Thanks to its ribbon controller, simple interface and display, the NTS-1 can be played and enjoyed very intuitively. Deeper parameter changes are also possible with several combinations of buttons / knobs, furthering the possibilities. Don’t let its size fool you; NTS-1 goes deep but keeps it all easily accessible. As if you weren’t already presented with enough sound sculpting possibilities for a synth of this size and price, the Korg NuTekt NTS-1 also features a high-quality stereo effects engine (Modulation, Delay, Reverb) inspired by the Minilogue XD/ XD Module and Prologue. An added bonus is the 3.5mm stereo input, which means that you can use the NTS-1 as a customisable, standalone effects unit too! One analogue-modelled filter with a wide variety of modes (Low-pass 2/4-pole, High-pass 2/4-pole, Band-pass 2/4-pole and OPEN mode, all with resonance). Once you’ve constructed the synth (and finished off any customisations), you can start to play with and personalise its unique sound. The main oscillator can produce Sawtooth, Triangle, Square and VPM waveforms, and can load custom oscillators created from Korg’s logue SDK, which means it’s compatible with content created for prologue and minilogue xd. These waveforms can be easily re-shaped and adjusted just by simply turning a couple of knobs.

The three onboard effects units are inspired by those on KORG’s minilogue xd, which itself took onboard effects to a whole new level. Numerous reverbs, modulation effects, and delays are available to blend and edit at will, to really finish out your sound creations. The NTS-1 is a kit synth, which means you have to build it before you play it! Don’t worry about heating up the soldering iron though, it’s easy to do, only requires a Phillips screwdriver to put together and is a pretty fun process. Some users have even gone so far as to make custom wooden end cheeks for theirs so the potential for personalisation is high.

Whilst it may seem like one voice inspired by the digital portion of the Minilogue XD/ XD Module and Prologue’s oscillators on the surface, it’s significantly more than that. A wide selection of filters (Low pass 2/4-pole, High pass 2/4-pole, Band pass 2/4-pole and OPEN mode, all with resonance) give you serious control over the overall tone of the oscillator. Thanks to the NTS-1’s ability to be powered via USB bus power, you can run it from a standard power bank - true portability! Its versatile oscillator can produce both traditional analog-style waveforms (Sawtooth, Triangle, Square) and VPM waves, this means that it’s compatible with custom oscillators that were created for the Minilogue XD/ XD Module and Prologue. This oscillator’s voice can then be shaped by:

NTS-1 is also completely compatible with the logue-SDK*, making it possible to create custom oscillators and effects or upload any of the content available for minilogue xd and prologue.When using 3rd party plugins on the NTS-1 please consult with the developer first as the content may sound differently than with minilogue xd or prologue based on polyphony.

The Nu:Tekt NTS-1 digital KIT is a unique, flexible, and easy DIY synthesizer that you can easily assemble yourself (tool included), without any soldering. The built-in ribbon controller is handy for demoing sounds and using the Korg NTS-1 with its super flexible arpeggiator (which features several patterns). You also have the option to control and synchronise the NTS-1 with external hardware, thanks to its SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, MIDI IN and USB ports. This means you can play the NTS-1 with full-size keys or link it up with something like the Volca Beats/ Drum/ Sample/ Keys/ FM to create a cool portable rig. With a single monophonic digital oscillator, one multimode filter, on EG, three LFOs, three stereo effect processors, and full arpeggiator, the NTS-1 is a very powerful, flexible, fun-to-explore synth.