With the NE6, Nord also dropped the Drawbar 9 Cancel feature which of course diminishes from the authenticity of the Hammond B3. My Nord Electro 3 has this option and looking through the manuals on the Nord site, it was kept through the Electro 5. Why Nord dropped this is puzzling since they claim to have one of the most authentic B3 emulations. The selectable feature turns off Drawbar 9 when percussion is engaged. This was a great way to alter the sound with the touch of the percussion button, something jazz B3 players have done for years. I wrote to Nord and their response was the feature will likely be put back in a future OS upgrade. It's been 2 upgrades since and the feature remains absent. For me, a pianist, I can live without the feature but to hardcore B3 enthusiasts, missing this feature when others manufactures maintain it could persuade the player to purchase elsewhere. Even my Roland RD800, predominatly a stage piano, has the drawbar 9 feature. However, I'm really enjoying my Nord E6D 73, a vast improvement over the NE3 that I recently sold. It' a great keyboard to gig with. And as always, a very informative and thought out video. Nice Job!
Hi Lou. Thank you so much for the details on the Drawbar 9 cancel feature and the info with your interaction with Nord. I'm going to pin this comment for a while so people won't miss the additional details you have provided. It's amazing just how many details surface that are not written in any manual or comparison chart. For example, I wouldn't have guessed that they removed Vintage 3 from the B3 emulation if I hadn't read it on a forum first. That's why these comments come in handy for people who like the details... Thanks again!
Great stuff, thanks for the info! Your videos helped me narrow it down. I wouldn't mind the older 5 (to save money) but ended up pulling the trigger on a used 6D73 for a decent price. I think the cross fade and extra memory will be appreciated in time.
Zone47! Congrats on pulling the trigger! Now, like I always say, the tough part is to wait for it... I love my Nord Electro 6 and I think the 73 is a perfect size too by the way. The 61 (which is what I have) tends to be a tad on the short side for some gigs and I tend to use it only if I don't have to play key bass. But other than that, it's a terrific board. Now you'll have to check out my courses for it and you can start with the free one for the Nord Sample Editor 3 that I just created. Thanks for sharing this info and congrats again.
Hi Tommy. Yes, I didn't include the split possibilities on the Nord Electro 6 on this video but that would make another good video because they are pretty robust compared to the Electro 5. Good future thought - added it to the list.
Hi Marc! Are you planning on going a NE6 walkthrough like you've done for the NS3 and NE5?? I own a NE6 and think i know everything about, but I'd like to see a full run through. Is this something you have in mind? (Also, i loved your synth fundimentals course. Very useful, so thank you!!)
Hi Thanks for the video I received my Nord 6 today do you know if I can use 2 midi channels in my Daw? For example organ on midi channel 1 and for example strings or another sinstrument on channel 2 if you know what I mean. Thanks Gr.Ness
@thecoastcoverbandnoordwijk Hello Ness! Congrats on your Electro 6! Unfortunately, you only get one MIDI channel for the entire keyboard, and all the sounds come collectively. You may be able to use up to two sounds on the same MIDI channel so long as you create a split and have your MIDI trigger on one end of the keyboard or the other. I haven't tried this, but I think, in theory, this should work. I know this is not ideal. These Electros are really not designed to be multi-timbral when it comes to MIDI. The Stage 4 and Wave 2 can do this sort of thing having a separate MIDI channel for every layer, just not the Electro line. You may want to check out my video here where I start with MIDI, then bounce to audio: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-V_FGQ83xH0Q.htmlfeature=shared
Thanks for the great video! When talking about the split mode, you mention among other things, being able to independently change octaves. Is that something the Electro 5 can do anyway or just Electro 6? And have you been using the cross fade yourself a lot?
Hi Denise! Thanks for the comment here. So, both the Electro 5 and 6 can independently change octaves. I do tend to use and enjoy the crossfade - it's a useful feature. Perhaps not 100% a deal-breaker, but a useful feature. Hope that helps. Have you made a decision yet?
Hi @Michael B thanks for the comment here. Good point about the movement when I play and it must have been something I noticed along the way as well. I have since moved my keyboard to the desk where it no longer moves when I play for all new vids. Thanks for watching! 🤙🏼
Straight to the point. Loud and clear! I own an elecrro 5d 73. As you, I' m also considering an upgrade to Electro 6 mainly for two reasons: seamless transition (makes a difference when playing live) and 3 part mulitimbral capability. Excuses for my english. Enjoy your keyboards!
