nord Stage 3 User manual

USER MANUAL
Nord Stage 3
English
OS version: 1.X
Edition: C
Part number: 50474 Copyright Clavia DMI AB
Edition: C

CAUTION - ATTENTION
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.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manu-
facturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specied by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate nor-
mally, or has been dropped.
The lightning ash with the arrowhead symbol within
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated voltage within the products en-
closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec le point de èche 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
sufsante 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 re, electric shock or injury to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Trademarks: The Nord logo is a trademark of Clavia DMI AB. All other trademarks
mentioned in this publication are the properties of their respective holders.
Specications and appearances are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © Clavia DMI AB
No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on
the apparatus;
Do not use the apparatus in tropical climates.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that
no objects lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
The maims plug is used as the disconnect device and shall remain
readily operable.
Il convient de ne pas placer sur l´appareil de sources de ammes nues,
telles que des bougies allumées;
L´appareil n’est pas destiné á étre utilisé sous un climat tropical.
L´appareil ne doit pas étre exposé á des égouttements d´eau ou des
éclaboussures et de plus qu´aucun objet rempli de liquide tel que des
vases ne doit étre placé sur l´appareil.
Lorsque la prise du résau d’alimentation est utilisée comme dispositif
de déconnexion, ce dispositif doit demeuré aisément accessible.
Warning - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Additional Safety Information

1. INTRODUCTION | 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 6
Thank you! ........................................................................................................6
Features .............................................................................................................6
Nord Online ......................................................................................................6
About the User Manual ..............................................................................6
Reading the manual in PDF Format ...................................................................6
Restoring the factory presets.............................................................................6
OS upgrades.....................................................................................................6
Free sounds ......................................................................................................6
Disclaimer..........................................................................................................7
2OVERVIEW......................................................................................... 8
Organ section..................................................................................................8
Piano section...................................................................................................8
Nord Piano Library.............................................................................................8
String Resonance..............................................................................................8
Nord Triple Pedal...............................................................................................8
Pedal Noise ..................................................................................................9
Piano and Clav EQ ............................................................................................9
Program section ............................................................................................9
Synth section...................................................................................................9
Extern section .................................................................................................9
Effects section ................................................................................................9
3GETTING STARTED................................................................10
Hooking it up.................................................................................................10
Programs.........................................................................................................10
Select a program.............................................................................................10
Panel controls ...............................................................................................11
Dials and knobs ..............................................................................................11
Buttons ...........................................................................................................11
The Shift button ..............................................................................................11
List view ...........................................................................................................11
Edit a program..............................................................................................11
Select a new piano sound ...............................................................................11
Turn off Memory Protection ..................................................................12
Store a program...........................................................................................12
Live Mode .......................................................................................................12
Activate an effect ........................................................................................12
The two panels.............................................................................................12
Create a split ..................................................................................................12
Assign the Piano to the upper zone ................................................................13
Set the Synth to the lower zone.......................................................................13
Load a Synth preset ..................................................................................13
Create a layer ..................................................................................................13
Activate both panels ...................................................................................13
Set up a Split cross-fade (Split Width).........................................................14
Morphs .............................................................................................................14
The Synthesizer............................................................................................15
Loading and adjusting a Sample Preset...........................................................15
The Arpeggiator ...........................................................................................16
4ORGAN.................................................................................................17
On/Off, Level and Zone Select.........................................................................17
Octave Shift.....................................................................................................17
Pstick and Sustped .........................................................................................17
Drawbars and buttons..............................................................................17
Selecting an Organ model ..............................................................................18
The B3 model ..............................................................................................18
B3 drawbars ...................................................................................................18
Percussion ......................................................................................................18
Key click control ..............................................................................................18
The Vox model..............................................................................................19
Vox drawbars ..................................................................................................19
Vibrato ............................................................................................................19
The Farf model..............................................................................................19
Farf registers ...................................................................................................19
Vibrato ............................................................................................................20
Pipe Organ......................................................................................................20
Pipe 1..............................................................................................................20
Pipe 2..............................................................................................................20
Pipe 1&2 registers ...........................................................................................20
Organ Preset I & II.......................................................................................20
Drawbar Live (Compact model) .......................................................................20
Swell pedal .....................................................................................................20
Rotary Speaker ............................................................................................20
5PIANO ...................................................................................................21
On/Off, Level and Zone Select.........................................................................21
Octave Shift.....................................................................................................21
Pstick and Sustped .........................................................................................21
About the Piano sounds..........................................................................21
About Piano size .............................................................................................22
