I had the chance to play one in my local store and it simply blew me away! I had to buy it!
Especially the organ section. The percussion is much smoother, the key-click sounds so much more authentic, not to speak of the leakage and the scanner vibrato... The Leslie sounds much more real - especially the tube distortion is super smooth and it growls...
The pianos are the same of course. The action is a little bit stiffer than on the NS Compact but thats not a bad thing. The EQ section with the parametric mids is a real life saver when playing live.
The sampling section is GREAT! A lot of useful stuff there and the sample editor is very easy to use. Mellotron sounds are so cool...
Bear in mind that the Keyboard is mono timbral - so only one sound can be played at once.
What could be better?
In the effect section there is only a rate knob, so you can't control the amount. I hope, they will allow to change the amount by using the shift knob in a software update.
You can't import the old *.nsp format. One of my favorite Grands was the StudioGrand XL Yam C7 close v2.1
Also, you can't edit the sample libraries from Clavia. I'd like the ability to map 2 sounds to different key ranges, like having a keyboard split. I can do that with my own samples though.
If you have any questions about the E3, ask me!
Nord Stage Unofficial User Forum
This Forum is dedicated to the Clavia Nord Stage (and Nord Electro and Nord Piano) keyboards. Discuss any issues around Nord's flagship stage piano, share your music and patches.
