KORG NU:TEKT NTS-1 Synthesizer Review

In todays video I am building the new Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1. If you enjoy my videos support them: / bobeats
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[@UP-zq1ml]

I dont need one but I want one

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

1UP that makes two of us. And I have prologue 16 and ML XD. Lol

[@herbertdruschke503]

haha.....thanks for this essential statement, that is enough for me to justify myself.

[@georgekempson670]

@@herbertdruschke503 Yep, it ain't gonna break the bank either, bang for bucks it's a nifty bit of gear, plus it ain't gonna take up much desk-space. I'm soo tempted. ; )

[@georgekempson670]

I did eventually buy one and it's amazing, the engine is basically the Minilogue but with less in there but...i think the filters are much better than my Minilogue. Press any of the buttons and you can alter the sounds much more than it is out of the box, plus if you go on the Korg website, you can download a pile of other effects, fiters etc, from third party developers.

[@HotStrange]

@@georgekempson670 it’s not analogue though so it’s not nearly “basically the Minilogue engine”.

[@PaladinGunn]

Ok, that sounds INSANE for its size !

[@LeventeZone]

The fact that it has the Prologue / Minilogue XD user-writable oscillator + effects engine inside, at this price point it may be not just endlessly expandable, but as a developer platform, it opens up the possibility of many DSP hobbyists developing with the Korg SDK new OSCs and FXs. It would be a killer in schools, too as a super fun development platform.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Can't believe a sound that big comes out of a synth that small. Pretty rad.

[@GarHoover]

This is the ultimate evolution of the Monotron Delay! I can not wait to use this synth and upload custom oscillators!!!

[@HotStrange]

It’s not analogue though.

[@zoned7609]

@@HotStrange so?

[@ZombieLincoln666]

Shut up

[@humanoid9787]

@@zoned7609 so it's not a monotron delay lol The monotron delay is defined by its dirty analogue sound

[@goodboid]

I'm picking up the old Minilogue today. This little thing turns it into an XD! Korg is doing right by their customers.

[@jarkokoo]

Yeah, the old Minilogue accepting an external signal in is one really overlooked feature. I use my Volca Keys sometimes as an extra oscillator that way and I was also thinking about using this one for the same thing, when I first read the announcement of NTS-1.

[@HotStrange]

One of the main reasons KORG is still my favorite synth manufacturer after all these years.

[@crolodon8024]

Ah man but you'll be missing the filter from the xd...

[@steventaylor3789]

Fabulous value just for the effects. Perfect companion for my semi modular gear. Well done Korg.

[@ConwayBob]

Thank you for the demo/review. That is an incredible amount of synth power in such a tiny package and for such a tiny price.

[@lynnskaggs9356]

Everything Korg puts out just makes me want a Prologue. This looks really cool, though.

[@HotStrange]

Lmao I love this comment. Get one! One of the best synths I’ve ever owned.

[@metalplatedfacejob]

I have a 16 and love it. It just sounds good, the best in its price range and hits above it as well.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

If things go wrong, you can always change into BoBreaks ;) Designed in Japan, assembled in Sweden....

[@unclejohnthezef]

I wish we could see all your connections: headphones out to what, an amp? Speakers? What connects big keyboard to nts1, and which ports? What connects nts1 to daw?

[@urmumsbaps]

The out is probably going straight into an interface/mixer to be recorded, it doesn't sound like the audio we're hearing on the video is from a mic'd amp. There's no reason you couldn't run it into an amp though as long as you're careful about levels (and providing you convert it to mono, as the NTS is stereo out). I can see he's got something going into the MIDI in port so that will likely be what's connecting the keyboard to it. The MIDI in is a 3.5m TRS connection so you'd need to use a converter if your controller only has 5 pin MIDI out. As for the NTS1 to DAW connection, although it's not necessarily connected to a DAW here it does have USB MIDI, so you can send MIDI from your DAW via USB (this would also be another way of controlling it with the keyboard, assuming the keyboard is sending MIDI to the DAW)

[@chrislynch9364]

This little pocket battleship sounds fabulous! Possible poly chain hack in the future? 100€ 100$ and soon to be £100 is competitively priced, definitely on my shopping list when it hits the streets.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

This is what is missing from the MinilogueXD...an audio input. For $100.00 US, it is worth using as an effects loop on my mixer routing the stereo back in the returns.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Nice idea, indeed - a send/return effect unit

[@mattparr3038]

Good for a horror/thriller movie soundtrack

[@ChazSeamus28]

Sounds pretty good.. perfect for making music on the fly.. oh and at least it's not completely exposed like the pocket operator.. always need protection.

