The New Nord Stage 4 Has Arrived! (In-Depth Review)
The New Nord Stage 4 Has Arrived! (In-Depth Review)
DANIEL FORINO
Are you considering purchasing the NEW Nord Stage 4 but unsure if it’s the right choice for you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This in-depth review will unravel everything there is to know about Nord Stage 4!
DIGITAL PIANO REVIEWS, STAGE PIANO REVIEWS
The New Nord Stage 4 Has Arrived! (In-Depth Review)
Contents [show]
New Features
Newly enhanced piano sounds with 2 GB Piano Sample Section
Layer 3 sounds simultaneously
Separate effects section for each layer
Sample Library 4.0 (only compatible with Nord Stage 4 and Nord Piano 5)
Seamless Transitions
Nord Wave 2 Synth Engine
2 New Pipe Organs
Brand New effects section with new Cathedral Reverb and more
Aftertouch enabled keybed
Initial Impressions
At first glance, the Nord Stage 4 impresses with its sleek red body and intuitive interface, and expanded front panel. It’s an 88-key stage piano designed for live performances and studio recording, boasting a robust, compact design that’s perfect for gigging musicians.
There is no doubt that this is an improvement over the already impressive Nord Stage 3, and these improvements are mainly due to the increased sound layering abilities.
New panel design
The front panel looks almost the same as before, with three sound engines laid out independently.
The main difference now however is that each engine now offers complete control over each layer, adding significantly to the sound layering abilities of the instrument.
Keyboard
The keyboard is well-built, utilizing a weighted hammer-action triple sensor keybed that provides an authentic piano feel.
This will be an ideal keybed for piano, Rhodes, and organs, (notice that all 3 models now come with physical drawbars ideal for organ playing), and all other sounds installed on Stage 4.
Aftertouch
Another significant improvement over the previous model stage 3 is the addition of aftertouch to the keybed. This is a useful feature for supported sounds, adding to their expressiveness and versatility.
It comes in very handy for creating swells when using organ sounds, and for supported synth sounds, more sound possibilities are available with increased and sustained pressure on the keys.
Sound Library
The Nord Stage 4’s expansive sound library is one of its significant assets, offering a wide variety of tones from grand pianos to classic synth sounds.
The Nord Stage 4 is also compatible with the newest version of the Nord Sound and Sample library, and this adds weight to the upgraded model, as you will stay ahead of the curve, with the latest sounds from Nord.
Dual OLED displays
The Nord Stage 4 retains the two OLED displays present on previous models. One for the main program section and another dedicated to the synth section. They make for a much smoother workflow.
Physical drawbars
This feels like something that Nord learned from its user base, as the much-loved physical drawbars are now present on all 3 models of Stage 4, something that will be appreciated by both professional and occasional organists.
Seamless transitions
Always a useful feature, this lets you switch to a new sound without abruptly cutting off the sound you are currently using, allowing you to create professional and ‘seamless’ performances and compositions.
Advanced arpeggiator features
The arpeggiator has been updated with new gate, polyphonic, and pattern modes.
Split
You can split the Nord Stage 4. With the 3 split points active you can have 4 active Keyboard Zones, with a visual LED indication between the zones, helping you to organize your sounds.
Piano
Image: Nord
The Piano section has been improved again and features a new selection of enhanced Grand Piano and Upright Piano samples.
There is even more realism in these samples thanks to the advanced string resonance technology implemented in the Nord Stage 4, as well as dynamic pedal noise.
The Triple-Sensor Keybed will allow for maximum expressiveness of these new Piano samples.
Key improvements to the Piano Section:
Enhanced collection of Uprights, Grands, EPs, and more
Dynamic Compression
Unison feature
Creative Timbre presets
Organs
Image: Nord
The Organs that we have come to love are onboard, including the B3 Tonewheel, B3 Bass, Vox, and Farfisa, band two Pipe Organ models.
A vintage Rotary Speaker effect is also present, featuring Normal or Close virtual microphone position options.
Physical drawbars are also now included as standard on all 3 models of Stage 4. This was something that was previously only available on the compact version of the Nord Stage 3 and is a welcome addition for all organists.
They also implemented a new design with LED indicators for enhanced visual feedback. There is also an enhanced rotary speaker effect onboard, a new B3 Bass Mode.
Synth
Image: Nord
The synth section has been vastly overhauled and included substantial new features that drastically change the Nord stage instrument. There are features borrowed from the Nord Wave 2 synth engine and some that are entirely new.
You can now play around with three independent Layers of sounds including Virtual Analog synthesis, Samples, FM, and Wavetable synths.
There are all new effects such as a polyphonic arpeggiator, and new samples with Tru-Vibarato, Unison, and Round Robin effects.
Nord Stage 4 features seamless transitions so you can change sounds on the fly, without the sound cutting out. This a great feature for live performances that musicians will appreciate.
The sample memory has been doubled, a common feature of new Nord instruments, and there are all new sounds from the Sample Library 4.0, which are only compatible with the new Nord Stage 4 and Nord Piano 5
Effects
Clavia says the new Nord Stage 4 has a powerful new Effect section offering a complete setup of Effects for each Layer. The effects section is now more versatile, allowing musicians to experiment with different soundscapes and textures.
