From fai31188@yahoo.com Wed Mar 23 09:07:22 2011
Subject:Re: Numa vs Nord C2

While I can't compare the Numa to the C2, I can compare it to the E3 (C1). I've had my Numa for about three weeks, and although I haven't gigged with it yet (tomorrow), I did a couple of rehearsals with it. The bottom line verdict for me is that my E3+Vent have been relegated to the studio for now with serious consideration given to selling both of them.

The Numa drawbar tones is ballsy yet creamy, but not "in your face" or shrill. Love the C/V, and the sim (although not tweakable) is very good. I haven't done an A/B comparison to the Vent but, I don't feel the Vent is anywhere near necessary with the Numa. I play live in mono, and have not missed the Vent at all. In fact, I finally hooked up the Vent to the Numa yesterday just to hear what that combination sounds like, and I now know I won't be using the Vent and the Numa together.

Some have complained that the drive is not gritty enough, but it sounds OK to me. What I love about the drive implementation is that it is not linear. Turning up the drive initially gives a smooth tube tone to the sound then as you turn it higher it turns more gritty. The E3's drive pales in comparison.

I also love the ability to split the board and assign the pedal tones to the lower region! It has a lovely pure bass tone. The E3 just doesn't do that well.

If I were to compare the Numa to the E3 organ + Vent as a package, for me, the Numa wins because it sounds more authentic, has drawbars, has preset keys, has a great C/V, doesn't need external boxes, and is overall a more pleasing instrument to play. I also don't like latching leslie switches, I use a momentary switch with the Numa which does exactly what I want it to do!

I'd like to see some minor tweakability in the Percussion and Sim areas, but, I could easily live with the way they are! They could also drop the hum from the leakage knob!

The Numa's a keeper as far as I'm concerned!

aL