Clavia Nord Electro Seventy Three User manual

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by Clay Cla
y Clay Cla
y Clavia DMI ABvia DMI AB
via DMI ABvia DMI AB
via DMI AB
Part No. 2700,2000

Warning - When using electric products, basic precautions
should always be followed, including the following:
1. Read all the instructions and observe the graphic symbols
above before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water - for example near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near or
in a swimming pool, a swamp or the like.
3. This product should be used only with a cart or a stand that
is recommended by the manufacturer.
4. This product, either alone or in combination with an
amplifier and headphones or speakers may be perfectly
capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent
hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a
high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you
experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should
consult an audiologist.
5. The product should be located so that its location or
position does not interfere with or obstruct its normal flow of
ventilation.
6. The product should be located away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers or other products that produce
heat.
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated voltage within the products
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec le point de flèche à l´intérieur d´un triangle
équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l´utilisateur de la presence à
l´intérieur du coffret de ”voltage dangereux” non isolé d´ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d`éléctrocution.
The exclamation mark within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
Le point d´exclamation à l´intérieur d´un triangle équilatéral est
employé pour alerter l´utilisateur de la présence d´instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l´entretien (service) dans le
livret d´instructions accompagnant l´appareil.
Instructions pertaining to a risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SS
SS
SAA
AA
AVE THESE INSTRUCTIONSVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
VE THESE INSTRUCTIONSVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
VE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE SHOCK ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION:POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.
AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L´USAGER.
CONFIER L´ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D´INCIDENTE OU
D´ELECTROCUTION, N´EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE
OU L´HUMIDITET.
7. The product should be connected to a power supply only
of the type described in these operation instructions or as
marked on the product.
8. The power supply cord of the product should be unplugged
from the outlet when the product is left unused for a long
period of time.
9. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, or liquids
are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
10. The product should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when:
A. The power supply cord has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen or liquids have been spilled
onto the product; or
C. The product has been exposed to rain; or
D. The product does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The product has been dropped or the enclosure
has been damaged.
11. Do not attempt to service the product beyond those
means described in this operating manual. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
Trademarks: The Nord Electro logo is trademark of Clavia DMI AB. All other
trademarks mentioned in this publication are the properties of their respective holders.
Specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice.
Copyright by Clavia DMI AB, 2001

Note!
About the Owner’s Manual
This very first edition of the Nord Electro Owner’s Manual is currently short on information
about MIDI Sysex data format. There will soon be an updated Nord Electro manual featuring full
information about the MIDI Sysex implementation. The updated manual will be available from
Clavia, both in printed form and as a PDF document, downloadable from www.clavia.se.
bb
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by Clay Cla
y Clay Cla
y Clavia DMI ABvia DMI AB
via DMI ABvia DMI AB
via DMI AB

