Nord Drum 3 & 3P

The Lounge Other Gear
21

Users might not, but retailers will.

1 Like
22

Users might not, but retailers will.[/quote]
Ahh, yup, quite right!

1 Like
23

Agreed - weā€™ll look first to the stores for discounted ND2s, which is where we first sighted ND1s being blown out for $99 each

1 Like
24

I have a ND2 and Padā€¦ but I am slightly tempted to go for the 3P, solely for the individual sound saving/loading. Thatā€™s such a huge workflow issue for me. I understand I may be slightly downgrading the synth engineā€¦ Im curious how noticeably different the results will be.

I am overall, underwhelmed. Really wanted 6 outs and USB MIDI. Sigh. Why does Nord always make me sad?

25

I suppose at this point of the companyā€™s history, theyā€™re playing to the crowd more than ever. Products like the A1/A1R that have been shaped for simplicity and accessibility have done far better for the company, financially, than the more deep and complex products (NL3, Nord Modular).
Synthesists want a Nord Drum with more technical options, but their investors surely want a successful product like the A1.

1 Like
26

Well, to be fair, I bought an A1 after MONTHS of comparing to the NL4, and I have no regrets. It does exactly what I wanted it to do: make bread and butter synth sounds quickly, with great results.

I have 2 Nord Modular G2s and a Virus TI, all of which are great for modulation and experimenting. My problem was that all of those were way too tedious to get a simple pad, lead, or bass sound from (NM editor required, or menu diving on the TI/using the software). With the A1 I can turn it on, turn some knobs, and in minutes have the sound I wanted. They really did nail that synth, for what it does.

So I guess my question to myself: is the ease of kit construction with the ND3 worth giving up a few synth controlsā€¦ Maybeā€¦ if it still delivers are great sound, I think I can live without the bump and noise attack controls.

Too soon to tell thoughā€¦ I need to hear more demos, read the manual, etc.

28

Sweetwater is selling Nord Drum 3P for $200 less than Nord Drum 3:

Are 6 trigger inputs that much more expensive than 6 drum pads?

29

lol thatā€™s gotta be a mistake. In a sonic state video the Nord rep said 599 euros, which is about 800 usd. The question is, if I order now at this price, will SW honor it?

30

I think they have to honor it. If not, you can cancel the order.

31

Getting more and more tempted to pull the trigger on a 3P. Lack of CAT6 port and trigger inputs for Eurorack interfacing is a downside, Iā€™m sure, for some, but I can live without those at that apparently mistaken price.

32

Would you guys worry about potentially messing up the interface, screen, or buttons, banging on that thing with drum sticks? I could see myself destroying any resale vale with one simple misplaced hit while jamming out with my eyes closed. 3P makes me nervous.

34

Not that this matters a great deal but the 3P is lilke 33% heavier than a ND2 + Pad despite being slimmer! Not an issue for most of us but a few like to move their gear around in as easy to manage a way as possible.

Still, I quite like the 3P. I jam with mates every now and again and my drummer pal usually resorts to just using Maschine or Push for ease. This (or ND2+Pad) would go down well.

35

Did they give you a refund?

36

How in the heck did they not throw USB-MIDI on this? I got excited (as much as I love my ND2) when I saw the headline, and I kept searching and searching for USB in videos, Nordā€™s site. Just baffling.

An improved output would be nice, but as far as I can tell, thatā€™s the only part of this that feels like an upgrade. Sheesh, throw USB and maybe two assignable outs on, and I would be real tempted to give Nord more money. Iā€™m bummed.

37

I had a Roland Handsonic with the UI next to the pads like that.
I never touched the UI part by accident, - not even once - even though Iā€™m one of the clumsiest people I know.
The current Roland Octapad also has a UI next to the pads - but off to the side. Seems like a lot of people use those without accidentally smashing the UI with a drum stick.

1 Like
39

3P is shipping now. My retailer just called me letting me know their stock arrived today, and my preorder will be shipping today.

Clavia is still silent regarding the 3 version.

40

The Nord Percussion line intrigues me. When the time is right, Iā€™d like to move on that. Iā€™ve heard the ND2 is absolutely top notch(also itā€™s smaller and would fit easier in my studio set up), but MAYBE the 3 might be cool, too? Surely improved in SOME way from the two(albeit with slightly less customization).

Has anybody experienced the differences between the two? Or heard any word of a multiple out 4 coming along?

41

ND2 is the best drum synth imo. Replaced my RYTM with no regrets.
Havenā€™t used the ND3 as the pads are of zero use to me. I canā€™t drum for shit and always trigger via midi. Heard the 3 is less powerful also?
Created a Live drum rack for ND2 and it is unstoppable, especially triggering via Push.
Typical Nord hifi crisp sound, FM is really good. The only sound I am not 100% happy with is the clap. Have to layer that with a sample to be perfect.
Multiple outs would be great, still for the price itā€™s an absolute bargain :+1:

4 Likes
42

Nice! Iā€™m thinking, once I get the Pyramid down, trying to get a ND2 and compare that with the sound and capabilities of the MDUW. Maybe sell the MDUW since I have a centralized sequencer brain.

Thanks for the input!

1 Like