---
product_id: 153112312
title: "Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit"
brand: "korg"
price: "R4725"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 7
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/153112312-korg-nu-tekt-nts-1-digital-synth-kit
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Powerful digital oscillator from Prologue/Minilogue tech Multi-effects engine with chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb & delay DIY build with included tools, no soldering needed Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit

**Brand:** korg
**Price:** R4725
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎹 Build your sound universe — synth, effect, and innovate on the go!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit by korg
- **How much does it cost?** R4725 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/153112312-korg-nu-tekt-nts-1-digital-synth-kit)

## Best For

- korg enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted korg brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Plug & Play Versatility:** Seamlessly connect via USB, MIDI, and sync ports for studio or stage setups.
- • **Pro-Level Effects Suite:** Transform any sound with built-in multi-effects and external audio processing.
- • **Compact Synth Powerhouse:** Harness Prologue-grade digital synthesis in a pocket-sized kit.
- • **DIY Customization Freedom:** Build, tweak, and upgrade your synth with included tools and open-source SDK.
- • **Endless Sonic Exploration:** Load custom oscillators & effects or create your own via Korg’s Librarian software.

## Overview

The Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 is a compact, DIY digital synthesizer kit featuring a powerful oscillator derived from Korg’s acclaimed Prologue and Minilogue synths. It includes a versatile multi-effects engine (chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, delay), an arpeggiator with multiple patterns, and full compatibility with the open-source logue-SDK for custom oscillators and effects. Designed for portability and customization, it connects via USB and MIDI, supports external audio processing, and comes bundled with music software to enhance your creative workflow. At just 290g and under £100, it’s a professional-grade synth and effects powerhouse that’s redefining affordable electronic music gear.

## Description

Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit : desertcart.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Review: Almost Too Good To Be True! - Not sure what I can add to the mny glowing reviews the Korg NTS-1 has already received on this desertcart product page. The NTS-1 is a small, self-assembly synth with built-in effects engine giving you chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb and delay effects right out of the box. Putting together this little flat-pack marvel took around 20 minutes and it only took that long because I have rubbish eyes and was straining a little with some of the smaller screws and the placement of the keyboard ribbon. A small screwdriver is included in the package along with instructions and I don't think many people would struggle to make it. The only really scary bit is snapping the boards apart when you first start making it. I was worried I would damage something, but I needn't have worried. It was a relief though plugging it in and getting power - and sound. The only real issue I had, which was frustrating for half-an-hour or so, was my PCs inability to detect the NTS-1 when it was plugged into a USB port. I had already downloaded the Korg Librarian software and the updater. Seems that I had previously installed too many midi devices onto my PC and the Korg needed to be in the "top ten" of midi devices, so I had to uninstall some older Midi devices I no longer used. That sorted the problem, but it was pretty frustrating for a while. Once I'd got the synth hooked up to my headphones and Arturia Keystep via a TRS/Midi Cable (annoyingly not supplied) then I was blown away by the sound and range of this little marvel. Due to the size, you have to get used to using muti-function buttons, for instance, holding down certain buttons and turning knob A or B, gives you more options than simply just twiddling those knobs. The ribbon keyboard is pretty dire, but I never expected it to be great, but you can easily play it with a stylus rather than fingers. The Arp works brilliantly with multi play modes available. There is a single digital oscillator and multiple mode filter with high, low and band pass options, plus three LFO types. While I love the sound of this little synth, for me, the icing on the cake and the main reason for purchase was the on-board effects. They sound stunning and the beauty of the NTS-1 is the ability to route external hardware through the box, so you can use other external synths with the effects. And, there's more, there's a thriving community of enthusiasts who have created custom oscillators and effects that can be loaded onto the NTS-1 via the aforementioned Librarian software. Some are paid for, some ask for donations and some are totally free. This makes a brilliant products even more brilliant. As my review heading states, this Korg seems too good to be true, it really is one of those rare products that comes along and blows all its competitors out of the water. For around £80 you can get a multi effects pedal/engine and a brilliant mono synth with arp, with the ability to load literally hundreds effects and oscillators! I'd give this ten stars if I could. Buy. One. Now.
Review: THE technology bargain of the year - It’s 2021, the silicon shortage is still impacting all areas and you can’t buy a graphics card or a car for a sensible price. Not a great year. The Korg NTS-1 has been out for a couple of years now but what’s remarkable is it’s still available for its original retail price. Buy one now before it goes up in price or becomes available. What you get for the price is almost unbelievable. Yes you build it (screw it together, no soldering required) yourself. Yes it’s monophonic. Yes it’s digital. Yes it looks like a toy with its skeletal design and tiny ribbon keyboard. But none of that matters. What you’re buying is an expandable, open-sourced synthesiser with a phenomenal effects unit capable of processing external audio, possibly making it the audio bargain of the decade. Thanks to the open-source design the downloadable librarian software allows you add new third-party oscillators, modulators, delays and reverbs, and if that’s not enough you can create your own. Out of the box and powered up for the first time it sounds like it looks. As basic as a square wave. And then moments later you’re listening to a rich, expansive sound that belies its looks and price. It’s far more fully featured than you’d guess with a comprehensive MIDI implementation allowing external parameter control via CC. It only features a single MIDI-IN via 3.5mm jack but this is sufficient for a sound module at the end of a chain. Sync-in and out ports are present for compatibility with analogue equipment and it’s an obvious choice for any Volca owner. There’s a micro-USB port for power and unlike the Volcas there’s no provision for batteries so you’ll need a USB power bank, USB 5v mains adapter/charger or a computer. The USB port allows uploading/downloading sounds and effects, as mentioned, but it also acts as a USB MIDI interface alongside the 3.5mm input socket. No USB audio I/O but that’s not a problem. As a stand-alone device it’s a capable monophonic synth with great effects which absolutely transform and lift the sound, but it’s big selling point for many will be that effects section. I’ve already mentioned the Korg Volca series a couple of times but the NTS-1 is a no-brainer for any Volca owner, especially the Volca Keys. It works with any audio souce though and there are a range of input attenuation settings available in the global options, just another example of how feature-packed the NTS-1 is. It’s a steal at the price.

