Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit

Product Information

Out-of-the-box the oscillator can generate virtual analogue Sawtooth, Triangle and Square waves and VPM waveforms. Variable Phase Modulation (VPM) is Korg's take on FM synthesis found originally in the Prophecy and Z1. In the Prologue the VPM oscillator has 16 types whereas here we appear to have the one carrier/modulator algorithm. It starts with a really throaty sound and then clangs its way to crisper tones as you dial in the overtones. And then there's the last oscillator type which is the Custom/User Multi-Engine Oscillator/Effect engine widget, which we'll come to later.

The Nu:Tekt NTS-1 digital KIT is a unique, flexible, and easy DIY synthesizer that you can easily assemble yourself (tool included), without any soldering. It might be a build-your-own pedal, but that doesn't mean it's difficult! Korg give you the customisation of a DIY pedal together with the convenience of a pre-built device thanks to their streamlined build process. It doesn't require any soldering and includes all the tools you'll need to build your effect. In fact, it's the fastest and easiest pedal to assemble in the Nu:Tekt series! Authentic tube tones The NTS-1 is a kit synth, which means you have to build it before you play it! Don’t worry about heating up the soldering iron though, it’s easy to do, only requires a Phillips screwdriver to put together and is a pretty fun process. Some users have even gone so far as to make custom wooden end cheeks for theirs so the potential for personalisation is high. Make new and as-yet undiscovered sounds – from traditional fuzz, to out-of-this world distorted sounds - by mixing the different distortion circuits. A wide range of sonic possibilities means you can use HD-S with guitars, bass guitars, synths, and more – anywhere you’re looking for new and unique sounds. A wide selection of filters (Low pass 2/4-pole, High pass 2/4-pole, Band pass 2/4-pole and OPEN mode, all with resonance) give you serious control over the overall tone of the oscillator.

Specifications

In his own words: "As of 2023, 61 years have passed since the first compact effects unit, the Maestro Fuzz-Tone, was released. Even nowadays, distortion-based effects including overdrive and distortion are the mainstay for guitar effects units, and the vast majority of these effects units are simply rehashing the sounds of the past. For this reason, we've developed a new kind of distortion based on harmonic synthesis that covers both traditional and all-new sounds." Specifications

Thanks to its ribbon controller, simple interface and display, the NTS-1 can be played and enjoyed very intuitively. Deeper parameter changes are also possible with several combinations of buttons / knobs, furthering the possibilities. Don’t let its size fool you; NTS-1 goes deep but keeps it all easily accessible. Out of the box, the NTS-1 synth features saw, triangle, square and VPM (variable phase modulation) oscillators, along with one user oscillator: Waves. Saw, triangle and square are what you’d expect, boast a pleasing digital edge, and operate as described in the section on control. The VPM and Waves oscillators, however, prove more sonically diverse. VPM is Korg’s version of FM synthesis, which creates harmonically complex tones. Waves, meanwhile, is a wavetable oscillator with ring modulation and bitcrusher effects that, when deployed correctly, can make for wonderfully unpleasant sounds and textures.The fun isn’t over after you finish building the NTS-1. The screws on the side panels are long enough to let you easily attach custom side panels. Meet a build-it-yourself pedal that delivers the warmth and response of a tube amp. The Nu:Tekt TR-S uses a Nutube to deliver previously unachievable compression thanks to an exclusive patent-pending technology — meaning that you get the feel of a tube amp even when recording or playing through a transistor amp. The reverbs prove especially suited to leads and atmospheric drones. Hall and plate are impressive staples but the special effects reverbs Space, Riser and Submarine lift this synth to another level, especially for its price. By adding pitch-shifting to the reverb tail – both upwards and down – these add a warped polish to sounds that might otherwise be a bit anaemic. Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided.