Clavia

-As usual, it’s perfectly built : great job ! :bravo: -The keys’ touch seems to me slightly better than the 4D version, as I play more easily some piano pieces which were problematic. -The knobs are smoother than the 4D version, and they don’t move on their axis. I prefer the way they feel. -The drawbars have slightly changed, now they’re even more comfortable -Ergonomically, perfection is within reach :bravo: -The compact and lightweight format with a free and customizable sound library is perfect, especially with 1 GB for piano sounds and 256 MB for samples. -The effect section is better, with more settings for some of them: Phaser/Flanger/Chorus/Vibe with a "deep" switch -The tube distortion sounds very musical – I love it! -A new split feature – at last! You can play 2 different sounds in the same time, or organize them in layers to enrich the harmonics: it sounds just great! -The church organ is a really good feature, use it alongside a harpsichord and you can access perfect sounds for a gloomy/gothic/classical ambiance, hmmmmm! :-D -The screen is a perfect example in terms of simplicity and ergonomics, with a perfect contrast (real black background with very easy to read white letters). -The sample part is enriched with a minimal envelope, very practical to use. Depending on the samples’ volume (which may vary), you can set their output level in dB, which is very practical when mixing two sounds. Now, let’s go to where it hurts (but only very slightly) 1/ Still no wheel or pitch bend controls: Why? They’re quite practical when using plugs or the synth sounds from the Nord library. Also, why no real resonance filter (even if there’s a filter level control)? 2/ It’s also a pity that you don’t have 4 separate outputs to record split performances: you’ll have to record the parts separately in your DAW. 3/ The effects are shared and you have to choose from either Lo or Up, so no way to get two independent effects on two parts, which I consider a bit of a pity. 4/ You can’t play 2 different samples or 2 different piano sounds in the same time in “layer” mode, only a B3 and a bass pedal However, you can play 1 piano or Nord sample sound shared in split mode, e.g. piano with a drive effect with the left hand and a phaser with the right hand. You can even cut the sustain of one part over the other, which is very practical to play a chord and let the sustain on a LO part for instance while letting the UP part playing a solo or bass – or the other way around. Still, the split or layer capacities are limited. 5/ the reverb is common to both sounds, which is pity if you want the reverb on only one of them. 6/ Another thing I regret is the fact that when you change program among the 4 available in the “set list” menu, the sustain suddenly stops working A real problem for live IMO, perhaps this is the device’s main fault compared with a Kronos, but the price range isn’t the same either. In the end: as a whole, I’m seduced by this new version which really adds something, especially with the 1GB of piano sounds, the split/layer, the new, better-sounding effects, the screen and “set list” mode to prepare your shows, the church organ, the way the delay and reverb can now be used together or separate… I didn’t give it a full 5 stars however, as while it’s close to perfection it still lacks a few features...

Modeling synthesizer with two oscillators per voice: analog+FM, Hard & Soft Sync, 4-part multi-timbral with effects, arpeggiator, LFO. Everything can be synced to the internal clock or to an external one via usb or midi. Light 49-key keyboard without aftertouch. 396 programs + 99 Performances. For more information and specific details visit NORD's website directly. UTILIZATION I haven't had the need to open the user's manual after one week of use. It is well designed and, except fro the Mutator mode (an automatic program generator that I haven't tested), I have perfectly mastered this synthesizer, which is a great tool to create one's own sound palette without the need to be an expert on synthesis. I like particularly the Performance mode, a real blessing live thanks to its Impulse Morph mode that assigns seven modulations directly to three buttons that are easily accessible right next to the wheel and pitch. Very practical to manage with the left hand. The feel is very nice and firm, even if I personally find the key return is not fast enough, which demands some practice if you want play a bit more technically and fast. I think an aftertouch would have been useful, given the modulation possibilities. In my view, the keyboard is the synth's only weak point. Nevertheless, we can connect a modulation pedal to which we can assign the volume or the wheel. This allows us to keep both hands on the keyboard while modulating the sound and, anyway, aftertouch is rather random and hard to master in practice. But it wouldn't have hurt to have it and be able to disable it as well, like on the minibrut. So, to cut it short: for the price I would've liked to have aftertouch too. I love its build quality and lightness. It's compact while still remaining ergonomically impressive. I noticed that the buttons are more flexible in their movements than before, while remaining firmly on their axis! I think their movement is very well adapted for fast playing with a synth, which is great. The multi-timbral mode can be easily split in two parts, A&B on the left side and C&D on the right, the split point is obviously adjustable. SOUNDS Simply put, its sound is the best and most versatile that I have heard in terms of synthesizers. It sounds deep and very similar to an analog synth (which I know a bit about) with a modern touch and flexibility for modelling, I love it! The nord lead 4 covers all domains without any particular weakness: deep lows, a sharp lead synth, pads and FX, everything is possible, and the sound is always pleasant to the ears, even when taking it to the extreme. It also has a round and warm side to it, a bit like an analog synth, but also a cold one with its FM mode and Sync, in addition to the modulations that are very easy to set up, it's child's play and a real pleasure to play with, you can simply concentrate on your creative side and technique. OVERALL OPINION For me, apart from the lack of aftertouch and the keyboard keys' sluggish return, it's almost flawless. It's simply the best nord lead ever. The price is hefty but it really is enough for everything that has to do with synthesis, thanks to its richness of modulations and the great versatility of its oscillators and filters that cover almost all eras and genres. The quality of the modeling brings it very close to an analog synth, especially given the quality of its filters, which are perfect, in my opinion. Live or in the studio, it can perform very well in both situations. In short, if you have the money, go for it. You won't regret it.

