Is the NTS-1 Worth It as JUST a Standalone Digital Synthesizer?

[@jameshall1075]

I own a whole bunch of synths costing so much more than this, I use this thing more than all of them. Amazing little synth. BUY IT!

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah that about sums it up haha, thanks for watching!

[@PabloSintesMartinez]

You're completely right. This little dwarf is a BEAST!!! My unit arrived less than one month ago... and I still can't believe how HUGE it sounds through my PA!!! Lots of fun AND inspiration.

[@FreeBeat]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@rise_above2343]

Definitely. I think it's even worth it as just a stand alone effects unit. Great channel. Keep up the good work 👍

[@FreeBeat]

Oh it's 100% worth it as just an effects unit, but I also think it's worth it as I synthesizer too!

[@CaptainCoffee-III]

I absolutely love the Riser reverb. None of my synths nor my Zoom FX pedals have anything similar. I would need to get a Strymon NightSky.

[@farticusmaximusOG]

I run my Sub37 into this thing, honestly a complementary pallete to the agressive analog sound! That and the midi CC implementation allows much more control. The MOD, DLY, and RVB are controllable via midi similar to some high tier guitar pedals. Not even to mention the expansive programming community and the 16384 byte wavetable... Swiss army synth for sure!

[@FreeBeat]

That sounds like an awesome setup, thanks for watching

[@KeyDyer]

If I’m not playing it, I’m running Volcas and POs through it ! One of my favorite things

[@FreeBeat]

Same, incredible piece of gear!

[@mpstrgc112]

Definitely worth it. You can even use another synth as midi controller, run control synth through input and layer sounds of both synths for huge sounds.

[@FreeBeat]

That's a great tip, I'll have to make a video on that soon. Thanks for watching!

[@TaOkay]

Agreed, I've done this with the Craft Synth 2.0.

[@1t183]

Picked up one of these through your affiliate link last week. It's awesome! Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge in these videos.

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!

[@Chopstick2U]

I just ordered one of these. I don't own any other electronic music kit, and I'm not trying to do anything except tinker. I'm hoping to learn enough about how it works so I can better appreciate when a professional does something amazing.

[@FreeBeat]

It's a great piece of gear to mess around with, don't be afraid to add 3rd party oscillators and effects to it either!

[@steve.cowperthwaite7897]

NTS1 is totally worth it. I highly recommend obtaining one if at all possible.

[@FreeBeat]

100%!

[@PGGMusic]

Totally worth it! It even gets better when you plug in an external midi-keyboard.

[@FreeBeat]

Definitely!

[@dustyaudio]

I just bought an OG beatStep, and after some setup, it works very nicely as an Nts-1 controller and sequencer!

[@FreeBeat]

Nice! I'm unfortunately not too familiar with the beat step, but it does look pretty cool.

[@frederickmast7426]

I've been looking for something like this so I can play on making spooky 79's style sci-fi horror sounds... Thank you...

[@FreeBeat]

Oh yeah it'll be great for that! Have fun :)

[@edgeof60]

It's a totally worthy standalone synth. Besides the nice demo here, the NTS-1 is capable of some very deep, rich space drones, with a heavy reverb can simulate polyphony. A nice slow arpeggio and an occasional knob tweak and it can go like that for hours.

[@FreeBeat]

It's amazing how easy it is to get lost in sound with just a few notes. I've never quite used in other piece of gear that can hold my attention span like the NTS-1 does!

[@CaptainCoffee-III]

Plug the NTS-1 into your MPC. All of the controls in the NTS are able to be automated. (I do it on my Akai Force, and they should behave the same.) You can get some really interesting sounds. Route one of the outputs of the MPC through the NTS and then back into the MPC and use that Riser reverb on the NTS. Fun stuff.

[@FreeBeat]

You know for some reason I never thought about looking up a midi implementation chart for the nts-1. You just blew my mind a little bit haha, I can't wait to try it. Thanks for watching!

[@TaOkay]

@@FreeBeat Oh, it makes this synth that much more awesome. Unfortunately, there are still a few things you can't control using CC (toggling the arp and the custom oscillator parameters). What's also cool is that there are ways to essentially save presets on a computer (there's a standalone app, and also some Ableton Max For Live devices, maybe other ways too). I appreciate this video showing what it can do on its own, and I agree that's enough to make it a beast, but pairing it with an iPad/computer/other midi device just puts it on another level.

[@CaptainCoffee-III]

@@FreeBeat You don't even have to look them up. The USB MIDI is two-way. Just manipulate them on the NTS and record it direclty on the Akai. On the Force, we have a page that has all CC controls for a MIDI channel and you can see them change in real-time as they change on the NTS.

[@ghostandiv]

Peace. Nice vids. The NTS-1 is a hidden in plain sight gem of a box.

[@CatFish107]

I was messing with my new Bastl Kastle today, using the nts1 reverb, and thought, dang that was a good buy. I use it all the time. Tough choice what I'm plugging the midi controller into between nts1 and volca fm.

