The Korg NTS-1 is a compact, digital, monophonic synthesizer and extensively editable features, which is supplied as a DIY kit. The monophonic synthesizer is oriented in design and by the ribbon controller to the Monotron series of Korg, but goes completely new ways. A digital oscillator provides the classic sawtooth, triangle and square waveforms as well as the new VPM waveforms already known from the Minilogue xd and is "logue SDK" compatible, making other models loadable by the user. For sound processing, a resonant multimode filter with seven different types is used, which even has an open mode. A whole three LFOs and an envelope provide versatile modulations in the sound. The new effects Chorus, Ensemble, Phaser, Flanger, Delay and Reverb are a great enhancement for the generated sounds. Effortlessly create inspiring melodies and basslines with the built-in arpeggiator. In addition to the audio inputs and outputs and MIDI-In, operation via USB is provided. Via the Sync jack, the Nu:Tekt can be synchronized with a Teenage Engineering Pocket drum machine, for example.
Before you can elicit the first notes from the instrument, this DIY kit (do it yourself) needs to be assembled. No soldering is required: side panels, base and control panel are simply plugged together and screwed together around the ready-built circuit board. Only the ribbon controller needs to be mounted separately. Assembly instructions and a screwdriver are included in the kit. Experienced hobbyists can give the Korg NTS-1 fancy side panels or an inclined stand made of wood or aluminum, or place several of these handy synths with power supply in an arch-shaped case.
Free Software included:
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Free 3-month trial subscription to Skoove Premium (online piano lessons)
KORG NUTEKT NTS-1: Full review // Here's everything it can do
Nu:Tekt NTS-1 digital kit - Unboxing and Assembly tutorial
Features:
Manufacturer:
Korg
Construction / Number of Keys:
Desktop without keyboard
Excellent value for money; nice tiny size; fun and easy to build. Only difficulty is breaking apart the pre-cut sections of the circuit board. They are not very deeply pre-cut, so it's hard/scary breaking them apart. I found it easier to flex/bend starting at one end rather than trying to bend along the entire length simultaneously.
The ribbon keyboard is not good but works. MIDI input from a better input device works fine. Being able to apply reverb effects to audio input is great.
Sound
Features
Operation
Craftsmanship
Price/Performance
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A nice little synth, limitations, but for the price it's ok.
Volume level is a bit quiet, and getting it to work is a bit of an adventure. YouTube is your friend for tutorials. I have bought the companion software to have a GUI view, but it is still all a bit new to me so I have yet to get them working, but that is part of the fun.
For the money this is a great unit. For experimenting with synth sounds without the price tag of modular units it's great. As an effects unit for Pocket Operators it's also great. I haven't tried adding new synth voices yet but apparently there are loads available.