Korg Electribe 2 review | Top ten pros and cons

[@NeoLudditevisons]

Just bought an electribe sampler 2 to pair with the Synth version. Totally underrated bits of gear!

[@LousyFacelift]

One of the biggest downsides for me in most modern grooveboxes using step sequencers is not having combinable scales and many people are unaware of this. Take the Roland MC-303 sequencer (or better yet higher MC versions) as an example of how flexible step sequencing can be - You start out a pattern in 4/4 using 16 steps, then at some point in the same pattern you want to throw in some triplets (e.g.on the kick, closed hh or snare...) On the MC-303 you can simply switch to a triplet scale without affecting anything previously recorded in 4/4. The length of a bar will automatically be shown as twelve steps in the triplet scale, you find the right step keys to place your notes and that's it. You're now using two different scales in the same pattern. On almost every new machine using a step sequencer you decide on just one fixed scale before writing your pattern and everything you program will be limited to this one scale, no way to have triplets in a 4/4 pattern, at least not in the same track. This to me seems like a huge step back from a 90s standard feature and I'd really like to see this kind of flexible step sequencing functionality finally make its way back into modern gear!

[@michaiwanski4409]

You're completely wrong with your assumption. The Electribe (and many other contemporary step sequencer-based machines) can do what you just described. Look up "last step" (for irregular time signatures) and "beat" (for triplets) settings.

[@LousyFacelift]

Michał Ronin No, you don't understand what I mean. The Electribe 2 allows you to have different last step settings per track (which is not bad or at least better than the EMX can do) but then you have to stick to this setting for this track throughout the whole pattern. This way you still cannot program triplets and regular 16th notes within the same track though. I was talking about switching scales at any point on any track of the pattern and being able to combine triplets as 12th or 24th with 16th and 32s notes without being restricted to less than 16 steps. It's two different things.

[@seescojo844]

LousyFacelift agreed. why they hating on the triplet?

[@nathancoleman7921]

Yeah...why the hell is that? I have this shitty akai xr 20, (the sounds) but, at least with akai you can change the scale setting of each sound and put the bar length to any number up to 64. I can't believe that these newer and better sounding machines do not have these features and more memory available. That's why I hesitated to buy the korg electribe 2. This thing would have been sold if not because of this. It sounds so great, yet it is missing very important features for real music producers like me and you.

[@Cthuski]

This, plus almost every downside mentioned in this video, can be solved via fx modulation and resampling

[@mrclaytron]

Nice one Woody. I think because you've got used to your modded E2 (labels and coloured encoders), you forgot one of the MOST frustrating things about the device! The number of times I've mistakenly tweaked the change pattern encoder instead of Oscillator is crazy... It's too easy to lose your work in progress! I've got the habit of save all the time now to avoid this! Also, it's nearly impossible to read the labels in poor lighting - for someone who remembers exactly every function without looking, that's probably not a problem, but for me, I'm sooo forgetful, I always need to read the labels! For a device that excels as a performance synth, it's amazing that Korg somehow didn't consider the device will be used in low light!!??? Anyway, importantly, it does sound amazing (I agree that the sounds on this are really contemporary, and damn, those thumping drums!), and is really fun and intuitive to use, despite some really annoying shortcomings... for the price though, is pretty remarkable! Great review. I'd never get rid of mine!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

clayton, understand your frustration but korg to the rescue, there is a setting, pattern lock, you can enable to prevent what you describe. need latest os. thanks for comment and feedback.

[@mrclaytron]

Woody Piano Shack I should definitely install that firmware update! (and get some nice coloured encoders like you've done!)

[@AxelsoftMusic]

Great video Woody - really helpful and very informative. Since this product was first announced in 2014 I have been pondering if I should get one or not... as a synth player I was unsure how I would get on with the pad based approach, but I also liked the idea of having something small and standalone that I could just sit back and work with. I've watched several users videos (thats how I found your channel in the first place) so I had a good idea of what it could do, but here you finally nailed down where the limitations are, and for me that finally helped me decide not to get one (at least not a new one at full price). What this video did do was make me take another look at the Korg Kross (which had not really been on my radar) and sonically/performance-wise that is actually perfect for what I want here and now. And what about those days when I just want to sit back and make some grooves ? Well for now I got myself a Novation Circuit for half the price of the EMX2... great workflow, if has both 2x polysynths and samples, plus lots of updates and new features... I just wish it had the LCD display of the EMX2. So I'd say both the EMX2 and the Circuit are great products, and both have their limitations (its just a personal preference), but in the end if you want the capability of a workstation (as I did) then the right product is still a workstation.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thx for writing, yeah, circuit is on my radar too. don't know anything about the kross i mus admit.

