Do You Want to Learn More About Nord Keyboard Pedal Options?

[@davevaebutuoy]

Great video Marc, as usual! I got the Yamaha FC5 with my DX7 many years ago and I was thrilled when I found it worked with my nord. I've been using it as a sustain pedal at home and leaving my nord sustain pedal at our jamming studio so I don't have to lug it around, but until your video, I never thought of simply using the FC5 as a foot switch in addition to the nord sustain pedal, which would definitely come in handy during some tunes where I need to pick the next program while playing. I bought the Yamaha FC7 (which every nord owner should have) shortly after getting my nord after watching one of your earlier videos, so thanks again for all that you do for the nord community.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@davevaebutuoy Dave, that Yamaha is so small and easy to pack! And yes, the FC7 - it's been rock solid since that video I made back in 2017. Thanks for stopping by.

[@kenhogan4381]

Hi Marc, happy with the Stage 4, just need to learn how to use it, I will sign up for your course which looks great, many thanks

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@kenlandeman4381 Hey Ken, thank you so much for signing up as an early adopter! Enjoy the course! 🎹

[@grzegorztomasiak]

@@MyKeysToMusicis the course available?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@grzegorztomasiak Grzegorz, thanks for your question. Officially, the course is not released yet. However, I'm making it available for early adopters upon request as well over 1/3rd complete at this point. You can find the course in this "hidden" location here: www.mykeystomusic.com/courses/master-the-nord-stage-4

[@Notmehimorthem]

AFAIK the Half mod is not mountable on the Stage 4?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Notmehimorthem I can confirm that the Half-Moon switch (from Nord) is both compatible and mountable on the Nord Stage 4 Compact ONLY. If you get the NS4 73 HA or 88 key, not only are there no pre-drilled holes to mount the switch, but the function is not available altogether, from my understanding. If you managed to find a half-moon from another company AND you could program it to send MIDI, you could theoretically program it to toggle the speed of the rotor using CC# 108 using the values: 0, 43, 85, and 127 in various combinations to provide all the on/off and slow/fast/stop options.

[@nacky.piano.trumpet]

THANK YOU❤I always refer to it.From Japan

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@nacky.piano.trumpet Thank you for the referral! Greetings from the U.S.

[@richardtorrance7700]

Hello Marc, I am glad I found you. I'm having trouble figuring out how to use the Nord SP2 pedal for rotor speaker control. But, seeing this video, I may be happier with the half moon switch as in the old school Hammond B3 / Leslie. Do you have to go into the parameters and set it up? I can't seem to locate the instructions for the set up of the pedal in the manual. RT

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@richardtorrance7700 Hello Richard! It sounds like you have an NS4 based on the fact that you have an optional Nord SP2 pedal. First, ensure we're talking about the "Compact" version of the Stage, as this is the only board type supporting the Half-Moon option. So, if you are using the 76 or 88 key Stage 4, you may not see the option for the Half-Moon. Assuming you have a Compact, you'll find the option in the system PEDAL settings under the "Rotor Pedal Type" options. Once there, you can move the program knob until it reads "Half-Moon." Here is a picture of what a connected Half-Moon looks like on a Nord Stage 4 Compact: app.screencast.com/SfzQBNIMe0RLo *Steps* 1) Push and hold the shift button 2) While holding the shift button, select the "Pedal" button under the main display of the panel. This is where you'll find all/most of your pedal options. 3) Use the Page Up/Down buttons found under the main program selector knob and navigate to page 5 on that screen. There, you should see "Rotor Pedal Options" 4) Use the Main program selector knob and move to "Half Moon Switch," as the picture above indicates. 5) Using the function option on that same screen (press the "2" button right below the OLED screen) and you get choices for "Rotor Hold" or "Rotor Toggle" Pro Tip: My online Master Class for the NS4 has a total of no less than 12 dedicated lessons on just the pedals alone! There is SO much you can do with pedals for the Nord Stage 4 - they really pulled out all the stops. You can find my free and paid courses at www.MyKeysToMusic.com Good luck! - Marc

[@mikeluisipiano]

Amigo Marc, i finally can change my ns3 for a ns4 compact, the sustain pedal 1 makes the 0 to 100 values and the noise of machine? Or only de sustain pedal 2? And other models of any brand make the same? Thank you!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@mikeluisipiano Congrats on your decision to change to the NS4! For the pedal noise, you will need a Sustain Pedal 2 or either the Triple Pedal 1 or the Triple Pedal 2. I haven't tested with third-party pedals, but you can test the following to see if they work: 1. Yamaha FC3A 2. Roland DP-10 3. Korg DS-1H ⚠ Just be prepared to return them if they don't work.

