Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $250

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your rhythmic potential with the Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer, a drum-modeling powerhouse that combines the best of vintage and modern electronic music creation. Designed for both aspiring DJs and seasoned producers, the ER-1 offers an intuitive interface that makes exploring beats and textures a breeze. Dive into its vast array of 256 rhythm patterns and tweak them with ease to create your signature sound. The ER-1's motion sequencer breathes life into your rhythms, allowing for dynamic real-time modulation that adds depth and movement to your tracks.

Compact yet powerful, this drum machine features 16 onboard effects, including delay, flanger, and more, making it a versatile addition to any setup. Whether you're crafting the backbone of a track or adding intricate layers of percussion, the ER-1 is your ticket to a world of expressive soundscapes. Its portability ensures that your creativity doesn't have to be tethered to the studio, making it an ideal companion for live performances and spontaneous jam sessions.

Join the community of musicians and producers who have made the Korg Electribe ER-1 a staple in their creative toolkit. With its robust design and user-friendly features, this rhythm synthesizer is ready to take your music to the next level.

Key Features:

  • Drum-modeling, analog synthesizer
  • 256 rhythm patterns
  • 16 onboard effects
  • Motion sequencer for real-time modulation
  • Portable and user-friendly design
  • Suitable for studio and live performance use

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Electribe-R ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer
Finish Silver
Year 2000s
Categories Grooveboxes, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

What type of sound synthesis does the Korg Electribe ER-1 use?

The Korg Electribe ER-1 utilizes digital synthesis to create a wide range of drum and percussion sounds, offering flexibility and versatility for electronic music production.

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

The Korg Electribe ER-1 provides 10 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex patterns and layered sounds in your rhythm compositions.

Does the Korg Electribe ER-1 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Korg Electribe ER-1 has MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling integration with other MIDI-compatible gear and sequencers.

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

The Korg Electribe ER-1 is well-suited for live performances due to its intuitive interface, real-time control capabilities, and robust build, making it a popular choice for electronic musicians.

Can the Korg Electribe ER-1 be used to create non-drum sounds?

While primarily designed for rhythm and percussion, the Korg Electribe ER-1 can produce a variety of electronic sounds, including basslines and synth stabs, expanding its use beyond traditional drum machine applications.

Mister Onemoveahead

Mister Onemoveahead

KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1 FACTORY DEMO SOUNDS HQ 1

Video thumbnail for KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1 FACTORY DEMO SOUNDS HQ 1 by Mister Onemoveahead

KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1 FACTORY DEMO SOUNDS HQ 1

Mister Onemoveahead

Mister Onemoveahead

Video thumbnail for Stimming presents modern classics: Korg Electribe ER-1 by Sense Music & Media GmbH

Stimming presents modern classics: Korg Electribe ER-1

Sense Music & Media GmbH

Sense Music & Media GmbH

Video thumbnail for KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1 RHYTHM SYNTHESIZER FACTORY SOUNDS DEMO HQ 2 by Mister Onemoveahead

KORG ELECTRIBE ER-1 RHYTHM SYNTHESIZER FACTORY SOUNDS DEMO HQ 2

Mister Onemoveahead

Mister Onemoveahead

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer MKI Demo by Nick Ananas

Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer MKI Demo

Nick Ananas

Nick Ananas

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ER-1 Overview Pt 2 | Song Mode, Pattern Set by Durosai

Korg Electribe ER-1 Overview Pt 2 | Song Mode, Pattern Set

Durosai

Durosai

Reviews

PROS

  • Great sounding with a distinct identity

  • Super intuitive and easy to use

  • Amazing midi functionality, pairs easily with other gear

  • Original sounds, not just inspired by classic models

  • Ability to record parameter changes into sequences

  • Logical layout makes real-time edits fun

  • Offers a lot of control and flexibility

  • Lower noise floor compared to others

CONS

  • Lacks dedicated line outs for each part

  • Some knobs may be defective or drift

  • Kicks can be more clicky than punchy

  • Limited in handling longer samples

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Roland SP-404 is popular for lo-fi hip-hop due to its capacity for wonky beats, while the ER-1 thrives in techno and house styles.