[@brandonheat4982]

Korg's answer to the following DYI Kits 1. Moog werkstatt 01 2. Dreadbox Lil Erebus 3. Modal Craft

[@mechmancannon]

Someone could buy five of these, or one Toraiz AS-1. The AS-1 can be taken apart and put back together too.

[@huwtraylor]

You're Swedish! Of course you can put it together!

[@wolfgang4468]

Thanks for sharing! Managed to assemble it after this. Just one thing (couldn't find s.o. mentioning it before): The 4 corners are meant to be broken off, so it's easy to put the board in without dismantling the case again.

[@randomcat1]

I hope Korg makes a plastic/silicone case for this, like the Pocket Operator Pro cases. Cause I don’t want to crush this, but I know I will.

[@mikevandebunt811]

With the metal corner pieces it should be pretty hard to crush.

[@BoBeats]

yeah it does feel pretty OK thanks to having a metal boddy. But I feel you. I want a case too

[@shufflephunk]

@@BoBeats check DichStudios

[@michalk2072]

This little thing is really impressive! And exactly what I wanted from KORG - effects from MInilogue XD and digital synth engine!

[@georgekempson670]

I bought one, it's brilliant. My only gripe is that although it came with the USB cable to power it up, there was no Midi cable. So after some checking out on what to get, it's a female Midi, to 3.5mm TRS audio type jack (Type A NOT B), which i've ordered.

[@pixelflow]

It may be little but its got the same horsepower as a Circuit or Mutable Instruments Oscillator!

[@Taprecords]

Sounds really cool! Reminds me of my korg little bits synth!

[@HotStrange]

Forgot about that thing. How do you like it? My SQ-1 has a dedicated “littleBits out” jack.

[@Taprecords]

@@HotStrange It’s a fun little gadget. 😎

[@HotStrange]

Lmao watching you assemble this is gonna be me when mine finally comes in. Mid-November they’re telling me. Can’t wait. Lovely demo on this and the Hydra! Edit 5:42 you did it!! I’m proud of you, my son.

[@BoBeats]

thank you dad

[@HotStrange]

BoBeats ❤️❤️🤣🤣🤣

[@KitsuneCentral]

Reminds me of the "Shruthi" that Mutable Instruments used to sell.

[@AllenDavisWV]

Any word on an approximate price point? Also, if Korg made DIY Volcas or even a synth kit with interchangeable modules, it could be a game-changer for the budget conscious musician!

[@BoBeats]

under 100 i heard

[@asleep909]

I see you were as enamored with this as I was when I played with it at Superbooth. Superbooth 19 was VERY eye opening...and i"m glad I got to go to Berlin to see it! Great video!

[@DuncanEscNJ]

What else did u like at superbooth?

[@mattcero1]

Scored on on Seattle CL for $80 and am routing three devices through it. It's a great bang for your buck device.

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Have been avoiding it due to the DIY nature it, but have recently started getting plugins for my Minilogue XD and figure the NTS-1 would give me another device to use them and one with a filter in to use other devices as well.

[@Popart-xh2fd]

These desktop modules should be the new paradigm, because who needs keyboards when they are so redundant?

[@pixelflow]

Korg's always done good with portable keyboardless synths, DS-10, the Kaossilator 2, Electribe 2! Roland is finally catching up with their MC101 (its totally not a novation circuit..) We need Yamaha to get back in the game too with a new QY groovebox with synth modeling..

