Is My Nord Stage 2 Compatible with forScore?
Ask Marc Anything 🤔
The Original Question:
@NicksProject asks: "I am trying to organize my sounds and notes with forScore having a Nord stage 2 HA 88. Can you tell me, does this work with this Nord? I am also using the Yamaha MD BT01 for the wireless MIDI part."
Answer:
Yes, your Nord Stage 2 HA 88 should be fully compatible with outside software from an iPad with the Yamaha MD BT01's wireless options. Have you seen my video of this with the Nord Stage 3 yet?
Also, I'd like to point out that in that video, I talk about using a program called MIDI Wrench. I don't believe you need that anymore with today's modern IOS capability. Plus, forScore has also come a long way since recording that video.
Pro Tip #1:
You'll need to use the Global MIDI option to change programs on your Nord keyboard. None of the other options change programs from the outside in. By the way, this even applies to today's new Nords up to and including the Nord Stage 4. HOWEVER, on the Nord Stage 2, you don't have the concept of MSB and LSB. Instead, you have to use a combination of CC# 0 set to 0 (this sort of acts as the MSB) and then CC# 32 with values of 0, 1, 2, and 3 (for banks A, B, C, and D) which sort of acts as the LSB part. Then, finally, you'll use a traditional program change of 0 through 99 for the given program in the given bank selected in the previous steps. What this means for you in forScore is that you're going to have to assign 3 MIDI commands for each program change something like this: CC#0 set to 0 CC# 32 set to either 0, 1, 2, or 3. Program change set to 0-99 depending on the program you are after. You'll have to calibrate this based on the numbering system of your NS2. So, you'll have to be patient to get all this set up. I haven't officially tried an NS2 with forScore, but theoretically, it should work.
Here is an excerpt from the manual on how the MIDI program changes work:
Manual for the Nord Stage 2, page 51
Program Change In the MIDI Menu, you can select if the Nord Stage 2 should send and/ or receive program Change messages on the Global channel that affects its internal programs. Program Change messages with the value 0-99 select the programs in the active bank, and Program Change messages 100-104 select the 5 Live memories.
Bank Select the 4 Program Banks in the Stage 2 can be remotely selected via MIDI, by transmitting a Bank Select Message that looks like this: CC 0, value 0, CC 32 value 0, 1, 2 or 3 (for banks A, B, C and D). The Bank Select should immediately be followed by a Program Change message, value 0-99. Local On/Off
Pro Tip #2:
You might think, "Why all the monkey business? Why can't we just set our Nords to program 1 through 400?!!" MIDI was created in the 80s, and the numbers only go up from 1 through 128 (or 0-127, depending on your device). Back then, perhaps no devices made had programs beyond 100! Therefore, over the years, manufacturers had to devise other ways to still use MIDI and get around this limitation by introducing the CC# for the bank selection, etc. I believe Nord's original keyboards (like most manufacturers) used a "bank system" as a way to provide more than 128 programs. In the case of Nord, they also don't use all the numbers on their buttons, which means that you have to calibrate your own program changes based on the configuration of the Nord panel/button/selector system.
Pro Tip #3:
Today's modern MIDI apps sometimes include a "learn" button which means you can have the App learn the MIDI combination when you toggle the program knob on your Nord. I just did this with another App this week called "bandhelper."
Want More?
Helpful affiliate links for your consideration:
👀 Buy your Nord keyboards at Sweetwater and get a 2-year warranty! Sweetwater Affiliate (U.S. Customers)
Some links above are affiliate links that provide me with a small commission to help support My Keys To Music. The price is the same even if you use the links for your purchase. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Note: Master the Nord Stage 4 is now live!
Thanks for visiting!
Marc 🎹
My Keys To Music