[@mikeluisipiano]

@@MyKeysToMusic thank you Master!!!! Big hug

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@mikeluisipiano Happy to help!

[@mikeluisipiano]

@@MyKeysToMusic Dear Master, do you know the weight of the original cases of nord? Thank you!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@mikeluisipiano When you say "the original cases of Nord" are you referring to the varios Nord carry cases they make and the weight of each case? If you could be more specific, that would help here. Thanks!

[@garyusinger]

Aloha Marc, Gary here, one of your patron supporters. I was a little disappointed that this article didn't include the FCB1010 as one of the pedals. I have seen mention of it in other postings of yours. I have one as well as the software that supports it, but it is, even with the software, rather complicated. I will reach out to you via patron to see if you have any advice. Last time that I seriously got into programing the FCB was using it with my Yamaha Motif. I have it on the shelf right now, but it might be nice to see how much I could control with it on my Stage 3.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@garyusinger Hey Gary! Great to hear from you. As you may have seen, when I created this pedal video, I came out and said that I wasn't going to cover MIDI pedals - and I consider the FCB1010 in that family. In order for me to assist with this, I'd have to purchase the FCB1010 unit, learn how to use it, and make a video on that. I would LOVE to do this. However, time is not on my side as my priority right now is to finish the NS4 Master Course. Perhaps after that, I can tackle this interesting pedal setup and help those who have Nord keyboards use it (such as yourself). I wonder if the Nord User Forums would have anyone who has this pedal already and might be able to create a guide for it??

[@gabrielmoore6099]

So I know the Nord organ has bass pedals, is it possible for me to use it for the stage 4?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@gabrielmoore6099 Hey Gabriel! Absolutely, yes, the Nord organ bass pedals work equally well for Stage 4. I have connected mine several times. *My pro tips:* A. The Nord Bass Pedals (officially known as the "Nord Pedal Keys 27") output signal on MIDI channel 3 (you don't get to choose any other channel). B. The bass pedals include the expression pedal, which connects directly to the "Control Pedal" or the "Organ Swell" jack at the back of the keyboard. Most connect it to the Organ Swell to adjust the volume. C. The bass pedals will trigger MIDI on whatever is assigned to channel 3. This means you are not limited to playing any particular sound. Most will connect the pedals to have the Organ engine triggered (perhaps on layer B). D. The pedals are NOT velocity-sensitive. This means they are really meant to drive the organ engine as it, too, is not velocity-sensitive. Driving any other sound will play every note at MIDI velocity 127. This may be fine for selected synth sounds or bass pedal tones, but it's terrible when driving sounds from the Piano engine, for example. E. A good way to connect this is to use the "AUX keyboard" option unique to the Nord Stage 4. This will provide more isolated control so that the pedals play a single layer from a single engine (like the Organ). Here, you can define layers to listen to on channel 3 specifically. F. You can use the feature "B3 Bass" and set it up so that the pedals trigger only the B3 Bass sound. I assume most traditional organists will want this as their setup. Complete video instructions are available in my master class called "Master the Nord Stage 4," available at www.MyKeysToMusic.com

[@joaovalterf]

