Nord User Forum

Hi all, can anyone help me sort this (today...!). I cannot change programs on NS4 via MIDI.

I am using an Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 keytar, plugged in to NS4 via Midi cable (will use wireless midi live ). I can set any parameter, it works fine for general playing / pitch bend / volume change / filter changes etc. I am trying to use the program change buttons on the keytar to change Nord programs.
I can send Prog Change, LSB, MSB on the keytar... although I'm still not clear what values I should give these. But whatever values I choose (and I've looked at lots of examples) the Nord doesn't respond. The only exception is if I set LSB to 2 (I think) it puts the Nord into Live mode.

- The midi light on Nord comes on when changing program on the keytar, so it is receiving a message.
- Nord global set to midi channel 8, keytar sending on midi channel 8. I am not using Ext, Aux, or Local... just Global.
- PC and PC Ext set to send and receive on the Nord

I had this working with my old Roland keytar, through trial and error. I've got a feeling I had to send the prog change on a different midi channel, using the Lower part of something, but I've given up on the new keytar.

Any suggestions of things to try / check?

Normally you should send PCs and Bank Changes always on NS4 Global Channel, even if with the keytar you are playing just one layer/section (or the ones associated to Aux keyboard) on a different channel

maxpiano wrote: 13 Feb 2026, 12:34 Normally you should send PCs and Bank Changes always on NS4 Global Channel, even if with the keytar you are playing just one layer/section (or the ones associated to Aux keyboard) on a different channel

Nord Global is set to channel 8. I am sending everything on channel 8 from keytar: notes, upper & lower, pitch bend etc. I am only using Upper Zone on the keytar, no splits. Any thoughts?

Maybe you are sending the wrong MSB/LSB then? Or have you disabled CC reception on NS4 MIDI settings?

Other thing to do is to monitor what NS4 sends when you switch Banks/Programs, just connect it via USB to a computer running a MIDI Monitor app and watch.

maxpiano wrote: 13 Feb 2026, 15:04 Other thign to do is to monitor what NS4 sends when you switch Banks/Programs, just connect it via USB to a computer running a MIDI Monitor app and watch.

Ohhhh. Used a MIDI monitor app... and it turns out that the Vortex Wireless 2 will only send prog changes on Chan 1 !!!! This was also the case on the original vortex, but a later firmware update fixed it to send changes on whichever channel was selected for the active part.
It seems the workarounds are:
- Use the 8 pads to change program (these are channel-assignable)
- Use the Nord global on Chan 1 (I didn't want to do this because I use it in Aux kb mode with a couple of other controllers, not mine, which default to chan 1 and I don't want to have to change settings every time)

Poor show from Alesis :/

get a midi processor box and let it handle the program change channel swap. It can translate the Chan 1 messages to what ever channel you want to use on the Nord.

https://midisolutions.com/prodevp.htm