@@axialfire thanks for listening!! And thanks for the idea about mastering - I’ll probably make one in the next week or so. I'm not mastering engineer but it would be fun to share my profess.
Right on the money with watching Loopop to make you fall back in love with your current synths. Although, if that loopop date doesn’t work, it might be time to sell…
@@EverettDudgeon138 it certainly can! I think there is even a stock preset that emulates it. I’ll try to recreate some of those sounds in a future video.
The MS-20 is a perfect block. It's build like a wall. 😅 Serious: it's a great mono synths blocker, as it's versatile and ultra-fat too. I got 6 mono analog synths, but all do sound completely different. I don't need another one. I also have some vintage analog poly synths, but they are broken or about to break, so I got a Behringer pro-800 as I love that sound and ordered the Moog Muse, which is my personal block for every new analog poly synth that will come out for ages. Great thought process. I feel you. And I see the need to build a block for myself now.
@@nichttuntun3364 that all sounds like some clutch gear! Wishing you the best on your block journey 😅. I’ve been using this trick where when I want another poly I immediately go play with the Push and Synth1 to sort of shake me out of the need to acquire.
@@toskabyss Yes, the space gets filled up. There wouldn't be enough space for another anyway. Thank you. 😊 How far are you within your one year no fear challenge?
Amazing videos! Currently I use a spd sx with a bass pedal, a floor tom, a hi hat, and a crash as my main kit for recording and live. I like the Roland, but it just doesn’t respond like I want it to. You can’t really play dynamics beyond volume velocity. I know the 3p and spd sx are totally different machines, but I am leaning towards replacing the Roland with the 3p and just find other work arounds for triggering ambient loops. One sound I am curious if you have ever tried to emulate on the 3p is a wind chime? Is it possible to make something like that? I don’t know if the 3p has like a sample and hold lfo or something that might make that possible. Any thoughts?
This is a really good question. ND doesn't have any LFOs or modulators besides filter envelopes and dynamic/velocity control. I just searched and it looks like wind chimes typically have anywhere between 3-10 different chimes. My thought is you could make a patch with the 6 pads using the P1-P4 wave type that is described in the manual as "Resonance modelling of tuned percussion: marimba, vibraphone etc." I'd assume you could get a chime type sound and then run the different pitches from the 6 pads. You could probably then sequence those randomly through midi or you could creatively play them. Good question!
@@toskabyss thanks for the thoughtful reply. I guess there are just some sounds that are better for samples or the real deal. I think if I were to switch over to the 3p I would still need to use samples in some way... maybe triggered by hand with my 404 or maybe and spd 1 or something to play a loop or a wind chime one shot! I still think the sound of the nord is amazing and it would be fun to make my own sounds!
@@thebobbycovert in this case I'd say you are right about that particular sound. A work-around comes to mind - if you have a ND you could use it to trigger any sampler with midi input - might be a cheap workaround that avenue. But if you are needing lots of sampled sounds I might go for one of the Roland devices.
I meant to comment earlier on the hihat pedal situation. I have a box which takes input from a Roland hihat trigger pedal and can use that to modify midi messages, configured in a desktop app. So I can use one drum voice for both open and closed hihat sounds, and the pedal modulates the release parameter of the synth voice. I can’t find the box at the moment and forget who makes it, but hopefully someone else knows what I’m talking about.
I just record my performance into Ableton as MIDI data. I split that up into multiple tracks so there is one note number per track. Then I can play the MIDI for one track at a time out to the 3P and record the audio back into Ableton audio tracks. It’s a slightly tedious process, but the end result is individually recorded audio tracks for each drum voice,.
Ahh yes I’ve done something similar. I have a bunch of external instruments nested in drum rack. I’ll mute all the notes but one of the track in the midi -> print to audio -> repeat that process 5 more times. Good workaround for sure but you are right - tedious 😔 😆
I love the videos your doing on the ND3. great stuff. My biggest gripe is no Midi USB on this thing. Its such a hassle when routing in a DAW just to get sequences triggered and needing to use 2 MIDI ports (albiet, easy but can be cumbersome) Its not fast and its annoying when I want to just jam some stuff out at my laptop but not in my studio with my interfaces. Very frustrating. Ive actually bout the Roland SPDSX PRO recently and have the ND3 under it on the same stand and sample directly into the Roland. I edit and create on the ND3 and sample it directly to the roland via audio cable and its an amazing set up. This way if im ever playing live I bring the Roland and theres no cross talk issues, outputs, triggers, the works! As a drummer first and synth and production second, this is the best set up ive found when it comes to Drum synths or any sort of percussion in the electronic realm.
Yes I have to agree the midi thing is cumbersome. I ended up getting a dedicated midi interface to deal with all the 5-pin midi devices I had. Too much. A great workaround is the iConnectivity mio usb midi interface. They are relatively cheap and it turns your 5-pin into usb-A or C. When I was mobile I used this to connect to the iPad.
