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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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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 Apashe uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Apashe

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Vk

Apashe uses the Korg Electribe ESX-1, as confirmed by a screenshot shared by administrators from his official community on VK.

See how Radioactive Man uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Radioactive Man

Music Producer

Two Lone Swordsmen

...
Verified via YouTube

In his Boiler Room set from 2015 you can see the ESX on the desk at 7:01 and 45:14.

The ESX was also listed among the gear stolen from his studio the year before.

See how Paul Williams White uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Paul Williams White

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see the electribe at his desk @ 3m1s

See how Anonymous Animal uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Anonymous Animal

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The ESX is in the middle of the screen.

See how Hundred Waters uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Hundred Waters

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:20, Hundred Waters can be seen performing with the Korg Electribe ESX-1.

See how Neil Landstrumm uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Neil Landstrumm

Music Producer

...
Verified via Skirmish

He talks about using the ESX-1 live in his Skirmish interview:

How does your live set up work?

I’ve developed and adapted it over the years to where it is today. Its still a bit of an effort to drag it around but the hardware sound kicks it out over a big rig.. I use Elektron equipment from Sweden , namely the Monomachine and Machinedrum. The Machinedrum is the master midi clock and the Korg ESX-1 sampler is the next in the chain. After that comes the Monomachine for synth lines and basslines then the Motu Ulralite and Powerbook 12″ running Ableton is stuck on the end. I use Ableton just for throwing in breakbeats, vocals, samples and bits of old tracks etc.

The Korg sampler is where I stuck all the analogue samples and sounds from my Jupiters and Pro One etc. This type of hardware setup keeps the live set quite flexible as each box is independent and can keep running if there is a problem with the mac. Plus you can load different disks and sets on the fly whilst its all running.

He also talks about it briefly in a Metropolis interview:

I’m a live artist only so I just use hardware: Elektron Machinedrum and Monomachine, an old Korg ESX-1 sampler of the analog kit at home, a Yamaha DX-200, Space Echo and a 12″ Powerbook. I just love the sound and impact of the machines. It’s straight to the PA live and direct.

See how Paul Frick uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Paul Frick

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post dated July 13, 2018, Paul Frick is shown using the Korg Electribe ESX-1.

See how MIDERA uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

MIDERA

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, MIDERA is playing a Spectralis 2, a Korg ESX-1, a Korg Radias, and an Access Virus TI Polar.

See how Casiotone for the Painfully Alone uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from the "Pictures" section of the CFTPA website (http://www.cftpa.org/pictures.htm) you can see the Electribe ESX-1 on top of the suitcase.

See how Meuko! Meuko! uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

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 Electribe ESX-1.

See how AMBASSADOR21 uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

AMBASSADOR21

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

AMBASSADOR21 used the Korg Electribe ESX-1 in their live setup from 2008 to 2012, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Cardopusher uses Korg Electribe ESX-1

Cardopusher

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

"This has been an essential piece of gear in the studio since I got it almost a year ago. Super easy to use and the effects are pretty cool, especially over hi-hats or percussion in general."

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.

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Community setups

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keyhead

keyhead

Gear IQ 126

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Gear IQ 359

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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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