Can the USB port be used for MIDI control?

No; the USB port is only used for operating system upgrades and sample downloads.

Clavia develops its own technology pretty much from scratch, and MIDI control has not been created yet. It is probable that future Nord keyboards will include this feature, however current models must use a MIDI interface for sequencing and softsynth control.

Can Nord Stage samples be used with the Nord Electro, or vice versa?

No, both models are mutually exclusive regarding sample formats. The close-mic'd Yamaha and ambient-mic'd Steinway samples have been compressed and ported for the Nord Electro, and are available from the Electro downloads page.

What's the deal with "E.Piano"? Are they Rhodes samples?

Yes they are, however the Rhodes name is a trademark, and cannot be used in an official capacity, either on the Stage's panel, or in the documentation.

Is the Stage's B3 model the same as the Electro's?

Yes, it is.

My Nord Stage says "Revision B"; what does this mean?

Shortly after the Stage began shipping in 2005, Clavia made a couple of minor improvements to the body of the Stage. First, the metal panels went from smooth to slightly textured. Secondly, music stand mounts were added to the chassis. No changes were made to the internal hardware, so there are no sonic or operating system changes that cannot be obtained without upgrading to the most recent OS version. At this time, the only way you can make an original Stage a "Revision B" instrument is to purchase a new panel and chassis, then have an authorized service center reassemble the components inside the new casing.

I need brass and string sounds to fill out my performance; are those sounds available on the Stage?

Sort of. Although you can emulate brass-like and string-like textures using the Stage's Synth Section, there are no samples or models outside of keyboard-oriented sounds - i.e. piano, electromechanical piano, organ, and synthesizer. If you prefer to use more realistic brass or string sounds, you can connect a third-party sound module to the Stage via MIDI, and control it with the External Section.

Will any of the samples from the Nord Wave be translated for the Nord Stage?

Clavia is currently investigating the possibility, but no plans for a release have been made or announced. Visit the Stage Software & Downloads page periodically for news on updates.

I have a Stage, but want to play its grand piano samples in mono, which I read is a problem; how can I accomplish this? Will Clavia ever make a mono piano sample?

Currently, it's not possible unless you use some sort of dual-mono-to-single-mono Y-cable or adapter, but even then you might have some phase problems. Clavia, however, is working on a solution.

I want to buy a Stage, but am concerned a new version will come out soon. Does Clavia have plans for a "Stage 2"?

Currently, no. Any improvements to the Nord Stage will be OS upgrades and new samples only. Consider the Nord Electro; it has been a useful and popular instrument since 2001 - a veritable enternity in technology terms - but has not changed aside from OS upgrades in all that time.

Are there plans for a "Stage 61" or a "Stage Rack"?

No, there are not. It's simply a matter of space - the internal circuit boards are far too large to be made into a 61-key or Rack chassis.

Will there be new piano samples in the future? A Mellotron, perhaps?

If it's a Mellotron you want, you chould look into the Nord Wave, which includes officially-licensed Mellotron samples - in fact, all original Mellotron tapes are available as free downloads for the Wave. Clavia is, however, hard at work developing new samples for the Nord Stage.

Can the Stage be used as a MIDI controller, even if the USB port is not involved?

Certainly! That's what the External Section is all about: having an independent section where users can control other hardware or software. Of course, that's not the only option. Each Section of the Stage - Organ, Piano, Synth, External, complete Panel (x2 since there are 2 panels) - can transmit and receive on a different MIDI channel.

Where can I get a spare power cord?

They can be ordered through a Nord dealer, or direct from Nord USA.

I'll be traveling to Europe - do I need a power converter?

No you do not. The internal power supply of the Nord Stage has a switch between 115v (US, Japan, Canada, etc.) and 230v (Europe, etc.). It must be done by a qualified technician if it's under warranty, since opening the case violates the warranty. It will also need a new fuse and fuse holder. You will need an adapter once you get to Europe, since there are several types of outlets in use.

Will the Nord Combo's organ models be available for the Stage or Electro?

No, they will not. Several compromises has to be made in the Stage and Electro regarding the organs, especially in the key response. Since the Combo is a dedicated organ, those compromises did not have to be made, and the organ models are "fleshed out" from there.