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Description

Introducing the Korg Electribe ESX-1, your trusted companion for music production. This versatile sampler offers a comprehensive platform for crafting tracks with speed and intuition. Despite being a discontinued model, it remains a formidable tool in music creation, thanks to its advanced features like motion sequencing and a ribbon-controlled arpeggiator. Its standout characteristic is the Valve Force circuitry, equipped with two authentic vacuum tubes, delivering a potent and immersive sonic experience that makes it a timeless piece of gear.

Key Features:

  • Music Production Sampler with comprehensive track crafting capabilities
  • Ability to create and store up to 256 patterns and 64 songs
  • Comes with advanced options like motion sequencing
  • Equipped with three effect processors for enhanced sound manipulation
  • Features a ribbon-controlled arpeggiator for versatile sound design
  • Empowered with Korg's Valve Force circuitry and two built-in vacuum tubes for superior sound output

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Electribe-SX ESX-1 Music Production Sampler
Finish Red
Year 2000s
Made In Japan
Categories Grooveboxes, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I create with the Korg Electribe ESX-1?

The Korg Electribe ESX-1 is a versatile music production sampler that allows you to create a wide range of sounds using its built-in samples, effects, and sequencing capabilities. It's ideal for producing electronic music genres, offering 16-voice polyphony and extensive sample manipulation options.

Can the Korg Electribe ESX-1 be used for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Electribe ESX-1 is well-suited for live performances. Its intuitive interface, real-time controls, and robust sequencing features make it an excellent choice for live electronic music production and performance.

Does the Korg Electribe ESX-1 support MIDI connectivity?

The Korg Electribe ESX-1 supports MIDI connectivity, featuring MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports. This allows you to integrate it with other MIDI-compatible devices and expand your production setup.

How do I load samples into the Korg Electribe ESX-1?

You can load samples into the Korg Electribe ESX-1 via its SmartMedia card slot. This enables you to import and manipulate custom samples, expanding your creative possibilities beyond the built-in sounds.

Is the Korg Electribe ESX-1 suitable for beginners in music production?

While the Korg Electribe ESX-1 offers powerful features, its interface may have a learning curve for complete beginners. However, those with some experience in music production will find it a highly rewarding tool for creating complex grooves and samples.

kk junker

kk junker

Korg Electribe ESX-1 Tutorial (Part 1) - Patterns, Parts and Basic Sequencing

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ESX-1 Tutorial (Part 1) - Patterns, Parts and Basic Sequencing by kk junker

Korg Electribe ESX-1 Tutorial (Part 1) - Patterns, Parts and Basic Sequencing

kk junker

kk junker

Video thumbnail for KORG Electribe ESX-1* LIVE* Minimal Dub Techno Session by Matthias Wunderlich

KORG Electribe ESX-1* LIVE* Minimal Dub Techno Session

Matthias Wunderlich

Matthias Wunderlich

Video thumbnail for Teknotribe - Tekno _ CassaFissa korg esx-1 by Maestrotek

Teknotribe - Tekno _ CassaFissa korg esx-1

Maestrotek

Maestrotek

Video thumbnail for Electribe ESX-1- How To Install Electronisounds Sound Banks by Electronisounds Audio

Electribe ESX-1- How To Install Electronisounds Sound Banks

Electronisounds Audio

Electronisounds Audio

Video thumbnail for Korg Electribe ESX-1 sampler sequencer: POWerful effects and sequencing! by Gearfacts

Korg Electribe ESX-1 sampler sequencer: POWerful effects and sequencing!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for "On Fire"-  Korg  Electribe ESX-1  + Behringer TD-3 - Live Session 140 BPM by Matthias Wunderlich

"On Fire"- Korg Electribe ESX-1 + Behringer TD-3 - Live Session 140 BPM

Matthias Wunderlich

Matthias Wunderlich

Reviews

PROS

  • Powerhouse for house and trance music

  • Offers a wide range of possibilities with an effects rack

  • Intuitive for beginners, requiring no advanced education

  • Onboard effects are peerless

  • Features an AX7 tube pre for external gear

  • Advanced sequencer and complete sampler in one

  • Capable of creating full-fledged audio tracks

  • Supports re-sampling function for stereo loops

  • Suitable for live sets with intuitive sampling

  • Warm tube saturation ideal for dance music production

CONS

  • Durability concerns with older models needing repairs

  • High noise level when saturated with lamps

  • Learning curve can be steep for new users

  • Some visual wear like missing lettering and scratches

  • Output can be excessively hot

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock tubes with JJ ECC83-S is recommended for improved tube harmonics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 3/4 output bypasses the tubes, affecting sound processing options.

    Source
  • The sequencer is monophonic, which limits chord functionality but is common among similar devices.

    Source
  • The ESX-1 has 8 bars of sequencing, providing more parts compared to the Elektron Model:Samples, which can enhance live performance playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Sample management on Mac M1 systems is possible using sawloop.com, though Open Electribe Editor support has ended.

    Source
  • The ESX-1 is prone to a common defect called knob jitter, where encoders may register turns without input, necessitating testing of the unit pre-purchase.