@@Diego_Occhipinti Thanks Diego! Here os a video where I show you how I purchased mine used but still in mint condition: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OZ2Zd7RiHJE.html
Hey Diego. Yes, the 3-part multitimbral is a very big feature upgrade compared to previous Electros. I also like the seamless transitions too. But you do lose the built-in setlist. I've managed to work around that though...
@@MyKeysToMusic yes, it's a pity. Setlists are useful. I prepare a setlist for every gig. Only problem is that, sometimes, I have no access to the keyboard till I'm on stage at the show and I have to manage to reset the list in a hurry when I need to. Overall, Setlist is something I would miss
Hello Marc, your channel is great and I have been subscribed for a long time. I currently own a Nord Electro 6D. My question is, in the same way that it is possible to play a piano sound from the "PIANO" section at the same time as a violin sound from the "SAMPLE SYTNH" section, is it possible to play two sounds from the SAMPLE SYNTH section at the same time?. For example, playing a pad sound and a violin at the same time. Thank you very much, I will appreciate your help. Greetings from Madrid, Spain.
@gerardosantiago9317 Hello Gerardo! Thanks for following me on RU-vid. The Nord Electro 6 cannot play two synth sounds at the same time. For that, you would need a Nord Stage 3 or 4. It also is supported with the Nord Wave 2 NS3: 2 synth layers NS4: 3 synth layers NW2: 4 synth layers
I’m #200 Like! I’ve always been under-impressed by Nords, but today I played a (rented back line) Electro 5d. I use it purely as an Organ, but it Really. Always. Sounded. Really Good. Does it somehow sonically differ from the Nord Stage (on organ)? Thanks for any info/enlightenment.
Hello Tommy. Congrats on being the #200 like! Technically speaking, the Nord Electro 5D uses the same exact Organ engine as the Stage 3. However, several people have reported that they prefer the organ from the Electro 5D over everything else, including the Electro 6 and the Nord Stage 3. Although they have the same base sound engine, perhaps the implementation of the rotary speaker effects, the drive, and the overall EQ of the board itself is what is making the difference here? If there is a difference, I trust it's not a large one. But like I said, a LOT of people claim there is something about the Electro 5 that just "sounds better." So, you are not alone in your thinking... 🤔
@@MyKeysToMusic wow, thanks so much for that info. Very interesting. I am selling a Hammond Xk-3c I just picked up. Not sure I'll replace it, but if I do, an Electro 5D (not a 6, since reading this) may be in the cards. Or else I will stick with the SK-1 or Numa Compact 2x, depending on the nature of the gig. Gotta go light! THANKS AGAIN.
Good questions Ben. I can't speak too much about the Roland as I don't have first-hand experience but there are a lot of videos online. As far as the Nord 5 versus the 6, I think the 6 wins on all counts except one. That is the Nord 5 has a "set list" option and the 6 doesn't. On just about everything else, I would go with a 6 if you can. Of course, if you have a killer deal available for a 5 that will save you a bunch, then that decision becomes a little more challenging.
Thank you for the response. My friend likes to trade his Nord 5D 73 for my Roland VR730. Since I never used Nord, I am slightly confused about Nord’s functionality and trade since Nord 5d is a discontinued model.
@@benkoshy4825 Very interesting trade. That would be a tough call. I think you have to compare the overall sound quality of each board side by side and then make your decision. Nord also has the option to "switch out" your sounds with many different pianos/samples from their website. I'm not sure the same thing is available with the Roland (although it may be). If you have time, you could post this challenge question on the Nord User Forum to see if anyone has additional comments about this: www.norduserforum.com/
Hey thank you, great video!! I was just wondering why you especially skipped the Rotary simulation row in the comparison chart. It says „C2D rotary speaker simulation“ for the E6 and only „rotary speaker simulation“ in the E5. Is there a difference or not? I was finding different thoughts on that but no clear answer on the forums. Your insight would be highly appreciated!! Thanks!
Hi Marian! Sorry for the delay on this response. I did a little research. It appears that BOTH the Electro 5 and 6 use the C2D rotary speaker simulation. I've come to understand this as a result of reviewing the main page from the Nord website specifically for the Nord Electro 5 found here: www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-electro-5 (In the details, you'll see it written up as "Vintage 122 Rotary Speaker simulation from Nord C2D"). In addition, it can be found here on the older comparison chart between the Nord Electro 5 and Electro 4. www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-electro-5/nord-electro-5-comparison-chart. I think what may have happened is that when it was time to make the new comparison chart for the Electro 5 and 6, they copied it from the Electro 5 and 4. They neglected to put the fact that the Electro 5 now has the C2D simulation (because the Electro 4 apparently did not). *Hope that helps and thanks for watching - great question!*
Hey, that‘s great insight! Thanks for your time to research and answer! Great channel! I think I will then rather purchase an Electro 5 as I will mainly use it for organ sounds. Great oppurtunity to save some bucks - especially since there are still some 5s in the stores.
@@marianhoffmann3067 Not a bad idea Marian! The Nord Electro 5 is a great keyboard that can play the exact same piano samples as today's latest Nord offerings and provides most of the essential features to get you on your way (and yes, why not save a few bucks in the process). Thanks for your questions/comments today!
Hey Mark. I was wondering if it's possible to adjust a velocity response on electro 6d? I know there is the kbd touch button which gives you several response options, but is it possible to dive into a menu and create a custom velocity curve? Something you would be able to do in a vst? I want to create a really soft piano sound, so I am trying to find a way to exclude more aggressive velocities.
Hello @Andrey Andrievskiy Great question and one of the more sophisticated ones. So there is no custom velocity curve setting on the Electro that would force the total range inside of a smaller box with a lower top end for example. Nothing in the menu for this either. The best you can do is to not turn on the "dynamics" feature on the main panel I'm afraid. Great idea - and it would be an interesting addition to the settings if we had an option for this. Then again, I would imagine most wouldn't tweak to this extent and of course, the more settings you put in the keyboard, the "harder" it becomes to use for those who just want to turn it on and play. This is the first time anyone has asked something like this specific to a piano sound but it makes total sense to want this. "Velocity Compressed" is a term that comes to mind.
@@MyKeysToMusic Thanks for your reply, Mark. I am actually surprised I am the first one to ask this. The ability to edit velocity curve is a standart feature in a software world as well as in a lot of keyboards out there, so it's a bummer Nords don't have it. They sound amazing though; no complains there. Still a bit more flexibility would be nice.
@@777Witness Agree with what you are saying. There could stand to be more features under the hood like this. Perhaps they are purposely leaving out these features to keep the scope complexity on the lower side? People also would love more MIDI implementation and they really miss the pitch stick and the wheel on the Electros. Agree on the sounds - especially the pianos.
@@cristiancornejo Excellent. I love my Electro 5/6. The only remaining caution I might throw out there is that if you are looking to do a lot of "synth" sounds, the Electro doesn't specialize in that and you may want to consider using an existing synth or look at adding a synth to supplement it. Or you could also consider a Nord Stage 3. Other than that, the Electro can hold its own and I've used the Electro 5/6 on many gigs where I needed pianos, organs, strings, and the odd marimba or sampled steel drums. If you're using a lot of brass sounds, it may be best to have another keyboard to assist with that as the Electro (and the Nord Samples) tend to be somewhat thin as a single-layer brass sample. Best of luck and feel free to post more questions...
I play gigs with multiple bands, each with their own unique set of requirements so I absolutely must have the Set List feature. I'm surprised the Electro 6 doesn't have it but I think my next step up with be the Stage 3 Compact.
Hey there horowizard. I don't think you can go wrong with a Stage 3 Compact. The Nord Wave 2 is going to be my new favorite when it arrives later in the year but that's only because it's the new kid on the block and does amazing things. But at the end of the day, you gotta have a piano, organ and Rhodes sound available for the basics. So, the Stage 3 does it all. My new recommendation will be to have a Stage 3 with a Wave 2 for the ultimate setup. I realize of course that the Stage 3 pushes up against most budgets - let alone a Wave 2 on top of that. But if we're dreaming and want to have it all, I would call this bliss. 😎
Hi Marc, thanks for your very helpful videos. I am looking to buy my first Nord and I am hesitating between the electro 5HP and 6HP (I have opportunity to get a 5 second hand). One question I haven't found answer to is this: Can I connect the Nord 5 to my laptop with mainstage and assign say a bass sound to the lower end of the keyboard while using the Nord sound on the upper half of the keyboard? For example the Stage 3 has this ability, I read that the midi control on the 5 is somehow on only the upper part of the keyboard. Is that correct?
