NL 3/2X Breath / Aftertouch mapping

[szlukowski]

Hi everyone, that's my first post here.

I'm looking for some information concerning Nord Lead 3/2X aftertouch/breath controller mapping. I play Akai EWI 4000s, and I'm looking for a reasonably priced analog / virtual analog expander module, which would work well with that type of controller. I consider Nord Lead 3/2X in a rack version, or Evolver by Dave Smith Instruments. And here is the question: Is that possible to map aftertouch/breath controller to VCA Gain level in Nord? EWI 4000s Midi implementation chart says that module can transmit volume changes as the following control messages:

Volume (07)
Aftertouch
Expression (11)
Breath Control (02)

Is that possible to map one of these messages in Nord? As far as I know, in Evolver there's possible routing breath to VCA, but DSI product is monophonic, and EWI needs at least duophonic synth as a expander, to allow octave & sostenuto functions, so I don't really want to give up these. If it's possible in Nord, I'd go with 2X rack.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Szymon

[blue hell]

Szymon

Personally I would not consider the NL synths to be very suitable for wind control, a Nord Modular G2 (or an NM Classic) would be much more fun IMO. But I do have a G2 and a Classic so I might be biased.

Still, looking through the NL2X manual after touch could be used to get some expression, it can be mapped to LFO1 / 2 amount, filter cutoff frequency, FM amount and OSC2 pitch. (the manual is here)

Thing is that on a G2 you have total flexibility over what to do with the wind control. The NM Classic (or G1) would be very usable as well, in fact I've used that one myself with a wind controller ... but I don't really use a wind controller anymore nowadays.

[Wout Blommers]

I totally agree with Jan

Volume (CC 07) is there, Expression (CC 11) too, Jan described the AfterTouch, but no BreathControl (CC 02).

The NordModular in any version (Micro, NM, Rack, G2, G2X and Engine) is much better to use. Looking at that list I'm aware only the G2 is still in production...

Wout

[szlukowski]

Hello again,

Thank you very much for quick replies . Concerning NM, I have a friend with G2 Keyboard, so I'll try to figure it out. I didn't have possibility to try G2 Engine, but I'm afraid of using a PC in live performance situation - that's why I give up VST and Reason environments... Is that possible to run G2 Engine and switch presets on stage without connecting it to PC

Maybe a little bit off-topic, but I have to admit that although I don't really have any fixation with Clavia, I thought that above mentioned routing will be possible with NL, as I've heard that's one of the best Virtual Analogs on the market.

Other modules which I also consider are:

Access Virus A/B/C
Waldorf Blofeld / MicroQ / MicroWave II/XT
Novation Nova/SuperNova (only used gear...)
DSI Evolver (sounds great, but it's only monophonic; I can accept it but I'll need some basic loop station like Boss' RC-2 Loop Station to 'sustain' background note, but it can be a bit complicated to use during soloing)

Do you have any experience with them Maybe you could recommend me some other modules which I didn't mention I need rather at least duophonic lead type synthesizer with strong focus on leads and basses for jazz-rock/fusion music. Pads are not that important, but maybe in the future I'll use it with a little midi keyboard to provide some backgrounds under Rhodes piano solos.

Regards,
Szymon

[blue hell]

[Wout Blommers]