Electribe MX(View Specifications)
Serious Genre-Warping Production Tools
For Your Dance Creations
The Electribe series of Dance Tools defined a new standard, combining unique sound generation, pattern based programming, and intuitive knob-based interfaces. Thousands of forward-thinking musicians, DJs and producers continue to use them to create exciting and groundbreaking music.
The ELECTRIBE·MX represents a new generation of Electribes – powerful dance music products that cover everything from laying down stunning tracks to creating exhilarating live performances. The EMX-1 comes housed in a sleek, rugged metal chassis. The new backlit LCD provides a wealth of information during programming or performance.
The intuitive step-time/realtime interface has been enhanced with a new Ribbon and Slider control. Effects, Motion Sequencing, and Pattern length have all been expanded. A brand-new filter lets you chose Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass or Band Pass Plus.
Up to 256 patterns can be created and stored to the internal memory. You can combine patterns, add mute data and knob movements to create up to 64 songs. To get you started, a wide assortment of patterns covering house, hip-hop, R&B, electronica, drum’n’bass, techno, trance and more come preloaded – 196 in the ELECTRIBE·MX. Using the last step function, you can easily adjust to any odd meter. Favorite patterns can be assigned to Pattern Sets for instant access. Data can be quickly saved and loaded via SmartMediaTM.
Audio inputs allow you to process external signals through the on-board filter and effects, and an extra pair of assignable outputs has been added as well. The front panel knobs and switches control all the most important sound parameters, allowing you to modify the sound in realtime as you perform, and giving you a hands-on feel like that of an analog synthesizer.
Cutting-edge MMT synthesis engine
Powered by one of the most advanced synthesizer engines in the world, the ELECTRIBE·MX provides everything needed to create sophisticated dance music – nine drum parts, five synth parts, plus accent parts that let you add dynamic accents to the drum and synth parts (for a total of 16 parts).
The all-new MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) offers sixteen different oscillator algorithms, providing powerful analog synthesis models as well as sophisticated additive, PCM, chord, unison, combination, wave shaping, formant models and more. The built-in PCM library includes 207 drum PCM sounds and 76 synth PCM sounds ready for immediate use, ranging from powerful kicks and snares through amazingly unique organic sounds. External audio signals can be manipulated using the Comb Filter oscillator algorithm, and then further processed by the internal filter and effects.
A new “Drive” parameter added to the filter produces the distinctive overdrive of analog circuitry, creating powerful and biting analog synth sounds. Each part features extensive LFO and EG modulation, allowing you to create wonderfully bizarre sounds.
Each algorithm of the synthesis engine has two realtime adjustable parameters, plus some other menu-based parameters like waveform type, or chord quality. In the following examples the two realtime parameters are “played” live as the pattern progresses.
Synthesis Demo Examples:
Unison (mp3, 406KB): The sound of up to six stacked-up and detuned oscillators can be created by a single voice using the Unison mode. In this quick example, you can hear as the sound is made fuller and then brought back using the realtime controls.
CrossMod (mp3, 1.09MB): This demo has two sections. In the first part the sound takes on a distinctive “edge” as the cross mod is added. As the effect is increased in the second part, a more metallic type of tone is produced.
Chord (mp3, 589KB): Up to a four-note chord can be produced using a single part. In this example, you can hear both the type of chord (Major, Minor, Seventh, etc…) and the inversions (the order of the notes in the voicing) changing.
Formant (mp3, 480KB): Formant modeling provides that way-cool “vowel” type of sound to your synth sound. Listen in this example as the main synth part takes on a lively and animated tone.
DualOSC (mp3, 774KB): The Dual Oscillator algorithm combines two different waveforms in a single voice. As the pattern progresses we’re first changing the mix between the two waves, and then changing the waveform choices.
PCM+WaveShaping (mp3, 1MB): Wave shaping is truly unique type of synthesis that flavors the sound by changing/modulating the shape of the audio waveform, rather than relying on filtering. By selecting a PCM wave from the 76 PCM (Sampled) waves provided as a starting point, the sound can then be manipulated using the various amounts of Wave shaping. Notice in this example how the sound changes radically, without losing its original envelope (attack, release, etc…) character.