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x Table of contents
I
Table of contents
Table of contentsTable of contents
Table of contents
1.
1.1.
1. Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction .........................................................
..................................................................................................................
......................................................... 5
55
5
Welcome
WelcomeWelcome
Welcome .......................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................... 5
55
5
About the Owner’s Manual ......................................................................................................5
Reading the manual in Adobe Acrobat Reader..........................................................................5
Clavia on the Internet
Clavia on the InternetClavia on the Internet
Clavia on the Internet ...............................................................
..............................................................................................................................
............................................................... 6
66
6
2.
2.2.
2. Overview
OverviewOverview
Overview ................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................ 7
77
7
Nord Electro front panel
Nord Electro front panelNord Electro front panel
Nord Electro front panel .........................................................
..................................................................................................................
......................................................... 7
77
7
The left panel section................................................................................................................7
The Organ section ....................................................................................................................8
The Instrument Select button...................................................................................................8
The Piano section .....................................................................................................................8
The Effects section....................................................................................................................8
The Keyboard...........................................................................................................................8
Nord Electro rear panel
Nord Electro rear panelNord Electro rear panel
Nord Electro rear panel...........................................................
......................................................................................................................
........................................................... 8
88
8
Connections .............................................................................................................................9
Connecting pedals ....................................................................................................................9
Nord Electro block diagram
Nord Electro block diagramNord Electro block diagram
Nord Electro block diagram ...................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 10
1010
10
3.
3.3.
3. Getting started
Getting startedGetting started
Getting started ..................................................
....................................................................................................
..................................................11
1111
11
Selecting Programs
Selecting ProgramsSelecting Programs
Selecting Programs .................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
................................................................. 11
1111
11
Octave Shift
Octave ShiftOctave Shift
Octave Shift..............................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................. 11
1111
11
Transpose
TransposeTranspose
Transpose ..................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................. 12
1212
12
Using a sustain pedal
Using a sustain pedalUsing a sustain pedal
Using a sustain pedal ..............................................................
............................................................................................................................
.............................................................. 12
1212
12
Setting up the sustain pedal polarity .......................................................................................12
Setting up the sustain pedal configuration ..............................................................................13
Using a Rotor Speed switch pedal
Using a Rotor Speed switch pedalUsing a Rotor Speed switch pedal
Using a Rotor Speed switch pedal .........................................
..................................................................................
......................................... 13
1313
13
Using a control (expression) pedal
Using a control (expression) pedalUsing a control (expression) pedal
Using a control (expression) pedal........................................
................................................................................
........................................ 13
1313
13
Basic MIDI settings
Basic MIDI settingsBasic MIDI settings
Basic MIDI settings ..................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
.................................................................. 14
1414
14
The ‘Panic’ button
The ‘Panic’ buttonThe ‘Panic’ button
The ‘Panic’ button.....................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................... 14
1414
14
4.
4.4.
4. Editing Programs
Editing ProgramsEditing Programs
Editing Programs................................................
................................................................................................
................................................15
1515
15
Editing a Program
Editing a ProgramEditing a Program
Editing a Program .....................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................... 15
1515
15
The knobs...............................................................................................................................15
The buttons............................................................................................................................15
Selecting instrument (Organ or Piano) ...................................................................................15
Reverting to the original Program
Reverting to the original ProgramReverting to the original Program
Reverting to the original Program ........................................
................................................................................
........................................ 16
1616
16
Storing a Program
Storing a ProgramStoring a Program
Storing a Program ...................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
................................................................... 16
1616
16
Copying Programs
Copying ProgramsCopying Programs
Copying Programs.....................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................... 16
1616
16

Table of contents NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
II
Deleting Programs
Deleting ProgramsDeleting Programs
Deleting Programs ....................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
....................................................................17
1717
17
What a Program contains
What a Program containsWhat a Program contains
What a Program contains.........................................................
..................................................................................................................
.........................................................17
1717
17
Downloading Programs via MIDI
Downloading Programs via MIDIDownloading Programs via MIDI
Downloading Programs via MIDI..............................................
............................................................................................
..............................................17
1717
17
5.
5.5.
5. Panel reference
Panel referencePanel reference
Panel reference .................................................
..................................................................................................
................................................. 18
1818
18
The Organ section
The Organ sectionThe Organ section
The Organ section .....................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................18
1818
18
The Drawbars........................................................................................................................ 19
Drawbar presets in ROM....................................................................................................... 19
User Drawbar presets ............................................................................................................. 20
Percussion.............................................................................................................................. 20
Vibrato .................................................................................................................................. 21
Manual .................................................................................................................................. 21
Swell control (from expression pedal)..................................................................................... 22
Rotary Speaker....................................................................................................................... 22
Key click control.................................................................................................................... 22
The Piano section
The Piano sectionThe Piano section
The Piano section ......................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
......................................................................23
2323
23
Type ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Presence................................................................................................................................. 23
The Effects section
The Effects sectionThe Effects section
The Effects section ..................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
..................................................................24
2424
24
Modulations .......................................................................................................................... 25
Effects.................................................................................................................................... 26
Overdrive............................................................................................................................... 26
Rotary Speaker....................................................................................................................... 27
Output Level ......................................................................................................................... 27
Treble & Bass ........................................................................................................................ 27
The left panel section
The left panel sectionThe left panel section
The left panel section ..............................................................
............................................................................................................................
..............................................................28
2828
28
Master Level .......................................................................................................................... 28
Navigator buttons.................................................................................................................. 28
Display .................................................................................................................................. 28
Store ...................................................................................................................................... 28
Program buttons .................................................................................................................... 28
Octave Shift........................................................................................................................... 28
The Shift button.................................................................................................................... 29
System functions
System functionsSystem functions
System functions ......................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
......................................................................29
2929
29
MIDI Ch............................................................................................................................... 29
Lower Ch............................................................................................................................... 29
Local...................................................................................................................................... 30
Tune...................................................................................................................................... 30
Mem Lock ............................................................................................................................. 31
Transpose .............................................................................................................................. 31
Ped. Pol ................................................................................................................................. 31
Ped. Cnfg............................................................................................................................... 32
Dump.................................................................................................................................... 32
Panic...................................................................................................................................... 33