[@HotStrange]

Nah I prefer a synth with a nice keybed. The desktop units are cool too. So why not both?

[@samuelcastelli5782]

Wow, huge sound! I want one now, this would pair great with the setup I have.

[@localtechnique]

Next build: Deckard's Dream?

[@BoBeats]

😬

[@HotStrange]

BoBeats 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@javiceres]

Clearly

[@SexyNinjaMonkey]

Cheap & easy... my kind of synth. Actually this seems like it might make the kind of sounds I have been trying to coax out of a meeblip triode (with no luck), I will have to look into this one a bit more.

[@scottglasgowmusic]

You and Loopop seem to be reviewing the same gear at the same time (Hydrasynth). Manufacturers sending out demo hardware?

[@BoBeats]

exactly. Nda and such

[@brandonheat4982]

@@BoBeats I'm curious... Since the novation Launchkey mini mk3 is released. You think the midi output on it is signal/voltage compatible to this? I appreciate your time sir.

[@RetroPlus]

It's really nice, it's a great pocket synth.

[@frankramrath8433]

I have one and it is so useful

[@josephwright5921]

Bo, you managed to make a completely different set of ethereal soundtrack sounds that I have not heard in any of the other reviews. I think this thing is a great little portable synth to take on vacation or a nice, cheap module and effects unit to add to the studio.

[@georgekempson670]

I've already got the Minilogue and MicroKorg, so this little but powerful fella should compliment them very well.

[@skankazdelight2030]

I got one of these and it's the bizz the price is good obviously the build of it could of been made better it has some limitations but that's not a bad i would definitely recommend to someone but if your gonna connect to a midi controller do a little bit of homework on what cable you get i was lucky to get one with out having to order another and don't quote me on this but I think it's b type not a only reason I say this is I got a midi to trs b boss cable and it worked straight away I could be wrong so please do a bit of research nothing more frustrating then getting the wrong cable and waiting longer , Big love and respect to all

[@tomfenn7149]

It sounds bloody amazing! Selling my Monologue now.

[@matstjean]

Don't! Use it in it!

[@josephwright5921]

Keep the Monologue and get this to go with it

[@flann5802]

nOOOoOooOo

[@josephwright5921]

I will buy your Monologue

[@HotStrange]

I hope you didn’t sell your Monologue.

[@georgeray3492]

Thanks for the video. Looks to be a nice build with a cup of coffee. Which MIDI adapter did you use? Does the Midi In adapter from Circuit work?

[@BoBeats]

the circuit one should work! Mine comes with a smaller jack (not normal mini jack) so i used it with the ik multimedia uno drum one. But the retail version will come with mini jacks

[@ireadysucks3026]

I have a usb midi (Minilab MKII) so would it work to plug the nts1 into my audio interface and plug the audio interface into my midi?

[@mickypoo4622]

Can my Korg Volca Keys do all of the same things that this can do?

[@ZK707]

Not even close

[@williamshaneblyth]

I heard you could just run anything else into it and only use it for an effects processor is this correct?

[@BoBeats]

Yes

[@williamshaneblyth]

@@BoBeats nice pity there is no way either onboard or by a computer to save or load your creations just the ability to firmware updates unless someone apart from Korg us doing something . I live in new Zealand and can't find anyone to buy the unit off anyway even though Korg N Z has it in their listings of equipment . Are they available in Sweden?

[@ElPoorKnow]

@@williamshaneblyth music planet. Auckland Wellington and online

[@leewightman8619]

Mine get delivered to day can't wait

[@SynthgodXXX]

Great review of the NU:TEKT NTS-1! Syncing this with my Minilogue XD will be sweet! A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[@tmtombass2126]

I am so looking forward to play...I mean making music with it. That is if I do not fail in assembling. I am a lousy craftsman. But when BoBeats succeeds ... ;-) BTW: manual is now available on the related product page at KORG website

[@hellah216]

Been waiting patiently since NAMM for this!!!!

[@howardanderson3061]

Sounds absolutely incredible! Thanks for review

[@mattcero1]

Great video Bo! I'm eye-ballin' one on CL for $90 already put together.

