part of it doesn't get much traffic, i was hoping there'd be lots of synth heads that'd love to offer this kind of information up.

[starkaudio]

There are four LP filters on the A1. 12db, 24db, Moog-style, TB303-style. They are all distinctly different and I like each. As for "warmth" or "hugeness"...it's very subjective. I think they sound good.

If you describe what waveforms you want me to use I can record some filter sweeps for you to audition.

I have a short demo I recorded directly from the A1...not pre/post processing. I'm just an old amateur, but you can hear what it can sound like raw.

https://soundcloud.com/lukestark/jamsketchinsix

Let me know what you want.

-L

[Randelph]

There are four LP filters on the A1. 12db, 24db, Moog-style, TB303-style. They are all distinctly different and I like each. As for "warmth" or "hugeness"...it's very subjective. I think they sound good.

If you describe what waveforms you want me to use I can record some filter sweeps for you to audition.

I have a short demo I recorded directly from the A1...not pre/post processing. I'm just an old amateur, but you can hear what it can sound like raw.

https://soundcloud.com/lukestark/jamsketchinsix

Let me know what you want.

-L

Wow, cool, thanks for the offer.

I'd say pick two sounds that respond well to filter sweeps, a lush pad and a searing/cutting lead, and do sweeps from mild to intense with each of the 4 (!) filters. I mostly like the NS Classic filter except for the last 1/4 or 1/3 of the useable range.

Thanks again! Really enjoyed your soundcloud demo, the A1 and your playing sounds great.

Randy

[starkaudio]

" a lush pad and a searing/cutting lead, and do sweeps from mild to intense with each of the 4 (!) filters. "

Well anyone's definition of "lush" and "searing/cutting" are pretty subjective.

I'll probably do them as basic waves, and then do something extra at the end that tries to be more like what you mentioned.

I'll post soundcloud links.

[starkaudio]

Here you go. It's just pad/chords for a couple filters. I have to be honest, I got bored fairly fast recording them

Details in the notes.

[Quai34]

Hi,
I really recognize the filters in my NL2X, but thanks a lot, good recording.
Sincerely

[Randelph]

Stark audio- thanks for the demo, yes I imagine it was kind of a boring exercise. But you did a consistent set from one filter to the next, so much appreciated.

Of course when the resonance is set high you're going to get some fizziness on the extreme ends of the sweep, but for the most part these sounded better than what I get from my NS Classic synth.

Have to admit my memory from example to example is not sharp enough to compare them adequately. Overall I didn't hear that big of a difference from one type of filter sweep to the next. I think running through each of the filters, one after the other, with the resonance set to the same amount, would have given a better comparison, at least for my relatively untrained ears.

But once again, thank you!

Am probably off in la la land anyway. My list of desired keys:
1. Deep Mind 12- why invest in an all-in-one like the Stage, when the DM12 can be had for $1000 or less? Have never had a real synth with all the knobs, this looks like an an excellent 2d board.
2. The Casio MZ-X500 or the FA07. Both have really strong synth sections, pads and excellent sequencers, samplers, etc. With 40 watt onboard speakers the Casio would be a great grab and go board for jams and parties. But the Roland seems like the more serious board for sequencing and sampling.
3. The Stage 2 or 3. Wowee, this'd be sweet, but the price for even a used Stage 2 is getting up there, and I do have much of the sonic goodness from my Stage Classic already: love the APs, EPs, organs, morphing and hands on interface. As much as the NS3 sounds amazing, if I do upgrade my Stage it'd prob be to the NS2 EX 88 after the used price goes down as people upgrade to the NS3. I figure there'd be about a $1,500 difference in price compared to the NS3. But that's all speculation- if I find myself able to afford it I'd LOVE to jump on board the NS3.