Piano Select...................................................................................................22
Type and model...............................................................................................22
About the Clavinet ......................................................................................22
List view ..........................................................................................................22
KBD Touch .....................................................................................................22
Piano Info ...................................................................................................22
String Res / Soft Release / Pedal Noise ......................................22
Soft Release....................................................................................................22
String Resonance............................................................................................23
Pedal Noise.....................................................................................................23
Nord Triple Pedal.........................................................................................23
Sustain and half pedaling.................................................................................23
Sostenuto........................................................................................................23
Soft pedal........................................................................................................23
Piano/Clav EQ...............................................................................................24
Piano EQ Settings ...........................................................................................24
Layer Detune .................................................................................................24
6 PROGRAM........................................................................................25
Morph Assign................................................................................................25
Morph destinations..........................................................................................25
Morph indicators .............................................................................................26
LED encoders.............................................................................................26
Morph LEDs ...............................................................................................26
Drawbar LEDs ............................................................................................26
Clearing a Morph ........................................................................................26
Mst Clk ............................................................................................................26
External sync...................................................................................................26
(KBS) Keyboard sync.......................................................................................26
Transpose On/Set.......................................................................................26
Panic...............................................................................................................26
Split ....................................................................................................................26
Keyboard Split settings ..................................................................................27
Choosing a split position.............................................................................27
Split Width settings.....................................................................................27
Keyboard Zones editor ....................................................................................27
Store ..................................................................................................................27
Storing and naming a program or song ...........................................................28
Store As .....................................................................................................28

4 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
Song Mode.....................................................................................................28
Song Edit ........................................................................................................28
Storing a song.................................................................................................28
Storing edited programs..................................................................................28
Panel buttons A & B ..................................................................................28
Monitor/Copy Panel/Paste...............................................................................29
Mono Out........................................................................................................29
Dual KB...........................................................................................................29
Shift / Exit button.........................................................................................29
Live Mode .......................................................................................................29
Prog Init...........................................................................................................29
Program Buttons.........................................................................................30
What is a program?.........................................................................................30
System, Sound, MIDI, Extern, KB Zones .........................................................30
Program dial .................................................................................................30
MIDI LED indicator......................................................................................30
Page buttons.................................................................................................30
Prog Level .......................................................................................................30
7SYNTH...................................................................................................31
About the Synth Section .........................................................................31
On/Off, Level and Zone Select.........................................................................31
Octave Shift.....................................................................................................31
Pstick and Sustped .........................................................................................31
Oscillators .....................................................................................................32
Osc Ctrl...........................................................................................................32
Modulation ......................................................................................................32
Selector button................................................................................................32
Classic waveforms...........................................................................................32
Sine............................................................................................................32
Triangle.......................................................................................................32
Sawtooth....................................................................................................32
Square, Pulse 33, Pulse 10.........................................................................32
ESaw..........................................................................................................32
ESquare......................................................................................................33
Wave...............................................................................................................33
F-Wave............................................................................................................33
S-Wave ...........................................................................................................33
Samples..........................................................................................................33
Categories and Sample Presets..................................................................33
Fast Attack......................................................................................................33
Oscillator configurations ..........................................................................33
Single oscillator configurations.........................................................................33
Basic ..........................................................................................................33
Pitch...........................................................................................................33
Shape.........................................................................................................33
Dual oscillator configurations ...........................................................................33
Sync...........................................................................................................34
Detune........................................................................................................34
Mix Sine, Triangle, Saw and Square ............................................................34
Mix Bell.......................................................................................................34
Mix Noise....................................................................................................34
Mix Noise 2.................................................................................................34
Dual FM......................................................................................................34
Triple FM.....................................................................................................34
Ring Mod....................................................................................................34
Synth Presets................................................................................................34
Selecting Synth presets...................................................................................34
List view .....................................................................................................34
