Korg ES-1 Electribe

This thing is easy to use.

Sort of gritty due to its 32 kHz sampling, but it was still cool and sounded nice!

Well, I loaded some wav files onto a flash card and BOOM!

My ES-1 never started up again. I tried reloading the firmware and everything but it just hangs on "electribe" for long periods of time.

I didn't really have money to get it repaired, which makes me very sad. It's just sitting in my attic.

I tried calling support to ask for help but there was none.

I didn't buy one again, instead I bought an MPC. I have to say that it's ridiculous that a piece of hardware can be permanently brought down by software problems. I'm very wary of buying from Korg now.

Just an addendum to my review of the Korg ES1 mkII.

For some reason it doesn't MIDI sync as my Korg EA1 syncs. I forget the MIDI term used where there is location points (song position locator)in the MIDI signal but whatever that is called the ES1 doesn't have that.
What I was trying to do is use my Fostex FD4 and Cubase as the MIDI master the ES1 with other gear as the MIDI slaves. The ES1 starts as soon as you hit the start button on the FD4 or Cubase but the other MIDI slaves instruments wait for the starting point. So what I do is hook up the ES1 directly to the master MIDI device and out the ES1 a MIDI thru to control the other instruments.

I am a very happy owner of the Korg ES1 mkII, I bought it when it first came out for $399.

This sampler uses drum machine style sequencing like most groove boxes which is easy to use, I already owned a Korg EA1, Roland TR707, and other drum machines so this sampler was easy for me to pick up and use. I just had to skim through the manual to learn how to sample sounds and how to use the smart media card.

I really like the fact one can integrate your computer with this sampler by use of a smart card. One can really get into the samples (ie. tweaking, editing)
One can edit samples entirely on the sampler but limited to truncating ends and beginings of samples, and fading out a sample at the end. One thing I would have like to see is the ability to make a copies of a sample so one can tweak a copy of the sample and have the original still intact, and so one can chop up a sample (ie. drum break) and have different parts. On the ES1 there is a feature called slice but I don't think you can rearrange the samples from their original state (or chop up and play different)

The manual is easy to understand, but I can tell that English wasn't the author's mother tongue.

***One tip for people that have not erased the preset sequences:
Use the presets sequences to see how the ES1 can be utilized, Korg and other manufactures spend a lot of money on sound designers to make the presets sound good so their product sounds like something you NEED to have when you demo it in a music store. Yeah presets usually sound like generic stuff you hear on generic radio stations and all the usual places, but if you watch how they use the motion sequence by checking out the presets you can learn tips and tricks that aren't covered in the manual.

There is no velocity on the keys, and I haven't used an external trigger so I don't know if it would effect the velocity. But you can use the volume level in the motion sequence to change up the volume if you wanted to. I don't think I'll ever use external triggers because I think this machine is fun to use on your lap on your couch and sounds good enough to connect to your other gear after you programmed some patterns then songs.

The keys are the gummy Alesis MMT8/HR16 type, hopefully they still work after a few decades. The knobs are little more sturdier on the mkII than the original. I really love the layout, it reminds me of an old school drum machine (that never existed, but should have). I love the gold metal casing it's very stylish. The red LED display reminds of the old calculators in a way, giving this drum machine an 80's feel. I would have preferred that the power input jack be recessed but if one is careful one shoulden't have any problems.
I'll take this sampler with me on trips boxed in a hard case with foam about the sides (would love the option of batteries like the TR505), I have never had any problems with it.

I like the fact that there are two pairs of on/off buttons (the x/a & x/b, x=6 & 7 the "a" being on, the "b" being off)that can be used for hi hats (open high hat=on=x/a, closed high hat=off=x/b) or to stop the sample sounding (note off) -this is good because the samples play to the end of the sample, so if you have a sample that you want to stop in some places in the sequence(without cutting the sample down)use these buttons (assign the x/b as "off" when you go into the sample selector).

Since this is a sampler, the sounds that you get are totally up to you. Though it's 32khz, it sounds real good to me. Maybe if I A/B'd it to a 44khz or 48khz sampler I would hear a difference but after adding effects and mixing the sounds I don't think it matters. Anyways I'm using this sampler as a drum machine most of my samples are individual drum hits, so I don't need super hi fi. When I use it to chop up non-drum-hit samples the source is phonograph records so I think the 32khz enhances the sound.

I think this sampler is perfect for Hip Hop, and I am really surprised more Hip Hop producers aren't talking about this machine. I know the Holy Grail of Hip Hop production is the SP, TR808 and the MPC but you can get 5 ES1s for the price of one of those and spend the balance of the money on records.
One can use this for live dj sets to trigger sound effects (as I have done), or can use this in any style of music if samples are used, or can be used strictly for the audio in effects.

The effects are OK not bad but could be much better -but for the price of the unit it's good, I would have prefered four assignable outputs to the effects but I think Korg was trying to be a all-in-one. If I was good at electronics I would try to modify the ES1 to have separate outputs -I'm sure it's been done or at least thought of.
I don't like the fact that you can only use one effect at a time, (ex. sometimes I want to have reverb on the hand claps but on the same sequence use mod. delay for the rim shots but I can't because it's one effect)

This sampler is fun to play with, I can usually get the sound out from my head without too much trouble. I like the fact you can "audition" samples in a sequence by switching up the sample as the pattern sequence plays. I find the best results come when you use the 32 rather than 16 measurement. One can bring your sequences to life with the motion sequencing but be careful when the patterns change it has a MIDI zippering effect if the effect parameters are changed. One can also add life to a sequence with the accent but the accent is global to all the sounds and not that dramatic.

I love this machine, hopefully it will out live me.

One problem though, they stopped making 64mb smart media cards and the 128mb smart cards don't work. If you plan on using your computer to save ES1 sequences and songs, and to edit samples make sure you can find a couple of 64mb smart cards before you buy a ES1.

I don't gig out but if I did I'd have a backup because I'd be paranoid that it would break down -but that's just me trying to play it safe.

before you buy the ES1 download the manual so you know what you are getting into.

I'm happy I haven't run into any problems where I had to call customer support.

I really love this machine. I can get a lot done with it. After five years I want to be a master at ES1 -knowing every possible trick and knowing the insides and outs. If I had the extra money I'd buy a back up ES1 and just keep it in the box.

I check out sites like Harmony Central, Sonic State, and the like, do internet searches on various gear and read Future Music and Keyboard magazines and I can't think of another sampler I rather have. Though I wish it had four assignable outputs or the ability to use different effects on different samples on the same pattern sequence. It would be nice to be able to make copies of a sample so you can chop up different sounds from the original sample but I don't need this because I use the computer to edit all my samples and the smart cards to load them.

Love:
1) easy and fun to use
2) straight foward layout and operation (no long menus)
3) computer editing integration via Smart Media Card

Hate:
1) the fact you can only use one effect at a time
2) the fact they phased out 64 & 32mb Smart Cards
3) global accent -I would rather it be individual accent

I have been making beats since middle school and I'm 33 years of age as of this writing. For a list of my other gear and music samples you can check out my web site; http://markseventyone.com
I am always interested in tips and tricks for musical gear/song making so if you have any you would like to share, or would like to ask question of me please mail me.

These are easy to use, yet hard to learn inside out .. you need the manual to get anywhere into this .. I haven't had much experience with hardware groove boxes but this does seem to be easier to use than the Zoom Sampletrak .. I had one of them too ,, the ES-1 is way more intuitive to use than the ST-224 but you need the manual for both .. and then you have to be fairly well organised if you want to maintain a large library of sounds via memory and SmartMedia storage/transport .. it is just not as elegant an interface as many would have you believe and the reason for that is the complexity of the ES-1 .. it does lots of things .. some well and some not so well ..

.. I won't rabbit on about specifications here as I notice that is well covered so please permit me to move onto what features work well and what doesn't quite cut it (IMHO) .. I love the Delay master effect on the ES-1 and I believe that is on all the early Electribes .. truely an awesome and powerful feature right there .. and yes you can record delay filter adjustments into the motion sequencer .. that is very cool .. next I love the pitch shifter effect and that is programmable to different sound channels including the live input and motion sequencer .. tastey!!! .. most of the other ES-1 effects suck and don't cut it when stacked up against most any other effects unit I can think of .. and it was here that the ST-224 had the edge .. darn thing (the ST224 that is) had a scratch wheel effect too! (not on live input though) and the effects were better (Distortion effect was excellent) .. having said that; the delay and pitch shifter on the ES-1 is very hard to match, electribes have the edge there .. oh yes they do .. next thing that is common to both samplers and many other vocoder/groove boxes and that is; the ability to mute parts of the incoming live input .. crazy .. you need to mess with that stuff .. (apparently some people have found specialty uses for some of the filters I just dissed too .. so I may be misleading slightly there) .. I still give this a 10 in this category because of the sheer value for money!!!

.. it does come close to being a standalone instrument but seems to lack tonal expression (fidelity) only because of the 12bit samples and audio compression used .. I mentioned the effects stuff already but there is a lot more to the ES-1 in the sequencer and song control sections in particular .. it is pretty darn good and you can work around that LoFi/gritty sound and thus put it apparent weaknesses to good effect .. sounds great in a mix!!! and again it gets an additional point here 'cause it is cheap and cheerful!!

.. This seems to be a quality build but I would certainly be very careful with it .. no sunlight, no heavy bumps or drops and gentle with the knobs .. I hear that it is a real hassel replacing the battery on these things too and Korg advise a tech does that .. just keep everything crossed that nothing goes wrong with it .. lots of antique circuitry that would take a real specialist to repair any problems .. apparently they are crammed full of wiring and circuitry so aint something you would want to be repairing yourself unless you are a real mad scientist type .. I have heard of these going belly up and that is the end of them .. :( .. these have been known to crash occasionally too .. usually after a mad tweaking session .. so do remember to do incremental backups of your works in progress ..

.. they have manuals on their website in PDF format .. thanks for that KORG!!! .. the aftermaret DIY crowd kinda picks up the pieces and runs with it where Korg dropped the ball by not developing the computer interface side of things for ES-1 users ..

okay the ES-1 tops out over the St-224's only because it is a much nicer interface (plus slightly more grunt in the memory department only) ... both very nice toys but the ES-1 is easier to drive .. the ES-1 usually costs a few dollars more than the Zoom St-224 Sampletrak so if you are really bare-ass broke a ST-224 will suffice .. if you have a few bucks more I would say to go for an ES-1 .. the sound quality is approximately the same between the two .. of course if you are loaded up with cash you would probably be looking at spending your money on a higher resolution sampler with more grunt .. there is nothing wrong with either the ES-1 or the St224 for musicians who enjoy working with budget equipment ..

a reference for anyone who wondered what the guy was talking about when he complained about the patterns changing tempos when you switch from one pattern to the next.

it's designed to do that. if you're playing a song with two different patterns, the idea is that you don't want to change tempos. it facilitates that by carrying over the tempo from the first pattern into the next.

if you're not playing a song, you can just stop, switch patterns, then play, it will retain its original tempo.

it's all described in the 30 page, large print manual. easy. to. use.

I Have the Korg ES-1. one of the first additions.
I use it mostly for production and sample manipulation; although my DJ party options have been helped.

Let me tell you.....if a note was played mistakenly for your sequence, you can go in manually and change the note or effect.
There are several different effect modes including time delay(based on your BPM), and the ability to create motion sequences!!!!!!

