Korg EMX1 Electribe MX Production Station

Powerful arpeggiator with ribbon controller and slider. Twin vacuum tubes for analog warmth

Item: KOREMX1

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    • $499.00
    • Installment Plan:4 payments of $124.75
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Rate and Review This Product:

125 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

8 People wrote reviews

* * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10

"An Amazing Little Box"

Feature:
Of course it has a limited feature set and very few parameters compared to typical synths, but it is amazing how much you can get out of them, if you're willing to push it. With a little ingenuity you can work around almost all its limitations. Now IF ONLY the synths were truly polyphonic...

Quality:
A very durable build for these days. 100% thick metal case, a power plug that doesnt slip out, a nice screen, etc. The knobs aren't flimsy, but I'd prefer they were actually anchored into the case rather than the substructure.

Value:
I think the price (US$500) is about right for this unit. Any more and you'd be better off with something else, any less and it would be a steal.

Desirability:
It looks quite cool, but it would look cooler if I'd designed it ;)

Sound:
I've used mostly software for the last 8 years, and it came as a shock to me how full and 3-dimensional this little thing can sound. To me it doesn't sound analog, nor does it sound traditionally digital. It has a unique bright, full sound. I do wish it had a more expensive-sounding reverb. The springy one it has is ok for adding ambience, but not for creating real big reverb effects.

Ease of Use:
It's not as easy or convenient as software, but what is? the EMX-1 is easier than many hardware devices. I found it especially clumsy to build songs using the pattern-based song mode, but then I discovered I could record the songs into my computer via MIDI, edit them in a software sequencer, then split them up into patterns and record them back into the EMX-1. (I'm thinking of making a YouTube demo of this.)

Support:
Haven't needed it.

Overall:
For what it does, it is great. Great sound, the limitations can be pushed quite far with a little imagination. The presets are very limited to very few genres, and don't even begin to represent all the possibilities.

Submitted: 5/6/2008

Style of Music: electronica

* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

"Excellent value."

Feature:
No accessories were included. I immediately bought a couple of smart media cards. You have to get 128MB cards. I also bought a USB reader so can transfer the patterns I create to my PC hard disk. The pattern files are binary and can only be read by the machine though (my understanding). I also ended up buying a couple of adapters to go from 1/4" jacks to 1/8" jacks. If I could add anything to this machine, I would add the ability to have separate effects for each part, instead of sharing the three effects stages across all the parts. Well, maybe the ability to load PCMs would be a bigger plus.

Quality:
Overall quality is good. It's a substantial device, but not bulky. Comparable to a larger laptop ca. 2001. I think the knobs could have been tougher. I am careful with it because I want it to last a long time. So it doesn't seem bulletproof, but it's not fragile either.

Value:
Easily worth the price when you consider a sequencer alone can cost this much. Nothing compared to analog prices. Really a great gift for someone who has an interest in music. Resale appears to be strong as well. Not a huge financial risk.

Desirability:
I saw this thing on youtube and was immediately obsessed. It strikes me as a future icon of this era. Instant collectible.

Sound:
This instrument is all about throwing sounds together and seeing what happens. Not so easy to think of a sound you want and then build it. It's better to give in a little to what it does well. There are many dual oscillator configurations to choose from, and the PCM sounds are weighted more for drums than otherwise. It is primarily a drum machine. You can get all kinds of drum sounds out of it (starting out as PCMs) you can change the pitch of the drum sounds, you can apply an LFO, and you can apply three chained effects of your choice. There is not a huge range of non-drum PCMs (70 or so), and you can't load more. I find myself just using the oscillator sources for the synth parts, although the PCMs are pretty good, some very good, in my opinion. One great thing about this machine is you can use it as a MIDI sequencer for other equipment. The step keys make it really easy to create parts in real time. I am using it to sequence a modular analog synthesizer, and it also works well in this role because I can also use it to fill in sounds for the analog while I save money for more analog modules, and decide which sounds need to go over to analog. To get the functionality of this thing in an analog synthesizer would be huge money (and a lot of space).

