Clavia Nord Piano 3 User Manual
NORD ELECTRO 5 USER MANUAL OS V1.X | 1
User Manual
English
Nord Piano 3
OS Version: 1.x
Edition: D
Part No. 50446 Copyright Clavia DMI AB
Edition: D
2 | NORD ELECTRO 5 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
CAUTION - ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE SHOCK ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION:POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE
PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.
AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L´USAGER.
CONFIER L´ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D´INCIDENTE OU D´ELECTROCUTION,
N´EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE OU L´HUMIDITET.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manu-
facturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specied by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate nor-
mally, or has been dropped.
The lightning ash with the arrowhead symbol within
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated voltage within the products en-
closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec le point de èche à l´intérieur d´un triangle
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l´utilisateur de la presence à
l´intérieur du coffret de ”voltage dangereux” non isolé d´ampleur
sufsante pour constituer un risque d`éléctrocution.
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
Le point d´exclamation à l´intérieur d´un triangle équilatéral est
employé pour alerter l´utilisateur de la présence d´instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l´entretien (service) dans le
livret d´instructions accompagnant l´appareil.
Instructions pertaining to a risk of re, electric shock or injury to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Trademarks: The Nord logo is a trademark of Clavia DMI AB. All other trademarks
mentioned in this publication are the properties of their respective holders.
Specications and appearances are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © Clavia DMI AB
No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on
the apparatus;
Do not use the apparatus in tropical climates.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that
no objects lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
The maims plug is used as the disconnect device and shall remain
readily operable.
Il convient de ne pas placer sur l´appareil de sources de ammes nues,
telles que des bougies allumées;
L´appareil n’est pas destiné á étre utilisé sous un climat tropical.
L´appareil ne doit pas étre exposé á des égouttements d´eau ou des
éclaboussures et de plus qu´aucun objet rempli de liquide tel que des
vases ne doit étre placé sur l´appareil.
Lorsque la prise du résau d’alimentation est utilisée comme dispositif
de déconnexion, ce dispositif doit demeuré aisément accessible.
Warning - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Additional Safety Information
NORD PIANO 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X | 3
1. INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!
Thank you for purchasing the Nord Piano 3. This instrument has been designed to present the most uncompromising piano playing experience
possible in a stage keyboard, without sacrificing ease of use or portability. A triple sensor key bed coupled with our Virtual Hammer Action Technology provides an unprecedented level of realism and control and enables a wide range of pianistic playing techniques. Powered by the free and ever
growing Nord Piano Library – an extensive collection of meticulously sampled piano and keyboard instruments – we hope the Nord Piano 3 will keep
your playing inspired for many years to come.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 3
Thank you! ........................................................................................................3
2. OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 4
The front panel ................................................................................................4
The Nord user interface .............................................................................4
Shift button........................................................................................................4
Selector buttons ................................................................................................4
On/Off and Source buttons................................................................................5
Press-hold functions ..........................................................................................5
Knobs ...............................................................................................................5
Dials ..................................................................................................................5
Value Modifier ....................................................................................................5
The keybed .......................................................................................................5
Repetitions and Key Range ...............................................................................5
Grand Weighted Action .....................................................................................5
3. USING THE NORD PIANO 3 ........................................ 6
The Program section ...................................................................................6
About Programs ................................................................................................6
Memory Protection .......................................................................................6
Keyboard Split ...................................................................................................6
Transpose .........................................................................................................6
Mono.................................................................................................................6
Panic .................................................................................................................7
Storing and naming Programs ...........................................................................7
Store as... .....................................................................................................7
Live Mode .........................................................................................................7
Storing sounds to and from Live Programs ...................................................7
List/Organize ....................................................................................................8
Piano ....................................................................................................................8
Kbd Touch .........................................................................................................8
Pedals ...............................................................................................................8
Octave Up, Octave Down ..................................................................................8
Acoustics ..........................................................................................................8
String Res .....................................................................................................8
Soft Release .................................................................................................9
Pedal Noise ..................................................................................................9
The Nord Triple Pedal ........................................................................................9
Half pedaling .................................................................................................9
Sostenuto .....................................................................................................9
Soft Pedal .....................................................................................................9
Nord Piano Library size comparison chart..........................................................9
