KORGNu:Tekt NTS-3 KAOSS Pad DIY Kit - Programmable Multi Effect Synthesiser

Run from powerbank or experience noise issues, which is the case for most usb powered audio devices. Otherwise it’s more than great. Korg did something well which actually surprised me 😂

I already have a Korg NTS-1 synth so I knew what to expect from the kit, but I didn't know how useful this would be when finished! It shows amusing progress from the NTS-1 in that it has USB-C but unlike that synth it also has battery power.There are four channels on two sockets, arranged as left and right - so for mono oscillators you will want a pair of breakout cables stereo to mono, similar to the one you'd need for CV on a volca:modular.There is no microphone so the tuner does need an audio source feeding to it. I haven't tried just using a dynamic mic yet, but will update when I do.The kit is easy to assemble, but like the NTS-1 the bit of snapping the PCBs makes me nervous. It takes very little time to put together and is ready to use as soon as you put batteries in.What's it being used for:I've been trying to tune my Behringer analogue synths by ear and the problem is what sounds appealing is "slight difference" so I could never quite get it right. This is annoying for me, my cat, and my neighbours, so the Korg NTS-2 is an instant hit - I tap into the right oscillator where I can, and they're usually free-running so I can look at the waveform, use the FFT to view the harmonics, and the tuner to tune. Can also observe noise/actual waveform shape and voltage levels, it's very versatile.If you tap into the audio post filter you can see the mixed and shaped waveform evolve and as you add saw/triangle/pulse and resonance it's fascinating to see the shapes that look so familiar from wavetable synths. Yes, I can do this in software, but the process of working with signal, not audio, visually is really reassuring. The ping, the clarity of getting all the oscillators in the right tune and /then/ adjusting intervals from a fixed reference transforms how I use the 2600 and also the confidence I have with tuning other synths by ear to the reference.The NTS-2 can also output LFO, audio frequency oscillator and a simple envelope. This is set on screen as a fixed value, it doesn't appear that you can "play" the NTS-2 over USB MIDI for example.Through ports mean it can be left wired in and the use of AAA batteries or USB-C power banks makes it very portable. CAD data is available for making rugged enclosures and stands, too.Probably the best little bit of studio tech I've bought in ages!

Easy to fit together, effects are marvellous.

Once upon a time oscilloscopes were the size of a car and cost as much. It fascinates me to no end that this little thing offers this kind of functionality at this price.