[@smartmouth1577]

Pretty cool. Thanks.

[@HH-Thorsten]

I own an Electribe Sampler which i only use it as a Drum Machine. Just to create my own Drum Sets. 909, 808, 707, 727, 606, 505, CR-78, Linn Drum, Drumtracks ... All on one 8 Gbyte Cartridge.

[@nicholaskothari8150]

Bauer Harms thats an awesome idea.

[@boxxgrooved]

Hey I don't know if this has been mentioned before but if you make a blank pattern with all the synth parts having Scale switched on then every time you make a new pattern just copy the blank pattern and get to work. Then you don't have to manually do it for each part every time you make a new pattern

[@alyeska4226]

There is a workaround for the note envelop cutoff you dislike. (14:00) The type of voicing matters. There are four modes: MONO 1/2 OR POLY1/2

[@nicklane6122]

Al Yeska you you be able to elaborate a little on this? I’ve tried all 4 modes but I still get the cutoff

[@squishmusic]

@@nicklane6122 I dont know if its a workaround, but for pads chords, duplicate the sound on another pad/track. Then play bar 1 & 3 on one pad and bar 2 & 4 on another pad/track - in the case you had a 1bar pad chord. Maybe then the release of the envelope can play out....I havent tried so dunno...just an idea

[@bramgielen1833]

Wow was not expecting an Electribe demo video to feature the poshest accent I've heard since I watched Our Man in Havana a month ago.

[@AtticusBleep]

Just love the music in between the points.

[@MurrayDagostino]

I just like that you have a Roland D-20 in the background, that was our synthesizer at home in my youth, good memories :)

[@DionteBOOMstudio]

Just a couple years into using hardware for production. I've been using DAWS Mainly. This ES2 is was a great investment. Excellent little groovebox.

[@markmiller964]

Nice review and I enjoyed it greatly. For the most part, I agree with your assessment. Like you, I've seen some really impressive work done on KZbin. The more successful ones use the Electribe as a part of a larger system or they approach it as a unique performance instrument with all its quirks, advantages and limitations. For me, the unit has the two most important features: it sounds great and its fun to play.

[@charbax]

Had my Electribe2 for about 5 years now, didn't use it all the time, but keep being interested to get back to learning more to use it. You mention some awesome people on KZbin who show their performances with Electribe2, wish you'd link to some of them :) Happy New Year!! (by the way you also got me onto Roland FA08 a few years ago :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i don't remember who i was referring to, sorry

[@emnigmamachine]

I was a big ESX-1 user and fan and was excited to hear a good friend of mine was getting the Electribe 2 sampler model. Pretty disappointing considering many of the issues I had with the original ESX (not enough memory, tedious management of samples, etc) were still prevalent on this new model more than a decade later. Loading samples on startup and the menu system seemed more to frustrate than inspire. These machines do sound and look/feel great but I think the Octatrack was the logical next step up after the ESX-1, at least for me.

[@JackstandJohnny]

eggfooyuong I own the EMX-1 and owned the ESX for a little while but it seemed way too complicated and deep to me for a sampler, for me anyways. I needed a simple sampler. So now that my EMX is getting old Ive been looking to the Electribe 2 and E2 sampler. Im thinking the sampler is a better fit for me out of the two, but would you not recommend it? It would be used 70% as a drum machine and the rest used for bass tracks, synth and sampling. In your opinion would the electribe 2 sampler be a good fit? What else is out there in the pricerange that can do all of that? Do you think the Electribe 2 is inferior o the EMX andd ESX? Thanks.

[@SimeonDotkov]

Its good to see someone having the same opinions like me. The long atmosphere pads cutting each other, the absolutely hillarious polyphony count... Awesome review, thanks! I am using the Electribe 2s and it is really good

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad that you backed me up on some points, thanks for the comment!

[@zpurpz]

Just use master fx for filling in between the cuts

[@jdog7982]

Thanx Woodyo. I love the channel! I thought this version of electribes were just midi controlers til i watched your vids. I like the old electribes and you did such a good job explaining and showcasing your own patterns I went out and got one. Usually I midi a few pieces of hardware together and post the final product but I've been thinking of posting some traxs made on just one machine and I think I'll start w an electribe.

