NAMM 2024: Korg NTS-1 Mk2 takes the open-source mini synth to a new level with a new core, sequencer, more connectivity, and more.
Portable synthesizers are more popular than ever before. These small noise boxes are becoming increasingly more powerful and versatile thanks to better digital technology. One of the best examples is the NTS-1 from Korg. It packs an impressive amount of oscillator and effects power in a mini synth.
Thanks to the built-in logue SDK engine, you can swap the oscillators and the effects algorithms as you wish. Available for free or as a commercial product from a large community of third-party developers like Sinevibes. For NAMM 2024, Korg is taking the NTS-1 to the next level. Here is the NTS-1 Mk2.
Korg NTS-1 Mk2
The NTS-1 Mk2 is the successor to the best-selling NTS-1 digital synth. Be careful, GAS triggering is probably hard. The new one has a lot of thing that the old one doesn’t.
The main concept and form factor remains the same. But there are big changes. Let’s start with the interface. The NTS-1 Mk2 features a new 18-key multi-touch keyboard for precise playing and sequencing. It not only supports playing monophonic MIDI note messages but is also polyphonic. This opens the doors for a new generation of algorithms.
Besides the new touch keyboard and arpeggiator, it also features a new 8-step sequencer with live and step recording modes. It gives you per-note gate length and velocity settings) and easy octave switch. Another great addition is an auto-save function that recalls all the parameters used in your last performance.
New SDK Engine
The big highlight, for me a least, is the new open-source SDK engine. It is powered by a new chip that gives the NTS-1 mk2 more processing power, making more complex oscillators and effects possible. Very probably the same chip as you can find in the drumlogue multi-engine.
Korg added new factory algorithms that can use audio signals, for example, as modulation source to create FM, AM, or ring mod sounds. Then, it ships with new effects in every section: modulation with new distortion, fuzz… delay with tape delay, BPM synced delay… and new reverb effects.
Another handy function is the ability to turn off the oscillator and use the filter through function, allowing you to process signals through the filter.
Connectivity
There is also new connectivity. This was previously a small weakness in the NTS-1 Mk1. There is an improvement, but no revolution. It’s still uses 3.5mm sockets but comes with handy additions.
It now hosts a USB-C socket, sync in/out great for syncing delays, and MIDI output for sending out the sequencer. On top, most parameters are now MIDI CC compatible.
That’s not all. Besides the open-source nature of the digital core, you can also now physically modify the cosmetics and functionality of the synth using 3D data.
First Impression
Excellent release. I am very pleased with this. The NTS-1 is one of my favorite synthesizers. It’s such a powerful, fun device, especially as an effect processor. I’m very excited to see what new algorithms await us. Artemiy (Sinevibes): I’m looking at you.
Korg NTS-1 Mk2 will be available soon. According to Sweetwater, it’s $169,99/129€. This would be a significant price increase.
More information here: Korg
Available for pre-order here:
Drumologue features a welcome much expanded set of compute resources. but unless there’s actually a 5 octave synth behind it, it’s not worth screwing with another broken on-off development platform.
drumlogue use the second generation of LogueSDK with a new CPU. I’m pretty sure the NTS-1 Mk2 also has the same second generation. Offering three generations doesn’t make sense.
no kidding. who said anything about three SDK’s.
What I want to say to your comment that the digital part of the drumlogue is pretty identical than this in the NTS-1 Mk2. That I can’t imagine that they will offer three different SDKs but uses here the 2nd gen in the NTS-1 Mk2
USB-C? saving settings? heres my money!
Does it have the same usb noise feature as mk1?
probably. Use it with an external power source (power bank…) and it’s fine. That’s the case with my NTS-1
I’ve used mine a ton and never heard any noise. Must be your power source.
It is too bad they have not released the NTS-1 Mk 2 in a Valca Box (and the Volca sequencer)