Twin vacuum tubes for analog warmth
Valve Force circuitry contains two vacuum tubes that add new power to your sound. The analog tube circuit adds a warmth and presence to your sound that cannot be duplicated digitally. The tube gain knob adjusts the level of the output signal passing through the vacuum tubes, creating dynamic sounds with the distinctive tonal quality that only tubes deliver.
Tube Demo Examples: Check out Drum and Bass Tubes(mp3, 688KB) and Hip Hop Tubes (mp3, 647KB). Four bars played without the tube, followed by four bars with it turned up. Note: These examples were normalized so the peak levels are the same. You will notice some perceived gain with the tube because it is adding “power/energy” to all the frequencies, not just increasing the peaks.
Three stereo effect processors to radically change your sound
The highly acclaimed Electribe effects have been enhanced to provide three multi-effect units available for simultaneous use. Each part can be independently routed to any of the three effects processors, and you can even use the Chain function to link multiple effects in series, opening up further sonic possibilities. Each processor offers 16 effect types ranging from traditional reverb, delay, flanger and chorus, as well as more modern offerings including tempo-based delay, talking modulator, grain shifter, decimator and more. The edits you make to each of the effects processors are saved with each pattern.
Effect Demo Example: Check out Grain (mp3, 1.22MB): The Grain Shifter is a unique new effect found in both the Electribe•MX and Electribe•SX products. Using the two realtime knobs you can isolate a small part of the audio signal and loop it producing a wide range of cool and signature sounds. In this example we’re playing a drum groove through the effect and “playing” the knobs in realtime.
Powerful arpeggiator with ribbon controller and slider
A new ribbon controller and slider have been added, providing a remarkable realtime interface for accessing the powerful arpeggiator. Together, they allow you to enter pattern data or perform over a pattern quickly and with amazingly musical results. When playing a synth part, select a scale type or hold down a few notes – the ribbon controller will affect note duration, and the slider can be played in realtime to generate new phrases. For a drum part, touching the ribbon will trigger notes, and sliding your finger up and down will change the note resolution.
Motion Sequencing brings your songs to life
Motion Sequencing records your realtime knob tweaks and plays them back as part of the pattern. Two types of motion sequence are provided; one for effects and one for parts, and you can also edit the value of individual steps. Up to 24 motion sequences can be used in a single pattern, allowing you to control virtually every sound parameter. The Step Edit function allows you to adjust the value of individual steps.
Easy to use realtime and step style sequencing
The 14 part keys and 16 step keys on the front panel of the ELECTRIBE·MX allow for easy, intuitive song production. Realtime recording lets you record phrases as you perform, and step recording allows you to input the timing, pitch and duration one note at a time.
A variety of Tempo sources
Using Auto BPM detection, the ELECTRIBE·MX can follow the tempo of an external audio source. You can also use Tap Tempo to input the beat, set the tempo internally, or sync up to an external MIDI clock.
Please note: Cosmetic and Technical specifications are subject to change without notice
Operating System Version 1.02
This is the latest Operating System update for the EMX-1. This O.S. is a quick fix for two low-level bugs.
Included with this download are a full set of instructions, an Operating System revision history, in .pdf format.
We recommend the use of the most current software to all users.
The EMX-1 uses SmartMedia to receive the O.S. Data. For this reason, you must have a SmartMedia reader/writer attached to your computer to complete this upgrade.
Electribe MX Operating System Version 1.02
PC: EMX_V102.zip
Mac: EMX_V102.hqx
Owners Manual for the Electribe MX
EMX1 Quick Start Tutorial
This is a supplement that was included with the KORG EMX-1 Music Production Station owner's manual in .pdf form.
The tutorial provides a basic introduction to the product and its various parts, so that you can get familiar with the EMX-1 before digging in to the the owner's manual.
EMX1 Easy Start Guide
The Easy Start Guide is a quick step-by-step tutorial that provides a basic overview and highlights key features. While not a replacement for the Owner's Manual, this is a friendly "hands on" guide that provides a good place to start in getting familiar with this unit.
EMX1 MIDI Implementation
This download contains the latest MIDI specifications for the EMX-1 (Electribe MX).
The downloaded files will be .txt files that can be opened in most word processing programs. We recommend opening the word processing program first, and then opening the files from within the program, rather than simply double-clicking on the icon.
