Nord User Forum

Hi Everyone,

I've been trying out a Nord Stage 3 Compact (whenever I get a chance) and one thing I am having trouble doing, is use the LFO to affect the pitch of a synth patch.

Usually on a synthesizer this is an easy task, but for some reason I can't see the right knob (or setting) to make the LFO affect pitch. Can anyone guide me in the right direction? A quick tip perhaps?


(I'm embarrassed I can't figure this one out on my own.) Thanks!

This video should help. The entire series is really well done.

It was an interesting video - it mentioned modulating the "Oscillator Control" and Filter frequency, but it did not explain how to modulate the pitch of a patch with the LFO.

All synthesizers have this feature, usually with a "mod" wheel. Does anyone know how to do this with the Nord Stage 3? It should be easy, but I can't see how it's implemented...

Press shift and turn the config dial to "1 pitch". Now the control signal (lfo or envelope) modulates the pitch.

Then turn the modulation dial towards lfo. This regulates the amount of modulation of (now) the pitch.

Adjust the lfo to taste with it's own dials.

The Simple answer, is the Vibrato Select Button on the right top corner of the Synth section.
It toggles between Wheel, Aftertouch, etc.

There is some limited fine tuning of speed and amount in the System or Sound sub menu, accessed from Shift/program one or Shift/program two.

Plus, I just tried Baekgaard's suggestion. With the LFO Mod Envelope dial at about minus 4 and the Rate at about 5, it gave it a nice vibrato. In order to use the mod wheel to control the amount: Zero out the LFO Mod Envelope dial, find and hold down the Wheel Morph Assign button in the program section, while turning the LFO Mod Envelope dial from Zero to about minus 4, then save the program. I like the "Baekgaard Method" as it gives precise control over the amount and rate of the LFO. I did have to fish around to find the dial to shut off the modulation of the cutoff filter.

Thanks to both of you for the helpful replies! I will make notes, and try it out again when I get a chance (at my local store)

[quote="stopmakingsense"]The Simple answer, is the Vibrato Select Button on the right top corner of the Synth section.
It toggles between Wheel, Aftertouch, etc.

Thank you, stopmakingsense. I was aware of vibrato, but I am interested in an LFO for pitch variation...the vibrato cannot get slow enough for my needs. Plus I want to use vibrato for
a quicker vibrato effect (like a violin or guitar player uses)

(Another effect I use a lot is the "Vibe" effect but, when I use that, I lose the whole Effect 3 block.)

Thanks for the help, all. In my case, I wanted a very slow but very subtle pitch vibrato on a power synth sound a la certain 80's tunes. But I couldn't use baekgaard's solution because I am using a super wave sound, and I don't see osc option 1 available for that. And I can't use the vibrato / mod wheel solution because the mod wheel LFO doesn't get slow enough. But it turns out I was able to use the effects section: Effect 2; "Vibe"; Source = Synth; Rate = 1.7; Amount = 9. It gave just enough of that slightly sickening slow vibrato that's perfect for certain synth patches. Hope this helps!