Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $105
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Kit". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the Korg NTS-1, the DIY synthesizer that you can assemble yourself, without any soldering. This pocket-sized marvel is the first of its kind from KORG's Nu:Tekt brand, packing a powerful synth and multi-effects engine into a compact form you can take anywhere. With its monophonic digital oscillator, multimode filter, on EG, three LFOs, and three stereo effect processors, the NTS-1 is a potent, flexible, and fun synth to explore.
The NTS-1 brings a whole new level of customization to your fingertips. It is completely compatible with the logue-SDK, making it possible to run any custom oscillator and effect content available for minilogue xd and prologue. Moreover, it's equipped with AUDIO IN, SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, and MIDI IN connectors, allowing for easy integration with other hardware and software. You can control it using external MIDI controllers and sequencers, use it to modify any audio signal with its robust digital effects, or even sync it to other hardware and jam along.
Key Features:
- DIY synthesizer kit that you can easily assemble without any soldering
- Monophonic sound engine with one digital oscillator, one multimode filter, on EG, three LFOs
- Compatible with Korg’s logue-SDK for custom oscillator and effects content
- Equipped with AUDIO IN, SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, and MIDI IN connectors for easy integration with other hardware and software
- USB micro-B powered for portability
- Powerful onboard effects units inspired by those on KORG’s minilogue xd
- Fun and practical arpeggiator with several patterns available, scales, and numerous note orders
- Ribbon keyboard for intuitive play and deeper parameter changes
- Comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including "Ozone Elements"
- Customizable experience with the ability to easily attach custom side panels
Owner's manual
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Kit User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Desktop Synthesizer Kit |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Type of Keys | 18-note Ribbon Strip Touch Keys |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Oscillators | 1 x Digital Oscillator |
| Waveforms | Sawtooth, Triangle, Square, VPM (virtual phase modulation) |
| Envelope Generator | 1 x EG |
| LFO | 3 x LFO |
| Filter | 1 x Multimode Filter (lowpass, bandpass, highpass, open) |
| Effects Types | Reverb, Modulation, Delay |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x 1/8" (audio in) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" |
| MIDI I/O | 1 x 1/8" TRS Type A (in) |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/8" (sync in), 1 x 1/8" (sync out) |
| USB | 1 x Micro-B |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered |
| Power Usage | 500mA |
| Height | 1.54" |
| Width | 5.08" |
| Depth | 3.07" |
| Weight | 4.37 oz. |
FAQs
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What makes the Korg NTS-1 unique compared to other synthesizers?
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The Korg NTS-1 is a compact, digital monophonic synthesizer that stands out due to its DIY kit format, allowing users to build it themselves. It features a versatile digital oscillator, an arpeggiator, and built-in effects, making it a flexible tool for sound design.
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Is the Korg NTS-1 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Korg NTS-1 is suitable for beginners, especially those interested in learning about synthesizer assembly and sound design. Its simple interface and DIY nature provide an educational experience while offering powerful sound capabilities.
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Can the Korg NTS-1 be used with external MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Korg NTS-1 can be connected to external MIDI devices via its MIDI IN connector. It also supports USB connectivity, allowing integration with computers and other MIDI controllers.
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What types of sounds can the Korg NTS-1 produce?
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The Korg NTS-1 can produce a wide range of sounds using its digital oscillator, which includes sawtooth, triangle, square, and VPM waveforms. It also features a multimode filter and built-in effects like reverb, modulation, and delay for further sound shaping.
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How is the Korg NTS-1 powered?
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The Korg NTS-1 is powered via USB, making it convenient to use with a computer or a USB power bank. This feature enhances its portability and ease of use in various settings.
Videos
loopop
KORG NUTEKT NTS-1: Full review // Here's everything it can do
Reviews
PROS
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Great for beginners, easy to use
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Compact, portable design
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Customizable with 3rd party software
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Excellent multi-effects processor
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High-quality effects, especially reverb
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Complex arpeggiator enhances playability
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Supports external MIDI control
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Can process effects for other instruments simultaneously
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Inexpensive for its feature set
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Assembly is straightforward and satisfying
CONS
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Tiny, unresponsive ribbon keyboard
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No ability to save presets on the device
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Some users report noise issues, requiring fixes
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Limited control with few knobs, shared functions
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Volume control is imprecise
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Some build quality concerns, processor can max out
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Specific MIDI cable needed, not included
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Kit.
Mods and upgrades
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Open-source hackable, allowing installation of custom patches and effects, enhancing its versatility.
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Some owners recommend using Seadream brand 3.5mm right angle extension cables to prevent wear on the NTS-1's fragile jacks.
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Owners have enhanced durability by using right-angle extension cables for all ports, reducing wear on the unit's sockets.
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Software and compatibility
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An online editor (nts-web.oscarrc.me) is suggested for using the NTS-1 with web MIDI, noting that Chrome is the preferred browser for compatibility.
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Requires a USB to MIDI converter for keyboards with only USB out, highlighting a setup consideration.
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Users face MIDI channel assignment challenges, particularly when integrating the NTS-1 with other synths, leading to configuration difficulties.
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Use cases and applications
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The NTS-1 is praised for handling deep reverb effects such as HammondEggs music and Albedo from Sinevibes, often used in auxiliary loops for flexible setups.
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The 'rise' effect is particularly praised for its unique and appealing sound.
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Despite its fragility, the NTS-1 has been effectively used in calm live environments, though backup units are recommended due to potential connector issues.
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Features and functionality
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The wet signal path on the NTS-1 sums to mono before stereo output, which could cause phase cancellation issues if not managed with the correct cables.
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The NTS-1's MIDI is Type A (MIDI 2.0), which may cause compatibility issues with Novation and Arturia 3.5mm MIDI adapters.
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Lacks memory/preset storage, requiring users to start from scratch every session, though it retains third-party modules.
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Acts as both a synth and an effects machine, notably useful for guitar players seeking modulation, reverb, and delay.
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Disabling sleep mode by pressing a specific sequence during startup allows uninterrupted use in live sessions.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
Accessible, intuitive and fun
There are some great features in this little unit - its loop functions are very usable, it does some lovely reverb sounds and caters to many styles of synth sounds. Ribbon keyboard isn't exactly the best but this is to be expected from such a small device. Overall, definitely a quality, versatile machine.
Artist usage
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In this video he playing it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFGFS4nARFQ
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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