[@MattGreerMusic]

All the hallmarks of a long term E2 user are here. Tape labels for shift and mute, etc. so you can see in dark light. I highly visible and distinctly different "no no knob" aka the pattern chain knob, etc. Cool video. Have owned my E2 since they first came out and I pretty much concur with your assessment. It's not perfect by any means but it is a very complete music making station.

[@zombiepixelus]

Nice review. I feel like the limitations/lack of default sounds of this device are consistent with korg's history. If you're a fan of some of the other budget korg devices, you'll enjoy the electribe.

[@DJ279V]

Fantastic history. I have been considering finding an ER-1 or one of the mK2 models to tag along with my MPC 2000xl. Only thing is I usually find the sounds, sample them, and keep it moving. Still a cool potential option.

[@EspenFrafalne]

I think i actually like that you have to build your own drum-kits, and making stuff from scratch with the synth-part. Have not tried the Electribe yet, but im REALLY looking forward to buying both of them later this month 👍

[@aloneinanearthship4010]

Did you 3D print the color knobs or is there a kit that can be purchased?

[@fabriziacalligher3097]

How do i color the control keys? Where can i buy them?

[@f.d.3289]

Hey Woody, thanks a TON for your series. I'm a newbie thinking of getting a groovebox for my band and personal studio, and this was finally something that gave me a FEEL for how the thing works. Also, the music you did was really pleasant and enjoyable, which made it all more enjoyable. And I really liked your balanced and neutral evaluation here. So thanks a lot, you got yourself yet another subscriber. For me the biggest con will probably be the envelope thingy. Some of the cons you mentioned (such as not being able to transpose easily, or not knowing which parts are active) are probably linked to the flexible pad layout. I guess it helps if you're restraining yourself to a certain consistent pad/part layout. But it's nice you can find your personal setup. So thanks again, and I'll check your other reviews right now. Fun and enlightening, just as it should be :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad to hear that, i've been thinking about buying another tribe but today I think I'd get the roland 101 (i think that's the name)

[@f.d.3289]

@@WoodyPianoShack Well that's a nice one, but a very different beast -- I'm looking for something affordable that can do beats, bass and synth for live performances, and after much consideration I think you have convinced me. But I'm looking forward to your SH-101 presentation :)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@f.d.3289 mc101 :)

[@f.d.3289]

@@WoodyPianoShack That's what I meant of course XD How come that one didn't show up on my groovebox search? Looks interesting. Any ideas when your reviews will be available? Can't wait much longer, I need one of these thingies :) Oh but get an SH-101 too while you're at it ;)

[@f.d.3289]

Hey Woody, and I've just seen here that the unfortunate envelope reset is related to the Mono/Poly 1/2 setting. Apparently the envelopes are not reset when you play legato in Mono/Poly 1 mode. Check out the corresponding section of this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnPVhnmMrZeporM

[@shaft9000]

Thanks for the overview/opinion. I have a blue-pill version coming in a day or so. Getting it for the aggro drums (now w/ velocity) and the new synth filters to make more techno-ish drums and lines. Always loved the fx esp. the grainshifter post-mod-delay in series :) Been using the esx and emx for 10+ years along with volcas and a spectralis, tb-303 x0xb0x and m1am1. Had&sold octatrack, RS7000, analogFour and others. I'm also GAS-ing for the Pioneer SP-16 as it will arguably "complete" my quest for the best-sounding "groovebox"/Drummything+SynthPart(s)+seq. Cheers :)

[@EdgardoPlasencia]

I'm a digital drummer and want to trigger the electribe sampler with my drumset as I used to do with my electribe ES1... Is it possible to assign drum sounds each one to a single midi note , all sounds on a single midi channel ? Thanks for your time !

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i don't think so, not possible to have a drum kit on one midi channel, someone correct me if I'm wrong...

[@DominicJacksonFilm]

this is pretty in depth man thanks, one thing you pointed out is the build quality of stuff is so important, how the buttons feel. I have to say I was shocked at how many grooveboxes an sequences I used taht had really awful keypads. The MC 101, Akai ONE, Korg sq 64, all had pads so bad I found them unusable!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

these feel fine, and knobs buttons are solid.

[@lundsweden]

I've found a way to deal with the polyphony issue. I start with a blank pattern, resample sounds with FX, am careful not to overuse the polyphonic part assigning. There also appears to be choke groups on preset patterns, but not sure how to turn choke groups off. Manual is unfortunately sketchy and was not updated with the version 2 firmware. I might add too that I sample my synths into this, so I don't have that problem of needing to program synth parts every time, but I do like the inbuilt synth for chiptune-ish type sounds (also good for Casio VL1 simulation!)

