Does the Nord Stage 4 Actually Sound Better than the Nord Stage 3?
Ask Marc Anything 🤔
The Original Question:
Tyler asks: Are the sounds better in the Nord Stage 4 sample library [versus the Nord Stage 3]?
Answer:
Hello Tyler!
(This article references the Nord Stage 3 and the Nord Stage 4, which we sometimes abbreviate as NS3 and NS4.)
The pianos from either keyboard sound the same to my ears, as each originates from the same piano library from Nord. Of course, a piano heard through "Cathedral Reverb," available exclusively on the NS4, puts the results at another level. So, in that aspect, you can take a piano sound and add enhancements via the effects unique to the NS4, like Cathereral Reverb (as one example). However, that aspect alone will likely not motivate most people to run out and get the far more expensive NS4. Yet, I'm quickly reminded that the Cathedral Reverb can make almost any tone resonate as if it came from the heavens directly, so some will find this unique effect a big enough motivator to lean toward the NS4. 😇
The samples from the Nord sample library, however, are a bit of a different story with pros and cons to consider. The Nord Sample Library 3 (compatible with the NS3) is more vast, with years of additions, making it a bit more complete. However, many samples are mono (which means they sound a bit one-dimensional and not as vibrant). The Nord Sample Library 4 (compatible with the NS4) has most of the samples presented in stereo (which has a broader sound and yields a more vibrant result to my ears). Yet, at the same time, there are less samples to choose from in the Nord Sample Library 4 compared to the Sample Library 3. So, if you do make the jump to the NS4, you may be missing key samples that are available for the NS3 but not for the NS4. If this is important to you, do your homework and make note of the samples available in each library to be sure you have what you need at the end of the day.
I want to talk about the synth engine for a minute. The pure synth out of the box sounds better on the NS3 to my ears. Yes, you read that right. The NS3 has some magic in it which allows you to immediately dial in a good sounding synth - especially if you use the Super Saw. You can see my detailed video on exactly what I'm talking about here if you'd like to check out my video where I compare the super saw between the NS3 and NS4.
Now, as soon as I say all this, with a little extra effort, you can improve the sound on the NS4 to meet or exceed that of the NS3! I find that you have to add a little high-end EQ (Treble) to most of the sounds to bring out their best. You also have to be more generous with the Unison option on the NS4. And once you do that, however, the synth "sound" is on par (or better) than the NS3. Of course, having access to a 3rd layer synth cannot be understated - it does make a big impact, and it provides some added flexibility too.
Now, the arpeggiator capabilities of the Nord Stage 4 is where it leaves the Stage 3 in the dust. If you are interested in the arpeggiator and what I can do for you, the NS4 is where you want to lean. I'm at a point now where I'm spoiled with what I can do with the Nord Stage 4 arpeggiator. Also, the fact that we can assign effects to "our heart's content" is a big deal, especially for complex sounds. Another important thing (but often completely dismissed by most reviews) is that the polyphony is greatly expanded with the Nord Stage 4. It's a little harder to run out of notes now when playing those lush synth parts compared to the Stage 3.
As a bonus, Nord recently released an OS update to the Stage 4, providing for a new oscillator configuration (Sub-oscillators). This one feature alone was like giving us a 5% to 10% enhancement in the synth section, allowing us to dial in sub-oscillators (hearing two oscillators tuned 2 octaves apart.) This now means we no longer need to use an extra layer to produce that same sound freeing up an entire layer for something else. (Note: the NS3 already supports sub-ocillators on a single panel). See my video on sub-oscillators here if you want to see this feature on the NS3 first-hand.
So, in the end, does the NS4 sound "so much better" that this one aspect alone can justify the upgrade? No, I don't think so. The quality between them is so close that most wouldn't even notice. Yet, taken as a whole, is it worth opening the wallet and taking a plunge for the NS4? This all depends on if the other NS4 features speak to you loudy where you "just gotta have that." If so, then yes, go for it!
Pro Tip: Make sure you order from a retailer that double boxes - I've heard stories of shipping damage when retailers don't do that. Feel free to use my Sweetwater link for the 2-year warranty as well.
Hopefully, this gives you more to think about and helps move you along with your decision one way or another. Marc 🎹
Want More?
Also, if you have questions... you can post a comment on any of the videos.
Helpful affiliate links for your consideration:
👀 Buy your Nord keyboards at Sweetwater and get a 2-year warranty! https://bit.ly/Sweetwater_Nord_Keyboards (U.S. Customers)
Some links above are affiliate links providing me a small commission to help support My Keys To Music. The price is the same to you even if you use the links for your purchase. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Note: Master the Nord Stage 4 course is coming soon!
Thanks for visiting!
Marc 🎹
My Keys To Music
