Clavia nord stage 2 - User Manual

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Summary

Main features

NS2 Keyboard Versions and Revisions

Details the three keyboard versions (SW73, HA76, HA88) and two revisions (REV A, REV B) of the NS2.

Keybed and Hardware Enhancements

Highlights new features like the C2 organ, NordPiano, synth section, Arpeggiator, MIDI clock sync, and CV pedal support.

Identifying REV A and REV B

Visual Identification

Explains how to identify REV A and REV B units by text printed below the logo on the unit.

Feature and Cosmetic Differences

Lists functional additions in REV B (Latch Pedal, Arpeggiator Hold) and visual changes (color scheme).

PCB and Sticker Revision Codes

Details how to identify REV A/B by PCB print (v0.8 vs v1.0) and barcode sticker print (v0.84 vs v1.04).

Main Parts, Electronics, and Mechanics

Opening the NS2

Disassembly Procedure and Precautions

Step-by-step guide on opening the NS2, including a warning about ribbon cables.

Keybed Mounting Comparison

Compares the NS2 keybed mounting method to previous NS models, noting easier removal.

The Keybed

Keybed Manufacturer and Calibration

Information on Fatar keybeds, factory calibration, and limited spare parts availability.

Keybed Replacement Guidelines

Crucial advice for replacing keybeds on a stable, flat surface, starting with rear screws.

The Mainboard

Mainboard Components and Differences

Details mainboard flashes, DSPs, SRAMs, FX section, and REV A/B MUX logic differences.

Boot Up Problem Troubleshooting

Guidance for 'boot up problems', suggesting test mode, flash erase, and OS/sample reinstallation.

Test Mode Operation

Entering Test Mode

Instructions on accessing the NS2 test mode using specific button combinations during power-on.

Navigating and Executing Tests

Details on navigating menus, running individual tests, and confirmation commands for actions like erasing flashes.

The Nord Stage 2 is a versatile performance keyboard designed for professional musicians, offering a comprehensive suite of sound engines and performance features. This service guide provides essential information for authorized Nord Service Centers, covering common issues, identification of revisions, and details on main parts, electronics, and mechanics. It is not intended for end-users or dealers and should not be copied, modified, or distributed.

Function Description

The Nord Stage 2 integrates three distinct sound sections: Organ, Piano, and Synth, making it a powerful all-in-one instrument for live performance and studio work. It builds upon its predecessors, the Nord Stage and Nord Stage EX, by incorporating advanced features from other Nord instruments. The Organ section is derived from the Nord C2, while the Piano section benefits from the technology found in the Nord Piano. The Synth section is enhanced with an Arpeggiator and MIDI master clock sync functionalities. The instrument also offers improved support for various CV pedal models, including Yamaha FC7, Roland EV-7, Roland EV-5, Korg EXP2, and Korg XVP10, providing greater expressive control.

Important Technical Specifications

The Nord Stage 2 is available in three keybed versions:

SW73: Semi-Weighted, similar to the NS/NSEX Compact models.
HA76: Hammer Action.
HA88: Hammer Action.

The instrument comes in two hardware revisions, REV A and REV B. All SW73 models are REV B. HA76 units manufactured before May 2011 and HA88 units before June 2011 are REV A.

Identifying Revisions:

REV A: Identified by "eighty eight" or "seventy six" below the Nord Stage 2 logo. The Synth section panel has a lighter gray color scheme. PCB revision v0.8 is printed on the board, and "NS2 v0.84" is on the barcode sticker.
REV B: Identified by "Hammer Action HA88/76" below the Nord Stage 2 logo. The Synth section panel features a darker gray color scheme. Key new features in REV B include a "Latch Pedal" and "Keyboard Gate" function, as well as an added "Hold" button for the Arpeggiator. PCB revision v1.0 (or higher) is printed on the board, and "NS2 v1.04" (or higher) is on the barcode sticker.

Main Parts and Electronics:

Mainboard: Part#69195. Only REV B boards are available as spare parts and can replace broken REV A boards.
Panel Board 1 (Left): Part#69201 (REV A), Part#69218 (REV B).
Panel Board 2 (Right): Part#69203 (REV A), Part#69219 (REV B).
Powerboard: Part#69093 (USA 110V), Part#69094 (EUR 230V), Part#69095 (JAPAN/BRASIL 110V).
Upper Lid:
- NS2/SW73 (REV-B only): Part#40393
- NS2/HA76 (REV-A): Part#40395
- NS2/HA76 (REV-B): Part#40455
- NS2/HA88 (REV-A): Part#40397
- NS2/HA88 (REV-B): Part#40457
Lower Lid:
- NS2/SW73: Part#40394
- NS2/HA76: Part#40396
- NS2/HA88: Part#40398
Keybed (Calibrated):
- NS2/SW73: Part#49266
- NS2/HA76: Part#49236
- NS2/HA88: Part#49171
Wood Panels:
- NS2/SW73, Left: Part#40400
- NS2/SW73, Right: Part#40401
- NS2/76/88, Left: Part#40435
- NS2/76/88, Right: Part#40436
Ribbon Cables:
- 26 pin – Panelboard1: Part#22410
- 26 pin – Panelboard2: Part#23810
- 10 pin – Powerboard: Part#23880
- 20 pin – Keyboard: Part#24144+24145

The mainboard features seven 1Gb flashes for OS and samples, controlled by two DSPs (U16+U18). U27-30 store piano samples, while U54-56 store synth samples. Another DSP (U13) manages the SRAMs (U14+U15) for the FX section; issues like "noisy reverbs" may stem from this area. REV B mainboards include MUX logic for enhanced CV pedal support.

Usage Features

The Nord Stage 2 offers advanced performance capabilities, including the ability to use the middle pedal of the Nord Triple Pedal for advanced latch and sustain techniques, particularly useful when layering multiple sounds. The Arpeggiator's "Hold" button in REV B provides sustained arpeggiated patterns.

Maintenance Features

Opening the NS2: To open the NS2, loosen four out of five screws on each wooden side panel. Keep the screw in each rear down-left/right corner mounted to facilitate tilting the upper lid. Then, loosen the seven screws on the rear side and the three screws under the lower lid. It is crucial to be mindful of the ribbon cable connecting the panelboard in the upper lid to the mainboard in the lower lid.

Keybed Replacement: The keybeds are supplied by Fatar. Clavia only provides single keys and complete keybeds, not individual components like rubber/contact strips or PCBs. Each keybed is factory-calibrated, with calibration data stored on an IC attached to the keybed. When replacing a keybed, it is essential to work on a stable, flat surface. Always start by mounting the screws on the rear side, then the screws inside the NS2.

Troubleshooting Boot-up Problems: For "boot up problems," "error codes at start up," or panel board issues, it is recommended to enter TEST MODE.

Entering Test Mode: Power off the NS2, then press and hold SHIFT + KB ZONES 2 while powering it on. For early revisions (pre v0.62 TestProgram), the key combination is SHIFT + MST CLK.
Test Mode Navigation: After initial RAM tests, the screen displays "NS2 73 Test 0.62 MNB PNL KBD SYS." Each sub-menu corresponds to a button. Navigation is done using the big data entry wheel or KB ZONES 2/3.
Executing Tests: Individual tests are executed by pushing "RUN" / PROGRAM 1. Pushing PROGRAM 4 acts as "cancel" or "back to main menu."
Erasing Flashes: To erase flashes, a "confirm command" is required. There is no single "Erase ALL" command; SYS:7 (Erase all data on flashes, piano section) and SYS:8 (Erase all data on flashes, synth section) must be executed individually.
Hardware Revision Check: Press and hold SHIFT while powering on the NS2 to display the hardware revision.

Recommended First Steps for Boot-up Issues:

Boot into test mode.
Erase all data stored on the flashes (SYS:7 and SYS:8).
Install the latest OS version from nordkeyboards.com.
Restore the NS2 Factory Backup file using the latest Nord Sound Manager. If problems persist or the unit cannot enter test mode, contact Clavia service at service@clavia.se or +46 8 442 73 63.

Test Mode Menu Overview:

MNB (Mainboard): Includes tests for Mainboard, DSP/Flash, EEPROM, DAC, Audio (WARNING: LOUD levels), USB, MIDI, ADC (Pedals and Aftertouch), and MuxCtl/MuxSwl (REV B only).
PNL (Panel): Comprehensive tests for both panel boards, individual panel boards, buttons & LEDs, LCD pixels, Encoders, Pitch Stick Base Value, Pitch Calibration Range, and Knobs (ADCheck, pitch stick bend range, mod wheel).
KBD (Keybed): KbdCal (Keyboard calibration, production use only).
SYS (System): Serial number, Checksum, Erase EEPROM, Erase OS, Erase Piano, Erase Pedal, Erase All Piano data (SYS:7), Erase All Synth data (SYS:8), Trigger OS, Trigger Piano, Trigger Pedal, Trigger All, Trigger Synth All, Update Check.

Clavia also offers a Service Kit (Part#13000), which contains common parts like connectors, push buttons, jacks, and pitch sticks for the entire Nord range.