(Originally written by Septentrion/translated from Audiofanzine FR) I have to admit that I miss my Gem ProMega 3 but I sold it because of its weight, reliability problems, and because Gem has no reliable after-sale service anymore. What other European brand do we have left? CLAVIA (from Sweden) of course!!! I bought a NordStage76 and WOW!!!! It has everything I liked about the ProMega3: ease of use, musicality, manufacturing quality, keyboard quality, simplicity (one function per control like with the Gem, although some buttons require that you press an additional button, which isn't very convenient). It's a real instrument, not a Japanese toy! And compared to the ProMega, you get additional advantages like more accuracy! Yes, even Rhodes sounds are great! And let's not forget the latest piano provided by Nord as a free download... It's amazing!!! My hands can't believe it yet. On top of that it is light (especially the 76 version) and versatile. Like with the ProMega, you actually feel that the Nord Stage is an instrument made by musicians for musicians and with a strong European character. I would have liked to keep my ProMega at home but I didn't have enough space or money. I don't regret having upgraded to the Nord Stage, which is like its modern reincarnation. Small cons: The limited memory space is a pity (the new EX model solves that problem). The USB connector isn't Midi compatible (it's only conceived to download sounds, configurations, or update the OS). No arpeggiator, split points aren't fully adjustable, lack of punch in the audio output (the overall sound quality compensates this disadvantage). But I'm being picky because I actually love this instrument and I look forward to lots of years of pleasure with it. UTILIZATION Everything has already been said about this device. Intuitive, simple and easy to use. It has the same spirit as the ProMega. Everything is musical and inspiring to play and create music. SOUNDS I don't know anything better for piano, rhodes and organ sounds. Even though I've tried out virtually everything on the market. Some provide better pianos but none of them offers such a comprehensive solution nor a well-balanced sound. And the playability is incredible (I was a bit afraid that the keyboard would be too light but it's perfect for me and it reminds me an old piano). I was positively surprised by the synthesizer section. It's a lot of fun and very convenient for additional sounds. The effects are awesome too! For example, a rhodes + leslie with distortion and you're ready for Echos! With a hi-fi system the sound lacks a bit of punch but it is terrific when you play with a PA system. OVERALL OPINION It's been a two months honeymoon. I use it at home, for rehearsals, for recording sessions and live on stage with a band. Even my musician friends noticed the precision, the presence and the dynamics of the sound, but also the stereo depth and the presence within a mix (strong but not overemphasized). I hesitated a long time before buying it (and my banker did too), but like all other musicians who have it, I don't regret it. It's a real instrument, made for musicians.

