KORG KAOSS PAD NTS-3 (and my first logue plug-in: a Phasing Looper!) // Review & tutorial

Download the Phase Loopop plugin for NTS-3, NTS-1, NTS-1 MK2, Minilogue XD and Prologue here:
► bit.ly/PhaseLoopop
Get access to my exclusive In-Complete Book of Electronic Music Ideas, Tips and Tricks, on my Patreon:
► / loopop
Check prices here (affiliate links don't cost you more but help the channel):
► Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
► Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/search_di...
► Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/XYkPE5
► Amazon: amzn.to/4dF6SNb
Other places I hang out:
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► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music: bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
Cool Holographic scopes?
► The scopes I use aren't real - I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle.
Gear in this video:
► Roland S-1
► Plugins by SineVibes
► My Phase Loopop plugin!
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 vs other NTS
1:40 Assembly
2:10 XY and Depth
2:45 Routing
3:05 Panel controls
4:45 Effect params
5:55 Hold/freeze
7:00 Connectivity
7:50 FX - filters
8:30 FX - mods
9:10 FX - delays
10:25 FX - reverbs
11:55 FX - misc
13:20 FX - distortion
14:30 FX - oscillators
15:00 User FX
16:10 Loopop FX!
20:55 Multi FX
25:20 Param menu
27:20 FX common
27:40 Misc settings
28:10 Librarian
29:10 Pros & cons
32:05 Outro
Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@VacancyOfDisco]

Dear Korg, THIS is what we (at least i) want for a new pro KAOSS pad. Please please PLEASE make a proper KP3 sized version of this with 1/4inch stereo i/o.

[@Calamindir]

And keep the same UI so we can load the same plugins into it

[@Sinevibes]

Thanks very much or featuring our upcoming plugins! This is such an incredible new platform. And we kindly welcome you and your son to the developer club 🙂

[@loopop]

Great work on yours and thanks but I’m just the QA guy - it’s all him :)

[@manonthelivingroad]

People of sinevibes , do you accept suggestions for future fx for the nts 3 platform?

[@JeffBaglot]

So RAD!!! and in general suggestions tend to help if it’s overlooked, but most designers are already trying to milk the hardware for all it’s got.

[@MrVoonix]

Do you know how fast the CPU is and how much RAM it has? Or could find out? Thanks

[@TheFatdust]

will you ever make another gem, like Typhon, with Dreadbox? Pretty Please!!

[@Blackholeheart]

As I thought this is a definite buy for me, simple, cheap and powerful as you and your son demonstrated. So glad to see innovation returning to the entry level of the market.

[@RJ_Eckie]

I’ve had a pre-order on this since the day it was announced. It’s looking to turn out incredibly powerful!! I’m excited

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Absolutely fantastic...and such a contrast to its disastrous recent bigger sibling! Was already excited for this (as an NTS-1 and Modwave fan) but did not expect it to be this amazing. Tactile heaven :)

[@huntersandell859]

Damn! I am a super fan of the original Kaosspad and Kaossilator. So happy about this!

[@JonMurray]

Awesome! I’ve been waiting for this little thing! Love that they’ve made it open for developers too. Cracking vid as always mate.

[@PaulvanEgmond]

That's a really nice box! Thanks for showing it off so thoroughly

[@videolabcreators]

yesss! so glad I pre-ordered this, been wanting a Kaoss pad for years!

[@MrVoonix]

Can we all appreciate how amazing it is that you worked with your son on developing an effect. This will have a huge positive impact on him.

[@ukbloke28]

depends what the effect was. an ethereal shimmer would surely make him a better person, but a distortion or ring mod would increase his evil.

[@raysubject]

@@ukbloke28 😀😀😀

[@raysubject]

@@ukbloke28 An imagine it is vocoder !! It may even increase his robotness or aliennness ..

[@minimal3734]

Glad I had this pre-ordered on the annoucement day. It's going to be an awsome creative tool with multiple instances of the phasing looper with effects between them.

[@loopop]

Thanks! And yes, with two the craziness is already over the top, I didn't try more yet (had to run off to Superbooth...)

