Nord User Forum

I just read in my wave2 user manual (ch3 Getting Started) that I should power on my Nord before the sound system. Do you know what the issue is? I come from a time when "hot plugging" electronics into a live circuit was a bad thing to do. Can I damage my wave2 by powering it up after the connected amp (in my case a Focusrite audio interface)? It hasn't been a problem so far but I haven't yet connected it to a keyboard amp (some day).
Thanks All

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That "custom" is historic. Nothing new: Don't switch on a connected sound generator after having plugged the speakers - you could grill the speakers. It's not for the safety of the Wave2.

powering on any audio device, (keyboard, mixer, etc) when connected to an active/powered on amplifier, is a good way to blow up your speakers. unless the equipment is specifically designed with a delayed output relay it can generate a significant output spike (usually associated with a very loud thump).

1) Set the synth volume to minimum.
2) Set the amplification system level to minimum.
3) turn on the synth.

chris196 wrote:1) Set the synth volume to minimum.
2) Set the amplification system level to minimum.
3) turn on the synth.

Setting the Synth Volume to minimum will not prevent the output from spiking when you turn on the power unless it is a passive control literally wired between the output stage of the synth and the physical output jack.

On the Nord and most modern synths I don't believe this is the case as those controls are almost always programmable meaning they are not passive (which means they are electronically controlled and output buffer electronics will still spike when the power is turned on)

turning the amplification system level to minimum is certainly a good idea.

cgrafx wrote:

chris196 wrote:1) Set the synth volume to minimum.
2) Set the amplification system level to minimum.
3) turn on the synth.

Setting the Synth Volume to minimum will not prevent the output from spiking when you turn on the power unless it is a passive control literally wired between the output stage of the synth and the physical output jack.

On the Nord and most modern synths I don't believe this is the case as those controls are almost always programmable meaning they are not passive (which means they are electronically controlled and output buffer electronics will still spike when the power is turned on)

turning the amplification system level to minimum is certainly a good idea.

Well you may be surprised but on Nord Stage the Master Volume is actually non programmable (only each Section volume is) and so is "passive", which may also be the case for the Wave 2.

Then as you and most already said, in general and regardless the sound source, keeping amplification at minimum (and turning it on last) is the best way to stay on the safe side

No matter what keyboard brand, no matter what PA or amps, no matter whether it‘s a large gig or a small venue - it has always been safe practise to switch on the chain from its head and to switch off the chain from its tail.
And if the whole system is already on, then give the FOH girl or guy a signal to mute your channel for a moment.
The reason for it all is just to avoid the loud „zack“ on the speakers.

maxpiano wrote:

cgrafx wrote:

chris196 wrote:1) Set the synth volume to minimum.
2) Set the amplification system level to minimum.
3) turn on the synth.

Setting the Synth Volume to minimum will not prevent the output from spiking when you turn on the power unless it is a passive control literally wired between the output stage of the synth and the physical output jack.

On the Nord and most modern synths I don't believe this is the case as those controls are almost always programmable meaning they are not passive (which means they are electronically controlled and output buffer electronics will still spike when the power is turned on)

turning the amplification system level to minimum is certainly a good idea.

Well you may be surprised but on Nord Stage the Master Volume is actually non programmable (only each Section volume is) and so is "passive", which may also be the case for the Wave 2.

Then as you and most already said, in general and regardless the sound source, keeping amplification at minimum (and turning it on last) is the best way to stay on the safe side [emoji106]

On the NS3 (and other nords), the master output is not just a simple potentiometer that analog sound is routed through, as far as I can tell.

You are correct that it isn't programmable - as in you could potentially affect it via eg the wheel - but the output is not sent through the potentiometer at the end of the signal chain.

So if something spikes when the unit boots up, you could get a spike sent to the PA even when volume is at 0.

On the other hand, I think there is an output relay that normally prevents this from happening, so it's extremely unlikely to happen in practice. But if something is not working quite right in the nord, it could fry the speakers if you're really unlucky.

Sent from my phone in brevity