Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital mkII DIY Synthesizer & Effects Kit

The Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital mkII is a compact DIY digital synthesizer and effects kit designed for hands-on sound creation, sequencing and integration with other electronic music equipment. Building on the original NTS-1, the mkII introduces a new 18-key multitouch keyboard, an 8-step sequencer, increased processing power, expanded MIDI connectivity and a wider selection of oscillators and effects.

Why choose the Korg NTS-1 mkII?

• Compact DIY digital synthesizer and multi-effects processor
• New 18-key multitouch keyboard for playing and sequencing
• Built-in 8-step sequencer with live and step recording
• Expanded oscillator, modulation, delay and reverb effects
• USB-C, MIDI IN/OUT and SYNC IN/OUT for easy integration with other gear

Powerful digital synthesis engine

The NTS-1 mkII features an upgraded processor and a flexible synthesis engine built around a VCO, multimode filter, envelope generator and three LFOs. The increased processing power allows for new oscillator types and more complex sound processing, giving you plenty of scope for creating everything from leads and basses to unusual textures and experimental sounds.

18-key multitouch keyboard

A new 18-key multitouch keyboard replaces the ribbon-style controller found on the original NTS-1. It provides more precise control when playing the synth and supports polyphonic MIDI note messaging, making the mkII more capable as both a standalone instrument and a controller within a larger setup.

Built-in 8-step sequencer

The integrated 8-step sequencer provides both live and step recording modes, with individual control over note velocity and gate length. An autosave function preserves your settings, making it easy to return to your sequences and ideas during future sessions.

Expanded modulation and effects

The NTS-1 mkII includes an extensive collection of built-in effects covering modulation, delay and reverb. Modulation options include Chorus, Ensemble, Phaser, Flanger, Soft Clip, Hard Clip, Sine Fold and Fuzz, allowing the unit to work as much more than a standalone synthesizer.

An external 3.5mm stereo audio input lets you process other instruments and audio sources through the NTS-1 mkII. Incoming audio can also be incorporated into FM, AM and ring modulation, opening up further possibilities for experimental sound design.

MIDI and sync connectivity

Expanded connectivity makes the NTS-1 mkII easy to incorporate into hardware-based music setups. Separate MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connections are provided alongside SYNC IN and SYNC OUT, while MIDI CC support across most parameters provides greater control from external sequencers and controllers.

A USB-C connection provides power and further integration with compatible equipment, replacing the older USB connection of the original model.

Custom oscillators and effects with logueSDK

One of the most distinctive features of the NTS-1 mkII is its support for Korg's open-source logueSDK. Users and developers can create and load custom oscillators and effects, allowing the instrument's sound engine to be expanded beyond its factory configuration.

The open DIY design also allows more adventurous users to customise the hardware itself, with schematics and development resources available for creating personalised modifications.

Compact DIY design

Supplied as a kit, the NTS-1 mkII is designed to be assembled by the user, adding a hands-on element to the experience before you even start making sounds. Once assembled, its compact 129 × 78 × 39mm footprint and 122g weight make it easy to add to a desktop synthesizer setup or take with you for portable music making.

Ideal for

• Electronic musicians and synthesizer enthusiasts
• Compact desktop and portable music setups
• Hardware sequencing and MIDI-based setups
• Processing external instruments with effects
• Modular and sync-based electronic music setups
• Sound designers wanting expandable oscillators and effects
• Musicians interested in DIY and customisable synthesizer hardware