[@neonblack211]

Korg really knocked it out of the park with this one

[@JGlassy]

Really enjoyed this review, and love your son’s contribution! Great food for thought on this NTS-3!

[@benreiter7218]

Damn, these effects sound incredible for that tiny little box!

[@avetisk]

Thank you so much for the loopop FX! I can’t wait to test it on my minilogue XD! 🙏

[@loopop]

Awesome thanks and enjoy!!

[@SRDhain]

Hi Ziv, your reviews are thorough & engaging. Thank you🌅

[@MakerFarmNL]

This device is creative in Multiple ways. This piece of hardware I understand, whereas with many hardware devices nowadays I really doubt if they have something to offer that software can't do better and more versatile. Nice that there is an DSK with this effect unit, that makes it enter another level of making it your own. Thanks for the nice reviews... You are an Icon on youtube!

[@thesrabbit]

Your son did a great job! That’s a really nice and very useful effect.

[@subradial]

Awesome, love it, great video as usual!

[@James-Deep]

Stereo in and out is cool. Great way to level up an older synth with the effects and filter. Nice

[@THR-zf6ti]

I really like my tiny NTS2 Oszilloscope and I own a good old Kaoss Pad 3 - which is so nice for live gigs. NTS3 is ordered - so cool!

[@CSannasDR]

Bought the NTS-2 on your recommendation, was a fun build and a cool introduction confidence booster to the DIY aspects of synths. This one looks as flimsy, but a cool addition to the collection.

[@radfaraf]

Looks even cooler than the early videos from a while back.

[@flazay_da]

nice to finally see this thing in action

[@jkirchheimer]

I will buy it just for the loopop fx alone. What a great tool to create atmos

[@loopop]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@cheliozlatchkeykid7886]

Can’t wait to take this thing to a liveset. Nice little helper. 👌

[@dosgos]

That is incredible!

[@xlat808]

What a fun father-son project!

[@cthulholmhastur5317]

LOOP! That hall reverb sounds mighty! That effect u designed...EPIC AF! UR SON is a chip off the old block, bro.

[@audiowanderer]

on my list and... that phase looper is ace. Good job, Loopop Jr.

[@2.Plus.2.Equals.5]

I find the ability to create your own effects using an SDK most interesting. I've researched programming VSTs a little bit and while the JUCE framework seems to be amazing, this seems like a cool little tool. Korg always whipping up something neat.

[@amslu]

Great design philosophy by Korg. Perfect for hobbyist electronic astronauts 🧑‍🚀

[@ben1210]

Kaosstronauts?

[@johnsterthemonster9181]

Loopop giving props to his son. Badass.

[@perspecsmusic]

Hope this is successful enough for Korg to put the custom plugin system into a more road worthy Kaoss pad 🤞

[@night_speed]

omg it's worth it for the decimator alone. anyone who had/has the Korg ES1 knows what I'm talking about. can't wait to get mine.

[@stephengibson848]

holy hat! amazing video❤

[@Cerialyeti]

I think this is going to be really popular. I'll purchase it as soon as it's available. The price is good, below 200 EUR.

[@jonaseggen2230]

Your son's looper is reason enough to get this pad

[@KorhanErel]

Phase Loopop is beautiful!

[@loopop]

Thanks!!

[@jaderington]

I've been suffering from really bad G.A.S recently. This will be a great relief to my unfortunate problem. Even I could assemble this , I think 🤔

[@Sandelec-gm2cl]

I had all Kaosspad models from 2001. Now I have the miniKP2s and the Kaosspad Quad. But this new..will be my next purchase..😅 Well done effects explain✌🏻

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Having tried, and failed, to load any third party fx onto the NTS-1, I’m pleased to see that the process here appears easier (ie. possible). Interesting to see how nicely this plays with the much much bigger standalone box that is the Syntrx II- there’s a synth crying out for a little fx unit like this!

[@AnomieDomine]

NTS-1 was the first time I ran into the Windows only likes the first 10 midi "devices" problem, later ran into it with updating other completely unrelated instruments, did you try that solution?