[@lundsweden]

Actually Korg did release a Parameter Guide with V.2 of the software, which is a bit like a manual update. Its quite useful and can be found on the Korg website.

[@capsuleboy]

1:50 that's right, if you use many sounds then some instruments or delays tend to get muted. I found a workaround, if you want a sound not to be interrupted, enter the menu and choose priority high for that instrument. Or start removing some sounds, especially those that have 4 synths, or choosing dual synths or mono synths whenever possible. 6:10 Of course you cant play jazz with 16 pads, but if you want all the notes then choose chromatic scale and it will show you the 12 notes. And then also if you want a keyboard controller just buy, it is so cheap, a good nice one will be 1/4 or 1/2 or less than the electribe, they are so cheap. What really bothers me is that I bought second hand, and I want to control it using midi and I dont have the cables, the owner just didn't have them, and Korg didn't get an extra pair for me, and I just cant get any because Korg makes them with wires exchanged so their adapters dont work in other devices, only on Korg devices. so I have to use the 8 pads and that's it. 8:19 That is true, you get used but it's like "you memorize your stuff, we are not going to make the lights blink to indicate anything". 11:49 That is what I do, but also I play preset by preset looking for sounds for a specific track and write down in a paper, I choose several sounds with all in them. I copy those separate sounds I find to a new pattern and work from there with all sounds I copy straight with content and all. then I press shift and one of the lower row and I delete sequence, so I get the sound and it is empty for me to start writing. Then a step further is that if the part had movement I have to delete movement also. Those 2 are steps you get used to. What is really time consuming is that you spent half an hour editing and you didnt save, and then you hear a sound and you move a knob to modify that sound, and the sound doesn't seem to change, and that is because the selected sound was another one, and you dont know what you changed, you just spoiled a part and dont know which part or how, probably you moved IFX or modulation speed, but you don't know exactly, and you have 2 options, 1) go crazy looking what you did wrong, or 2) forget about everything and change pattern and go back to the last time you saved.

[@capsuleboy]

man I had written like 30 lines more with all the specific bad features, and I removed unintentionally. I dont know how to undo, redo.

[@ErichNolanBertussi]

Hey there, where does one get coloured knobs like you have, or what should i be looking for in google? brand name? part name? exact technical term for them?

[@FluideishSpaceDog]

You can play using an external keyboard. My xboard plugs straight in and you can play like a conventional instrument.

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

BINGO

[@domingoleija3436]

Where to order multi-colored knobs Senor?

[@chrisliddiard725]

It just occured to me another con is having only 4 bars. Ok, there is now the chaining function, but korg could in theory impliement 8 bars, using the 2 sets of lights which exist as indicators. The blue light would indicate the first set of 4 bars, whilst the red light on those same 4 buttons would indicate the next set. You could access for first set in the usual way, and use the shift button to access the next set of 4 bars. I think this is feasible if korg are ever minded to release another firmware.

[@squishmusic]

great idea. ergo it could be as much as 16 bars :)

[@marloncastropiano]

Hello Mr. Woddy Piano Shack! I just bought my Korg Electribe and I was trying to figure out how it works. I was creating my grooves and so on, and suddenly the button "start/pause" stopped, it was not working anymore!!! Thank You!

[@JDVVV378]

For the money is a good idea to try to use it wirh my digitakt.

[@jjlacey1970]

can you transpose the patterns up and down 1-24 like you can on all the other older ones eg: to pitch in with other gear or a song i may have worked on and the preset is right but not in the right keys as my song. i'm dying to know ?

[@SteveBurkert]

For Problem #2 notes getting cut off: I use glide for it. Not exactly what you would like to have, but it helps. (Shift + Pitch Nob)

[@charlesflint9048]

Thanks for that; I’ve just got one and am trying to understand how to use it.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats and have fun!

[@housebandthexenos2569]

I'm really interested to try the hundred bass drum sounds and the hundred kick drum sounds ;) You've officially talked me out of selling mine, thank you. It does really sound that good honestly is why I'm keeping it. My biggest problems with it are the 4 bar pattern limit and the random order menu diving to do things like copy and measures. These actually make it pretty useless as a live performance tool, because I want to play and record during performance not just un-mute and tweak. I am reminded here just how good this thing sounds and for some reason seems to blow away computer synths. I can't imagine why.

