JMT from Japan shows with the NDE-1, a new analog Synthesizer box with a clever circuit design for noise explorers
Since we were already at the indie synth developer scene this morning with the Hansy Synth O.P.L.A, we’re sticking to the topic a bit longer. As is well known, Japan is a true paradise for synthesizers. With companies like Korg, Roland, Yamaha … you can find three big players here, but a trip to Tokyo alone is worth it (Five G shop…).
The Japanese synthesizer scene is not only shaped by the large but also small indie developers who show exciting releases such as Sonicware. JMT is a small boutique developer of little, unique noise-making machines, i.e. synthesizers optimized for drones, noise, etc. His latest release is called NDE-1.
JMT NDE-1
The NDE-1 is another small Synthesizer box from JMT for exotic, crazy sounds. It looks pretty simple, but it has some interesting twists in the circuit. The unit is made of a sturdy die-cast aluminum case and an acrylic knob-rich panel. No menus, everything is hands-on and operatable with knobs or switches.
The core consists of two analog oscillators, a noise generator, a four-pole (24dB) low pass filter, a loopable AR envelope generator, LFO, and a sample-and-hold generator.
JMT attaches particular importance to the filter, which he describes as soft and smooth. These were a bit on the hard side with the other releases. A nice addition is the ability to inject external audio through the filter making it also a little filter box. The sample and hold as well as the LFO have fixed routings. S&H affects the envelope, the LFO the filter.
The Circuit Twists
At first glance, a relatively simple analog Synthesizer, but the neat extras are hidden in the details. These can be seen, for example, already in the oscillator section where you have a noise mix per oscillator. It looks like you can use it as a modulation source for the two VCOs. This would open the door for really, experimental weird sounds.
Further, the LFO has a morphing waveform making it also more unique and flexible to use. Also, the envelope has cool tricks too. Here you have repeat and sample-and-hold options that make more unconventional envelope curve triggers possible.
Connectivity
On the connection side, you have a mono output, an external input as well as front-panel CV connectivity. Thus, you can also use it with a sequencer. No MIDI, just pure analog goodness.
NDE-1 is a very special analog Synthesizer with a lot of its own character. It is a nice example of a classic noise-making machine that invites you to experiment, apart from chords, sequences, etc.
JMT Synth NDE-1 is available now for an introductory price of 48150JPY (± 363€) (reg. 53500 JPY ± 403€) via the official web form. The adapter is not included. It requires a center-negative 9V POWER SUPPLY or A 9V battery. The Berlin-based Synthesizer store Schneidersladen has the brand in its range. The NDE-1 may also be available soon from Schneiders.
More information here: JMT
I have been following Tetsuji-San and his incredible work for years, I am so excited to see this new synth and hope it will open doors for him to reach more musicians with his unique designs!
Brilliant design, very much like a more complex DNVO1. The S/H and loopable EG possibilities are endless and that’s before you plug in a sequencer. A $100 SQ1 is a breathtaking force multiplier. Try CV/Duty mode, since the GATE input on the NDE is for the EG and not the VCO. Top row of 8 pads on SQ1 will control pitch, bottom row will control the EG. Then start changing the repeats and onboard SH/AR settings while bouncing between modes on the sequencer. You’ll soon find yourself with a gorgeous mix of fragmented patterns, swells and drones, all of which can be shaped by the amazing 4p filter. This is the best black box synth since the 0-Coast, and one that you will enjoy re-learning every time you power it up.