[@andreash3906]

​@@AnomieDomine Same here, after some initial frustration figured out this was the problem.

[@aaronbenjaminwexler]

Super props to your son on the Steve Reich!

[@mrfeenix1]

I've stil got the Original KP and what a noisy thing it is too!! This sounds amazing !! Def on my to buy list! :)

[@TheFatdust]

great video as always, this guys will fly like hot pies.

[@bci3937]

looks good, sounds good, great edit possibillities, small....feels pretty good at all

[@jthek2000]

Looks like a great partner for the Rumble Of Ancient Times.

[@promisingyoungster2727]

Great review! ❤️ one question: does it allow midi program change? Like can programs be called via midi? (Is the manual available online anyway?) Thanks!

[@fairyfingers]

Thanks for this review, I'm diying to try my Enya guitar on that guy😁

[@schmapps1]

Can you recall/load programs by sending program changes to the unit?

[@colmmadden8526]

Love your plugin. Congrats to your son..

[@SonicVibe]

Great 👍 video as always

[@danwentz]

Preordered!

[@Farmatique]

Nice! Seems to be a good companion to Microfreak which lacks of any effects

[@michaelscottpettis]

This is awesome

[@frankschneider7190]

thanks for another great video! So I know at this point that I do not need that FX.

[@osmancan6132]

this is great, thanks

[@Moonwaterz-nh9sf]

Heavy Oxygene pt4 vibes at 0:47

[@j.s.8933]

Great video as always :) I would be really interested to know how the compressor would work as a master to give my end signal a bit of compression. Do you know if that would work well?

[@loopop]

Thanks! It should if the other effects are indicative of the quality here, but I have not tested it yet (traveling now)

[@TheSunshineGroup]

Wait can I more or less use this as a midi controller for the XY on the MPC? Using the MPC’s XY is very inconvenient in live performance

[@manublond118]

Thanks again for this great review 🙏 Question : do you know if this NTS-3 could be compatible and be mounted in a modular case ( like the Plinky ? ) Thanks.

[@loopop]

I'm not by it to measure it (Superbooth...) but even if it was the same size, there's no eurorack power connector in the back, so you'll need to find a way to get USB power to it. Ping me with another comment next week and I'll measure it!

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

I've been waiting for a demo of this as I have Sinevibes plugins (amongst others) for the Minilogue XD, yet that synth lacks audio in and it would be nice to use those effects on more instruments. Apparently, the Logue SKD is different on this, however, though Sinevibes is porting over their plugins at least.

[@TheSunshineGroup]

Honestly, how is the noise floor? I stopped using my KP3 in live performance because it made my tone a little…weird. This new KP makes me excited but I can’t imagine using this as my master FX and having everything go through a Korg sound card. Idk how is use this in my setup…

[@loopop]

audio out seems OK to me. like I mention in the video, there were some combos that made more noise than others, I don't know which device is to blame for that

[@adams.555]

Great review as usual? Im new to this so my question might appear silly: Would this work in conjunction with Strega for example?

[@loopop]

Thanks! You might need to keep levels low so it doesn't distort but it should work

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

Ill probably stick with my KP3, but this is cool 👍 Very cool effect, btw ✌️

[@valdir7426]

I've mostly stayed away from hardware effects since I use them mostly as set and forget but if this hits an interesting price point that may change, this is a fun interface, and if you can add quality sinesvibes effects that could become more than a gimmick (if I can get over the annoyance of dealing with minijack stereo). I can also see this as a minimal remote control for live, like if you have your plugins controls set up in a certain way and this as 3 "knobs" ableton remote you can instantly tweak your effect once you click on it. or even a synth (like cutoff/res/env mod for depth). Don't know if that little knob is assignable

[@user-iy4ih7dj4n]

Great, i love my Prologue, the custom plugins are so good. A pro version would be great though

[@andreash3906]

Hm, trying to decide between this or the new Zoom Ms70+... Mainly for delays and reverb sends.