[@80Jay71]

Köpte just en NTS-1. Efter att ha slarvat bort en skruv får monterandet vänta tills flickvännen kommer. Dock kommer effekterna vara perfekt till mina Colcas. :)

[@adriengonzalesmusic]

Thanks for this great review Bo, now I want one ^^ By the way, how did you setup your synth ? Can you record directly in your DAW via USB cable / hear what you play in your monitoring speakers ? If you write MIDI notes in your DAW, you need to use the MIDI In of the synth if you want these notes to be played through the synth ? I'm asking because I've never bought a hardware synth, only plugin :)

[@BoBeats]

no audio over usb

[@imothy]

link to screwdriver set?

[@leondenengelsen1157]

Nice! Also the reverb sounds great in my opinion!

[@HotStrange]

Same one from the Prologue which is crazy for the price!

[@loris9920]

such a king

[@boing7644]

Really cool! Could compete with the cheaper pocket operators!

[@dversetto]

Korg will be at Knobcon this weekend. Maybe I can get one on Saturday!

[@OttosTheName]

Should be available 'in a couple months' according to Sweetwater. They were aiming for later this year / end of the year / Before christmas.

[@dversetto]

Could this be used to add a bit of XD functionality to the original Minilogue?

[@BoBeats]

not really :-(

[@board9919]

Well if you took midi out of the minilogue and into this thing and plug it into the audio in on the minilogue it should work right?

[@HotStrange]

Yes and no. You can process the OGs signal through its effects and run its audio into the Minilogue to sort of act as a 3rd oscillator but it won’t quite be the same as it wouldn’t be inserted into the full signal chain.

[@exnihilo7806]

Has a similar appeal as the pocket operators

[@davidholmes3776]

I’d like to see this being run from Circuit’s sequencer if you fancy doing a quick jam video...

[@BoBeats]

Want to buy a NTS-1? Use my affiliate link EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473592?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2OR10

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Could this be a poor persons answer to a Eventide Space? Anyone?

[@Caspirius]

Do you need to solder things into the pcb or just use a screw?

[@BoBeats]

no soldering

[@vieuetcon]

With our Peggy ater... Yt subtitles are killing me sometimes. Now ill feed my synth with Peggies, coz it has an our Peggy ater too...🤣

[@jefvancalster5162]

Does it come with software of some sort? Maby make a video on how the custom oscillator creation works. Also does it save and load patches?

[@CDJ-dy9tg]

Sounds like the arpegiator only has 1 pattern? Does the audio input pass thru the filters, envelope, lfo, arp etc.? Understandably the midi input does.

[@OttosTheName]

2:48 Really korg? 2.5mm Midi jack? We have a standard, it's 3.5... You are forgiven though, it's an amazing little machine for the money, I'll just cut up a Midi > Midi cable and solder it directly to the PCB and have it hanging out the 2.5mm hole. It's a DIY synth after all and I'm not paying €20 for an adapter cable. It does sound amazing though, I'd get it just to use as a portable effects processor with 3.5mm jacks, that's strangely hard to come by.

[@jc3drums916]

According to loopop (and Sweetwater's photos), the production version will have 3.5mm.

[@OttosTheName]

@@jc3drums916 Oh I watched his video, but must have missed that, that's better.

[@jc3drums916]

@@OttosTheName It wasn't in the video, I asked him in the comments. But I'm relieved too, one less thing I have to buy. I plan to get it mainly as an effects processor as well. If it can run more than one effect at a time like the XD, then it beats the Mini Kaoss Pad 2S. I don't know if it can handle Eurorack-level signals, but if it can, I'll probably buy two! That is, assuming there's a way to use it as an effects processor without having to hold a note manually to keep the gate high.

[@OttosTheName]

@@jc3drums916 Ah cool. It can handle 3 FX at the same time, Mod, Delay and Reverb. You don't have to hold a 'key'. I bet it won't be able to handle Eurorack signals, maybe the sync, but probably no CV input if that's what you mean. I've seen a lot of people commenting hoping for this and I'm planning on making a tutorial on how to use an Arduino Nano to make a simple 5volt powered 5$ CV to Midi converter. You might even be able to fit it inside the NTS-1.

