Right guys, here are a few examples of different leader setups than can be used for short line nymphing. Again my drawings are not the definitve/must use/only setups. There are plenty different variations that can be used. These should give you a good idea of how you can still use a heavy control fly to get down to the fish if you don't like the NZ rig. The knot used to tie the loops is entirely preference.
Alternately some guys use tiny 3 way swivels or micro tippet rings or even loop to loop joins to add flies. The distance between the flies all depends on where you want your flies to drift through the water column.
I've used red arrows to indicate different placements for the heavier control fly.
NB: these drawings aren't to scale!
2 fly setups:
3 fly setups:

Heres an example of typical lengths:
These lengths are a guideline only!!!
If needs be a revolving dropper can be added to the 2 fly rig to convert it into a 3 fly rig.
If anyone has a sketch they'd like me to add, drop me a PM, no problemo!