    Source
  • The ER-1 is noted to pair exceptionally well with the TR-8, enhancing the classic 808/909 sounds with glitchy, noisy effects.

    Source
  • The Korg ES-1 offers more flexibility with sample recording/uploading compared to the ER-1, appealing to those seeking a grungier, metallic sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the ER-1 more when used as a sound generator rather than a traditional drum machine, often enhancing other gear.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the ER-1's effective MIDI implementation, replacing live drummers in performances and aiding in entire song compositions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest a fair purchase price for the ER-1 is around $125 or less, with $150 considered expensive.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ER-1 is highlighted for generating esoteric sounds and works well in conjunction with outboard FX, especially filters.

    Source
  • The ER-1 excels as an 8-note MIDI sequencer for controlling various gear like the SP-404 and Korg Triton, offering song mode and 64-step pattern programming.

    Source
  • The ER-1 is favored for creating techno, particularly mental and tribe styles, with users enjoying the tactile experience of knob adjustments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The ER-1's pitch knobs are highly sensitive, making fine-tuning pitches challenging, though users find dialing in non-pitched sounds straightforward.

    Source
  • Before performing a factory reset to clear user patterns, it's recommended to back up data using a dedicated SysEx tool, as DAW backups may not be reliable.

    Source
  • For a fresh start, utilize the D bank, which contains only a kick drum sound and no other presets, allowing for precise tweaking without interference.

    Source
  • To permanently edit patterns or songs, users must disable protection via the global menu, adjusting the setting with the jog dial.

    Source
  • When experiencing unexpected tones from the ER-1, it's important to check for failing pots that may not output correct values, indicating a need for servicing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ER-1 has 4 synth parts and 4 PCM parts, with users generally preferring the synth parts for creating unique drum sounds.

    Source
  • The ER-1's song mode can save fills, though it lacks unquantized beat capabilities, favoring four-on-the-floor patterns.

    Source
  • The Korg Electribe ER-1 does not have a dedicated "bass drum" sound; instead, users can synthesize one using the percussion synthesizer and oscillator controls.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
k_g_b_

One of the most unique-sounding drum machines I have ever used

It seems to me that most drum machines are mostly or at least partially inspired by classic models like the 808 or the 909. The Electribe breaks this tradition by stepping out on its own and wearing its own distinct identity proudly like a badge of legitimacy. It sounds completely original, and the ability to record parameter changes into your sequences makes it seem more "alive" than other drum machines with more static natures.

jesse_cian_fawcett

Nice drum synth

Mine has a defective knob, either mod depth or mod speed (it drifts toward 0), but even so, it makes some nice percussion sounds. Kicks tend to be more clicky than punchy though.

rotten77

Good drum nachine

ER-1 is good drum machine for electronic production. It sounds lie 90's and its great for these 90's styles. It has classic Korg sound.

rothhandlestudios

Electribe

I have used this a lot, mainly as a click track machine but also for messyness.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Four Tet uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Four Tet

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:33 in this YouTube video (How I PLAY: Four Tet's MODEL 1 LIVE DJ Set-Up), Four Tet is going over the channels of his setup.

See how Stone Gossard uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Stone Gossard

Guitarist, Singer

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Pearl Jam Community

"It's a drum pattern, but you plug your guitar into it. So instead of the pattern being the drum sound, the guitar sounds pop up every time something hits. Three different patterns over three different parts. Matt Cameron came up with that and it was a moment of inspiration, for sure."

See how The Prodigy uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

The Prodigy

Music Producer

...
Verified via Theprodigy

Korg: You've recently been using a KM2 mixer, an Electribe ER-1, ES-1 and EM-1. What are your impressions of this kit?

Liam: I haven't checked the mixer yet, but the ER-1 resembles 70s and 80s analogue drum sounds, which is what i like.