Hi, Mark! Me again, from Brazil. As I was notice to you, I'm waiting a Roland DP10 to test if it you work as a "alternative Nord Pedal 2". Ok! But, as an anxious man that I am, I decided to try an little experience this afternoon. See: So, studing a little about the "half-damping" mecanism from sustain pedals, I learned today that it has a pontenciometer inside. Ok. It's the way that they go from 0 to 100 (totaly analogic). Second step: I have a Yamaha VP50sT, a volume pedal, that I use to control the organ, often plugging it to "organ swell". Well, it uses a "y cable"that has a Stereo P10 in the side that entries at NS4. VP50sT uses a internal potenciometer to. Oh my God! I thinked "Hey, if it has the same internal mecanism and the same conexion, maybe... YES! I pluged the VP50sT on NS4 (sustain jack) and EUREKA: it worked as a half-damping pedal. How Nice! In other words: A Yamaha VP50xT (volume pedal) is a kind of a Nord Sustain Pedal 2 without a spring!!! So, I think that, when my Roland DP10 bring at my home, it will function perfectly as a half-damping pedal at NS4. Well. Sorry the thousands of words, but I think that is a good new to share with you. When I have the DP10 at my hands, I will be back here again to talk about! Thanks from Campina Grande, Brazil.

[@svenk.4102]

For the Nord Stage 4 the Kawai GFP-3 is identical to the new triple pedal. The Kawai F-10 H is also identical to the new single pedal.Both are much cheaper.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@svenk.4102 Thanks for the tips!

[@loulo204]

Hi Marc, love your videos they’ve helped me a lot as a new Nord user, I had a question: Does the FC5 work for the Nord Stage 4, I’ve read a lot that the FC5 polarity is backwards and I wouldn’t know how to fix that.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@loulo204 Hello Louise! Thanks for watching my videos. Yes, the Yamaha FC5 works fine with the Nord Stage 4 as a regular sustain pedal or footswitch. The polarity you speak can be easily changed directly in the keyboard settings by choosing either "open" or "closed." I have this pedal is well and it works great. Note, that it will not support the advanced options like Pedal Noise or the half-dampening that can be accomplished with either the Nord Triple Pedal or the Nord Sustain Pedal version 2.

[@loulo204]

@@MyKeysToMusicThanks for the fast reply, I just wanted a small sustain pedal to lug around in my bag just needed to make sure it was compatible, I already own the NSP2 but sometimes it to big to carry around. Thanks again!!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@loulo204 The FC5 will be perfect for this.

[@kenhogan4381]

Thank you Marc, I seem to recall you also have training program for the Stage 4

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@kenlandeman4381. Hey Ken - the course is getting there. If you want to get a jump start on things, you can be an early adopter and find the course at this hidden location: www.mykeystomusic.com/courses/master-the-nord-stage-4

[@kenhogan4381]

Thanks Marc, I will check it out, much appreciated

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@kenhogan4381 Sounds good Ken! - If there are more questions along the way, don't be shy.

[@DinoDraghi]

Thank you Sir!!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@DinoDraghi You are welcome Dino!

[@Daring2Win]

THANK YOU! You arey Nord Manual!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

You're welcome!

[@adamcb]

Just wanted to add to this great video from Marc and conversation that I was able to get the Yamaha FC3A pedal to work on my new Stage 4, acting just like the Nord Pedal 2 with half-dampening/sustain and pedal sounds. (The FC4A is Yamaha's "regular" pedal, the FC3A is identical in appearance but typically will NOT work on keyboards expecting a standard on/off sustain pedal). All I had to do was go in to the Pedal Settings and select the "Nord Pedal 2" option and the Stage 4 thinks it's a Nord Pedal 2. Good news is that I already had a FC3A for a Yamaha board and they're not backordered like the Pedal 2 right now in Feb 2023. Anxiously awaiting the Stage 4 Courses from Marc!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@adamcb Hello Adam! Thanks for the pro tips here and your positive comment! As we explore all these pedal options, we quickly realize that the pedals are somewhat interchangeable between brands and manufacturers (which is excellent for the consumer). We also recognize that not all keyboard companies actually make their own pedals (or keybeds, for that matter). This tip exposes that Yamaha FC3A retails for approximately $40 (U.S.) and the Nord Single Pedal 2 for $150 (U.S.) and provides the same functionality. It shows that a branded item can fetch a LOT more (although Yamaha is also a brand, but not as expensive as Nord). This idea of a branded item charged at a premium is not limited to professional keyboard equipment, of course - it expands to most products available worldwide (Apple, Starbucks, Mercedes Benz, Louis Vuitton, Prada, just to name a few!) Thanks again for your observations and pro tip!

[@ivansubdiaz5074]

Will you do a course for the Nord stage 4,??

