In his latest Sonic Lab review, host Nick Batt takes an in-depth look at the new Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer.
The Korg NTS-4 Mixer features two mono inputs, four stereo inputs, stereo send and return, cue monitoring, USB return level, headphone output and a two-channel USB audio interface running at 24-bit/48kHz.
There are two FX engines, one on the send which includes delays, reverbs, chorus and a range of master effects, including filters, phaser, decimator, drive, distortion, compression and limiting.
The NTS-4 does not support Korg’s ‘Logue SDK, so its effects can’t customized by the user.
Topics Covered:
00:00:00 Introduction to the Korg NTS-4
00:00:43 Kit build begins
00:01:34 Finished build and first impressions
00:02:00 Inputs, sends and mixer layout
00:04:14 Cue mix and pre-fade monitoring
00:04:42 Audio examples and send effects
00:07:11 Master effects section
00:09:22 USB power and possible noise issues
00:10:00 USB audio with phone and BandLab
00:12:23 The alternatives and conclusion
Check out the video and share your thoughts on the NTS-4 Mixer in the comments!
Pricing & Availability:
The Korg Intros NTS-4 Performance Mixer Kit is available now for $249.99 USD.
Why why why would they NOT support ‘logue effects on this?
This is kind of inconceivable – that would have been the main selling point for me. Imagine having your choice of great effects built right into an inexpensive, compact mixer.
I have a Prologue, and love that I’ve been able to load it up with custom effects that are better tailored to my musical style/interests than the built-in effects.
Like he says – you can put your own effects box on the stereo send-return eg. A Kaos pad, NTS-1.
What a massive miss for Korg, though, because the ‘Logue SDK is ONLY available on Korg gear, and it would be incredibly useful in a mixer.
It’s supposed to be a compact, portable device, and having the effects onboard – instead of doubling the gear you need and creating wiring dependencies – would have made this a killer piece of gear.
As it is, it’s sort of ‘meh’.
Agreed. Maybe as a plug-in module or an enhanced version. But yes, a big miss as it now stands.
It doesn’t need to eat into its other ‘logue product market shares in order to happen.
Because they want you to buy the kaoss pad too!
Korg always do this.
They NEARLY make something great, but then neuter it so it doesn’t eat in to the sales of their other products.
Regardless, I want one. The size is right: I can hook up all my gear on stage, without carrying a big Mackie or something like it. Or rely on the sound engineer in the back of the hall. I see it advertised for 200 euros; I expect it to go down even further