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Question:

Berthold asks: 

Do you have any app recommendations to manage programs, sounds, and songs for the Nord Stage 4? 

Dear Marc,

Your Youtube video regarding "Serious Considerations" mentioned an outside app to manage the programs, sounds, etc., used for the various songs and parts of songs, respectively, on my setlist. So far, I haven't used an outside app, but upon upgrading to Stage 4, I might want to do it. Do you have any recommendations on which app to use (either a Windows 11 notebook or an Apple iPad)? Have you covered this topic in any of your Youtube videos, or can you point me to a third-party video that will help me (being an absolute novice in this area) get started? I'm afraid to say that I have used the archaic method of making notes on my lead sheets. Which program to use... I will most probably upgrade to Stage 4 soon, so I'm looking forward to your new course!

Kind regards, Berthold

Answer:

Hell Berthold,

Thanks for your question! It's a good topic that I think I should cover more extensively after finishing the NS4 course. This is a very big technical leap because it introduces the idea of "wireless MIDI," which is another thing.  Here are some programs that most people use, and you can start to do the research:

For lead sheets, set lists, and more (iPad):

OnSong: https://onsongapp.com (Check out my video on it below)

SongOne: https://www.rhymegenie.com/index.html (I don't have a video on this)

For Sheet Music focus but it can also do setlists (iPad):

ForScore: https://forscore.co/ (Check out my video below)

Windows:

Camelot Pro: https://audiomodeling.com/camelot/overview/

This is by far the most advanced of the bunch and suitable for setlists. It may not handle lead sheets, however, but it will do anything you want from a MIDI standpoint. I really don't recommend this one as it's so advanced; it's likely overkill and will have you frustrated before you even begin. I mention it here because it is beloved by the Windows community, but I don't think you want to tackle this one as your first venture into this world.

Mac App:

MainStage: Perfect for setlists and sound setups.

It also greatly expands your rig if you want to use the Extern feature of your NS3/NS4.  I don't believe it handles lead sheets at this time and it requires a Mac computer.  I plan on exploring this more in the future as well. There is a lot online about MainStage (YouTube).

Here's another one I found that seems to be dedicated to making set lists. However, the website looks dated and the reviews on the Apple App Store are so-so.

Set List Maker: http://www.setlistmaker.com/main/home.html

They also support Android/tablet, which is rare these days in the world of making set lists, I think. I mention it here because it came up several times in all my searches, but I've never used it or know anything about it, to be honest.

This is a great topic that I really must explore more especially considering the lack of a dedicated list on the NS4.👍🏻 🔊 🎹

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