User's Manual

38 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V2.5X
FILTER SECTION
The FILTER is an important component in shaping the overall timbre
of the sound and can also be modulated by a number of sources.
The Nord Stage 3 features a selection of both classic and innovative
synthesizer filters.
Most filters share the same parameters: FREQ (Frequency) controls the
cut-off frequency and RES (Resonance) controls the filter resonance. The
one exception to this is the combined LP/HP filter, in which case the Res
knob controls the HP filter cut-off frequency. More on that further down!
FILTER SELECTOR BUTTON
Press repeatedly on the Filter selector button to select the desired filter
type. The available filter types are:
LP 24 & LP 12
Frequencies above the Filter Frequency setting will be attenuated,
frequencies below will not be affected.
The LP12 setting provides a 12 dB/octave low-pass filter, which retains
more harmonics than the LP24 setting. A 12 dB filter is also known as a
2-pole filter.
The LP24 setting, with an attenuation slope of 24 dB/octave, is a more
classic “synth filter”. It cuts out frequencies rather drastically, with a
slope of 24 dB per octave. A 24 dB filter is also known as a 4-pole filter.
Both LP Filters can use the resonance control to emphasize frequencies
around the filter frequency (cut-off frequency), making the sound thinner.
LP M
The low-pass M filter setting provides an emulation of the original
transistor filter from the famous Mini. This groundbreaking and much
loved filter design was created and patented in the 1960’s by Dr Robert
A. Moog.
The M filter is a four pole, 24 dB/octave, resonating low-pass filter. The
character of the filter resonance is one detail that makes it stand out,
leaving more of the low end of the signal than on a traditional 24 dB/
octave low pass filter.
LP/HP
The combined low-pass/high-pass filter (LP/HP) consists of a 12 dB
low-pass and a 12 dB high-pass filter in parallell. The Filter Freq knob
controls the cut-off frequency of the LP filter and the Resonance knob
controls the cut-off frequency for the HP filter.
This combination is highly useful for extensive tonal shaping of any
source, allowing for cutting the range between the two cut-off frequen-
cies or for enhancing a particular range with overlapping filter ranges.
HIGH PASS - HP
If HP (high-pass) is used, frequencies below the Filter Frequency setting
will be attenuated, frequencies above the cutoff will not be affected. In
practice, this means that the sound will become increasingly thinner as
the Filter Frequency is increased.
BAND PASS - BP
The BP (band-pass) filter allows frequencies close the Filter Frequency
setting to pass, while frequencies above and below the cutoff are atten-
uated. This can for instance be used for producing narrow, nasal or very
“controlled” sounds - its exact character depending on filter frequency
and resonance settings.
Filter Frequency
12 dB/Oct
24 dB/Oct
freq
gain
HP Filter FrequencyLP Filter Frequency
freq
gain
12 dB/Oct
12 dB/Oct
Filter Frequency
freq
gain
24 dB/Oct
Filter Frequency
freq
gain
12 dB/Oct 12 dB/Oct