Nord’s fans would love this brand new flagship instrument line. The new Nord Stage 2 series incorporates Nord’s latest organ, piano and synthesizer technologies. The Stage 2 models includes Nord Stage 2 HA88; a 88 – note, Nord Stage 2 HA76; a 76 – note, and both model feature new fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard and Nord Stage 2 SW73 features a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall keyboard, Effects; Effect 1 – Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Pan, Wah, AutoWah 1, Autowah 2 , Effect 2 – Phaser 2 types, Chorus 2 types, Flanger and Vibe, EQ, Delay and Reverb, 400 programs, LED, Master clock, Modulation wheel.
The Nord Stage 2 series have similar features apart from the keyboard. Part of what sets the Stage 2 apart from typical performance-oriented keyboards is the impeccable attention to detail in its extensive collection of sounds, keybed and control. Armed with twice the program memory of its predecessor, the widely popular Stage EX, the Stage 2 has the bandwidth to include subtitles such as string resonance, dynamic pedal noise and new Piano Release function, and is compatible with the new Nord v5 Piano library, maximizing the range of available sounds. The all-new Piano Release function once activated, you will get a slightly longer release more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument. Likewise, the new Gen 3 organ is simply astonishing! The Stage 2 also features 380MB of on-board sample memory and with the Sample Manager users can also create their own bespoke sound setups, adding endless depth to its synth sound section. The Synth section also features a new powerful arpeggiator that can be easily synced to the Stage 2’s Master Clock for perfect timing with other elements of the Stage 2, including its effect. On top of all of these the Nord Stage 2 also features an even more extensive effects section than ever before.
Additionally, the Stage 2 control panel and user interface have been designed to give immediate access to all of the key functions, and users are able to quickly and easily see exactly what they have selected. All vital functions are controlled by dedicated single-function knobs – dedicated piano, organ and synthesizer sections and new Live Mode buttons. And when you feel the texture and response of the new custom-designed keybed, you will have no doubt that this keyboard is made for professional keyboardist. If you are looking for the ultimate live keyboard, you are going to love the user-friendly Nord Stage 2, an instrument that offers huge expandability.
Nord introduced the new Nord Piano 88 at Winter NAMM 2010. And as it is coming from Nord the stage piano is not going to be a straight forward piano but brings players to another level of realism. The Nord Piano 88 is build not only with sound quality, flexibility, lightweight and portability in mind but also added an impressive response and functionality.
The Nord Piano 88 features 88 keys, weighted hammer action keyboard. The Nord Piano incorporates three band EQ, 6 categories of piano sounds; Grand, Upright, EP Tines, EP Reeds, Clavinet and Harpsichord. Nord went further by adding some modeling, sympathetic string resonance and pedal noise modeling. The pedal noise works in a very natural way. The effects in the Nord Piano are just as detailed as the piano sounds them selves. The tremolo adds that perfect vibe, the pan sweeps across the stereo panorama, and the auto-wah brings out the funk in you, like never before.
The portable keyboard weight approximately 18 kg. The Nord Piano 88 is designed specifically for the piano centric guys as there are no strings nor synthesizers just pianos, electric pianos and harpsichord.
The Nord Wave Synthesizer is both lightweight and solidly built. Weighing in at merely 6 kg, the instrument was made for live gigs. Controls; 33 knobs, 3 notched endless encoders and 33 buttons are located at the front panel. The LCD screen shows the value of all parameters while editing, especially the names of multi-samples and digital waveforms. The value of certain parameters is shown in its true unit of measurement; frequency in Hz, time in seconds, intervals in semitones. A dedicated Panic button can cut all notes and is ideal for gigs.
The Nord Wave features 49-keys 4-octave keyboard that is sensitive to both velocity and pressure. The Nord Wave has an extensive sound range from imitations of vintage analogs, digital hybrids to acoustic instruments with a 189 MB Flash Memory pre-filled to ninety per cent. The multi-samples are well assembled, well looped and musical. The best part of this multi-sample bank is the Mellotron, since its samples are static. The Nord Wave offers no less than 250 MB recorded from Mellotron built from original parts. Nord Wave shines in synth sounds like synth basses, soft leads, portamento, arpeggios, pads and digital sounds. The Nord Wave is a digital synthesizer with 18-note polyphony. The memory contains 8 banks of 128 programs, including 3 pre-programmed. Fortunately, you can scroll through programs by number, category or alphabetically and they are simple and effective. Its range of sounds is surprising, with very different and perfectly complementary timbres within easy reach.
If all these sounds complicated, you got the wrong impression, it is the exact opposite. I have the distinct impression that the Nord Wave Manager takes care of most of the work with excellent results. The Nord Wave is a concentration of synthesis types with excellent musicality, user friendly, robust, and lightweight and the instrument is built for live performances.
Digital Pianos
