Nord User Forum

analogika wrote:Also, just for a show of hands, I'm in the camp that much prefers the Stage 3 compact for pianos over the Stage 2 compact, after extensive side-by-side comparisons.

Same here. I never had them side by side, but as much as I liked the NS2, I really couldn't get on with playing piano on that action, which was one of the reasons I sold it. But I'm not having any such issues playing piano on the NS3.

Kevin, an idea, if possible, try another Nord, with a SW type keybed, it should provide the same feeling as your NS3C.

kevinashba wrote:Thanks guys for the responses. I just got off the phone with Pablo (he is the Nord tech support guy for anyone that doesn't know) It was (hopefully) a helpful conversation..he showed me a few EQ tricks (sweeping the mid with the frequency button) I am going to see if that helps tune out the mid problem I am experiencing with pianos. Still not completely sure I want to have to tweek as much constantly as may be required with this board. And I have like a week and counting to return this thing. How will I decide so quickly whether this is the keyboard for me or not?

Can you tell us what EQ tricks? I used my NS3 compact and externall 88 weigthed keyboard for playing pianos... and I also missing that velocity curve edit...is it possible to write to Nord guys to put that options on next software update?

I struggled with the same velocity curve issue using my Korg Kronos as the master keyboard driving the NS3C. The piano sounds on the compact sounded like I was banging on the keyboard even when playing very softly. I could change the curve on the Kronos to fixed the issue, but then the Kronos pianos were way too soft. I ended up purchasing a Velocity Converter from MIDI Solutions (google it), and all of my problems are fixed. Essentially it is connected between the master and the compact and you can use one of 40 preset curves or you can make your own. Now the pianos sound amazing. It’s a shame I had to buy a midi box to fix the issue, but I’m a happy compact owner now. It’s dissappointing that Nord doesn’t seem to realize the issue for some odd reason. Also note that other users aren’t impacted at all. It would nice if the Compact had a setting for incoming velocity. Good luck.

Thanks for the velocity curve info everyone!This new NS3C has laughable pianos out of the box,my Stage EX88 killed this thing with '2' pianos.
Will be using a Yamaha MOX8 keyboard for the master controller.My Stage II EX88 has nicer versions of the same pianos I'm used to and already like.
So far I've found the synth improved and a two panel split has no issues or latencies using 30 voices so I'm happy with that.
Will check out the 'Midi Solutions' if the MOX8 won't supply the proper velocity,I like the Yamaha keybed and although different than Fatar it works fine!
And the Yamaha has an arpeggiator that clobbers that junk on my 2 and 3.And digital inputs to save channels on my Key Largo mixer.
Heck,the 64 voice pianos ain't all that bad either LOL.

MOX(F) and NS3 are a great combination... each is strongest where the other is weakest. But pianos on NS2EX and NS3 should be the same... I suspect the differences you are hearing are indeed from the velocity mapping.

kevinashba wrote:Thanks guys for the responses. I just got off the phone with Pablo (he is the Nord tech support guy for anyone that doesn't know) It was (hopefully) a helpful conversation..he showed me a few EQ tricks (sweeping the mid with the frequency button) I am going to see if that helps tune out the mid problem I am experiencing with pianos. Still not completely sure I want to have to tweek as much constantly as may be required with this board. And I have like a week and counting to return this thing. How will I decide so quickly whether this is the keyboard for me or not?

@kevinashba: this is interesting, can you share the information about the EQ tricks you got from Pablo?

cjponthier wrote:I struggled with the same velocity curve issue using my Korg Kronos as the master keyboard driving the NS3C. The piano sounds on the compact sounded like I was banging on the keyboard even when playing very softly. I could change the curve on the Kronos to fixed the issue, but then the Kronos pianos were way too soft. I ended up purchasing a Velocity Converter from MIDI Solutions (google it), and all of my problems are fixed. Essentially it is connected between the master and the compact and you can use one of 40 preset curves or you can make your own. Now the pianos sound amazing. It’s a shame I had to buy a midi box to fix the issue, but I’m a happy compact owner now. It’s dissappointing that Nord doesn’t seem to realize the issue for some odd reason. Also note that other users aren’t impacted at all. It would nice if the Compact had a setting for incoming velocity. Good luck.

You say enough. Agree everything. I'm gonna order Midi solutions velocity converter... Thank you.

Maurich, you will need to be able to send a midi command between your computer and the velocity converter box in order to program your velocity curve. If you don’t have a way to connect your PC and box, perhaps try the Roland UM-One Mk. Also use the free software on the Midi Solutions website for programming. It’s simple to use.

@cjponthier - and than? I put all my pianos to MIDI Channel 1, have velocity curve from Midi solutions, and other sounds from Nord ( playin' on Nord) on other MIDI channel?