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@ivansubdiaz5074 Hello Ivan! Yes, I'm nearly done with the course for the Nord Stage 4. You can sign up as a student at www.MyKeysToMusic.com and be added to the mailing list when it's released. We're targeting early 2024.

[@KyleofCarbondale]

Hi Marc, is there any single pedal options for Stage 3 that provides half-damper? Or is triple pedal 1 the ONLY option for half-damper (or continuous) on Stage 3?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@KyleofCarbondale Kyle, All of these single-pedal options should work and support the half-damper feature: 1. Yamaha FC3A 2. Roland DP-10 3. Korg DS-1H * You might have to tweak the pedal settings. And just in case, make sure you can return the pedal in the event it doesn't work for some reason. Good luck!

[@joaovalterf]

Thanks, man. Here in Brazil, with the taxes and shipment, a Nord Pedal Single 2 costa almost 300 dollars!!!! Now, I've just bought a Roland DP10 (40 dollars) and I'm waiting it bring by fedex. My hope is that the continuous system by roland being the same of the nords (at least, the plug ring with 2 annels is!!!). What do you think?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@joaovalterf HeyJoão! Although I don't have this exact Roland pedal, I believe there is a very good chance you'll get it to work with the Nord. Here are two others that may also work: 1. Yamaha FC3A 2. Korg DS-1H

[@joaovalterf]

@@MyKeysToMusic thank you, friend. I Will try it out and so I Will come here to talk IF it worked out.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@joaovalterf sounds good!

[@mikeluisipiano]

Dear Marc, sorry for many anwers, hehe, I have the roland dp-10 pedal, do you know any configuration in the ns4 compact for the better or correct use with the sustain pedal noise? As normal sustain works correct. Big hug!

[@joaovalterf]

Did you tried to change the adjustments at the program menu?

[@mikeluisipiano]

@@joaovalterf yes sir!

[@joaovalterf]

@@mikeluisipiano Well, I will receive a DP10 ina few days and will test it. But I think that if you change the settings to Nord Pedal 2 at NS4 Program it must work. (Marc teatched how to do it above). OR your pedal may be with some problem at internal potenciometer.

[@mikeluisipiano]

@@joaovalterf thank you Master, I'll wait for your test and check for ns4 compact. Big hug for you

[@Daniele-music]

What about the Nord lead 4?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Daniele-music Daniele - thanks for bringing this up. In my video, I made the cut to include Nord boards that are still being made from the factory today. For the Nord Lead 4, you have two jacks on the back, which include the usual sustain pedal, along with a control pedal jack allowing you to use a control/expression pedal to morph various things on the board, and that is programmable much like the Nord Lead A1, Wave 2 and Stage models. *Pro Tip: * When looking at the keyboards on the Nord website, they have a link at the top called "Legacy," where you can review the details of all the older boards. Once you pick a keyboard to review, you can click on the "specification" link at the top and then scroll to the bottom. Typically, this is where they display the back panel of their keyboards and define the details of what's available, etc.

[@maryannconklin7231]

My Nord 6 electro did not come with a foot peddle. I am using my old peddle from my previous keyboard. If replacing that peddle for my Nord 6 is there an improvement in the sound or function if I change the peddle? My M gear pedal is in the sustain pedal input.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@maryannconklin7231 Hello Mary Ann! Sorry for the delay with this response. There is no improvement in the sound based on switching out one manufacturer for another. Your M Gear pedal for the sustain will work just fine. You can consider adding a control pedal (like the Yamaha FC-7 expression pedal) if you don't already have one. That will give you more choices if you want to use it to adjust volume or adjust a few effects.

[@kenhogan4381]

Hi Marc can you provide training on my Nord Grand,many thanks Ken

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@kenlandeman4381 Key Ken! Great suggestion. Unfortunately, I don't have a Grand so this becomes a touch more challenging to pull off. Although, down the road I probably use do a mini training just having the panel diagram up on the screen and pointing to how things work. I will be creating a Nord Piano 5 course early next year. Luckily, the Grand has a single layer with two engines, so it'a a touch easier than some of the other Nord boards. You may learn a lot just by watching my other videos as many things in the Nord world are similar. Here are a couple of overview videos to get you started if you haven't already seen them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKaQamx6nL6eo5Yfeature=shared and kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGHcfYabaryGla8feature=shared

