WORLD OF MUSIC ; PORTABLE KEYBOARD - Latest Portable Music Keyboards, Synthesizers and Music News

Ahead of the 2024 NAMM Show, Korg has already announced the Grandstage X; the microKORG 2; the KingKORG Neo; the opsix mkII; wavestate, opsix and modwave modules; and NTS-3 KAOSS Pad.

Today, they have also announced the NTS-1 mkII, a new version of their compact multi-engine synth that looks even more fun and creative – takes the build-it-yourself synth to another level, adding a multitouch keyboard, 8-step sequencer and more.

Korg’s first Nu:Tekt synth, the NTS-1, was an unexpected treat. A ‘build-it-yourself’ instrument with a single monophonic digital oscillator and the ability to host custom ‘Logue ones, it also sported a multimode filter, envelope generator, three LFOs and an arpeggiator, with the addition of an audio input meaning that it could be used as a handy effects processor, as well.

But, the built-in ribbon keyboard wasn’t particularly playable, and this is one of the issues that’s been addressed in the mkII model, which has just been announced. This offers an 18-key multitouch keyboard that’s capable of “polyphonic MIDI messaging”, and immediately looks less fiddly and more fun.

This is by no means the only change, though, as this new Nu:Tekt also has an upgraded sound engine with new oscillator types and modulation effects. These come as a result of a more powerful processor being included.

In addition, you now get an 8-step sequencer, which supports both live and step input. This is another creative feather in the NTS-1 mkII’s cap – as is the inclusion of both MIDI In and Out ports (it was just MIDI In on the original).

Sync I/O is here, as well, as is a USB-C port for powering.

Korg NTS-1 mkII Audio Demos:

Find out more on the Korg website.

Korg NTS-3 puts a new spin on the classic XY effects pad and you can build it yourself in 20 minutes

Ahead of the 2024 NAMM Show, being held January 25-28, 2024 in Anaheim, California, today Korg has announced the NTS-3 KAOSS Pad, a new effects unit that combines the classic KAOSS X/Y pad touch interface and KAOSS effects into a compact yet powerful customizable DIY kit.

After 25 years on from the launch of the original Kaoss Pad – and after countless revisions in both hardware and software – Korg is now letting you build one yourself.

The NTS-3 Kaoss Pad falls under the Nu:Tekt brand, and enables you to tweak up to four effects simultaneously via an XY pad. 35 are supplied, including filters, modulation FX, delays, reverbs, mastering processors and more creative options such as a looper, grainshifter and vinyl break emulator. The effects can be edited, and you can build and add your own thanks to support for Korg’s LogueSDK (Software Development Kit).

Audio I/O comes on 3.5mm stereo jacks, as does the Sync I/O. MIDI I/O is here, too, and power is supplied via the USB-C port.

Korg reckons that you should be able to build the NTS-3 in less than 20 minutes, without the need for a soldering iron. Reversible side panels enable you to add an element of hardware customisation to go along with the aforementioned ability to create your own effects.

With all these features, NTS-3 stands as a performance powerhouse, offering unparalleled versatility that elevates your on-the-go performances to new heights.

Key Features:

• 200 programs (100 preload, 100 user programs)
• Classic KAOSS Pad control
• Combine 4 effects at once
• logueSDK means you can load your own effects
• Input/output jacks
• Headphone / AUDIO OUT jack (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack)
• AUDIO IN jack (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack)
• SYNC OUT jack (3.5 mm TRS mini-phone jack, 5V output level)
• SYNC IN jack (3.5 mm TRS mini-phone jack, 20V maximum input level)

Korg NTS-3 kaoss pad Audio Demos:

If you don’t already own a Kaoss Pad of any description, it looks like the NTS-3 could give you a fun and affordable way of getting your hands on one. We don’t have an exact price yet, but we can tell you that a June 2024 release date is being mooted. Find out more on the Korg website.

Korg unveils the Opsix mkII, an updated version of its six-operator ‘Altered FM’ synth.

In another major announcement made in the lead-up to 2024 NAMM Show, Korg has revealed the update to its Opsix FM synthesizer. Described by Korg as a “digital synth like no other”, Opsix mkII increases polyphony to 64 voices.

Opsix mkII operates using the same ‘Altered FM’ synth architecture as the Opsix, a six-operator FM synth engine that augments classic FM synthesis with a variety of modern sonic possibilities. Korg tells us that mkII’s Altered FM engine has been kitted out with new “sound components, waveforms, filters, shaping possibilities, effects, LFOs, envelopes, modulations and more”.

On top of the six-operator FM engine, which offers five operator modes, Opsix mkII is capable of subtractive, analogue modelling, waveshaping and additive synthesis, and signal paths can be rerouted internally to achieve semi-modular synthesis. Parameters can be modulated using a modulation matrix equipped with three envelope generators and three LFOs that can output 23 different waveforms.

Sounds can be run through a variety of analogue-style filters, including filters modelled on the Korg MS-20 and Korg PolySix, along with resonant two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject filters. Opsix mkII has an impressive effects section that offers 30 effect types, including a 3-band EQ, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, compressor, delay, reverb, grain shifter and more.

Notes can be played in via the synth’s 37-key, velocity-sensitive and release velocity-sensitive keyboard, or programmed using a step sequencer that offers up to 16 steps per pattern with up to 6 notes per step, and makes use of Korg’s Motion Sequencing technology, which lets the user record changes of up to six parameters for each step in a sequence. There’s also an arpeggiator onboard with seven preset patterns.

Like it’s predecessor, Opsix mkII’s interface is centred around an OLED screen and what Korg call the Operator Mixer, a set of six backlit faders and knobs used to set the level of each operator, adjust their wave shape and change the operator mode; the controls will light up red or blue to indicate whether they’re tweaking the carrier signal or modulator signal.

Opsix mkII is equipped with headphone out, stereo line out, MIDI in/out, along with a jack for a damper pedal and a USB-B port.

Korg opsix Audio Demos:

The synth is priced at £699/€799 and will ship in March this year. Find out more on Korg website.