Nord User Forum

Hey good Nord people.

Having a really really weird issue here.

When using MIDI out I just can't scroll past the number 128 when trying to select my samples!? It's bizarre. I can go anywhere under 128 no issue, as soon as I quickly scroll past 128 it jumps straight back. However, I can select a program already saved with a sample number above 128 and it doesn't jump back, but as soon as I try to select a new sample stored above 128, it just won't have it! - I've never encountered anything like this before. Seems very specific?

I'm using a Sipario 'box' device to use as a set list controller, and custom velocity controller. (Check the box out if interested. Very handy!) - I have MIDI local set to OFF, and the Sipario settings simply control program changes, and send the midi note data back in to the nord. There's no weird CC behind the scenes stuff happening.

Here is a video of the problem in action, incase my explanation isn't too clear.

Hope people may have some insights!

Cheers,
James

Hi James,

Your issues arises from the fact that you are running with Local Off. As with most all front panel controls on your NP2, the Sample Select control is a midi cc. As defined ~35 years ago in the midi spec, midi controllers have a range of 0-127. As Bruce Hornsby sang, that's just the way it is.

Bless, Pablo

Hey Mr. Pablo,

Thanks for that. The thing is though, even with Local turned on (say I needed to select a sample above 128 quickly so could turn local back on) I have the same issue? Yet when I'm connected to other MIDI devices, I definitely can go past this 128 limit? .... And the other weird thing is, I'm not limited to any other knob or parameter, it lets me go the whole way, and because this Sipario box is sending MIDI back into the unit, it allows me to use the front panels like nothing has changed. It just seems this weird limitation with the sample selection knob is the only thing that's stopping me?

There must be a way to select sounds above 128, without having to unplug the unit physically, it just seems a bit ridiculous for a keyboard that's up for using external gear!

I wonder if there's a way I can trick it into letting me past 128?

Regardless of whether Midi Local is On or Off, if you are "folding back" outgoing midi data stream to the Nord via your external device, you are creating an internal conflict with the instrument. The front panel control is trying to select those numbers with the internal brains of the Nord, but at the same time you are transmitting midi data on cc#55 back into the instrument. Those numbers, as described above, will "hit the wall" at 128. Because the data transfer rate is just a few milliseconds later than the internal command route, the midi command will be received last and supersede. You do not experience similar issues with other front panel controls on the instrument because those other controls are not capable of going outside the normal 0-127 limit, so the issue never arises in those instances.

Your failure to correctly understand the basic midi principles behind what you are doing is what is causing you to perceive this as being ridiculous. It is not ridiculous. It is the natural result of how you have it set up and what you are trying to do.

Selecting different samples on the fly in that manner is not the best way to operate the instrument in the first place. Creating a new program for each sample which you may wish to use during a performance is really the way to go. Then all your Sipario has to do is select the program.

If this Sipario device has the ability to perform basic filtering functions, you can filter out cc#55 and then with Local On your front panel control will behave the way you want it to. If the Sipario can't do this, get a BomeBox, which will do this and much, much more.

bless, pablo