[@andreash3906]

@@rybakarol I'm leaning a bit more towards the Zoom. I have the Nts1 and while it certainly has it strengths, it also really has some quirks which is why I literally never use it. Also the Nts3 looks more intented for live tweaking, while I'm looking for more of a nice static effect to send to some of my mixer channels.

[@andreash3906]

Any hums or background noise when the unit is powered by usb? This was my major issue with the original NTS-1.

[@loopop]

It can only be powered by USB, but yes if you connect it (and almost every other device I tried) to computer USB power, you'll need a ground loop isolator

[@dustbunnies3090]

Wow! I really wasn’t that interested in this until I saw Loopop Phase (i already have a kp-1 & kp-3). Cool stuff! Question: Is there any mode where the pad itself *only* affects the effect currently in “focus” with the FX buttons? I’d like to load up 2-4 slots with just Loopop Phase, then use the pad to feed audio into only one slot each at a time. Is that possible?

[@loopop]

Glad you like it :) I'm at Superbooth so can't test for sure, off the top of my head I don't think that's possible (unless we add a "stop listening to audio" parameter which of course we can, noted!), but it seems like it would be something nice to have on NTS-3 regardless if you wanted to quick swap between effects in the same program but only use one at a time. I'll try and see if there's something when I get back home, and regardless add that to the feature request list (no promises though!)

[@dustbunnies3090]

Awesome. I would actually be surprised if Korg were not able to implement *some* sort of isolation for the pad control. That would severely limit the efficacy of the multis, as you would either need to make some effect slots completely static (thus losing a lot of performance options and making the patch more boring), or else risk turning your signal path into a hot mess by tweaking all 4 slots at once. It’s great of you guys to think about a feature workaround for your plugin if Korg made a design glitch here. And no promises: completely understandable and the attempt is much appreciated, no matter the outcome! Thanks so much for looking into it, and hope you have a blast at Superbooth!!.

[@regularmenthol]

Thank you for your plugin which saves me $800 on a Soma Cosmos :D

[@loopop]

This does about 2% of Cosmos... (though Ratio is unique to us!)

[@regularmenthol]

@@loopop haha yeah i know… i fear my wallet will soon be $800 lighter, in addition to whatever this costs

[@franksampedro5731]

Is the 4-second limit on your phase looper a limitation of the hardware itself, or would we be able to design an 8-second (for example) looper?

[@loopop]

I think the maximum could be 8 seconds if we implemented it differently and had more time - we didn't optimize it because 4 seemed like enough - you could probably design a longer looper beyond 8 seconds if you gave up stereo, or I guess maybe reduce the bit depth/sample rate

[@jaygeedeepbro]

So for loopop phaser for NTS-1 it’s just a looper with loop decay? You can’t set the loops to different lengths right?

[@loopop]

On the NTS-1 the loops still phase against each other, you just can't change the ratio between them. The time control lets you make both loops longer and shorter simultaneously . The effect will works pretty nicely!

[@ElGuatequero]

Its funny that this one gest the Usb C and the Kaos Replay that cost almost 10 times more have one micro usb for the computer.

[@AlexanderCook87]

This, sweet baby jeezus this.

[@phelper4554]

After the release of the disappointing kaoss replay this will be bought for sure 😊

[@RobertFisher1969]

So, if I assign all the parameters to none and turn on hold (or was it freeze), can I easily just use it as a multi-effects unit without having to touch the pad?

[@loopop]

yes

[@fiftyshadesofurban]

This is amazing! I definitely am getting your effect when I get this. Where is it Patreon?

[@loopop]

Thanks! It’s not on Patreon as it was developed by my son so revenue goes to him

[@Pastryarchy]

I was just looking for release videos on this yesterday Devastated you didn't splice in some slap-bass for the sine-fold demo

[@loopop]

D’oh!

[@MrMargaretScratcher]

"What's the *deal* with waveforms?"

[@myblueextremes1526]

Not sure if I missed it, but can you recall the effects once you've edited and saved them? So, when you switch on the unit, you have the effects in a state that's been user edited?

[@loopop]

you can save the effects groups in the 200 program slots. I'm not by the unit to test if there's autosave...

