Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $235

Budget/Beginner

$249

$700+

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

Immerse yourself in creative beat-making with the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII, an audio sampler that stands out in the world of DJ gear. This versatile instrument is a favorite among electronic musicians and producers for its hands-on approach and intuitive interface. The ES-1 MKII is designed to seamlessly integrate into your setup, whether you're performing live or crafting new tracks in the studio.

With its improved sound engine, the Electribe ES-1 MKII allows you to sample, sequence, and manipulate audio with ease. Its straightforward layout makes it accessible to beginners, while its advanced features satisfy seasoned pros. The ES-1 MKII is equipped with robust sampling capabilities, allowing you to capture and edit sounds on the fly. It also includes dynamic effects that can be applied to your samples, adding depth and texture to your music.

This sampler's compact design belies its powerful performance capabilities. It's perfect for artists who need portability without compromising on quality. Whether you're layering complex rhythms or experimenting with new sounds, the Electribe ES-1 MKII offers a vast palette of possibilities to fuel your creativity.

Key Features:

  • 95 seconds of sample memory at 44.1kHz
  • 16-step sequencer with real-time control
  • Built-in effects including delay, reverb, and more
  • Resampling functionality for creating complex sounds
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
  • 9 drum parts and 2 stretch parts for versatile beat creation
  • Backlit LCD display for easy navigation and operation

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Electribe-S mkII ES-1 mkII Rhythm Production Sampler
Finish Champagne
Year 2000s
Categories Grooveboxes, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

Can you load your own samples into the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII?

Yes, you can load your own samples into the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII using SmartMedia cards, allowing you to customize your beats with personalized sounds.

What is the maximum polyphony of the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII?

The Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII offers a maximum polyphony of 12 voices, enabling complex layering and sequencing of samples.

Does the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.

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

The Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII is well-suited for live performances, offering real-time control over samples and effects, making it a versatile tool for DJs and producers.

What kind of effects does the Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII offer?

The Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII includes a master delay effect, which can be synchronized to tempo, providing creative possibilities for sound manipulation.

Noiseloader

Noiseloader

Korg Electribe ES1 MK2 - The Feedback Ritual

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ES1 MK2 - The Feedback Ritual by Noiseloader

Korg Electribe ES1 MK2 - The Feedback Ritual

Noiseloader

Noiseloader

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy to manipulate, great for beginners

  • Pioneered p-lock sound mangling

  • Durable, can last over 20 years

  • Versatile for various music genres

CONS

  • Buttons may fail, affecting functionality

  • Low output volume issue

  • Rhythm programming and delay effects inferior to peers

  • Tricky to sample and match pitch accurately

  • Outdated sounds, updating them is challenging

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The ES-1 MKII can sequence external hardware, which could be beneficial for integrating with other machines in a setup.

    Source
  • The ES-1 MKII features MIDI In/Out/Thru, allowing seamless integration with other hardware for future setup expansion.

    Source
  • MK2 offers different built-in patterns compared to MK1, providing unique starting points for sound creation.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner considers the ES-1 MKII a reliable "workhorse" after several years of use, suggesting durability and dependable performance.

    Source
  • Owners describe the sampling output as lo-fi, lacking bass below 100Hz, which suits certain aesthetic preferences but may not fit all genres.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its age, the ES-1 MKII is noted for being a solid choice for hardware techno production, though potential technical limitations may frustrate beginners.

    Source
  • Ideal as a standalone drum machine when loaded with custom drum samples, providing a tactile and versatile hardware experience.

    Source
  • Sounds like a noise oscillator mixed with a sine wave and LFO can be recreated using samples from hardware synth packs, adding unique texture to live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ES-1 MKII offers broader functionality compared to the Volca Beats, which may require additional equipment for similar versatility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At its price point, the ES-1 MKII is praised for providing significant utility as an entry-level hardware sampler, with potential for resale at similar value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The MK1 can be updated to MK2 firmware, introducing individual beat echo effects instead of a global autowah, enhancing per-part customization.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Roughton Reynolds uses Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII

Roughton Reynolds

Singer, Keyboardist

Enter Shikari

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:08, Reynolds can be seen with a Korg ES-1 Mk 2, a Korg EMX-1, and a Kaoss Pad 2

See how Lil Ugly Mane uses Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII

Lil Ugly Mane

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Shown in the Trick Dice album cover amongst various gear

See how Avi Bortnick uses Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII

Avi Bortnick

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

For drum samples, Bortnick uses a Korg Electrive ES-1 MK II. “OK, this thing is awesome,” he says at (21:15). “It's a sampling machine, meaning you’re putting in your own sounds. So a lot of the drum sounds in there. I put them in there or I found somewhere, frankly it's been so long I don't remember where all sounds come from. I don't use it on every song, but the computer always routes into the drum machine 'cause it has a stereo input. So, I sort of almost use it as a mixing board and effects processor for the computer, but it also has beats that I use. But the cool thing about this is kind of like an instrument, or any things up here and you can really play it. Everything's right there. It's really great. You feel very spontaneous. It's not like the computer, where you sort of have to stare at the screen and find where your pointer is, and then plan ahead. This is much more intuitive, which is great. So songs that are really beat intensive, I'll use this Korg drum machine.”

See how Meuko! Meuko! uses Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII

Meuko! Meuko!

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Facebook

Korg?????????????16?tone????16?tone????bar??????????bar?????????????????????????mixing?????????

She mentioned in her Facebook post that since you can only write 16 tones in one page, she uses these 16 tones to create a bar, and change pages when she needs to switch melodies. Live mixing is also done in the ES-1 MKii

See how Primitive World uses Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII

Primitive World

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

"This was one of the first pieces of hardware I bought, and I still have a soft spot for it."

Album Usage

The Korg Electribe ES-1 MKII 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 ES-1 MKII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

MXR M169 Carbon Copy
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Delay Effects Pedals
2
DOD FX69 Grunge
DOD FX69 Grunge Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Roland R-8M
Roland R-8M Drum Machines
1
Vemuram Jan Ray
Vemuram Jan Ray Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
E-mu SP-1200
E-mu SP-1200 Production & Groove
1
Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo
1
Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Korg KAOSS Pad 3
Korg KAOSS Pad 3 Audio Samplers
1
Alesis Midiverb III
Alesis Midiverb III Effects Processors
1
Behringer Neutron
Behringer Neutron Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
ihcilon

ihcilon

Gear IQ 182

salemazraelquinn

salemazraelquinn

Gear IQ 147

theweekendwarrior

theweekendwarrior

Gear IQ 552

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

More Korg Audio Samplers

Roland SP-404A

$599.99 - $689.99

# 10

Rank

Kurt Vile Nick Reinhart Lila Ramani
12 artists using
Yamaha A5000

$25.00 - $2,099.99

# 36

Rank

YSE
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    eoslinz
    eoslinz

    Gear IQ 120