In 2019, Korg introduced the Nu: Tekt line of DIY kits NTS-1. It was basically a digital oscillator programmable from Prolog Minilog XD in a cheap custom box. Over the years it gained several more members, including oscilloscope and headphone amplifiers. For NAMM 2024, the company is updating the original with the NTS-1 mk2 and adding the NTS-3 Kaoss Pad to the mix.
The NTS-1 mk2 it’s the same size and shape as the original and still comes as a solderless DIY kit. A single monophonic digital oscillator built on the LogueSDK is still available. But that’s where the similarities end. Inside is a new, more powerful processor driving an updated version of the SDK, new oscillator types and effects, and the ability to use incoming audio as a modulation source. The ribbon keyboard has been replaced with a more playable 18-key multitouch capacitive keyboard. Korg also added an eight-step sequencer, switched to USB-C for MIDI output and power.
The NTS-1 mk2 looks like a solid upgrade to a surprisingly versatile mini synthesizer, but it NTS-3 it brings something really new to the table. It also comes as a solder-free DIY kit that Korg says should take less than 20 minutes to assemble. When you’re done, you’ll have a bona fide Kaoss Pad with 35 built-in effects, an expressive X/Y pad and a looper to control them. And of course, since it’s built on the LogueSDK, you can also download custom effects. (Or, if that’s your bag, design your own.) You can use up to four effects at once, and a lock function lets you control them individually.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a ton of additional information about either device. There will be a librarian to handle custom oscillators and effects, though no date has been given as to when it will be available. Similarly, we do not know the price of both the devices. What we do know is that the NTS-1 mk2 is scheduled to launch sometime in April, followed by the NTS-3 in June.