Storing Synth presets ......................................................................................35
Filter Section .................................................................................................35
Filter selector button........................................................................................35
LP 24 & LP 12 ................................................................................................35
LP M ...............................................................................................................35
LP/HP .............................................................................................................36
High Pass - HP ...............................................................................................36
Band Pass - BP ..............................................................................................36
Filter Frequency ..............................................................................................36
Filter Resonance .............................................................................................36
KB Track .........................................................................................................36
KB Track settings........................................................................................36
Drive................................................................................................................37
LFO Amt..........................................................................................................37
Vel / Mod Env..................................................................................................37
The Envelopes ..............................................................................................37
Mod Envelope ...............................................................................................37
Attack.........................................................................................................37
Decay.........................................................................................................37
Release ......................................................................................................37
Velocity.......................................................................................................37
Amp Envelope ................................................................................................38
Attack.........................................................................................................38
Decay.........................................................................................................38
Release ......................................................................................................38
Velocity.......................................................................................................38
LFO ...................................................................................................................38
Mst Clk............................................................................................................38
LFO Waveforms...............................................................................................38
Voice section ................................................................................................39
Mono Voice mode ...........................................................................................39
Legato Voice mode .........................................................................................39
Glide................................................................................................................39
Unison ............................................................................................................39
Sound Init ...................................................................................................39
Arpeggiator ...................................................................................................40
Arp Run and Keyboard Sync (KBS) .................................................................40
Arpeggiator Direction.......................................................................................40
Arpeggiator Range ..........................................................................................40
Arpeggiator Rate .............................................................................................40
Arpeggiator Master Clock................................................................................40
KB Hold............................................................................................................40
Vibrato .............................................................................................................40
8EXTERN SECTION...................................................................41
Extern section ..............................................................................................41
Setting up........................................................................................................41
Using the Extern section..........................................................................41
Activating ........................................................................................................41
Keyboard Zones..............................................................................................41
Non-keyboard Extern setup........................................................................41
Octave Shift.....................................................................................................41
Pitch Stick / Sustain Pedal messages..............................................................41
Extern Parameters......................................................................................42
Program .........................................................................................................42
Send On Load.................................................................................................42
Extern Section and MIDI Soft Thru...................................................................42
Other Extern Menu settings ........................................................................42
9EFFECTS............................................................................................ 43
Overview..........................................................................................................43
Activating an effect .........................................................................................43
Effect type selection when an effect is off....................................................43
A-Pan (Auto Pan).............................................................................................43
Static Pan control over a sound ..................................................................43
Trem (Tremolo).................................................................................................44
RM (Ring Modulation) ......................................................................................44
A-Wa 1 & 2 (Auto-Wah) ..................................................................................44
Effect 2 ............................................................................................................44
Phaser 1 & 2 ...................................................................................................44
Flanger ............................................................................................................44
Vibe.................................................................................................................44
Chorus 1 & 2...................................................................................................44
Delay .................................................................................................................44
Tap Tempo ......................................................................................................44
Filters ..............................................................................................................45
Analog Mode...................................................................................................45
Master Clock...................................................................................................45
Amp Sim / EQ ..............................................................................................45
Drive................................................................................................................45
LP 24 Filter......................................................................................................45
HP 24 Filter .....................................................................................................45

1. INTRODUCTION | 5
Amp model......................................................................................................46
Compressor ...................................................................................................46
Fast mode.......................................................................................................46
Reverb ..............................................................................................................46
Rotary Speaker ...........................................................................................46
Rotary Speaker and Reverb.............................................................................47
Rotary menu settings.......................................................................................47
10 MIDI ...................................................................................................... 48
Using MIDI ......................................................................................................48
Global .............................................................................................................48
Panel A/B........................................................................................................48
Extern..............................................................................................................48
Controlling outboard gear with the Extern section.....................49
Controlling the Nord Stage 3 from an external device .............49
Dual KB...........................................................................................................49
Panel MIDI control ...........................................................................................50