[@myblueextremes1526]

@@loopop Interested to know if it's possible to recall edited patches. The lack of recall is what ultimately put me off the NTS1. Having to edit reverbs every time you want to use them on a specific sound isnt very user friendly.

[@brumd]

Currently it is listed on Thomann with a €149 price tag, which looks very reasonable to me; it might very well end up in my setup. After watching this review, one important thing remains unclear to me: I own an original NTS-1, and the most annoying thing is that once you the power goes off (or goes to sleep mode) it forgets everything and you'll have to start from scratch. (I solved that problem by building a dedicated knob-per-function (that's a modest 26 knobs) MIDI controller for it). So, question is, what happens when you power off the NTS-3? Does it remember any edits you made to an effect? Or only those that have been saved in a menu slot? Maybe it is mentioned somewhere in the video and I missed it.. ??

[@loopop]

Hey - I took off to super booth so I can’t test it :/ but you can definitely save programs with all the parameters, it’s very quick to do that even if it doesn’t auto save changes

[@brumd]

@@loopop O yes, I''ll be at Superbooth this fr&sa, i might have a hands-on test there. :)

[@alexandrosroussos]

Great review. I would guess the Loopop phaser also works with the Drumlogue's user FX (logueSDK 2) ?

[@PhilanderingBastard]

There is a file for the NTS-1 MK2. Are they compatible?

[@loopop]

Thanks! No, we've not compiled a version for Drumlogue yet - because Drumlogue is so rhythmic and Phase Loopop is kind of the opposite - I figured it wouldn't be a good fit, but if there's demand it's not a big deal to compile it for that too...

[@alexandrosroussos]

@@loopop this could make sense, not necessary for the drums but for the also built-in logueSDK multi-engine or to use with samples. There is basically an NTS-1 mkII in there.

[@yourcitysleeps]

Finally!!!

[@koalemos1679]

This and the NTS1 Mkii are the best thing KORG has put out in so long. Why is there no Electribe 3? Seriously. The E2 is so close to being amazing. Give it twice the poly count and give it 2 full envelopes. Make it not dumb expensive. I'll buy 2.

[@andreash3906]

True, it should be a crime to leave the electribe series the way it is.

[@koalemos1679]

@andreash3906 Especially considering the Electribe 2, while very very janky, is still pretty good in 2024. It's like a Axcess Virus from Temu.

[@avhdb3]

Great review... was hoping it's posting included an: "AVAILABLE IMMANENTLY" disclaimer... I regrettably gave away my original KAOSSILATOR ;-( and also very first electronic instrument) The original KAOSSILATOR's two SE looper programs were days of fun.... BUT your review makes it abundantly apparent that *ANY* oscillator *CAN* do that in a chain!!! Or 2 can, or any input can (hopefully input can also be excluded from individual FX slots) Your review elevates the NTS-3 from a "would like" to a "buy as soon as available" - and I'll 100% use your affiliate link!

[@avhdb3]

Can I get a "No Comment" on availability? You clearly have a manual, which is a nice step towards... ready for order Also, of your affiliates, who give you the best kickback?

[@avhdb3]

bought it - Amazon, with your link!

[@DrunkenDemon]

Two tiny pieces of gear: listen to al this spaaaaaaaaceeeeee! Nice :)

[@AutisticCuriosity]

I’m wondering if chatGTP 4 could programme an effect for this just from a voice description?

[@loopop]

I tried, it comes out a mess, you still need to know how to program

[@joelboddicker7846]

I’m thinking of giving my wife the NTS-1 or NTS-3 for her birthday. She has a Microfreak and I was looking to give it a reverb but all the other effects would be awesome. Does either the NTS-1 or NTS-3 sound better or do the effects sound the same? What would do better for static reverb?

[@loopop]

Both have a nice reverb, the NTS-3 will give you more other options

[@MrVoonix]

Do you know how fast the CPU is and how much RAM it has? Or could find out? Thanks

[@kopiller]

from the pics on korg website i can say its an stm32h72 single core arm.m7 at 550mhz and a ram of 564kb

[@MrVoonix]

@@kopiller 550mhz is awesome. 500kb ram isn't a lot. but all the awesome 90s effect used even more and created legendary sounds.