See how Orbital uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via Loopzorbital

In this interview, Paul Hartnoll from Orbital says that Orbital used a Korg Electribe ER-1 during the recording of "The altogether". Magazine - Making Music - Issue 181 - May 2001

See how Liam Howlett uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Theprodigy

Korg ER-1 - Electribe R Rhythm Synth ER-1 Specifications: Synthesizer type: Modelled drum synthesizer Synthesis Type: Modelled/ Sample based Polyphony: 6 Oscillators: 4 modelled/ 4 Sample based (HH, OH, Crash, Clap) FX : Delay, Motion Sequence Inputs and Outputs : Number of Audio Outs: 2 Number of Audio Ins: 2 MIDI: in, out, thru

Liam's comment: "I've used the ES-1 on stage and I've used the ER-1 on a couple of tracks on the new album. The ER-1 doesnt require much processing or EQing - it sounds f**king great straight out of the box. "

"I havent checked the mixer yet, but the ER-1 resembles 70's and 80's analogue drum sounds, which is what I like. "

See how Legowelt uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour video by MusicRadar Tech on YouTube, Legowelt is shown using the Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer, describing it as "a future classic."

See how Shigeto uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Shigeto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from September 21, 2012

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via YouTube

Álvaro Henriquez uses the Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer in the song "Ch' Ba' Puta La Wea" by Pettinellis. In a video by SonarFM Chile, he explains in detail that he purchased the Electribe, shares the story behind the song, and mentions that he originally discovered the instrument with Julieta Venegas. He created the song inspired by playful ideas and car alarms. Interview here: https://youtu.be/KznWTe4Nxc8?t=1729

See how Chris Carter uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via The Quietus

Chris Carter uses the Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer, as highlighted in an article by The Quietus. The article mentions this gear in the foreground, with a MOTU UltraLite Mk3 Hybrid audio interface in the background.

See how Yaeji uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Yaeji

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Yaeji Gives A Tour of Her Playful Powerful Creative Studio" by Splice on YouTube, a Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer is visible in Yaeji's studio at the 0:14 mark. Yaeji further discusses this piece of equipment at 2:57.

See how Jody Wisternoff uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Jody Wisternoff

Music Producer

Way Out West

...
Verified via YouTube

You can find it at 5:43!

See how Steve Roach uses Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer

Steve Roach

Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

Steve Roach provided Reverb with the below list of synthesizers and hardware—his "portable rig"—that was used during his premiere performance in NYC at Church Of The Heavenly Rest on June 4th, 2022.

Album Usage

The Korg Electribe ER-1 Rhythm Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:

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 Rhythm Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Eventide TimeFactor Twin Delay
2
Korg MS-20 Mini
Korg MS-20 Mini Synthesizers
2
Korg Poly 61
Korg Poly 61 Synthesizers
2
Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
1
Furman M-8X2
Furman M-8X2 Power Conditioners
1
Korg Electribe EMX-1
Korg Electribe EMX-1 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1

Community setups

Show yours
martijn_naber

martijn_naber

Gear IQ 812

kafkaforpresident

kafkaforpresident

Gear IQ 329

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

Korg Electribe ER-1 MKII

$398.88

Vintage or Discontinued newer

The mkii was a minor update to the ER-1.

More Korg Drum Machines

Korg Volca Beats

$119.99 - $159.99

# 6

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Damon Albarn
53 artists using
Korg Volca Kick

$109.99 - $159.99

# 20

Rank

Damon Albarn emma essex Ela Minus
7 artists using
Korg Volca Drum

$119.99 - $159.99

# 30

Rank

Ricky Jamaraz Xarakter Doviak
4 artists using
Korg Drumlogue

$387.00 - $537.37

# 74

Rank

Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey Richard Devine
2 artists using
Korg DDD-1

 

 
Andy Partridge Röyksopp Mark Bell
8 artists using
Korg DDD-5

 

 
Aeroplane
1 artist using
Korg DDM-220

 

 
Timothy J. Fairplay
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides