Developed by Fumio Mieda, the original designer of many legendary KORG pedals and synths like the Univibe and the MS-20 Mini, the Nu:Tekt HS-2 Harmonic Distortion is a new DIY kit pedal by the Japanese builder’s subsidiary.
The pedals in the kit series, which was launched a few years ago with the OD-S overdrive, all feature Korg’s mini-tube creation Nutube, visible through a glass opening on the bottom left of the pedal. Just like a regular (and much larger) vacuum tube, this device delivers amp-like character to your tone in the form of ” sag” (the compression feeling) typical of vacuum tube power amps.
Built to work with all sorts of signals, the HS-2 is no typical distortion pedal. Through three trim pots labeled “Harmonic” and accessible directly from the top of the case, it lets you combine three separate distortion circuits, allowing you to produce a wide range of tones from the classic to the atypical, ranging from distortion to fuzz and beyond.
The four main knob on the top let you control other more traditional aspects of the tone.
The kit is semi-assembled and doesn’t require any soldering, coming with all the necessary tools for assembly.
Hear how it sounds in the video below.
Nu:Tekt HS-2 Harmonic Distortion, Builder’s Notes
The HD-S effects pedal combines three different distortion circuits to create harmonic modulation that goes beyond the traditional concept of distortion.
This all new effects unit has been developed by Fumio Mieda, developer of many famous legendary devices such as the Univibe. This new kind of effects unit differs from the usual “fuzz” or “distortion” pedal in many ways.
The HD-S lets you freely combine the three different distortion circuits to produce a wide range of previously undiscovered sounds, from the traditional fuzz to out of this world distorted sounds and more. This wide range of traditional and all new sounds means the HD-S can be used not only with guitars but also with bass guitars, synthesizers and anytime new and unique sounds are required.
One of the advantages of the Nu:tekt series is the ability to assemble them yourself. The HD-S kit doesn’t require soldering, and all of the necessary tools for assembly are included in the package. This makes it quick and easy to put the kit together, bringing you the enjoyment and satisfaction of creating your own sound.
Create modulation effects by combining the three different distortion circuits
Combine the three different distortion circuits to control filter-like changes, going beyond aggressive distortion effects into a whole new sonic world. The HD-S includes three trimmer knobs inside the top cover of the housing, in addition to the four control knobs on the panel. By using these trimmer knobs to adjust the balance between the three different distortion circuits, you can create a wide range of sounds from orthodox fuzz to a wide variety of distortion all the way to some really wild sounds. Usable with guitar, bass guitar, synths and other instruments, the HD-S is a distortion effects unit that gives you sounds you’ve never heard or used before.
?When adjusting the distortion trimmer knobs please do it carefully without applying too much strength.
The picture on the left shows the center position of these knobs. Trying to forcefully turn the knobs further than their designed range might damage them so please operate them carefully.
