Korg ElecTribe ESX1

I started out learning to become a dj at the age of ten. I am now 27 years old, and have further ventured into recording /digital effects/studio operations. I played piano for several years, got bored switched to guitar but got bored again. when I first learned to mix records, I was in love and have eve since. I like techno/house music but have spent years evaluating many genders of music,70s 80s 90s etc.

I had never before until now purchased any korg products and when i did i was very dissapointed,and very pleased at the same time. I bought an electribe sx. It was supposed to be a sampler and digital fx processor . well it sucked as a sampler, in fact I dont plan on ever using it for that purchase. but it was a great digital fx processor though. well if youre looking to purchase a sampler try the boss sp303,its affordable works very well,if you use it right. there are a couple of functions that are hard to grasp(editing samples) .

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Incredible ease of use (you don't have to be a synth nut to program it)
New patterns from hot new artists
MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) sound engine offers 16 types of tone generation
Twin vacuum tube Valve Force circuitry delivers analog warmth or menacing bite
3 stereo effects can be chained together for radical sound warping
Crisp filters and speedy-smooth timbral modulation
Built-in step sequencer for intuitive song production
Motion Sequence function captures and replays sound-tweaking knob movements
Powerful arpeggiator uses Korg's ribbon controller and slider for generating inspired phrases
Auto BPM Detection sets the tempo based on any external audio source
Number of parts: 16 total; 2 synth, 9 drum, 1 drum accent, 2 stretch, 1 slice, 1 audio
Number of samples (internal memory only): 384 (100 mono, 128 stereo), maximum 285 (mono) seconds
Internal memory storage: 256 patterns, 64 songs
Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz
Effects: 16 types x 3 (chain)
Sequencer: Pattern: Maximum 128 steps by part, maximum 24 motion sequence by pattern
Song: Maximum 256 patterns, maximum 20,000 event recording
Arpeggiator: Ribbon + slider, scale
Output: 1/4" TS main, 1/4" TS individual 3, 4, 1/4" headphone
Input: 1/4" TS audio in
MIDI: Input, output, throughput
External memory: Up to 32GB SDHC card media
Vacuum tube: 2 x 12AX7

UTILIZATION

Let's get down to bare bones here. I will be honest. This is a device that is priced toward the beginner/intermediate market and personally I think that's a good spot for it. But beginners should be weary that the electribe is not the simplest device to use. It's actually a fairly complex sequencer. With a surprising amount or horsepower. If you look at the spec sheet it's clear why, but a quick glance at the panel is going to tell you the same anyway.

Some people use these as a basic drum machine or sequencer device. Personally I like to use mine as an all purpose drum machine and sequencer for my synth. Basically what I do is take my keyboard, whatever it may be, and plug it into the electribe via midi. This allows me to beat sync all my keyboard tasks, along with all my drum machine tasks in real time.

SOUNDS

Sounds quality is aces actually. Everything sounds fine. The converters are good. All the buttons have good responsiveness. At first it will be a bit awkward finding your way around sounds and different buttons because it's all kind of packed in there. But you get the hang of it.

OVERALL OPINION

Disclaimer. While this is indeed a lower end priced machine, you really need to know what you are doing to get the most functionality out of it. There's a reason that a lot of pros like these. They are very straightforward and they can do a ton. I would NOT recommend as a first device. You really need some prior experience with midi or software sequencing at least or you will be lost. That said this is a killer piece of hardware. Well worth the steal of a price.

The new and improved features are awesome! the tubes sound fat, adjusible = good...efx are quality and can be chained as well as effecting each part the waves, slider, and ribbon controller are bonus features that allow for free and spontaneous sonic tweakage

Price paid: $604 USD

UTILIZATION

Since i had its predecessor , the es1, getting around the esx1 was pretty intuitive...however a read throught the manaual reinforces the logical construction and conceptual layout of the unit....extremely easy to use

SOUNDS

With a 44.1 khz sound qualtiy, we finally have a unit that can be used to create tracks and not just rhythm and drum grooves...plus the tubes and quality of efx make the esx1 a standout sampler/ drummachine

OVERALL OPINION

Definity gig with this thing...it is meant to be played live...just make sure to transport it in a road ready case or some serious blankets...cuz those tubes are like a newborn babe...gentle.... its a pretty solid and sturdy piece of gear....unlike the es1 , whose nobs get real loose after a while,,,these feel solid and tough

i bought the korg es1 when it first came out as i was starting out creating music with sampling machines...as my first piece of gear it was perfect with what little i had and making something of it...after 3 years a lot more gear and more needs towards machines/ tools,,,along came the esx1 to replace the es1 as the cornerstone of spontaneous composition and tweakage in my setup....now we are both evolved species...man and machine...and so far the music has flowed through me with this machine...the sound is lovely

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 2-, 2003)