I think the real issue, REAL users of the Nord drum have, is that there is no separate Trigger inputs. This limits the ability to split the pads over the drum kit or isolate each trigger/pad to its own pad as the ND3 has cross talk issues. The lack of outputs really is a non issue.
Separate trigger inputs would be nice - however, I haven’t had any cross talk issues. I’ll have to look and see what I have thresholds and sensitivity set to - but I think I got the perfect setting there!
The most important thing to emphasize about the Nord Drum 3p is that every design decision by Nord is purely oriented toward live performance. Then it all makes sense. Also, I used a MIDI Baby + expression pedal to make a pretty convincing hi-hat controller. It worked pretty well but you're right: it was too many extra cables and faffing about. It crossed the line to feel like I was hauling around a mini drum kit.
Ahh yes I’ve been some really cool things with external midi devices. My friend Artur did something similar ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wThDXuaHOdg.htmlsi=SXFBi6k7m03d_ucH super cool ideas there for live performance
I use the Push 2 and still sometimes step back in wonder of how freaking well it works. I made a video about the 3 questioning how much of an improvement it would be and I'm totally convinced that if your goal is just deep control of Ableton in a hands-on workflow, the Push 2 is now quite possibly the best option on the market. Pair it with your favorite midi keyboard and enjoy a workstation-like workflow. It's brilliant.👌🏽
Honestly I think you are totally correct. I feel like they did such a good job of making a perfect product that at the end of the day there isn’t really a ton of room for improvement. I think a used Push 2 for $300-400 is still a crazy good deal.
@@peabodyscientific2082 I just watched that video - excellent presentation and discussion. You are spot on. MPE is super cool but not worth the $1200-1600 price difference. Might be cool to go with something like Osmose as a supplement. Even though I think Osmose is quite expensive. Anyway, thanks for your work!
Hey again! Back to the output topic: Of course it works with these mentioned big productions because there is a high probability that there are techs checking patches in extended soundchecks on these bigger scale productions. If you are a smaller performer, smaller band whatever, this is a different story. You will not always have a good team around you that knows every little fragment of the show and helps you make it work. When you are a small touring artist that is on tour without a sound engineer, thats when things get kind of random.
I agree - large acts can likely just sit down and play for sound check and not really think too hard about it. However, as a smaller touring artist you can do a lot to control your situation - I used to have a little 6 channel mixer that was part of my rig. I’d handle as much as I could before I gave anything to the sound person and it seemed to mitigate a lot. I’d also say if a small venue engineer can’t handle two outputs they will likely do no better with additional outputs. Just thinking out loud here 😂 I’ve not had my coffee for the day. You are right though, I’ve been to some venues where they can really just blow it.
RE: Separating tracks in recording- Record your performance via MIDI. Pan odd tracks left, even tracks right. Playback the MIDI performance and record two tracks/pads at a time as audio. Do this three times...boom...6 isolated audio tracks of the 6 pads.
This is a great tip. I’ve even just duplicated my full midi track 6 times across the arrangement - muted all but 1 track for each copy, start recording that to audio and just go make a coffee or something.
Great video. I love my Nord Drum, and find it to be a tool unlike anything else. I don’t see it as having any limitations. My ability and imagination are all that I’m up against. The tactile nature of the unit is fantastic. The more I use it the more obviously genius the interface is. The built in FX work fine, and I don’t view it as six separate drums BC they don’t have separate outs. I am going to get a drum synth that has individual outs later, but its just not the same thing. The sounds the nord is capable of are massive and unique and awesome.
I have to agree with you! The pads are really organic feeling - doesn't feel like a static pad. You'll have to let me know what drum synth you end up going with? Putting some thought to this - a drumlogue might be a cheap way to go - trigger it with the ND - it has individual outs .... I might need a drumlogue now. Alpha Base looks sick. I wouldn't mind playing with a Tempest too - not sure if that has individual outs. I quite like the room + plate verbs on the ND and the distortion. I could take or leave the delay and ring mod distortion thing.
1 - Cables, almost every synths / drum pads does the same. 2 - When you choose an instrument for its sound, go for it. 3 - Why compare with finger drumming? Why not compare with keyboard? They're pads, just compare with other pads like the Roland, Alesis or others. Orange for an orange. 4 - Again, when you want an instrument, you should get it. Maybe buy it used or rent it to see if it's what you want. But don't suggest Behringer for sake! Totally not agree with your arguments.
@@NicleT I appreciate your insight and your thoughtful reply! I agree that cables are always going to be an issue, however, let’s take something like the Roland Boutiques. You can power with batteries and run one usb cable for audio and midi sync. I agree - sound is most important second to inspiration. I chose finger drumming as a cheap alternative as most folks probably have pads on their midi controller. Roland drum pads are just as expensive - I’ve only tried alesis pad 4 and that thing was not great. Absolutely but any device that inspires you - I feel you on Behringer - I don’t own any Behringer stuff, but if folks want to make music with a device that inspires them I would never get in their way there. I hear you!
