The new Korg NTS-4 is a compact performance mixer, designed for integrating multiple electronic instruments into a single setup.
Part of the Nu series, the DIY kit provides four stereo channels and two mono channels, supporting up to 10 audio signals. Each channel includes level control, mute, CUE monitoring, and FX send controls, while built-in effects engines provide per-channel processing and master mix effects.
USB-C connectivity provides 24-bit audio and MIDI communication for recording, streaming, and DAW integration, while MIDI output allows USB MIDI data to control external hardware.
Korg NTS-4 Mixer Kit Overview:
Features:
- Six-channel mixer with four stereo channels and two mono channels
- Supports up to 10 total audio signals
- Each channel includes level control, mute, CUE monitoring, and FX send controls
- Stereo inputs use 3.5 mm mini-jacks for compact hardware connections
- Mono inputs support line-level and modular-level signals through a switchable attenuator
- Dedicated SEND and RETURN connections allow connection of external effects
- Two independent stereo effects engines provide per-channel SEND FX processing
- Master TOTAL FX section processes the complete mix
- SEND FX include Delay, Ping Pong Delay, Hall Reverb A, Hall Reverb B, Slap Reverb A, Slap Reverb B, and Chorus
- TOTAL FX include LPF, HPF, Isolator, Flanger, Phaser, Decimator, Drive, Distortion, Compressor, and Limiter
- Dedicated CUE controls allow headphone monitoring of individual channels
- Dedicated MUTE controls support live performance transitions
- USB audio supports recording, streaming, and DAW integration
- USB MIDI can be routed through the MIDI OUT connection
- MIDI OUT uses a 3.5 mm TRS mini-phone jack
- Standard 1/4-inch main outputs provide connection to studio and live systems
- Headphone output is provided through a 3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack
Pricing & Availability:
Details on pricing and availability for the Korg Intros NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit are still to be announced, but several retailers are listing at about $250 USD.
if only it transmitted multi channel to ipad or pc/mac.
Wondering if the zooms do that?
It would be cool if it could do that. This looks like it has better MIDI capability than the Zoom stuff.
This is no diss, the feature-set is really specific to a certain kind of “realm” of work.
No preamps, no special routing/buses, 1/8″ jacks only, no mention of EQ (apart from LPF/HPF). I can understand the lack of noise measurements in the spec, as this can be affected by noise from the USB line. Lack of a frequency-range spec is probably just laziness, as the chip is probably decent enought for it not to be an issue.
Still, at the end of the day, you have to decide if this degree of portability is worth sacrificing all the other benefits of a proper mixer.
As for Zoom’s mixers, their 32-bit-float-so-no-level control was a massive FAIL. I got their R4 portable multitrack, and the 32-float thing was a disaster– horrible clipping at the inputs, and nothing can be done short of getting an expensive, bulky in-line pad.
Seems like the best choice is still to get a decent small mixer from Yamaha. I’ve had terrible luck with Mackie’s mixers (many of them), and I would trust a mixer from B-word.
This is no diss man, but you might be the issue here.
Mackie has been used by lots and lots of artists. I refurbished a 1604 that had 3 failed inputs and it works great, I’m not even an electronic technician. The L6 l6max zooms are also great for people that want a small set-up. The NTS line were already made for people that use volcas, this is way better than the volca mixer and useful for modular or even the Moog Studios and semi-modulars that are so popular right now. Their nts effects are pretty decent and this adds FX sends and cue monitoring. It looks like a great little piece of kit for smaller jams. I’ve had no issues using my modular alongside my guitar with the 32 bit float on some of my devices, but I have no experience with the R4. Never set gain anywhere. I do have submixers and have lots of control before the actual mixer hits it, but still…. odd.
Good luck with the mixers man.
This looks like an updated approach to what they started with the Volca Mix and some of the Zoom products that are available. Could be cool.
i agree. the Volca Mix is good as useless. This looks like a great mixer for the Volca boxes. 3.5mm jack inputs make it clear this is the “fixed” version of Volca mix. Finally. Well done Korg!
I think this hits a smart spot in the field. Its pretty capable for the price. You could even carry one as an emergency spare. You might eventually want to step up to something like a Radial Key Largo, but in a world of synths like the MultiPoly, the NTS-4 seems properly focused.
Does the Zooms hace cue? I see this a very welcome addition to live playing and the master compressor would help a lot too.
I decided to get a sidekick instead becuase of it’s more robust expansion options and audio over usb capabilities.
Another Korg product which COULD of been great, but they neutered it with strange design choices.
Switching between line and eurorack internally is a PITA. I don’t want to be taking the thing apart to switch it. Why not do it externally?
However, not supporting the logue SDK for the effects is the biggest sin here. Why not include that so we can load our own effects in?
Oh yeah, you want us to buy the NTS-3 also and use them both in tandem.
I really hate it when companies (and Korg do it a lot) neuter there own products so they don’t compete with the rest of their portfolio of products.
Meh, you’re asking a lot for $250. They can always open up the SDK for the FX later if sales justify it, if they don’t then it’s a support expense they may want to avoid. They’re clearly marketing this as a compact and relatively bulletproof tool for both people buying their first mixer and experienced people who want to travel light. The only thing I see wrong with it is the metering is a little too minimal, but realistically a lot of people are just going to set the master FX to the compressor or limiter and then never touch it again.
Behringer Flow 8
would have been nice to be able to put it in the eurorack.
looks interesting still
i was wondering what the use case was for this, when you have things like the. Zoom L6.. but i suppose all the mini jacks are unique
but then i saw all the FX processing – and presumably the sinevibes type customizations
because thats truly the selling point here
No logueSDK for the effects? I can’t remember, was that announced alongside the NTS-3 or did that get announced later?
no logueSDK.
This is a huge miss for me.
The logue effects on the Prologue are excellent.
Nice and all, but why can’t you pan the stereo tracks? I mean, if i have a Reface CP, and a Microkorg, I can’t move them a little in the stereofield?? So not really a 10 track mixer then.
Definitely cool, but I think I’ll still wait for the Intellijel Jellymix when it comes out. Has 5 stereo channels, 2 stereo aux sends per channel, eq, etc.
It’s cool and I want one but $250 for a mixer I have to assemble myself? Way too expensive!