The clavia website is the best place to look for this... ;) UTILIZATION - Is it easy to make settings? 1 function 1 control, it is often repeated but it's the synth's greatest advantage. Some menus to configure the unit, the audio outputs, the MIDI I/Os and everything can be accessed from the front panel! It's really the best to program quickly very personal sounds - Is it easy to edit sounds or effects? Editing is the best, despite the absence of effects, I think the sound can be edited very deeply thanks to the LFO and other modulations The Morph group is evidently the synths greatest asset, you can assign a control to several settings, each one of which can be individually programmed (its intensity, direction)... It's excellent! The arpeggiator is also awesome, it's great on round and warm leads. It doesn't have any effects, but I don't miss them. You can find all the effects you need in any sequencer. The only thing it lacks, in my view, is more original oscillators... - Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive? Clear and comprehensive enough, very good! SOUNDS - Do the presets fit your music style? Oh, yes they do! Complemented with my Virus, I have the best of 2 worlds, the round and warm sounds of the Nord Rack 3 and the aggressive and brutal sounds of the Virus... This synth is specially good for pads of all genres and nice arpeggios that can acquire a very personal color. It's a great instrument! - Are they authentic? I think there are better synths for that, but that's not the reason I bought it! - Are the effects effective and do they suit your application? No effects, except for a (nice) distortion and a detune (which isn't any good, in my opinion...) - Is the expressiveness good? (velocity and aftertouch sensitivity)? Very good expression, especially when you assign its parameters (velocity, aftertouch) with the Morph Group. - Which sounds do you prefer / hate?... The best: The big pads, strings, the warm and round leads, but also the somewhat distorted sounds. I was surprised that some people here complain about the basses, with a bit of effort you can get really good things out of it!!! The filters are very good, the envelopes, too. Nothing to say in this regard, the sound is excellent! I only regret the detune!!! To be honest, when you activate it the sound loses consistency and volume, and I find the effect dull and tasteless, nothing like the one on the Virus, for example... OVERALL OPINION - How long have you been using it? 1 month - Which features do you like the most / the least? It's personal touch, the warmth of its sound - Did you try any other models before buying it? No, just the Virus Ti, which I bought as well!!! - How would you rate its value for money? Excellent at first, but maybe less now because you can find more "technological" synths at the same price point today, but I bought it due to its sound, and it's really worth it!!! - Based on your experience, would you choose this product again? Yes, I would!!!

The C2D by Nord has dual 61 key organs. It has real drawbars on it, I have recently let go of the Electro 2 for the C2D because of the dual keyboards and real drawbars on it. I was waiting for the release of the C2D for a long time and finally got my hands on it a few months ago. The C2D is very expensive but it is a must have, if you can not afford it then save up your money and get it as soon as you have to money for it because you will not have better sounding organs. If you love the B3 then this is the only board that is going to give you that sound in the portable version. I have tried tons of keyboards, many of which had some good sounding organs. Nords organs have always been the best, but the C2D makes the previous versions of the Electro’s sound horrible compared to the sound of the organs on the C2D. UTILIZATION Setting up the C2D is pretty simple, but this was the first time that I have owned a Nord dual keyboard. The interface was different and it did have a small learning curve but it only took me a few hours to fully have a good grasp on how everything works. SOUNDS It does come with a manual but I didn’t use it to get the hang of the keyboard. I just started messing with it until I had everything down. It was easier for me to learn like that than to start reading through the manual. OVERALL OPINION The organ sounds are the best, period. You will not find better sounding organs on a newer portable keyboard. They C2D may be heavy and it is a lot of work to transport it around but it is worth the backache. It is heavy and well built. You just can’t go wrong with the C2D.

