Better Gear - Korg Electribe ER-1 on Steroids (Guerilla Firmware Update)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 16 июн 2024
- In this episode of Better Gear, the show about making even good gear better, we are talking about the inofficial firmware update for the Korg Electribe ER-1 drum machine. Can we take our beloved drum synths to a whole new level with "The Shaman's" operating system concoction? Is life without the stock samples even possible?
This is not paid promotion. I paid for the firmware and I am in no way affiliated with "The Shaman" (although I really wanna meet him/her/the celestial being). 
Видеоклипы
Those "you may brick you device" warnings are great. They are a sign that you are doing something fundamental and worthwhile.
Thanks! Some people actually bricked their Zoom stompbox after the Better Gear episode, so take care!
Re: 'You can do pretty much the same with an Es - 1'... well, not exactly.
(1) ER-1 is, first and foremost, a drum synthesizer. Most people use it for the 4 FM voices that can produce very unique sounds. Those four PCM samples were added as an extra, to make it more 'complete' in the areas where FM sounds were not cutting it. But they are not the main reason to own an ER-1. ES-1 is just a sampler.
(2) ES-1 samples are ADPCM compressed, with compression ratio 2:1. There are a lot of folks out there rejecting ES-1 as a true sampler for this reason only, considering sound quality not up to their standards. ER-1 samples, on the other hand are pure uncompressed WAV (Linear PCM).
(3) ER-1 samples have the total size of 256K. At 16 bit/32K it amounts to 4 seconds, or 64K (1 second) per sample on the average. In most cases this is enough for percussive sounds. ES-1 has the total of 3.2MB for samples, or 100 seconds after decompression. There are 86 factory samples, or about 74K per sample (1.16 seconds). However, those are general sounds, not restricted to just percussive sounds, thus (relatively speaking) ER-1 samples have more 'space'.
Thanks for the clarification
I am torn between the ER-1 with guerrilla firmware or the sampler one? What would you suggest? I got a kaoss pad to run the audio thru for effects. Thanks for the great info! Trying to make a lofi mini studio...
As the author of some open-source firmware for enthusiasts, I appreciate this. The "labor of love" thing is spot-on.
Yeah, I don't think the Shaman is driving s Bentley
@@AudioPilz minor spelling mistake
Had the Shamen OS on my ER-1 for a few months. Honestly I don't even mess with adding the samples (as the video shows, it's a bit of a process). Having the CC control on the ER-1 makes it more than worth it. Love it!
Great Update!
I just got your DarkStar video in my recommendations and absolutely love your style.
the no-nonsense (well some nonsense :)) script and straight to the point presentation coupled with creative editing is super entertaining
Thanks!
Ive been a follower for a while but this is the first time I ve been devastated by the magnifying power of your glasses.
Thanks for all your videos! Truly great stuff you are producing!
Thanks for watching!
I bought a used ER-1 cheap about 17 years ago. I waa not impressed with the sounds and let it collect dust for some years. Then a few months ago I hooked it up and realized I had crappy speakers so many years ago. I love it now and knowing about this firmware update makes me love it even more.
I wholeheartedly agree!
As always a very well made video: fast, short and easy to follow/understand. The ER-1 is one of my favorite drum machines too. However, I'm afraid to brick it during the "update" process though. ;-)
Those who dare, groove ;)
been watching most of your videos and really really appreciate your work, the right amount of humor, info and experimentation to make this channel a top noch one. It would be amazing to see you also doing some intro tutorials or also share some of your music as i can really tell you are also a sound shaman!!
Big hugh from Spain and keep it up !! :)
Thanks! There's quite some educational content coming up!
@@AudioPilz LAAAAAV IT
I wish more synths had bootleg OS.
I agree
Me too. I feel like early digital classics like the DX7 MKI and the Ensoniq ESQ-1 could be made even better with 3rd party firmware upgrades.
Totally agree. Mc303 hacks!
Just look at what the jjOS was able to accomplish on the MP1000/2500
OP-1 please...
Awesome. Don't own one of these myself, but you made me think about buying one and flashing the firmware. Pitched loop and the stuttering 808 thing. Dope AF.
Keep it up, have been binging this channel on and off all day lol
Thanks!
You are going to have a huge channel. Good stuff, brother.
Thanks!
Yeah true, how so you get all this gear to review, it is hard enough binge watching your channel. Is this your full time job? (In my imagination you are music producer by day, then do Bad/Better gear at night!?).
This is fantastic! You got a legit cowbell in an ER-1. My people will tell you...I love the cowbell more than any other percussion instrument. I will definitely consider this Florian. thank you!
Pleasure!
