Nord’s 88-key Powerhouse Makes its Grand Return
For decades, Nord’s iconic red instruments have remained a premium staple of stage, studio, and touring rigs the world over. When the Swedish company debuted the original Nord Grand, it set a new standard for digital pianos, complete with a cutting-edge triple-sensor hammer movement system and multifaceted, state-of-the-art sound engine. Now, the Nord Grand 2 marks the reprise of this lauded keyboard in all its 88-key glory, further raising the bar for stage pianos. Everything to love about its predecessor is back and more accessible than ever, and even accompanied by an expanded sonic tool kit. Performers worldwide found the original Nord Grand to be a formidable contender for the “ultimate stage piano,” but Nord understood that perfection is a process, not a destination. With the help of musicians’ collective feedback after their time with the Nord Grand, Sweetwater’s keyboardists agree that the Nord Grand 2 88-key stage keyboard masterfully preserves everything about the Grand while making all the right moves to empower a worthy heir of the Grand 2 title. With expanded effects, a revamped keybed, and deeper sound-design capabilities for the synth and piano layers, the Nord Grand 2 is ready to summit breathtaking heights of stage and studio performances. Where will it take you next?
Related Videos: Grand 2 88-key Stage Keyboard
Optimized for sensitivity and feel
Among the slew of new features introduced with the Grand 2, players will be delightfully surprised to learn that a keybed is among them. Through collaboration with Kawai, Nord has devised a next-gen keybed that elevates the tactility and nuance-capturing sensitivity found across the Kawai RH3 keybed and Nord’s triple-sensor system, resulting in an experience closer than ever to that of an acoustic grand piano. Nord has also redesigned the interface to better accommodate the more expressive players among us, ergonomically optimized for high-caliber performances that keep sensitive controls away from accidental disruption, all without sacrificing proximity and accessibility.
Greater texturization with more FX flare
Piano and Synth engines can now be combined through dual-layer or split configurations, each featuring a dedicated effects section. Speaking of which, the Grand 2 sees an expanded suite of effects, alongside an equally valuable expansion to the Nord Sample Library, adding Spring, Booth, and Cathedral reverbs, as well as Filter, Flam, and Ping Pong delays, and a dazzling Spin effect.
Expressive tools for high-caliber performances
With the Sample Synth section’s broad array of lifelike instruments, you can push expressivity even further. Individual layers are subject to adjusting dynamic velocity responses, ADR values, and a choice of Bright tones. Furthermore, a Unison mode blends voices to conjure mammoth ensembles with your sounds, while a Tru-Vibrato is available for faithfully and meticulously re-created vibrato characteristics of every onboard ensemble instrument. This also led to the development of a Round Robin mode, naturally reproducing the tight nuances of fast repetitions. Mono and Legato modes with an adjustable Glide parameter stand to take your Sample Synth sonics to rich, evocative spaces, while the included Triple Pedal 2 ensures every aspect of your upgraded Grand 2 performance is masterfully executed.
Nord Grand 2 88-key Stage Piano Features:
- 88-note keybed custom-designed in collaboration with Kawai to enrich the hammer-action and advanced triple-sensor performance possibilities of its predecessor
- 120-voice polyphony is more flexible than ever, between Unison mode and enhanced split/layering options
- Expanded memory for Sample Synth library means extended sound design opportunities with dazzling new effects
- Per-layer adjustments to dynamics, curves, tone profiles, and more support greater combinatorial possibilities of sonic exploration
- Triple Pedal 2 is included to enhance all shades of expressive potential
- Tru-Vibrato and Round Robin modes offer flexible control of lifelike vibrato and quickly-repeated play styles
