Clavia Nord Stage 2 EX Compact stage piano

General

The Nord Stage 2 EX Compact is almost identical to the Stage 2 SW73. An important change, however, is the 1GB Piano Library that includes 5 grand pianos, 7 upright pianos and 11 electric pianos. Besides that, the Nord Sample Library also received an update, with new strings, choir sounds and folk instruments being added. Its range is also a little different, now going from E to E, rather than F to F. Of course, it also features the semi-weighted waterfall keyboard, which is great for organ-oriented live keyboard players, as it goes perfectly with the highly realistic B3, Farfisa and Vox voices,the digital drawbar section and the Rotary simulation.

Stage 2 EX Compact: quality and versatility

The Stage 2 line is the obvious choice for keyboard players that are looking for the most versatile instrument Nord has to offer. Each of the instruments in this series features a piano section, an organ section and a synth section. All these sections can be used simultaneously, and they can even be doubled. Use the synth section for creating synthesizer voices, varying from classic analogue synthesis to FM and Wavetable synthesis. Of course, you can count on the famous Nord quality when it comes to the various Sound Libraries. These highly realistic samples sound great in any mix, and together with the high-quality Fatar keyboard they allow for an incredible playing experience.

Effects and additional functions

Of course a Stage Piano like the Stage 2 EX Compact needs a proper effects section. This allows you to give each of the organs, synths and pianos its own character to match your style of music perfectly. For instance, Nord created various amp simulations, which are an absolute must if you're using vintage piano voices. Another practical feature is the External section, that allows you to use the Stage 2 EX as a master keyboard and effortlessly integrate other MIDI instruments, using features like zones, splits and layers. Quick access to the Stage 2's many functions is essential, of course, but thanks to the special Programming and Control sections, this multifunctional workhorse is a pleasure to use.