I’m looking to get some external FX to run my NL4 through. The built in FX are a little harsh!!!!
A Strymon Big Sky/Night Sky would sound lovely I’m sure but can anyone recommend anything else? I’m quite tempted to look at a Eurorack FX build of some kind :headbang:
Thoughts?
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External FX for Nord Lead 4
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Guido3 - Frequent Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
Presumably you want stereo in > out?
Are you looking for anything in particular? All the usual mods, delay, reverbs?
Are you looking for anything in particular? All the usual mods, delay, reverbs?
- BillB
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
BillB
Stereo In/Out - Yes
The usual suspects really so Delay/Reverb/Mod. This is why Eurorack is tempting as the mod opportunities are vast!!
Stereo In/Out - Yes
The usual suspects really so Delay/Reverb/Mod. This is why Eurorack is tempting as the mod opportunities are vast!!
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Guido3 - Frequent Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
Depends how knobular you want the experience to be. A Lexicon or Alesis (or whatever) rack would probably give you the sounds, as would a Zoom CDR-70 pedal. There are plenty of other high-end pedals along the lines of Strymon.
But it sounds like you really want to mess with your FX - so I would have to pass on to those who know (and can afford!) Euroack etc. Seems a likely expensive venture, but certainly flexible and creative.
But it sounds like you really want to mess with your FX - so I would have to pass on to those who know (and can afford!) Euroack etc. Seems a likely expensive venture, but certainly flexible and creative.
- BillB
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
I refer the honourable gentleman to this post:
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=75290&p=725810#p725810
The Digitech RP50/55 are also very good indeed.
If you want something with a built-in expression pedal then I'd recommend the Digitech RP-500, RP-1000 and the Line 6 Helix, in order of outlay. The Helix is by far the most capable, adding oodles of features (mixing multiple sources - each with different multi effects chain, multiple expression pedals, mic input, external switching, MIDI control, USB interface...), but comes with a reflective price tag.
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=75290&p=725810#p725810
The Digitech RP50/55 are also very good indeed.
If you want something with a built-in expression pedal then I'd recommend the Digitech RP-500, RP-1000 and the Line 6 Helix, in order of outlay. The Helix is by far the most capable, adding oodles of features (mixing multiple sources - each with different multi effects chain, multiple expression pedals, mic input, external switching, MIDI control, USB interface...), but comes with a reflective price tag.
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The Elf - Jedi Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
Elf, The Line 6 Helex stuff looks and sounds beautiful. There’s even an LT (lite??) which brings a new unit into my price range (used even better!!!) Not sure what I would lose but I’ll do some research and find out. This would be fab live and not something which I have looked into before.
Food for thought!!! Thanks.
Food for thought!!! Thanks.
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Guido3 - Frequent Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
The LT is good value, but it does lose a couple of line inputs and an expression pedal input.
I use all of the inputs for lead synths, giving me a 4-in, 2-out mixer, each input on a separate chain of stereo effects.
The thing with the Helix is that it goes far beyond your requirement for an FX processor for your single keyboard. Whether those extra features would be put to use is the key. It can be overkill, or it can potentially replace a whole lot of other gear.
I use all of the inputs for lead synths, giving me a 4-in, 2-out mixer, each input on a separate chain of stereo effects.
The thing with the Helix is that it goes far beyond your requirement for an FX processor for your single keyboard. Whether those extra features would be put to use is the key. It can be overkill, or it can potentially replace a whole lot of other gear.
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The Elf - Jedi Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
Elf, I like the Digitech stuff too, but they are all mono-in. Strictly designed for guitarists, not synth payers with L/R stereo outs :headbang:
- BillB
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
The Elf wrote:The thing with the Helix is that it goes far beyond your requirement for an FX processor for your single keyboard. Whether those extra features would be put to use is the key. It can be overkill, or it can potentially replace a whole lot of other gear.
I’ll do some reading up.........
I tend to use Nord Electro 5D and a Nord Lead 4 live at the mo. Sounds like I can feed them both into the Helex to create a ‘Mixer with FX as well. Sounds really slick to be honest. I could get away with just 3 bits of kit and a bag of wires for live use!!! The 4 inputs (2 x Stereo pairs) having their own effects would be great.
Do you need a degree in nuclear physics to program it?
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Guido3 - Frequent Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
True enough. I only use them on mono-out keyboards.BillB wrote:Elf, I like the Digitech stuff too, but they are all mono-in. Strictly designed for guitarists, not synth payers with L/R stereo outs :headbang:
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The Elf - Jedi Poster
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Re: External FX for Nord Lead 4
Not at all. It's pretty simple. If you get into using the buttons to control external devices (as do I - for looping and sequencer control, for example) the momentary/latching stuff can get a bit heady, but up to there it's a doddle for us synth-heads.Guido3 wrote:Do you need a degree in nuclear physics to program it?
I have some basic '4 mono inputs', '2 stereo inputs' templates, so just give me a shout if you'd like them as a starting point.
Now you're getting the idea. This is exactly why I use one. I get funny looks from other keyboard players when I mention the Helix being ideal for a keys rig, but at least one other person gets it now! :DGuido3 wrote:I could get away with just 3 bits of kit and a bag of wires for live use!!! The 4 inputs (2 x Stereo pairs) having their own effects would be great.
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The Elf - Jedi Poster
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