This unit works well with orchestra hits, vocal samples, and all kinds of drums (includig kicks, snares, hats/symbals(any), amd preplayed samples.(This includes the ones you'll need clearances for). Normalizing certain sounds help, but be careful as you will have to resample if you don't like this effect. Pay attention to the manual if you're looking for particular things.......I'm not a manual reading type of person, but with noone to guide me in their past experience(i was the first in the crew to have this), it was easy to read and helpful!

The only upset I,ve encountered is the power cord. It can develope a short easily where it will cut off at any time in certain positioning. I purchased a reliable back-up source at radio shack for less than $15 (USD) that works super. If you plan to move the unit around a lot you might want to tape the power source.

Never had to Deal with.
I,ve had this unit brand new since 2001. It still works like new.

My Overall Rating is a 10. This is good for Producers, and dj,s alike!
I fall into both categories, and yes I am A female (o.k.),(Chicago Subarb). You will love the internal memory and motion sequencing. The eternal memory aint no joke!!!!!!!! Sequencing either. Everthing already ready for each gig!!! (get your smart media card for instant access to several sets)!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE IT!!!

I would keep this Forever Just for the portability options alone.

all said.

I just wanted to add some words about the es-1 MKII.
the reviewer before wrote about the pausing when changing the effects. well, this bug has been fixed in the MKII version. you can switch the effects in realtime without any glitches. superb!!!
I can't complain about anything. this unit simply kicks a$$ :-)

just go and get one of them - they will be sold out soon. I'd paid 277? for mine. that was the BEST deal I've ever made. ....n I made alot ;)

the soundset has been changed. although those preset-patterns are still unusable. but WHO uses preset-phrases anyway?! ;)
there are some really cool drumsounds in it - but the rest is all crap. but hey: it's a sampler. so what do ya do with it - if not sampling ya own stuff?! :-)
and believe me: when loading good samples, this unit boosts them to be pretty good. when loading kicka$$ samples, this units boosts them to blow a$$es off...hehe. ;)

best gear for live - solid metalcase. and the electribes at all are one of the tightest machines I've ever used. no stupid sequencer-bugs like those roland boxes liked to have. and their midification is also a pleasure.

made a whole track with it in the first week i owned it. very easy to use. the motion sequence is awesome and very useful.

you can find ES-1 OS updates on yahoo groups.. they load from your smart media card.. i have the french version 1.06. to know which OS version you have hold down stop and record as you turn on your es-1.

the only thing i don't like is the pausing in between the 11 fx. this is a problem imo and probably will not be solved in the mkII.

other than that it sounds f*cking great. really focuses on the lower tones (bass .etc). you can f*ck the samples as much as you like to get the weirdest sounds possible. great for electro.

it has done some odd things to me but so has software. some bugs have come up, dissapeared, and not seen again. this has not happened often.

i would rely on this at a gig if i was given the chance.

never dealt with them. guess that stands for the reliability part.

this is an excellent tool. great interface. great sounding fx. great sequencer. love it love it love it.

i just wish the leds were with what color the electribe was. er-1=red,ea-1=blue,es-1=green. that would be real cool.

I have been doing music for almost 2 years. Little to no formal training. After taking 2 computer and music classes , I got a CPU with Cubase, a Yamaha PSR keyboard and NI's Battery and got nothing but headaches and missing files.

Saved up summer 2002 (today is 1/2004) for this baby and was putting sketches together within a matter of weeks. I can now cook the meat&potatoes of a beat in under an hour. This is definitely a first-time producer's wet dream and a swiss army knife for the pro who wants something cheap, portable and quick.

I use my ES along with a Roland SPD6 (I hate the ES's gummy keys) and a laptop for saving files/samples. I have yet to get into software manipulation. The display is limited, but you'll get used to it, my only issue is that you have transfer each file into the ES one-by-one after converting them to 32khz. I haven't checked Korg for updates, so I am running with original OS.

The integration of the sampler and sequencer is seamless. Separated I don't think the sampler or sequencer can stand-alone tho'.

The sampler has sufficient space, but the 32khz is a pain in arse. This is resolved by converting every sample CD you have over to 32khz with software. I never use the time slice function, it may be the one thing not intuitive on this machine. Recycle is no doubt better. The effects are good for harsh electronic music, but not for smooth, subtle. I suggest you use software if you really want flexibility with sampling.

The step sequencer is both the up&down of this unit. It makes the process easy and visual, but I have found it limiting for the rapid drum flurries or swinging rhythms that I like to put in my music. This may be the only reason I step up to an MPC. The swing function is just not cutting it, so I never use it. At the same time, I don't know what I would have did without the visual step sequencer when I first started.

I work under the idea that the musician makes the instrument, not vica-versa. The ES1 is one of the best at what it does, but it does not do everything. For the price, what do you expect tho'?

I am not an audio editor/expert, so my opinion is weak here. This unit's sound is raw electronic music. My hip-hop junkie is hooked on the ES, my jazzy salsa other half is not.

The 32Khz gives it a sharpness and the effects are geared towards being rough. Korg designed the unit for electronic music, not to back Carlo Santana or John Coltrane.

From what I know, the unit responds to velocity from my SPD6, but not playing the keys directly.

There is a difference between reliable and sturday. My ES1 has never so much as hiccuped on me. In regards to gigging, I would warn that it's plastic. In terms of banging out beats in my room, this thing may outlive me. The knobs may need to be tightened in due time. No gigging with it, No problems in 1.5 years

Never used Korg b/c no problems. Try yahoo groups, there are plenty on online users, they offer some support/advice. Search under "korg_es-1". The "KorgES1" group is plagued with porn as of 1/2004.

First, let me publicly thank the designers of this instrument. This instrument will always have a special place in my kit. I lost my beat virginity to the ES.

My other gear is a Roland XP30, a mic, a laptop and a $40 tape recorder as of 1/2004. I shopped the Korg ES1 against a used Roland SP808, used Yamaha SU700 or Boss SP505. My only regret is its step sequencer limitations and the annoying 32Khz.

It's limitations are a result of its affordability and accessibility. Korg seems to have answered a lot of my wishes on the revision for the Electribe sampler. I will not buy the newer version tho'. The only step up worthwhile for me will be an MPC. I haven't even decided to do that yet, b/c I'm still running with this baby over a year later.


If you want to do drum sampling and crazy loops, get the ES and a used Roland SPD6 or Yamaha DD55 and GET TO WORK.

Just an update from my previous posting...

You can always load samples between files, so you can have several hundred samples on your card instead of just 100 mono samples and/or 50 stereo samples (00-99.wav on the card). Load samples to the SmartMedia card, import all of them and save as 1.es on the card (see manual for how to do the saving and loading). Then take the SmartMedia card to the computer, load 100 new samples (00-99.wav), plug it back into your ES-1, load the samples and save as 2.es on the card. Now you have 2 separate .es files with 100 samples. You can load individual samples from any .es file, so now you can start a new file (3.es for example) and load any samples from the other two .es files. It sounds a little complicated, but it's very easy once you try it. You can have up to 9 different .es files with (potentially) 100 mono and 50 stereo samples. That gives you a lot more to choose from and free's up space in the file you are currently working on. You can then sample longer phrases to loop and pick and choose the drum samples from your other saved files. Cool, huh?

Also remember that bigger samples take up more room. Use SoundForge to make samples 16-bit mono (if you don't need stereo) and trim the blank edges. You can also do like an SP-1200...sample a fast phrase and pitch it down in the ES-1 to make it sound right.

Anyway, that's my $0.02 for you ES-1 users out there.

Simple, simple, simple. Once your samples are loaded you can make a track in about 5 minutes. The manual is basic (looks like a VCR manual) but it covers
everything you need to know. I read the first few sections and was laying tracks. Load samples from your computer (make sure you save them as 01.wav,
02.wav, etc.) onto the SmartMedia card (get a 32MB), plug it into your ES-1, load samples, make beats. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is that you have to
load samples individually which is frustrating when you have 70 new samples to load.

Editing and tweaking sounds is where the unit shines. Select your sample, turn a knob. That's it. The only way to make it easier is to have someone do it for
you. Even using the pitch shift to make basslines and melodies is easy once you learn how. Refer to manual for this.

If you have one finger, you can use the ES-1.

Presets=90% bullshit. Buy/download/create your own samples. Blow out all of the preset patterns and all but about 10 preset samples.

32.1 KHz? Something like that. OK by me because it adds a gritty dirty feeling to my beats. Yeah, I like that. Not CD quality, but then again this isn't a $2000
MPC we're talking about. Tight beats on a tight budget.

Some effects are crucial, some are useless, but you can use them to emulate other beatmakers or develop your own style. What more do you need? Delay is
global, but you can resample a sample with delay and add it to your track thus working around the problem.

I've made hip-hop tracks that sound like Dre, Neptunes, RZA, and Timbaland on this thing. I never started selling beats until I got this unit, so I guess it sounds
good enough to catch people's attention.

Try plugging your guitar into the unit and tweaking sounds. Nice.

I bought it used on ebay and haven't had any problems. I've travelled everywhere from Michigan to Mississippi with this thing and it hasn't failed me yet. I can
see where hardcore techno-tweakers who want to slam the knobs during live performances would have a problem. They seem like you could twist them right
off. I use it strictly for home and studio use, so I tweak the knobs like nipples. Gently, brother, gently. Shit, it's not a stompbox. Treat it good and it will treat
you good.

My only experience has been the Korg website. I also found these if you're interested...

ES-1 stuff
http://www.isitmusic.com/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=57

Korg stuff
http://www.synthzone.com/korg.htm

Various reviews
http://www.futuremusic.co.uk/hl_news.asp

Sample songs
http://www.dj-store.com/product.lasso?pr=8662

UK review
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/aug00/articles/korgelec.htm

I've been making beats since '89 back in junior high. Started with R&B, moved over to techno, now mostly hip-hop. I've messed with software loop-based
programs, Alesis drum machines, Yamaha keyboards, and so much other gear I can't remember it all. The ES-1 is my favorite tool so far. If you have an once of
musical creativity in you, you won't be able to put this down. If lost or stolen I could only blame myself for not letting any shady characters near my shit, suck it
up, and by another.

I have a Yamaha QY100 for programming beats and R&B tracks on the road, but I keep coming back to the ES-1. Ease of use is the deciding factor there. I
need to find a car adapter for this so I can program in the ride.

I realize this was originally designed for technoheads, but to me the ES-1 screams hip-hop. It's not the best out there, but it's the best for the price. It's a sampler,
so you can always have fresh sounds. It small and light, so you can always take it with you.

If you can't afford and MPC, RS7000, or EMU you got to cop this.

Really, you'd have to be some kind of lower primate.

Select sample, lay track, add effect, boom drop boom. Done.

The best things about this sample are:
1) Tap tempo rocks. Really really good if you are playing the sampler as a drum machine with a sloppy live band
2) The effects section is lush. The effects are global, which is a drawback, but you are getting what you pay for. Not really a big deal. Have used this unit effectively as a nice little pre amp.
3) Time slice! So nice! Like Whiskey and Coke on Ice
4) The interface is intuitive and fun to use. It doesn't take scrolling through complex menu's to change pitch, envelope, ect. Just turn the knob. Setting the start and stop points of the sample is very simple, alot easier than a previous reviewer stated, actually.
5) The sequencer is fresh. I don't know what else to say about it. Drop sample, boom bam biiff...theres your drum track. You got a thousand dollars to burn, go buy an MPC and brag about how this ES-1 is a toy. The smart man will push this unit to it's limits and get similar/superior results at a fraction of the price.