[@Scott-eg6wm]

It's pretty good if you use your own samples. It's inconvenient to get them on there but it's a good device for experimentation.

[@tomblaze2]

THanks Bro

[@wavesequencer]

Thanks for this video (and the one about the knobs replacement) I was to the point of selling my Electribe, but gave it a chance and ordered a set of coloured pots like you have, and made labels for all the buttons/shortcuts.. made a huge difference in usability.. Still disappointed it doesn't really have a proper synth engine - it's para-phonic - that's my biggest gripe, as was hoping to use it more as a midi slave. In my view the UI was a terrible design without the coloured knobs it's really hard to use..

[@DominicJacksonFilm]

13:42 jeeze no wonder it can have a bit of a computer game sound sometimes.. I guess its just one limitation to be aware of, did they end up updating this? Its strange for korg to mess this up and not have the optoin for amp envelope to be re triggered or play through

[@DopamineOverload]

Love your videos man!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks chris, nice of you to say so

[@matteotamburella608]

Speaking of new vs old, would you guys recommend getting an ES-1 or an E2S? Would it work fine if I wanted to use the E2S as master sensing midi clock the rest of my gear as well?

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Where did you pick up those nice colored knobs? Aesthetics is so important to me and I would love to change the look of mine.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

don't remember but i made a vid about it, which is still up.

[@chrisliddiard725]

Can't help coming back to this review. Can anyone say where i'd find the "seven nights in dubai series" mentioned in the review?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

glad you dig it, just go to my channel page and search for electribe and you will quickly find all my jams.

[@ThinkerThunker]

Great info, thanks! Subscribed.

[@etienneseguin7502]

I don't own an electrib and cons #2 is dealbreaker though, what would happen if you save your envelop for one note or a whole chord then resample it. then you'll play the chords by pressing one key at different pitches.

[@zpurpz]

Bingo ...this is the solution I was hoping was shared in the video ...but yeah. ...resampling is the answer to many problems . Including lack of intense polyphony

[@Onelychild]

Very good review! Thank you for sharing this!

[@jgmusicman2281]

Hey Woody do you have music anywhere that I can listen to? Perhaps on Google play or something? I really like all the stuff I hear you play on your channel and I'd love to hear anything you've published.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for the interest, check my bandcamp, or my website, woodypianoshack.com

[@punkgift]

I looked at buying the Sampler version of this, but I was discouraged by its lack of song mode so I couldn't program a whole song into it. I understand that Korg have issued an update that allows pattern chaining, but it still falls short of a full song mode. Shame really, as in all other respects it seems like a good piece of kit.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah there is a chain mode, but i never use it, too much fiddling around in menus. prefer to do it all with one pattern, or change pattern myself. it's a fun piece.

[@UnitedPebbles]

It weakness is the player as the thing makes it seem too easy? Maybe accustomed to play along/add on some basic works like a dj?

[@leojames7331]

I'm confused. At 10:26 you say there aren't any preset drum kits then at 15:00 you say there are hundreds of kick and snare sounds etc. Am I missing something?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i think you are, a drum kit is not the same as a drum sample.

[@chintimin]

"spontanooity" I love you, guy. Seriously,

[@kh7955]

Continuity + spontaneity= spontanuity

[@davidlane1248]

The envelope issue seems like a real problem. An example of limitation just being bad rather than an "inspiration" for creativity

[@brmbkl]

I feel like the criticisms come from a certain group of players, that are maybe not intended to be the focus group by Korg with the sampler version. Maybe the S is meant for mpc fans, who like to chop and arrange. Voices cutting off, 4 bars, limited polyphony, ... are non-issues with the hiphop crowd.

[@ivankivich3995]

Woody! What do you think about op-1? You have a great channel and I really appreciate your really balanced opinion on things! Thank you!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

don't understand what the fuss is about, the synths don't sound very good to me and the keyboard looks horrible. I probably need to get a used one sometime and give it a shot.

