Nord Stage 2 Comprehensive Review!
Award-winning quality from the Nord Stage 2
Nord Stage 2
Reviews have called the Nord Stage 2 the most authentic-sounding keyboard on the market. We have decided to provide a report in this full Nord Stage 2 review. Revamping nearly every limitation of the Stage 1, the Swedish electro-mechanical keyboard manufacturer has combined three instruments (piano, organ, and synthesizer) with the highest-quality sound libraries. Coupled with its simple-to-use interface and incredible versatility, the Nord Stage 2 is a powerful, professional instrument suitable for almost any experience level and performance need.
Three distinct Nord Stage 2 versions: A model for any player
Nord Stage 2 family
The Stage 2 has been released in three versions. The full-size Nord Stage 2 HA88 and the 76-key Nord Stage 2 HA76 have fully weighted, newly updated Hammer Action keys. The Compact portable model, the Nord Stage 2 SW73, has 73 semi-weighted waterfall keys. According to enthusiasts, the Hammer Action quality makes the keys feel and play like a traditional piano, with very little lag and downward travel. The semi-weighted keys on the Compact model may be more suitable for organ and synth players, but Clavia has put the maximum versatility into all three Stage 2 versions.
Easy-to-use control interface
As instruments advance further into the realm of digital wizardry, players often have to choose between getting a professional, performing-quality keyboard and a technical interface that’s simple to use. Professional models are too advanced for less tech-savvy users, but the simpler models sacrifice professional sound.
But when it comes to the choice between sound quality and control accessibility, the Nord Stage 2 says: both. The Stage 2’s extensive control board is intuitive as well as functional. It puts all the features a player could want right at your fingertips, with no complicated digital menus to flip through. The interface is simple enough for less tech-savvy users and players new to digital keyboards, yet it offers enough control for the most experienced digital stage performer.
Nord Stage 2: Three instruments in one
The best part of the Nord Stage 2’s control panel is that it is separated into three distinct sections for Piano, Organ, and Synthesizer controls. Each instrument has its own section on the main control board, and there is also a separate effects panel (see below). The designers have effectively combined 3 separate instruments in one while retaining as much control, quality, and function as possible from each.
Piano
Reviews unanimously praise the Nord Stage 2 to play better than a real piano. Drawing from a huge bank of sample sounds, the Stage 2 is capable of reproducing everything from the “clicks” of the pedal as it stops and releases strings to authentic harmonic string resonance. The frequency of a strings is actually excited when resonant notes are played. This gives the Stage 2’s piano section an incredible amount of realism. What’s more, the keyboard now has access to the complete online Nord Piano Library, meaning the user can download the sounds of almost any piano, new or old—including grand, upright, and vintage models.
Organ
Nord’s amazing sound-capture techniques extend to the organ as well. In recorded sound samples for the Stage 2, Clavia analyzed original instruments from every angle to produce the most authentic sound possible. When playing the “organ” sounds, the keys respond at their highest trigger position so the player can tread lightly and quickly. The Stage 2 also models an organ’s mechanical drawbars with simple bars of LED lights. Three distinct tone wheel modes even allow the player to change the “age” of the organ’s sound to emulate sharp, new organs or the classic, rich tones of an older organ. Many players claim it’s the best organ sound ever produced digitally.
Synthesizer
Unlike keyboard synths, the Stage 2 has a distinct synth section, separated on the control panel to function as its own instrument. The fact that it’s not just a synthesizer with piano and organ sounds thrown in for good measure makes the Stage 2 much more powerful. The Stage 2 is a dedicated piano and organ first with a SEPARATE synthesizing engine. The synth engine is just as versatile as the piano and organ sections and comes with the latest technology. It also includes access to the Nord Sample Library and the Nord Sample Editor tool – which will be reviewed in the next section.
Effects section
Effects has a separate section on the Nord Stage 2’s control panel, and the keyboard’s digital effects are no less powerful than its other features. All three instrument sections can be piped through the effects panel at the touch of a button, in keeping with the rest of the Stage 2’s easy-access controls. The instrument has 2 effects mode as well as master effects, delay, amp simulation, and the newly-added Master Clock, which allows players to sync effects easily with the arpeggiator and other elements. The Stage 2’s Master Clock can even be linked to an external MIDI clock, allowing you to sync with an outside track.
Edit and upload your own sound samples for the Nord Stage 2
Many Nord Stage 2 reviews have noted that the biggest drawback to the original Stage keyboard was its lack of sample upload ability and library access. That’s not a problem with the Nord Stage 2. The Stage 2’s sophisticated onboard computer allows user uploads of any type of WAV file, including samples, chords, and files created with the Nord Sample Editor—a tool for your home computer that is included with the keyboard.
With the Sample Editor, you can upload your own sounds from another instrument into the synthesizer, or edit sound bytes exported from the Stage 2. The Stage 2 also has online access to Nord’s entire Sample Library of instrument sounds. Going well beyond just pianos and organs of different ages, this feature expands the Stage 2’s sound selection into the hundreds. Several reviewers have commented on the fact that this feature will indeed keep the Stage 2’s sound quality highly competitive for years to come.
Listen to the Nord Stage 2 Sound Samples here:
Conclusion
There are very few negatives to the Stage 2. Nord has done its best to address every issue with the Nord Stage 1 and has created a catch-all keyboard for every performance need. There may be higher-quality keyboards out there (though this is doubtful!), but you won’t find another keyboard offering the same quality, with this much horsepower coupled with such an intuitive interface.
Nord Stage 2 HA88, 88-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano (AMS-NS2 HA88)
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 List Price: $4,599.00 Sale Price: $4,199.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 
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Nord Stage 2 HA88, 88-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano (AMS-NS2 HA88) - Product Description
Representing a stunning new take on the famous Stage series, the Nord Stage 2 HA88 is the company's flagship instrument line. Utilizing Nord's very latest sound generation technology in the three categories of Piano, Organ and Synthesizer combined with a well thought-out, user friendly interface, a choice of premium 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 Nord Stage 2 is compatible with the Nord Sample Library and also the Nord Sample Editor software that lets you create your own sample instruments, for infinite possibilities. Combined with Nord Piano Library compatibility the Nord Stage 2 is an instrument that offers huge expandability. The Stage 2 features Nord's new top-of-the-line fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard. It has three sound generating sections, Piano, Organ and Synthesizer, all of which can be used simultaneously. Furthermore, up to two sounds from each section can be combined in a single program for massive sonic flexibility. All this with an amazingly user-friendly interface where all vital functions are only button away. The Nord Stage 2 has been given the "MusicTech Excellence" award and "Future Music Platinum Award". It was also awarded the MIPA award for "Best Stage Piano" at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in April 2011.
Nord Stage 2 HA88, 88-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano (AMS-NS2 HA88) - Details
- C2 organ technology 88 note fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard
- Powerful Classic Analog, FM and Wavetable synthesis
- Piano String Resonance, Dynamic Pedal Noise
- Latest Nord Piano/synth/organ technology
- External section allowing the Nord Stage 2 to serve as a master keyboard
Get the best deal on the Nord Stage 2 HA88!
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Nord Stage 2 HA76, 76-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano (AMS-NS2-HA76) total customer reviews... |
Get the best deal on the Nord Stage 2 HA76!
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Nord Stage 2 SW73, 73-Key Semi-Weighted Waterfall Keyboard Digital Stage Piano (AMS-NST-SW 73) total customer reviews... |