All depends on what and how you're sampling. Thats all up to you.
The unit itself is very quiet and doesn't have that annoying buzz.

I really like the effects. Especially the tempo delay. It can totally change the beat like jelly.

People have complained about the build quality.......

Guess what! You don't want it to break?

THEN DON'T DROP IT!


I've used this thing heavily for two years. The knobs are fine. Nothing is loose. What is wrong with you heavy handed f*ckers? You don't need to punch the damn thing to tweak a knob. I really don't understand. You are not going to find alot of electronic gear these days that is cast in die-metals, and that in itself is no guarantee of invincible equipment. Such a thing does not exist. Anyone who spills a gin and tonic in this machine and then complains about build tonic.....never mind, trying to stay positive here.

Never had to call customer support so I can't answer honestly.

Absolutely indespensible to my rig. I pitty the fool who messes with it.

This is not the most advanced feature rich sampler that exists on the planet. But me, I don't need all the features a $1500 dollar sampler can offer. This is a perfect value for sampling drum beats or small phrases.

This is no toy.

With only an Alesis SR-16 as previous drum machine experience, the ES-1 proved spectaculary easy to master, although sequencing patterns into a song could've been faster if you want to make it sound like an actual drummer, with fill-ins that can set in at any given step on the way. But then again it's an electronic device for electronic music, and that's what you should use it for.

I love the internal effects as they're simplistic, but very effective. I am at times using the whole machine just for it's effects on vocals or an instrument through the Audio In.
I particulary like the idea that you have to overwrite the preset patches so you're not stuck with a lot of unusable factory settings I'm not interested in using for my own purposes. But then again, the preset samples are almost a shame to have to erase if you're not using SmartMedia(tm) to save them.

The sampling function work beautifully and as noise-free as the input signal is. I, for one, can't discriminate my own badge of samples from the preset ones except that I know where they are coming from.

The time delay section kicks ass!

The only thing I could've wanted is the possibility to use odd time signatures. But I also have obtained one Elektron Machinedrum which does have this feature (and costs dearly more).

Once purchased as a backup for the SR-16 (don't laugh! you can't have an idea of what my music sounds like!) it's perfect for what it is. But what's this story about wobbly pots and plastic casing?! Mine is clearly cased in brushed aluminium and it fell to the ground a couple of times, real hard, and down the stairs once, and it still has it's only defect: since the sample memory of my device is almost full, it mixes up and deletes 4-5 samples each time I try to sample something new. This effect can be undone by clearing the entire memory (saving it to SmartMedia(tm) first) and start from scratch. Nevertheless, I don't agree it should have this defect.

Read above. I was told there was no hardware / software damage at all, and the effect was caused by an overloaded sample memory.
Scheisse!

Well, I am about to purchase the EA-1 because I've got this great idea for a whole new live setting, and I would not be doing this if I hated the ES-1. In fact, I really like it's sparkling sounds and effects and it totally lives up to what it costs.
It's complete enough (as a sampler) and operates groovily, and once more, it's so easy to master it's almost scary.

The factory samples are just plain cheezy. Its easy to use, but the 2-digit LED is aweful. The manual is well written.

150 samples can be held memory,
95 second sample time.
128 sequence patterns (64 steps each max),
blah blah blah....
12 built in effects, mostly useable, all adjustable, but you can only use one effect on each sample set (drum kit), it would have been nicer to be able to set different effects do different individual samples.
It uses smart media cards for storage.
The typical step sequencer with the running blinky lights across the 16 step pads.
setting the drum sounds start point perfectly is CRITICAL if you wanna have a sample repeat on 3 or more steps in a row. But overall it has a good # of features.
the slicer is cool.

cd quality sampling. Use it for any electronic music style. the effects are nice for the most part. theres really not much to say about this because its a sampler.

This is where i have a beef with this unit. it's THE WORST construction quality i have ever seen of any electronic music gear. Its very cheezy plasticy, not even a thick tuff plastic, but a think cheep plastic. the potonometers for the knobs are terribly wobbly, when i twist a knob it literally wobbles in my fingertips. the rear midi/audio/power ports are very loose also, im scared of plugging/unpluggin midi cables to it very often in fear of them breaking off! no lie, the WORSE wobble i have ever seen. I would have happily spent an extra $150-$200 for this unit if the construction quality was better (i.e. metal case, well fastened circuit boards/potonometers)... these rubber membrane buttons are the type that stick and stop functioning after 10+ years ago, (simmilar to the alesis mmt-8 sequencer's button with that problem) i think plastic buttons would have been nicer.
i WOULD have given this a ONE rate, but so far, electronically it still works almost flawlessly) "almost" being sometimes when programming a pattern and saving it, i go back to play it and play other patterns and the tempo changes the whole system for no reason and it forces me to reboot!

dunno

it is was lost or stolen i would NOT get another one... prolly get an Ensoniq asr-x pro with an external step sequencer like Future Retro Mobius.

i loved the price $275 like new with all the extras like the box and manual and power supply etc.. it even still had the original factory samples and patterns.

i hate the build quality.

im stuck with it at the moment but once i get enuff cash together imma buy a decent quality sampling drum machine..

Awesome to have a small portable box that works like recycle. Was really able to tweak and get stuff done hands on and quickly. Resampling is cool because you stay in your own universe. Basically it's as easy to use as my other electribes. The green machine!

Works well w/ my cakewalk and syncs to other stuff flawlessly. FX are many-automatable and really can change your stuff up. No limits.

Cool onboard samples that you can really mess up. Fits everything because it is the poor man's MPC.

SRock steady like my other tribes.

Never have had a problem w/ korg. Didn't any support because it's real easy.

Rad, easy, expressive, quick-intuitive.

the presets are acutally good, i mean, if you think trance is good or something... editing patches is the easiest thing in the world, its all right in front of your eyes with cute flashing lights and knobs
i use it more than anything else, all by itself
although i cant figure out the time splice thing

it can play nine or so samples at once, if you put one on the time splice. two of the instruments can only play one saple at a time, and they can be four mono samples or two stereo samples
hte built in effects are interesting and useful, if you mess with them for long enough and figure out all hte sounds you can make something really great with them, and resapmle into total noise.
i got a smartmedia carda with mine and it holds nine user banks and you can transfer .wav files via usb.
the sequencer is pretty awesome, just a light up X0X style 16 step. witht he motion capture thing set on trigger hold, its pretty easy to flick out good melodies on the knobs.
the midi is a littl janky, i think, getting it to synch to something else is tricky

ok that 32khz thing is obviously there because you need so much space to put information for cd quality samples. its nothing anyone but like steve albini would notice, i had a kit of 606 707 samples i took from my friend s drum machines and they sounded great.
it works really good for dub, techno, electro, gabber, hardcore, breakcore, grindcore, horror, pop, ambient, house, trance, north-american idm... the lsit goes on and on. you could use it for anything
its super good for playing live, i got this because i played with my roomates er-1 and was amazed at its ease of use and how i could change so much shit so fast, and just make a bunch of noise, but after having some electribes for about 8 months, and using it constantly, so much subtlety and expressiveness is possibke

actusayll , they are a little fragiel, mine got a problem twith the power hole on the unit, but it onyl cost 36 dollars to fix. and i got the fucker for only 375 buks. but i had beer spilt on it and didnt harm it, getting dust and dirt on it is really bad though.

uh no. there website just has a bunch of the doofus "nu metal" basnds that use their shit,. but i noticed they had some little proggies and things to help you tih usb and wav transfering or somethign like that
ive never dealt with them

yes i would get two more.... just in case they arent arou d that much anyhmore. but i htink they will be. every other dumbass kid i meet has a few of the things, theyre like colored accessories for their imacs or something/i think its worth about $450, tops...
ive been playing shit for like nine years, i have some computers and some gameboys and some other electribes, the R and the A. i have a bunch of guitars and drums and some digitech effects processors and some stomp boxes
i love everyhting about it, except for the thing i hate, which is:
i htink they should ve done the reverb/delay in the same thing apart from the other effects, so it wasnt global. but with some clever filtering and such, you can make it not so noticeably global. i also wish they could midi dump.
i wish that you couold record knob movements over an entire song.
that would be way radical.
i just really like the visual approach, its really hands on and quick,. but its very expansive, so you can tinker for long ass time, and sloe its gret for live.
i htink anyoen that its liek theyre only piece of gear willl really appreciate it and use it more too its potential, which is enourmaous.
i htkn
ok

Well it's a doddle to use. Get it out of the box, plug it in, and although most of the preset sounds aren't great, you can start off by mashing them up with the internal f/x etc and making new samples. Editing is really easy. The manual is basic but concise, and tells you everything you need to know.

I think that that one of the reasons I've had fun using this box is its limitations. The f/x aren't amazing and the slice function isn't precise, but it forces you to find new ways of making sounds. I love the internal routing of everything, and the way you can sequence changes in the f/x parameters. The sequencer is so easy to use. I just wish the volume knob wasn't so close to the pitch knob, as I keep nudging the pitch knob accidentaly and it can mess stuff up when doing live stuff (especially loops). I also wish it could store more memory.....but I think I may have found a solution to that.....just smple everything an octave higher-that way you use half the amount of memory, and when you sequence stuff you can just pitch it an octave down so it will play at the correct pitch. I haven't tried it yet as I will mean alot of resampling which can be tedious and boring. If any one tries it out let me know if it works.

well....if you use the preset sounds then there won't be much there, a little maybe. But it's a sampler so go sample something good!

I use it to write hip hop beats, and use it live on a regular basis. I run it through a channel strip when using it live, give it some compression and some top end boost with the EQ and I gotta say that because the samples are 32kHz, there is a crusty, fat sound to it. When played over a loud rig it sounds sooo good.

Not at all. I just had to take mine to be repared and have only had it for a few months....weak!!!! It just decided to not switch on one day. As I gig so often I had to go and get another one as it would take so long to be fixed!!!! That's just wrong!!!!! Korg should sort it out. If i knew i would have had to buy 2 of them in the first place I probably would have just bought an MPC2000. Tragic!!!!

AS I said earlier, getting it fixed takes too long. And I couldn't even hire one in the meantime!!!!!