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x Table of contents
III
6.
6.6.
6. Factory Presets and OS
Factory Presets and OSFactory Presets and OS
Factory Presets and OS....................................
........................................................................
....................................34
3434
34
Flash memory
Flash memoryFlash memory
Flash memory.............................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................. 34
3434
34
Factory presets
Factory presetsFactory presets
Factory presets ........................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................ 34
3434
34
Restoring the factory presets ...................................................................................................34
Downloading Piano instruments via USB
Downloading Piano instruments via USBDownloading Piano instruments via USB
Downloading Piano instruments via USB...............................
..............................................................
............................... 34
3434
34
OS upgrades
OS upgradesOS upgrades
OS upgrades..............................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................. 34
3434
34
7.
7.7.
7. Basic MIDI functions
Basic MIDI functionsBasic MIDI functions
Basic MIDI functions..........................................
....................................................................................
..........................................35
3535
35
About the MIDI implementation
About the MIDI implementationAbout the MIDI implementation
About the MIDI implementation ...............................................
..............................................................................................
............................................... 35
3535
35
Note On/Off ..........................................................................................................................35
Pitch Bend..............................................................................................................................35
Controllers..............................................................................................................................35
Keyboard Velocity ..................................................................................................................35
Program Change.....................................................................................................................35
MIDI Sysex (System Exclusive) ..............................................................................................36
Using Nord Electro with a sequencer
Using Nord Electro with a sequencerUsing Nord Electro with a sequencer
Using Nord Electro with a sequencer ...................................
......................................................................
................................... 36
3636
36
Connections ...........................................................................................................................36
Local On/Off..........................................................................................................................36
MIDI channel.........................................................................................................................36
Program Change.....................................................................................................................36
Controllers..............................................................................................................................36
Some notes about Controllers and “Chasing” .........................................................................36
Program and Controller
Program and ControllerProgram and Controller
Program and Controller dumps
dumpsdumps
dumps .............................................
..........................................................................................
............................................. 37
3737
37
Receive MIDI Sysex Dumps...................................................................................................37
8.
8.8.
8. MIDI implementation
MIDI implementationMIDI implementation
MIDI implementation ...........................................
......................................................................................
...........................................39
3939
39
MIDI Controller list
MIDI Controller listMIDI Controller list
MIDI Controller list ................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................ 39
3939
39
MIDI Implementation Chart
MIDI Implementation ChartMIDI Implementation Chart
MIDI Implementation Chart ......................................................
............................................................................................................
...................................................... 42
4242
42
Index
IndexIndex
Index .........................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................43
4343
43