[@ivankivich3995]

thank you for a response! It is always a pleasure to watch your videos and even more to get a real feedback) I was asking as I want to buy my first synth but I was slightly disillusioned with Roland JD-Xi with a lack of good piano emulation and small keys. And talking about hardware synths I couldn't find one to suit me as well in options

[@noiselabproject9659]

I just posted this om another page but thought that it was worth posting here to : My recent aquisition an Electribe 2 so called `Sampler` has been disappointing though .... if only the 16 parts didn`t have to be hard coded to all 1 - 16 channels and were able to trigger from one channel and on one specific note then I could have used it like a `real` sampler within my rig but as such I`ve had to restrict it`s use as a standalone drum groove box that just uses a midi clock and nothing else from the Beatstep Pro .... been trying to come up with a solution but there doesn`t appear to be one unless they updated the firmware to make it more useful doh

[@mikg2618]

Since then BSPRO got new firmware and able to play 1-16parts, and workaround for cutoff also possible on so called sampler )) exactly samples don't treated by cutting it's tales. Watch video "Play Electribe Sampler as a poly synth without cutting the amp env release tail"

[@d0101d]

always love the Wood-Meister-General's reviews! Question: where'd you get your knobs from Woody?

[@d0101d]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnWUeoytgbt6mLs ahhhhhh

[@natanunorthodox]

I really like this thing, but the mute function, the clicking and popping when hitting notes simultaneously and the notes getting cut off are my main complaints and korg should have got that right before they released it, because it makes it unusable for certain things. If they would have just took the time for the absolute basics of this, it would be even better. Where they dropped the ball, I have to be so much more creative and switch alot of what I am usually going for, and that gets me really upset sometimes, but then sometimes it's an advantage. Did anyone ever talk to korg or does anyone know if there is a different version that fixed alot of things? It would really be nice.

[@jdog7982]

hey woody I like all the music in this video. did u do all the music?

[@attractor9]

hi, do somebody know how i can change the overall soundoptions? i like to hear more bass and mids on my headphones.

[@JackstandJohnny]

Can you not upload .emx or .esx files on it from the previous model, the emx-1 or esx-1? Theres no sound library you can upload?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

there is not. only in the e2s.

[@MichaelSmith-jy9fm]

great vid woody, im a big fan of my e2. however, it needs a bit of support, i think it's ideal as a drum machine/lead/effects unit. Then you can run one of the volcas, or better still a monologue through it! to get some manic bass lines…

[@WoodyPianoShack]

true that, many guys on youtube are hooking it up to extra boards, but i like to keep it simple and minimal, there are some nice solo electribe vids out there too.

[@cafeteriaplazaDaveMNada]

about: #9 I think this machine is meant to be used as the emx-1, so you only have a drum machine w/ 5 synths and the + is that one of them can be poly..., #6 changing the scales on your already wroten patterns to find something only Mr. Random can did?, a classic method of mess things up, well done!!, #3 new patterns, then b-sides, then start again, the story of my life..., #2 the no real adsr is a huge issue, a big mistake, an error, but anyway, I love the other things this machine can do, and do very well, on the cheapest bedroom studio..., #1 I love the stock drum sounds but using a novation circuit w/ custom roland samples paired to my tribe in order to get closer to the sound I'm looking for... and BTW: my real channel (where I upload some videos of my jams) is Dave M. Nada without the UN4UTHOR1Z3D thing, so sorry for that...

[@xdrabbit]

Good job. Where did you get the knob covers?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

djtechtools

[@chrisliddiard725]

oh well ... there's always the Electribe 3 series to look forward to ;-) 2023?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

we can hope!

[@clegrand72]

I am confused, is it not possible to use an external MIDI keyboard to enter notes and play the synth parts? Am about to buy one of these and now I wonder if I can get used to playing on pads only?

[@HenryCowell2]

You can hook up a midi keyboard, no problem.

[@squishmusic]

@@HenryCowell2 it also has USB though I am not sure its for connecting a USB controller. There are also CVi/o if you have modular gear.

[@obscuresoundz]

its a fun device but they should of allows sampling from the grey unit without the OS hack; but the onboard synth engine is good some really good bass is possible, but considering the media card is present they should of allowed users to import wav samples as standard

[@tylon2999]

You don't have to build a drum kit, just go through the patterns and find a kit that you like, also there are 7 templates before the init patterns.

[@UnitedPebbles]

Does it? Omg so all patterns will soon be used?

[@harrisporgias8424]

great review I got to say. I had one for 2 months and I got to agree. I had a love/hate relationship with it and eventually I got frustrated with its limits and sold it. Now I am on the market for a fm synth but I am really stuck as I can't decide if I should bite the bullet and buy a used sy77 I found in good condition or buy a preenfm or a Yamaha reface dx.... I really prefer sy77 over all other alternatives but the problem with old synths is that at some point sooner or later they will break, so maybe a preenfm is a better choice. what do you think about buying old synthetic vs new?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks for heads up about preemfm, looks interesting to me, but only if compatible with the thousands of dx7 patches. is it? sy77 is magnificent synth, if you find one at a good deal then go for it, but as you say it's old and things can go wrong. reface is limited poly i believe, not compatible with DX7 (unbelievable!) rules it out for me, go software route, dexed!

