Nord Lead 2X Key Problem

CrossFace · Joined: Aug 06, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Boston, M.A.

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out this problem. Throughout the past 3 weeks, when I play certain keys on my Nord Lead 2X the sound cuts in and out, regardless of what patch is used, what outlet the keyboard is plugged into, what cable/output is used, etc...

You can see a video of the problem here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySqllBQk5o8

It seems like there is a contact problem, where the depression of the key gets registered randomly. This problem is intermittent, where the keyboard will often go several minutes before the problem returns. I have carefully cleaned the board containing the key contacts using 91% isopropyl alcohol and a q-tip, but this has not helped at all. I've also vacuumed out the whole area beneath the keys to make sure there wasn't any dirt/hair/dust getting in the way, but this, too, has not helped.

The keyboard has experienced no trauma, and has otherwise functioned perfectly for the last 7 years. I'm running out of ideas, so if anyone has a clue what this could be, I'd love to hear it!

Thanks

Wout Blommers · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 12:45 am Post subject:

CrossFace

Strange thing...

First of all try to contact electro-music.com member pablomastodon.
He is the USA Nord technician.
Using [Search>Search for Author>pablomastodon>clicking his name somewhere on the list of postings>Viewing Profile>PM]

I think it is somewhere in the electronics. In the video only the two D keys have the troubles. The sounds changes like switching to another Patch. There is a difference in pitch between the two.

Are you using a split?

Until here for now...

Wout

Wout Blommers · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 2:58 am Post subject:

Time check...

Wout

CrossFace · Joined: Aug 06, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Boston, M.A.

Hi Wout,

Thanks for the help, I knew you'd come through. Pablomastodon has been messaged, per your advice. I've also sent a message to Clavia support, so now I'm just waiting for replies from more knowledgeable people than myself!

To clarify the problem a bit more, the strangeness occurs when playing either of the two lowest D keys, or the highest D key (I've only heard the second to highest D key make an error once or twice). Also, the second to lowest C can be the worst offender, though the video doesn't show that one screwing up, as I can not predict when the problem will occur.

In the video the keyboard is not split, though the problem still occurs if you split, or layer different patches.

You are certainly correct in that the pitch is changing when the problem registers (I had always just thought it was an octave). At first I thought the keyboard was intermittently switching to another patch, but the quality of those glitches changes depending on what patch is used. This doesn't mean it is not actually switching to another patch, but the sound of the glitch can be similar to hitting a wrong note within the patch at full velocity (where you get that really sharp attack).

Thanks again for your help! Hopefully this clarifies things a little...

Wout Blommers · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:22 am Post subject:

I am just trying to eliminate some failures in the board…

When it is a rotten pot in the synth, most likely the wheel, it could happen when the wheel is in a full open position, but it would stay that way and it would happen to all the keys.

The same goes for so incoming Midi data which will also affect all keys.

Could be a bad connection between the keyboard and the mother board. You checked the cables inside the synth already. I don’t think much if this, but it could be…

You don’t use Midi on stage, I think, because your set list is still glued to the hood Very Happy

I think it is something in the Converters or in the main chip…

Anyway, be patient with the answering, because Stockholm is on holidays now.
Give at some time…

Anyway, Pablo would be the best help here.

Wout