Nord stage 4 midi Question

[Carl63]

I have replaced my Nord Stage 2 with a Nord Stage 4.
I always used the Nord Stage 2 in combination with the Nord Wave 2.
I select programs on the Nord Stage, which then sets the Nord Wave to the correct program via MIDI.

The other way around, I sometimes play organ sounds from the Nord Stage using the keyboard of the Nord Wave.
This worked perfectly with the Nord Stage 2, but with the new Nord Stage 4, it no longer functions the same way.

I can either set it up so that the Nord Stage 4 selects the correct program on the Nord Wave, or I can configure it so that I can play sounds from the Nord Wave on the Nord Stage 4. But both at the same time don’t work.

The Nord Wave 2 has limited MIDI capabilities—I can only set a global channel.

Does anyone know if there is another way to make this work?

[Slide]

I have a similar problem when using a second tier keyboard, a Sequential Take 5. What works for me is to set the Take 5 to receive 'all' MIDI channels. It then transmits on Ch1. So I use the NS4 AUX KBD function, set to receive on Ch1, and set the EXTERN A ch to Ch2. This is as good a solution as it gets. Hope this works with the Wave.

[Slide]

SENDING ON LAYER CHANNELS
When the Global MIDI Channel is set to Off, and MIDI channels have
been defined for the four Layers, the Nord Wave 2 can be used for
sending MIDI on four different channels simultaneosly. MIDI is only sent
for layers that are active on the panel, and Octave Shift can be used to
change the octave of outgoing MIDI, per channel. This mode can for
instance be used for controlling four different software instruments inde-
pendently.

Yes - I guess, this could be a challenge without additional gear.
Especially because yes, Nord Stage 2 had a workaround that let you set the same MIDI channel for different things.
Stage 4 doesn’t allow duplicate channels even if it’s in/out independent..

Big recommendation for CME H4MIDI or new H2MIDI!
I use it because I don’t want to lose internal synth engines for sending notes to an external synth.. I’m sending global channel to the synth lower layer and for patches where I don’t want the synth to be played I either have a “silent” patch or lower layer set to 0 volume on the synth or block the MidiCh with the H4 if I want to play the lower layer with the synth’s keybed.. I know…

In your case, you will need to remap the MidiCh that’s coming from your Nord to the channel that is set on Wave 2, which then is set in Stage 4 AUX Mode…

The issue clearly is Wave 2’s MIDI implementation… because if it’s a live performance synthesizer, of course it should be able to receive ProgramChanges on the Global channel while layers are set to send MIDI… the current implementation clearly is geared towards studio use..

[Carl63]

Thank you very much for your detailed answer. I understand that unfortunately, I have to look for a solution outside of the two Nords.

If I buy an H4Midi, can I program the device to change incoming MIDI channel 11 to MIDI channel 15, for example? Because in that case, the problem would indeed be solved.

[Scheper]

I recently purchased the H4MIDI specifically to tackle the challenge you’re facing, and I can confirm that it allows you to convert MIDI channels from channel X to channel Y.

[changearound]

I recently purchased the H4MIDI specifically to tackle the challenge you’re facing, and I can confirm that it allows you to convert MIDI channels from channel X to channel Y.

Can you plug the Stage 4 into the H4MIDI via usb?

[maxpiano]

I recently purchased the H4MIDI specifically to tackle the challenge you’re facing, and I can confirm that it allows you to convert MIDI channels from channel X to channel Y.

Can you plug the Stage 4 into the H4MIDI via usb?

There should be no problem to do it, since NS4 (as all Nord keyboards) is USB MIDI Class Compliant

[changearound]

I recently purchased the H4MIDI specifically to tackle the challenge you’re facing, and I can confirm that it allows you to convert MIDI channels from channel X to channel Y.

Can you plug the Stage 4 into the H4MIDI via usb?

There should be no problem to do it, since NS4 (as all Nord keyboards) is USB MIDI Class Compliant

Thanks for your answer. Presumably the Nord Keyboards Driver isn't involved with Midi communications then, just connecting to NSM and NSE?

Does this mean the OP could use an H2Midi and save a bit of money?

[Carl63]

Today I received the CME H2Midi, it works perfect, Problem Solved.

THANKS FOR THE TIP!

still strange in my opinion, you can't connect both newer Nords properly , but I'm happy it is fixed now with the CME H2MIDI, so I can go on

[maxpiano]

Can you plug the Stage 4 into the H4MIDI via usb?

There should be no problem to do it, since NS4 (as all Nord keyboards) is USB MIDI Class Compliant

Thanks for your answer. Presumably the Nord Keyboards Driver isn't involved with Midi communications then, just connecting to NSM and NSE?

Does this mean the OP could use an H2Midi and save a bit of money?

I use Mac OS and no driver is required on it (neither for NSE on NSM) and I have connected my NS2 and NS3 to iPad via USB with no issues, so in theory yes H2 should be enough.

Anyway I see the OP opted for an H4 and given the small price difference I think it is a good choice.