[@f.ziegler9950]

Hi Marc, this video will help beginners a lot as things got more complicated with pedals on a Nord. You can see people being confused on the Nord user forum. But are you sure that the half moon switch is perfectly described if you say that any unit with physical drawbars would accept a half moon switch? I think this was true until NS3 and NE6, but isn't any more with NS4 where all variations have drawbars (don't they?) and only the Compact would accept the half moon switch, I think.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@f.ziegler9950 So, you are 100% correct here. For some reason, I thought that all models of the NS4 supported the half-moon simply because they all have physical drawbars. I think a better way to say this now that you've clarified this is to say it like so. "Any Nord keyboard that has an Organ engine and the semi-weighted keybed can accommodate the half-moon switch." In other words, I should have based the logic off of the keybed, instead of the drawbars - that way the rule works in every scenario. I can also confirm that my NS4 compact works great with the half-moon. Thanks for the comment!

[@yovannyserafin9658]

How can I make the organ sustain? Is there some settings I gotta change? I have a NP2 and a Yamaha FC7.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello @yovannyserafin9658 Which Nord keyboard do you have exactly?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@yovannyserafin9658 Assuming you have a Nord Stage 4, you'll need to go into the settings and tell your keyboard that you are using the SP2 pedal. You'll find that under the "Pedal" settings. Hold the shift button and push #6. Once there you can page up and down. Find the Sustain Pedal settings and change the type to SP-2. Likewise, for the Yamaha, go to page 1 for "control pedal settings" and tell it you have the FC-7. Once you do that, you're 90% there. Then it's just a matter of assigning a morph to the Control pedal. You also have the choice to connect your Yamaha to the "Organ Swell" jack if you're more interested in adjusting volume versus other morph destinations.

[@yovannyserafin9658]

@@MyKeysToMusicThanks. Let me try to word it differently. How can I make the organ notes hold? Like if it was a piano sound…

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@yovannyserafin9658 So for the organ to sustain (like it does for most piano sounds), you have to turn on the "Sustain Pedal" option which is a button found in the organ section. The light is found below a button which means in order to turn it on, you need to push the "shift" button and then the sustain button. Once you do that, you'll have the ability to sustain your organ for that program. Don't forget to save the program (using the Red "Store" button) if you want to always be able to sustain the organ for that program. You'll have to repeat these steps for every Nord program where you want to sustain the organ. Hopefully that helps!

[@yovannyserafin9658]

@@MyKeysToMusicThanks so much, I’m going to try it

[@yoonique_v2328]

Hi! The video is really helpful. I got a question! I recently purchased the NSP2 pedal for my Nord stage 4 keyboard. But the pedal is not working. Do I have to set up the pedal?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@yoonique_v2328 Glad you like the video Yoonique! So yes, you have to go into your pedal settings. *Instructions* 1. Hold the shift key and push the pedal button (which is the #6 key). 2. Once there, you have to navigate to page 3 of that screen (use the page up/down buttons found under the main program knob where you normally navigate your programs). On that page it should say, "Sustain Pedal Type." 3. Use the program knob and twist it until it says "Nord SP-2" 4. Make sure your pedal is connected to the sustain jack in the back. Pro Tip. When you turn on your Nord Board, don't touch the pedal or the pitch bender. No harm will happen if you do, but I've seen situations where the pedal doesn't work if you are pressing it while the board is starting up. A simple unplug and plug of the pedal will fix that, so it's not a big deal. Please report back once you get this going so we can celebrate! Congrats on your NS4!! 🎹 and greetings from So Cal. I was just in Hawaii over the summer.

