Nord Stage 4 - All Playing, No Talking

[@deanpianta]

I've watched many videos... and after playing both the new Montage m8x and this Stage 4 88, I quickly realized the difference: Dynamics. In my opinion, the Stage 4 is so much more expressive - and almost emotional given the dynamics. Not sure if it is the key tech... or the integration with the sounds, but the Montage and so many other boards I've played just lack the realism of playing an "real" instrument. Not that the Montage is not spectacular in terms of sonic depth, texture, etc. But I find myself writing more music when I sit down at the Nord.

[@davlippo7]

With M8x and the PAT/GEX there's nothing Stage 4 can do because how can it modulate using a key press? It can't. GEX is an electromagnetic system. Key on/off isn't close to this.

[@davlippo7]

Some very committed Nord fans are claiming some extraordinary things. I might grab one eventually for direct comparison. The Montage M8x has GEX/PAT, PAC2, Improved bit depth samples, new LED for live & programming ease, YC rotary, new endless encoders, reorganized UI, intuitive lighted ribbon, real time portamento, scenes, SKnob master macro real time control, increased DSP, intuitive encoders more slow or jump fast as you decide and too much else to list. Point is it's only about $4,200. GEX/PAT is next world or old world CS80 expression but now with almost unlimited options. I understand the stage board one-to-one functionality as I have the YC73 but there are other very obvious options that can in some or many regards beat the Stage 4 and almost all of them do on value. Just asking to be realistic here. One gentleman told me to "talk to a professional", like no professionals use Yamaha, Korg, ASM, EE, Hammond, Black Corp, Roland etc. and if they do use other gear they are not professionals. Come on please.

[@bartosz_staszkiewicz]

You are right. But being an old Yamaha lover and user of Motif ES for many years, and current Kronos lover using it all the time for 11 years I went to music shop to test both Montage M8x and Stage4. Had Nord Electro 2 many years ago, hated it really. So my heart was on Yamah side from the beginig. After 3 hours spent with Montage I was rather disappointed, confused and definitely didn't wanted it. New analog engine has nothing common with legacy CS series - I had CS20M and CS30 for 14 years, it is really completely different thing in term of punch, expression, fatness. Don't even mention CS80 here. Next I sat to Stage 4 and after 1,5 hour I decided I will buy. Huge dynamic range, synergy, the way this board inspires are ubeateable. Sorry for Yamaha :(

[@davlippo7]

@@bartosz_staszkiewicz I can understand the confusion because Montage is so deep and sometimes too deep. It takes a lot of digging so it's definitely not for instant song writing or playing inspiration. It's a beast but I also love my YC73 probably for the simplicity reasons like stage boards offer. You'd need a year to really get into the Montage M. I'm sure I'd like the stage 4 but for now I've got the M.

[@gosesalvadori8204]

Cant wait for the demo

[@Digiphex]

I wish Nord's drum pad had an input for both kick and hi hat, I'd buy one. Maybe they will redesign it.

[@istominmusic]

I bought a Nordstage 4 88 a week ago. This is my first Nord. Have had a lot of stress since then. I never thought that in such an expensive tool, the developers would make so many not usability and problems. Don't even know how to solve the problems now. At work I was going to replace my Yamaha Motif XF7 with a Nordstage 4 88, but this expensive claviga can't even do the simplest thing.... And it's really weird. I, of course, would very much like to be wrong. But so far none of NORD owners could help me in any way.

[@planetdog1641]

It's more of a plug and play for the stage, rather than a workstation.

[@sertone777]

The sounds are vintage and old on such a high caliber machine IMO

[@josebenitez5764]

What kind of cables are you using for the lines out of the nord?

[@davlippo7]

Nord has typically unattainable prices which is why I've never purchased one. I can buy a Yamaha CK or YC with Osmose, Hydrasynth or a SKpro for the same price. Usually if you're paying this price it's for a workstation like Fantom or Montage and a Genos. I always end up asking myself what else can I buy for this price? Maybe one day I'll get one but Osmose is super cheap and totally insane for almost free in comparison. I mean I like it but what else can I buy for this much? MIDI 2 or 3 boards together for the same price it's so much better. Just doesn't make sense to me to buy it. I'm sure Nord sells a bunch but so many other options for way less. Yamaha has chosen to go in the opposite direction of unattainable with the CK. I had one but returned it because I have the YC73 and Osmose arrived plus I have the SKpro for organs too etc. Prices should be coming down on the same old technology, not going up. I could buy4 or 5 CKs for one Stage 4. Not that I would but just pointing out the value of a dollar should go further now. So many manufactures repackaging the some stuff over and over and over. Osmose said watch this and did something different for a change. I sure hope Yamaha doesn't release the Montage 2 with the same old technology. Don't get me wrong I love all new boards but it's time to do something different.

[@xiaoxia5]

unattainable is subjective since there's clearly a market for the higher end stuff(not just Nord products).

[@davlippo7]

@@xiaoxia5 I've definitely wanted one for many years but could never pull the trigger on that price point. I'm sure for some people money is no object which is good for them. I'm also sure the resale value stays high but might still be more difficult to sell and get most of my money back if I decided to sell it. I can always order one on credit and try it for 30 days and return it if I think it's not worth the price. I know I'll like it but what else can I buy for that amount?

[@xiaoxia5]

@@davlippo7 i agree the price point is high, but at the same time i know i'm going to like it as well. i recently sold my Wave 2 to help fund the S4, so that does cut down some of the damage. i'm looking to get the HA73 version, not the full 88 though.

[@rcom9880]

Not to mention gigging around with $6000 in one piece of gear. Kinda makes me uneasy.

[@theclaverman]

@@rcom9880Depends on what kind of gigs you`re doing😉

[@thejollyjoker187]

Awesome board.... if it had come out in 2000. Every other company had something equivalent released 25 years ago. Where was Nord? They are way too late for the party.

[@planetdog1641]

The B3's rule on this

[@maxremigio21]

limited musicianship demo for that flagship synthesizer.

[@theclaverman]

…agree

[@kevincrandall2751]

The playing style was too much of a turn off

[@antonkay3997]

Да один рояль у него чего только стоит. Не говоря уже о том что он обьединяет в себе 4 синтезатора в одном. Качество звука непревзойденное. А аналоговый синт можно купить отдельно. Например behringer pro 800 закроет полностью, на мой взгляд, потребность в аналоговом звуке. Osmose интересен , но качество самих звуков не дотягивает .

[@laranl7091]

А на русском языке есть инструкция ?

[@johnscott4693]

No wurli - the best thing about Nord sounds… Opportunity missed.

[@fredrikahlsten4040]

there are many wurlitzers on this

[@johnscott4693]

@@fredrikahlsten4040 One, buried in other sounds.

[@liambate2301]

@@johnscott4693 you should try it in the shop, there are a few wurlitzers and they are very authentic sounding.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Not a good demo at all.