Korg release two new Electribe music stations
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-03-28)
Two new Electribe music stations from Korg offer new, hip ssamples and beats for the working electronic musician. 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. Introducing the tube-driven ELECTRIBE-MX SD (EMX-1 SD)[pictured] and (ESX-1 SD).
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.
The ELECTRIBE’s acclaimed ease-of-use, advanced features, and sonic power are all as strong as ever. Track-making is intuitive; each musical part is created using the same workflow as when producing a song. Vacuum tubes deliver tube saturation and overdrive to taste. The EMX-1 SD uses Korg’s MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) sound engine to offer sixteen types of tone generation. The ESX-1 SD offers powerful editing features to provide the freedom to sample and modify sounds in realtime.
Features common to both models include:
* Twin vacuum tube VALVE FORCE circuitry, delivering analog warmth or menacing bite
* Three stereo effects that can be chained together for radical sound warping
* Crisp filters and speedy-smooth timbral modulation
* Built-in step sequencer, delivering intuitive song production
* Motion Sequence function, to capture and replay sound-tweaking knob movements
* Powerful arpeggiator, ribbon controller and slider, for generating inspired phrases
* Auto BPM Detection, which sets the tempo based on any external audio source
The ELECTRIBE•MX has been reborn! Retaining the inimitable, intuitive style that made the ELECTRIBES stand tall against other dance and electronic music gear, it now supports SD card data storage and features programs for today's music scene – patterns available for immediate use!
Flexible, convenient SD card data storage
An SD card slot is now provided, so the pattern and song data you create on the ELECTRIBE•MXSD can be quickly saved to an SD card. Now you can easily manage your data on the ELECTRIBE•MXSD itself, without the need for an external computer! SDHC cards of up to 32GB are supported, so you can stockpile plenty of sounds. Data compatibility with earlier models is maintained, so data you created on the original ELECTRIBE•MX can be played back unaltered on the new version.
New up-to-date patterns created by today's hot talent
New preset data has been carefully selected from the latest sounds and patterns produced by ELECTRIBE loving creative artists from around the world. 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, mryat and Scribej. Simply listening to these new patterns will nourish your need to create cutting-edge music.
MMT – fusing DSP synthesis with PCM samples
The ELECTRIBE•MXSD features Korg's acclaimed MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) as its sound generation system, creating a wide range of sound variations using simple operations.
The oscillator section provides standard analog synthesizer waveforms and techniques such as sync, cross modulation, and ring modulation. Advanced modeling types include Chord, which lets you vary the pitches to produce a chord from a single note; Unison which generates a thick sound by stacking and detuning the pitch of as many as six oscillators; and Waveshape, which allows you to mix two oscillators and then modify the result to create a complex waveform. There are a total of 16 types to choose from. In addition to four multi-mode filters – capable of radically transforming the oscillators' sound – there's a "Drive" parameter that generates the distinctive distortion of analog circuitry to create powerful analog synth sounds. Used in conjunction with other tonal elements – "BPF+" (Band Pass Filter Plus) with adjustable peaking, combinations of modulation from the LFO/EG, etc. – the ELECTRIBE•MXSD delivers plenty of sound-creation potential. PCM sample data is also provided as part of sound generation system. Included are 76 PCM synth waveforms and 207 PCM drum samples ready for instant sound creation. Click on the links listed to the right to hear audio demos of the MMT synth engine.
Intuitive workflow
The ELECTRIBE is all you need to produce sophisticated dance and electronic music, simply by using the front panel knobs and switches to edit the main sound parameters in realtime just as you would on an analog synthesizer. Track-making is intuitive, creating each musical part using the same workflow as when creating your song. As a final touch, vacuum tubes help add just the right level of analog warmth and punch.
Valve Force circuitry
Two 12AX7 vacuum tubes can be used to add more power to your sound. The tube gain knob controls the level of the output signal passing through the vacuum tubes, letting you create dynamic sounds with the distinctive tonal quality that only tubes deliver. The result is a fat, warm sound that cannot be achieved using digital technology. This is not simple "distortion," but rather a natural effect that enhances the tonal changes in your music. The master volume and tube gain controls are completely independent, allowing you to experience the VALVE FORCE sound at any listening level.
Three stereo effects processors
Three stereo effects processors are available simultaneously to provide radical changes to the tone. A total of 16 effect types are available, including more aggressive effects such as a Talking Modulator, and a Grain Shifter that lets you freeze an instant of the sound and adjust the loop interval to the tempo. Sounds can be routed independently to the three effects, or you can use the Chain function to link effects together, opening up further sonic possibilities.
Crisp filter section, with modulation
LFO and EG modulation sources can be used to apply time-varying change to the sound, and BPM SYNC allows the speed of the modulation effect to be synchronized with the pattern tempo for fast and smooth tonal change. The filters that modify each part's tonal character have a crisp cutoff and resonance, so that you instantly create sharp changes in the sound.
Built-in step sequencer for intuitive song production
The ELECTRIBE's 16 step keys allow for easy, intuitive song production. Realtime recording lets you record phrases as you perform, and step recording lets you use the keys to input timing, pitch and duration one note at a time. Since you can specify the last step of a pattern, it's easy to make instant changes to the feel or length of the song.
Expressive Motion Sequencing
The Motion Sequence records realtime knob tweaks and plays them back as part of the pattern. You can loop sounds with time-varying changes, creating original performance effects even in a live situation. Two types of motion sequence are provided; one for effects and one for musical parts, and each can also be edited for at the individual step level. You can record up to 24 motion sequences for use in a single pattern, allowing you to control virtually every sound parameter.
Powerful arpeggiator with ribbon controller and slider
The arpeggiator can be used for both live performance and for song production. Simply touch the Gate Time / Resolution ribbon, and the selected part will begin sounding automatically. The resulting arpeggiator phrases can even be recorded into a Pattern. When playing a synth part, you can also specify what type of musical scale the slider will generate, giving you even wider expressive possibilities. The functions of the ribbon and slider can be swapped, providing an additional level of customization.
Numerous patterns
The factory settings include 192 patterns ideal for all genres of today’s dance and electronic music and beyond. Each pattern can save the sound settings and sequence data (maximum 128 steps) for each part, and 256 patterns can be stored in the internal memory. Pattern chaining is fast and flexible. You can combine patterns, add mute data and knob movements to create up to 64 songs. By assigning your favorite patterns to the 16 step keys, you can use switchable Pattern Sets to select patterns while you perform. Chain Play lets you choose a starting pattern and ending pattern, and loop the performance. You can also create and save your own original pattern sets.
Auto BPM detection
The Auto BPM function automatically detects the tempo from any rhythmic source connected to the audio in jacks, and applies that tempo to the pattern. Of course you can also use Tap Tempo to set the tempo, or sync up to an external MIDI Clock.
The Korg Electribe EMX-1 SD and ESX-1 SD will be available June 2010 with an MSRP of $750.
Compiled from information in a Korg press release and on the Korg webiste: www.korg.com
