Korg’s self-assembly synth module gets a significant update. Greg Scarth finds out what this quirky little box can do.
Part of the Nu:Tekt series of customisable, self-assembly musical tools, the Korg NTS-1 mkII certainly falls among the more unusual offerings in the Japanese brand’s range. Other devices in the series include the NTS-2 oscilloscope and HA-S headphone amp, but the NTS-1 is the main Nu:Tekt synth. Based around a relatively simple digital platform, the NTS-1 is designed to be customised.
Assembly is a straightforward process, with a four-step guide included in the manual and a step-by-step video on Korg’s YouTube channel. There’s no soldering required, simply combining the printed circuit boards and metal panels with the main circuit board, effectively building the housing around the guts of the unit.
With the NTS-1 assembled, this is where things get interesting, as the unit is designed to be modified and customised, primarily by loading up different oscillators, filters and effects. Exactly how far doesn’t the rabbit hole you choose to fall will be a matter of personal taste here. The more hardcore programmers will appreciate the fact that there’s already an active community of logueSDK developers, but plenty of developers – including Korg’s own ‘DIY Club’ – share their creations freely for others to use. Others sell filters, oscillators and effects individually or as bundles.
In terms of updates from the original mkI version of the NTS-1, there are lots of small changes which add up to a fairly major overhaul when combined. On the front panel, there’s the same overall layout albeit with a different colour scheme to accommodate white LEDs rather than red. The big change here is the switch to a new capacitive multi-touch piano-style keyboard – a major improvement on the ribbon-style strip on the mkI. Round the back, you’ll find a new MIDI output as well as the new industry standard USB-C for power. Internally, the mkII benefits from a more powerful processor which allows for a broader range of effects as well as the new eight-step sequencer.
In use, the open-ended nature of the NTS-1 means it can become all sorts of different things when loaded up with custom oscillators and effects via the open-source logueSDK development kit, but out of the box it’s essentially a virtual analogue synth, with a single VCO and multi-mode filter. The new keyboard and sequencer prove to be a substantial step up from the mkI model, allowing much better hands-on control and a straightforward but effective approach to sequencing which makes it quick and easy to generate patterns and jam out sounds.
While the NTS-1 is a small device and the self-assembly, customisable approach might risk coming across as slightly gimmicky, there’s no doubt that this is actually quite a serious instrument and processor once you start to explore its extensive options. MIDI and analogue sync in and out allow you to connect it to other gear easily, while its applications as an effects processor shouldn’t be underestimated. All in all, an impressive update which makes the NTS-1 a more powerful and versatile device.
Greg Scarth
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