Hey Sunny Side Music! Thanks for stopping by! Well, you've come to the right place if you're about to own a Nord (or want to learn more). So, your assumption is correct. The Electro 5/6 won't split the keyboard in MainStage for you automatically. The Stage 3 can do this by way of the "Extern" feature. Now, if you can always split Mainstage directly like this and accomplish what you are looking to do: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p1IQvPrcMIk.html. You just can't split directly from the Electro 5 in a single step or with a single button like you can with the Stage 3 in the way that you're looking to do. Now, regarding your mention of the "upper part of the keyboard" for the Electro. I took an excerpt from the Nord Electro 5 manual here: _It is also possible to use KB SPLIT to allow PART UPPER to be addressed by an external controller, or to send MIDI only from the upper half of the keyboard. These features require that an Upper Split channel is defined in the MIDI menu. You can read more about possible MIDI setups in the MIDI chapter on page 15._ Hope that helps answer it. Good luck!
Hi Riccardo! Thanks for your comment! Well, both Nord Electros are MIDI compatible for sure with some limitations - especially with an external keyboard not being able to control pitch bend in most situations. The Electros also don't have an "Extern" section like the Nord Stage 3 does whereby it can act as more of a keyboard controller to another keyboard with some convenient options. But, all in all, the Electros have MIDI capability much like most any other keyboard in the class.
I have a very special midi guitar that sends midi notes AND pitchbend midi informations in real time. It works well with all the other gear i have. Do you think is gonna work with the nord electro 6 ? Thanks so much for the quick answer !!
@@riccardotomassetti348 Yes and no is the official answer. You need to watch a video I made specifically to address this question and it has come up numerous times in fact. Here you'll learn how to set up the Electro 6 with pitch bend BUT it may not be exactly what you were expecting. Only you can decide if this is a deal-breaker or not for you: Have a look! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YRYJf2J4fO4.html .(thanks for your question).
HI Luis. If you're talking about the HP version, I can't answer that. If you're talking about the Waterfall keybed, I can say that the Electro 5 feels the same to me as the Electro 6 and the same as my previous Electro 3 for that matter. Hope that helps.
Should I get a electro 6 61 or a electro 5 hp? I see both for around the same price on reverb. I play mainly piano but I want to start playing organ a little more. I’ve heard that waterfall keybeds are less expressive than weighted ones, is it really that noticeable in the Nord?
@Mr Ryplayskeys Great question! Well, I like the features of the Electro 6 a bit better than the Electro 5. Given the choice for one over the other, I typically pick the Electro 6. Although I have to admit, the 61 keys can be a limiting factor. I used it as the solo keyboard on a gig once and it was a struggle (I kept longing for more keys). I do like the fact that you can layer up to 3 sound engines independently however. Then again, the Electro 5 has a wonderful "set list" feature which is so very handy during a live performance. Electro 6 for whatever reason doesn't come with any kind of set list feature which had a lot of people up in arms when it first came out. Oh, and I personally like the waterfall keys of the 61 versus the HP keys. But, I'm more of a synth guy at heart. This is a tough call. I think you may have to first decide on the keybed format ahead of the other features. To me, that is the bigger deal breaker here on this decision. If you like the larger keyboard with the semi-weighted keys, go Electro 5. If however, you will do just fine with the 61 Waterfall, go with the Electro 6 where you'll have more features/ capabilities overall. If you have time, drop us a line here once you decide!
Yes you certainly can. All the pianos are interchangeable with compatibility across the Stage line, Electro line, as well as the Nord Grand and Nord Piano line. You may however have to remove existing pianos in order to use the White Grand as the White, in particular, is quite large. If you haven't already done so you can watch my video on Piano sizes. This will enable you to determine if you can live with a much smaller piano-size allowing for more pianos to be loaded at once: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WqWa2M-e07Y.html
I am a piano player so I bought the NE5 HP73. I didn't like the action and am hoping that the action is improved in the NE6 HP 73. Is the 6HP 73 action new or the same as the 5HP 73 action?