[@jevogroni4829]

why not both

[@CatFish107]

@@jevogroni4829 because I don't know how to hook the controller up to both at the same time.

[@FreeBeat]

Nice! I need to get a Kastle as well!

[@patrickbodine1300]

Wish that I had gotten this unit first. And then the keystep. However, I did get the fm, keys, bass and modular. No regrets.

[@FreeBeat]

That's still a pretty solid lineup, thanks for watching!

[@mgrollins]

So thankful you put up these love letters to the NTS-1! Very inspiring!

[@FreeBeat]

People need to know what an awesome deal it is!

[@I.O.M.]

With a midi keyboard, yes!

[@lennelaukkonen9416]

And/or sequencer. Arturia Keystep is useful here.

[@FreeBeat]

Even without one it's totally worth it. But a controller definitely helps haha.

[@trevord9811]

I just love my NTS-1. I have barely scratched the surface but can't get bored of it and then there's a whole bunch of other things just waiting in the menus to be discovered. I love using my Keystep as a controller too. Thanks for a another great video FB.

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@musicandfilms9956]

Does the USB port send MIDI notes out? And if so, does the arpeggiator send its own set of notes as well?

[@FreeBeat]

I don't believe so :(

[@magnificus23]

Oh, one day I’ll buy it! Every new video on your channel makes me closer to spend money😄 Great review!

[@gapster77]

Vic, I like your work, only discovered you through this channel. Buy the NTS-1! Do it! Some one as talented as yourself will be blown away with what you can do with it! I’m no Pro, but I’m always using it, and have got a MIDI keyboard for it recently, love making Arps on it just for fun, but if I’m not using it as a voice I’m using it for the effects. There are so many free/donation downloads for it, it’s a no brainer :D ...I love mine so much that I’ve just got another.

[@magnificus23]

@@gapster77 thank you! I’ll do it!

[@gapster77]

@@magnificus23 You won’t regret it, I hope you have a lot of fun with it.

[@FreeBeat]

I can only imagine the things that you would do with it. Especially with your guitar and bass, your jams would be even better than they already are!

[@cookinuts1923]

It was while watching your channel that I ended up buying this device. One of my best 2020 purchase (with the OP-Z as well). Thank you so much! 🤝

[@FreeBeat]

Glad to hear it, thanks so much for watching!

[@wiggesobk]

Yes it's totally worth it. My homie just bought one as well.

[@FreeBeat]

Good to hear, spreading the nts-1 love!

[@akdm82]

BTW, you talked me into this one after I had dismissed it. I love it now! Thanks

[@FreeBeat]

Glad to hear you're loving it!

[@doctorlemon7844]

I Own one of this. ESPECTACULAR SYNTH!

[@FreeBeat]

It sure is!

[@doctorlemon7844]

I use it with my guitar, and bass too.

[@PocketOperatorGuy]

I got one! It's definitely a great addition to pocket operators and keyboards.

[@FreeBeat]

It really is, thanks for watching!

[@brandonhamilton370]

Is the mkii that much different sonically? Contemplating if it’s worth the extra $100 or not.

[@dylanmatthews1484]

I'm blown away with what this tiny thing can do , can it really compete with the Korg keys?

[@FreeBeat]

They're both very different, it depends on what sounds you're after.

[@krisrhodes5180]

Is it sensitive to velocity and can you change what it does in response to velocity? (I mean in the context of plugging a midi controller into it.)

[@FreeBeat]

It is sensitive to velocity, but I don't believe you can modulate using it. Thanks for watching!

[@traildoggy]

Yeah, for a hundred bucks that's a lot of sound. Modal Craft Synth is a similarly versatile bargain synth. I bought the version 1 used for 75 bucks, the new version 2 is much nicer and can be had for about 150 new. It has unison and detuned oscillators and can sound HUGE.

[@TaOkay]

I love the Craft 2.0 almost as much as the NTS-1. Excellent little jam combo. And have done some fun things hooking them up to an iPad or computer for midi sequencing/control.

[@FreeBeat]

I really need to get my hands on the craft synth, it looks so neat!

[@rayderrich]

If Korg would have put this in a Volca-sized enclosure I would consider adding it to my gear collection. But this is definitely a fun little powerhouse.

[@FreeBeat]

Is it just too small for your liking?

[@rayderrich]

@@FreeBeat Yes, just like the Pocket Operator, it is so small that I would not be able to fit it in a decent setup without it sliding across the desk and whatnot. But that is just me, everyone else should just buy the NTS-1 today!

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

@@rayderrich I have been holding out on getting an NTS for a couple of reasons, build quality being the highest. Korg, marry the NTS and Volca Keys into a $300 (call it a Keys+ or something). I'll buy it then.

[@rayderrich]

@@JoeJohnston-taskboy I agree Joe, the effects of the NTS-1 would fit well inside a Volca-sized box, but even then I would probably not pay $300 for it. And at the form factor they chose I will just not allow the NTS-1 into my house.

