Nord User Forum

Running a stereo mix in a studio session, when the tracks are played through mono devices (i.e. Ipad, phone speakers, some laptops, etc) the keyboard track loses almost half volume and sounds like you dropped it in a coffee can. Obviously a phasing issue. So, how do you solve this to make it more compatible with mono mixes? I don't want to lose stereo sound-field and spacious leslie effects, but need to be able to have things balanced on portable devices mentioned above.

Tried multiple jack configurations, TRS headphone split into two 1/4", also a single 1/4" in L/R, neither works well in mono. Tracks are currently hard panned 100% left and right. Tried being more moderate with them (about 70-85% pan) and have the same issue. Could it maybe be signal routing through aux or effects channels? Should we just bounce one of the tracks to mono and lay it across the stereo spread, so in effect running a mono, and both hard panned L/R at the same time? How would that effect the placement of keys in the mix?

I have encountered this issue with a mic'd piano due to microphone phasing but did not think it could be an issue with jack's straight into a nord due to better signal timing...

Any tips greatly appreciated!

Which Nord keyboard? How are you mixing from stereo to mono?

I experienced a horrible tinny-sounding stereo problem like you describe when I accidentally had a TRS plug in one of the unbalanced (TS) L or R ports.

The electo 2 schematics show a possible short circuit between LR channels under these circumstances. I have an Electro 3 that exhibits this behaviour, so I think the audio output port design is common among multiple Nord boards.

Good luck.

Yeah, need to know bit more about your source?
On the Stage -depending on OS or version- there is a mono compatible setting which does help, though to be honest if the piano is within an average mix, I don't notice a major problem with tone shifts when checking for mono compatibility. I'd be checking wiring.

My bet is on one of your input channels having switched phase.

Check your audio interface channels, mixer, or DAW. Does the problem go away when you record to two mono channels and flip the phase on one of them?

+1 to Ledbetter's post...it will be helpful if you identify the model Nord you're talking about here...

Pablo