Nord User Forum

OK. I hesitated bringing this up because there may be a simple answer that eluded me, but, I can't figure this out. So, here goes.

I've been playing my NS3HP76 for months now. I love it for all it does well. I sort of miss the extra octaves, but, I knew that going in and love the schlep factor.

I still have a NS classic 88 and an NS2 compact. Here's the problem. When the Nefertiti Rhodes sample came out, I used it with the classic and to a lesser extent with the NS2. They sounded similar if not identical. But, in the classic it sounded so wonderful and buttery with just the right amount of bark. On the NS2, I didn't have as much control of the sound, but, that's understandable due to the action itself.

Now enters the NS3. The Nefertiti sample played through the NS3 just doesn't have that shine or even the right bark. Nothing I do (velocity curve, amp sim, eq) gives it that natural sound that I found in the classic NS. I know it's not my ears because these boards are sitting next to each other. It cannot be all attributed to the keybed either because no matter what I do with the velocity curves the sound of that sample is simply not the same as in the NS. It is more muffled, boxy, mid rangey and lacks overall character.

I can also say that the other rhodes samples suffer from the same issue but less so than the Nefertiti. When that sample came out, I thought I'd found my go to sample because it was that expressive. But, when the NS3 arrived, I felt I had to go to another sample like the bright rhodes or the MK7 to get some of that expression back.

So, what is going on here? What am I missing?

Thanks in advance for your input and help.

aL

It might be an interesting experiment to run a MIDI cable out from your classic into your NS3, and see how the NS3 rhodes played when triggered from the Classic's keys.

I tried that Scott and I don't recall it affecting the character of the sound. But, I'll try it again.

I've read quite a few of these complaints re the Stage 3 sounds vs previous instruments - S2, Electro, so forth. I've heard it for acoustic piano, organ, and now EP. I would REALLY like to hear some samples of the exact same thing being played - like from a MIDI File/DAW - on both instruments with the exact same settings, so that those of us who do not own or have access to the other boards can hear what you all are talking about. My SUSPICION is that it is a subjective opinion and that some people just like a much brighter, harder attack sound, while others like a mellower, creamier sound. I would like to be able to judge for myself, but need samples to do so.

I'll try to record something. But, unfortunately, I won't be able to do that for several days.

Hello those you say ... I've always thought having had all the internships .... On the classic the rhodes had a completely different sound from 2 and now from 3 .... the sample is the same but the answer of the sound is different .... Which is better I do not want to say it even if they all understood ... The north should listen to this thing .... We are not a few to say that on the Classic the rhodes were more enjoyable ..

I think what essentially you’re hearing is much cleaner converters as the models progressed, and also the eq curve on the ns3 has less low mids which can be perceived as less warm or barky. The 3 definitley sounds different but for me it’s better, less mud and cuts through better. I always go heavy on the eq anyway but I had a 2 and 3 together for a while and I much prefer the 3.

You are not alone man, I feel exactly the same way as you described. I had NS2C and move to NS3C never had that raw, crisp, deep sound again.

Anyway, for me, I order to keep all the "better sounds" implemented on the Nord stage 2 version and still get the new type of sounds of the stage 3, both on organ or EP or AP, I'll have both, then no reprogramming and then more memory accessible, more sounds accessible even with the same samoles and no need to reprogram my stage 3 with the Stage 2 program....I know it could be an expensive option but i still have and use my Roland D50, TX802 and few old expanders that I like a lot....
So, problem solved for me....Well, by a stage 3 used and a stage 2 Ex used.. A bit cheaper..