Nord User Forum

Posted: **29 Aug 2025, 21:38**

Hi all.

I have a Stage 4 and for the first time I am taking it out of the studio into a band setting. I have approached this task as one "program" per song in the set list plus a useful piano Rhodes and Hammond.

I have set the main volume for the whole instrument to 12 oclock. I am trying to keep this the same for all - using it only for a general level into the PA. Each instrument has a volume of around say 80% - to give some parity.

Except the Hammond, where I am uncerrtain.

Should the swell pedal, which obviously has a big effect on volume, be set to say 50% travel, or perhaps say 10% (minimal sound) giving opportunity ot max out? I might mention the sliders tend to have a big effect too, which I ride.

What I am seeking is a base 1 volume that will work, cut throuygh if say you suddenly switch into the program and want to deliver a general sound, like say Jimmy Smith settings.

I am new to band settings/issues on keys

Z

Posted: **29 Aug 2025, 23:38**

Hi

What works for me is to set the levels for each program (song in your setlist) to give the same volume level overall. I use the VU LEDs on my mixer for this. Occasionally during rehearsals there might be small tweaks for songs where the keyboard is more prominent, but this is a good starting setting. The program level adjustment in the SOUND menu is helpful for this.

For the hammond I would always start with the swell pedal at the position that gives the tone that you want for the song and then set the level to be correct for each song, using the layer fader as necessary. I find hammonds are often quiet in the mix (unless all drawbars are out). The compressor in the FX section helps here.

If everyone in the band keeps turning themselves up during the gig you will end up in a disaster - and probably need better monitoring!

This way works for me, anyway.

Posted: **29 Aug 2025, 23:55**

Your last point is important. How many times do you hear loud guitarist and load drummers. I definitely do not want this. I think the sound has to go through a mixer and be controlled live, riding faders. Reverb too

Posted: **30 Aug 2025, 02:33**

ZeroZero wrote: 29 Aug 2025, 21:38 Hi all.

I have a Stage 4 and for the first time I am taking it out of the studio into a band setting. I have approached this task as one "program" per song in the set list plus a useful piano Rhodes and Hammond.

I have set the main volume for the whole instrument to 12 oclock. I am trying to keep this the same for all - using it only for a general level into the PA. Each instrument has a volume of around say 80% - to give some parity.

Except the Hammond, where I am uncerrtain.

Should the swell pedal, which obviously has a big effect on volume, be set to say 50% travel, or perhaps say 10% (minimal sound) giving opportunity ot max out? I might mention the sliders tend to have a big effect too, which I ride.

What I am seeking is a base 1 volume that will work, cut throuygh if say you suddenly switch into the program and want to deliver a general sound, like say Jimmy Smith settings.

I am new to band settings/issues on keys

Z

The relative volume of the organ section will depend on your drawbar settings, how much of the drive(s) you're using, swell pedal setting -- and compression, which boosts volume nicely.

For many B3 sounds I'm using moderate drive(s), 50% swell pedal and moderate compression to set volume -- sits in the mix nicely with plenty of headroom for solo parts.

Running at 12 o'clock should be fine with most any modern digital FOH mixer -- there's usually plenty of digital gain on tap if needed.

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