Red Essentials comes with 45 all original patches, these include samples that Nord provides with the hardware but are not limited to just that. I’ve gone out of my way to track down beautiful, all vintage synths and some modern to expand the synth section of the Stage 2/2EX with some great sounds not available anywhere else. I’ve sampled synths like the Juno, OB-8, Jupiter, Bass Station II, and some original sound sources to bring 10 all original samples to this library. These were carefully recorded with the best quality mic pre’s on the market into the industries best A/D converters available. I hope these samples inspire you not only to sound better but to also expand your options and even make your own patches.

Download each zip from your MultiTracks account. You can use the dropdown menu to select each zip to download.

In order to install Red Essentials, you will need the following:

-a PC or a Mac

-a USB Cable

-a Nord Stage 2/2EX running the most recent OS (version 2.10 for both the Stage 2 and the Stage 2EX)

You will need to download and install the Nord Sound Manager Version 6.74 for your PC or Mac. Additionally, if you use a PC, you will need the Clavia USB Driver v3.02 installed for windows to be able to communicate with your Stage 2/2EX. You can download it here (http://www.nordkeyboards.com/downloads/software-tools/nord-sound-manager)

You have two options of installation via the Sound Manager, you can install via Bundles, or your can install the programs and the samples manually. I will explain the difference and who these options are best for.

Bundles

A Bundle is a single file that includes all the elements you will need to make the patch fully functional. This includes the same piano sample, synth sample, and all the program settings in one single file. This is great for people who do not want to download additional samples from Nord’s sample library. If you own a Stage 2EX, this will be the fastest option considering that I myself own the EX version and I based a lot of the sounds off of the pianos that come stock with the EX version. If you own the Stage 2, then you might have to consider the amount of memory you have and consider installing via Programs.

To install bundles, simply open the Nord Sound Manager.

1. Click on the Bundle Down icon

2. Located the Red Essentials folder and look for the sub folder titled, Bundles.

3. Select the bundle you wish to install and click open

4. When you are prompted, click “Replace the content in Bank” and choose a bank and program number

5. Thats it!

If you already have the right piano or synth sample installed, it will not install it again.

NOTE: I suggest replacing sounds in Bank D. The reason is that this bank is a copy of Bank A and you will already have a backup there. You are still free to install in any bank you wish, but don’t blame me if you miss the stock patch. You’ve been warned…

Programs

These are just 1/3 of the patches. In other words, they do not contain the Piano or synth samples that are included in the bundles. This is a good option for someone who has to consider space as a potential issue like Stage 2 users. I suggest this to Stage 2 users because you might not have all the samples I used stock, so this is a good way to make changes before committing. You can also see what piano sample I used and replace it with a smaller sized one that suits your space conditions.

To install programs, you will need to open the Nord Sound Manager.

1. Click on the Sound Down icon

2. Located the Red Essentials folder and look for the sub folder titled, Programs.

3. Select the program you wish to install and click open.

4. When you are prompted, click “Replace the content in Bank” and choose a bank and program number.

NOTE: I suggest replacing sounds in Bank D. The reason is that this bank is a copy of Bank A and you will already have a backup there. You are still free to install in any bank you wish, but don’t blame me if you miss the stock patch. You’ve been warned…

Once you done this it's very likely you are not done. The sound manager will indicate that you have an incomplete sound patch. This is how you will fix this and keep an eye on your space

1. With the incomplete patch selected, click on the Info icon on the top.

-you will be shown a window displaying the missing piano and synth samples for slot 1 and 2. You will have to download the piano sample off the Nord web page and chose a smaller sized sample if you need space. If you have a smaller version of the required piano sample then you are good to move on. Install the required custom sample from the Red Essentials Folder. Look for it in folder titled: Samp Lib. This is only necessary if the manager indicates you are missing a synth sample.

2. After installing the missing samples right click the patch

3. Choose Relink Piano, then repeat but choose Relink Samp Lib

4. You are done!

This process is longer but better if you need to assess your space conditions before installing any of the Red Essentials Patches.

For more information on Nord Sound Manager and your Nord hardware, please visit http://www.nordkeyboards.com for user manuals, videos, and updates for your instrument.

For additional support email support@multitracks.com about your purchase, and Red Essentials.