List/Organize .....................................................................................................9
Sample Synth ................................................................................................10
Dynamics ........................................................................................................10
Pedals .............................................................................................................10
Octave Up, Octave Down ................................................................................10
Attack, Decay/Release and Sustain .................................................................10
Attack .........................................................................................................10
Decay/Release and Sustain ........................................................................10
List/Organize ...................................................................................................11
Effects ...............................................................................................................11
Effects 1 ..........................................................................................................11
Effects 2 ..........................................................................................................11
Delay ...............................................................................................................12
Equalizer .........................................................................................................12
Amp/Comp .....................................................................................................12
Reverb ............................................................................................................12
4. MIDI .........................................................................................................13
About the MIDI implementation ...........................................................13
MIDI messages ................................................................................................13
Control Change ..........................................................................................13
Program Change ........................................................................................13
MIDI and Transpose.........................................................................................13
Nord Piano 3 with a sequencer ...........................................................14
5. MENUS ...............................................................................................15
System ..............................................................................................................15
MIDI ....................................................................................................................15
Sound ................................................................................................................15
Pedal ..................................................................................................................15
6. NORD SOUND MANAGER ...........................................16
System Requirements .............................................................................16
Installation .......................................................................................................16
Overview ..........................................................................................................16
Downloading Programs and samples ...............................................17
Downloading Piano sounds .............................................................................17
Downloading samples for the Sample Synth ....................................................17
Deleting sounds and samples ..........................................................................17
Substituting sounds and samples ....................................................................17
The Organize function......................................................................................17
Uploading Programs ........................................................................................18
Sound Up and Sound Down ............................................................................18
Bundle Upload and Bundle Down ....................................................................18
Full Backup and Restore .........................................................................18
I APPENDIX: CONNECTIONS ...........................................19
Audio Connections .....................................................................................19
Headphones ...................................................................................................19
Left and Right Out ...........................................................................................19
Monitor In ........................................................................................................19
MIDI Connections........................................................................................19
MIDI In ............................................................................................................19
MIDI Out .........................................................................................................19
USB Connection ..........................................................................................19
Pedal Connections .....................................................................................19
Sustain pedal ..................................................................................................19
Vol/Ctrl Pedal...................................................................................................19
II APPENDIX: MIDI CONTROLLER LIST ................20
III INDEX ....................................................................................................21
4 | NORD PIANO 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
2. OVERVIEW
1 Program section
2 Piano section 3 Sample Synth section 4 Effects section
THE FRONT PANEL
The Nord Piano 3 is designed to be a complete and easy-to-use tool for any piano player, with readily accessible front panel controls for virtually all performance functions. Below is a brief overview of the features contained
within each panel section. Complete descriptions of these features can be found later on in the manual.
The front panel of the Nord Piano 3 is made up of four sections. To the far left is the PROGRAM section 1. Use
this section to browse stored Programs, store new or edited Programs, adjust the master volume level, access
menus and set up keyboard splits and transpositions. This section is also home to the large display, which will
assist in all interaction with the panel controls. A detailed description of this section begins on page 6.
Next is the PIANO section 2 which has controls for turning on or off the Piano sound engine, browsing and selecting Piano sounds, adjusting the keyboard response as well as other parameters affecting the Piano sound.
This section is described in detail beginning on page 8.
To the right is the SAMPLE SYNTH section 3 with controls for turning the Sample Synth on or off, browsing
and selecting samples and for making adjustments to the selected sample. Read more about the Sample Synth
on page 9.
To the right of the Sample Synth is the EFFECTS section, comprised of six different Effect units 4. Each unit has
a control for turning it on or off and for selecting whether the chosen effect is applied to the Piano or the Sample Synth. The rightmost unit, the Reverb, is always applied to both sound engines. To read more about the
effects provided by each unit, refer to the Effects chapter beginning on page 11.
M At the back of the instrument you will find all necessary jacks for setting up appropriate audio, power, data
and pedal connections to your instrument. If unsure, refer to the Appendix on page 19 for instructions
on how to perform these connections in a correct and safe way.