The Clavia Nord C3 is an organ simulator. It's basically one of the best, if not the best, out there right now, giving you perfect replications of the Hammond B3, Farfisa, and Vox continental organs, as well as pipe and church organs. Since these are among the most popular and celebrated (and therefore fiercely loved) organ sounds out there, a simulator needs to be really accurate, and it's really impressive just how accurate this thing is. It has two keyboards which contain 61 keys each. There are accessories for a foot pedal to add the additional foot pumps, and there are a ton of different parameters to adjust, for instance, adding a leslie rotary speaker effect, reverb, delay, and different oscillation settings. There's also an EQ. UTILIZATION With all of these features it can be a real struggle to manage this thing well, however, setting different presets isn't too hard and can help make this thing a lot easier. Basically you just have to take the time to get used to switching between sounds, if you plan on doing a lot of switching during songs. If not it's pretty easy. Getting this thing setup is simple if you want to use it live but it's definitely less conventional than plugging a keyboard into an amp, assuming you want to use it at its full potential. For all the features it offers, however, this is a small complaint. SOUNDS I honestly still can't believe how accurate these sounds are. Organs, which are notoriously difficult to record, seemed even more impossible to replicate digitally, but Nord seems to have this thing nailed. While the church and pipe organs do a great job replicating the original sounds (especially in the studio!), the real highlight for me is for the Hammond and Vox, as well as Farfisa, emulations. This is where the instrument becomes invaluable for gigging. There's so many variations that you can get virtually any kind of Hammond or Continental sound you want. OVERALL OPINION Overall this is probably the best simulator out there. I can't believe how realistic it is. These are expensive but absolutely worth it to any organ player who doesn't have the means to tow an organ from gig to gig. I absolutely highly recommend this to almost any keys player who wants to get into playing organ, as it's really the next best thing.

The nord Piano has 88 keys, stretching all 7 octaves. It has a stereo/mono output, headphone output, 3 pedal sustain input, 1/8" stereo audio input, midi in/out and usb. The keyboard has 500mb of memory that you can store any of the Nord Piano Library samples in. The great thing is they are always releasing new samples and you can keep them all on your computer and swap the internal sounds at your leisure via the software included with the keyboard. There are several effects including tremelo, phaser, auto wah, chorus, amp simulation, reverb and EQ. Yes, they can all be edited via the front panel. UTILIZATION The general setup of this keyboard is very basic. It's only function is to emulate traditional piano style instruments. These include Grand Piano, upright Piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzers, Clavinets, and Harpsichords. The effects are all manipulated via the control panel and most have dedicated knobs while others have small, easy to use buttons that cycle through the options. Setup is as easy as plugging the audio output into an amp or sound system and powering on. The manual is well written and runs through the basics of what this keyboard can do. In all honesty though, there aren't any hidden features or anything that you won't notice after using this board for a half hour. The LCD display is kind of small which can be a pain, but NORD included a 5 button preset selector that lets you switch between instruments quickly and painlessly live. This is extremely handy for any performer who needs to be on his toes. SOUNDS The samples in this keyboard are literally the best I have ever heard. I own a real Rhodes keyboard and the sound difference between the two is almost imperceptible. In fact, the nord sounds better right now because my Rhodes needs to be tuned and have a tine replaced. The Piano samples are amazing. I admit that they don't sound as good as the Steinway in the studio I work, but they are far better than any other keyboard I have used and are extremely well received by audience and fellow musicians. We also have a Whurly A200 in the studio and Nord got that one right on too. The expressiveness of this board is really one of the biggest selling points. In one word, AMAZING! I used a cheap Maudio Keystation Pro for so long, I forgot how much expression I was missing. After sitting on the NP 88 for 1 minute, I was reminded what it feels like to play a real instrument. My love for Piano has been rekindled thanks to this board. You get a couple of options for velocity settings but I still have mine on the default and love it. The effects are fantastic. The reverb is full and lush and the amp simulations are really really good. My only beef is that the effects are not in stereo. It's not a total loss as I run my rhodes patches in mono and I don't really use effects except for reverb with the piano but it would have been nice to have stereo effects, especially for the Chorus. All the sounds on this board are excellent. It is absolutely amazing when you look at the size of some of the samples then hear them. I have huge samples of pianos on my computer that don't sound as good as these tiny (in comparison) samples. OVERALL OPINION What I like most about this keyboard is the sound quality, the expressiveness of the keybed and most of all, it only weighs 40lbs. Now I can have a top notch rhodes sound without killing my back every week. On top of that, I also have a spot on clavinet, whurly and harpsichord and an extremely beautiful, full, well rounded piano without having to tax my computer's CPU. The only thing I don't like is the fact that there are no Organs on this board. I guess you need to buy the "STAGE" nord keyboard for that, but it would have been nice. I paid under $2000 for a used one which is a lot of money, but, for a performing keyboardist, this is worth every penny. The sound quality is unbelievable and will impress everyone you play it for. I have used a few different keyboard from Kurzweil, Roland and Korg. The Roland boards I have used have really good actions, but I never really cared for the sounds. The Kurzweil's are aslo good but not as good as the Nord. The Korgs I have used don't come anywhere close. Yes, I highly recommend this keyboard for anyone who wants to sound amazing, have all the keyboards you wish you could have on stage without the need for Roadies and have seriously good expressive samples.