One huge new feature is that there are dedicated effects sections for each of your 3 layers. This provides an entirely new level of control of your sound, and layering 3 layers will allow for fantastic new possibilities in sound creation on the instrument.
There is a new Pump effect for side chain simulation, a new Spin effect, and new variations of Reverb, Delay, Amps, and modulation effects.
Also included is a new Flam and Space Delay, Spring, Booth, and Cathedral Reverb! Reverbs on Nord Pianos are always high quality and a new one will be a welcome addition for pro musicians.
Pricing
The 3 models of the Nord Stage 4
Nord Stage 4 88 – with fully weighted triple-sensor keybed: £5,729 including VAT
Nord Stage 4 73 – with fully weighted triple-sensor keybed: $5,283 including VAT
Nord Stage Compact 73 – with waterfall keybed: $4,964. including VAT
Comparisons
Nord Stage 4 vs Electro 6
The Nord Stage 4 and Nord Electro 6D are both high-quality keyboards designed for live musicians, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
The Nord Stage 4’s piano and organ sections are more advanced, reflecting its position as a premium model.
The Nord Electro 6D, on the other hand, has limitations in keybed types, program memory, and effects, but is still a robust and portable option with exceptional sound quality.
Both models come with modulation effects like Flanger, Vibe, Chorus, and Delay with Master Clock sync, EQ with filters, Amp/Speaker simulations, Compressor, and Reverb, but the Stage 4 models have enhanced simulations and extra reverb modes.
Nord Stage 4 is larger and heavier than the Electro 6D, which may be a consideration for touring musicians.
Nord Stage 4 vs Nord Piano 5
The Nord Piano 5 is focused on delivering a pure and authentic piano experience. It features an 88-key Triple Sensor Grand Weighted Hammer Action keybed, which is designed to replicate the feel of a grand piano.
The Piano 5 offers 120 voices of polyphony, String Resonance, and Soft/Long Release options, emphasizing its focus on detailed and expressive piano sounds. It also includes a Sample Synth section with a dedicated memory and polyphony count.
While Nord Stage 4 is designed for versatility and broad sound design, Nord Piano 5 is crafted for pianists seeking a dedicated and authentic piano-playing experience. Stage 4 is a better instrument overall with expanded functionality.
However, the Piano 5 is also a fantastic option for professional Pianists, or beginners who want an instrument that will last them through to intermediate and professional skill levels.
FAQs
1. Does the Nord Stage 4 come with a warranty?
When purchased at Sweetwater, you will receive a free 2-year warranty with the Nord Stage 4.
2. What is the key action like on the Nord Stage 4?
All 3 models of Nord Stage 4 come with a fully weighted Triple Sensor keybed.
3. How portable is the Nord Stage 4 for gigging musicians?
The weight and dimensions of the 3 models are as follows:
Nord Stage 4 88:
Weight: 19.6 kg (43.2 lb).
Dimensions: 1282 mm (50.5″), 121 mm (4.7″), 349 mm (13.7″)
Nord Stage 4 73:
Wight: 16.7 kg (36.8 lb)
Dimensions: 1069 mm (42″), 121 mm (4.7″), 349 mm (13.7″)
Nord Stage 4 Compact:
Weight: 10.4 kg (22.9 lb)
Dimensions: 1066 mm (42″), 104 mm (4,1″), 322 mm (12.7″)
4. Can the Nord Stage 4 integrate with my existing music software?
The Nord Stage 4 features a large amount of connections and ports, meaning it can likely be integrated into whatever home studio setup you currently have, and connect to various hardware instruments. The full list of connections are:
4 Assignable Audio Outputs – ¼”, 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
Stereo Headphone output – ¼”, 6,35 mm stereo jack
1 Monitor input – 1/8″, 3,5 mm stereo jack
Sustain Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm jack. Compatible with Nord Sustain Pedal 2 (continuous sensor), Nord Triple Pedal 1, and switch-type pedals
Triple Pedal – 5-pin DIN connector. Compatible with Nord Triple Pedal 2
Rotor Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm jack. Use a momentary pedal or a switch-type pedal.
Organ Swell Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack.
Control Pedal – ¼”, 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack.
Foot Switch input – ¼”, 6,35 mm jack. Use a momentary two-button pedal or a single switch-type pedal.
MIDI In – 5 pin DIN connectors
MIDI Out – 5-pin DIN connectors
USB – type B connector for USB MIDI, Software Update, and Sound Transfer
Power Cord with IEC C14 connector
5. Is Nord Stage 4 suitable for beginners?
Whilst not aimed at beginners, it would be a fantastic instrument for any level. In many ways, it is the digital and stage piano currently available in 2023 and offers almost limitless scope for musical compositions and possibilities.
Conclusion
The Nord Stage 4 is a significant upgrade from previous models, providing musicians with a powerful and versatile stage piano that allows musicians to experiment with all new methods of sound creation, mainly due to the 3 independent sound layers.
With its new and improved sound engine, seamless transitions feature, improved keyboard, updated effects section, and OLED display, the Nord Stage 4 will surely be a favorite among musicians for years to come.