Pros and Cons
The Clavia Nord Grand 2 replaces its predecessor, continuing the Nord instrument concept. As a high-end stage piano, the Nord Grand 2 features the Kawai RH3 keyboard and introduces several key innovations that are sure to impress even users of the original Nord Grand.
When a new generation is introduced, the first thing people look at is the amount of sound memory available. Here, doubling of the variable flash memory is only one of many technical improvements. The Nord Grand 2 also inherits the layer and effects system from the Nord Stage 4 and offers much more in terms of sound than its predecessor. But let’s take it one step at a time.
The feel of the new model is on a different level, even though it features the same Kawai keyboard as its predecessor. Kawai has also redesigned the “Responsive Hammer III” keyboard for the current CN models – and the new Nord Grand 2 clearly benefits from this.
Thanks to the improved damping of the key action, this new RH3 keyboard is noticeably more comfortable to play. While the key response remains clearly defined and precise, it’s now softer, resulting in a much quieter sound – an important feature for those who prefer to play the Nord Grand 2 at home rather than in live settings.
The refined touch truly shines when playing the piano sounds. This is especially true when playing the XL versions of the sounds, which contain the greatest amount of detail. Another advantage of the sound concept that sets Nord instruments apart from other brands is the ability to freely combine the sounds stored in the flash memory.
Those who prefer to focus on acoustic pianos can transfer their selected grand and upright piano sounds as XL versions. Alternatively, users can choose medium or small versions, which use significantly less memory but are also less detailed.
All in all, you get great sound quality and, if you look at the details, expressive piano sounds with character. Nord piano sounds are far from being generic. Depending on your musical genre and personal taste, you can select a sound that provides the subtlety and nuance you desire, or the intimacy and depth you need.
Nord piano sounds are a pleasure to play because they excel in every way: Dynamics, resonance, detail, clearly defined attacks, and rich sustain – to play full-bodied piano accompaniments, for example. I especially like the vibrant character of all the piano sounds.
For a more subdued sound, you can choose from various upright piano sounds or combine different sounds using the new layer features.
The Sample Synth section enhances the Nord Grand 2 by providing everything you need to create layered and split sounds in combination with the piano sounds. This is not only a key aspect of Nord’s sound concept but also distinguishes it from conventional digital pianos. These “extra sounds” are not just nice to have, they are of exceptional quality and completely independent.
They include pad sounds from various genres, such as orchestral, synth, and string ensembles. Vintage enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic Mellotron sounds, as well as the string ensembles from the seventies. Additionally, a new string set from the Spitfire Audio Library has just been added to the Nord Sample Library. Finally, you can also edit all sounds easily and effectively.
Playing an acoustic piano combined with a grand or upright piano sound in one sound patch, plus a pad and a bass sound on the left, was not possible with the predecessor. No problem however with the Nord Grand 2, as it allows you to use up to two sounds simultaneously per section (piano and sample synth).
But that’s not all; each layer now has its own set of effects. These include two modulation effects, a compressor, a delay, amp simulation, and an equalizer. You can adjust each effect individually for every sound layer.
Only the reverb section is shared by all four sounds simultaneously. However, using the effect sends available for each layer, you can individually adjust the amount of reverb applied to each sound.
All in all, the new layer concept allows not only more complex sounds but also much more nuanced harmonies compared to the Grand 1.
For those familiar with or already owning the Nord Grand, the Nord Grand 2 is definitely worth a closer look. The sonic improvements over the previous model are remarkable, particularly due to the advanced layer function. When it comes to sound design, the new Grand offers much more, with an improved effects architecture making everything sound much more nuanced and detailed.
While the basic sound of both Grand models is identical because they use the same sound libraries, the new Grand is in a league of its own.
The Nord Grand 2 is the perfect choice for anyone looking to take advantage of the new features and improved feel. This powerful stage piano with high-quality sounds is sure to impress with its flexible effects, versatile layering options, and intuitive controls.
