How to Install the Korg NTS-1 mkII in a Eurorack Case

For the ISOGRID NTS-1 MK2 Eurorack Conversion Kit. Fits 26HP. Last updated November 2, 2026.

This kit puts the Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 digital kit mkII in your rack with stereo audio, MIDI, sync and USB-C on the front panel. There's no soldering. It's the written version of our video install guide, and the full reference manual (PDF) has the panel and board diagrams.

This kit is for the NTS-1 mkII only. It doesn't fit the original NTS-1.

What you need

A fully assembled Korg NTS-1 mkII (not included)
A Phillips head screwdriver (not included)
26HP free in your rack, and a 16-pin spot on your bus board

In the box: the faceplate with PCB assembly (top section pre-attached), the lower PCB assembly, a power activator tab, a 90-degree USB-C cable, six 90-degree 3.5mm TRS cables, a 10-16 pin IDC power cable and four M3 rack screws.

You reuse two sets of screws from the NTS-1 mkII: the four Phillips screws on top, and the two 1.5mm screws from the back plate. Don't throw them away.

Before you start

Read all the steps first.
Power off your Eurorack system completely before connecting the IDC power cable.
Handle the PCB assembly and faceplate with care, and avoid touching the PCB components.
Don't overtighten. Finger-tight plus a quarter turn is enough; more can damage the faceplate or the NTS-1 mkII chassis.
Check that every cable is fully seated before powering on.

Part 1: Attach the NTS-1 mkII to the faceplate

Set the output volume. Turn the OUTPUT VOLUME knob on the NTS-1 mkII to 100%.
Install the power activator tab. With the NTS-1 mkII still fully assembled, remove the two 1.5mm screws from its back plate and use them to secure the tab, positioned to hold the power button fully down. You'll confirm its seating in step 5.
Connect the cables to the NTS-1 mkII. Plug in all cables before removing any screws, and leave the other ends loose for now.
Remove the four top screws. Take the four Phillips screws out of the top of the stock faceplate and set them aside.
Fit the NTS-1 mkII to the faceplate. Slide it through the rear of the faceplate. To seat it, press up on the faceplate with your thumbs while pushing down on the back of the NTS-1 mkII with your fingers. That engages the power button through the activator tab and lines up the screw holes. Put the four screws back in.
Attach the PCB board. Line up the stacking header pins with the sockets on the assembly, then press the two boards firmly and evenly together until fully seated. They only fit one way round.
Connect the cables to the PCB board. Flip the assembly over and plug each cable into its labeled port on the underside: USB-C to USB-NTS1, then MIDI-IN, MIDI-OUT, SYNC-IN, SYNC-OUT, AUDIO-IN and AUDIO-OUT.

Part 2: Install the kit in your rack

Connect power. With the rack off, plug the included IDC cable into your rack's bus board (16-pin).
Mount it. Line the faceplate up with your rack rails and secure it with the four included M3 screws.
Power on. Turn your rack on and play.

Check the IDC cable orientation before powering on. The red wire is pin 1 and must line up with the -12V marker on the PCB assembly. The wrong orientation will damage the PCB, the NTS-1 mkII and potentially other modules in your rack.

Recommended Korg Librarian settings

Open the Korg NTS-1 digital kit Librarian from the front-panel DATA port and go to the GLOBAL tab. Set INPUT GAIN to -24dB to match Eurorack signal levels and avoid clipping.

Using the front panel

L IN / R IN: stereo audio inputs. Signals pass through the effects chain only, not the filter.
L OUT / R OUT: stereo outputs at Eurorack levels. Patching only L OUT gives you a summed mono output.
VOLUME: sets the master output level. Start fully counterclockwise and bring it up to suit your system.
SYNC IN / OUT: takes and sends standard CV sync. With both connected, SYNC OUT acts as a thru. Disconnect SYNC IN to use the NTS-1 mkII as a clock source.
MIDI IN / OUT: TRS Type A. A Type A to 5-pin DIN adapter isn't included but is widely available.
MULTIPLE: patch a signal into MULTIPLE IN and get three identical copies at OUT 1, 2 and 3.
DATA: USB-C for firmware updates, patch management and Korg Librarian, with the kit fully racked.

Troubleshooting

No audio

Check that all cables are fully seated at both ends, and that the faceplate VOLUME knob isn't at minimum.

MIDI isn't working

The NTS-1 mkII needs TRS MIDI Type A. Check that your cable or adapter says Type A, not Type B. A Type B cable gives you no signal and no error.

Noise or hum

The kit is built to remove the NTS-1 mkII's own noise problem, so any remaining noise is coming from inside your rack. Check your power supply and bus board.

My bus board is 10-pin only

Use a standard 10-to-10 pin IDC cable (not included) in place of the included one, or power the NTS-1 mkII externally through USB-C with a 5V charger.

How do I update the firmware?

Connect a USB-C cable to the front-panel DATA port and run the Korg System Updater. You don't need to take the kit out of the rack.

Need a hand?

Email hello@isogrid.io. If you don't have the kit yet, the NTS-1 MK2 Eurorack Conversion Kit page has the full spec.

Eurorack systems run at ±12V and 5V. Always power off your rack completely before connecting or disconnecting the IDC power cable. This install is for someone with basic Eurorack knowledge, and ISOGRID assumes no liability for damage caused by improper installation or use.