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 1. Introduction: Welcome
Page 5
1. I
1. I1. I
1. IN
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We’d first like to thank you for purchasing Nord Electro - Virtual Electromechanical stage keyboard. Cla-
via’s goal when developing the Nord Electro was to create the best emulations of traditional electrome-
chanical keyboard instruments on the market, and to make the instrument compact and lightweight.
Nothing else. No brass banks, no orchestral sounds. No compromises. Just outstanding electromechani-
cal keyboard sounds with true feel, from natural keyboard response to authentic sound. To make a great
tool you have to put all the focus on a few things, and that’s what we did with the Electro. Think about
it, the best tool isn’t a Swiss army knife.
The organ section in the Electro is based on a digital simulation of the mechanical tone wheels of the B-
3 organ. It offers innovative solutions to mimic the typical B-3 sound, for example:
• A complex digital model of the original chorus and vibrato scanner.
• Modeling of the individual random contact bounces for each partial.
• Modeling of the unique frequency characteristics of the built-in pre-amplifier which forms the ”body”
of the B-3 sound.
• Simulation of the energy stealth on the tone wheels that results in the typical ”compressed” sound.
The piano section comprises four carefully multi-sampled electric piano instruments: Clavinet D6, Wur-
litzer 200A, Rhodes Mk II Stage Piano and CP-80 Electric Grand. The Electro features a unique multi-
sample playback, catching every nuance from soft to hard hits. Nord Electro comes right out of the box
with these four legendary electric piano sounds stored in Flash memory. As an extra bonus we also in-
cluded an acoustic grand piano (concert model). The big advantage with Flash memory is that you can
replace instruments with new ones and that no backup battery is required. The Electro also sports a USB
interface for quick and easy download of new piano sounds in the future.
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The manual is arranged mainly as a reference manual. In many cases you’ll get tips on how to practically
use the functions, alone and also together with other functions. Every time the manual wants your atten-
tion to an object on the Electro, the name of that object will be printed LIKE THIS,e.g. ‘press the STORE
button’. The LED display on Nord Electro is always referred to as the DISPLAY. Whenever there is a ref-
erence to the ‘keyboard’, that reference also applies to any incoming MIDI note messages.
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This manual is also available in the digital PDF-file format. It can be downloaded, free of charge, from
Clavia’s web site at http://www.clavia.se. When reading the manual as PDF-file, you will need Adobe Ac-
robat Reader 4.0 or later. This program can be downloaded, free of charge, at http://www.adobe.com.
With Adobe Acrobat Reader it is possible to use special navigation features like hyperlinks. This means
that you can click with the mouse on a word or sentence and automatically get to the location indicated

1. Introduction: Clavia on the Internet NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 6
by the word/sentence. To better show what words or sentences are hyperlinked in this manual, these
words are written in magenta.
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If you have access to the Internet, you’re very welcome to visit http://www.clavia.se. There you will find
the latest information about Nord Electro and other Clavia products. In the future you’ll also be able to
download new Nord Electro sounds and software upgrades, free of charge.

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 2. Overview: Nord Electro front panel
Page 7
2. O
2. O2. O
2. OV
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The MASTER LEVEL knob controls the output level from the two OUT jacks and the HEADPHONES out-
put. The MASTER LEVEL knob does not send or receive any MIDI CC# but is used to control the entire
instrument’s output level. (For info on how to control the level of an individual Program and via MIDI,
please refer to “Output Level” on page 27).
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To the right of the MASTER LEVEL knob are two buttons, the NAVIGATOR buttons. These are used to
select Program Banks (A-F) and various system functions. To the right of the NAVIGATOR buttons is the
DISPLAY. It’s used to display Program Banks and also various system parameters.
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To the right of the DISPLAY is the red STORE button. This is used when storing Programs and also when
executing various system commands.
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Below the DISPLAY are the eight PROGRAM buttons (1- 8). You can play one Program at a time.
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Below the PROGRAM buttons is the SHIFT button. It’s used to access various kinds of system functions
etc.
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These buttons are used to transpose the notes one octave up or down.
Left panel section The Organ section The Piano section The Effects section

2. Overview: Nord Electro rear panel NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 8
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The Organ section comprises four sub sections: the Percussion section, the Vibrato/Chorus section, the
Manual section and the Drawbar section. The nine drawbars of Nord Electro are represented by up/down
buttons and LED chain graphs instead of ordinary mechanical drawbars. This gives you a big advantage:
when you change presets, the correct drawbar settings are shown immediately by the LEDs. In other
words, no need for the regular ’trial and error’ method.
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Inbetween the Organ and Piano sections is the INSTRUMENT SELECT button. Press this button to select
the Organ section or Piano section.
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The Piano sections consists of two sub sections: the instrument Type section and the Presence section.
With the TYPE button you select the Piano instrument to use and with the Presence parameters you can
add parametric equalization to your piano sound.
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Here you’ll find all the effects and modulations that you could use to process your sound. The Effects
section also features Overdrive distortion, Rotary Speaker simulation and a Treble & Bass EQ. Here
you’ll also find the OUTPUT LEVEL control which is the volume control for each individual Program.
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The keyboard of Nord Electro is either 5 octaves (Nord Electro SixtyOne) or 6 octaves (Nord Electro
SeventyThree). Both versions feature the specially designed, semiweighted, velocity sensitive “waterfall”
(square front) keyboard for optimal feel and response. The semiweighted action is ideal for use with both
Organ and Piano sounds. The keyboard also sends Keyboard Velocity over MIDI.
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NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 2. Overview: Nord Electro rear panel
Page 9
C
CC
CO
OO
ON
NN
NN
NN
NE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TI
II
IO
OO
ON
NN
NS
SS
S
• Make all connections before turning on your power amplifier!
• If you are using a Nord Electro together with a MIDI keyboard, connect a MIDI cable from MIDI
Out on the keyboard to MIDI INon the Nord Electro.
• All signal cables used with the Nord Electro must be shielded.
• The two audio outputs (LEFT OUT and RIGHT OUT) are line level and unbalanced. If you want the
sum of the signals on one separate output only, use RIGHT OUT.
• If you connect the Nord Electro in stereo to your audio equipment, you should use LEFT OUT in pair
with RIGHT OUT.
C
CC
CO
OO
ON
NN
NN
NN
NE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
LS
SS
S
The Nord Electro has three pedal inputs, one CONTROL PEDAL input (for controlling Organ Swell or
Wah-Wah), one SUSTAIN PEDAL input (sustain) and one ROTOR SPEED input (for rotary speaker fast/
slow selection). Connect the pedals as shown in the figure below:
When connecting an expression-type pedal to the CONTROL PEDAL input, you should use a stereo cable
(Tip-Ring-Sleeve). Please note that the pedal must have a stereo output jack. The resistance range of the
Control Pedal should be 0 to between 10 kOhm and 50 kOhm.
(For more detailed information on how to set up Nord Electro for use with sustain and expression pedals,
see page 12).

