Introduced in 2011, this stage keyboard brought Nord's signature triple-threat engine—piano, organ, and synth—into a more portable powerhouse that gigging players still chase on the used market.
It packs a digital heart with analog modeling, FM, wavetable, and sample-based synthesis across polyphonic voices, drawing from 500MB of piano memory with string resonance and long releases, 380MB for samples, and upgraded tonewheel organ modeling akin to the Nord C2 for authentic B3 vibes complete with improved vibrato, percussion, and rotary sim. Hands-on controls shine with tight, high-quality knobs, switches, and 360-degree encoders for instant tweaks, plus a dedicated LFO, arpeggiator for synced patterns, and poly aftertouch on its velocity-sensitive keys—available in fast waterfall styles for organ fluidity or weighted HA88 beds that feel piano-close. Effects cover speaker sims, tube amp, rotary, compressor, reverb, delay (now master clock-syncable), EQ, Jazz chorus, Fender Twin, and Univibe, all fed through dual stereo outs, USB/DIN MIDI, and 300 patch slots.
Players love its rock-solid build, Hammond and Rhodes authenticity, and live versatility—splitting layers feels intuitive despite fixed points—though the interface demands a learning curve and some find keys stiff. It's endured as a go-to for pros valuing sound over sequencing bells, lightweight enough at around 40 pounds for the 88-key version.
