NS2EX or NS3

[toniolito]

Hello,

I currently own a Roland RD-300GX which is surprisingly very usable in my cover band context (Muse, Coldplay, Stereophonics, Pink floyd, Marroon 5, Red hot,... or previously Dream Theater, Steven Wilson,...).
But this keyboard lead me to some limitations, mostly synth parts which can only be imitated or replaced by something else and poor effects section.
And I want to make a gift to myself by passing in another keyboard dimension.
I am mainly a pianist (I already own a Seiler 125), but interested in technic (I play with "Cubase"-like software since I am young and more recently with "Reason"-like softwares).

I'm in the "money time" (literally): after having read lot of forum/website and tested the two models, I am going to choose between NS2EX and NS3.
I eliminated NS2 for memory limit reason (few XL pianos are very important to me).

NS2EX seems to do the job for at about 1000-1500 euros less than NS3, but synth part polyphony is the main issue of this keyboard from my point-of-view (example: I think about pad/strings superposition alone or with a piano).
NS3 is interesting for polyphony, seamless transition, new synth and future sound upgrade but does that cost 1000-1500 euros?
And I am not confident concerning OLED screen durability comparing to old-fashioned alphanum screen. Switching on/off all the time this type of screen can lead to issues at long-term

Please give me info/advices to help me making a choice.
Especially concerning poor polyphony of NS2EX.

Thank you
Antoine

[toniolito]

I don't find anything to suggest the NS2EX has "poor polyphony" - I've used some version of NS2 and NS2EX for years and have not found that to be a shortcoming that bothers me. I would say since you are new to this Nord journey, I'd suggest going for the newest thing they have to offer with the NS3. It does have some great new capabilities.

It may be helpful for you to read this older thread I started when I was trying to decide if I should make the switch from NS2 to NS3. I'm still in a bit of a seam between the instruments, but thinking that the NS3 will ultimately be a keeper.

post95079.html#p95079

[DanielD71]

I have both (88) and love them.

If i have to sell one, I really do not know which one it will be.

Regards,

Dan

[toniolito]

Melies has made a nice comparison in this French thread :
https://www.audiokeys.net/forum/forum/b ... s-ns3-hp76

Fred

[toniolito]

Thank you all for your fast replies.
Anyway, I know that if buy a Nord, I will have a lot of reactive support through this forum.
I would point out that I'm only interested to buy 88 HA version.

Concerning polyphony, my current (cheaper) keyboard has a polyphony of 128, NS2EX only have 18 notes of polyphony for synth section.
Maybe I am a little bit "traumatized" by my old Korg T3 which stealed notes when playing with fat pads/strings (prevent me to play as I would like to do). I am just "google-ing" that T3 polyphony is 16 notes.

I know that NS3 is technically a better choice than NS2EX, but in France a used NS2EX can be found for about 2K euros while a new NS3 is 3.5K euros (price has grown recently), which seems to me overpriced comparing to changes.
An used NS3 would be a good compromise, but it can be seen very rarely and never in my area.
A price near 3K will be psychologically nicer for me. In addition, I should maybe buy the softcase for 200 euros more if Stage doesn't fit my current case.

@cookie: I follow audiokeys forum since few weeks, but I do not yet see new melies thread. Thank you.

[PScooter63]

Have you seen the official comparison page? There's a lot more on offer than just polyphony.
https://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/ ... ison-chart

[anotherscott]

Have you seen the official comparison page? There's a lot more on offer than just polyphony.
https://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/ ... ison-chart

That chart is a good start, but it's not complete. First, because Nord generally omits comparison points that favor the older model (in this case, things like Pending Load, Bank buttons, and more flexible MIDI control), and also because the comparison charts don't reflect enhancements made in subsequent software updates (like number pad mode, adjustable pitch bend range). And there are a lot of other more subtle differences that don't appear on the chart. For example, both have monitor in, but 2EX sends it only to headphones, 3 sends it to main outs.

[toniolito]

Yes, I have already seen the comparison page but as anotherscott says, this chart is only a marketing comparison.
Only useful to have a quick look to the differences between models.

I know that polyphony is not the only enhancement of NS3, but that is the only limitation which blocks me to save about 1.5K buying NS2EX.
Other features are great and synth seems very powerful, but not sufficient to pay this price.

I first try NS3 during 2 hours two times, because only this keyboard is available in stores and it sounds very beautiful.
And recently a backline company offers me to test the NS2EX during half an hour and I thought that the difference was not so big comparing to NS3.
But I know that judging a keyboard after few hours of testing is not sufficient. It's why i posted on this forum.

I like to take my time to analyze before each important purchase.
That has the advantage of preventing me to make compulsive buy, but the disadvantage to ask me too much questions

[cphollis]

Well, I had a NS2 and immediately sold it for the NS3C when it came out. Huge upgrade in multiple dimensions.

Raw capabilities greatly improved. Workflow greatly improved. Sound engines greatly improved. User interface greatly improved. Keybed feels better as well. A super-slick, no-regrets package of sonic awesomeness. It's a breathtaking instrument.

True story? The local muso I sold my NS2 76 to was thrilled when she bought it. It was the right thing for her at the right time. But she's been watching what I've been doing on my NS3C and now she has serious gear lust.

Need I say more?

[catosim]

As most of the answers indicate: the NS3 is a fantastic peace of gear.
I jumped from the NS Classic to NS3, so I have no experience with the NS2.
One thing that is worth taking in consideration is the huge amount of patches that´s available for the NS2.
Especially if you´re not in to programming.

But in the long term, the NS3 is the far better choice!