Global MIDI .....................................................................................................50
External Sync ..................................................................................................50
Extern Section and MIDI re-routing..................................................................50
Recording a Stage 3 performance to a MIDI sequencer ........50
Program Change.............................................................................................51
Messages........................................................................................................51
Note On/Off ................................................................................................51
Pitch Bend..................................................................................................51
Controllers ..................................................................................................51
Keyboard Velocity .......................................................................................51
Aftertouch...................................................................................................51
Program Change ........................................................................................51
Bank Select ................................................................................................51
Local On/Off ...............................................................................................51
Panic...............................................................................................................51
11 MENUS ..............................................................................................52
Soft buttons ....................................................................................................52
System Menu ................................................................................................52
1 - Memory Protect .........................................................................................52
2 - Global Transpose .......................................................................................52
3 - Fine Tune ...................................................................................................52
4 - Seamless Prog Change..............................................................................52
5 - Output Routing mode ................................................................................52
6 - Output Panel A/B.......................................................................................52
7 - Sustain Pedal ............................................................................................53
Type............................................................................................................53
Func (Function) ...........................................................................................53
8 - Rotor Pedal................................................................................................53
Type............................................................................................................53
Func (Function) ...........................................................................................53
Type............................................................................................................53
10 - Ctrl Pedal.................................................................................................53
Type............................................................................................................53
Func (Function) ...........................................................................................53
Gain............................................................................................................53
11 - Swell Pedal ..............................................................................................53
Type............................................................................................................53
Func (Function) ...........................................................................................53
Gain............................................................................................................53
Sound Menu..................................................................................................53
1 - Piano Pedal Noise Level.............................................................................53
2 - Piano String Res Level ...............................................................................53
3 - B3 Organ Tonewheel Mode........................................................................54
4 - B3 Organ Click Level..................................................................................54
5 - B3 Organ Keyboard Trigger Point...............................................................54
6 - Synth Vibrato .............................................................................................54
Rate............................................................................................................54
Amnt (Amount)............................................................................................54
7 - Rotary Rotor ..............................................................................................54
Accel (Acceleration) ....................................................................................54
Range: Low, Normal (default), High..................................................................54
8 - Rotary Horn ...............................................................................................54
Accel (Acceleration) ....................................................................................54
MIDI Menu ......................................................................................................54
1 - Local Control .............................................................................................54
2 - Channel .....................................................................................................54
Panel A/B ...................................................................................................54
Dual KB ......................................................................................................54
3 - Control/Program Change Mode .................................................................54
PC (Program Change).................................................................................54
4 - Transpose MIDI At......................................................................................54
Extern Menu...................................................................................................55
1 - MIDI Channel Mode ...................................................................................55
2 - MIDI Panel A/B Channel (Prog or Glob) ......................................................55
3 - Keyb Velocity Panel A/B.............................................................................55
4 - Device Filter Panel A/B...............................................................................55
5 - Send on Load ............................................................................................55
6 - Program Change Settings Panel A/B..........................................................55
Bank MSB .................................................................................................55
Bank LSB ..................................................................................................55
Program Number .......................................................................................55
7 - Control Change Settings A/B .....................................................................55
Ctrl (Control) ..............................................................................................55
Value .........................................................................................................55
8 - Volume Value A/B.......................................................................................55
9 - Global Soft Thru.........................................................................................55
12 NORD SOUND MANAGER ......................................... 56
About Nord Sound Manager.................................................................56
System requirements ................................................................................56
IAPPENDIX: CONNECTIONS............................................57
Audio connections......................................................................................57
Headphones ...................................................................................................57
Ch 1&2, Ch 3&4 Out .......................................................................................57
Monitor In........................................................................................................57
MIDI connections ........................................................................................57
MIDI In ............................................................................................................57
MIDI Out .........................................................................................................57
USB connection...........................................................................................57
Pedal connections......................................................................................57
Sustain Pedal ..................................................................................................57
Control Pedal ..................................................................................................57
Organ Swell.....................................................................................................57
Program Up/Dn Pedal .....................................................................................57
II APPENDIX: MIDI CONTROLLER LIST................ 58
III INDEX ....................................................................................................59

6 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
1
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU!
Thank you for choosing the Nord Stage 3!
Continuing our vision of the ultimate instrument for the performing mu-
sician, our new flagship instrument features our latest award-winning
technologies including the Nord Lead A1 Synth engine with sample
playback, the acclaimed Nord C2D Organ engine, a greatly enhanced
Piano section and extensive hands-on effects – all in one exceptional
performance keyboard.
