Nord release a keyboard

[nix808]

Nord Clavia or Nord Keyboards released a keyboard in 2023,
called the Nord Stage 4,
which appears to have hell of a lot of controls

[Jim Roseberry]

The Stage 4 is excellent... especially for playing live.
As a long-time workstation user, I was initially put-off by the limitations of the Stage-3.
After actually using one and playing live with it, I much prefer it to any current workstation (I've owned them all).
Loved the NS3... so I migrated to the NS4.

Couple of things about the NS4.
Many of the samples that were in the NS3 are not in the NS4... and the Sound Manager won't convert them.
Thus, if you programmed numerous patches that use those NS3 samples, you'll either need to sample them from the NS3... or replace them with other samples.
One weakness of the NS4 is the included samples. IMO, They're a step backward compared to the NS3.
I kept the NS3 so that I could sample all the sounds I needed. Once that was done... I sold it.
My advice to NS3 owners wanting to upgrade to the NS4, keep the NS3 until you've fully migrated.
What should have been a two day process... for me took several weeks (to get the NS4 fully programmed and gig ready).

There are some differences in the Synth engines.
The NS4 doesn't allow the user to tune stacked waveforms in semi-tones (unlike the NS3).
You've got octave, 5th, and octave/fifth preset intervals.
If you have to cover something like the intro to Turn Me Loose (4 note G add9 chord that slides up two octaves), you have to use all three synth sections on the NS4 (fifth, octave, 9th). The NS3 could do this with its two synth engines.
To me, that's a step backward.
By default, I also think the NS3's "Super Saw" waveform sounds significantly better.

Otherwise, the NS4 is an amazing keyboard.
The triple-sensor keyboard is weighted enough for playing piano... and still quick enough for playing synth leads.
New effects engine is a lot more powerful/flexible (though I don't find myself using lots of effects/processing).
The raw sounds are very good.

One big downside to the Nord keyboards... they're expensive.

[nix808]

thanks for the detailed info Jim!

I power up my G2 Engine probably 3 times every week recently,
using MIDI guitar to play it

[Super Galactic]

Do they show the chords on the keys because I don't know music theory but if I know exactly where the chords are I can do it?

[nix808]

no, but u can put coloured stickers on the keys