The Clavia Nord Stage just got pimped so hard, you'd think Xzibit had something to do with it. Nord calls the first mysterious change "Revision C." It's basically a cosmetic change that takes effect due to new OS v3.00 [more on the OS update below] features that are activated by an existing button.

New Nord Stage sounds are also in development for the stage meaning more piano samples to look forward to in 2008. Clavia is especially excited about the grand piano samples which were recorded using not only high-quality existing technology, but also tinkered equipment that can't help that it's custom made.

I'll tell you this -- the grand piano samples utilized recording techniques on a wide load of different microphones positioned in a number of places about the room. The samples allow for different combinations of tones and textures.

Clavia is also excited about recording an Italian harpsichord for the first time. They recorded this at the Swedish Radio's studios. Clavia also has plans for sampled Flemish and French harpsichords in the works. Nord's new Librarian Software is also set to release as a free download. It supports programs, piano samples and synth-programs in a Nord Stage.

Finally, the Nord Stage OS update brings v3.00 to the stage. It boasts several improvements. Check out the meat and potatoes of OS v3.00:

• Mono Piano mode: This will apply to all the acoustic stereo pianos in the Stage. The Mono Mode will be activated from the panel, no substitution of the samples in the Stage will be necessary
• Improved Sustain Down functionality: Some of the more elaborate Nord Stage acoustic pianos have pedal-down samples, which are activated when the sustain pedal is operated. These samples produces the sympathetic resonance of all the strings in the piano when the physical dampers are lifted.
• Extended Synth Program Library: The new Stage OS will increase the synth program library to include a total of 300 programs.
• New Wavetables: The selection of digital waveforms in the Synth Section will be increased to 64.
• Improved Sys Ex support: The Sys Ex capabilities will allow users to be able to dump or load banks and/or individual synth programs via MIDI.
• Voice Allocation: The voice allocation of the Synth Section is improved, minimizing any issues when the available polyphony runs out.
• Velocity Curves: The Extern Section will be updated with an improved velocity curve in order to better cater for the control of external units.
• Swell input as Volume: A system setting will provide users the choice to use an expression pedal connected to the Swell pedal input as a volume pedal for all the sections in the Nord Stage.
• Copy Panels: Users will be able to copy settings between the Panels A and B.