This is the rackmount version which means no keyboard, just the sound module. You can run the full 88 key gambit with any keyboard that has Octave switching or has 88 keys. The beauty of this beast and most other nord products is they offer Free alternatives to the built in presets. They can all be found on Nord's website. Factory settings give you two Rhodes, a whurly, a clavinet, and an awesome B3 emulations. You also get these effects: Tube type Overdrive, Rotary Speaker simulation (slow, fast, stop), Equalizer, Chorus (2 types), Flanger (2 types), Phaser (2 types), Tremolo, Auto Wah, regular Wah (2 types), Auto panning and Ring modulation. The rack offers easy ways to adjust almost every parameter you need through the on board menus/buttons/knobs. It may look complicated, but it really is not, after you spend a little time with it. As for connections, you have USB (mainly for connecting to computer and transferring new sounds) midi in and out, pedal inputs for sustain, rotary speed and a control assignable pedal, and finally stereo (mono) output and headphones. Yes, this is editable through a Mac/PC and is necessary to swap sound sets. It has full polyphony which means you can hit every possible note and it won't "steal" or be "stolen" by another. UTILIZATION The sound and effect editing on this beast is extremely simple. It was built for live use and certainly proves that with the 8 user programmable memory slots and the dedicated organ section that has visual feedback for individual tone bars. I believe the configuration of this unit is quite simple. Mainly due to the fact that it only emulates "simple" instruments, simple compared to multi oscillator synths with all sorts of bells and whistles. This unit is simply an emulator for a few great instruments with some effect parameters and the organ controls. Setup is as simple as pluggin in the power, the audio cables (to a mixer or amp) and your favorite midi keyboard. The only time I needed the manual was to better understand swapping sound sets, and yes, it was very helpful and well written. SOUNDS The sounds are surprisingly good, and this is an older model. The only thing that suffers is the downloadable piano patches. They are not horrible by any means but they don't offer the realism that you get from the other instruments. Again, these are old sounds as they have released new instruments and sound libraries since. The expressiveness is spot on. I believe if you didn't see my M audio Midi Controller on stage, you would think I was playing the real versions of these instruments, at least in a live situation. The effects are very good as well. They all faithfully reproduce the tone and color you would expect from the real deals. I was disappointed that there was no delay, but what are you gonna do?. The rotary is especially sweet and really mimics a leslie very well. I also like the Chorus a lot too. The ring mod is kinda weak, but I have the Moog 102 as a comparison so...... What sounds do I like the best? All of them except the Acoustic Pianos. The B3 seems to get the most attention from the audience, but I personally love the Rhodes patches. They saved me (and my back) from luggin around my 88 key MK1. OVERALL OPINION What I like most about this unit is the fact that it faithfully reproduces the sound and glory of all these vintage, expensive and very heavy instruments in a small, rackmountable box. Until I have roadies that will do all my heavy lifting after a show, I will be relying on Nord products. The only thing I don't like about this unit is I cannot update to the newest sound Library. That is too be expected since the unit is getting on in years but I am also disappointed that they didn't release a Nord Electro Rack 3. I already have a keyboard I like and space is limited so I don't want to buy another keyboard. I got this unit for $750 and I am very happy with that price, especially because they seem to be selling for much more on ebay, which means I can upgrade down the road and maybe even make a little $ too. I give it a 9 out of 10 only because the acoustic pianos are kinda thin. I have used so many different software and hardware synths to reproduce these instruments that the list would be way to long. Ones to note would be Scarbee's Kontakt libraries (very good but can be cpu hungry), Native Instruments plugins, Korg Triton, and Yamaha Motif. I believe the Nord beats them all however. Yes, if I see another one at this price, I might just pick that one up too.