[@harrisporgias8424]

Yes, preenfm does idd load DX7 patches, and it is multitibral (4 voices). I can get a SY77 for the price of a preenfm, so I am soooo buffled atm :) I have already 2 FM vsts, Blue and Nemesis, and ofc I use regularly Dexed, but I dont have a hardware FM synth in my studio, so thats why I am thinking about SY77....

[@Roboprogs]

Woody & Harris: a bit late for this discussion, but one nice app that came out this year (2018) is a DX7 emulator for iOS called "KQ Dixie". I was able to take all the cartridge sysex's from Dexed, copy them to my iPad (via iCloud, in my case), then load them into 'Dixie. Plug in USB Midi to an external keyboard (e.g. - humble Casio ; Juno DS), audio aux cord back in, and it makes a nice DX7 compatible FM layer. As a bonus, it also runs as an AU (like a VST) so you can host it in other apps and channel it through effects on the iPad. I find that browsing cartridges on Dixie feels faster to me than Dexed. Have not done much editing to compare the workflow, though.

[@nozaihaus7053]

You should give the Novation Circuit a try. I love mine. I keep thinking about picking up the sampler version of the electribe but the Circuit is just so user friendly.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yeah, will pick one up some time

[@hongdekong]

Why does no one talk about the sampling capabilties of this thing? Could you use it like an MPC, let's say?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

this is not the sampler version, there are two electribes.

[@kristiaanreekmans8574]

my number 1 to 10 cons are : the step sequencer !

[@ALTARBEATZ]

I think KORG dont even know what people can do with this machine.. I Love it. If people whant to use simple presets... buy a casio.

[@FuckOffTrends]

Transpose is possible with "scale mode" activated, then, you can change the key

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's true yes, but it's a setting per pad, so you have to menu dive for every pad that has a melodic part that you want transposable. horrible. unless i míssed something,

[@radicaledwards3449]

if you want portamento you have to blend naturally do not release the first pad before pressing the second and it will. Theyre pads you don't play pads like a key board

[@ThamilNesan]

Hi Woody br I recently got Korg Electribe 2, I want to play along with Yamaha PSR S950 Styles in Yamaha keyboard speakers give some extra sounds. Yamaha has MIDI my knowledge is very limited on MIDI if you know about connecting with MIDI out and Aux-in, can you please help me to connect it and if you can do a video about that which will be beneficial for the people like me who are new in MIDI

[@WoodyPianoShack]

it's a bit complicated to explain in a yt comment, and since i have neither of those hard for me to test and help you, sorry! but i think yamaha has audio input, and you can connect both with midi, but settings might be tricky.

[@ThamilNesan]

@@WoodyPianoShack thank you for the reply I realy appreciate it as you said its a bit little pit complicated but I ve heard it can play along with but Korg tec support is waste of time they won't provide right info and they don't care

[@livelifeimprovisationallim8314]

And can u explain how u got the little know in th corner wich has your name and channel? THX

[@WoodyPianoShack]

standard youtube feature, it's on channel settings somewhere, branding perhaps.

[@livelifeimprovisationallim8314]

I've found it but it looks way bigger, i must've overlooked something... Thx any ways.

[@MantasticHams]

Really enjoying the review but the number screens are a weeeee bit long for how many times we see them, I'd say if you could cut the length in half, and maybe added some text to read like a title or something, so it feels less like wasted time. The music is good, its just a bit long! :D

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you're right, thanks for the feedback!

[@bobbleczar]

Can I ask where you found those neon colored knobs?

[@GrootsieTheDog]

The OG emx1 blows this thing away. You can’t even change the midi channels separately for each part, no midi thru, they axed the second osc edit, 64 steps instead of 128, reduced live - on - the - fly buttons and controls...I love Korg but they really missed an opportunity to build on something already amazing. Build vertically not horizontally. It’s not a bad groovebox - it’s just not an electribe imo

[@tylon2999]

If Korg had combined the best of the EMX and E2 it would cost the same as an MPC Live I would have bought it but thats not the price range Korg wants the Electribe to be in.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

How is this different than the Elektron Octaktrack?

