Korg Electribe SX Music Production Sampler - ESX-1 SD Version
Korg's popular Electribe pattern-based music production stations have earned respect among electronic musicians across every genre. Now revitalized with up-to-the-minute patterns and massive SD data storage, these versatile music makers are now better than ever.
As more and more musicians adopted the Electribes as part of their audio arsenal, Korg teamed up with cutting-edge creative artists from around the world to deliver fresh beats, patterns and even Electribe SX (ESX-1) samples. Ninja Tune/Big Dada artists Emika and the Anti-pop Consortium are contributors, as well as U.K. MySpace artist Shrikednb (Tom Thorpe), plus YouTube stars Denkitribe and Scribej.
The addition of convenient SD/SDHC card storage allows up to 32 GB of sound, pattern, song and sample data to be saved on an individual card. This enables an entire live show's worth of data to be saved on a single card.
Here's what Korg say about the ESX-1
The Electribe series of Dance Tools defined a new standard, combining unique sound generation, pattern based programming, and intuitive knob-based interfaces. Thousands of forward-thinking musicians, DJs and producers continue to use them to create exciting and groundbreaking music.
The ELECTRIBE SX represents a new generation of Electribes - powerful dance music products that cover everything from laying down stunning tracks to creating exhilarating live performances. Both come housed in a sleek, rugged metal chassis. The new backlit LCD provides a wealth of information during programming or performance.
The intuitive step-time/realtime interface has been enhanced with a new Ribbon and Slider control. Effects, Motion Sequencing, and Pattern length have all been expanded. A brand-new filter lets you chose Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass or Band Pass Plus.
Up to 256 patterns can be created and stored to the internal memory. You can combine patterns, add mute data and knob movements to create up to 64 songs. To get you started, a wide assortment of patterns covering house, hip-hop, R&B, electronica, drum'n'bass, techno, trance and more come preloaded - 128 in the ELECTRIBE SX. Using the last step function, you can easily adjust to any odd meter. Favorite patterns can be assigned to Pattern Sets for instant access. Data can be quickly saved and loaded via SmartMedia.
Audio inputs allow you to process external signals through the on-board filter and effects, and an extra pair of assignable outputs has been added as well. The front panel knobs and switches control all the most important sound parameters, allowing you to modify the sound in realtime as you perform, and giving you a hands-on feel like that of an analog synthesizer.
Sophisticated Sampling and Instant Dance Music Creation
The ELECTRIBE SX lets you use a variety of approaches to creating songs, elevating it beyond just a sampler and rhythm module into a comprehensive tool for music production.
Using sample based sound creation, the ELECTRIBE SX can generate a total of 16 parts that can be used for building patterns. Nine parts are set up to play as "one-shot" samples, or Drum Parts. Two additional Keyboard Parts allow samples to be played melodically at various pitches right from the step keys or a MIDI input.
Sampled loops can be assigned to the Stretch Parts. As Stretch Parts, their tempos can be freely adjusted without affecting their pitch. This allows two sample Loops recorded at different tempos to be used in the same piece of music.
Phrase samples can be "Sliced," or divided up at the rhythmic peaks of the sample. Once sliced, individual samples can be muted to generate new grooves. Pitch, filter and effect settings can be applied to the individual sliced samples (or Motion Sequenced) to transform the original phrase into something unique.
Two Accent parts introduce added dynamics. Reverse and Roll commands can be used to quickly generate complex sounding patterns. Additional Sample edit commands include Normalize, Truncate and Start Point.
A generous 285 seconds of memory (at 44.1kHz) can be used to create up to 384 of your own samples. The ELECTRIBE SX includes a wide variety of preloaded samples - 196 in all - so that you can start producing dance music immediately. Samples (.WAV/AIFF format) can be imported and exported via SmartMedia.
Twin vacuum tubes for analog warmth
Valve Force circuitry contains two vacuum tubes that add new power to your sound. The analog tube circuit adds a warmth and presence to your sound that cannot be duplicated digitally. The tube gain knob adjusts the level of the output signal passing through the vacuum tubes, creating dynamic sounds with the distinctive tonal quality that only tubes deliver.
Three Stereo Effect Processors to Radically Change your Sound
The highly acclaimed Electribe effects have been enhanced to provide three multi-effect units available for simultaneous use. Each part can be independently routed to any of the three effects processors, and you can even use the Chain function to link multiple effects in series, opening up further sonic possibilities. Each processor offers 16 effect types ranging from traditional reverb, delay, flanger and chorus, as well as more modern offerings including tempo-based delay, talking modulator, grain shifter, decimator and more. The edits you make to each of the effects processors are saved with each pattern.
Powerful Arpeggiator with Ribbon Controller and Slider
A new ribbon controller and slider have been added, providing a remarkable realtime interface for accessing the powerful arpeggiator. Together, they allow you to enter pattern data or perform over a pattern quickly and with amazingly musical results. When playing a synth part, select a scale type or hold down a few notes - the ribbon controller will affect note duration, and the slider can be played in realtime to generate new phrases. For a drum part, touching the ribbon will trigger notes, and sliding your finger up and down will change the note resolution.
Motion Sequencing Brings your Songs to Life
Motion Sequencing records your realtime knob tweaks and plays them back as part of the pattern. Two types of motion sequence are provided; one for effects and one for parts, and you can also edit the value of individual steps. Up to 24 motion sequences can be used in a single pattern, allowing you to control virtually every sound parameter. The Step Edit function allows you to adjust the value of individual steps.
Easy to Use Realtime and Step Style Sequencing
The 14 part keys and 16 step keys on the front panel of the ELECTRIBE SX allow for easy, intuitive song production. Realtime recording lets you record phrases as you perform, and step recording allows you to input the timing, pitch and duration one note at a time.
A Variety of Tempo Sources
Using Auto BPM detection, the ELECTRIBE SX can follow the tempo of an external audio source. You can also use Tap Tempo to input the beat, set the tempo internally, or sync up to an external MIDI clock.