Ease of Use:
Very easy to use. The manual is very clear. A lot of thought went into it.

Support:
No experience, which probably says a lot.

Overall:
I don't see myself outgrowing this device. It can always play the role of a MIDI controller and drum machine.

Submitted: 3/5/2008

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About This Product!
Description
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From Our Catalog
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Serious Genre-Warping Production Tools for Your Dance Creations
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 ELECTRIBEMX represents a new generation of Electribes - powerful dance music products that cover everything from laying down stunning tracks to creating exhilarating live performances. The EMX-1 comes 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 - 196 in the ELECTRIBEMX. 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 SmartMediaTM.

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.

ELECTRIBEMX: Cutting-Edge MMT Synthesis Engine
Powered by one of the most advanced synthesizer engines in the world, the ELECTRIBEMX provides everything needed to create sophisticated dance music - nine drum parts, five synth parts, plus accent parts that let you add dynamic accents to the drum and synth parts (for a total of 16 parts).

The all-new MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) offers sixteen different oscillator algorithms, providing powerful analog synthesis models as well as sophisticated additive, PCM, chord, unison, combination, wave shaping, formant models and more. The built-in PCM library includes 207 drum PCM sounds and 76 synth PCM sounds ready for immediate use, ranging from powerful kicks and snares through amazingly unique organic sounds. External audio signals can be manipulated using the Comb Filter oscillator algorithm, and then further processed by the internal filter and effects.

A new 'Drive' parameter added to the filter produces the distinctive overdrive of analog circuitry, creating powerful and biting analog synth sounds. Each part features extensive LFO and EG modulation, allowing you to create wonderfully bizarre sounds.

The ELECTRIBEMX is Packed with Cutting-Edge Features

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.

3 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 ELECTRIBEMX 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.

Variety of Tempo Sources
Using Auto BPM detection, the ELECTRIBEMX 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.

Technical Info

Sound Generation Method: Analog Modeling + PCM

Oscillator type: 16 (Synth Part)

Filter type: 4 (Synth Part)

Drive Circulation: Synth Part

Modulation Function: Assignable, Tempo Synchronization

Number of Waveforms: 207 drum PCM waveforms, 76 Synth PCM waveforms (16-bit, 44.1kHz)

Number of Parts: 16 total; 5 synth parts, 9 drum parts, 1 synthesizer accent part, 1 drum accent part

Memory: 256 patterns (192 preload), 64 songs (3 preload)

Effects: 16 types x 3 (Chain)

Sequencer: Pattern: Maximum 128 steps by part, Maximum 24 motion sequence by pattern

Song: Maximum 256 patterns

Arpeggiator: Ribbon + Slider, Scale

Output: L/Mono, R (phone jack: mono x 2), Individual 3, 4 (phone jack: mono x 2), Headphone (phone jack: stereo)

Input: Audio In (phone jack: mono)

MIDI: n, Out, Thru

External Memory: SmartMedia (4-128 MB, 3V)

Vacuum tube: 12AX x 2

Power Consumption: 24W

Power Supply: AC IN (AC9V)

Dimensions: 14.09 in.(W) x 10.08 in.(D) x 2.44 in.(H) 358(W) x 256(D) x 62(H) mm (including protrusions)

Weight: 3.1 kg / 6.83 lbs.

Accessories: AC adapter

*SmartMediaTM is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.

Specifications subject to change without notice
Get the party started with this dance-friendly sequencer! Step-sequence functions for laying down tracks; hands-on ribbon and slider controls for on-the-fly performance. Internal memory stores 256 patterns and up to 64 songs. Get started immediately with 196 preset patterns. Dual vacuum tubes for analog warmth. Three onboard effects processors store settings with patterns.
  • 05/01
    New inventory arrives,
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