KORG NTS-2 surprised me! // oscilloscope, synthesizer, spectrum analyzer & MORE

Korg sent me their new Korg Nutekt NTS-2 which is NOT what you might think it is! But it is still VERY interesting. Todays video is sponsored by DistroKid. Upload your music to Spotify/iTunes with DistroKid and get a discount using my link: distrokid.com/vip/bobeats you also support the channel in the process.
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#KorgNTS2 #Bobeats #Superbooth22

[@TheMCCraftingTable]

It'a good that this is a Korg product. TE would put something like this in a small but sleek plastic case and sell it for $1100

[@BoBeats]

😆

[@DetroitMicroSound]

With every control too small. Like an elephant trying to poo in a human toilet.

[@CmdrMic]

TE has forgotten who they were... TE now stands for "totally expensive". 😢

[@beezzarro]

@@DetroitMicroSound the way you wrote this has opened up to me the possibility that there aren't only toilets for humans, as i had previously taken for granted

[@DetroitMicroSound]

@@beezzarro Did you know that in Peru, many Llama's learn how to do both deeds, neatly in a bucket?

[@Xmari0hX]

I want one now! The oscilloscope on the Korg Monologue was the main selling point for me when I started my synth journey. Being able to visually view the modifications I'm making in real time is extremely help in learning/understanding sound synthesis. Having a small lightweight oscilloscope like this seems so helpful in bringing the rest of my gear to life.

[@rozzgrey801]

I was thinking the same thing, I want a small simple oscilloscope to use with my synths, and I've been getting guitar effects pedals to add something to their sounds, so I just found the Vox Mystic Edge which both simulates a Vox AC30 amp with a tiny valve but also features a built-in oscilloscope!

[@JorbLovesGear]

Okay I want this bad. Like a desktop jones O'tool. I've wanted a small hardware spectrum analyzer, 2 stereo throughs is an amazing feature, AND BEING A CV LFO is insanely useful. Great work @Korg

[@EchoKraft]

Yes I wanted one of those for my modular and at the time he wasn’t making them. that was a long time ago.

[@uisato_]

For those of you who doesn't have the $250 but still want to start playing around the concept of oscilloscope music, I've built one for TouchDesigner (free software). It has the amazing YX mode, goes up to 4k resolution, and it's fully modifiable.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

I don't provide links for they often are removed.

[@uisato_]

@@fritsvanzanten3573 There's a demostration of it in my YT channel. Let me know if you liked it!

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

@@uisato_ Nice to impressive. Makes me wonder whether you can/one can aspire to compose the music to create specific images. The kaleidoscope one reminded me of Tubular Bells. The Reich video is also interesting.

[@uisato_]

@@fritsvanzanten3573 Thank you very much, glad you liked my works.

[@stefansynths]

Looks like the NTS-2 has XY mode as well

[@alecsbuga]

I’m so going to sample that Aaah when you dropped the screws :))

[@charliecarrot]

I've wanted an oscilloscope for synths for a while, and this thing seems perfect! I'm glad I saw this

[@YearsOfLeadPoisoning]

Oh man I want one. The whole DIY aspect + that beautiful manual is just wonderful.

[@josephwright5921]

Awesome! I can’t wait to see what the NTS 3 an 4 will bring to the table!

[@degradedecho8397]

super cool! the first patch & tweak is excellent

[@bendecker7342]

Fantastic content and T-Shirt!

[@cecilkeebler4254]

I ordered the analog computer THAT from Anabrid that requires an oscilloscope to view the output. With the correct RCA to 3.5mm TRS adapter cable, this little oscilloscope might just fit the bill here for that use case as well. The Patch & Tweak book is the very tasty frosting on top. Thanks for the walkthrough @BoBeats.

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

That's a lot more useful than I was expecting it to be. It looks really cool too.

[@nolake]

I like the good old SID sounding of this. Cool and very interesting vid!

[@pshenk]

This looks fantastic, like others here I’ve been thinking about an oscilloscope for awhile… Mostly for debugging and learning semi modular patching. Super cool Korg identified this gap in the market!

[@googlepigs7027]

Great Review Bo 👍

[@troyouttram]

That scream was classic 😂

[@deadlinkofficialartst5592]

100%

[@BoBeats]

🫣

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Whoaaaa this is amazing! I'm getting one asap

[@Mr.Tubster]

Thanks Bo 🙂

[@fkthewhat]

Nice. Fun little thing to have to see sound - and not just for synths either!

