Stage 4 Song Mode ?

[anotherscott]

As I said in "the big thread,"...

As for some of the other posts that talked about how the Preset Library or the Layers could take the place of Song Mode, I'd probably say, maybe yes, maybe no, depending on exactly what aspect of Song Mode you need. Even on the Electro 6, they added an Organize function which retained a little bit of Song Mode-ish functionality. Depending on what you need, there can be more than one way to get to a goal. One drawback of the E6 method, though, was that you could go through Program Locations much more quickly (e.g. if you were using the same piano program in 50 songs, it would now use up 50 program locations instead of 1). Depending on how many songs you need to prep for and how many sounds you use, that kind of approach may or may not be a problem. But the NS4's 512 programs that can each hold 7 sounds, and the layer switching within those 7 sounds (and maybe the independent sound access that might come with the Preset Library function) will go a lot further than the NS6's 400 programs that can each hold 3 sounds, period, even if you have to "waste" spots on grouping and repeating things to get closer to what you did in Song mode.

I think people who really need something closer to the old Song mode will probably want to look at adding an app on their smartphone/tablet to manage patch recall for songs. Really, it's generally better anyway, and you probably already own the device you need. The biggest issue might be where to conveniently place it, particularly on the 73s which have no free panel space. You'd probably need a mount to connect it to your keyboard stand or your mic stand (or maybe use the Nord music stand).

[superbender]

As I said in "the big thread,"...

As for some of the other posts that talked about how the Preset Library or the Layers could take the place of Song Mode, I'd probably say, maybe yes, maybe no, depending on exactly what aspect of Song Mode you need. Even on the Electro 6, they added an Organize function which retained a little bit of Song Mode-ish functionality. Depending on what you need, there can be more than one way to get to a goal. One drawback of the E6 method, though, was that you could go through Program Locations much more quickly (e.g. if you were using the same piano program in 50 songs, it would now use up 50 program locations instead of 1). Depending on how many songs you need to prep for and how many sounds you use, that kind of approach may or may not be a problem. But the NS4's 512 programs that can each hold 7 sounds, and the layer switching within those 7 sounds (and maybe the independent sound access that might come with the Preset Library function) will go a lot further than the NS6's 400 programs that can each hold 3 sounds, period, even if you have to "waste" spots on grouping and repeating things to get closer to what you did in Song mode.

I think people who really need something closer to the old Song mode will probably want to look at adding an app on their smartphone/tablet to manage patch recall for songs. Really, it's generally better anyway, and you probably already own the device you need. The biggest issue might be where to conveniently place it, particularly on the 73s which have no free panel space. You'd probably need a mount to connect it to your keyboard stand or your mic stand (or maybe use the Nord music stand).

Regarding the mount I found this https://www.w3brr.nl/de/shop/nord-mic-s ... et-holder/ .If you only use one keybed it is perfect. Hopefully also for the NS4C.

[Midiexpert]

The song mode is an awesome feature on the Stage 3! Sometimes I'll program 3 to 5 patches in song mode per song which to some keyboardist sounds crazy, but with the seamless transition feature on the NS3 you can move one part to the next with no effort...Same thing with going song to song up to 5... My band does tunes where we go song right into another which a lot of folks on this site do as well. Once you learn it! You'll love it! If I were you. I would learn your Stage 3 better along with your Wave 2. I see your new on the site a few months. So I'm thinking it's best for you to master those 2 boards, because they're both great machines, and you'll have no need for the Stage 4 for a long time...
Best Wishes!

Exactly! I'm crushed that this feature appears to have been removed--it would be enough just to reprogram what I already have due to the new sound engine.

