The Nord Electro 6 HP is the latest model in a renowned series of stage pianos. Since 2001, these Swedish-built instruments have gained immense popularity on stages worldwide, particularly among professional musicians. Three independently operating sound sections offer exceptional flexibility and a wide range of high-quality sounds. This 6HP model is specifically designed for pianists, featuring a hammer action keyboard with fully weighted keys. Weighing just 11.4 kg, the instrument is also highly portable.
Like its predecessors, the Nord Electro 6HP is divided into four distinct sections: Piano, Organ, Sample Synth and Effects. As expected from Nord, the user interface is highly intuitive. The OLED display provides a clear overview of presets. A new feature is the “Seamless Transitions” technology, allowing sounds to transition smoothly without interruption.
The piano section of the Electro 6HP
The Nord Electro comes equipped with a carefully selected range of piano sounds from the Nord Piano Library. These handpicked sounds, chosen for their unique characteristics, offer a versatile palette of tones. Sounds can be replaced with alternative options from the library via the Nord Sound Manager, allowing full customisation to personal preference. The Nord Piano Library is an extensive database of premium piano sounds, continuously updated and expanded by Nord, ensuring access to the latest and most exclusive sounds—always free of charge.
Like its predecessor, the Electro 6 features 1 GB of memory. New in the piano section are the increased polyphony of up to 120 voices and the addition of piano filters. Features such as String Resonance Control are also included, allowing you to adjust string resonance just as you would on an acoustic piano.
Organ and Sample Synth section
The organ section is highly comprehensive and borrows features from Nord’s flagship organ, the Nord C2D. For example, it includes a simulation of a Leslie 122 speaker. Also new to the Electro 6 is the addition of a second pipe organ sound and the dual organ mode. Unlike the 6D-61 and 6D73 models, the Nord Electro 6HP no longer features physical drawbars; these have been replaced by a digital LED representation.
Naturally, the Electro 6 also includes the Sample Synth section. It features essential controls such as attack, decay/release and dynamics (filter/velocity). This section has been enhanced compared to the Electro 5, with memory expanded to 512 MB, allowing for more and higher-quality sounds. The increased polyphony is also a significant improvement.
Effects
A quality instrument would not be complete without effects, and the Nord Electro 6 delivers in this area. The effects section provides all the essential options, including Tremolo, Wah-Wah, Ring Modulation, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe, Delay and Reverb. New compared to the Electro 5 is the reverb with Bright Mode. All effects operate in stereo and can be applied to piano, organ and synthesiser sounds.