[@Garethduffy707]

Super video, just got one !

[@fullyard-art]

Thx Bo!

[@claudesilverio677]

Just building my nts2😊

[@lovemadeinjapan]

4:50 The book looks of better quality than the box itself. Seriously? Hard Cover full colour manual?

[@lumm71]

Your hands look very skilled for me when I watched you assembling this. Well done!

[@BoBeats]

its all editing magic

[@lumm71]

@@BoBeats you mean this are not your hands but CGI hands? :D

[@WarrenPostma]

This is awesome and I need both the NTS-1 and NTS-2

[@johnluis899]

Sounds good

[@SomeOne-pd6vm]

if I didn't already have hardware oscilloscopes this would be a no-brainer. Hardware oscilloscopes are incredibly underrated and very useful for learning about sound no matter how experienced you are.

[@VioletDeliriums]

I am looking for a video on using oscilloscopes to analyze sonic waves so I could use them with synthesizers and guitar signals, with either a direct input or a microphone. Maybe you could make a video that discusses various models and how you connect them to instruments and use them. I cannot believe there is so little out there in this realm.

[@SomeOne-pd6vm]

@@VioletDeliriums The way I use mine (B+K Precision 1479B I found for about $100 at a thrift shop) is through my computer with the audio being fed from my interface. It's always running when I'm making music. If you have a mixer or interface with two stereo outputs, you can just route the audio from one output into your oscilloscope and use the second output to listen in. The old oscilloscopes need BNC cables which are expensive, so a way around this is to order some BNC to RCA adapters, which are cheap, then use RCA cables into a dual RCA female to 1/4" TRS male adapter which is what will be plugging into your mixer. So the signal flow goes audio into mixer, audio out of mixer into 1/4" TRS stereo to dual RCA, RCA cables to BNC adapters then into both inputs of the oscilloscope. I find this useful for all sorts of things such as aligning my kick and sub while mastering or checking peak levels of things which is useful when mixing for loudness. I also use it to check my stereo image using XY mode. I imagine this would be extremely useful if you're mixing entirely on hardware, because even with my hybrid setup (I mostly mix on my computer) I still find it very handy to have a separate screen to look at for these things. Keep in mind that most old hardware oscilloscopes are meant to accept higher voltages, so the thing you're using to split the signal, whether it be the outputs of your mixer or interface, are going to need separate volume controls for the outputs you're listening through and the ones being sent to your oscilloscope. I run mine out of my Scarlett 18i20 and the output to the oscilloscope is always at full. The hotter you can send the signal the better since you'll get a better signal to noise ratio.

[@VioletDeliriums]

@@SomeOne-pd6vm thank you!

[@rozzgrey801]

@@VioletDeliriums I just found a guitar pedal with a built-in oscilloscope, the Vox Mystic Edge, it has a tiny valve to simulate a Vox AC30 and a Minilogue-style OLED waveform display for £150.

[@VioletDeliriums]

@@rozzgrey801 Cool! I have a minilogue and I like that oscilloscope. I actually ordered one f these Korg things and am waiting on it!

[@jrodohio]

I've been wanting an oscilloscope for a while, this looks like an instant buy for me.

[@ingolf7411]

Same for me. I´m always fascinated when spectrum analysis or oscilloscopes appear in synth reviews. A lot of them are plugins for DAWs but as a (nearly) DAW-less "synthesist" the NTS-2 seems quite handsome.

[@HarisCupina]

visuals are there to complement the audio signal, it' that simple. nice video !

[@StarshipCaptainNemo]

That's awesome! I wonder if they developed it with a bundle with the NTS-1 in mind or even releasing more NTS-n DIY kits to make a kind of modular toolbox which you can put together by yourself, like they do with the Volcas. What do you think with a bit of inside information and/or educated guess?

[@electronicbagatelle]

I will be there! :)

[@neonblack211]

Oscilloscopes have been so important for me learning modular synthesis its such an important tool, I can't believe anyone could be "anti oscilloscope"

[@Eurorackmodular-pc1dh]

yeah being anti oscilloscope is ridiculious lol

[@neonblack211]

@@Eurorackmodular-pc1dh it reminds me of musicians are anti-music theory. Especially in the example of the oscilloscope, it's like saying you want less information about what you are doing.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Mine arrived today and easy to assemble except for the tiny screws and breaking the pieces apart. Needed a cheap oscilloscope to use on the go.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Very interesting. Not sure why I never grabbed a NTS-1 but this new product may get me over the hump. Nice review.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks Matt!