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

@@rayderrich I definitely would if the "Keys+" included one more oscillator to make 4 note chords.

[@colinmurphy2127]

I run my Op-Z into it.Sounds awesome. Plus, the Arp is fantastic.Just wish the BPM could be tweaked even lower.

[@FreeBeat]

The nts-1 with the op-z is an amazing combo! Also, as stated, you can change the BPM limitations in the settings menu!

[@colinmurphy2127]

@@WoobsBallJesse cheers. I'll give it a go. I wanted to try some Berlin school type sounds.

[@PaulSalamoneComedy]

oh man i just ordered one, crossing my fingers you like it...

[@FreeBeat]

You are going to love it!

[@setharnold9764]

Dang this thing looks like fun.

[@watchaddicts1213]

Thank you, the God’s honest TRUTH! Bravo!!

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@adams.555]

Could it be safely connected with Kastle v.1.5 ?

[@FreeBeat]

Yes it can!

[@NevilleHayfield]

Good stuff Bro 👊💪🔥👏 Got myself a couple volcas, FM/Key's/Sample 2 and a Monotron. Got to get me one of these 🔥🔥🔥

[@FreeBeat]

That's a nice collection!

[@gph2193]

Worth it for the effects for sure. That said, is there a way to get it to not go to sleep when using it for effects? That is the biggest bummer I can think of. The unit has been very cool from day one. Well worth investing in.

[@TaOkay]

Yeah I think they added it in the global settings, an option to stay awake.

[@FreeBeat]

I believe there is the option to change that, holdreverb down while you plug it in and you will access the settings menu.

[@TJNorton]

Ok i'm getting one asap ... Amazing for $100 ... Thanks for a great video 👍

[@FreeBeat]

It really is incredible, thanks for watching!

[@watchaddicts1213]

I subscribed….immediately!

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks, I appreciate it :)

[@theepicredstoner1604]

I own an nts 1 and I really would see myself using it more if it wasn't for the buggy touch strip. It sometime just plays random notes out of nowhere.

[@zoned7609]

Midi keyboard!

[@FreeBeat]

You can always take the unit apart and make sure that the connection from the key strip to the main board is secure. If it was acting up you could also remove the key strip entirely and just use a midi keyboard to play it.

[@theepicredstoner1604]

@@FreeBeat I tried all of that, even swapping the unit for a new one which had the same bug. Using a stylus to play notes works fine though.

[@aaronc1080]

Novalays makes some nice overlays for the NTS-1

[@FreeBeat]

It's good to know, thanks!

[@patrickbodine1300]

Do you have a link?

[@aaronc1080]

@@patrickbodine1300 ebay.ca/usr/novalays_official

[@LogicalMayhem00]

You need more subs!

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that!

[@kingcobra124]

It sure is!

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@tysonsaner2527]

Liked and Subscribed!

[@videolabcreators]

worth it😎

[@FreeBeat]

Without a doubt!

[@PrzemyslawLaszczyk]

The Korg NTS is an excellent instrument. Before you buy it, check how many people have problems with the HEADPHONE OUTPUT on the KORG NTS-1. My NTS-1 stopped working after one week. The headphone input jack has fallen off the PCB with the part. NTS1 is useless without the possibility of connecting an output. #Korg, do something with poor solder quality at the jacks headphone on the Korg NTS-1. Now it's a disposable instrument with very low quality

[@FreeBeat]

Interesting, I haven't heard too many complaints from folks about the headphone output. Good to know about though, thanks for watching.

[@dingalarm]

The poor durability may be due to the use of surface mount jacks and lead-free solder 🤔🤷‍♂️ Korg should actually have provided extra mechanical support for the jacks by using adhesives to "stake" them in place.

[@haujobbperfect]

Having trouble finding you on IG sir :)

[@FreeBeat]

It's in the description of the video, although I almost never post anything lol.

[@gobblegobble831]

Ha!! I use a 3ds stylus on mine too!

[@FreeBeat]

It works so well!

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

Thanks for another great show. Does it benefit your channel if people comment. If so I will make some sort of comment on every video of yours I watch. You help and entertain me.

[@FreeBeat]

It definitely does, and I appreciate it!

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@FreeBeat back a few months later as seen your video on thickening the micro freak. great advice thanks

[@rexterrocks]

I think the IK Multimedia Unosynth is far more versatile in the same price range.

[@wolframebbers1464]

I love my NTS-1, it's a little tool with great sound. I play thet midicontroler. It's easyer to play.

[@FreeBeat]

A midi controller definitely helps.

[@robbybobbyhobbies]

Yes. In event of fire, my Deluge and NTS would be thrown to safety.

[@FreeBeat]

That's pretty much all you need!

[@eti313]

100% of my viewers are not subscribed to my channel, but I subbed to yours since you asked so nicely. 👽👍

[@FreeBeat]

Thank you so much!