Is it just me? Stage 2 sounds better than Stage 3?

[robbieuswain]

Hi to all - I struggle with "expression" too ... I bought a new NS3 88 back in August and sold it 'cause the piano section too me sounded like having too much "treble" but that is probably linked to either the different expression curves and / or the new function (soft - treb - brill) even when not activated. Sold it but then missed it too much and bought it second hand, you know once you go "red" ... I am sure Clavia is looking into it and hope with a new OS it will be addressed soon in 2018

Anyway ... time to rest and Happy Red NY 2018 !

Robbie

[baekgaard]

For people that have a Stage 2 88 and are curious on how the Stage 3 plays, you can set the keyboard touch function on the Stage 2 to '2'. It is then comparable with how the Stage 3 plays in normal keyboard mode: basically impossible to play soft notes. increasing the keyboard touch function on the Stage 3 only makes it worse.

I'm a bit curious, but have you tried playing another NS3 also -- just to rule out that your specific keyboard could be somehow mis-calibrated?

I used to play (and still have here) both Yamaha and Roland keys, latest coming from a RD700NX. But I don't have any problems playing soft notes on my NS3 HA88 version; I find it quite easy to control the dynamics -- also when alternating between the NS3 and my acoustic grand piano. I also have an old NE3 with waterfall keys here, and that is not easy to control for dynamics of acoustic pianos, so I kind of know the feeling you're referring to.

Of course there can be differences also in our backgrounds and style of playing (maybe you're more and better classically trained than I am, or used to heavier acoustic pianos, ...) that impacts the overall feel of the board, but it sounds like we have quite different perceptions of the Nord, which trickled my curiosity. No offence meant; I accept your perception of the board as equally valid, but just wonder how come the difference is so large.

I'm all for adding a heavier option too, by the way. The "normal" setting works for me, as said, but I wouldn't mind using setting "1" as my normal playing and then having both options to go lighter and harder.

[keyboardnut]

Stage 3 to me is much fuller sound than my 2 all round a better instrument now they have fixed the major bugs.

[Streef]

Hi Baekgaard, yes I compared my NS3 to 2 others, all 88 key versions, side by side, they are all the same.

I have an NS3 and NS2EX, both 88 keys, side by side in my 'studio'. The difference is very clear, as I described before: NS3 behaves like NS2 with 'dynamic' setting to 2. For me it makes the NS3 no fun to play, as I cannot get proper expression like I get from NS2. It all sounds quite flat and too load.

@keyboardnut. I do agree that NS3 has a lot of advantages, the reason I bought it! I'm a Nord fan since the NS1....But to me it has turned out a big disappointment, as I simply cannot play the way I like it/I used to do.

And all it takes is a simple new velocity curve implementation. I cannot wait to see that system-menu-option: "NS2 velocity curve"...

Anyway, people that experience the same as I, pls. write Nord about this issue. Hopefully they will implement and then I can finally enjoy my NS3...

Last post of the year, best wishes to all of you!

[Anderson Gandin]

Hello friends! And then, Streef, any response from Nord? Do you know if there is any OS update forecast?
I'm following this post and this issue of velocity curve and expressiveness really made me worried about upgrading to NS3.
Please keep us informed.
Happy 2018 for everyone!

[solmaster]

i have never owned a Stage 2. The Stage 3 is my first keyboard from Nord, (after buying my son a Piano 3 for his 18th, and been very impressed with it. He is a music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) I have a Yamaha U3 acoustic upright piano at home and have been a pianist and professional musician and teacher for over 35 years. Over those years I have owned and gigged gear from Yamaha, Roland and Kurzweil. As a live gigging keyboard, already used for musical theatre, showcases, band gigs, solo piano and to accompany a solo singer, to me the Stage 3 is a simply wonderful piece of gear! Highly playable and so easy to use, set up and program.
I joined this forum to read articles from like minded enthusiastic Nord owners, of which it seems most are!
Yet, there is so much negativity surrounding this remarkable instrument, whether comparing it to its previous model, the velocity curve, the organ sound, etc. It's rather disappointing and I don't really get what all the fuss is about, while I do appreciate and respect everyone's opinion.
Nord have dealt with a lot of the initial concerns in a highly professional manner and I'm certain any other issues will get their attention soon enough. So in the meantime, get out there and just play the damn thing. Your audience won't notice any of these issues. Your ability as a player is what matters, and this thing sounds bloody fantastic! Just my tuppence worth-rant over!

[cgrafx]

Nord have dealt with a lot of the initial concerns in a highly professional manner and I'm certain any other issues will get their attention soon enough. So in the meantime, get out there and just play the damn thing. Your audience won't notice any of these issues. Your ability as a player is what matters, and this thing sounds bloody fantastic! Just my tuppence worth-rant over!

The problem is the stage 3 was release before it really was ready and NORD has NOT handled this in anything remotely resembling a professional manner.

There has been almost ZERO information relating to updates, what will be fixed, what won't be fixed or expected time frames.

The negativity is well earned and comes specifically because of the high expectations associated with NORD products.

I didn't and don't buy instruments based on whether my audience will notice, I buy them based on what I notice. My ability to play is in fact affected by the instrument and if it doesn't sound right to me, then it affects my enjoyment and the playability of the instrument. Additionally there were and still are show stoppers.

- Mod wheels that don't work right (on significant number of units).
- keypads that have inconsistant aftertouch
- until just very recently no way to load user samples
- a number of reports of systems crashing during performances

If your enjoying your keyboard thats great, but don't say because your satisfied with it that it should be good enough for everybody else. Plenty of us have higher expectations from Nord and their flagship product.

[Streef]

Just did a comparison between NS2 and NS3 and uploaded some samples for you to check. NS2 and NS3 sound exactly the same, the velocity curve is the problem. Pls read this thread http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage ... 14491.html

No news or reaction from Nord so far, although they have responded to earlier emails indicating that they considering this in future OS updates.

[anotherscott]

There has been almost ZERO information relating to updates, what will be fixed, what won't be fixed or expected time frames.

I agree Nord could be more communicative. Though sometimes it is impossible to say whether something will be fixed, or how long it will take, until in fact the fix is just about ready to release. It's not like anyone else (Roland? Kurzweil? Apple? Microsoft? etc.) routinely announces that certain bugs will be fixed and when to expect the fixes.

- keypads that have inconsistant aftertouch
..
- a number of reports of systems crashing during performances

Are either of these problems prevalent? I only remember reading one report of each.

[cgrafx]

- keypads that have inconsistant aftertouch
..
- a number of reports of systems crashing during performances
Are either of these problems prevalent? I only remember reading one report of each.

The crash and output signal problem was only a couple of reports and the aftertouch was a single instance, but there aren't that many boards out there yet, so its a concern.

I do realize that forums like this will tend to have higher incidences of problems but I think there are enough ongoing issues to be concerned and I'm personally waiting for more of these to get settled before I plunk down my own money again for a NS3 Compact.

I'm heading to NAMM in a couple of weeks and plan on seeing what information I can get directly from Nord while I'm there.