THE NORD USER INTERFACE
At Clavia we realize the importance of a user interface that allows for rapid sound adjustments and straightforward interaction whether you happen to be in the on-stage spotlight, in the recording studio or at home in
your living room. With this in mind the instrument’s controls are designed to give you immediate access to all
sound-altering parameters and give you as much information as possible about the sound you are playing and
hearing.
The following types of controls can be found on the front panel:
SHIFT BUTTON
Many controls provide a secondary function, printed below the button, knob or dial. These functions are accessed by pressing SHIFT while pressing or turning the associated control. The Shift button can also be used
to EXIT menus and lists as well as to abort a program store operation.
SELECTOR BUTTONS
Selector buttons are used to choose a setting within an array of multiple options. A set of round or triangular
LEDs will indicate which option is currently selected. Press the button repeatedly to cycle through all available
settings.
2. OVERVIEW | 5
ON/OFF AND SOURCE BUTTONS
ON OFF buttons are used for activating any of the sections on the Nord Piano 3 panel, such as the Piano,
Sample Synth or any of the six effect units. For effects units On/Off buttons also act as source selectors,
where holding down SHIFT while pressing will let you select either Piano or Synth as source.
Quickly double clicking the Source button provides a shortcut for switching between the Piano or
Synth as source.
PRESS-HOLD FUNCTIONS
Buttons marked with the “ “ symbol have a press-hold function. When these buttons are pressed and held
down a menu will appear on the display and the related parameter value can be adjusted using the PROG/
MENU dial. Note that the menu screen will disappear as soon as the button is released.
Examples of press-hold buttons on the Nord Piano 3 are those for TRANSPOSE and Delay TEMPO.
KNOBS
Most parameter values are adjusted using knobs, which have a start and a stop position and a fixed range.
When you load a stored Program the physical positions of the knobs may not correspond to the actual
value of their respective parameters. As soon as a knob is turned the value will ‘snap’ to the knob’s physical
position. As adjustments are being made the value of the relevant parameter will be shown on the display.
Pressing down SHIFT while turning a knob prompts the current parameter value to be displayed
without changing it.
DIALS
The Nord Piano 3 has three dials of an endless, rotary type. The PROG/MENU dial is used for selecting Programs and for navigating and changing menu settings. The PIANO SELECT dial is used for selecting Pianos,
and the SAMPLE SELECT dial for selecting Samples. The names of Piano sounds and Sample Synth samples are shown at the bottom part of the display. Press SHIFT and turn any of the three dials to enter LIST/
ORGANIZE mode for Programs, Piano or Sample Synth respectively.
VALUE MODIFIER
The VALUE modifier is used together with the PROG/MENU dial when changing a menu setting or selecting
characters when naming a Program. It is also used for accessing the ORGANIZE function, when in LIST
mode. In this case the dial can be used to move a Program, Piano or Sample within each list. Whenever the
Value modifier can be used, its LED will be lit with a yellow color.
THE KEYBED
The Nord exclusive Virtual Hammer Action Technology simulates the mechanics of a grand piano action
for maximum authenticity and dynamic response. By using a triple sensor keybed, key movements can be
determined with great precision, and a wider range of playing techniques are facilitated. The result is a keyboard action that responds very well to dynamic playing, at any velocity level.
REPETITIONS AND KEY RANGE
With the Nord Piano 3 it is possible to produce a new note without lifting the key to its top position. This
allows for smoother repetitions, trills and legato playing as the tone is not completely dampened between
the strokes, much like the fluent transitions possible on a grand piano. A variety of other techniques, such
as quick note repetitions at the key bottom or high velocity strokes within the top of the key range can also
be performed as a result of the Virtual Hammer Action Technology.
GRAND WEIGHTED ACTION
The Nord Piano 3 uses a heavy – grand weighted – action keybed for a more authentic grand piano touch
and increased dynamic control.
M Every Nord Piano 3 keybed is individually calibrated and tested at the Nord factory to ensure an even
response across the entire keyboard range.
6 | NORD PIANO 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
3. USING THE NORD PIANO 3
THE PROGRAM SECTION
ABOUT PROGRAMS
A Program on the Nord Piano 3 contains complete settings for the Piano and Sample Synth sections as well as complete settings for all effects.