A great tool if you're just getting into sampling and stuff. I also use Fruityloops on a PC and it's like a more limited hardware version of that, so i LOVE IT. I also love using the realtime con trols to jam stuff into my computer and write loops that way. I bought it because it was cheaper than an MPC and does what I need it to do to sequence my beats live. When I'm gigging some people can't believe such a big sound comes out of such a small box.

it is all pretty much very easy to use..presets a preset..editing i feel is very intuitive...the manual...well i lost mine way back...i had problems using smart media cards but needed the manual...the whole numbering thing is weird..i had errors but couldnt find out which ones due to lack of the manual...i fiqured out slowly that you could control the midi note triggered by each part..

i think it 8 or 9 available sounds including an input you can use as a gate, and an accent...a couple of the sample banks in pattern mode allow you to cut a sample out with another sample hi hat style...you can sequence things with it via midi...use it for drums/samples and a melody at the same time..the sequencer is nice but in song mode it doesnt loop..now thats just slack..i like it all besides that though...well...sometimes the sample in the first bank would kinda wipe the others out a little bit

i have recording things on it that sounded in my mind very nicely...and have had no problem recording tons of tracks with just it...sampling is great...as it is what you put into it.the mute and sole make it nice to bring things in and out but having one knob overall for each parameter on all the sample banks is horrible unless you always remember where it was for every sound...it cuts to where you have it from where you left it...and is nasty...not to mention that the effects are pretty chincy any way.multiple effects at one time would have been at least cool..a little bit...i like the delay..the digital sound it has is neat..and the syncing is cool

i used this machine for about 3 solid years ....we are talking every day , the only machine i had for a long time and it wore down..the effects went to hell(like they didnt work in both speakers or at all)the volume knob stopped working and the thing would just randomly shut off....usually when i had something made on it that was awesome and i hadnt saved yet..i got lotsa use out of it and tons of ideas and leads into what i as a artist want to have on my control panel anfd how i want to use it

i never tried to get it repaired

i was tempted to buy another but decided i would try and stick to analog...i have a mobius for a sequencer controlling a radioshak general midi keyboard and an fr-777 with a little ol 606 kicking along beside it ..the es-1 was a very good entry level machine..i developed myself and got used to tapping out 16 step beats and such but feel it was only a mass produced peice of plastic ...as i said entry level...for as close to the cost of a 777 it was when i got it it is kind of bunk but it was a necessary step toward where i sit today amongst my splended wires and knobs...if i found one cheep or could get mine fixed id love to have one again but i am digging the analog control so maybe it is an honest adios

Maunal's great, persets aren't but it's a sampler so who cares?
Editing is pretty easy, but I tend to sample everything on my computer, trim it etc and then transfer it to the Electribe via Smart Media; then I use the intenal editing and effects to do strange stuff ;)I found it a tad tricky to adjust the length eactly (probably because I'm used to looking at waveforms) hence the smart media dump. Very handy.

The sequencer is great. Wish it had a more patterns and longer phrases, but there's ways a round almost everything, so you can uslally get it to do what you want. My only real complaint is it's inability to adequately deal with odd time signatures. Go from 4/4 to 3/4 in a song and it goes all out of whack. A big pity...

The sampling quality isn't up there with my old EPS16+, but it has a certain crustiness that I actually really like. Weird I know, but it really does sound good!

I play a kind of an indie/world/ethereal/darkwave kind of hybrid with a lot of live instruments (vocals, guitar, dulcimer, bowed psaltery, bass, percussion etc) and the Electribe does a great job of covering all the drum/loop/weird stuff. Currently in the process of scaling back the live set up and losing the EPS16+ (which crashes in high temperatures... like at a gig!) and running everything off the Electribe. So far, so good! A few hurdles but nothing that can't be solved with a bit of brain power ;)

The effects are good but not brilliant. It really doesn't compare to
TC chorus, Frostwave filters, Lexicon and Alesis reverbs or a lot of distortions out there, but it can do some cool stuff and definitely has it's place. Use the cool outboard stuff in the studio, but use the internal effects live. Having said that, I've gotten some good weird stuff on it that I've recorded too...

The motion sequences are the key to the expressiveness in this thing, with the effects or with other parameters.

SO far so good... I've had it for at about a year and in that time it's done a heap of gigs hear in Australia and toured Europe as well with no problems. Like everyone, I'm not sold on the knobs but that's only specualtion at the moment because it's holding up just fine.

no need

Very happy overall. It's become central to our live sound so I'd definitely get another if I had too.

Only complaints are the ianability to deal with different time signatures. In every other respect, this box is very versatile and is capable of a wide variety of styles, so it's a pity about this. I guess they thought it would be used primarily as a techno/hiphop/dnb box it is capable of so much more.

Wishlist? More memory, obviously... The only other things it lacks would have pushed the price up to the realms of the MPC so it's just as well it doesn't have them!

I compared it to the new Roland sampler/groove box thing (which had all the features but the sound quality was appalling!) and the Yamaha ones, but the Korg was by far the most usable (in terms of sound, ease and features). Tempted to check out the other Electribes now...

The ease of use is what convinved me to buy this great box -
I figured it out in the store, it was love at first play.

Could have more features, but the ones that are there are solid.

As it is a sampler, the sounds are all up to you.

Loses 1 point for having 32khz samples (!? why)

It's worked GREAT for me so far. Never any trouble.

I guess the knobs may eventually wear out, but...

Their website works better than Roland's, and providing a manual in PDF format was a BIG plus - it helped me decide to buy it.

No repairs YET... (knock on wood)

This thing is great - it's the centerpiece of my live preformances or jams. Its even popping up on my studio tracks because its so much fun.
I'd rather have this than grooveboxes that cost X10 as much, like the MPC, because it's USABLE.

Now I want an EM-1 also! And MORE new electribes. A yellow one?

The presets, first-rate pro stuff, do their job - sell the unit in the store. Ditch 'em right away though or you'll be tempted to use 'em! Sampling works best if you get your sample in as right as possible first, 'cause you can only cut by start and stop offsets - you can get pretty good at that and it can operate in TEENSY tiny increments so it's doable. You can fade too which is nice plus with reverse that means you can fade-in too. Alot of people miss that you can resample a sample while your sampling it (which is bizarre), so you can sit there and tweak any sound into oblivion and save something completely alien. Loads of fun.

Manual's alright.

The keys are the soft gummy kind, I like those myself so I give thumbs up. All the knobs feel too small to me though. Selection and stuff are entered with one of those finger-spinning flat dial things, ya' know, great for rushing through a big range (during editing) but can be annoying for 'landing' on a single number quickly. At least it doesn't "drift" though, like my poor ol' TR505's. :O

The midi kinda' sucks but it's a good master or slave clock - the unit sends on one channel, each pad sends a note #, that's it. Use it to fire my SP202 and it's a truly evil duo.

Everyone loves the sequencer. It's x0x stylee, rad.

The motion sequencing records darn near *anything*, and there's one per part! That means you can fade volume, filter, pan, whatever.
You can use it to record you toggling the 'roll' button on a snare part - dayam! Limitation, though, only one motion control recorded per part. Reverse button, even - whoa.

On top of that there's still the motion seq for the efx section and the delay section that are independant of the parts.

Okay, here's why I wanted to write this review, two reasons: Distortion - and DECIMATOR. This box is a born industrial and hardcore killer machine, despite the perty-boy looks. Forget all the other crap on the machine. Lay a heavy-on-1 at above 200 bpm and put the decimator on high on the bass and snare and a Sci Fi sample and overdrive the mixer as much as you can - WHOA. This thing can be extremely messy if you let it.

Note: You can't write while it's in 'play', BUTT the delay can go hella' long AND it doesn't stop while it's writing. Sooo . . . build-up to a break, max the delay time/depth and, within the course of one or two (or whatever) measures, hit stop (delay continues), 'doubletap' the write button and hit 'play' again in time so it sounds just like it belonged there. Works for me! 8-)

I wish to god this thing could run off a 9-volt or something, cause then I'd probably make a belt clip for it. :D

Timeslicing circuit bent toys is one of my favorite tricks of all time. Re-resampled sampling is probably one of the coolest toys in my studio.

I have never used presets. No need to. After I figured out Smart Media loads and saves-very easy. WARNING -- the first time I loaded a new bank I forgot to save current one and lost everything. LEARN FIRST!! Editing is easy. Once you figure it out which is not hard at all programming is so fast. I do sometimes, to make thicker sounds,put the sample on three or even four seperate PARTS and pan it to different areas. this is also cool for effect MOTIONS or effect on or off. Can get complicated if you start adjusting pitch though---MESS AROUND WITH IT !!! FUN FUN FUN

Effects are cool. MOTIONS. I have 2 Smart Media (32mb) full of samples. Sampled the hell out of my Triton.

N/A

I have owned for 2 years never a problem. I haven't grown sick of it either. I actually need another Smart Media card.(check Wal-Mart's camera area!!) I have used this as a backbone to alot of songs. The song I'm doing now,contains ALOT of this Electribe.

N/A

I hope it never gets stolden. Too much time has been put into inputting samples-which is VERY easy. I would buy another though-it is insured,as ALL equiment should be! I wish you could use different effects on different parts. I process this through a Sherman Filterbank 2. That way it makes it really mean and THICK sounding. ENJOY

It is very easy to use. The preset sounds are not that good in my opinion, but it is a sampler. I used some of the presets, but samples mostly the bass drums, and snares

I actually liked the effects. They helped all of the drum sound I sampled

It seemed to be very reliable at first. After about 7 months the AC adapter started shorting out and shortly there after the whole thing stopped working. I bought a new adapter but it still doesn't work. I will try to get this unit fixed because I have a lot of original patterns that I want to use still on the machine. It is really frustrating because I like the ES-1.

Well, If this thing is not able to be fixed I will not buy it again. I think it is very good for a first time piece of gear though. The machine is very nice but the sound quality could have been a little better. And it could have atleast come with say 20 voice polyphony, because if you are a very creative person, you will shortly out grow its functions. But this is overall a good unit, hopefully it works over a year for you.

Fairly easy, some things are not the well explained in the manual, like how to get samples on and off the smart media cards. There's no LCD screens, thank God, so if you have time and an intuition, you can figure this thing out.

This thing is chock full of features, my favorite is the time slice, although I'll be damned if I can figure out how exactly it slices, on shorter samples, it doesn't seem to do a very good job, and I haven't been able to figure out how to more slices, I usually end up with only 2. The solo feature is nice, you can do some pretty cool stuff by isolating different parts of your beat. The reverse function is cool too. If you really get into this thing, you can be a one man percussion monster! This thing is definetly for a live environment.

The sounds are great, awesome samples, although some are kind of goofy ("Stupid", and "Funny" come to mind), I especially like the conga/table sound. The effects are top notch too, you get flanger/chorus, resonating filter, reverb, distortion, phaser, isolator (whatever that does) wah and other goodies. The delay is nice too. I use it mainly to sample our singer, who sings this Yugoslavian folk song in the middle of one of our tunes. I sample her, reversed it, delayed it and ran the phaser on it, sounds amazing!

The build in beats are wicked too, you can have a lot of fun with these. It's a little scary though, they sound so good, you could just plug it in and press play, and presto, instant DJ!

The dials are nice but a little flimsy, they seem to be getting loose on me. Also, the other night, I yanked the power cord out by accident, and it fried about 8 rythm patterns. :( BEWARE OF THIS!

Haven't tried.

Very good sample/rhythm box. Everybody should have one!

I like this! It is easy, if you read the manual ;) The presets are ok, it is pretty basic, but in a way that I like. The manual is on the net, yipee!

It does have features, not like a synth though, however I like the nobs and feel of the buttons.

Samples, 32hz but I think the sampling is very clean... although I haven't had much experience in this.

feels solid.. but still early days.

don't know. However, with the manual on the net...

