Nord User Forum

What are the differences between the Stage 3 Compact and the Electro 6?

The Stage 3 is basically two Electro 6‘s, with an Extern section for each for controlling external devices via MIDI and a real, gorgeous Synthesizer in place of the Electro‘s sample player.

I was thinking there was a comparison chart out there, but did not see it readily. May be helpful to read through the specs of each instrument:

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-electro-6

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-stage-3

TL;DR version - the E6 is like a "poor man's" NS3. It has 3 sections that can be used independently or in splits/layers (Piano, Organ, Sample Synth) + effects. The NS3 has 6 sections available (3 across 2 separate panels) with a much more deep and capable Synth section based on the NLA1 and sample loading too. More effects, more External MIDI capabilities, a deeper instrument across the board.

I'm thinking if I want to nail some sounds from Pink Floyd albums such as Wish You Were Here & Animals, I should look at getting the Stage 3 (compact I suppose) vs the Electro 6 for the better synth capabilities, yes?

kirbyjwilson wrote:I'm thinking if I want to nail some sounds from Pink Floyd albums such as Wish You Were Here & Animals, I should look at getting the Stage 3 (compact I suppose) vs the Electro 6 for the better synth capabilities, yes?

Correct. The NE6 only loads samples - though there are a ton of great samples out there. Including some Pink Floyd samples that have been shared on this site. But if you want a more flexible and expressive synth, the NS3 is a better choice in the long run. My friend who I think is also on this forum uses a NS3 in a PF Tribute and loves it.

On the Stage 3 if I wanted 4 keyboard sounds, could I either have 3 split points (4 keyboard zones), OR 1 split point (2 keyboard zones) on the Stage 3 and an external keyboard with 1 split point (2 keyboard zones)?

kirbyjwilson wrote:On the Stage 3 if I wanted 4 keyboard sounds, could I either have 3 split points (4 keyboard zones), OR 1 split point (2 keyboard zones) on the Stage 3 and an external keyboard with 1 split point (2 keyboard zones)?

Unless I’m missing something, both should work.

Awesome, thank you! (Now I'm just asking questions that I should be able to figure out myself with some research)

analogika wrote:The Stage 3 is basically two Electro 6‘s, with an Extern section for each for controlling external devices via MIDI and a real, gorgeous Synthesizer in place of the Electro‘s sample player.

plus more than a single split point, and aftertouch, more effects controls, morphs, more flexible output routing, pitch stick, probably some other stuff...

Given that you can get the Nord Stage 3 Compact for ~$3K if you call around, it's short money from the Electro 6 to the more fully featured unit. Something to consider ...