Settings for keyboard split, transposition and mono on/off are also stored in a Program.
When a Program is selected, its name along with the Bank letter (A-D) and Program number separated by a colon are shown in the display. The
lower half of the display contains icons representing the Piano and Sample Synth sound engines. The names of the active piano and/or sample are
displayed to the right of the icons. An asterisk will appear to the right of the program number if edits have been made to a Program. Note that these
edits will be lost upon changing to another Program unless a STORE operation is performed first.
There are four Program banks: A, B, C and D. Each bank contains fifty Programs for a total of two hundred available
memory locations. Within each bank Programs are organized in groups of five, corresponding to the five Program buttons that make up the lower part of the Program area. Programs are navigated and loaded by turning the PROG dial, or
by pressing any of the five Program buttons.
The Nord Piano 3 factory bank is organized so that similar Programs are generally grouped under the same
Program button (1-5). For example, all non-split and non-layered grand piano based Programs are accessed with
Program button 1. Press-hold any Program button and turn the PROG/MENU dial, to quickly navigate all Programs
tied to that particular button position.
The MIDI LED will flash when MIDI messages are received by the Nord Piano 3.
MEMORY PROTECTION
When the Nord Piano 3 is shipped, its memory is protected to avoid any accidental overwriting of the factory Programs. This also prevents any inadvertent use of the Organize functions. To unlock the memory, enter the SYSTEM
menu and set “Memory Protection” to off. If necessary, see the “Menus” chapter on page 15 for further instructions.
KEYBOARD SPLIT
With KBD SPLIT the keyboard can be divided into two parts. The SYNT/PNO option places the Sample Synth sound in
the left part, and Piano in the right. PNO/SYNT gives the opposite setup. Press SET SPLIT repeatedly to select from the
seven available split points: C3, F3, C4, F4, C5, F5 and C6. Green LEDs are provided along the keyboard to indicate
which split point is active. The split point can also be set by press-holding SET SPLIT while turning the PROG/MENU
dial.
TRANSPOSE
The TRANSPOSE function, activated by a single press of the button, allows the keyboard to be transposed +/- 6 semitones on a per-Program basis. Press-hold the TRANSPOSE button and turn the PROG/MENU dial to set the Transpose
value.
M Note that there is also a “Global Transpose” option in the System menu. The Global Transpose value is applied
regardless of which Program is selected, and will be added to any Transpose setting made for each individual
Program.
MONO
The MONO function causes all sounds for the active Program to be output in mono and affects both the Piano and Sample Synth as well as any applied effects. The output signal of both the Left and Right outputs will in this case be identical.
3. USING THE NORD PIANO 3 | 7
PANIC
Press PANIC to immediately terminate all active notes. This can be useful if external MIDI input
causes notes to hang, or if you during a live performance quickly want to turn off all currently
playing sound.
STORING AND NAMING PROGRAMS
To save changes made to the current Program and store it to the current or a different location:
1 Press STORE to enter the STORE PROGRAM TO screen. The display now shows the
location to which the Program will be stored as well as the name it will be stored with.
2 Optionally use the PROG/MENU dial or the five numbered program buttons to select a
different location in any of the Program banks.
3 Press STORE again to perform the operation. A pop-up text on the display confirms that
the Program has been successfully stored.
Pending store operations can be aborted by pressing EXIT. The text ”Store aborted!” verifies
that no changes were saved.
STORE AS...
Follow the steps below to give the Program a different name before storing it to the desired
location:
1 Select STORE AS... to enter the STORE PROGRAM AS screen. The cursor will highlight
the first character of the name.
2 Press-hold the VALUE button and an alphanumeric row of letters will show.
3 Turn the PROG/MENU dial until the desired character is highlighted.
4 Release VALUE and the cursor will jump to the next letter slot. Optionally use the dial to
select a different position within the name.
5 Use the Del soft key to delete the selected character and Ins to insert a blank space at
the cursor position. Pressing ABC/abc will switch between upper and lower case input.