Love my ER-1, will try and get someone to do the firmware update. That took it to another level. Thx, great video.
Thanks!
3:28 Stravinsky orchestra hit. WOW that's a DEEP cut.
One of THE most popular first sounds to be sampled!
@@AudioPilz Had no idea where it was from! 🎶
Another cool video! I really like your concept.
Thanks!
I'm getting one of these tomorrow and I thought there would be a bad/good gear video for reference.
It's cool seeing your old videos, you've really developed your style and presence!
Thank you!!!
Great info and very entertaining as usual!
Thanks!
Totally just got one of these.... Traded a wire recorder from 1948... it was haul, this is why people then are still alive... Everything was steel, heavy and death. Hopped back through my worm... nevermind that... The E Rhythm machine is doper than Valium! Leave it only to korg, to korg the korg, and korg it up! Ive only had the chance to "idk what i'm doing first timer'd synth person'd" it... The delay is korg... the mod is korg.... The sequencer is 64 steps of korgness... Its awesome! I also 1972'd myself a Roland Rhythm 77... More on that later... Autolite threatre presents this guy and....
Korg!!!
I loved this video. Favorite of mine on your channel. It convinced me to buy the ER-1. :)
Thanks"
You’re killing it with the subs right now
❤️It's a bit overwhelming❤️
Now I have installed the electribe shaman firmware on my er-1, works great! Went with an 808 clap, open hat and rimshot, 909 ride...sweet electro / techno machine!
Great, but: no cowbell?😳
@@AudioPilz I'll need another er-1 for that :P Maybe when I change samples around next time. Wish there were six samples, not just four...but you can't have everything!
Banging tunes again. That acoustic instrument jam is great
Thank you!
Brillant! You always surprise me! Great contents!
Thanks!
I love you… you make amazing music and content! Thank you!
Thank you so much!!!
Loving your content!
Thanks!
Used to have an ER-1 I got used. Never got a lot of use out of it and ended up selling it during some hard times. Cool there's a firmware update
That update is awesome!
The ER-1 is another underrated piece of kit. Thx
Classic!
I miss my ER1! I subscribed to your channel though as soon as I heard you say """ ...I don't even know who "The Shaman" is and it doesn't matter... """ - - just, I dunno..... such a subscribe worthy moment. Yeah, would love to have my old er-1 right now. That's one piece of gear I definitely regret parting with.
Thanks!
SUGGESTION: Boss dr5- that thing is a BEAST!- Change kits on the fly, 6 x 6 finger drum or fret board layout (bass or guitar- you choose), edit sound on every pad (pitch, length, pan, volume), 808, 909, stereo out for L-R isolation in a recording mix for L/R panned instruments, midi 4 track (3 voice, one rhythm), footswitch, batteries, control midi with audio input, 2 button chord voicing, it goes on and on!
Thanks! There's one in my local classifieds atm but the price ain't right. Working on it
@@AudioPilz I want to say "you won't be disappointed", but the idiom is so skewed here, what with it being bad gear and all.
Ooooh, this is tempting. I hope it works with the ER-1 Mk2!
"The 250k sample memory is a limiting factor"
Me, a DSS-1 owner: "Good lord, tell me about it!"
Check out the Shaman's webpage but as far as I remember it works perfectly
Have you tried the latest unofficial Pajen firmware update for the Volca Sample? It really makes it better for midi in sequencing, and it has other neat features as well.
Thanks! This one came up quite often
I wouldn't want to modify my ER-1, but that 808 mod was pretty great !
I've been waiting for this for so long
same here... maybe someday it will be a standalone app taking all the inconvenience out of this process...
Thanks, I will give it a try!
New OS basically converts it into the 8 channel tracker, 3 or 4 of those tracks can be any short sample, I cant tell if you can record pitch into the sequencer but really interesting to try.
Good content, thanks.
Thanks! Tell me more😏
@@AudioPilz I love your good old European sarcasm ;)
I'm on my third er-1 and really keen on trying this out! Just don't want to brick it after having soldered on fresh knobs...
I have to admit that I just blocked out any bad feelings about killing mine during the production process
Bad gear suggestion - Ensoniq Fizmo.
It was my first synth and for a long time my only synth. It actually isn't that bad as a synth in addition to other synths, but when it's your only synth... yeeeesh. Also, it had a tendency to burn out due to a faulty voltage regulator.
I bought mine on blowout from Musician's Friend in 2000 for about $500. I sold it in 2007 for $800. Last time I looked one up, they're now going for $2000+. Ouch.
If you can get ahold of one, try using it as your only synth, then it's bad. But if you use it with other synths, it's probably kind of cool.
Heard about this a few weeks ago. Noted!