@germanshepherdlover2613 I believe there is no difference in the action of the HP models between the Electro 5 and 6. There is however, notable improvements, in my opinion, when you play the “Grand Weighted Action” of either the Nord Piano 5 73 key or the new Stage 4 73 key. If possible, you might need to find a way to demo these to be sure you also agree with these findings. If you present this question on the Nord User Forum, you may get more insight into this situation too.
@@MyKeysToMusic Wow, thanks for the quick reply. I would go for the Piano 4 or 5 in an instant (being a piano player) but I want organs as well and I don't think I could put Electro 6 organ sounds into the Nord Piano 4 or 5. I would go for the Nord Stage 4 but just cannot justify the price. At the moment it's a toss up between the Nord Electro 6 HP or the Yamaha YC-73. It's those amazing Nord piano samples that keep drawing me back to them. I already have a Nord Lead A1 synth and love it to death so another Nord in the family would be great. The Nord Electro 6 HP is a similar price to the Yamaha YC-73 and a bit lighter in weight.
@@germanshepherdlover2613 How about a second-hand Stage 3 Compact? You’d get a lot of the same functionality of the NS4 without the heavy duty price tag…. That would allow you great pianos, organ, and synth, massive split options, and the ability to use the “Extern” feature to directly drive your Nord Lead A1. Plus, having two “red” boards on stage looks super cool and purpose-built. It makes a statement!
@@MyKeysToMusic I need hammer action so the NS3 compact would not be ideal for me with waterfall keybed. The Electro 6 73HP on the bottom and the Nord Lead A1 on top would be pretty good for me.
@@germanshepherdlover2613 Ah, I see. Well, perhaps you can attempt to try out the NE6 somewhere to see if the feel is going to be good enough for a purchase consideration. Maybe at the same time, they would have the Yamaha next to it so you can compare and contrast...
Hello I tried the Electro 5 and the B3 has a overdrive that I just couldn’t turn off it always had some dirt. Did the Nord Electro 6 fix this? It drove me nuts when trying to record so I returned it and kept my Electro 4.
Hello @Cannonball this is strange. I have an Electro 5 and 6 and I don't believe this is an issue on either. It could have been a settings thing at the time you tried it? Let me know if there are more questions along the way...
You had the tube distortion on. It looks like all the amp SIMs are off but notice the drive led. Turn that whole section off with one button click and it's clean as a whistle. Or just turn the tube gain knob down. If the rotary is on the distortion ramps up quickly while turning the knob. Just turn it off or on JC or twin amp sim for a cleaner sound
Hi Timotei. Thanks for your question. So, no, you can't layer two of the same engine at the same time. You can layer an organ with a piano and a synth at the same time. But you can't layer two pianos, two organs or two synths at the same time. Only one layer from each sound engine is possible with the Nord Electro. If you wanted to layer two strings, you'd have to look at a Stage 3 or a Nord Wave 2.
Brian: Agreed. Seamless makes a big difference especially if you are relying on changing programs mid-song as part of the performance. Not sure they could actually include it in an update - but then again, I don't see why not. Thanks for your comment.
If this were my main keyboard I would have sold it already, if I had know of this flaw I probably would have purchased another instrument. I have a Kronos and the organs are just as good but the rotary simulation is far better in the Nord
@@BRAPO I hear ya! And yes, it's hard to beat the rotary simulation of the Nord. I created a video on that here for people who want to know what rotary simulation is all about: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NhvhfiCYWkg.html
Great question. The piano and Rhodes sounds are essentially the same between them because they are born from the same exact samples available from the Nord Piano library. Keep in mind that with the Electro 6 you get 120 note polyphony in stereo versus 40 note polyphony and 60 note in mono with the Electro 5. However, the memory of 1GB for piano samples is the same. The synth memory is a little more on the Electro 6 with 512 MB versus 256 MB and 46 note polyphony with the Electro 6 versus 15 note polyphony on the Electro 5. One clear advantage the Electro 5 has over the Electro 6 is a setlist option. But if that's not important to you, the Electro 6 has more advantages overall (as you probably gathered from the video here). Good luck and feel free to ask more questions. I've used the Electro 5 as my main keyboard for years and just recently switched it out for the Electro 6. I can live without the set list feature for my gigs but I really only have about 8 different sounds I switch to during a 3-set performance. If I was in a wedding band where a list of songs might range in the hundreds, ya, I might want the setlist feature. But then again, at that point might as well load up a computer with MainStage and tackle that with another tool altogether.
