The Nord Drum 3P is an analog drum synthesizer and combines the previously separated components of the Nord Drum and Nord Pad in one unit. This not only offers advantages in transport, but also in assembly and dismantling and, of course, in user friendliness. The Nord Drum 3P Drum Synthesizer was also improved with features such as a simplified user interface.
The most striking feature is the new housing of the Nord Drum 3P, in contrast to previous models, the actual synthesizer as well as the velocity-dynamic drum pads are housed in a single device. This not only eliminates the need to connect the two components via cables, the Nord Drum 3P can also be accommodated in a drum set-up, as only one mounting option is needed. Just like the Nord Pad, the Nord Drum 3P has a total of 6 playing surfaces that can be assigned any sounds at will. In addition, there is a trigger input for an (optional) kickpad so that the Nord Drum 3P can also be operated stand-alone.
The Nord Drum 3P is not just a combination of Nord Drum and Nord Pad, as sensible upgrades were made both in the usability as well as in the technical performance. The user interface is much clearer, so the sounds can be selected and assigned to the pads faster. In addition, presets for bass drums, snare drums, toms, etc. are already stored in simple libraries, from which you can choose comfortably. The presets are divided into a total of ten categories, so you do not have to search for the sound you are looking for.
Effects such as delay and reverb are adjustable separately for all six channels, just like all other effects. A MIDI connection is available on the back of the synthesizer for use with other pads.
Pros:
Built like a tank. Thin, portable (about the size of a 12" pizza, so it can easily fit in a backpack). Extremely responsive, expressive, and sensitive. Easy to use menu (left knob with a combination of right shift button and multiple other buttons in the center). Sooooo many settings to have fun with (sensitivity, reverb, tone, delay, and many many more). Since this is a synth, you can create the drum sounds you need. Sound quality is off the charts, you'd swear it's samples, but no, it's all created on the fly. The vast majority of factory presets are very usable. I love that is has a trig button to test a preset sound without having to hit one of the drum pads. It has a 3/8" headphone jack, so you can practice without disturbing the neighbors. It comes with an AC adapter and multiple plugs so you can use it internationally. I could go on and on...
Cons:
Just one: no 1/4" headphone jack (but that is easily fixed with an 1/4" to 3/8" adapter).
A fantastic product, I highly recommend it.