2. Overview: Nord Electro block diagram NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 10
N
NN
NO
OO
OR
RR
RD
DD
D
E
EE
EL
LL
LE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TR
RR
RO
OO
O
B
BB
BL
LL
LO
OO
OC
CC
CK
KK
K
D
DD
DI
II
IA
AA
AG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
M
Below is a schematic overview of the sound and modulation building blocks and the signal flows in Nord
Electro. The filled lines indicate audio signal routings and the dashed lines control signal routings.
As you can see, the internal configuration of Nord Electro is pretty straight-forward, yet very powerful
and flexible. Each of the building blocks also offers possibilities for internal configurations. This is de-
scribed in detail in Chapter "5. Panel reference” on page 18.

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 3. Getting started: Selecting Programs
Page 11
3. G
3. G3. G
3. GE
EE
ET
TT
TT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G S
SS
ST
TT
TA
AA
AR
RR
RT
TT
TE
EE
ED
DD
D
S
SS
SE
EE
EL
LL
LE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
MS
SS
S
Programs are single sounds that are stored in the internal memory of Nord Electro. The Program memory
in Nord Electro consists of 6 Banks each holding 8 Programs for a total of 48 Programs. All Programs
can be edited and replaced at any time. To select a Program for playing/editing, do like this:
1. Select Bank (A-F) by pressing
the UP/DOWN NAVIGATOR
buttons.
2. Select Program by pressing one
of the eight PROGRAM but-
tons 1 to 8.
O
OO
OC
CC
CT
TT
TA
AA
AV
VV
VE
EE
ES
SS
SH
HH
HI
II
IF
FF
FT
TT
T
The two OCTAVE SHIFT buttons to the bottom left on the front panel
can be used to transpose the notes one octave up or down.
Note: Due to the actual key range of the original Piano instruments,
the lowest keys may not produce any sound when transposed down.
The same goes for the highest keys when the instrument is trans-
posed up. For organ sounds, the Octave Shift will only generate notes that are within the 73-key note
range of Nord Electro 73. This means that using Octave Shift for Organ sounds in Nord Electro 73
won’t produce any sound in the lowest or highest octave.
A1
A1A1
A1
Press one of the eight
PROGRAM buttons to
select a Program to
play. The correspond-
ing LED will light up.