I think this baby might increase in price... at least it is more expensive than when I bought it ;)

I was lucky enough to be one of the first people in france to get one of these so I guess it must be os v1.0 . Presets? I was between dates and needed a sampler to transfer my existing loops to ... and fast so I wiped them all out. writing patterns in this machine is a dream come true - a sampler that writes like a 909?! my daughter can even program it. luckily it was designed on a similar principle to its predecessor the er-1 because mine arrived without a manual, it was the last one in the shop, from out of the display window and I had to leave town 2 hours later.not having the manual two little things bug me, what is the motion dest and motion value function for? It seems to be un necessary for you can already record motion sequence into the effects and pads by flicking a switch and hitting record.

polyphony? difficult to talk in keyboard terms as this is a drum machine at the end of the day, but you can play all the sounds at the same time bar the 4 pads at the end which act like hi hat style gating which I am very fond of, for samples of loud screaming people and the obvious countersample to shut them the fuck up again it works a treat. The effect center is astounding, considering the toy like flavour this machine gives off, shame you can't pan them from left to right - I normally use the left channel for rhythm and the right for sounds to get the most flexibility out of the box, but have since had to change the way I play because of this minor flaw.The arrival of a smart media card has changed my life completely, and there are a number of software programs out there to make .wav transfer a lot easier: this is essential when dealing with tempo perfect demanding loops like breakbeats for example, because of the numerical display for sample editing - I can't fault them for it because the inclusion of a wave style editing screen would put the price of this box beyond the reach of many people, and lets face it,everyone in the world should have a go at one of these.the sample edit functions of course are very basic but then this suited me down to the ground when I was plugged into a the battery supply of the tour bus loading sounds in from a mini disc player with literally only hours to spare before I had to perform with this machine. As I said before, the machine programs like a vintage roland drumbox, and the music making world is split into two parts, those that have programmed light up the lights and groove style, and those that will.You can easily wipe out entire sections of motion sequence and/or sample triggers but the move data function featured on the er-1 is missing so keep a pen and squared paper handy. Time slice is an interesting feature, enabling you to acid-ize your loops and play back isolated chunks of samples,and uses up no memory at all as far as I can see, so setting all samples up in thisway can be flexibility central. too bad you only get to use one per pattern but again this is a toy.all in all, not so much you can do but whats available works well, its also all on the top layer so no page hunting in play mode which should make it appeal to all sorts of people making all types of music, you don't go into a sub menu when playing a drumkit or a guitar now do you???????!!!!!!!!!

well I can honestly say that you only get out what you put in with this box, what you want to play with is your choice, nobody can choose for you this time so I profess to take it with you at all times and have a 9v pp3 style battery and a to dc in adapter handy,(these can be made from broken power adaptors featuring a plug in point for a calculator battery, just cut off the plug, make sure the polarity is right and you're away, you get an hour or two per battery) you never know, you could be round someone's house and the best sample material could come flying through the tv set and.....
well this time you can just pull it out of the bag, hook it up to the headphone socket on the tv and get sampling. Through effects too, now this is a joy! watching the news with a sonic decimator over the war scenes, everything goes atari space invaders!!!!! the audio in thru function is a nice added bonus to check the original source material.
It samples itself too with nothing plugged in the in jack so you can create loops from the patterns you just wrote etc which if you have the sample space its terrific.oh yeah, you've got 95 seconds in which to store the thoughts running through your head at any given epoch but you can store 8 banks of this onto a smartcard - don't get higher than 32mb because you won't be able to access any other areas save the 1st 8 banks.Shame you can't keep your patterns too, save recording them into an external sequencer - no it won't midi sysex dump so you've either got to really work out a plan for how your samples/patterns are arranged or you will come out with gibberish when changing sample banks, and the most infuriating bit is you have to hit stop to save patterns with the write button - I say this because you oftern twist stuff onstage into a better version of the pattern you wrote on the train with an extension cable running from the nearby toilet but having to " er sorry lads, gotta stop a sec , just re saving this bit" in front of a lot of people is not on; more people should follow boss and e-mu 's example.The electribe ethic beleive it or not is a very punk one, in that in 5 minutes you can go and play to people with one of these, its a modern day electric guitar
and should suit any musician from any style provided they're into playing to hordes of sweaty happy people that like to throw themselves, and each other about the room at various speeds.

Electribes, like their owners, are hardcore as fuck, even if they look like they were designed by david bowie and built by quentin crisp.In the nearly two years I have had this machine the rubber pads have shrugged off spilt vodka and orange, the dials can be screwed back to tightness after extensive road travel, it is easy to clean and after a particulary turbulent flight to czech republik where it switched on but didn't give out any sounds, I practically headbutted the damn thing near the led display and lo and behold, it works fine again!! I guess theres nothing that can be done once it eventually does die but judging by the er-1 that I've had for 3 years without a single hiccup, they are very tour friendly: reliable? these things can save your neck when the shit goes down......

well what do you expect from a corporation really? we were at a music fair once and presented a double paged manual ( the same pages repeated over and over omitting the stuff you really need to know)to the electribe promoter in front of a large crowd and just to see the look on his face was enough for me: they are not used to dealing with people unless they're heavily backed up by a multinational recording corporation. The website contains phone numbers for various korg stockists throughout the world but from that moment onward you're really on your own as far as repairs are concerned.But then, tell me a company that aren't the same?! we should all go to japan one day and dump all our broken grooveboxes on their collective desks and say " what are you gonna do about that eh?" in an ideal world.

never let these things out of your sight!!!they're for life, not for xmas; replacing the material is one thing, but the patterns contained within can be collected over years, and to lose this is a solid chunk of your life gone; backup wherever possible, don't let the unthinkable happen to you!my only complaints about this bit of kit is the non ability to pan the effects unit, and the non ability of moving time sliced parts forwards and backwards to achieve different starting positions. apart from that it functions as notepad and performance gear all in one. I still can't keep my hands off it nearly 2 years later, the smartmedia function breathes new life into it. separate outs? what will the future bring?please mr korg
can we have one twice the size with separate outputs, loop remix n slice functions, and a couple of piano roll sections for melodic based melody samples as a first piece of kit for any budding music enthusiasts out there, its a school in itself, definitely recommended.

I erased the presets
Easy to operate

You know the features

All good, but yes, thin

No. No. No.
I did use it at a gig and was slightly happy with it just as a sequencer.
The damn thing won't save any samples. It freezes in write mode. It has to be turned off to get it back to normal. Still it won't save samples. I opened it up to see if it needed a battery replaced. But it's designed not to be tampered with. I hate Korg. I should have bought a 'Bop-it!'

Bad
The website blows too

Crappy as a sampler. Not good for sequencing.
If anybody knows how to fix this problem, please tell me. I might take back everything I said.

The es-1 is very easy to use, but the presets aren't that good in my opinion.

Polyphony?? that's a good one!!! The es-1 only has one midi channel and that would be ok but you can only use 9 sounds simultaniously, BUT if you sample sounds u can use about two simultaniously because the hz frequenties interfere with eachother so you have to do some mastering before you sample them ( not if you sample presets from another machine off course). there is an onboard sequencer and it is very easy to use.

I'm very sorry but the sounds sound cheap cheap cheap. the effects aren't that great also.

reliability is very good

good customer support.

I wouldn't buy it again if i lost it, i probably would't even look so hard.
The fact that i hate about the electribe is that the editing of the samples sucks big time!!! It is too hard to get the timing right while using the cut-feature

Not sure about the software version though I bought it in May of 2001 from a local "Guitar Center" store.

As far as the presets - well they are good for illustrating what can be accomplished with the unit so one can dissect the patterns and note the motion sequencing and the use of mult bar patterns. But obviously one shouldn't purchase this sampler merely to permutate patterns using factory supplied samples as a source.

Editing the patches ? well this is a sampler with no graphical display so much of the sample trimming is done by ear which some people prefer though I'm not in that boat. To be fair its no more difficult editing the samples on this unit than ,for example, the Akai S2000. another approach is to use the Smart-Media reader to transfer samples between the ES-1 and a computer equipped with a smart-Card reader and digital editor such as Cool Edit or Sound Forge. Use the computer to chop samples and xfer them back over to the ES-1.

the manual ? well its adequate and covers most of the operations and Korg has their little "finger diagrams" which can be useful at times. I use manuals as references - I only look at them when I hit a wall. The ES-1 manual is easy to navigate and it doesn't take long to figure out what you need to do , for example, to slice a loop.

The keys are laid out like a XOX step sequencer. You can assign a sample to sample keys and then press a step key in the sequencer to have the sample played. the associated key lights up and you will hear the drum hit next time around. Organize your drum loops like this building upon it on each pass. But you can certainly sample a whole drum loop , trim it down, and assign it to a sample key and treat it with effects and resample. And then you can assign that to step key - just make sure your pattern's tempo matches the loop tempo in order to fill out the pattern correctly.

Effects are useful and can be applied in real time (Except slice which is more of a function than an effect). The effects aren't spectacular -merely average in my opinion though they are sufficient to mangle exisitng samples and loops into something else that others won't recongnize (so you can avoid getting sued should your masterpiece become a hit on down the line).

Expanison ? you can't expand the memory except to save things to Smart-Media which is fast becoming the media of choice for budget musical instruments. roland sp-202, 303, Boss-BR-532, roland MC-505 all use smart media. And you can take the ES-1 sounds to a computer with a smart media reader and load them up.

the sequencer is a step sequencer. Anyone used to XOX style machines will be at home. User's of Re-Birth will also be at home. for a budget sampler with effects and a step sequencer this is a pretty good deal. The on baord memory lets keep things "on disk" as long as you economize on the sieze of your loops. Obviosuly you should be choosy about what you sample as stereo vs mono.

This is essentially a beat creation machine though I have sampled my bass lines with it, sliced them and treated them as part of the pattern. Its pretty easy to process any audio source using the audio inputs. Sample anyhting you want and you can deal with it. I don't see this sampler being the end point in the song writing process. Its very good at jumpstarting ideas but after I get somenice beats and loops I move it all over to the PC which has superior editing tools. I should add that sometimes I send things back on over to the ES-1 and back again. I do this just so I can sit there with the ES-1 in my lap hearing the sounds.

Above all the potential buyer should keep in mind that the samples are to be played as part of a pattern - that is if you hit a sample key its not a candidate for looping until you insert into a pattern. thats why many use the ES-1 only as a drum/beat creation tool.

The keys on the ES-1 are small andI can see that repeated usse over a period of time might cause some problems but this IS a budget sampler after all. Its better built than the plastic SP-202 which is not good for much in my opinion except to record belches or the breaking of wind. The bottom line is that you can come up with some good sounds but thats your job since this is a sampler. If you get a nice sample the ES-1 will do a reasonable job of capturing it. Of course the effects are thee to help you do interesting things to it.

I use this strictly in the studio so its never seen the inside of a smoke filled club infested with E-heads intent on knocking over the mixing desk. For me the ES-1 is stricly a compositional tool NOT a gigging tool. Others might use it for playing out - I don't

never called korg. didn't need to.

Oh I don't know if this is the killer box that some of the boys in Future Music say that it is. It is a better buy than most of the other budget samplers but I see that roland now has the 303 and the new 505 out there. I havent' checked those out yet but its obvious that if you favor step sequencing then get the Tribe.

also it seems that Korg has now released the new sampler with the synth built in which is sort of like combing the two original Tribes together. If you have waited this long to make a decision about the ES-1 then I would suggest looking at the newer unit first unless you are getting the ES-1 for a good deal.

I play guitar and bass in addition to composing beats so I try to find tools that accomodate my abilities and needs to capture aduio along with MIDI data. Of course there aren't many budget units that will do this well and even the higher end units are so-so about it. But still the ES-1 does make it easy for me to construct beats or sample and existing one and within minutes have something to show for it. so thats saying something. but I'm not a drum snob so maybe those who are will have a different opinion about the box. Of course most drum heads have the akai MPC2000 so I wouldn't know why they would be worried about the ES-1 in the first place.

In general I'm pleased with the variety of sampling options out there though I'm also attracted to the great software solutions as well. Gigasampler , Reason, Halcyon, are all good products that let you do great things as long as you have a decent PC to base it all on. So I'm less and less attracted to hardware samplers even if they are cheap. It seems that their shelf life is about six months and they scrap it and move on to something else. Even the better samplers like high end Akais , EMUs are hard pressed to offer tools as good as those in a $300 editing/sequencing packae for the PC. O course giggging with a PC is hard to do. sorry to get off track but i just wanted to offer that perspective.