[@gregjablunovsky841]

Ohhhh, that's cool!

[@audreyazwell]

Aaaye I've been wanting this to be a thing

[@vincentneutron]

What a fun little utility device.

[@savoirfaire8979]

I feel like Loopop indirectly influenced Korg to make this. He started using oscilloscope displays on his video awhile ago.

[@sKnobloch83]

well, i guess, i don't need that, but I NEEEEEEED THAT!...

[@reazallykhan8614]

The nts1 is sick now I’m getting the second one too

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Coincidently last week I looked around for a oscilloscope. There's this DSO138 that seems rather popular that you can buy for less than 20 bucks unassembled to for about 40 bucks assembled. But I believe it does not work on USB, so you might need to buy some small device to make it work. Reviews are mixed, but we musicians only use it in a limited way (LFO + audio). But then there's also those 'big' hobby ones, that are about 200-300 bucks. I struggled, including software ones too. I always feel I lack space for them on my screen, Even tried to use an old monitor as second one for the scope/spectrum. Finally, of, course , synth have increasingly scopes build in. And now here's this. Looks great, dedicated to musicians needs, has more functions, but is pricey. I don't see a clear best option yet.

[@Daphoid]

Neat, on the wishlist it goes - if it's similar in price to the NTS one that'll be in Christmas gift territory

[@JohnAlchemy]

Ive heard it goes around 230€

[@DrNIx123]

Actually when I was a teenager in the ninetees, sound synthesis started making sense in the very moment I grabbed my dad's scope and hooked it up to his Juno106. Of course, I',m not glued to any scope when creating sounds. However, sometimes I still use them, e.g. in VCV Rack, when funny things happen. E.g. recently I found out that the clock I had derived in Rack from an incoming gate signal was not starting at the transient of that signal but randomly somewhere in between. Yes, you can hear this somehow, but once you can see it in a scope module, it's so much easier to deal with it. I might buy the NTS-2, but not so much for synthesis, but more as a general tool to use in my mobile tools collection that I have working as an audio engineer.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TechTronix01]

what a great tool for the dawless world. should make tuning kicks and bass easier, and a clockable lfo is genious!

[@kvmoore1]

I have a very old Tektronix T922R rackmount analog oscilloscope. It looks really cool a the rack. However, I haven't been able to figure out how to hook it up to an audio signal to get a waveform display. I did get some BNC to RCA adapters and connected the oscilloscope to an audio source. However, the display remained a flat line horizontal in the center of the screen as if there was no signal present for some reason. Maybe I connected the audio source to the wrong inputs on the scope or maybe the controls weren't properly set, or maybe the audio signal wasn't strong enough for the oscilloscope to pick it up. I don't know. I think I need to get the scope out of my storage unit and experiment with it some more. I hope it still works after sitting boxed up in a storage unit for 3 years. I really would like to use the T922R to display the waveforms of my synths while I'm playing them. That would be ultra cool!!!! In addition, I have a vintage Goldline rackmount LED spectrum analyzer (also in storage at the moment). I thought about the idea of getting a room calibration mic for it but never really pursued it.

[@EchoKraft]

I want !

[@JV3Player]

I love the compact form factor, instead of investing in a traditional oscilloscope unit.

[@petercane6376]

Do you think it is a necessary expense to aid in the learning of how an analogue synth works? To my mind I can hear whats going on with the wave form changes and need to remember what happens when certain knobs are turned and what certain patch cables do in their patch bay. At the end of the day an oscillascope only gives a visual of the waveform and it will always be what it is. Its remembering tge settings on the synth and what they do is more important?

[@DJRickDawson]

There's a scope on the logue synths. so you have got a oscilloscope in the minilogue

[@rd88752]

Does this unit work with a synth like the moog? Wasn't sure if yours was a Korg. Thank you!

[@DrFearCo]

Hella refresh rate. Looks like it could be useful though.

[@-The-Darkside]

I think I want it for purely cosmetic reasons lol

[@BoBeats]

sexy synths, we can’t help ourselves

[@waynesilverman3048]

What music would this b best for?

[@albertocastillo7686]

When will this be available in the USA?

[@netako]

Finally, a Korg device with USB-C rather than micro USB!

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Never got this USB-C thing with its flaky plugs. I've enough micro USB cables and chargers for another century, and of my 4 USB-C cable 2 died already.

