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Nord Stage 2 Series

Representing a stunning new take on the famous Stage series, the Stage 2 is our flagship instrument line. Utilizing our very latest sound generation technology in the three categories of Piano, Organ and Synthesizer combined with a thoroughly thought-out user interface, a choice of top-flight keybeds and an almost obsessive level of quality control, the Stage 2 truly sets itself apart as an instrument for the professional performing musician.

The inclusion of Nord Sample Library compatibility and Nord Sample Editor software that allows creation of user-generated samples, the Stage 2 offers a whole new creative palette. Combined with Nord Piano Library compatibility too, the Stage 2 is an instrument that offers huge expandability, now and in the future.

Three Models

Choose from three models; 88, 76 or Compact. The 88 and 76 both feature weighted hammer-action keyboards while the Compact is equipped with a semi-weighted organ (waterfall profile) keyboard. Apart from the keyboard type and the number of accessories available, all three models share the same set of features.

The Sound Inside

The Stage 2 is designed with three sound generating sections; Piano, Organ and Synthesizer. Up to two sounds from each section can be combined in a single patch for massive sonic flexibility.

Piano Section

The Stage 2 features a new Piano section derived from the multi-award winning Nord Piano. Featuring state-of-the-art sampling techniques the Stage 2's pianos capture the extraordinary nuances and real character of the individual source instruments. Combined with intelligent string resonance functionality that reproduces with unnerving accuracy the interactive nature of piano strings, and compatibility with the optional Nord Triple Pedal that actually introduces dynamic pedal noise from the player, the result is breathtaking realism and the opportunity for extraordinary expressiveness.

The Selectable Piano Release function is an all new feature in the Stage 2. When the Release function is activated this offers a slightly longer release more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument.

Alongside real acoustic Grand and Upright pianos, the Piano section also features some of the finest, most desirable vintage electric pianos.

The Stage 2's piano sounds are future-proof thanks to its compatibility with the Nord Piano Library. This free online library is regularly updated with upgraded existing pianos and all-new pianos to keep your instrument constantly renewed.

Organ Section

It's over ten years since we made our first digital model of a tonewheel organ. The Stage 2's dedicated organ section now uses our third generation B3 Organ model as found in the acclaimed Nord C2. Considered by many the most accurate emulation of the B3 ever, the Stage 2's organ model is based on the analysis of the signals from each of the 91 spinning discs inside several original instruments and painstaking work on understanding exactly how all the components interact with each other. The virtual circuitry reacts not only to the settings on the panel but also during the real time performance. The Stage 2 will faithfully reproduce the important foldback and energy robbing characteristics; the latter will produce the gentle compression effect that makes those lovely smears absolutely wonderful. There are 4 tonewheel modes that allows you to switch from a clean, factory spec'd instrument to a worn and battered workhorse with some 40 years worth of touring.

We also created carefully modeled emulations of two of the most famous transistor organs from the 1960's, the Vox Continental and the Farfisa Compact.

Alongside the organ's themselves, the Stage 2 features our very latest rotary speaker simulation derived from the C2. Incorporating the acoustic variations that occur as a physical rotating spreads the sound around in a room, they bring the Stage 2's organs to life with remarkable realism

In terms of control, "Draw buttons" and LED bar graphs have replaced the original mechanical drawbars. This gives you the advantage of always having the correct drawbar settings after changing preset. For Organ sounds only, the Stage 2's keybed is programmed to respond at its highest trigger position, resulting in authentic feel and allowing lightning fast organ techniques.

Synthesizer Section

The Stage 2's powerful new Synthesizer engine was built from the DNA of the Nord Wave. Capable of classic analogue synthesis, three-operator FM synthesis, Wavetable synthesis and, crucially, compatibility with the Nord Sample Library.

The Nord Sample Library not only give Stage 2 owners access to the huge free library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples previously only available to Nord Wave and Nord Electro 3 users, but thanks to the included Nord Sample Editor for Mac and PC, allows user-created samples to be loaded into the instrument and thus opening up a whole new creative world of sound.