Presets sound good. Editing patches very easy: wish all samplers were this easy. Manual very helpful

Polyphony is not a problem. Efx cool to play with not real professional though. I do not like smart medias. Sequencer built in nice touch, also allows for other than 4/4. Slice is a dope concept that other companies should look into.

32khz is not clean enough for my personal tastes. Would be excellent for industrial, techno, hard house,and hip hop. Drums are easily distorted and sound just a bit thin but crunchy. Efx good for drum sampling. works with velocity sens. keyboard well

Seems more reliable than most sampling drum machines.

I sold mine and got an mpc for 80 dollars more, which was more to my suiting. The drums are just not clean enough for me. It is always easier to dirty things up, but almost impossible to clean up. It still has great features and I would recommend to people who like dirty, gritty, or distorted drums. I have seen it and heard it all, and would like to have an es as a compliment to my setup, but probably not essential for what I do(Downtempo with a south american, indian, mid east, feel.

You won't find much easier to use than this sampler. Within minutes of starting to play with it, even my techno non-compliant saxophone player way making funky beats and crazy sounds!

For more advanced functions, the sampler remains usable. For example, the user may assign a pattern to each of the 16 step markers and switch between them almost like a DJ mixing records.

The unit can be used more or less standalone to produce the basis of tracks, should you be inclined to dancier/drum'n'bass/industrial music. Myself, I use it more for the crazy effects and snipping up ambient samples to make bizarre sounds, and it does that very well too. It's more a drum machine that a sampler, but owing to the SmartMedia support, that shouldn't put the more ambient user off.

The MIDI implementation is good, with quite a good deal of control, but one gripe is that I could only trigger up to 9 samples in a bank; it would be nice to be able to set up different octaves on my Evolution controller keyboard to represent different banks, because I like to do things like take one sample, such as someone twatting a fence with a mallet, and make a scale out of it, subsequently 'playing' it.

This unit is very expressive; I managed to make a sample of computer-generated static sound CONVINCINGLY like wind, rain, the sea and the Westwood bomb! Maybe it's a bit limited in that you can only really use one effect at once, but the way all your knob settings are 'remembered' until you move them, and can even be sequenced, really adds to the expressiveness of this unit.

It's been totally reliable in the month or so I've had it, despite having been sat on, covered in dust, had juice spilled on it... The only concern I have is that the knobs are not terribly robust and the casing is a little flimsy.

N/A

I love this unit, it's a lot of fun. We've even managed to drop in loops in time with our chimp of a drummer by tapping the tempo (a bit of a hack, but we don't have a dedicated sequencer yet!).

Everyone sees this unit with its flashing lights and wants a go, but it really is worth the asking price.

A few nice presets in there, most suck. Then again, this is a sampler, and -after all- surely a serious musician doesn't need presets.
It's dead easy to use, just like the other 'tribes. Satisfying results in minutes. Still, deleting parts should be easier. Now the best (?) way is to save a blank pattern to a memory location, and write it over any patterns you need to delete. And one thing I miss is Rm1x-style one-finger muting, and maybe mute memories. The manual is ok, especially as the ES-1 is so easy to use.

Specs, everyone knows them. As everyone else, I'd like to be able to assign the delay to individual parts, although now it does allow you to add cool metallic effects to the whole mix (if used with caution). Just one multi-effect is just a bit too little for my taste. Two effects would have been nice. Some of the effects suck. The echo is too platey for my taste. Filter resonance is something that should have been included outside the effects section (as there is already a cutoff knob).
The decimator is nice, though. Using the slicer function gives mixed results; it is possible to achieve some very well chopped up loops with it, but unfortunately luck plays a bit too big role in this. The slicer works best on straight 4 on the floor loops. It is a pity that the slicing funcition is a little dissappointing, as I'm sure Korg intended it to play a major role in constructing patterns.

It is a _sampler_! The sounds depend on... YOU. As for the effects, see above.

I've only had it for a month or so (I did buy it second hand, btw). No problems whatsoever. The construction is maybe a bit flimsy, though.

Overall, a nice box with good features, but, as pitifully many Korg products, a few big flaws. To me many Korg products seem nice and very hands on, but they always seem to have some very dissappointing flaws (for example MS2000 is only 4 voice polyphonic).
Some features would have been nice to see (filter resonance, better effects, idividual dealys, and a better slice function). None the less it's good value for the money, and fills a gap between the cheapest samplers and the more high-end pieces of kit.
All in all, nice and tweaky. And btw, a few pieces of kit look as good in the dark as the Electribes. ;-)

Software Version? I have no idea. The presets are very cool for displaying the unit's power. I would experiment a little with the preset patterns before "wiping" the memory. It can really help get you started. Change one effect setting and adjust the tempo and you can totally change the sound and feel of the pattern. I found that I kept 20-30% of the the presets in tact to build upon. I backed up the unit's presets onto smart media just in case I ever wanted to go back.
The unit's basics are straight forward and easy for the experienced sequencer user. Those new to sequencing will find it no more challenging than any other sequencer out there. The sampling functions take time to learn, but work well.
The manual gets a 7 out of 10. It is good, but not great. Leaves out details when you need them most.

The polyphony of this unit in no way interferes with it's usability. One listen to one of the factory preset songs and you will know what I am saying. I have the Boss SP 303 as well, and that thing is just a toy in comparison. This unit in combination with a 64MB smartmedia card has the capabilty to be the centerpiece of your midi set-up. Please, I beg you not to compare this unit with the Boss samplers. They are completely different animals. If you want to loop rythyms or trigger samples in your live songs, then get one of the Boss units. (thats what I did) If you want to compose music (any kind of music) then this machine is your choice. It holds lots of samples (99) and allows you to resample over and over so the effects possibilities are endless. The sequencer here in the unit is step or realtime. It is a real sequencer that allows virtual complete control of song or pattern creation. Do not get the Boss (202 OR 303) unit if this is your goal. You really cannot compose on those units.
I think the buttons and lights on this thing look really cool too when it is running. Some think it is hokey, but the in-tempo flashing lights really help you make on the fly adjustments. The midi capabilities are above average for a machine in this class. In fact, everything about this unit is above average for it's class.
The gated "audio in" track is a VERY interesting and useful feature. You really can achieve your signature sound with this unit, and you do it without even realizing it! The onboard effects I thought were all top quality and the BPM matching delay is a godsend for live applications and cross fading.
One final note: DO NOT let the sampling rate of 33 khz effect your decision on buying this unit. I don't know how they did it, but you absolutely can not tell the difference (between 44.1 khz). Korg, my hat is off to you for this. With all the compression technology out there available, we really shouldn't be measuring any machines capabilities by numbers, but by the results. In this case, the ES-1 sounds crystal clear and perfect. It would probably take a billion dollar sound wave measuring device to detect any difference in sound quality. I go by what my ears hear.

-This is a sampler. The sounds in it are up to you. But the preset samples are pretty cool, especially the time-sliced ones.
-The ES-1 can honestly be used for any type of rythym based music. I don't think classical would be possible in it's true form. Sorry Mozart.
-The onboard effects are all good and very usable. It must be noted that this machine will RECORD your all of your effect knob movements for each part. For the price (under $500) you won't find another unit that can touch that. That is truly were the flexibility of the ES-1 comes through.
-The unit is great to use live. Hell, take it over your friends house during a party and you can blow away everyone with your original tunes!
-Pads are not velocity sensitive, but this is a sampler. I personally never used velocity even on my other equipment that did have it. Better of using fade-ups or adjusting during your remix. Much better control for me that way.

To early to tell, but it seems solid and I have used it live with no problems.

Can not remark, never tried to contact.

-I would definately buy it again if it were lost or stolen. It is worth every penny and more.
-I have been playing for 18 years, programming and sequencing for 10, and I am an active member of a techno-rock band which has been together for 9 years. I also play bass guitar (18 years) and guitar and keys.
-I didn't do real comparisons, because honestly, for this price there is not much to compare it to! What is great is that it was designed to work fluidly with the other Electribe units so you can expand rather inexpensively and a bit at a time.
-I do wish it had digital outs for direct recording and burning. But to have this at $419 new (US), I ain't complaining!
-After getting this unit, I am thinking of selling off all of my other midi keys and equipment and then getting all of the Electribe units. Most of it is 4-8 years old and getting to be a bit dated. Ensoniq SQ-1+ 32, Boss DR-660, Alesis DM5, Boss SP 202 + 303 (the 202 was a throw in on the deal), Yamaha DX7 (old school), Samson Mixpad 9 mixer and several rack effects units.

The presets are crap, but who cares? It's a sampler, and the whol point is that you find NEW sounds. Wipe the memory--don't even waste SmartMedia space on it.
The manual isn't as bad as everyone says, but it's still a Korg manual--not exactly helpful in any respect.
It's an xOx sequencer with every control laid out on the front panel--you can't really get much easier. The only problem is the shite LCD, which only confuses things with its semi-arcane symbolic indicators.

The effects are OK--delay, reverb and decimator stand out. The rest are pretty subtle, to the point of occasional irritation, but hell, everyone should have an outboard multi-effects processor anyway, right?
The SmartMedia feature is great for exporting samples to programs like Cubase, Cakewalk, FruityLoops, etc.
Sampling rate is less than CD quality (whatever that means anymore), but still enough for drums, short bass sounds, etc.
For the price, it's amazing, and really a powerful little green box.

Like any sampler, you get out of it what you put into it--literally. Of course, samplers are usually associated with dance/breakbeat, but this could work well with ANY type of music. It's all about what you are sampling, be it Paul Van Dyk or Maria Callas.
The effects, as I previously said, are not the reason to buy this box, but any guitarist/synth jockey should have outboard FX anyway.

VERY reliable. I was afraid that the lengthy startup time would jeopardize my sets should the ES-1 gimp out on me, but thankfully it has never done so.
For the record, I NEVER, EVER gig without backup, and neither should you.

Never dealt with Korg.

If it were lost, I would be sad, but probably shell out to buy a more expensive sampler. I've been making music for five years, and have a pretty decent setup going, using a Q-rack, MS2000R, Nord MicroMod, TR-606, PulsePlus and (soon) my new Virus-Rack through an Echo Layla to Cubase. The ES-1 is great, but as my studio grows I long for higher sampling rates and better sequencing. Definitely worth every penny of what I paid, and it has served me well so far. When I got it, I was comparing it to the SU200 (total shite) and SU700 (slightly less shite), and it was simply no contest. It definitely helps make music, and has provided inspiration for many songs. It gets an eight simply because it is outdone by more expensive samplers. For the price, though, it is an unqualified ten.

If it were any more simple to use, it wouldnt even ship with a manual.
I myself, looked at the manual once for MIDI charts, but thats it.

It has the features I was looking for...BUT!! I only gave it a 7 because there is no way to turn MIDI local on or off....so for the way I have all my synths going through Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 I get major echo (doubling) from the ES-1 :( So thats a pain in the ass to work around....Im a here and now kind of worker, when Im in the studio I dont have time for work-arounds.

