Nord User Forum

just how in depth is the synth section on the nord stage 3?

is it a full fledged nord lead A1 or is it a watered down version? what is missing / added in the stage version? anyone own both??

Hi,

A1 has 4 slots, stage has only 2 (one for each panel) + no like function in stage

The Stage 3 synth engine is based upon the A1, but it isn't the same.
1) 2 parts (on Slots A & B) instead of 4.
2) Lowpass-highpass combo instead of the TB filter.
3) No ensemble effect, but access to all of the Stage's other built-in effects, including EQs, amp simulator, compressor, delay, etc.
4) higher polyphony on the Stage 3.
5) additional "super wave" waveforms on the Stage.
6) Use of samples as sound source for the synth.

If I buy a Stage 3 Compact, and figure out how to get a "cool synth bass sound" from its A1 capabilities, will I be able to assign that "cool synth bass sound" to a split (part of the keyboard) on the Stage 3? Would I have just as much flexibility in assigning the lower and upper key limits on the Stage 3's keyboard for this "cool synth bass sound", as I would if I were assigning lower and upper key limits for a piano, organ, or nsmp3 sound?

I am a complete newbie regarding the A1 synth and any similar products. I have an Electro 3, but my sound design experience is with a Roland XV rompler.

harmonizer wrote:If I buy a Stage 3 Compact, and figure out how to get a "cool synth bass sound" from its A1 capabilities, will I be able to assign that "cool synth bass sound" to a split (part of the keyboard) on the Stage 3? Would I have just as much flexibility in assigning the lower and upper key limits on the Stage 3's keyboard for this "cool synth bass sound", as I would if I were assigning lower and upper key limits for a piano, organ, or nsmp3 sound?

I am a complete newbie regarding the A1 synth and any similar products. I have an Electro 3, but my sound design experience is with a Roland XV rompler.

Yes, to both questions, the Synth section is not different from the Piano and Organ ones when it comes to general functions such as zones/splits, effects, etc..

Yes, the key limit assignments are identical for all sound engines. Though if you want to get fancy, you could create a custom nsmp3 sound that had additional split points within it.

analogika wrote:The Stage 3 synth engine is based upon the A1, but it isn't the same.
1) 2 parts (on Slots A & B) instead of 4.
2) Lowpass-highpass combo instead of the TB filter.
3) No ensemble effect, but access to all of the Stage's other built-in effects, including EQs, amp simulator, compressor, delay, etc.
4) higher polyphony on the Stage 3.
5) additional "super wave" waveforms on the Stage.
6) Use of samples as sound source for the synth.

That's a good summary... I'd add that the NS3 gives you aftertouch.

No aftertouch on the A1? Wow.

Another difference : The NS3 has only 3 filter drive fixed amount. On the A1, you can adjust it. But for me, if you don’t need the 4 A1 slot, the NS3 synth is deeper than the A1 (effects, samples, superwaves, and the low/high pass combo is marvellous for pad sounds).