[@Zoco101]

I'm impressed, even though I don't need one. KORG also makes the impressive D1. It has to be the cheapest digital piano with some proper stage features. What I don't understand is why Korg doesn't go for more niche markets, such as a 73-note version of the D1, or a tiny voice/sound expander module with just a few quality sounds and a low price. There are quite a few controller keyboards that could make good portable pianos, but if you spend under €400 on a controller, you don't want to spend over €400 on a good MIDI sound expander, nor do you want to get stuck with out-of-date piano sounds. It's an opportunity which nobody is grabbing.

[@kylesilver844]

Anyone have experience using an iPad based oscilloscope? I have an older iPad that I would like to repurpose as an oscilloscope if this is possible

[@TheDavidPoole]

I've got one of these on the way. I got a "tablet" 'scope about a year ago (2 channel touch screen) for about a ton on Amazon, and it's great, but this has the tools needed in a studio built in. Shame it doesn't come with the relevant insert cables. Would rather them than the bjook to be honest but its a nice "toilet tome" for when you're having a good contemplate 🙂 Also, being 4 channel makes it tops. I assume that it is rated for audio applications rather than electronic engineering uses, so my other scope is still useful. Can anyone say what frequency it (nts2) operates to?

[@richselby7878]

Unfortunately, it no longer comes with the Patch and Tweak with Korg book. I ordered a new one from Amazon in June 2024. You get the same NTS-2 kit but in a much smaller book-free box than yours. The NTS-2 costs £149 and I see the book is independently available for a whopping £40.

[@hotdogdog4740]

Can this connect to the op-1?

[@neonblack211]

When is this comming to Aus?

[@johnbeckozz214]

How much will it sell for? I can't find any price info on it.

[@Hyper5nic]

$250

[@aethervagrant244]

better be an nts1 mk2 next because im mad jealous of battery power and a decent screen

[@mbessey]

What wacky synchronicity. I was just thinking to myself that I really wanted a tuner and oscilloscope to round out my setup, but didn't want to go eurorack just for that.

[@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf]

US link isnt working :(

[@80Jay71]

Well.. The NTS-1 was a no-brainerr. It made even my Roland D-10 sound modern. But, what does this do more than show me in graphics what my other gear is playing?? Is there a justification for the price of 1.5 Voicas? (Jo, jag är också svensk)

[@GeorgeLocke]

A scope can be very useful for modular, as complex patches can require "debugging." I also like to see the input/ output transfer function using an x-y display which can help find DC offsets or get a sense of distortion. Not sure if this has an x-y mode?

[@80Jay71]

@@GeorgeLocke Thankfully I'm not there yet!

[@voltijuice8576]

I agree with Bo that visualization doesn't help me much when making music, because I very much drive with my ears. BUT - I also build synths and am always tinkering with audio electronics, so for me it's very useful during development and troubleshooting. For example, testing an envelope generator I can send the trigger and gate into one jack, and a resulting envelope or two to the other jack, to be certain at what thresholds different stages are firing at. Or compare four different timing signals. Is that even really happening on a rising edge, or a falling edge? Is that distortion my imagination, speakers, or can I see it in the spectrogram? Now, I am using a Tektronix scope instead of an NTS-2 because they aren't available here yet. I'd prefer it to be closer to $150-200 without the book, but it's still a good value IMO compared to other modular-ready scopes.

[@ozmarichardson6524]

Can someone explain the usecase for an oscilloscope? How does this help with music production?

[@BoBeats]

If you watch the video to the end I discuss this

[@GizzyDillespee]

It helped me understand the OG Minilogue's crossmod. But I have a feeling FFT mode will get more use while programming.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

I think it only is useful if you approach sound design from a more theoretical perspective, what Bo calls 'engineering'. Although that would also require a spectrumanalyzer, in my opinion. But they have some nerdy funfactor.

[@noisevector]

If you're into eurorack it can be a handy CV monitor. For example to overlay the output of an envelope follower over the audio waveform or to visualize an ADSR. I can think of many usages.

[@burnbluefox]

Been a huge fan of Korg since I was kid. Seems like the little modules are begging to be hack/modded. Got to pick one up one day soon.

[@CmdrMic]

Very cool. You know, I must tell you.... all these new products you are reviewing - like the new Roland Airas, this,etc. are NOT available in the U.S., and if supply and delivery is anything like Beringer with their TD-3-MO, it can be many months before they are available in the American market. The only way to get these anytime soon is to buy from European companies and pay the expensive trans-pond shipping.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks for letting me know

[@Ryannaut_g]

DISTROKID DISTROKID DISTROKID

[@kseebees94]

Did they get rid of the effects capabilities from the NTS-1?

[@BoBeats]

Yeah its not similar at all

[@rich8715]

Try getting one - what’s the deal korg?

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Looks like the Swiss Army knife every synth studio setup needs. I already have a tiny dedicated oscilloscope but I love the additional features and book this comes with. Do we know the price?

[@BoBeats]

Not seen a final price yet but guessing 200-300

[@byronhodge4708]

Don't think I need it, but I want it

[@MrDjaremko1982]

Eurorack version of it would be good

[@G5ProductionsLLC]

$299 seems a bit steep, although what else is new nowadays…🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MangeshAhirrao1313]

Pls pocket size sampler for Indian people, with Indian loops, tempo adjustment

[@HAENDEL_Music]

Without grounding???????????

[@h2o1969]

It seems cool, but I am a bit confused with the name.

[@1dkappe]

Right? Seems a very different animal than the nts-1.

[@Bod8998]

Still feels steppy

[@ColaIceCube]

this would be crazy if its a 1u module

[@jimbotron70]

Is the oscillator response a bit delayed, judging from the video? Your shirt 🤣

[@hermask815]

he put it on 20 ms put you can go down as far as 50 mikro sec.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

It would have been cool if they just combined the 1 and 2 into the same unit, at twice the thickness of the unit.

[@slowlife5543]

Duct tape my guy

[@user-vd3if4wq6m]

Bro try using it when your designing a KICK!!! Once i found Oscilloscope plugins my Bass Drum sound design skills went thru the roof. Its not all about "Ear..Feal" When designing percusive sounds that have small easy to remember waveforms.

[@MEGAMIAHX]

I own a lot of korg products, and I would never pay 229 for this, its functionality is super limited for the price, and you have to build it yourself. It is cool to look at but not 229 dollars cool.

[@BoBeats]

surprised?!

[@cakershake]

If I was Korg and I had sent this device to you then I would be a little bit annoyed about how rushed this whole video is not to mention you missing out some CORE features. You're videos are normally much better than this and it doesnt do justice to your normal content and to the product itself. If you can't give a prorper overview of this product then this video should really come down because you've missed ALOT here, ALOT!!!

[@ernestomartinez5296]

@@cakershake bro, just upload your own 😂

[@Prizm44]

It was a bit hard to judge from these clips, but the framerate of the oscilloscope looks a bit shit? 🤔

[@SirSybian]

nice molten thumbnail

[@drbop6951]

Hmmm, would have been better to see an actual NTS-1 big brother in the NTS-2 from Korg IMO.

[@bobrobertson9547]

Hand on a second….. “complimentary book”. From where?

[@pascalcoole2725]

I think it is absurdly expensive for something i made just using Arduino hardware.

[@Tconcept]

Korg didn't send me a free one.

[@siniquezu]

For that money wouldn't it make more sense to get a microfreak?

[@waynesilverman3048]

No silver box!

[@cakershake]

Hang on a second, you do know that you can draw pictures and write words using sound on this thing? I know you were in a rush but check out Loopops review of this to see what it can really do, it's fucking crazy! Have fun at Superbooth and stay safe

[@BoBeats]

Im sure theres a ton of small things I didnt highlight. Glad theres multiple perspectives and sources of info 👌

[@MrSilkydrew]

Kamalsabran Style

[@frenchtrace9862]

Superbooth is ruining me this year

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I disagree in My opinion the visual representation of the waves sound is directly connected to what you hear, for example the words "Fuxx" or "Cuxx" are harsh sharp sounding words and goes beyond just the meaning of the words. They sound harsh and aggressive because they are if you look at the wave it will be sharp and spiked. Words like "love" and "bubble" are soft looking rounded waves.

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

It's 220 quid and you build it yourself..

[@RobertKramer17]

After watching this and the Loopop tutorial... is it just a glorified oscilloscope? What a waste of an opportunity.

[@stefanimal5257]

It says 'oscilloscope' on the unit.

[@KimBjrn]

Nope - it's also a dual function generator with LFOs, exponential envelopes (both triggered as oneshots, or running/looping, two oscillators (droning synthesizer) - a tuner, FFT spectrum, and can be used as a trigger source too.

[@TimeScribe]

Very nice screen. Price announcement at Superbooth?

[@KimBjrn]

@AlgoCompSynth by znmeb I sure think you can :D