3. Getting started: Transpose NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 12
T
TT
TR
RR
RA
AA
AN
NN
NS
SS
SP
PP
PO
OO
OS
SS
SE
EE
E
It’s also possible to transpose a sound up or down in
semitone steps. Press the SHIFT + PROGRAM 6
(TRANSPOSE) buttons. The DISPLAY reads ‘0’.
Press the UP/DOWN NAVIGATOR buttons to trans-
pose the sound up or down in semitone steps. The
range is +/- 6 semitones in steps of 1 semitone.
Note: Due to the actual key range of the original Pi-
ano instruments, the lowest keys may not produce
any sound when transposed down. The same goes
for the highest keys when the instrument is trans-
posed up. For organ sounds, the Transpose function
will only generate notes that are within the 73-key
note range of Nord Electro 73. This means that us-
ing the Transpose function for Organ sounds in Nord Electro 73 will remove the lowest or highest
notes of the keyboard.
U
UU
US
SS
SI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
A
AA
A
S
SS
SU
UU
US
SS
ST
TT
TA
AA
AI
II
IN
NN
N
P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
L
A foot switch connected to the SUSTAIN PEDAL input can act in two different ways:
• As a sustain pedal for both the Piano and Organ sounds
• As a sustain pedal for Piano sounds and as a Rotor Speed switch for the Organ sounds
S
SS
SE
EE
ET
TT
TT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
U
UU
UP
PP
P
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E
S
SS
SU
UU
US
SS
ST
TT
TA
AA
AI
II
IN
NN
N
P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
L
P
PP
PO
OO
OL
LL
LA
AA
AR
RR
RI
II
IT
TT
TY
YY
Y
Set up the pedal polarity as follows:
1. Press the SHIFT + PROGRAM 7 (PED.POL) but-
tons. The DISPLAY reads ‘CL’ or ‘OP’.
2. Change sustain pedal polarity between ‘OP’
(Open) (open when pressed) and ‘CL’ (Closed)
(closed when pressed) with the UP/DOWN NAVI-
GATOR buttons.
3. Exit by pressing the SHIFT button.
0
00
0
CL
CLCL
CL

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 3. Getting started: Using a Rotor Speed switch pedal
Page 13
S
SS
SE
EE
ET
TT
TT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
U
UU
UP
PP
P
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E
S
SS
SU
UU
US
SS
ST
TT
TA
AA
AI
II
IN
NN
N
P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
L
C
CC
CO
OO
ON
NN
NF
FF
FI
II
IG
GG
GU
UU
UR
RR
RA
AA
AT
TT
TI
II
IO
OO
ON
NN
N
1. Press the SHIFT + PROGRAM 8 (PED.CNFG)
buttons. The DISPLAY reads ‘S’ or ‘Sr’.
1. Change sustain pedal functionality between ‘S’
(Sustain for both Piano and Organ sounds) and
‘Sr’ (sustain for Piano sounds and Rotor Speed
switch for Organ sounds) with the UP/DOWN
NAVIGATOR buttons.
2. Exit by pressing the SHIFT button.
Nord Electro sends and receives Sustain Pedal messag-
es as MIDI (CC# 64). Note! If you have selected ‘Sr’,
Rotor Speed selection is sent from the sustain pedal
as MIDI CC#82 - not CC#64!
U
UU
US
SS
SI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
A
AA
AR
RR
RO
OO
OT
TT
TO
OO
OR
RR
RS
SS
SP
PP
PE
EE
EE
EE
ED
DD
D
S
SS
SW
WW
WI
II
IT
TT
TC
CC
CH
HH
H
P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
L
A foot switch connected to the ROTOR SPEED input can be used to switch between Slow and Fast rotor
speed for the Rotary Speaker effect (see page 27). Nord Electro will also send and receive Rotor Speed
switch messages via MIDI (CC# 82).
Note: The Pedal Polarity setting that you made for the SUSTAIN PEDAL input (see above) also affects
the ROTOR SPEED input.
U
UU
US
SS
SI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
A
AA
A
C
CC
CO
OO
ON
NN
NT
TT
TR
RR
RO
OO
OL
LL
L(
((
(E
EE
EX
XX
XP
PP
PR
RR
RE
EE
ES
SS
SS
SS
SI
II
IO
OO
ON
NN
N)
))
) P
PP
PE
EE
ED
DD
DA
AA
AL
LL
L
As indicated in the illustration on page 9, a regular resistive (range 10 kOhm to 50 kOhm) expression
pedal can be connected to the CONTROL PEDAL input, using a stereo (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cable. The con-
nected pedal can be used to control either Organ Swell (the characteristic B3 volume control) or Wah-
Wah modulation.
Nord Electro will also send and receive Expression pedal messages via MIDI (CC# 11).
S
SS
S

