Korg Expands Nu:Tekt Range: OD-S Overdrive & HA-S Headphone Amp

Korg is expanding its Nu:Tekt range with two new solderless DIY products based on the NuTube technology, the OD-S overdrive, and HA-S headphone amp

At NAMM 2020 there are also new products from the Nu:Tekt range, the small sub-division from Korg. With the NTS-1 they already showed a Monotron-like digital Synthesizer at Superbooth 2019 that is powered by the innovative multi-engine. Now there are two other exciting expansions for this range.

Both products are DIY kits but totally solderless. So everyone can build these without any knowledge of electronics. OD-S is an overdrive pedal kit based on the Nutube, a new fully analog triode vacuum tube developed by Korg and Noritake Itron Corporation. The second is called HA-S and is a super compact and portable headphone amplifier also based on the Nutube technology.

Nu:Tekt OD-S

The interesting part of this new Nutube based pedal from Korg is that they offer the experience of DIY to everyone without soldering. According to the company, the OD-S offers a solderless, easy-to-build kit that is also customizable to help you shape the overdrive tone that’s as individual as you. Plus, it has a warm sound and rich harmonic response that will please all guitarists. Of course also synth players. The interface of the Nu:Tekt OD-S is super simple: it offers 4 knobs and one switch.

In addition to adjusting the input level to the vacuum tube (GAIN), the anode load of the vacuum tube amplification circuit can be changed using the TUBE GAIN. This allows you to accurately adjust the sound from the vacuum tube to your liking. The OD-S also incorporates a switch that lets you choose between 2 different overdrive types (with different Low – High ranges) along with True Bypass; making it an ideal pedal for live performances.

For advanced users who want to customize their tone further, the modification-friendly layout allows you to change out discrete components to create your own unique pedal to match your desired tone and performance. The possibilities are endless. Circuit diagrams are readily available in the download section.

Nu:Tekt HA-S

The HA-S is a Nutube-equipped DIY Headphone amp kit that will let you enjoy the highest quality audio anywhere. Same as the OD-S, the HA-S is solderless DIY kit, so even if you are new to the world of DIY, you will be able to assemble the HA-S to add a warm, analog tube-driven signal boost to any sound source in no time!

The HA-S has a special NFB (Negative Feedback) switch, that allows you to choose from a high fidelity clean and pristine sound, or a warmer, more harmonically rich sound as expected from a vacuum tube. When the NFB switch is OFF, the harmonics present in the Nutube (triode tube) will be amplified to create a sound rich in harmonics, warmth and textures. When the NFB switch is ON, the distortion ratio and frequency characteristics will be modified, creating a really detailed and clean sound.

For further sound modification, they have included two OP amp options for the output: the premium audio oriented “MUSES01” and the industry standard “NJM4580”, both from JRC. These can be easily replaced so even the most purist audiophiles will be able to customize and adapt the sound of their HA-S to heir heart’s content.

For advanced users who want to customize their amplifier even more, the circuit diagrams are readily available, making it really easy to change discrete components and make your own and unique headphone amp matching your desired tone and performance -, the possibilities are endless!