[@yoonique_v2328]

You’re the best!!! I started subscribing your Chanel. Thank you so much :)

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@yoonique_v2328 Happy to help! Check out my website for free and paid Pro courses for your Nord keyboard... www.MyKeysToMusic.com

[@kenhogan4381]

thank you, Marc I’m giving some thought to replacing the Nord Grand with the new Nord stage four without the weighted keys. I think that would probably suit my level of ability from what I can read online . What do you think?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@kenlandeman4381 Ken, great idea! You have the following advantages with the Nord Stage 4 compared to the Nord Grand: 1) The NS4 is lighter and easier to perform and travel with. 2) The NS4 is far more powerful - it has 2 pianos, 2 organs and 3 synths. 3) The NS4 has far more split points and can separate sounds into 4 separate zones (3 splits) 4) The NS4 has more effects and can be applied against each engine (piano, organ, & synth) 5) The NS4 has the "extern" option, allowing for flexibility to drive other MIDI instruments. 6) The NS4 has far more pedal options and morph capability 7) THE NS4 has far more MIDI capability, both outgoing and incoming. The Cons: 1) It's harder to learn (because it does a whole lot more) 2) It's pricy 3) The Compact version has semi-weighted keys. You won't get the authentic "piano feel" as a result. If you don't find the cons a dealbreaker than the Nord Stage 4 (NS4) is likely for you!

[@KevMusician]

Hi Marc. Brilliant video. NS4 owner here. I have a question... I have a Kawai F10H sustain pedal and I am 99.99% sure it's the exact same pedal as the Nord Single Pedal 2 which allows for pedal noise. If you google it, you'll see it is identical minus the Nord badge. However, I'm not getting enough pedal noise. It seems if I slam the pedal, I don't get any more 'thud'. Volume for pedal noise is on max in the settings and the settings show a reading for the different degrees between 0-127. Do you think Nord modified it slightly? Is there perhaps a way I could tweak it? Cheers!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@KevMusician Hey Kevin. After taking a closer look at the F10H pedal online and comparing it with the Nord SP2, I agree that it looks identical. It's possible that Nord changed something, but hard to know for sure. I can also confirm that the "piano noise" isn't really that audible, even with the Nord pedal - so it could be just the way it's supposed to be. I think this kind of effect is supposed to be subtle and something you would only notice during a very quiet piano solo against a high-quality recording. What I've learned here is that perhaps the Kawai pedal is the best way to get the functionality for a lower price!

[@grzegorztomasiak]

Kawai FH1-H and Kawai GFP3 are exactly the same as the one Nord has, they made a deal with Kawai and got their great pedals. They are 100% match except the logo and price. I own Kawai MP11SE and NS4.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@grzegorztomasiak Good to know!! (And a good way to save money) 👍🏻

[@AAdave88]

I use FC5 for rotor pedal.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@davidpomara2383 David, I hear ya! It's the perfect pedal for that.

[@yovannyserafin9658]

Yamaha FC 7 works with Nord Stage 4?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello Yovanny @yovannyserafin9658 Yes, the FC7 works great with the Nord Stage 4. I have a link to it in the description above.

[@yovannyserafin9658]

Is there a way to deactivate the after touch? (NS4)

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@yovannyserafin9658 Yes and no. Aftertouch is only "on" if you assign a morph to destination to it. So in that sense, you can turn off the aftertouch by clearing the morph settings associated with aftertouch.

[@yovannyserafin9658]

How can I raise the volume of the pedal noise?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@yovannyserafin9658. You have a small amount of control to increase the pedal noise in the sound settings. However, even at full volume, you may find it not loud enough. Hold the shift button and push the "sound" button. On one of those pages you'll find the volume for pedal noise.

[@Noipion]

Will nord triple pedal 1 work on LMK4+?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Noipion This is a good question that I don't know the answer to. I assume it will support it to some degree. Perhaps it will understand Sustain, Sostenuto, and Una corda (the 3 pedals with their default behavior). But not sure if it will understand half-dampening and/or pedal noise which requires it to understand a variable range to send the speed/pressure being pushed on the sustain/damper pedal. This might be a question for Doepfer directly, a Doepfer forum, or a retailer who can dig into these details.

[@ThirtyOddOne]

Sweetwater dropped the price on the old NS2/3 triple pedal when the NS4 pedal came out!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@ThirtyOddOne Darryl, yes, I noticed that too recently. It's very interesting. It wouldn't hurt for Nord to lower the prices on everything while they are at it haha - one can dream. I have to admit, I think their latest pedals are even better quality than the previous generation - it feels like they switched manufacturers? However, I didn't dig too deep to confirm this. I like the fact that we can use the older Triple Pedal with the newer boards - that means people don't necessarily have to run out and get the latest Triple Pedal 2 if they already have the original. But, I also like how they have a dedicated port for the new Triple Pedal leaving the sustain jack for an additional pedal or the original Triple Pedal.