Release date: 06.2024
Keyboard: Kawai RH3, Ivory Touch, no let-off simulation, graded hammer action
Polyphony: 120 voices (piano section) plus approx. 40 voices for sample synth
Memory: 2 GB – piano section; 1 GB – sample synth
Piano app: Nord Sound Manager, Nord Sample Editor (Windows, MacOS)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Nord/Sound Service Berlin
Nord Grand vs. Nord Grand 2: The successor features doubled memory for both sections (2 GB for the piano section and 1 GB for the sample synth section). The sounds are identical, as all Nord instruments use the Nord Piano Library and the Nord Sample Library.
Nevertheless, the Nord Grand 2 offers a different playing experience compared to its predecessor. The revised Kawai keyboard provides a more comfortable and precise touch. The sound of the Nord Grand 2 is also noticeably different, with each section having two layers and each layer having its own effects. In addition, the Grand 2 has a wider keyboard and the controls are positioned slightly higher, eliminating the need for the “panel lock” button.
→ Review of the previous model
Nord Grand 2 vs. Nord Piano 5: Instead of the usual Fatar keyboards, the Nord Grand has a Kawai keyboard, which puts it in a different league. While the Nord Piano 5 features an advanced layering concept that supports up to four sounds, it lacks dedicated faders for individually adjusting the volume of each layer.
No, you don’t need to reload the sounds each time. Thanks to the flash memory, the sounds are permanently stored in the unit and are ready to play after a brief boot process. The Grand 2 comes with an excellent set of sounds, while the Nord Sound Manager (available for Windows and macOS) lets you customize each sound to your preference.
The Nord Grand 2 has a maximum polyphony of about 160 voices. The piano section has 120 voices and the sample synth has about 40 voices. Layering the sections halves the number of available voices.
The Sample Synth also allows individual layers to be used monophonically, which can be set using the Mono/Legato and Unison functions. The latter stacks multiple voices to create rich, vibrant mono synth sounds. There are three different settings available, each offering various degrees of beat and stereo spread.
Thanks to the Kawai RH3 keyboard, the Nord Grand stands out from other Nord instruments with a piano keyboard. Unlike Kawai’s own digital pianos, the RH3 keyboard on the Nord Grand 2 – like its predecessor – lacks let-off simulation and graded weighting. While this may take some getting used to, the keyboard plays superbly and complements the Nord piano sounds perfectly.
The Nord Grand 2 includes jacks for a triple pedal (which is already included), an additional sustain pedal, a volume/controller pedal, and a footswitch. The third pedal is dedicated to sustain, while the other pedals can be flexibly assigned to various functions, such as controlling vibrato in the sample synth section or switching programs.
The Nord Grand 2 supports half-pedal functionality, but this is only available with pedals 1 and 2 of the triple pedal, not with the separate sustain pedal connection. Additionally, there is a jack for a footswitch, which can also be used for a dual switch with two separate footswitches.
Like any stage piano, the Nord Grand 2 comes without a stand. It does, however, come with a 3-pedal unit with half-pedal capability, and a dust cover. Optional extras include a floor stand, a music stand (available in wood or plastic), a stage piano monitor, and a soft case.
Yes, it does, but it differs from other instruments. Instead of allowing a freely definable split point, the Nord Grand 2 uses predefined split points. What sets it apart is the crossfade split function, which blends the split zones into each other. This means that as you move from one split zone to the next, the transition is not abrupt; instead, it involves a smooth volume crossfade between the two sounds.
Yes, in principle, this can be done with the Nord Sound Manager. However, it would be preferable (as with all Nord instruments) to store sounds on USB media. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible due to the absence of a USB-to-device connection. At this price point, a mobile app should be a given.
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Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
For those familiar with or already owning the Nord Grand, the Nord Grand 2 is definitely worth a closer look. The sonic improvements over the previous model are remarkable, particularly due to the advanced layer function.
Grand 2 : 3.995,00 €
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