Nord User Forum

So, I just moved from another Keyboard-vendor with many "zones/layers" to NS2 and now I'm in the process of moving songs to new programs in NS2! It happens to be that some songs requires more than two synths (ex: strings+pad+accordion+flute) but not exactly at the same time within the song! From what I can see there are two options I may use:

Alternative-A) Sample sounds from my "old keyboard" and from selected nord-samples that fits well and place them all together in appropriate "zones" using sample-editor to create one new "user-specific synth". The advantage would be that performing is easy as it will reflect my old playing style with dedicated zones for more than two synths! But, I'm hesitating due to potential lack of sound-quality and not beeing able to fine-tune individual sounds/volume later!

Alternative-B) Use several programs in NS2 (max 2 synths per program) and switch program during the song. Drawback here from what I've tried so far is that it is difficult (sound stops and starts again even if I have the same pad on-going in both programs) to change program smoothly on-the-fly during a performance unless you have very clear "brakes". The advantage is of course sound-quality/volume-change possibilities once you're within the right program so I tend to move to this approach afterall.

I'm interested to hear other experiences in how to handle this concern. I do realize that I can utilize the External part to control an external sound-module which is also very convenient for many environments but sometimes I really only want to bring the NS2 and nothing else! What if I could use the External-part to control a third synth sound from within the NS2

joe_nor wrote:I do realize that I can utilize the External part to control an external sound-module which is also very convenient for many environments but sometimes I really only want to bring the NS2 and nothing else!

The "external sound module" could be an iPod Touch that you could velcro to the NS2, so you might not have to "bring" anything else. (Or you might already be traveling with an iPhone or an iPad anyway...?)

I use Alternative B ... more than one program for a single song. It's not perfect, but it's much more convenient than Alternative A, IMHO.

B is what I do, also - it's not the best but we learn to adapt to the limitations we're presented with.

B also (occasionally). I use a foot switch to be able to do it more quickly.

C) use an iPad as External module, plenty of sounds and keeping the overall portability of just bringing the NS
Drawback: need to mix NS and iPad stereo outs (I use a small 6ch personal mixer for that)
Plus: while in the background the appropriate iPad App(s) play, you can use it for Setlist management or displaying music sheets

maxpiano wrote:C) use an iPad as External module, plenty of sounds and keeping the overall portability of just bringing the NS
Drawback: need to mix NS and iPad stereo outs (I use a small 6ch personal mixer for that)
Plus: while in the background the appropriate iPad App(s) play, you can use it for Setlist management or displaying music sheets

Have you tried using the monitor in (and headphone out) of the NS?

It doesn't work for use in Live, the monitor IN signal is only mixed to the headphones out, not to the main Outs

FunKey wrote:B also (occasionally). I use a foot switch to be able to do it more quickly.

How do you do this?

maxpiano wrote:It doesn't work for use in Live, the monitor IN signal is only mixed to the headphones out, not to the main Outs

I know, that's why I wrote "headphone out". Some people argue against using it because of signal quality (due to different drivers for different impedances), but nowadays I believe it is no longer a problem.

steamkey wrote:

FunKey wrote:B also (occasionally). I use a foot switch to be able to do it more quickly.

How do you do this?

There are different MIDI foot controllers available; I use a Behringer FCB1010.