I think the 2 is probably worth the money with all the updates- 6 individual outs, transmits MIDI now and can be a trigger to MIDI interface, and a new, better synth engine. The new resonace modeling really hits hard and the FM engine is kind of makes the ND2 a unique synth in an of itself- The bitcrushing effect nice too.
Not really for me, though. But I find it incredible Nord doesn’t have more of an online presence with demos,etc. Because I bet more people would be buying them. It’s hard to really know what the ND2 does and how it does it by just researching on google.
I bought Nord Drum 2 after hearing it on demo in a store. I was actually looking for a second analog drum machine, something more compact than my DRM1 MKIII…but I was quite impressed. It is a big improvement on the ND1. The EQ and Drive are quite important for kicks, and the FM and other types of synthesis are brilliant. Haven’t had a chance to delve into the FM much yet but loving the sounds so far. One of the FM algos creates harmonics like chords which can sound like nice techno chord stabs, just from one voice. The best thing about the ND is the immediacy. It is very well thought out, because it is simple and fast, yet is capable of creating a wide scope of sounds.
Technically true but I found this nightmarish to program, and I’m one of those guys who likes programming the TX81Z from the front panel. It’s like all the flakiness of the MicroQ, plus a bona fide “keyhole surgery” menu-surfing interface driven by crappy clicky little quinoa-sized buttons . The interface is about as bad as the Matrix 6R. On top of that, the envelopes are not snappy and I would not recommend them for drums. That said, it’s a beautiful idea on a high level, and some people can really make it sing, at least for melodic stuff. However the drum kit functionality (again, IMO) is garbage.
These are not FM, don’t even have vibrato, but I can vouch (at least in the RY30’s case) for weirdness that will likely appeal to Yamaha FM fans. Also just a pretty cool architecture all around; it’s great for what it is.
Delicious machine; I really enjoyed the short spell I had with one. I don’t remember using it for drums but what a great sound and that LCD display is beautiful.
My votes are on: Nord G1, TX81Z. Haven’t played with the Nord Drum but it’s on my lust list.
Monomachine can probably do it but I haven’t quite hit those notes yet on mine.