[@eamonsplace]

Hi Marc, you seem like the man for this question. If I get a Nord Electro 6D, can I use the keyboard to control garageband instruments? I understand that I can plug it into an audio interface to record the keyboards actual output, but on top of this I want to also have a keyboard that can control garageband instruments. Thanks :)

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@eamonsplace Yes, ABSOLUTELY! Using the USB in the back of your Nord, you can immediately connect it to your Macintosh and begin your journey to control virtual instruments via GarageBand (and someday Logic if you want to venture even further into the MIDI forest). *Here are a few pro tips for you to consider* 1) A modern Mac will have a USB C type of port versus the USB A type. So, you'll need to convert the USB A end of the cable that comes with your Nord to accommodate the smaller USB C style. This is done with an adapter (you may already have one if you are using older devices with your Mac), or you could get a dedicated USB B to USB C cable like this (affiliate link): amzn.to/475HNHs I like these dedicated cables better because you don't have to fiddle with an adapter and it provides for a nice solid connection in a modern-day braided cable that keeps things tidy and slick. 2) If you intend on using the "Audio" from your Nord Electro 6D down the road, you'll need to invest in an audio interface if you don't already have one. This will convert the analog audio coming from your Nord into digital audio that GarageBand will understand and record. That way, you can have the very lush pianos and organs from your Nord being heard along side of your MIDI-driven virtual instruments (it's a hybrid setup where you can have your cake and eat it, too) 🍰. I have a starting video on how this setup works here if you haven't already seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4aZm2ilaL6Zl6Mfeature=shared 3) With time and understanding, you can graduate to the point where you are using your Electro 6 to record MIDI and then have that MIDI playback to your Nord for a final audio recording with the Nord Sounds. This is more complex and requires Logic Pro, but it's a very cool way to fix your performance mistakes while also hearing the sounds come from your new baby. I have a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJCpeIRuaN17ZrMfeature=shared 4) Note that as cool as GarageBand is, one of the biggest things that distinguishes it from its big brother Logic Pro, is the fact that GarageBand cannot send MIDI signals out to your external instruments. I spent hours trying to figure this out one day, so I'll spare you the time by saying it here - there is no MIDI out capability with GarageBand. For 90% of the world, this is not an issue. But if you own a Nord keyboard like an Electro 6, one of the first things people want to do with it is to potentially use it as a MIDI device controlled by software for a track or two. 5) Before investing in an Electro 6, ask yourself a few important questions. A. "Will I need a more elaborate synth where I can make all kinds of sounds?" If so, look at a Stage 3 or 4 (I realize there is a big jump in price as I say that). B. Do I hope to use the Electro 6 as my only keyboard going forward? If so, there are some limitations if you are using it on a gig to be the single keyboard you use. As an example, if you want to have a "bass" sound in the left hand and another "string sound" on the right hand, you can't do that with an Electro - you'd need a Stage 3/4 or a Nord Piano where you can play 2 or more samples at a time (one for the bass sound and one for the strings sound for example). C. Do I need "controller keyboard features" where you can control external instruments a bit from your Nord? The Stage boards have an "extern" option, which provides a flexible way to control external instruments - and, in particular, can be helpful when driving things like virtual instruments such as with GarageBand. The Extern option allows some nice fidelity with the setup in this situation, where you can turn on and off your MIDI connections with the push of a button versus having to lower the volume in GarageBand or halt the MIDI signal by some other means. Lots to consider - good luck on your journey!

[@eamonsplace]

Thanks for the quick reply!! Your videos have been really helpful :)@@MyKeysToMusic

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@eamonsplace No problem and thanks! Enjoy your music.

[@Worship4LifeGuitar]

Stage 4 doesn't come with any pedals at all!!!😂

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Worship4LifeGuitar Agree and not entirely sure why not. The Piano 5 and Stage 3 both come (came) with pedals.

[@joaovalterf]

Maybe you have a NS4 compact. It has not pedal included.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@joaovalterf That's correct. The NS4 Compact does not include a pedal. At the time of the video recording, it was unclear what pedals came with the NS4.