The Synth engine itself features classic analogue synthesis with dual saw, hard sync and pulse wave modulation, three-operator FM synthesis with 32 different modulation frequencies, Wavetable synthesis with 77 waveforms and Sample based synthesis. A new great-sounding multimode filter features 12 and 24dB Low Pass, High Pass, band Pass and Notch filters. And with an Amp envelope, Modulation envelope, an LFO, and Unison control, the Stage 2's synth capabilities are hugely powerful, delivering amazing on-stage sound.

The Synth section also features a new Arpeggiator that can be sync'ed to the Stage 2's Master Clock for perfect timing with all elements of the Stage 2 including its effects.

Programming and Control

To make programming and on-stage control as simple as possible we designed the sound generation capabilities and control of the Stage 2 in dedicated sections. The Stage 2's front panel contains Piano, Organ and Synth sections. Not only does this make for a very intuitive approach to programming but also gives instant visibility of current settings. There are no deep menus, no complicated screens to navigate. All vital functions are controlled by dedicated single-function knobs. In addition our patented Pitch Stick and Modulation Wheel allow maximum musical expression and our efficient Morph Grouping technique is also included, allowing you to assign sound and effects parameters to one physical controller.

Extern Section

The Nord Stage 2 wouldn't be a master keyboard if it couldn't control external devices with ease. The Extern Section is designed solely for this purpose, so that any MIDI-connected gear gets seamlessly integrated with the Stage 2's built-in instruments. Zones, splits and layers are handled exactly as if the external equipment was a part of the Stage 2 itself. All settings are saved together with a Program so advanced setups can be immediately recalled in real-time during a performance. You can even use the Extern Section to automatically transmit Bank Select and Program Change messages to your external units.

Effects Section

No sound is complete without the proper use of effects. In the Nord Stage 2 we incorporated all the effects required to cover musicians' needs. All of the three instrument sections - Organ, Piano and Synth - can individually be routed through the Stage 2's built-in effect units. Turning the effects on and off, and controlling the routing is easily done by a touch of dedicated buttons, readily accessible at the bottom of each effects unit. Thanks to a new Master Clock function, effects settings and other elements within the Stage 2 can be synchronized.

UNIT ONE
Here you can choose from Tremolo, two Wahs, an Auto-Wah, and an AutoPan. Use the AutoWah with a Clavinet for raw funk licks, create a psychedelic vibe with an Electric Piano on AutoPan, or give a Wurlitzer some body using the Tremolo. There is also a Ring Modulator on board, an effect used by many experimental and electronic musicians.

UNIT TWO
The two Phasers, two Choruses, the Flanger and new UVibe effect are modeled from the classic analog stomp boxes that define the sound of popular music. These swirling Phasers, metallic Flangers, and thick Choruses that are used by uncompromising professionals everywhere are crystal clear and faithfully simulated on the Nord Stage 2.

DELAY
A delay unit has been included to create haunting echoes or slap back effects. The delay also supports a ping-pong mode, and the tempo is easily adjusted with the tap-tempo button. A recent update provides you with the option of two delay modes. The Analog mode will change the pitch on any repeats if the delay time is changed for those classic "warped" sounds.

EQ & AMP SIMULATION
This effect section combines a three-band equalizer with a sophisticated amplifier and speaker cabinet modeler. Classic amplifiers and speakers, are a crucial part to make vintage Electric piano sounds come alive. Nord offers the famous sounds of speaker emulations of a Twin Reverb, a Jazz Chorus 120 and a Wurlitzer speaker. When no Amp Model is selected, the unit provides a neutral three-band EQ with sweepable mid and a crunchy overdrive.

ROTARY SPEAKER
The improved Rotary Speaker emulation which not only brings an essential character to a live organ performance, can also be used with any of the electric or acoustic piano sounds or the synthesizer.

MASTER EFFECTS
Finally there is also a Compressor and a Reverb, which are placed at the end of the sound chain, helping to blend your sounds more naturally together. The Reverb unit has Hall, Stage and Room spaces to create different atmospheres for your sounds, while the Compressor helps you keep the overall mix tight and under control.