I got mine in brand new condition with the plastic still on the LCD for only $265! So at that price its expressiveness is great. And even at $500 its expressiveness is just the sound I was looking for. $265-$500 for a sampling drum machine with this kind of expression is great. I DO WISH YOU COULD SCALE A SAMPLE AN OCTIVE OR SO THOUGH :( For other pitches you need to either do a pitch motion sequence (not the best turn out on that) or sample multiple pitches (which could suck because you only get 9+slice+audio in)
The audio in feature is kind of cool.....just dont try to gate a guitar...I tried laying my Les Paul down with an Ebow on it....and it didnt gate very well at all. :(

In the studio I can depend on it because I handle my gear like a nurturing mother, I myself (if sobber) could handle on a gig.....BUT!! I would NEVER let anyone else use it for a gig.... The knobs and buttons are poorly built.

Never tried

If it were stolen I would by another for about the same price....But I never intended to buy one for $500 in the first place. Yes I'd replace it...It comes in handy. I have been playing for about 5 1/2 years.
I also own.....
Yamaha EX5
Yamaha AN1x
Korg Triton Rack
E-MU Audity 2000
Electrix Warpfactory
Sony DPS V55
Epiphone Les Paul Guitar
Ibanez 5 string Bass
BOSS GT-3
Line 6 Bass POD
and a ton of other studio gear.

The manual sucks. The es-1 however i think is a very intresting piece of equipment. I DJ and have a pioneer 600. I have been messing aorunf with midi and sampling for a while and i find this instrument to be very usefull. I plan on buying another on and using it with my 600. it would be great for gigs cuz sometimes i find it hard to mix out of tracks and this thing can help me alot! i believe two of things would be awsome and with the 600 it would be awsome, it would like be having two digital reocrds with my 600 that i could edit as i play. this is what i have been waiting for. my set, my music, live, able to to silence any part of music i want at any time. always synced. OH YEAH! EASY TO USE!

it samples, it has effetcs. neat.

none! you make your own!!!!!

haven't had a problen yet!

no need!

please contact me if you want to exchange info on this box!
johnkrylon@yahoo.com

I flushed all the presets. I'm using it to sample sounds made with Applied-Acoustics System's Tassman so I don't have to lug my tower around to gigs.
Editing sounds is quite easy, but I would have enjoyed being able to taper the beginning (not just the end "fade").

The Polyphony is quite alright, I've never had stuff cut out, but I'm using it with other gear, so I can't say it would be enough for someone just using the ES-1
I found the MIDI implementation a bit limited, It's a bit annoying not to be able to switch program change "off" like on the Electribe ER-1 and EA-1.
I like being able to hook up a smart card adaptor to the thing, but I wish the architecture made it so you could expand the actual sample time and not just store banks when using a smart card.
THe onboard sequence is what sets this box apart from the other "phrase" samplers out there. They've combined the ease of use found on a Roland TR-606 with the flexibility of sampling. I'll say the same about the two other Electribes, and kudos to Korg for letting me erase all the presets.

I got some nice atonal synth lines by using the pitch knob. I really wouldn't recommend this box for Classical, Big Band Jazz, Bossa Nova, Zydeco or Rock, but it's not just for dance either. I've used it to do "droney" pieces to.
The onboard effects are a bit lame, but they are saved by the Motion Sequence feature. I love the delay and filters, but the reverb usually has to be coupled with delay in order to sound smooth.

I know some people have complained about the cheap plastic etc., but there are still plenty of early eighties "plastic" X0X instruments floating around being sold at insane prices.

Just take care of your boxes and they should last longer than your interest in them.

If it were lost or stolen, I would cry. I would chase down whoever had commited the deed and mow them down with my bare hands. I would then sell their kidneys to buy myself a new Electribe.

Really easy to use. impressive how easy it is...

i agree with most reviews here...
i just want to point some (little) bad points.

- only one effect per pattern (warning : delay is independant of that)
- delay is assigned to every parts
- patterns limited to 4 bars
- no "delete pattern" fonction ! obligaged to delete all parts one by one.
- no battery (for travels......)
- only one note will be assigned if you plug a midi keyboard on it
- check the smartmedia cards prices......

Preset sound : i've deleted them all (i make music, not recycling) but some would like them.

i got 3 years warranty so... would love to see a web board about the box for everyone to help each other

this box is truly a dream. it's truly beautiful technology. i love it. it's really a good box for creativity. go buy it. (the little problems i pointed out are solvable with the resample fonction if you're clever enough... don't worry)

majority of sounds are useful, some really cheesy and should be shot at dawn, but each to thier own, its fully editable so ditch the crap and load up with your own choices. you could sample a 909 and get away with murder.

the only tricky thing with edits is the sample start point when using resample seems to leave a small gap at the start and theres a problem with the timeing on some sliced samples but nonetheless i have had good results with this recycle type feature. nice.

the manual is cool enough. seek and ye shall find. theres a couple of comments in other reviews here that have missed somethings covered in the manual, eg to copy a pattern is simple, just write it but choose a new pattern number before pressing write again.

the next version of this machine should make the following improvements:
1.assignable delay instead of the current all or nothing effect
2.greater polyphony and larger pallette: i like the shared keys, they have thier uses such as solving the previous reviewer's gate problems. go buy it back now! however, just as the groove gets going, its time for a b line etcetc. its all cost related so you cant expect 2 much in this price range. i expect the follow up model to hit 5/600 quid but it will kikk.
3. and for that money i would expect 2 fx sends. well worth it with the juicy fx onboard already. fixing the delay as above would adress this perfectly.
4.read out/ display for tuning and tweaking, particularly important for pitch control which seems to be left down to guesswork and intuition. looping breaks from different tempos is tricky to say the least and the slice function is a law unto itself and cannot be relied upon as a timestreching tool.

i have found several answers to problems so far and maybe i have overlooked some of the answers to the above. i'd appreciate any corrections...

use this machine for what it can do and forget about what it cant do and it simply kikks.

rating 9 for the money. wikkid.

expression is in the fx being that you can load what u like as scource sounds. transpostion is intuative and as above, not measurable which is a pain. some pre planning is advisable for tempo related breaks etc, perhaps pre edited samples are the key here but beware the start point edits. an emu style auto start point finder would be a masterstroke on this machine.

the overall sound of this machine is great. the fx are juicy. i wonder if it would raise the game to sample at 44k but it sounds sweet enough atm. i have yet to put it to the test against an akai or a phat analogue machine but i know people who wont sample off minidisk coz they need thier dubplates to sound huge on the dancefloor. well i used to take a 12 bit emax out live and drop beats basses and allsorts mostly at 28k and blow the sound engineer away so i guess i should have some faith in this machine.

put this machine thru a fnalizer of half decent compressor and it'll do the biz fer sure.

i still say it cant be pristine at 32k tho so 9 it is.

no problem. solid as a rock. ive not tried the card yet but i hope for the best.

remains to be seen. dont rely on your dealer. ever. for anything.

* i'd replace it if i lost it, sure.
* ive been 'playing' with technology since 85
* i like the size, i dislike the lack of batteries. i like its limitations, i dislike its shortcomings stated above. i like its simplicity, i dislike its inconsistent slice results.
* chose this for entry level recommendation to music tech students
* i wish it was either cheaper or more sophisticated. time will tell.
* its the best aid to writing music since my emax in 1988. buy an akai and sound like everyone else....buy a 128 voice emu with 20 mins sampling time and get lost up your own hard drive for 10 years...buy an es-1 and get to the point in 10 minutes flat.
* 2 of these and a dj mixer....why am i giving away me secrets??

i really want to give this a 10. please let me know if im getting it wrong with the slice function. this is a great feature, i just find it screws up the timing, even when resampling.

This is actually just a reply to HAXX's original comment about mute groups. If you're creative with the box, this is not a problem. What you need to do is 'motion sequence' the sample again at zero volume on the next step, or use one of the double samples and assign one to null. If the 'lack of mute groups' was keeping you from getting the sampler, please know that it can be done. It's not as easy as using an s2000 and Digital Performer, but it's also a little cheap box as opposed to a big expensive rackmount plus laptop setup.

Very easy to use,,especially if you have used one of the other electribes, presets are cool and give you a general idea of what the machine can do. The manual is basic but straight forward.

The 808 style sequencer is cool . But realtime recording is the best as evrything is perfectly quantized as soon as you play it. Things can get a bit findly on the little buttons but a midi keyboard acn be added. Haven't used smart media yet,because i am using it for drums more than anything and after sampling loads of drumhits i still have around 60 secs of memory left to mess about with. Effects are cool.Some better than others.

If your game is hiphop breakbeat drum and bass or electro this is the bitch for you. Sounds are cool and there is plenty of room to add your own stuff. It has been an insiration for drum beats. Can't leave the little bugger switched off for more than an hour.

No probs so far. Definatly gig it without back-up..All stored in rom memory so pretty fail safe.

The best thing i've ever brought , without a doubt..The initial buzz of using it still hasn't passed even after a month.If your into the music i have talked about,, Buy it ,, simple as that.

I just bought the ES-1 a couple weeks ago and I was impressed. It's obviously not one of Akai's top-end models, but it's the best overall value I could find on the market. I have never been into techno, electronic, whatever you want to call it. I just got out of a very hard rock band and wanted to branch out. No problem!!!! I was programming my own beats the first day!

The onboard memory is pretty weak, as are the samples that come with the thing. This is my primary complaint about the ES-1. But, with some Smartmedia cards, you can backup any work you don't want to lose. I really like the step and pattern keys. The sequencing is so simple, I couldn't believe that was all there was to it.

I read on another website that people weren't able to write whole songs with this thing. C'mon! It's not going to be a finished production, but this will get you out the starting gate! If you've used high-end samplers before, give it a chance. I like most of the drum sounds, and the effects are really cool, I just wish I could use more than one effect per step.

Couldn't say, haven't had it long enough

N/A. Though they seem really nice....?????

I would definitely replace this one if anything happened to it. I played most of the other samplers in the same price demographic and I have no regrets. Need to get a 16 track and some MIDI going so I can really explore it's sonic capabilities!

switch on,plug in and hey presto!! instant dj/producer!!.Why spend thousends of pounds on samplers,keyboards and mixers when #399 can buy you this!!.
preset sound are a bit naff,but its a sampler so dont worry!
throw the manual in the bin!!!!!,this is very brief and misses some imorptant points eg when editing the start point press shift and turn the dial,this moves the edit point faster!. this is not mentioned!,just play with it!!

the effects are excellent,easy to use and sound great!!.you can sample from any source,i prefer cd.if you have a large sample collection you will be very happy!!

1000%!!no trouble at all.i have made a battery hook up so i can make music anywhere.i haven't tried saving to a memory card yet, iam not sure on how much you can save on a 8mb,16mb etc??

not yet,but i have thought about geting a job at korg as a instruction manual producer,can't be that hard!!

i would buy ten!!!,i have had it 6 months and i have made loads of tunes ( i hope to be releasing a single next year )its the dogs b******S!!.if you are thinking about making music, buy this kit.don't pay ####### for something you will never use ( enjoy useing!! )

Painfully simple x0x step sequencer. It's like fruityloops in a box. Get a usb smartmedia reader and copy your samples to flash cards, then stick 'em in the box. What the hell more do you want? If you've ever used a tracker on a PC or amiga, you'll love it. Unless you actually like hex.

The 4mb onboard is a little limiting... 95 seconds mono, and you can't strectch it by using lower bitrates, it's locked at 32k. It does more than I expected it to do, I especially like the distortion on this unit. What REALLY annoys me is that it's capable of pitch strech over two octaves, but the only way to use it is with the little knob, or using 0-127 values with an outboard seq. It would have been ridiculously easy to implement external keyboard control of melodic samples, but they wanted to keep it a 'rhythym box' I guess... Sigh.