I have a couple of thoughts on this that may be cause for guarded optimism. It the Stage 4 has room for 512 programs ( in 8 banks), and each Program can have multiple layers/scenes, etc. then it would be possible (if you put in the time) to recreate "songs" but have them as programs, organized in banks for specific sets (or in my case, specific bands, I'm in more than one, plus solo work) and song lists, that you can dial up in the Organize window and then scroll and change as you play, just like in Song mode. Another possible solution (if you call it that) would be to use programs like Camelot Pro (which has an iPad version that I own but can't yet figure out how to use, lol) or Mainstage, or Gig Performer, etc. etc.--all of which have some type of "scene/layer" creation, timelines, etc. and you would have to then use the software to trigger your program changes, etc. I'm not a fan of this, it adds a couple more moving parts and defeats the beauty of the Nord Stage 3 as an all-in-one, less gear is better, solution. Is that worth it then to invest in the Stage 4, spend hours and weeks re-programming, only to use a 3rd party software to do what the Nord used to do all by herself? As much as I drool over the alleged new key action (the Stage 3 HP76 action is ok, but my least favorite feature), additional effects and software layering (especially adding more synths to a split/layer combo patch), I am torn about upgrading--I do need/want an 88 key Nord for a backup and studio/only setup of the keyboards, so perhaps a discounted Stage 3 88 now makes more sense than a brand new Stage 4 88 or 73 (why they dropped three keys I'm not sure--weight, probably), which is considerably heavier (a huge issue for me as well at 72 post neck/back surgery). But I still await the landing of the Stage 4 and reading the manual, as well as what types of other workaraounds other folks find/develop for Song Mode operation. I'll follow this thread and others like it whenever I can.

[superbender]

Regarding the mount I found this https://www.w3brr.nl/de/shop/nord-mic-s ... et-holder/ .If you only use one keybed it is perfect. Hopefully also for the NS4C.

thanks for this nice link !

[Al_DeKlein]

On an average night, my main band will play 45-50 songs with 2-3 custom parts each, from a larger collection of maybe 80 or so. Songs come and go, and we're always shuffling the setlist right up to the gig. Plus I have a few setlists I've done for other acts that might call again. So I am a heavy user of the song mode feature, as are a few others.

While the new functionality is great for some use cases, I have to wait to see the manual to see if there is equivalent functionality for gig warriors like me without resorting to an external piece of software. Just one more thing to look after

Song Mode is a must for me, I use it this way as well. You can store 8 50-song setlists under the song tab. The bands I play in agree on the setlist and we run through it the rehearsal before the gig. It rarely changes, and when it does, it is usually just skipping a song, so I don't have to shuffle anything. We'll see what the NS4 can accomplish in this area when the manual is published-

-dj

[e8ndave]

You can always use something like Bandhelper or the many other software type management software that will change things for you. It takes a bit of time to setup the first time around but is quick to manage and you don't have to worry about things like Song Mode and control and entire rack of gear. Also, song mode isn't a huge selling point for most so I'm guessing it may still be in there (or could be an upgrade to future software updates) and isn't worth mentioning. There is still so little known at this point about everything that is on the board.

[BucF16]

I'll be disappointed if Song mode is indeed gone. (everyone is basing this assumption on there being no button labelled as such, there could still be a menu item that meets that functionality)

The NS3 song mode biggest issue for me is that for a lot of songs I really need a lot more than 5 patches per song. If the banks went to 8 that would go a long way to making it better.

I am now using Mainstage in concert with my NS3 and Mainstage is actually my song mode. The Nord plays very nicely with Mainstage and it's actually easier to move songs/setlists around on Mainstage than the small screen and limited controls on the Nord.

A lot of other guys use Bandhelper or some other offboard tool to control the setlist and patch changes.

Regardless, I think a song or setlist mode is a very useful tool and clearly doesn't use a lot of resources.

[WannitBBBad]

I'll be disappointed if Song mode is indeed gone. (everyone is basing this assumption on there being no button labelled as such, there could still be a menu item that meets that functionality)...

Good point, it's possible a menu selection could let you pick between the 8 buttons being programs or songs.

[superbender]

I'll be disappointed if Song mode is indeed gone. (everyone is basing this assumption on there being no button labelled as such, there could still be a menu item that meets that functionality)...

Good point, it's possible a menu selection could let you pick between the 8 buttons being programs or songs.

As they did not mention the feature in the comparison chart, also not in marketing and they skipped it also in the NE6, it looks bad with feature. How long do we have to wait on more information?

[taxman]

Be patient, the stage ist annouced, not for sale in the shops.