Nord User Forum

I upgraded all the Rhodes sounds I had loaded, and brought the Suitcase (EP2) back on board, the difference was that audible to me on my Electro 5.

An upgrade worth spending some mb on, even without the filters, in my opinion. Good job, Nord.

maxpiano wrote:

MonkeyDonkey wrote:Hmmm. Maybe what I should be asking is this, then: If you can't access the filters, how are the Enhanced EPs different from (or better than) the regular EPs?

Still on the same page...

Enhanced EP collection and dedicated EP filters
Our enhanced Electric Pianos have been refined for optimal sound quality and the new L and XL versions feature additional velocity layers for extended and more detailed dynamic response.

I have the same question as MonkeyDonkey, but I rather want to hear what You other users are hearing that's different in the new samples?
I substituted the whole bunch yesterday, but my noob ears couldn't really tell a major difference...
Where are they better? What should I listen harder for?

(Edit: I'm on a NE5, so raw sample differences is what I'm asking about, not the new filters.)

"new L and XL versions feature additional velocity layers for extended and more detailed dynamic response" -- To listen for that, pick a note, play it softly, and then keep playing it, gradually hitting it harder and harder. Compared to the old ones, you should notice greater variation and fewer abrupt shifts in timbre.

fieldflower wrote: I have the same question as MonkeyDonkey, but I rather want to hear what You other users are hearing that's different in the new samples?

There are several threads on this already; I posted my notes here and here.

and if you have the room, loading the new sample and keeping the old one to compare is quite helpful to hear that. I did that with the nefertiti and didnt hear as much of a difference as I did comparing the EP3 and EP7. YMMV

EP1 and EP2 has got a little more headroom in their weak upper areas and the Mk5 (EP4) is a bit tamed (not so sharp as before). To my ears these are the only really audible improvements. Unfortunately the sparkletop Rhodes is less dynamic now in some areas (low mids). Less „bark“ if you grab in there...

I can definetly hear more tone .. like the sound is fuller with the added dynamics making it more playable ..
Great update

daniel70 wrote:EP1 and EP2 has got a little more headroom in their weak upper areas and the Mk5 (EP4) is a bit tamed (not so sharp as before). To my ears these are the only really audible improvements.

You may also be able to notice changes in the release samples (try the EP2 for that, for instance) -- a bit of EQ may help to bring it out, and make sure you don't have the long/soft release enabled (since this tones it down). And if you EQ for the bell/attack part, you may also be able to notice changes there too. The differences, IMHO, are more pronounced as you use the EQ.

To me the added velocity layers also makes a difference, but YMMV, of course

I don't know which board you're using, but the latest programs from Ondre J has some clever use of the new EPs, filters and EQ. If you're on a board without the filters, I think similar use of EQ could still help to bring out some of the key elements of the sound.

Unfortunately the sparkletop Rhodes is less dynamic now in some areas (low mids). Less „bark“ if you grab in there...

You can always just keep the previous Sparkletop, if you prefer that. You can even have both loaded at the same time.

Downloaded them. Well Ep 1 to 4 seem to benefit most. All true of the above said. I just wish they do some more Wurlies, too...

surprisingly, over the past weekend gig and yesterday's rehearsal, the enhanced EP1 is making me the happiest in a loud band setting. Thanks Nord!