Nord Electro 3 as a midi controller

[lgexz]

Is it possible? I'd like to plug it in to my computer/mac and use it to also create tracks like a regular midi controller would do. I'd also like to assign each key to different samples, for example a set of drum kit sounds.

[reneshelle]

You'll need a midi interface of some sort. The NE3 dosn't send midi via USB. You'll also need some (sampler) software.

But if you have all that, then yes - no problem.

If you are buying a NE3 only to do this, you'll find much cheaper and easier setups! The NE3 is more of a "gigging type" keyboard at heart

[lgexz]

Of course, ne3 as a midi control is secondary to my needs since I will be using the ne3 for live performances. Yes I do know there are way cheaper midi controllers out there, it's just the fact that I don't want to buy a midi controller when there is a possibilty of utilizing the ne3 for another purpose.

[lgexz]

Of course, ne3 as a midi control is secondary to my needs since I will be using the ne3 for live performances. Yes I do know there are way cheaper midi controllers out there, it's just the fact that I don't want to buy a midi controller when there is a possibilty of utilizing the ne3 for another purpose.

Hello lgexz,
Welcome to the forums.

You will need a MIDI to USB interface such as this one:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMUXMIDI1X1

Your NE3 will work as a MIDI controller to trigger sounds in your computer.
The NE3 is a bit limited in it's MIDI capabilities, but it WILL work.
Cheers, Hanon

btw,
IMHO,
the limitations of the NE3 as a master MIDI controller are:
the lack of a pitch bender, mod wheel, aftertouch, definable continuous controllers.
The NE3 wasn't intended as a MIDI master controller.
However, if it's all you have.
It can prove quite capable, with a little creativity,
and some mapping in the receiving device.

[lgexz]

sweet! thanks for the link!! aside from all this, what would you recommend for the sound output coming from the ne3. I do have headphones already for home use but I'm looking to get an amp or monitor soon.

[Johannes]

Hi,
for amps and the like check this thread for instance: http://www.norduserforum.com/accessorie ... e-t36.html or http://www.norduserforum.com/accessorie ... -t455.html.

Definitively worth trying it out before buying! Plus it very much depends on your budget. I think it is fair to say that there is kind of an informal agreement that the QSC K8 or K10 (preferrably) are excellent choices for keyboard players, bit pricey though.

[Ian Hay]

Related question regarding NE3 as a midi controller: Is there a way to disable all the Nord's midi functions except for the keystrokes?

In a typical track (in my case, in Garageband) I typically switch between the Nord as an audio source and the Nord as a midi controller for software instruments. However, I'll still have the midi cables plugged in while using it as an audio source. I've gotten frustrated with it doing strange and unintended things via MIDI while doing so, e.g. adjusting the gain knob will adjust the track volume, which is not what I want, and (wierdly) switching between upper and lower organs will toggle the solo button for that track in GB. Even while using the Nord as a MIDI controller, I don't really want it doing anything other than playing notes.

Can this be done? Is it DAW-dependent?

Thanks.

[anotherscott]

Related question regarding NE3 as a midi controller: Is there a way to disable all the Nord's midi functions except for the keystrokes?

Yes, Chapter 8 of the manual. You can enable/disable Control Change and Program Change messages.

[Eisenhans]

I connected my Electro 3 to my laptop (so I can use it as a MIDI controller for GarageBand) using the E-Mu MIDI-USB interface cable Thanks to Hanon_CTS for recommending it and thanks to analogika and Ev31cktech for explaining that you need to connect the MIDI IN plug to the MIDI OUT socket of the Electro. D’oh!