The NTS-1 comes as a kit. Building it is part of the deal, and what emerges is a pocket-sized digital synthesizer that plays from a ribbon strip rather than keys. One oscillator, a multimode filter, an envelope and three LFOs make up the voice, which suits anyone curious about how a synth is put together.
Putting it together
A screwdriver, a USB cable and the owner's manual come in the box, and no other tool appears on the parts list. Assembly is the first thing you do with it. Nothing else needs buying to get going.
The voice
A single digital oscillator feeds one multimode filter, shaped by an envelope generator and three LFOs. Playing happens along a ribbon strip, which keeps the size down and favours slides and sweeps over stabs. After that come the effects: chorus, ensemble, phaser or flanger on modulation duty, then delay and reverb.
Wiring it in
Sync connections run in both directions to lock it to other small boxes, and MIDI IN on a 3.5 mm jack accepts note data from a sequencer or controller. An audio input is fitted as well. Power comes over USB.
Size on the desk
Dimensions are 129 x 78 x 39 mm and the whole thing weighs 124 g, so a coat pocket will take it. Current draw stays at 500 mA or less over the micro B port, which means a laptop socket or phone charger is enough. Headphones plug into a 3.5 mm jack.
See it in action
Specifications
| Keyboard | Ribbon keyboard |
|---|---|
| Sound Generation | 1 Digital Oscillator, 1 Multimode filter, 1 EG, 3 LFO |
| Effects | MOD (CHORUS, ENSEMBLE, PHASER, FLANGER), DELAY, REVERB |
| Input/output jacks | Headphone jack (3.5mm stereo mini phone jack), AUDIO IN jack (3.5mm stereo mini-phone jack), SYNC IN jack (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack, 20V maximum input level), SYNC OUT jack (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack, 5V output level), MIDI IN connector (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack) connector, USB port (micro B type) |
| Power supply | USB bus power mode, Current consumption: 500 mA or less |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 129 mm x 78 mm x 39 mm / 5.08” x 3.07” x 1.54” |
| Weight | 124 g / 4.37 oz |
| Included items | USB cable, Owner’s manual, Screwdriver |
Specifications from Korg. Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
