Clavia Nord Drum 3P - electronic drum modelling synthesizer, featuring 6 pads and a bass drum input, offering a simplified user interface with very easy sound selection, individual sound libraries for bass drum, snare, toms, etc. It benefits from a sound generator with resonant synthesis, subtractive synthesis, and FM. It includes effects such as reverb, delay, drive, crush, and EQ with adjustable levels for each channel/pad. It offers 8 banks of 50 programs each, MIDI in/out, and full CC control, stereo output, and headphone output with a 3.5 mm mini jack connector. Dimensions 298 x 281 x 35, weight 1.9 kg
The Drum Select function helps in selecting from 9 categories of quality drum sounds, which can be assigned to any of the 6 pads. The categories include bass drum, snare, toms, hi-hat, cymbals, percussion, bells, and percussion effects.
Sound generation occurs in 3 sections (tone, noise, and click). Sounds are synthesized in real-time, allowing for the use and modification of sounds with a unique dynamic response, whether you are using sticks or the sounds are triggered from a sequencer.
The tone section specializes in creating sounds with harmonic and tonal complexity, and has 4 synthesis modes. Resonant synthesis, subtractive synthesis, frequency modulation, and sound modulation synthesis.
The resonant synthesis mode offers a wide range of complex spectra inspired by materials such as drum heads, marimba keys, vibraphone, and cymbals. A unique feature is the ability to tune the harmonic spectrum.
The subtractive wave types include Sine, Saw, Square, Pulse waveforms, and T-Bridge oscillators, which are incredible for generating classic synthesized drum sounds and effects.
The FM synthesis mode is characterized by 6 different FM algorithms, where frequency parameters control the amount of modulation, and the spectrum controls the modulation frequency.
When using resonant synthesis waveforms, the upper part of the harmonic spectrum is controlled by velocity, providing an open timbre as the tone is played with intensity.
When using subtractive synthesis mode, frequency parameters control the cut-off frequencies of a low-pass filter, and the Dyn filter controls how much the filter should respond to velocity.
Decay is applied and affects the entire spectrum, with the option to choose a linear or exponential decay. A dynamic decay mode allows for setting different decay lengths for soft or hard hits. The punch decay adds more attack to the tone, giving the fundamental pitch a very fast envelope right from the start of the sound.
The Bend parameter provides a strong envelope with pitch sensitivity. It can be used to create attack effects or sounds with radical bends that can rise or fall in pitch, like the sound of a raindrop or the classic “pioouw” sound of electronic toms from the 80s.
The Noise section is useful in creating noise effects, from subtle hisses to strong rumblings, useful for adding more texture to tones. Noise can be shaped using Low-Pass, High-Pass, or Band-Pass filters, with controls for Cut-Off and Resonance. Once you find the desired noise, it can be adjusted to respond dynamically to velocity.
The click section specializes in providing the sound with a very short attack. A wide range of clicks is available, along with a level control to find the point where the click blends with the other elements and becomes a cohesive and unified sound.
Each of the 6 channels has its own effects. Drive, EQ, and Ring Modulation. Adding a bit of drive to the sound gives it a more realistic note, while sample rate reduction is ideal for Lo-fi effects. Ring Modulation can be used for slow tremolo effects with dissonant notes.
The flexible parametric EQ, with selectable band and amount, is also available for each channel.
There are 2 Master Effects available, Reverb and Delay. The reverb offers 5 types of room algorithms (Tiled Room, Room, Plate, Stage, and Hall) with tonal colour control. The delay features Tap Tempo control and adjustable feedback amount. The amount of reverb and delay can be selected individually for each of the 6 channels.
Special features:
The Edit All mode allows simultaneous editing of all 6 channels, such as reverb, distortion, or delay.
Scale Preset, for creating melodic percussion by selecting a specific scale, including Chord Scales, Pentatonic, Hang Tunings, and Hexatonic.
Mute Group offers the option to create sounds that can instantly stop when another starts, ideal for creating open/closed hi-hat sounds or emulating damping techniques for hand percussion.
The mixer allows setting the level of each channel individually, and control of panning.
The MIDI in/out is useful for using the Nord Drum 3P with any MIDI pads or for sequencing with an external MIDI sequencer. All parameters can be controlled via CC controls over MIDI. It can also be controlled via the Nord Beat app on an iPad.
The trigger interface is useful for controlling other sound sources via MIDI, using the Nord Drum 3P.