Not sure how serious this video is meant to be. The first point? Get some nicer cables and cable mgmt tools. Second point? A model samples feels a lot lot different to the ND (in the worst way). Launchpad Mini is also a rather uncomfortable thing. The last point is valid though, if you are not a drummer, you can definitely get something else. Apart from that I think the ND is incredibly unique when you are a drummer, there is nothing else out there that is even remotely close to this incredible instrument. And your channel is the best example. Here are (in my opinion) my reasons, why you should not get it. 1. Only Stereo Output. You can cheat and route something to te headphone output though. But its incredible how they made a unique instrument like the ND but keep a lot of professionals from playing it live because you can't have separate outputs for kick, snare, etc. This is maybe the biggest letdown. Also for production it is super frustrating. 2. Only one trigger input. Could be added though if you really want it. 3. No Updates since 2016. It feels kind of abandoned by clavia. 4. If you are not into experimenting or tweaking and want usual bread and butter sounds.
I hear you on the cable management thing - it still doesn't prevent you from having 6 cables running out of the back of it. I think if you are just planning on sequencing the Cycles is a really nice move and they both sort of share a calculator aesthetic. Launchpad mini was a bad recommendation in retrospect as it doesn't have velocity. I have to say I was really disappointed with not having individual outs at first, but I've come to really enjoy the limitation of left channel being low end and right channel being high end. I find that it prevents me from getting too granular with 6 different channels to process. I hear you on the updates - however, I think because it is so rock solid with what is already does I think they'd be better off investing that time into Nord Drum 4. I agree on your last point - go for one of the Roland pads if you are looking for the more typical sounds. Nord Drum shines when you stop treating it like a drum replacement and more like a 6 part synthesizer. I value your opinions and insight!
@@toskabyss And I do value yours! Good points. I am fine with the outs as well until I try to bring this thing to a world where a sound-engineer wants to control the kick or rooms and soundsystems sound different every night. Because that means you have to get in there every time and tweak little things so it fits again. But didnt you say something about using the headphone as a seperate output? There was a routing option if I remember correctly. By the way, I use a stereo jack cable that is one cable and a midi i/o which is also one cable. Down to 3 in my case. ;)
Great video. I own a Nord Drum 3p for years, I don't think I will ever sell it since it's the most 'organic' electronic pad I've ever played. It really feels like playing acoustic electronic sounds if that means anything. But yes, there are a lot of flaws. I didn't know it was so expensive nowadays... No USB for MIDI, backup is a shame. Only Stereo outputs is way too less. I would have loved a seventh sound engine for the drum pedal input. But it sounds and feels so great !
Thanks! Yes I have to agree the pads are just right. I have done midi backup once and I hated that process. I have come to love the stereo output limitation - I throw low end left and high end right. Then I process those two channels separately in ableton and it prevents me from getting too lost with 6 different channels. Would love the option though! I think they have the opportunity to knock it completely out of the park with a Nord Drum 4 if they listen to everyone.
The biggest thing too, as a drummer to other drummers out there, is that the design of the pads introduces possible wire shortage and cross talk. Especially with vibrations!!!!!!! So live with this? Thats a NO GO. And no external trigger puts other than the kick which takes from one of the pads. Biggest thumbs down.
I feel that! Honestly though the threshold and sensitivity settings are dialed in real proper on mine. But yeah I don’t know what the thought was with the limited input.
Thank you for making this. I'm really thinking back and forth between a Nord Drum and a fingerdrumming controller. So it was great to see you comparing it to the Push. However, I'm afraid, that getting a Launchpad Mini for fingerdrumming is very bad advice. I had my hands on a Launchpad Mini. The pads are stiff and have a TACTILE SWITCH. Please do not recommend this. Moreover, I owned a Launchpad X and even that was not that great. Both are nice Ableton controllers for Session View, but neither of those a good choice for fingerdrumming. There are a bunch of fingerdrummers here on RU-vid. Most of them agree on the MASCHINE MIKRO MK3 as one of the best devices for fingerdrumming. It is not that expensive, neither.
I’ve owned the Launchpad mini and I think you are right. I also forgot it doesn’t even have velocity. Launchpad Pro mk3 has really nice pads but at that price you should just get a used Push 2. I’ve never tried MASCHINE but they look pretty clutch. Midi Fighter Spectra might be a fun move too.
@@lockyp204 at the very least they could do what elektron did with model:cycles and allow you to route channels to headphone out or main out. That way you could split the stereo signals and get 4 individual outs.
@@toskabyss They’d sell more to the modular community if they did. They have all the schematics, just some upgrades here and there is all that’s needed. A lot has changed since they released the Nord drum 2. They’d sell like hotcakes