FEATURES
The Nord Stage 3 has the following main features:
Organ section with faithful reproductions of three classic organ
models, B3, Vox and Farf (Farfisa), as found in our acclaimed C2D
combo organ. There are also two Pipe organ models, each with its
own distinct character.
Digital LED drawbars on the 88 and 76 key models, physical draw-
bars on the 73 key model.
Piano section with acoustic Grand and Upright pianos, tine and
reed based Electric pianos, Digital piano sounds, Clavinet and
Harpsichord sounds and a Layer category with rich sounding piano
combinations. The memory capacity for the Piano section in the
Stage 3 is 2 gigabytes.
Synth section based on the Lead A1 synthesizer with dedicated
OLED display, Sample playback, Classic – analog style – waveforms,
digital waves, formants and massive “superwaves”.
Comprehensive Effects section.
Seamless transitions: Sustaining notes will not be cut off when
changing programs.
An Extern section for controlling external MIDI instruments.
Powerful Morph features for changing multiple parameters using
physical controls.
Four keyboard zones, with user adjustable split widths allowing
sounds to smoothly cross-fade over split points.
There are three Nord Stage 3 models: Nord Stage 3 88 with a fully
weighted hammer action keybed (A-C), Nord Stage 3 HP76 witha
lightweighthammer actionkeybed (E-G), NordStage 3Compact
with a 73-note semi weighted “waterfall” keybed(E-E) with physical
drawbars.
Two independent panels each provide two complete instances of the
Stage 3 sound engines and effects. This allows for all kinds of layers
and splits as well as “dual manual” B3 organ playing – among other
things.
NORD ONLINE
On the website nordkeyboards.com you will find:
»Information about the Nord Stage 3 and other Nord instruments
»Latest Operating Systems for download
»Free software: Nord Sound Manager, Nord Sample Editor and
drivers
»Nord Piano Library sounds for free download
»Nord Sample Library sounds for free download
»Nord World: Nord releated news stories and videos
»User Manuals for download
»Tutorials can be found at nordkeyboards.com/tutorials
Follow Nord Keyboards on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Feel free to tag your content with our official hashtag #iseenord.
ABOUT THE USER MANUAL
The manual is arranged mainly as a reference manual. In many cases
you’ll also get tips on how to practically use the different features in a
musical context.
READING THE MANUAL IN PDF FORMAT
This manual is available as a digital PDF file. It can be downloaded, free
of charge, from the Nord Stage 3 section on our website.
RESTORING THE FACTORY PRESETS
The factory programs, Synth presets, samples and pianos are available
as individual Nord Sound Manager backup files for download from our
website. There is also a complete backup of the entire instrument and
its factory content, in case it needs to be restored to its original state at
some point.
OS UPGRADES
The latest OS (Operating System) version for the Nord Stage 3 is al-
ways available for download from our website. There is also an Update
History page on the website, which specifies what has been updated
with each new version. Please visit our website from time to time, to
make sure you have the latest version in your unit.
FREE SOUNDS
Since the Nord Stage 3 is designed as an open system, each and
every piano and sample in the Nord Stage 3 can be replaced. This is
done using the Nord Sound Manager application which is available as

1. INTRODUCTION | 7
a free download from our website.
The Nord Stage 3 is compatible with the continuously expanding
Nord Piano Library and the Nord Sample Library. When new sounds
become available, these can be download for free from the Sound
Libraries section of our website.
DISCLAIMER
Any trademarks and brand names mentioned in this manual are the
property of their respective owners and are not affiliated or associated
with Clavia. These trademarks and brand names are only mentioned to
describe certain sound qualities reproduced by the Nord Stage 3.

8 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
2 OVERVIEW
The Nord Stage 3 is designed to be a highly flexible, musically expres-
sive and easy-to-use instrument. Let’s have a look at some of its key
features:
ORGAN SECTION
The dedicated Organ section uses our latest B3 tonewheel Organ
model, as found in the acclaimed Nord C2D Combo Organ.