6 Repeat the actions above until the new name is complete. When finished, press STORE
and the STORE PROGRAM TO screen will show. Use the PROG/MENU dial or Program
buttons to select a different store location.
LIVE MODE
The Nord Piano 3 has five easy-to-access Live Programs, differing from other Programs in that
any edits are automatically stored. When exiting a Live Program or powering off the machine
all edits are saved, without the need for a manual Store operation. To select a Live Program,
press LIVE MODE and then any of the 1-5 buttons in the Program area.
In Live Mode the display will read Live 1-5, depending on which Live Program is currently
selected. The lower half of the display shows icons representing the Piano and Sample Synth
sound engines along with the names of the loaded piano and/or sample.
STORING SOUNDS TO AND FROM LIVE PROGRAMS
Sounds created in Live mode can be stored to a Program bank location:
1 Press STORE, or STORE AS... if you also want to name the stored Program.
2 If doing a STORE AS... operation, enter a name for the Program and press STORE.
3 Press the LIVE MODE button, to exit Live Mode.
4 Use the PROG dial to select a destination for the Program and press STORE.
Similarly, a Program can be copied from a Program bank to a Live program:
1 Select the Program to copy and press STORE.
2 Press LIVE MODE followed by one of the five Live program buttons to select the desired
Live location.
3 Confirm the action by pressing the STORE button.
8 | NORD PIANO 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
LIST/ORGANIZE
The LIST function provides a useful list view, giving a good overview when browsing the
Program banks. ORGANIZE enables moving Programs to other locations within or between
banks.
1 Press SHIFT and turn the PROG/MENU dial to enter LIST mode and display a list view
of the Programs. Turn the dial to navigate through the list.
2 Hold down VALUE to enter ORGANIZE mode which enables moving the selected Pro-
gram to a different location. Two arrows indicate that the dial can be used to move
the Program up or down the list.
3 Release the VALUE button to drop the selected Program at the desired location.
Navigate to a different Program in the list and repeat from step 2.
4 Press EXIT to leave the LIST/ORGANIZE view.
PIANO
The heart of the Nord Piano 3 is arguably the Piano section which is activated or deactivated by pressing ON. When a Program that uses the Piano
section is loaded, the name of the active piano sound will be displayed in the lower part of the display. The LEVEL knob adjusts the volume of the Piano
section.
The PIANO SELECT dial is used for browsing and selecting piano sounds. Piano sounds are grouped in the following six categories Grand, Upright,
Electric, Synth, Clavinet and Harpsichord. The LED Selector indicates the category to which the currently selected sound belongs. To see additional
information about the selected piano sound, press and hold INFO.
KBD TOUCH
Pianos from the Nord Piano Libary typically have a very wide dynamic range, and their
dynamic response can be adjusted according to what fits your personal style or the context of your performance.
The lowest KBD TOUCH setting (1) facilitates playing softly yet expressively. With each
increment of the Kbd Touch setting (2, 3) less effort is required to play loudly.
PEDALS
The PEDALS button controls which of the SUSTAIN and/or VOLUME pedals affects the cur-
rent Piano sound. Press the PEDALS control repeatedly to reach the desired setting, which
could be either pedal active on its own, both pedals active or both inactive.
M Refer to the Pedal section on page 15 to read more about supported pedals.
OCTAVE UP, OCTAVE DOWN
Use OCTAVE UP and OCTAVE DOWN respectively to transpose the Piano section in octave
steps. The available transposition values are dependant on whether KB Split mode is
active or not, and are defined to always give you access to the entire playable range.
ACOUSTICS
The ACOUSTICS section provides a set of features which help improve the realism of the
playing experience, by modifying the acoustic characteristics of the sound. Note that these
features are dependent on the type of piano sound being used as well as its size and
version. If an Acoustics feature is not supported it will not be selectable.
STRING RES
When STRING RES is active the sound is enriched by undampened strings resonating
sympathetically with the notes being played (referred to as sympathetic string resonance)
and by the ambience present when playing with the pedal down. The sound level of the
sympathetic string resonance can be set in the Sound menu, see page 15.
M See the Nord Piano Library Size Comparison Chart below for details on how String
Resonance is supported by piano sounds of different size.
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