[@michaiwanski4409]

Probably in every possible way. Octatrack is a sampler, the model presented here has a synth engine and preloaded samples, no way to put your own samples there (there's also a sampler version of the electribe, but you asked for "this" so here goes). Electribe has 24 voice polyphony (in theory) - 4 voices per part, whereas sample tracks on the octatrack are monophonic. Octatrack has a powerful sample editor - you can do miracles with samples there (you can't even put samples to the one presented here, and the Electribe Sampler version doesn't even scratch the surface of what Octatrack can do with samples). Octatrack has trigs and a crossfader, Electribe has velocity-sensitive pads. The list goes on. TL;DR: Octatrack better, but has to be fed with samples to make sounds. Electribe cheaper, plays on its own.

[@chrisliddiard725]

I've had a look inside mine and all the tiny inputs including the power input are surface mounted to the main board. The larger phono sockets are on a separate piggy-back board, and then there's a separate processor board - suggesting an upgrade may be possible here in the future. I wish the power input was on a separate board as that is often the first thing to break. As a work around I'm considering wiring a power input socket to the battery terminals. This device has its limits but is still a great way to get an idea started. It also as an Ableton mode allowing you to save and export your creations to Ableton Live. I would like to see someone use this to control the Blofeld module.

[@projectptube]

As far as #9 goes I don't think of any piece of gear as something that will complete an entire song. I have a few pieces that could but i still dont (Montage 256 voices). Use the electribe WITH your other gear ;)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

interesting, you're probably right, you can see this as a portable all-in-one musical scratchpad perhaps? even then you're struggling with poly :)

[@peterpiperpuppets330]

really helpful , thanks

[@fibranijevidra]

Thank you. Very helpfull. I really dislike some of the features from your list.

[@DayflightTrok]

Show how to chain say 10 different patterns with each different repeat numbers.

[@cresshead]

you can't , Korg dumped the song mode found in previous electribes

[@digitalbeat666]

#4 con: I disagree. Old Electribes have better build. Not sure about feel but it has also smaller plastic buttons.

[@chrismcdermott7766]

where did you get those knobs??

[@retnz]

Transposing: 5.00 transpose scalemode on than set key!

[@TenMilL]

Typical of Electribe to ensure you use two machines

[@Lunolux]

nice video

[@JackstandJohnny]

Dude I appreciate the video but those song segways are sooooo long. Its frustrating and tedious to sit through because the 10 sec skip function goes too far forward haf the time.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you know, i did have shorter versions originally, but then I edited them to be longer. i kinda thought that people needed to hear the instrument as well as listen to me babble on. ok, maybe i overdid it. thanks for the feedback jackstand.

[@capsuleboy]

I also thought it was cool to listen for a bit the gadget, after all I am deciding whether to buy this or Alesis sr 18. by the way, can you tell me if I can get sounds or pieces of mp3 or wav in a sort of memory (inside the Electribe) and use it as a trigger for those tracks? Actually I play guitar.. but in the room I have my guitar there is no computer.

[@dynamicdavid]

Woody Piano Shack lots of babbling, useful info. Much more tolerable at x1.5 speed a bit mostly at x2 speed just to try to FINISH your video, otherwise would left your video a few minutes into the video.

[@DarkTapes]

great review! I've had a lot of gear come and go but will never let go of this one. I've had the sx, and the mx, which are great and have features that e2 doesn't have and vice versa. But the winning point for the e2 is the portability. it's the centre of my setup, even with a notation curcuit. please feel free to check out my electribe jams I have a ton! great video!

[@johnchesters81]

Dark Tapes hey, I've got a circuit but want to give it a buddy and was thinking of the electribe. Would I beable to compose my patterns in circuit then record then over midi into the tribe? So I could layer/counterpoint melodies etc?

[@DarkTapes]

John Chesters that sounds like quite the task... But I think it could be doable since the e2 has 16 available tracks for midi. I personally love having both together, but I think if it came down to it I would stick with the e2 as well. I don't know what the best way to do it would be? Maybe even with ableton as a bridge?

[@nachbarsjunge7419]

where do I find those great knobs?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i did a video on the topic I think!

[@squishmusic]

@@WoodyPianoShack you did and I just watched it and asked a fråga (yes im swedish too) :D

[@topgeneral2002]

Can you custom your keyboard notes/scales?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes

[@topgeneral2002]

@@WoodyPianoShack is it in the manual on how to do it? If this is true im sold.😍

[@DominicJacksonFilm]

6:00 but you you just have to plug in one of your midi keyboards not really a big deal eh