[@clausanders2886]

Where can I get the App(Korg Kontrol Editor for Windows)? And any way to push Korg for allowing MIDI-In and Out? Edit: I found it with Edge on the Korg Website. FireFox doesn't show the files.

[@loopop]

Glad you found it. This has MIDI in and out - I show in the video how to swap the two jumpers so the sync jacks behave as MIDI i/o, or you can send/receive over USB

[@clausanders2886]

@@loopop I remember now. But the SDK has no means for a noteon/off callback for the NTS-3, od does it?

[@loopop]

@@clausanders2886 right now the SDK cannot see or generate MIDI. You can still create plug-ins that play notes using the touchpad just without MIDI

[@user-rq4vx2hg7t]

nice video, i can replace my red kaosilator now.

[@robotriddims]

Great vid! Got one on the way - out of interest does anyone know what max loop length is on the loopop.looper?

[@loopop]

@@robotriddims thanks for your interest! It’s 4 seconds

[@robotriddims]

@@loopop great, thank you!

[@KarateWerewolf]

I'd actually like a well built solid version of this. I feel like this would fall apart.

[@va941]

Am buying this just to have a midi XY controller, its wild that nothing else exists.

[@AnomieDomine]

Couldn't a laptop touchpad or any touchscreen do this with a computer?

[@manonthelivingroad]

​@AnomieDomine not as straight forward like this

[@AnomieDomine]

@@manonthelivingroad I agree and think the benefit is their SDK but it would be interesting to see more user generated interfaces, I'm not an expert here but basic MIDI and modular connections are not too complex for an amateur hobbyist with time, and as an outsider it seems like not many people DIY since they have different backgrounds and just a few companies do more experimental stuff (Critter & Guitari for one)

[@manonthelivingroad]

@AnomieDomine totally agree with you. Maybe it's a niche market, and it's hard for me to see what are the most common needs regarding user interface devices

[@va941]

@@AnomieDomine yes, but also no, i mean, how hard is it to make a simple xy touchpad, sub 80€ smallish form factor,...not gong to hit those specs with a laptop etc

[@lat3shift]

An Eurorack version would be cool (with cv input for all the params) 😊

[@manonthelivingroad]

You might want to check 1010 music fx box (or bitbox with fx box firmware) it's really good

[@justjoeblow420]

I was interested in one of these when they where announced to program my own effects on it, but then totally forgot about it when I basically lucked into a Norns because a buddy wanted to switch out his Norns Shield for the Shield XL and bought me a kit as payment for assembling his for him. Still a rather interesting little device even if I don't have as much of a use for it now.

[@Turak_64]

Compared to the KP3, this is missing 2 huge functions: Pad Motion and Hold. However having multiFX is a massive improvement, something I was the KP3 had.

[@dc9662]

Are you going to review the new Polyend tracker?

[@loopop]

Not in the near future but I am interested so we’ll see

[@cemdasou]

What are alternatives to the NTS-3?

[@loopop]

there are plenty of multi effects boxes out there, I discuss pros and cons in the pros and cons

[@MrVoonix]

So jealous of your son! Can you also be my dad? :D The effect sounds amazing. Congrats!

[@PeterJensen7]

FX IN SELECT offers Stereo, Mid and Side, instead of Stereo Left and Right, meaning you can't use this to process two mono signals with independent effects, as the routing setups would suggest you might. Mid/Side is an interesting choice, I just would've liked to see Left and Right as well, and then I could use this as a general purpose fx unit for two mono signals which might double its delivered value for nothing more than a software configuration option. Boss also did this limitation on some of their FX pedals like the RV-500, really just trying to make us buy more units I think, 20 years ago nearly all stereo multi FX units offered the dual mono-to-stereo configuration. I suppose if desperate I could build a mid-side encoder to defeat the crippleware? Thanks btw for the best synth walkthrough vids available!