I’m using my Nord Stage 2 mainly for the fantastic piano and organ sounds. The rest is all vst from now on. I had the electro 3 before. Also super keyboard but i upgraded. I really haven’t found anything vst that comes close. It all just sounds so fat and dynamic. I love the waterfall keybed also. Plus the direct approach of the buttons and dials. It’s pretty lightweight but still tough. It’s not such a great controller, IMO, although I’d love to see a quality Nord controller. Built like a tank. It’s been on hundreds of cover l concert stages for the last 10(?) years and it still has no technical problems. With Nord you really get what you pay for, in big contrast with other brands, who try to sell cheap China stuff for big money. I would buy a Nord anytime again when this one fails on me.

The Clad Nord Electro 4D has some amazing sounds, the organs are perfect. I normally don’t like organs on newer synths but the organs on the Clad Nord Electro 4D shocked me big time. The Clad Nord Electro 4D is a 61 key synth that can also be used as a MIDI controller if you want it to be one. There are no speakers on this keyboard so you will need to have the audio running out to your DAW or external sound source (speakers). UTILIZATION The keys on the Clad Nord Electro 4D feel pretty good, they are semi weighted and have a nice feel to them even when you first play the 4D. The keys do not need to be broken in, they will feel great right out of the box. SOUNDS Nord actually surprised me with this keyboard synth because they put some solid effects in to it. Some of my favorite effects are the tremolo, auto-wah, and chorus. But it does have some really good reverb types and it will let you pick from 6 different reverb styles like stage and hall. If you want to use the Clad Nord Electro 4D live it will be really easy to pick your patches and change your sounds on the fly. The Clad Nord Electro 4D has 4 live memory locations and they will automatically save for you without you even having to tell it to. OVERALL OPINION I would recommend this keyboard to a lot of musicians, mainly live musicians. But the issue is the price, it cost a lot of money. If you are into electronic music this keyboard will be perfect for you if you can afford it. If I could go back, I probably would not buy this keyboard again because of the price. I could have spent that money on other gear and got more stuff for that amount of money.

I have had the privilege over the last year to work with the Nord Stage 2 by Clavia. The Nord Stage 2 is a true all in one keyboard workstation that can handle all of your musical needs. All of the presets and sounds that come on the board are amazing and full. All of these rich sounds are worth every penny you will have to pay to have this workstation, I cost a little over 3500 dollars, which is why I don’t own it but I get the chance to use it when in a studio that is close by. It has some really good modulation effects like, flanger , phaser, pedal wah, ring mod, and chorus just to add a few and it has 6 different mastering effects and compressors right on board. So whether you are using this board as your main studio component or using it as a sound module, it doesn’t matter. It can handle whatever you throw at it. UTILIZATION It is not easy to use, but you can figure it out just by some trial and error depending on what you are using it for. All of your midi connections are easy and audio in and outs are easy to get to and set it up to sync with your DAW. The sample memory is 380 MB on the Stage 2 with a built in 3 band EQ. SOUNDS From strings to pianos to basses, they are all great quality and some of the best that I have heard out of all of the newer boards that are on the market today. There are plenty of effects right on board, you can easily use this keyboard as your main “brain” of your studio and not have to worry about anything else if you don’t want to. OVERALL OPINION The Nord Stage 2 has everything you need, and I mean everything. It is just so out of reach because it cost way to much to purchase it for your home set up. But if you want the quality that it provides you will have to pay. I will be owning one of these soon though, I have been saving up! I have used many Clavia keyboards and this one is the best by far! It is a monster!

There are not any on-board effects. UTILIZATION Couldn't be easier. 4 part multi-timbral and no effects. Very few hidden menus, all of which do not affect the sound creation side of the synth. Easiest I have used so far, by far. The only reason I give this a 9 is because recently I have noticed a slight hum coming from the power adapter inside. I have owned it for years and it travelled to Japan from Australia with me. The box it travelled in took a real beating too. The nord is still ticking, or should i say screaming. SOUNDS In a word amazing! I love the sound of this thing. The sound more than makes up for the lack of effects. I have created some mind blowing patches, hard, gritty, raw, nasty. I only use the NL2 for harder edged sounds. Although it is quite capable of creating beatiful sweeping pads, I use other synths for that. OVERALL OPINION I do love this thing, but to give it a 10 compared to the current crop of synths would be a bit out of wack. I only use the NL2 for heavy grinding sounds, and for those sounds, I would give it a 10 for sure. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown ( 5-, 2003)