Nord Stage 4: Dynamic Issues, Still After 2 Years?

[miglio77]

Studying a piece with a super long repeated note really got to me—I felt like I had no control over the dynamics anymore.

So I thought, “fixed velocity, MIDI, let’s test it.”

I listened back and thought: “Che è sta cafonata?” “What is this nonsense?” (quote).

I have to ask: two years after the release of the Nord Stage 4, is it really possible for this issue to still exist?

I find it absolutely absurd.

[miglio77]

This topic is covered in the Google sheet NS4 Issues/Bugs List. Sample dynamics can be turned off in the Oscillators PITCH/SMP menu and saved with the preset or program. From the manual:

NATURAL, NO DYN, FAST ATK
Some further options for Sample customization can be found by entering the PITCH/SMP menu and using the third dial:
• Natural. The Sample uses the built-in dynamic behaviour defined by the Sample Preset. This can include velocity controlled filter response and other dynamic mechanisms that are not directly accessible from the Nord Stage 4 panel.
• No Dyn (No Dynamics). The built-in dynamic behaviours described above are deactivated.
• Fast Atk (Fast Attack). An alternate starting point is used for the Sample, bypassing most or all of the natural sample attack phase.

[miglio77]

This topic is covered in the Google sheet NS4 Issues/Bugs List. Sample dynamics can be turned off in the Oscillators PITCH/SMP menu and saved with the preset or program. From the manual:

NATURAL, NO DYN, FAST ATK
Some further options for Sample customization can be found by entering the PITCH/SMP menu and using the third dial:
• Natural. The Sample uses the built-in dynamic behaviour defined by the Sample Preset. This can include velocity controlled filter response and other dynamic mechanisms that are not directly accessible from the Nord Stage 4 panel.
• No Dyn (No Dynamics). The built-in dynamic behaviours described above are deactivated.
• Fast Atk (Fast Attack). An alternate starting point is used for the Sample, bypassing most or all of the natural sample attack phase.

Hi WannitBBBad,

Thanks for your response
I’m aware of the settings in the PITCH/SMP menu and how to adjust the sample dynamics. However, my issue is not related to the dynamic response defined by the sample preset or the attack phase adjustments.

The problem I’m highlighting specifically involves the piano engine (e.g., White Grand, Royal Grand 3D) and the synth engine (e.g., string samples) when playing a repeated note. Even with fixed velocity (MIDI input), the sound varies in an unnatural way. This isn’t about velocity-controlled filters or envelope settings—it’s something deeper.

For instance, in the piano engine, each repetition of the same note (at fixed velocity) triggers what seems like a Round Robin mechanism. While this might be intended to add variety to the sound, the result is far from natural. Instead of subtle variation, it creates erratic shifts in dynamics and tone quality, which feel disconnected from a real pianist’s control. The synth engine exhibits similar behavior, with the sound cycling through unexpected tonal changes on repeated notes.

This isn’t just a matter of preference or programming; it fundamentally disrupts the player’s ability to achieve consistent dynamics and tone, especially when practicing or performing music with repeated notes.

I hope this clarifies the issue better. Let me know if you’ve noticed anything similar or have additional insights!

Thanks,
Alfredo