3. Getting started: Basic MIDI settings NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 14
B
BB
BA
AA
AS
SS
SI
II
IC
CC
CMIDI
MIDIMIDI
MIDI S
SS
SE
EE
ET
TT
TT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GS
SS
S
If you are controlling the Nord Electro from an external MIDI keyboard, the Nord Electro must be set
to receive on the same MIDI channel that the external keyboard transmits on. Nord Electro is monotim-
bral (or bitimbral when using the Organ section.See“Using an additional “Lower Manual” MIDI key-
board” on page 21) which means it can only transmit and receive on one MIDI channel at a time.
1. Set the MIDI keyboard to transmit and receive on MIDI Channel 1. (This is the default setting
when Nord Electro is shipped from factory).
2. Press the SHIFT + PROGRAM 1 (MIDI CH) but-
tons. The DISPLAY shows the currently selected
MIDI channel.
3. Scroll with the UP/DOWN NAVIGATOR buttons to
select MIDI Channel 1 (if it isn’t already selected).
4. Press the SHIFT button to exit.
For information on how to set up Nord Electro for
use with an external sequencer, see “Using Nord
Electro with a sequencer” on page 36.
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E‘P
‘P‘P
‘PA
AA
AN
NN
NI
II
IC
CC
C’
’’
’ B
BB
BU
UU
UT
TT
TT
TT
TO
OO
ON
NN
N
If notes should “hang” or the Nord Electro should behave strange, all
you need to do is hold down the SHIFT button and press the RIGHT
OCTAVE SHIFT button. This will execute an internal All Notes Off,
and reset certain system parameters.
1
11
1

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 4. Editing Programs: Editing a Program
Page 15
4. E
4. E4. E
4. ED
DD
DI
II
IT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
MS
SS
S
E
EE
ED
DD
DI
II
IT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
A
AA
AP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
M
Actually, how to change a programmed sound can be described in one
sentence: “tweak the knobs and press the buttons”. It is as simple as
that! Don’t be afraid to edit and overwrite the factory Programs. If
you want to restore any of the original factory programs later, you can
fetch them at http://www.clavia.se and download to your Nord Elec-
tro as MIDI Sysex files. To indicate that a Program has been edited
(changed from the stored version), a dot is shown to the right of the Program number in the DISPLAY:.
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E
K
KK
KN
NN
NO
OO
OB
BB
BS
SS
S
All KNOBS on the Nord Electro are of potentiometer type. This means that
when you begin to edit a Program the values of the parameters can be totally dif-
ferent from the KNOBS physical positions. As soon as you begin turning a
KNOB, the parameter value will ‘snap’ to the KNOB’Sphysical position. This
could generate drastic changes to the sound but that’s only normal.
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E
B
BB
BU
UU
UT
TT
TT
TT
TO
OO
ON
NN
NS
SS
S
There are three types of buttons for editing sounds on the Nord Electro:
S
SS
SE
EE
EL
LL
LE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TO
OO
OR
RR
R
B
BB
BU
UU
UT
TT
TT
TT
TO
OO
ON
NN
NS
SS
S
Press the SELECTOR button repeatedly to select between functions printed next to the
corresponding triangular LED (see figure to the right).
O
OO
ON
NN
N/O
/O/O
/OF
FF
FF
FF
F
B
BB
BU
UU
UT
TT
TT
TT
TO
OO
ON
NN
NS
SS
S
The ON/OFF buttons have a LED next to them to indicate the status.
D
DD
DR
RR
RA
AA
AW
WW
WB
BB
BA
AA
AR
RR
R
B
BB
BU
UU
UT
TT
TT
TT
TO
OO
ON
NN
NS
SS
S
The DRAWBAR buttons are special in the way that they auto-increment/decrement the corresponding pa-
rameter when held. I.e. if you hold a DRAWBAR button the corresponding drawbar parameter will con-
tinue to increment or decrement (within its range) until you release the button.
S
SS
SE
EE
EL
LL
LE
EE
EC
CC
CT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
I
II
IN
NN
NS
SS
ST
TT
TR
RR
RU
UU
UM
MM
ME
EE
EN
NN
NT
TT
T(O
(O(O
(OR
RR
RG
GG
GA
AA
AN
NN
N
O
OO
OR
RR
RP
PP
PI
II
IA
AA
AN
NN
NO
OO
O)
))
)
No matter what Program you’re editing, you could always select a
different instrument type at any time. There are two main instru-
ment sections in Nord Electro: the Organ section and the Piano sec-
tion. You switch between these sections by pressing the
INSTRUMENT SELECT button located between the Organ and Piano
sections. When you have selected an instrument section the other sec-
tion, with its sub groups, is automatically disabled (all its LEDs go
blank). However, all settings of the respective groups are memorized
so when you switch back, all parameter values of the instrument
group are automatically recalled. The Effects section will always remain unaffected when you switch in-
strument group.
A3.
A3.A3.
A3.