The onboard sounds are crap, and they're not public domain anyway. Huck 'em. I am not into techno at all, and most of the songs I program on this thing are 3/4 or 6/8, which it (surprisingly) does rather well. It's obviously for dance musicians, but that doesn't keep me from using it for experimental noise ballads. It's very tweakable, but I have my hands full during gigs anyway.

It was built for gigs. I think the idea is that it can fit in a dj coffin or something. I just like the fact that I can velcro it to my ESQ-1 without sacrificing any controls (except the cart slot).

Never dealt with Korg...

I'd probably replace it if stolen. If the Zoom Sampletrak didn't have the worst MIDI implementation on earth, I would have gone for that instead. Pretty damn good for the money, but a tad more onboard ram would'nt hurt.

Can't get any easier than this! Itried them all DR-770, Jamstation for the same price the Korg blows em' away. Manual is fraction of the size because it's that easy to use!!! I have a day job so don't have time to be looking every task up in a manual, you can learn the interface in a couple hours, I rarely need the manual.

More features than what i expected I was looking for a basic drum machine. I really like the Smartmedia expansion, a 16mb ccard is more then what you need, I bought a 32 so I can have tons of samples, very hand when doing a lot of travel. Only reason I would give it a 9 is I wish it had digital outs.

Comes with a bunch of sounds, heck if not the sounds you want you can make your own, transfer from CD etc. 9 again for lack of digital outs, but if you are using the SmartMedia transfer you can almost do it anyway.

No problems whatsoever.

Called them once on my Triton, they were very helpful, not toll-free and youmay have a hard time finding their number I had to get it ftom the store. But they were very good. Never had to use for ES-1. 9 just because it was not 800 number

Lost or stolen, yep I'd buy another, it's worth what I paid no questions asked, I would have like it even more if it were same as other Electribes $399

Very simple to use step sequencer in the 303/808 style. Some presets are worth keeping, most are not. I highly recommend an expansion card to store your own stuff on.

Lots of features, look at the other reviews for a consensus. I mainly entered my review to register the single complaint I have that made me return the box for a refund. While you can assign a sample to a step, there is no_method_for_gating_individual_steps. This caused the ES-1 to be completely useless to me. If you use the ES-1 for acoustic samples that always play from beginning to end, then it's not a problem. If you want to stutter a single vocal sample, forget it. You have to create two samples, one for the full vocal, one for the staccato stutter-step. I'll continue to use my sequencer and my S2000 with 'mute groups', thank you...

Even though the sample rate is not quite as high as most other samplers, and is at an odd 33mhz, I think, the sounds are quite good and can be tweaked nicely.

I really hoped this box would work for me, seeing how it could actually replace two very large, expensive pieces of outboard gear (computer sequencer and sampler). The gating (lack of mute groups...see above) problem was just too much to live with and I returned the ES-1.

With 16 key pads and near single function per knob simplicity this unit is a breeze. The manual will leave you asking for more info and here it is... When it comes to using your computer to edit waves and import them to the unit via smart media I've found the 16meg or larger to be the way to go. I keep the factory presets and a user banks on one card. It is 4meg/bank. To import waves from the CPU to the ES-1 you need to save the wave at 32k sample rate. Samples must be imported one at a time to the ES-1 using the import function with the card option. This is where the manual falls apart unless they've changed it since I purchased this unit. You need to name your samples on the computer as numbers 00.wav - 99.wav This is the only way the ES-1 recognizes them.

The sequencer works well but unless you like step mode the quantization is non-existant. When using the Motion sequence feature you can quantize with two modes. Smooth rounds the notes and the trigger hold flattens the notes to a more staccato sound.

The effects are amazing and smart. The delay synchs to the beat. Limitation: Only one effect can be engaged at a time. You can select effect on/off for each sound.

Has never given me a problem. I went from a computer based system becasue the hype was beyond my self-control. So after flailing around in VST with LM4 and all of the other clever little plug-ins I sold it all and went to the ES1 and a J-Station for the guitar/bass. Couldn't be happier. I added the Ea-1 but found it too limted to use as a multitimbral module so I'm still looking for that element. But you can't go wrong with the ES1. Even if you're not into techno/electronica sounds you can re-write the patters for rock, etc.

Bury me with the ES1 and the J-Station! Much easier to deal with than the Yamaha equivalent and if you like the ER-1 or the EA-1 your life will be filled with bliss. As for how it affects my music making process... hey I'm a guitar playing singer/songwriter, the beauty of playiong with humans is that they can take you in new and interesting ways. Same here. I never would have written these rhythms so they have helped me stretch out. I have found that I work best when I use the presets by muting the bass lines and sfx.

- Pretty damn easy.
- I wiped the machine 5 minutes after I got it. Never looked back.
- Great for making full pieces or just drum/samples sections
- interface is just like mom, X0X type. If you know these, look out its pretty quick learn.
- Manual is OK, I have had some questions about it and other uses but as it goes the manual gets you going pretty fast. Too bad there is no real support/forums on Korgs site

- Effects are nice, if I had my ultimate wish the effects could be multiple channels as opposed to one setting and every sample uses it.
- Delay is global, which would nice if it wasn't
- Control of effects is nice, I would almost wish they had set the step keys for pitch as well -- this would make it alot faster to do some melodies on it.
- Its nice to finally have a thru port on some korg gear.
- I really like the effects choices, decimator.. sexy.
- Midi is great, try hooking up an ER-1 nice combo.
- Its damn small! U really hated lugging around other stuff then you need this. Replaced my mamoth synth/sampler. I can play a gig with a laptop and an ES-1 and its a pretty nice clean up.
- Size makes it easy to work with. Up your samples, go sit on a couch and jam away. Try sitting with a full size keyboard or rack unit on your lap.
- mem card. nice. smartmedia. havent tried the PC stuff yet, a previous reviewer mentioned it and I thought.. "shit, no way.." Read the card on PC and direct upload. Thats the shit. Gotta try that. If thats the case then I'd rate this thing higher than a ten.

- Effects sound good. But need more ability to have them select/individual samples
- Base sounds. Bah wipe 5 mins after purchase
- Very expressive. Great live tool.

- Used in on Gig without backup. Everything else dies except for this thing.
- No probs, worked like it should.
- sounded amazing.

- I want another one to sync up with. If I went on tour again I'd just get two fo these and a good bass/synth. Love doing breakbeat on this machine.
- I chose it after seeing a friend use it and flipped out when I picked it up so fast.
- I come up with so many variations on what I orginally thought up. Its a really great instrument. Yes its an instrument. So much you can do with it.. everyone who've I seen use it.. does their thing so differently. But they all sound amazing.
- Buy this thing. Its great. Cheap and worth double what it is.
- I have a bear trap around it in my apartment.
- Has anyone tried a SYSX dump with it?

comes with presets that are nice and give you a good idea of what this thing is capable of.
it is very easy to use. had no problem with it out of the box or transfering samples from my computer, of course i've already used the zoom sampletrak wich has the same feature.
really set up for simplicity but doesn't lack intuitiveness.

12 sequence parts 9 of wich are samples but only has a polyphony of 8.
built in effects that are great and easy, and an overall delay wich i had hoped would be more like the effects section in that you could single out individual samples or hits, but you can resample so its not that restricting.
midi in out thru. no pressure sensitivity but there is an accent section wich can be sequenced and the volume can be sequenced.
very nice old school xox style sequencer, eeeeeaaaassy.

32 khz sample rate wich i dig alot but some may find annoying. the preset sound are ok to start out with very easy to manipulate the sounds with effects but you should sample sample sample.
i use it for dubby triphop and drum n bass but i could see house and breakbeat/bigbeat no problem.
the effects are very good! korg did not skimp on the tweakability here. the delay rocks but i wish it could have had an individual sample basis but again this is not really a limitation due to resampling.

had it for a month and a half and no crashes no problems. i also have the es-1 and it has never had a problem, very dependable.
would and have giged with it. very fun live.

n/a

if i had it lost or stolen i would replace it in an instant. it is now the center of my setup, definitely worth the price.
been playing for 7 years the whole time i was waiting for a sampler like this.
i like the fact that it is all there. you can jump tracks, mute, record/sequence live easily. it is meant to be a live instrument and thats where it shines.
i don't like how the delay effects everything and i don't like how you have to copy patterns by copying each track individually, hey korg can you swap these 2 functions?
compared to the other phrase samplers out there it whips butt. i've had the sampletrack the su10 and the akai remix16 and s20. this sampler is better than having all of those at once.
it has helped me write tracks i only had ideas for before. very intuitive. every time i turn it on i do something new and am amazed.
if you are thinking about it don't just get it. its cheap and its fresh. a perfect first piece of gear.

It comes with a little over half the memory already occupied by preset samples and patterns, and a few songs too. Good for instant gratification right out of the box. but of course the beauty of the Electribe Sampler is that it is.... well... a Sampler!

The Manual is descriptive enough to get started, a few things were omitted but are now popping up on korg's download site.

As far as general ease of use goes, well there are no menu's really and the front panel is loaded with knobs and buttons so as you can imagine it is very easy to navigate around.

there are 12 parts (9 samples, 1 time slice sample, Audio-In, Accent)
11 built in effects... Wah, Res. Filter, Isolator, Decimator, Distortion, Compressor, Pitch Shifter, Ring Modulator, Phaser, Flanger/Chorus, and Reverb. Not to mention the Master Delay section that is BPM syncable. The beauty of this large FX pallette is that you can resample through these fx until your heart's content.
Even resample while changing parameters. Uses SmartMedia 3.3V cards to store data in blocks of 4MB. each 4MB holds 95 seconds of mono sampling time that is shared by 100 mono as well as 50 stereo samples (plenty of time really even if you are sampling whole loops and not just single shot sounds), 128 patterns of up to 64 steps each, and 16 songs. It uses any SmartMedia 3.3V card from 4MB to 64MB.

The sequencer is great, classic X0X style, and the rubber keys allow you to run your finger from side to side over every key and it will depress each key on the way... fun for erasing a whole line of steps, my 909 can't do that :(

as far as sounds go, well it IS a sampler. They are, however, sampled at 32khz rather than the standard 44.1khz sample rate. To me, really this is fine. The only thing i can forsee the 32khz sample rate grossly effecting would be the overtones of a pitched up crash cymbal. The onboard fx are most definitely useful, the reverb could use some work... too platey for me. But with the use of SmartMedia cards and your PC, you could export/import your samples as .wav's and edit in soundforge if you like.

Well it is korg. who is all about the mass production. This thing only ways like 2 LB's. Haven't had any problems so far, nor do i anticipate any.

Well Korg has service centers all over the place so if something went haywire it'd only take a 15 minute drive to get it checked out.

This sampler is now a very important part of my setup. The ability to record knob movements and resample makes it very versatile and expressive for a sampler. I got so used to rack mount samplers being constraining and dull. It's really perfect for me. coupled with my 909 it's perfect for techno/house. Other styles that it would suit well are Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, and possibly Drum&Bass (any sampler is useful for d&b IMHO) but more serious junglists should check out an emu or akai rack sampler. Also i could not think of any other sampler that would be as useful in a Live performance set-up, especially if you are into re-programming patterns on the fly or like to tweak out the fx.

I think anyone from beginner to pro should at least demo the unit for at least an hour, you'd be surprised with how responsive it is.
Don't be mistaken by the flashing lights and what some would consider a "toyish" look. There are no gimmicks here, every aspect of the design of this sampler is useful and will be used time and time again.