Nord User Forum

Thoughts about running a UPS- Uninterruptible Power Supply. I have a new NS3. We are playing two summer festivals next month. Should I be concerned with sometimes unknown A/C, stage lighting etc.? With a new $3500 keyboard I'm concerned about power spikes. line sags, and garbage on the A/C line damaging the NS3. I used to run a Constant Voltage Transformer years ago because stage A/C voltage sags would detune my analog stuff and cause my digital stuff to re-boot. I've already had situations with breakers popping when playing and shutting off the NS3.

I always run all my keys through a double conversion UPS in my home. The reason is exactly as you said, except that I already know for a fact that the voltage in my mains is very variable to say the least. Depending on which home appliance is powered, voltage can go from 180 to 240... the UPS keeps a steady 239 V all the time.

You probably already know this, but it has to be a double conversion UPS for this to work the way you intend, because offline UPSes and line interactive types only protect against power outages. The problem is that double conversion types are the most expensive. I paid mine € 350 (and it's very small, 1000 VA), but that was before covid before the war before the world went crazy. So probably prices now are higher. I wouldn't expect to find one at less than 400-450 eur / dollars nowadays.

wkrbee wrote:With a new $3500 keyboard I'm concerned about power spikes.

Maybe that doesn't answer your question, but I'm very concerned too about power spikes, at home or at gigs. I simply bought some power strips with surge protection (note: always check if the lillte led/light is on, meaning the fuse is still working). If the mains site power fails, the gigs is interrupted anyway but my gear is protected. Ten bucks are nothing compared to Nord prices

After spending years in computers then back to recording I'm used to and believe in UPS. They protect you from spikes, brown outs, and also provide clean power. So getting into keyboards I use a UPS to protect that investment not only in $$$ but also avoiding downtime. Keyboards don't draw much power so a small UPS can handle them.

docbop wrote:After spending years in computers then back to recording I'm used to and believe in UPS. They protect you from spikes, brown outs, and also provide clean power. So getting into keyboards I use a UPS to protect that investment not only in $$$ but also avoiding downtime. Keyboards don't draw much power so a small UPS can handle them.

Just be sure you invest in a true sine wave output model.

StuartR wrote: Just be sure you invest in a true sine wave output model.

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