Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
$1,099.00
Amazon
4.7 (24)
$1,099.00
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$349.99 4 available Used
Musician's Friend
$1,099.00
B&H
4.3 (3)
$1,099.00
Thomann
4.7 (105)
$688.00 $679.00 $9.00 · All time low
Vintage King
$1,099.00

Average Price: $932

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Nord Drum". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Nord Drum 3P, a cutting-edge modeling percussion synthesizer that brings a world of dynamic sound possibilities to your fingertips. This compact powerhouse features an integrated multipad and an external kick input, designed for both professional and amateur musicians who crave versatility. With its intuitive user interface, the Nord Drum 3P offers seamless sound selection and customization, making it a perfect companion for both studio and live performances.

Dive into a universe of sound sculpting with its three dedicated sections: Tone, Noise, and Click. The Tone section utilizes resonant, subtractive, and FM synthesis to craft anything from vibraphone-like textures to classic synth drum sounds. The Noise section lets you shape rich textures with a suite of filters, while the Click section adds crisp, fast-paced accents to your compositions. Elevate your sonic landscapes with its master effects, including stereo reverb and delay, easily adjustable for each channel.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Nord Drum 3P includes MIDI capabilities for seamless integration with DAWs and external MIDI controllers. Its powerful effects suite, complete with Drive, Ring Modulation, and EQ, ensures your sounds are as polished and vibrant as your imagination allows. Whether you're performing on stage or producing in the studio, the Nord Drum 3P is your gateway to unparalleled rhythmic creativity.

Key Features:

  • 6-channel modeling percussion synthesizer
  • Integrated multipad and external kick pad input
  • Simplified user interface with an intuitive sound selection
  • Preset "Drum Select" library for kicks, snares, toms, and more
  • Advanced sound engine with Resonant, Subtractive, and FM-synthesis
  • Reverb and Delay effects, adjustable per channel
  • Effects include Drive, Sample-Rate reduction, Ring Modulation, and EQ
  • MIDI in/out with full CC control
  • Enhanced stereo output and headphone output
nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Nord Drum - Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Nord Drum - Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer by nordkeyboards

Nord Drum - Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer

nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Video thumbnail for Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synth - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synth - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Nord Drum 1 synthesizer demo and tutorial by Floyd Steinberg

Nord Drum 1 synthesizer demo and tutorial

Floyd Steinberg

Floyd Steinberg

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique virtual analogue synthesis for textured drum sounds

  • Compatible with guitar pedals due to mono output

  • Affordable pricing due to older model status

  • Continuous development and firmware updates on later versions

CONS

  • Limited to only 4 voices on the first version

  • Lacks built-in effects processor in initial release

  • No MIDI editing capabilities on the first version

  • Mono output restricts stereo soundscaping opportunities

  • Obsoleted quickly by newer models with more features

  • No further support for the first version from Clavia

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Drum.

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Drum 3P excels in creating synthetic sounds, offering a unique experience distinct from sample-based drum pads.

    Source
  • The Nord Drum 3P includes swappable plug power supply accommodating various international plugs, enhancing usability for global users.

    Source
  • The Nord Drum 3P offers 200 factory presets across four banks, with all presets editable, allowing extensive customization and sound mixing.

    Source
  • The Nord Drum 3P allows sequencing with DAWs and hardware like Octatrack, supporting creative sound variations through parameter locks and MIDI CCs.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Nord Drum 3P has not received firmware updates since 2016 (version 1.24), with some users noting reverb noise issues on kick drum sounds.

    Source
  • Users can configure the Nord Drum with an iPad using a USB multiport dongle and the AUM app for a unique sampling and sequencing setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An issue with a loose main selector dial may require resoldering; users suggest that any electronic repairman can address this.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Nord Drum 3P's ability to produce alien and bell/gong sounds, responding well to velocity for varied inflections.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using a stand and kick pedal, such as the Roland KT-10, to enhance playability and expression in live setups.

    Source
  • Some owners found the Nord Drum 3P's synthesis cumbersome and the effects subpar, with notable noise issues detracting from the overall sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Nord Drum 3P can be sequenced with a MIDI controller to compose entire songs, highlighting its versatility beyond drumming.

    Source
  • The Nord Drum 3P pairs effectively with the BeatStep Pro, but users should avoid using the Keystep Pro for individual MIDI channel assignments per key due to limitations.

    Source
  • The Nord Drum 3P excels in creating digital and metallic percussion, such as bongo hits, congas, and marimbas, enhancing its appeal for those seeking unique sound design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike Roland SPD-30, the Nord Drum 3P offers a virtual-analog synth experience without the "machine-gun effect," providing dynamic sounds.

    Source
  • While the Nord Drum 3P offers a more organic and natural drum sound, particularly for toms and bells, users report its snares lack punch compared to other drum machines.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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4 star
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mineral_walter

Clavia let it die

The first nord drum was kindof a cool concept with some failures. Only 4 voices, no effects, no midi editing and mono output. The lack of features made it obsolete within a very sort time when clavia introduced the nord drum 2. There is no further support for the first version. This let the price drop extremely. The nord drum 2 was pretty much the same except it had 6 voices, effects processor and stereo output. Clavia developed it further and released firmware updates enabling editing via midi, new oscillator types and enhanced effects. The nord drum 1 is cheap and you get what you pay for. Not bad but lacks many features which clavia could have included at very little cost.

rothhandlestudios

Nord Drum

I have used this a lot live with Necromonkey and it works great. I love thats in mono so I can run it through guitar pedals.

Genres:
V

Nord Drum Virtual Analogue Drum Synthesizer

Nord Drum Virtual Analogue Drum Synthesizer (great texture and sound great but it's in mono)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alessandro Cortini uses Nord Drum

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

The Nord Drum can be seen in Cortini's rack at 7:01 in the video. It is controlled by trigger pads above his keyboards.

See how Gui Boratto uses Nord Drum

Gui Boratto

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see a Nord Drum on top left.

See how Emika uses Nord Drum

Emika

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this July 8th 2015 Future Music article, Emika explains what she uses in her studio and says: I’ve got a Nord drum, which I’ve only had about a year, but my favourite drum machine is called the Drumcomputer MFB 503."

See how Sharooz uses Nord Drum

Sharooz

...
Verified via YouTube

sharooz takes future music on a studio tour

See how Belief Detect uses Nord Drum

Belief Detect

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via CDM Create Digital Music

"On a separate group, Belief Defect control their Nord Drum – this time using MIDI CC messages mapped to encoders. That group is color-coded Nord red (cute)."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Nord Drum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
socialist_synthesis

socialist_synthesis

Gear IQ 138

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