The built-in ribbon controller is handy for demoing sounds and using the Korg NTS-1 with its super flexible arpeggiator (which features several patterns). You also have the option to control and synchronise the NTS-1 with external hardware, thanks to its SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, MIDI IN and USB ports. This means you can play the NTS-1 with full-size keys or link it up with something like the Volca Beats/ Drum/ Sample/ Keys/ FM to create a cool portable rig. 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. Thanks to the NTS-1’s ability to be powered via USB bus power, you can run it from a standard power bank - true portability! 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. Controlling the NTS-1 is straightforward, and all outlined in the fold-out road-map-style instructions. There are seven buttons and three knobs on the front panel, plus a ribbon controller and a four-character LED screen.

Controller keyboards can coexist with the NTS-1 though. The 3.5mm MIDI input works perfectly with a Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3, for example. But be aware that the NTS-1 will respond to pitch bend data but, strangely, not to mod wheel data, which limits your performance options. The NTS‑1 is a DIY kit, but the build is not really any more bother than grappling with some seriously small screws. The only scary bit is the snapping of the boards as they all come as a single piece. But it's fine, just apply some pressure and they break along the predetermined lines. The TR-S features an exclusive patent-pending circuit design, for compression that mimics the sag of a vacuum tube power amp — only possible with Nutube. Achieve this sought-after sound in any setting, even when playing through a transistor amp or recording into a DAW. The TR-S features four knobs on the panel, as well as three trimmer knobs hidden inside the top cover; allowing for even greater control over your sound. Go beyond the guitar and experience what the TR-S can do when you connect other instruments as well! Easy Assembly

The last button is the Arpeggiator, which is useful considering the keyboard, and also a lot of fun. Press to enable, hold it for a second to engage the latch, touch a couple of notes and let it go. While holding the Arp button the other six buttons become chord selectors; Octave, Major Triad, Major Suspended, Major Augmented, Minor Triad and Minor Diminished. You can use the keyboard to transpose if you try really hard. Continuing to hold the button down the Type knob selects between 10 different arpeggiator modes including Random and Stochastic. Knob A sets the pattern length from one to 24 steps and knob B handles the tempo or step duration if externally sync'ed. There's no opportunity as yet to edit the Arp chords or add your own but this may become possible via a firmware update or software editor. But as it is it's comprehensively fun to use. The versatility, the effects, the price and the fun to be had with the NTS‑1 are pretty unbeatable. Multi-Engine The NTS‑1 comes with Waves; a morphing wavetable oscillator made up of two wavetables of 46 waves. Select wave A and B and you can morph between the two. The controls are accessed via a special edit menu that you get to by holding the Osc button and moving the Type knob. You can then release the button and its LED flashes to show that you're in Edit mode. The Type knob now selects various parts of the oscillator and knobs A and B alter the parameters — the equivalent of 'Shape' and 'Shift+Shape' on the bigger synthesizers. With Waves you have a Sub you can mix in, or you can use it as a Ring Modulation source, and then there's a Bit Crusher. Knob A remains steadfastly the Shape control which in this case morphs between the waveforms and can be modulated from the oscillator LFO. 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. For customers in outlying areas of the country, the price of the Extended Warranty may be marginally higher, due to the potential for higher collection and redelivery transport costs. The strength of this mini synth is that you can add to its onboard algorithms. There are slots for 16 additional oscillators and modulation effects, plus eight delays and reverbs. This makes it an incredibly versatile machine for synth-lovers and anyone who has a particular penchant for unusual external effects. Building tension

Assemble the HD-S with ease, just like a model kit — no soldering required. All necessary tools are included, along with a circuit diagram in the owner's manual. It's perfect for those who love building their own effect units with top-notch performance and sound. The Brainchild of Fumio Mieda As if you weren’t already presented with enough sound sculpting possibilities for a synth of this size and price, the Korg NuTekt NTS-1 also features a high-quality stereo effects engine (Modulation, Delay, Reverb) inspired by the Minilogue XD/ XD Module and Prologue. An added bonus is the 3.5mm stereo input, which means that you can use the NTS-1 as a customisable, standalone effects unit too! NTS-1 is also completely compatible with the logue-SDK*, making it possible to create custom oscillators and effects or upload any of the content available for minilogue xd and prologue. 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." SpecificationsIts versatile oscillator can produce both traditional analog-style waveforms (Sawtooth, Triangle, Square) and VPM waves, this means that it’s compatible with custom oscillators that were created for the Minilogue XD/ XD Module and Prologue. This oscillator’s voice can then be shaped by: Because of its size, the NTS-1 does have some limitations. The ribbon keyboard is fine for triggering the arpeggiator (which can be latched, by the way), but not so great for actually playing anything (you’ll be making use of that MIDI Input), and many features have to be accessed by holding down a button and turning a knob, so you’ll need the manual to hand for a while at least. Alongside amazing tone, one of the hallmarks of the Nu:Tekt series is that they’re assembled by you! The TR-S kit doesn’t require soldering, and the necessary tools are included – in fact, it’s the easiest and fastest unit to assemble in the entire Nu:Tekt series. Recreate the tube experience 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. 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.