Korg NTS-1 Review
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1: Fun Build-it-Yourself Synthesizer
Why let someone else have all the fun of building your synthesizer when you can do all the manual labor? Korg's little NTS-1 electronic synthesizer comes in a little box as a do-it-yourself kit, and that's pretty neat. But don't let that scare you - no soldering is required, just a tiny screwdriver and a bit of patience. The NTS-1 is very easy to build. I'm terrible at assembling stuff, and I had this thing up and running in a few minutes without breaking a sweat. The Korg NTS-1 is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the world of synthesis.
Sounds Better Than You Expect
The Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Build Your Own Synthesizer Kit sounds like a $90 synthesizer, and that's part of the fun. How much sound can you get out of a $90 synthesizer?
This USB-powered single-oscillator monosynth delivers a distinctive sound that users can shape with its limited controls. Add some effects like reverb and delay to enhance the fun. The NTS-1 even has a capable arpeggiator! Not bad for 90 bucks. You're not going to blow away that Jupiter-8 with the NTS-1, but you will have fun exploring the basics of synthesizers.
The NTS-1 was one of my very first synthesizers, and to be honest, I didn't fully appreciate it until I played around with some much bigger and more expensive gear, and then returned to the NTS-1 to discover its basic, yet functional, workflow. I don't know that I would recommend this as your first synthesizer because the controls aren't intuitive for complete novices, but it is a good starting point after you understand the basics.
Single-Oscillator Fun
Once you’ve got it running, the NTS-1’s flexibility becomes apparent. Despite being a single-oscillator synth, it uses Korg’s logueSDK architecture (software development kit), which is the same engine found in Korg’s Minilogue XD and Prologue. That means you can load custom oscillators and effects created by developers or design your own if you’re feeling adventurous. This feature alone elevates the NTS-1 far beyond a simple toy like a 1980s Casio, even though I love a good 1980s Casio.
Connectivity is surprisingly generous for this little gadget, roughly the size of an Atari 5200 game cartridge. You’ve got MIDI in, sync in/out for use with Volcas or other Korg gear, and an audio input for processing external sound sources through its built-in effects. Plug in a drum machine or another synth, and you can add those Volca Korg reverbs and delays to almost anything. The USB connection doubles for both power and MIDI, making it easy to drop on a desk alongside a laptop or DAW setup.
The NTS-1’s digital oscillator section provides waveshapes including saw, triangle, square, and VPM (Variable Phase Modulation), while the multimode filter and onboard effects bring out tones that range from warm and vintage to bright and experimental. The little synth shines at ambient textures, quirky leads, and arpeggiated sequences. Paired with an external sequencer, it can become a surprisingly expressive instrument.
Don’t rely on it for deep, thunderous bass, but with tweaking, you can get some really pleasing plucks and leads. Add some external effects gear like guitar pedals, and you’ll be surprised at how far your $90 can go.
Physically, the NTS-1 is built from lightweight metal with little plastic knobs, giving it a distinctive DIY aesthetic. The small ribbon keyboard isn’t performance-friendly, but that’s not really the point. You can poke around with the ribbon for fun, but you’ll want to hook up a real MIDI keyboard or sequencer for serious playing.
You’ll find a standard 1/8” stereo headphone jack for audio out, a little volume knob, and even a speaker! Bring a USB battery and play the NTS-1 at the bar for your friends, or take a trek out into the woods and amuse the birds with your imagination. Try doing that with your fancy Minimoog!
In short, the Korg NTS-1 is a great entry point into synthesis. It’s not meant to replace a full synth setup, but it encourages experimentation and hands-on learning. Whether you’re customizing effects, layering it in a mix, or just tinkering late at night with headphones, it’s a charming little machine that continues to surprise long after you build it.
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