The B3 model is based on the analysis of the signals generated by
each of the 91 spinning discs inside several original instruments, and
painstaking work on understanding exactly how all the original com-
ponents interact with each other. The virtual circuitry reacts not only
to the settings on the panel but also during the real time performance.
The Stage 3 will faithfully reproduce the important foldback and energy
robbing characteristics; the latter will produce the gentle compres-
sion effect that makes those lovely smears absolutely wonderful. The
3 tonewheel modes allow for switching from a clean, factory spec’d
instrument to a worn and battered workhorse.
We have also created carefully modelled emulations of two of the most
famous transistor organs from the 1960’s; the Vox Continental and the
Farf (Farfisa) Compact. Alongside the organ’s themselves, the Nord
Stage 3 features a rotary speaker simulation derived from the Nord
C2D. Incorporating the acoustic variations that occur as a physical
rotating spreads the sound around in a room, they bring the Stage 3’s
organs to life with remarkable realism. In terms of control, the 88 and
76 key model utilize our tried-and-true digital LED drawbars, whereas
the 73 key Compact model is equipped with physical drawbars.
Finally, there are two distinct Pipe Organ models including a “Principal”
Pipe model with two variations, delivering a wide range of versatile
pipe/church organ sounds.
This section is described in detail in the Organ chapter, beginning on
page 17.
PIANO SECTION
The Nord Stage 3 Piano section, with its 2 GB of internal memory,
delivers a stunning range of piano and keyboard sounds. Piano sounds
are divided into six different types including both classic Grand, Up-
right and Electric pianos as well as Digital piano and preconfigured
Layer sounds.
NORD PIANO LIBRARY
The Nord Stage 3 benefits from the sounds found in the ever-growing
Nord Piano Library. We spend a lot of time and effort on expanding
the palette of available sounds, ranging from state-of-the-art concert
grand pianos to characterful uprights, historical instruments, electric
pianos and more.
New sounds are regularly made available free of charge on the
www.nordkeyboards.com website.
STRING RESONANCE
String resonance is a physical phenomenon which occurs inside every
acoustic piano when strings, or parts of strings, resonate at their fun-
damental or harmonic frequencies as other strings are being played.
When String Resonance is turned on, played notes will affect each oth-
er to reproduce the acoustic interactions that occur inside an acoustic
grand or upright piano.
NORD TRIPLE PEDAL
The Nord Stage 3 is compatible with the Nord Triple Pedal which un-
locks additional functionality within the Piano section.
The right pedal is the sustain pedal. When operated, all notes being
played will sustain until the pedal is released again. It also adds dy-
namic control of the mechanical “pedal noise” during operation and
enables dynamic “half-pedaling” techniques.
ORGAN PIANO PROGRAM SYNTH EXTERN EFFECTS

2. OVERVIEW | 9
The left pedal is the soft pedal, also known as the Una Corda. When
applied, all notes will be slightly lower in volume and have a softer, more
subdued, tone quality.
In the middle is the Sostenuto pedal. Notes that are held when the
pedal is pressed down will “have their dampers raised” and keep sus-
taining, while subsequent notes will not be sustained.
PEDAL NOISE
When the sustain pedal is operated on an acoustic grand or upright
piano, many different sounds are produced by the mechanical com-
ponents of that instrument’s pedal mechanism. Your Nord Stage 3
reproduces many of these natural sounds. When the sustain pedal is
pressed down, lifting the dampers from the strings, a beautiful sizzle
can be heard.
When the pedal is released, the dampers are returned to the strings,
which creates a different, muted type of sound.
PIANO AND CLAV EQ
A quick method for altering the character of the current piano sound is
to use the Piano and Clav EQ settings. The Clav settings are designed
to emulate those of the original instrument, while the Piano settings
are designed specifically with piano players in mind - instantly making
a sound softer, brighter or more mid-focused, depending on what the
song calls for.
This section is further described in the Piano chapter, beginning on
page 21.
PROGRAM SECTION
A program on the Nord Stage 3 contains settings for all sound engines
and effects. The center area of the instrument - the Program section -
is where programs are navigated and stored, and various performance
features and settings menus are accessed. Importantly, this is also
where the two Panel buttons are located, used for switching between
the two independent panels available within each program.
This section is described in detail in the Program chapter, beginning on
page 25.
SYNTH SECTION
The Nord Stage 3’s powerful synthesizer engine is based on the ac-
claimed Nord Lead A1. In addition to Classic waveforms and digital
Waves and F-Waves (formants), the Stage 3 Synth can be used for all
sorts of Sample based sounds. It also features a S-Wave (superwave)
category suitable for those massive, multi-oscillator, sounds that can
not be created by other means. The large number of oscillator config-
urations allows for a multitude of single or dual oscillator setups, wave-
shaping, frequency modulation and more. An OLED display dedicated
to the Synth section provides a clear overview of its current setup.
The Nord Sample Library gives Stage 3 owners access to a huge free
library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron
and Chamberlin samples. User-created samples can also be loaded
into the instrument, opening up a whole new creative world of sound.
In addition to the versatile 12 and 24 dB low-pass filters and the 12 dB
high- and band-pass filters, the Stage 3 provides an emulated transis-
tor low pass filter and a powerful combined low-pass/high-pass filter.
With both Amp and Modulation envelopes, an LFO and Unison con-
trol, the Stage 3’s synth capabilities are powerful, and provide virtually
limitless possibilites in terms of stunning on-stage sounds.
There’s an in-depth description of this section in the Synth chapter,
beginning on page 31.
EXTERN SECTION
The Nord Stage 3 delivers powerful capabilities as a MIDI controller,
especially when using the dedicated Extern section. Extern can be
turned on and off and assigned to keyboard zones just like the internal
sound engines, but specializes in controlling external gear - comput-
ers, synth modules etc. - over MIDI.
This section is described in detail in the Extern chapter, beginning on
page 41.
EFFECTS SECTION
A wide array of classic effects are at your fingertips, within the compre-
hensive Effects section:
The Effects 1 and 2 units provide all essential modulation effects such
as Tremolo, Chorus and Phaser, modeled after legendary stomp boxes
and effects units. The Delay effect can go anywhere from solidly vin-
tage to modern and atmospheric sounding - with its Analog mode and
dedicated feedback filters.
Classic amplifier simulations, a versatile EQ and powerful, resonant
filters are available in the Amp Sim/EQ section, and a punchy Com-
pressor with an extra tight “fast mode” helps keeping your perfor-
mance in control. Finally, the lush Reverb - independently available
per panel - provides an array of small and large room simulations for
instant atmosphere.
Many of the effect parameters can be morph controlled – that is
addressed by the modulation wheel, control pedal or after touch –
which opens up for all kinds of creative, real-time interaction.
This section – and the Rotary Speaker – is described in detail in the
Effects chapter, beginning on page 43.

10 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.X
3 GETTING STARTED
Let’s spend a few minutes getting acquainted with the most fundamental features of the Nord
Stage 3! In this chapter the most common scenarios and tasks will be described in a step-wise
fashion, hopefully serving as a good starting point for further editing and more advanced set-ups
as well.
HOOKING IT UP
1 Connect the Nord Stage 3 power cord to the unit and a mains power supply, connect the
sustain pedal and a set of headphones or a sound system.
2 Make sure to turn on the Nord Stage 3 first, before the sound system. Please be careful with
the output volume.
For more information on all the connections on the Stage 3, have a look in the Connections
section on page 57.
PROGRAMS
The Program area is located at the center of the panel and has an OLED display in the middle.
Complete settings of every parameter on the panel are stored in the program memory of the
Nord Stage 3, with enough room for 400 programs.
Programs are organized into 8 banks, labeled A-H. All programs can be edited and replaced as
you wish.
MA complete set of the factory programs is available on the www.nordkeyboards.com web
site. This means that the program memory can always be restored to its original state.
SELECT A PROGRAM
1 Programs are selected by pressing any of the five PROGRAM buttons, located below the dis-
play. The PAGE 3/4buttons are used to navigate program pages – a page being a group
of 5 programs. A Program bank on the Nord Stage 3 can contain up to 50 programs divided
into 10 program pages.
Some of the factory programs are labeled with MW or AT. This indicates that the Mod Wheel
or Aftertouch has an active part in the sound and invites you to use these performance
features.
2 Programs can also be navigated by simply turning the PROGRAM dial.