## Features

- The KORG NTS-1 is an exciting way into Electronic Synths - Build it (tools included), tweak it, connect it - a world of synthesis is at your fingertips
- The first of its kind from KORG’s DIY-focused Nu:Tekt brand, the NTS-1 packs a powerful synth and multi-effects engine into a compact unit that you can build, carry and connect anywhere. Its DIY nature means it’s also very customisable.
- The NTS-1 is also completely compatible with the logue-SDK, so it is possible to run any custom oscillator and effect content available for minilogue xd and prologue or create your own
- Despite it's small size, the Nu:Tekt NTS-1 features a digital oscillator as found on the acclaimed kORG Prologue and Minilogue, along with a fun and practical arpeggiator with several patterns available. Scales and numerous note orders including a Random Mode are to create new and original ideas on the fly
- Not only is the NTS-1 a great self build project it includes a bundle of music software including 'Ozone Elements', Software Synths from KORG, 'Reason Lite' DAW software and 'Skoove' to help improve your keyboard playing skills

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07XH591BH |
| Best Sellers Rank | 38,987 in Musical Instruments & DJ ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments & DJ ) 64 in Tabletop Synthesizers |
| Body material | Kohlefaser |
| Connector | USB Type B |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,195) |
| Date First Available | 4 Sept. 2019 |
| Finish type | Polished |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04058059195624, 04959112192782 |
| Included components | USB cable, Owner’s manual, Screwdriver |
| Item Weight | 290 g |
| Item model number | NTS-1 |
| Item weight | 290 Grams |
| Manufacturer | KORG |
| Material Type | Kohlefaser |
| Number of Keyboard Keys | 49 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Product Dimensions | 12.9 x 7.8 x 3.9 cm; 290 g |
| Set Name | NTS-1 |
| Size | NTS-1 Synth |
| UPC | 192223192485 |
| Voltage | 9 Volts (AC) |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** KORG
- **Colour:** Black
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 12.9 x 7.8 x 3.9 centimetres
- **Material:** Kohlefaser
- **Model name:** NTS

## Images

![Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/715slQK8EbL.jpg)
![Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71qmTss-+nL.jpg)
![Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OKRbLOJPL.jpg)
![Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71W8gIws89L.jpg)
![Korg - Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synth Kit - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71y-frd5GwL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Im a drummer so forgive me again - can you connect to a midi keyboard and also to a daw, simultaneously? if so what cables do i need? sorry and thanks**
A: Yes you can, the easiest way is via the NTS-1 USB connector using the included cable.  The same applies for your MIDI keyboard, connect via USB and then route the MIDI signals through the DAW. If you know the model number of your MIDI controller,  I can check for you.

**Q: Is there a way of using this as a basic "boots and cats" drum machine?**
A: Yes. I use it primarily for this purpose, and to add effects to external audio. You can upload a patch that spreads kick, snare, and a closed hat sound over the range of the keys, select a ‘pattern’ with the ARP, and latch it. Combined with the different effects, you can get a surprising variety of drum sounds and patterns from it, even though it’s not a drum machine.

**Q: Im a drummer so forgive me - is it possible to connect this directly to a mac running a DAW to record the sounds?**
A: No problem at all!
The NTS-1 can easily be connected to a DAW, connect the audio output of the NTS-1 to the MAC's line input. It's also possible to drive the NTS-1 via MIDI with the appropriate connection, this can be either USB or MIDI with the appropriate interface/cable configuration.