4. Editing Programs: Reverting to the original Program NORD ELECTRO V1.0x
Page 16
R
RR
RE
EE
EV
VV
VE
EE
ER
RR
RT
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
T
TT
TO
OO
O
T
TT
TH
HH
HE
EE
E
O
OO
OR
RR
RI
II
IG
GG
GI
II
IN
NN
NA
AA
AL
LL
LP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
M
If you have edited a Program and want to get back to the stored original, proceed as follows:
1. Select another Program by pressing another PROGRAM button.
2. Select the original Program again by pressing the its PROGRAM button. The sound has now reverted
back to the way it was when you originally selected it.
S
SS
ST
TT
TO
OO
OR
RR
RI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
G
A
AA
AP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
M
Storing a Program will permanently overwrite the existing Program in the selected memory location. Be
careful so that you don’t accidentally erase a Program you’d like to keep!
Note! When Nord Electro is shipped from factory, Memory Lock is set to ‘On’. To be able to store
Programs, first disable the Memory Lock function. See “Mem Lock” on page 31.
To store a Program do like this:
1. Press the STORE button once. The Bank and Program number
starts flashing in the DISPLAY
2. Select Bank (A-F) by pressing the UP/DOWN NAVIGATOR but-
tons and then Program location by pressing the corresponding
PROGRAM button (1-8). As you scroll through the memory loca-
tions, you can play and hear the Program currently shown in the DISPLAY. This prevents you from
overwriting a sound that you want to keep. (To cancel the operation, press the SHIFT button.)
3. Press STORE again to store your Program. The Display shows the selected memory location and
stops flashing.
C
CC
CO
OO
OP
PP
PY
YY
YI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
MS
SS
S
Copying a Program from one memory location to another is just a variation of storing:
1. Select the Program you want to copy. Press the STORE button
once. The Bank and Program number starts flashing in the DIS-
PLAY
2. Select Bank (A-F) by pressing the UP/DOWN NAVIGATOR but-
tons and then Program location by pressing the corresponding
PROGRAM button (1-8). As you scroll through the memory locations, you can play and hear the Pro-
gram currently shown in the DISPLAY. This prevents you from overwriting a sound that you want to
keep. (To cancel the operation, press the SHIFT button.)
3. Press STORE again to store your Program. The Display shows the selected memory location and
stops flashing.
A3.
A3.A3.
A3.
A3.
A3.A3.
A3.

NORD ELECTRO V1.0x 4. Editing Programs: Deleting Programs
Page 17
D
DD
DE
EE
EL
LL
LE
EE
ET
TT
TI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
MS
SS
S
There is no command for deleting Programs from the internal memory. What you do to “delete” a Pro-
gram is simply saving a new Program and replacing the old one in a specific memory location.
W
WW
WH
HH
HA
AA
AT
TT
T
A
AA
AP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
M
C
CC
CO
OO
ON
NN
NT
TT
TA
AA
AI
II
IN
NN
NS
SS
S
A Program in Nord Electro contains information about the selected instrument type (Organ or Piano),
the settings for the selected instrument, Octave Shift settings and all the settings of the Effects section.
D
DD
DO
OO
OW
WW
WN
NN
NL
LL
LO
OO
OA
AA
AD
DD
DI
II
IN
NN
NG
GG
GP
PP
PR
RR
RO
OO
OG
GG
GR
RR
RA
AA
AM
MM
MS
SS
S
V
VV
VI
II
IA
AA
AMIDI
MIDIMIDI
MIDI
You can receive MIDI Sysex data for one Program at a time into the edit buffer of a selected memory
location. For example, if you use Nord Electro together with a sequencer, it is often practical to record a
Sysex Program data dump in the beginning of your song to download sounds (see “Dump” on page 32
and “Receive MIDI Sysex Dumps” on page 37).