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Average Price: $399

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Description

Experience the cutting-edge rhythm of the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII, a drum machine that marries vintage analog vibes with modern versatility. Designed for DJs and producers who crave intuitive control and bold sound design, this groovebox excels in crafting beats that stand out. The ER-1 MKII is renowned for its Cross Modulation feature, which allows you to push your percussion sounds into uncharted sonic territories. This, combined with its Motion Sequence function, lets you record knob movements, adding dynamic shifts to your beats and creating a live performance feel even in the studio.

The 16-step sequencer invites you to compose effortlessly, letting you visualize and tweak your patterns in real-time. Dive into a world of dance music with preset patterns ranging from techno and house to hip-hop and drum'n'bass. The ER-1 MKII also offers an audio input feature, allowing you to incorporate external sounds into your compositions, making it a versatile tool for experimental soundscapes.

Whether you're syncing with external gear via MIDI or just jamming with its onboard sounds, the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII is a powerhouse of rhythm and creativity. Perfect for live performances and studio sessions alike, it empowers musicians to explore and innovate with every beat.

Key Features:

  • Cross Modulation for unique sound design
  • Motion Sequence records real-time knob movements
  • 16-step sequencer for intuitive pattern creation
  • Wide array of preset patterns for various dance music styles
  • Audio Input for integrating external sounds
  • MIDI In, Out, and Thru for seamless gear integration
  • Memory capacity for 256 patterns and 16 songs
  • Low Boost and Delay effects for enhanced sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Electribe-R MkII ER-1 MkII Rhythm Synthesizer
Finish Red
Year 2000s
Categories Grooveboxes, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 11 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII produce?

The Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII is designed to produce a variety of electronic drum and percussion sounds using its digital synthesis engine, making it ideal for creating techno, house, and other electronic music genres.

Does the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-equipped gear.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII offer?

The Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII offers 11 voices of polyphony, providing flexibility for layering sounds and creating complex rhythmic patterns.

Is the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII is well-suited for live performances, featuring real-time control options and a user-friendly interface that allows for dynamic manipulation of sounds on stage.

Can the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII be used for genres other than electronic music?

While the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII excels in electronic music production, its versatile sound engine allows it to be used creatively in a variety of music styles that benefit from synthesized drum and percussion sounds.

Ben Jarvis (Source:RE)

Ben Jarvis (Source:RE)

Korg ER-1 MKII "Patch from Scratch" Practice #1

Video thumbnail for Korg ER-1 MKII "Patch from Scratch" Practice #1 by Ben Jarvis (Source:RE)

Korg ER-1 MKII "Patch from Scratch" Practice #1

Ben Jarvis (Source:RE)

Ben Jarvis (Source:RE)

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ER1 MKII test run by Stephen Cain

Korg Electribe ER1 MKII test run

Stephen Cain

Stephen Cain

Video thumbnail for #112 - Korg ER-1 mkII repair by FeedbackLoop

#112 - Korg ER-1 mkII repair

FeedbackLoop

FeedbackLoop

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces great analog-style sounds despite being digital

  • Saves every pattern with drum sounds, ring mod, and motion recording

  • Song mode offers extensive pattern creation and management

  • Highly intuitive and fun to use, enhancing user creativity

  • Versatile with 16 songs and 256 patterns capability for live performances

  • Allows for significant sound tweaking and customization

CONS

  • Preset beats are considered outdated and of low quality

  • Generates very electronic-sounding tones, not suitable for realistic drum sounds

  • Some may find the need to modify hardware (like the selection knob) for better usability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII.

Build quality

  • The MKII version features a sturdy metal construction compared to the thinner metal and plastic of the MKI, suggesting an improvement in durability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MKII replaces the MKI's ring modulation on the first two channels with cross modulation, enhancing its suitability for percussion sounds.

    Source
  • The ER-1's MIDI capabilities allow controlling up to 8 notes simultaneously across 64-step patterns, offering significant flexibility for sequencing external gear.

    Source
  • The ER-1 lacks the ability to turn off quantization, which can be limiting for those seeking more organic beat production.

    Source
  • Real-time tweaking and motion sequencing are pivotal, allowing for up to 4x16 step patterns with separate motion control for delay.

    Source
  • The ER-1 can trigger external samplers through its crash and external input pads, adding an 8-bit texture to the sound palette.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A common issue with the ER-1 is a jittery main dial, which can be fixed by cleaning the potentiometer, though replacement parts are scarce.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ER-1 is considered more capable than the Volca Drum due to its analog-style sound, while the Volca is a digital synth.

    Source
  • Owners suggest exploring the Korg ES-1 for greater sample flexibility and an SP-404 for its popularity in lo-fi hip-hop, despite budget constraints.

    Source
  • The ER-1's workflow and tactile layout are favored over the Korg Volca Sample and Volca Beats for ease of sequencing and rhythm creation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ER-1 can produce unique and unusual drum tones that are not typically found in other drum synths, appealing to those seeking distinctive sounds.

    Source
  • The ER-1 excels as a drum sequencer for electronic genres but struggles with producing unquantized beats typical of boom bap or lo-fi hip-hop styles.

    Source
  • The ER-1 shines when paired with tube or tape distortion, as it softens the harsh edges of its traditional drum patterns.

    Source
  • Utilizing the ER-1's audio inputs can create gated sounds, enhancing its versatility for experimental setups like feeding an Atari Punk Console.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the ER-1's internal sounds more suitable for techno or house, rather than the gritty, organic beats desired for indie or experimental styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A foot-switch can facilitate pattern changes on the fly, crucial for high BPM transitions, freeing up both hands for other tasks.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
max_mars

Great beatbox

The first thing I did with this beat-box was to swap out the small silver selection knob with a larger one similar to what the 1st generation Tribes had; makes usage much easier. I love this beat-box, better than the other midi boxes I had prior to owning it. I've only had this unit for about a year and am still exploring it. I recommend this unit!

synth_mike

Classic groove machine

Classic groove machine. 16 songs 256 patterns each. Great for live perf

chemical_hazard

good and small

For a litlle drumbox like it you can make a lot af good sounds

N

mad sounds

i have this box recently and i really like al the tweaking stuff you can do with it!!!

M

distorted analog drums (fed in the the Rat, the Dimebag Wha and the punch factory compressor)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Legowelt uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

On his official website, Legowelt describes the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII as a "cool little sequencer synthesizer with the famous dirty smudgey Korg delay effect," indicating his use of this drum machine.

See how Chris Carter uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Chris Carter took of his gear, a Korg ER-1, a KP3 and a Kaossilator can be seen.

See how Blue Hawaii uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

Blue Hawaii

Singer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen throughout this live performance video

See how Anonymous Animal uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

Anonymous Animal

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

An Electribe R MKii can be seen near the center of the table.

See how risaripa uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

risaripa

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

A Korg Electribe R MKii can be seen in this photo posted to Risaripa's Twitter

See how Swayzak uses Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

Swayzak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

the Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII can be seen throughout the video

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII, curated by the Equipboard community.

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