**Q: Can an *actual owner* comment on how robust one of these is? I love the sounds it can make, but surface mount pots + mechanical strain @ £80? Hmmmm.**
A: Depends what you are planning on doing with it!!
The pots are well anchored (not just surface mounted but through-hole) and not really any different to other gear - except there is no front panel to add extra support to the shafts.
I treat all my music gear with respect and this is no different.
The mini 'keyboard' is great for auditioning sounds but not really all that playable. A type A TRS to DIN midi adapter will give you the capability to use a keyboard with DIN midi - or use usb via a computer.
The rear sockets are all well anchored too. It's has a quality feel construction-wise and it a joy to assemble.
I would say it feels 'durable' and is fantastic value at Amazon's price.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Almost Too Good To Be True!
*by C***E on 10 January 2024*

Not sure what I can add to the mny glowing reviews the Korg NTS-1 has already received on this Amazon product page. The NTS-1 is a small, self-assembly synth with built-in effects engine giving you chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb and delay effects right out of the box. Putting together this little flat-pack marvel took around 20 minutes and it only took that long because I have rubbish eyes and was straining a little with some of the smaller screws and the placement of the keyboard ribbon. A small screwdriver is included in the package along with instructions and I don't think many people would struggle to make it. The only really scary bit is snapping the boards apart when you first start making it. I was worried I would damage something, but I needn't have worried. It was a relief though plugging it in and getting power - and sound. The only real issue I had, which was frustrating for half-an-hour or so, was my PCs inability to detect the NTS-1 when it was plugged into a USB port. I had already downloaded the Korg Librarian software and the updater. Seems that I had previously installed too many midi devices onto my PC and the Korg needed to be in the "top ten" of midi devices, so I had to uninstall some older Midi devices I no longer used. That sorted the problem, but it was pretty frustrating for a while. Once I'd got the synth hooked up to my headphones and Arturia Keystep via a TRS/Midi Cable (annoyingly not supplied) then I was blown away by the sound and range of this little marvel. Due to the size, you have to get used to using muti-function buttons, for instance, holding down certain buttons and turning knob A or B, gives you more options than simply just twiddling those knobs. The ribbon keyboard is pretty dire, but I never expected it to be great, but you can easily play it with a stylus rather than fingers. The Arp works brilliantly with multi play modes available. There is a single digital oscillator and multiple mode filter with high, low and band pass options, plus three LFO types. While I love the sound of this little synth, for me, the icing on the cake and the main reason for purchase was the on-board effects. They sound stunning and the beauty of the NTS-1 is the ability to route external hardware through the box, so you can use other external synths with the effects. And, there's more, there's a thriving community of enthusiasts who have created custom oscillators and effects that can be loaded onto the NTS-1 via the aforementioned Librarian software. Some are paid for, some ask for donations and some are totally free. This makes a brilliant products even more brilliant. As my review heading states, this Korg seems too good to be true, it really is one of those rare products that comes along and blows all its competitors out of the water. For around £80 you can get a multi effects pedal/engine and a brilliant mono synth with arp, with the ability to load literally hundreds effects and oscillators! I'd give this ten stars if I could. Buy. One. Now.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ THE technology bargain of the year
*by S***Y on 29 December 2021*

It’s 2021, the silicon shortage is still impacting all areas and you can’t buy a graphics card or a car for a sensible price. Not a great year. The Korg NTS-1 has been out for a couple of years now but what’s remarkable is it’s still available for its original retail price. Buy one now before it goes up in price or becomes available. What you get for the price is almost unbelievable. Yes you build it (screw it together, no soldering required) yourself. Yes it’s monophonic. Yes it’s digital. Yes it looks like a toy with its skeletal design and tiny ribbon keyboard. But none of that matters. What you’re buying is an expandable, open-sourced synthesiser with a phenomenal effects unit capable of processing external audio, possibly making it the audio bargain of the decade. Thanks to the open-source design the downloadable librarian software allows you add new third-party oscillators, modulators, delays and reverbs, and if that’s not enough you can create your own. Out of the box and powered up for the first time it sounds like it looks. As basic as a square wave. And then moments later you’re listening to a rich, expansive sound that belies its looks and price. It’s far more fully featured than you’d guess with a comprehensive MIDI implementation allowing external parameter control via CC. It only features a single MIDI-IN via 3.5mm jack but this is sufficient for a sound module at the end of a chain. Sync-in and out ports are present for compatibility with analogue equipment and it’s an obvious choice for any Volca owner. There’s a micro-USB port for power and unlike the Volcas there’s no provision for batteries so you’ll need a USB power bank, USB 5v mains adapter/charger or a computer. The USB port allows uploading/downloading sounds and effects, as mentioned, but it also acts as a USB MIDI interface alongside the 3.5mm input socket. No USB audio I/O but that’s not a problem. As a stand-alone device it’s a capable monophonic synth with great effects which absolutely transform and lift the sound, but it’s big selling point for many will be that effects section. I’ve already mentioned the Korg Volca series a couple of times but the NTS-1 is a no-brainer for any Volca owner, especially the Volca Keys. It works with any audio souce though and there are a range of input attenuation settings available in the global options, just another example of how feature-packed the NTS-1 is. It’s a steal at the price.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by E***S on 15 February 2024*

Excelente artículo pero llego con un pequeño corte en la cinta del circuito eléctrico de las teclas . No me quejo del producto ni de la paquetería ni de l entrega pero tuve la de malas que me toco a mi esa pieza . Me di cuenta cuando arme todo el kit y no sonó . Pido mi reembolso o el cambio por otro igual pero ya sin pieza defectuosa . Mi conclusión es que no duden en comprar pero chequenlo bien antes de armarlo

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-24*