    Source

Build quality

  • Buttons and encoders are prone to wear, requiring frequent replacements due to Korg's cost-cutting on components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The machine adds a gritty, funky character to dry PCM percussion samples, appealing to those seeking a raw sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • MIDI sync is straightforward, but users note jittery MIDI clock when integrated with Ableton.

    Source
  • The ESX-1 SmartMedia version may require a USB card reader for media transfer due to its discontinued media format, impacting sample management.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 55 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
andry_blacksmith

Korg Electribe ESX-1

This metal red box is capable of everything. First of all, KORG ESX-1 is aimed at DJs or producers who create dance music. This is an advanced sequencer with a bunch of features and a complete sampler in one bottle! And the tube path at the outputs gives incredible density to the sound.

In principle, using Korg esx-1 you can create a full-fledged audio track, since the re-sampling function allows you to assign stereo loops to one of the tracks, there are eight in total, plus two tracks for melodic parts, thus, if you have imagination and certain skills for creativity there are no obstacles. Very good filters and automation !!! The rest of the effects are a bit weak, but for a device of this price category, it’s quite imagined. Using the memory card and card reader, you can easily transfer the necessary sounds from the computer to the device. Function management is classic and intuitive for a person who has experience with similar devices, although I highly recommend carefully studying the instructions and keeping them at hand for the first time.

Of the shortcomings, I note only a relatively high noise level when saturated with lamps, but in general it is a very good device, an almost indispensable machine for creating modern dance music.

samil

Classic sampler

This was my first real sampler, I still use it to this day though not for sampling anymore, just for running sounds through and getting that nice warm tube saturation. Geared more towards dance music production.

From Gear Setup
mutemachine

cool little piece of equipment

I like to mess around with a lot of different stuff, since one of my buddys works at a guitar center in Dallas, he owns a lot of stuff and gives his old stuff to me, I got this along with the pocket operater op-1, I like this a lot and use it in at least 1 song on every album I put online

zack_monroe

Great Machine

Has a steep learning curve. But once you get it you can use this tool creatively. Great for making little chops and has a powerful sound.

sleepyxtra

insane god

terrible and malevolent terrible and malevolent terrible and malevolent terrible and malevolent terrible and malevolent

ariesdang

Great synth but the out put is so hot T_T

Great synth but the out put is so hot T_T

kenneth_samuel_cromie

Pretty cool synth

I owned one of these for few years.

chemical_hazard

just for the drum

The slice part is good and the modulation on drum part

siriusc

My favorite sampler

Super intuitive sampler. great for live sets

M

drum sampler (used to be the main and only sequencer)

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how J Dilla uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

J Dilla

Rapper, Music Producer

Slum Village

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Mastering Engineer Dave Cooley talks about some of the equipment J Dilla used while living in LA during his time working with him including the Korg Electribe (Esx-1) among other pieces, at 15:50.

See how Madlib uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Madlib

Rapper, Music Producer

Madvillain

...
Verified via Photo

Korg ESX-1 and Roland SP606 seen on the floor in this photo

See how Legowelt uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

On his official website, Legowelt showcases the Korg Electribe ESX-1, highlighting its role in his music production setup.

See how Digitalism uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Digitalism

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

"We’ve been through a ton of KORG #ESX-1 throughout the years."

See how Walter Gervers uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Walter Gervers

Bassist, Composer

Foals

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:02, Walter Gervers can be seen playing a Korg Electribe ESX-1 Synth with Foals in an acoustic performance of "My Number" in the studios of 89.3 The Current.

See how The Hacker uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

The Hacker

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible at 6:19 in his live at MC2

See how Mika Vainio uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Mika Vainio

Composer, Music Producer

Pan Sonic

...
Verified via Twitter

A Korg Electribe ESX-1 can be seen in this gear photo

See how Freemasons uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Freemasons

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Build a house track with Freemasons - Part 1 of 2," the Freemasons are seen using the Korg Electribe ESX-1.

See how Mosca uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Mosca

DJ

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

I use Reason, and still cut loads of samples from all over. I’ve been cutting samples since I was about 13, using a guitar pedal at first, then I got a Yamaha RM1X but missed the sampling aspect so got a Korg ES1 and later the ESX.

See how Dapayk uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Dapayk

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

As can be seen at 0:45 extending on the right rack above the keyboard

See how Mark Farina uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Mark Farina

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

In an interview with Attack Magazine, Mark Farina is shown to have a Korg Electribe ESX-1 in his studio setup.

See how Holy Other uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Holy Other

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

He can be using the ESX-1 in this image taken at a live show at Stereo Cafe Bar, Glasgow in August 2012.

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 ESX-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Korg Electribe EMX-1
Korg Electribe EMX-1 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
2
Roland SP-606
Roland SP-606 Production & Groove
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Elektron Octatrack DPS-1
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
2
Yamaha Rm1X
Yamaha Rm1X Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
2
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
2

Community setups

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keyhead

keyhead

Gear IQ 126

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Gear IQ 359

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samil

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madt3o

madt3o

Gear IQ 382

madt3o

madt3o

Gear IQ 382

madt3o

madt3o

Gear IQ 382

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madt3o

Gear IQ 382

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