[@jc3drums916]

@@OttosTheName Is the audio input post-filter/envelope, or pre-/post- selectable? On the Monologue, it's pre-, and you have to trigger the envelope for sound to pass through. I meant Eurorack-level audio signals, not CV. I don't have a pedal send/return module, and I don't necessarily want to send every voice through the same effects. It would be nice to be able to rout one voice through the NTS-1 and back into the rack. I don't expect it to handle something that hot, but if it somehow could, it would be amazing. I guess it wouldn't balance with the synth's own audio though.

[@dukeofpearl]

Souvenir by OMD sound at the beginning. Very nice! 🎶

[@PercivalThe23]

simple & nice design!

[@whormongrmuzik]

Really want one - hopefully it will have polychaining in the future

[@VJFranzK]

It's... a cyborg enhanced cassette tape

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Don't feel bad Bo- I am not very mechanically inclined either.

[@ALTARBEATZ]

LOVE IT!!! BEAST SYNTH

[@WorstViktorEU]

Really nice Bo, thanks for showing. I'm interested, do you know if it does midi over usb? (or did I miss it in the video?) Cheers!

[@djformalin]

Wow...electronic from IKEA - had mine to day 🎼

[@DaraM73]

Small? Nah, you’ve become giant!

[@dmitriiershov2203]

Wow, what keyboard is that ? Looks almost like NI but no 0_0

[@BoBeats]

SL MK3 from Novation

[@dmitriiershov2203]

Noooo waaay. If it still have Fatar keybed, then it’s more than perfect.

[@elshuffles]

good work bo

[@davidgoode7416]

Awesome!

[@erkohara]

So Bo, where can I buy one. Looks and sounds amazing

[@erkohara]

I see you're gracefully avoiding the question however I was on the phone with a German KORG representative and he said there would be an announcement in the following 2 days 😬👍

[@ImplosiveCatt]

Korg Synth comes with the cat food bowl or you ordered it separately?

[@ulfljung4630]

I got 2 of them!

[@New_Zealand_Music]

Hi there just wondering like some synthesizers you can plug in and trigger the sounds of synthesizers at the same time if I use a monosynth would it be possible Any help as usual would be thoroughly appreciated have a great day.

[@kostantinosmag2986]

Nice Video Thank you....

[@kicks880]

should i get one of these or volca samples 2.

[@t55a2]

Interesting wee thing- does it come with 3.5mm to MIDI cable?

[@spenzakwsx4430]

which midikeyboard are you using here?

[@thevanishingsaxon663]

This thing sounds like it can open up a portal to hell.... I need this in my life.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

My thoughts exactly! The Superbooth demo sounded promising but these first notes.... just blissful dark potential ;)

[@acsola3909]

Offensive to Teenage and other this crowdfunding stuff? Looks great, sound great, price great. Have a nice day, greetings from KORG.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

A platform for endless effects....not to even mention the synthesis options.

[@SlashnKashmir]

What do you think about latest news about NI? There are some rumours about they will bring monthly subscription.

[@BoBeats]

i dont know anything so no opinion

[@Jacob-ur3lh]

does anyone know how to get the delay to lock to a bpm via sync?

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Is the audio input mono, or stereo? I put my order in.

[@thatguynamedjalen]

spooky sounds

[@foundatlantis]

for 100 quid, this is excellent value for money!

[@vincefrommenton]

What is the brand of your midi keyboard ?

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Bad the instructions are not more comprehensive! You realise now this video will be everyone’s go to for building it ! Sounds pretty good.

[@BoBeats]

oh no don’t use my video as a guide 😬✌️

[@mikevandebunt811]

The final version should come with actual instructions. Bo got a pre-release review unit.

[@Latvian3Dman]

Sweet thingie

[@hoodooanimations6694]

Looks and sounds real nice for a small synth, more features than I'd expect for this price and size