Nord, any (trusted) insight on feature to cost ratio?

[jellyjim]

I've noticed some audible mechanical noise from the internal power supply today. A hum. Noticeable in a quiet room. Is this to be expected?

It seems to have gone. Weird! It's been a long day.

[Martin Walker]

I've noticed some audible mechanical noise from the internal power supply today. A hum. Noticeable in a quiet room. Is this to be expected?

It seems to have gone. Weird! It's been a long day.

This can often be due to incoming distortion on the mains waveform (from nearby power tools, factories and the like) that results in the transformer windings vibrating. When such interference goes, the transformer buzzing will disappear.

Martin

[jellyjim]

Hmm. It’s back.

I’ve tried different power sockets.

I’ve been doing some research and internet says “yup Nord use transformers, they can get buzzy!”

But after two days?! I can hear it wearing headphones. It’s pretty audible.

Ah man is nothing simple?

The bit of info I haven’t shared is that it turned up late courtesy of TNT and the box was partially opened and damaged in one corner. It was all a bit of a rush so I accepted it assuming there was a second inner carton. There wasn’t!

I spoke to the retailer and they kind of said “but that’s what packaging’s for” and insisted it’ll be fine and that even if it had been dropped you’d know if there was a fault immediately.

Day one it was silent. Not today!

Should it be sitting here buzzing at me? Surely not? Surely not for £2k5!

[Arpangel]

Call Nord and ask if it’s normal, if not, send it back.
Sooner rather than later.

[jellyjim]

Call Nord and ask if it’s normal, if not, send it back.
Sooner rather than later.

I've emailed support. If they don't reply today I'll call for sure.

Further research suggests transformer and OLED noise are both common issues with Nords, though I can't ascertain whether this should be expected of new items. Who knew?! Not me! Perhaps these aren't instruments for the home and Nord expect them to spend most their lives on stages and in rehearsal rooms where such noises will rarely ever be noticed.

Gah! All I'm trying to do is play some piano. Everything's rubbish. Wake me up when it's all over please

[jellyjim]

Nopety nope nope nope

I've just been into a local shop where they have a Piano 5 on display and it's absolutely silent even with my ear pressed against the chassis.

One dud coming straight back atcha Mr Retailer! No ifs, no buts.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I'd say it's not normal and it's not acceptable, so you're right to send it back as unfit for purpose. Frustrating though that obviously is.

A little mechanical hum that you can hear with your ear right next to the case might be tolerable, but not something that audible even when sat back and wearing headphones.

It is possible that if the unit experienced severe mechanical shock during transit the transformer has moved on its fixings, become looser and is vibrating more audibly as a result.

Martin is also right that some transformers are particularly prone to mains waveform distortion, but in that case you'd typically find the level and character of tone varied at different times of day.

Return and replace...

[jellyjim]

I'd say it's not normal and it's not acceptable,

Return and replace...

Fantastic, thanks Hugh! I was hoping you would reply for you are, in case you hadn't realised, the gold standard and single source of truth on such judgements. If Hugh says t's a duffer, it's a duffer!

If the retailer whine I will simply say "But Hugh said ..." and they will cower meekly in the corner as well they should

I'm sure they'll be fine. They've been very amenable so far.

[Arpangel]

I'd say it's not normal and it's not acceptable,

Return and replace...

Fantastic, thanks Hugh! I was hoping you would reply for you are, in case you hadn't realised, the gold standard and single source of truth on such judgements. If Hugh says t's a duffer, it's a duffer!

If the retailer whine I will simply say "But Hugh said ..." and they will cower meekly in the corner as well they should

I'm sure they'll be fine. They've been very amenable so far.

As Hugh said, it’s not normal, or acceptable, there is no argument, just ask for a replacement, you have every right to one, and the retailer should happily oblige, why shouldn’t they?
Just chill and look forward to a new one.

[N i g e l]

Call Nord and ask if it’s normal, if not, send it back.
Sooner rather than later.

Further research suggests transformer and OLED noise are both common issues with Nords,

yep, theres a lot on norduser & gearspace about Nord transformer buzz and I have experienced it myself.

I agree that its totaly unacceptable on a new unit as a fix requires opening up the unit and dealing with the mains.

It is an issue that has come up in SOS before

https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... 23&t=20900