Damn, what a nice way to unlock a synt- a drum machine!
I really enjoy the new samples
Love the intro!
Thank you!!!
Happy to see a fellow austrian channel!
Gfreit mi!
@@AudioPilz first ever reply on youtube, ever ... omg... near tears ...
Hey, awesome video! I have a question if you don't mind. I just bought a used Er-1 mkII, and plugged it through a mixer with a builtin pre-amp & monitors.. Everything is working well, but when I decided to jam using my headphones (Technics RP-DH1200) with a TRS adapter, the volume sounds ridiculously low. I tried different headphones/earphones but all have very low output signals. I can't figure out what is the problem? Is it the master volume pot? When I try to adjust the knob everything works, just the output signal is really low. I hope you can share some wisdom. Thank you! :)
Thanks, hard to say from a distance, tho
Finally something helpful on this channel
you can also midi sync to the ES1 electribe, and be able to have a 9 part groovebox sampling machine :)
THAT BRASS HIT AT 3:28.....WHERE WAS THAT SOURCED FROM? is it on the electribe? Ive been looking for it! ....there is a song i want to cover...and there are these odd rolls using it as a base.
Stravinsky - Firebird. I loaded it onto the ER-1 with the firmware hack
Question - would you maybe consider doing a video on using various distortion pedals with Various Synths and Drum Machines? Pure experimentation on sounds. :)
Great idea!!!
I wish I still had mine. Perhaps I get another one, I did always regret selling it. Great vid, thank you! A bit "over" with the editing though ;)
Why are most youtubers rushing that much?
Thanks! People just click away if you get too slow (statistically proven)
@@AudioPilz As if there wasn't enough time. I enjoy the Knobs channel a lot for not doing this. But however, this was very entertaining ;)
Love my electribes- I have them all except the emx1
❤️Electribes ❤️
AudioPilz wish I had the emx1... do you have it, the blue synth one?
Also what’s your favorite hardware to control electives?
I love all things midi or synth 😊
It's a series of machines that I'd love to see a modern re-make of.
You may already know this, but there is a way of getting an 808 cowbell out of one of the synth presets on the ER1. I managed to make the sound one day completely by accident. I can't remember the settings offhand - I would need to drag out my ER1 and check what I did, I have it saved in there on one of the patterns.
Thanks for the video - I had no idea about the custom firmware! I might upload a decent snare into mine some day, it always seemed to be lacking in that department...
Snares are the weak spot, true! I would LOVE to hear the "native" er-1 cowbell
@@AudioPilz OK - I will get my ER1 set up this week and get back to you....
@@AudioPilz OK, I dug out the ER1 and found my cowbell preset. I was going to make a video of this but I am incompetent with video editing software and I couldn't work out how to mix the video I shot on my phone with recorded audio, so... the settings on the ER1 are as follows: on one of the 4 synth instruments, set the wave type to triangle wave, then set the mod type also to triangle wave. Set the pitch to 12 o'clock. Set the Mod Depth to somewhere around 11 o'clock. Finally set the Mod Speed to around 2 o'clock. You'll need a fairly short decay. You might need to fine tune the Pitch, Mod Depth and Mod Speed to get the exact sound. The cowbell sound is basically two tones a fifth apart.
@@barnabas5688 thank you so much!
I think I saw a DJXII in this video !! Just bought one recently for 50€, so much fun !
Nice one!
Just found this (freakin' awesome) channel 'cause I'm in the process of becoming an ER mkii custodian. I couldn't help but notice what looked to be an m-audio fw 1814 firewire interface in your waldorf rocket video. This is the only computer-to-midi I have at the moment. Do you happen to know if it works as an interface for flashing the ER-1 firmware?
I've been using the Motu interface the Shaman recommended. Not sure about the M-Audio
@@AudioPilz Cool, thanks :)
M-Audio fw1814 works!
Did you get a long, glitchy ring at the end of your samples which shifts erratically on pitch parameter changes? Mine's particularly bad on the H.CLAP button. it seems to go away if I change knobs to "original value".
Check out the other Korg-related videos
ruclips.net/video/Wq38D0JoNHg/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/aiisa8flZ2s/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/cI6YDQLwxpM/видео.html
You can do pretty much the same with an Es - 1, is also available ( for free) an OS upgrade wich allow to turn the wah fx in to a delay activable for each single part/sample, beside the "whole pattern" delay and is much more easy to upload samples ( it was made for that :) ) ..you just need a 64 Mb smartmedia card and a proper cardreader to deal with a computer ;)
Good to know!
Hoe do i update the firmware? I got the silver ES1 mk2 version. Any ideas?
@@NeonArtifact no , dont have to if you have already an mk2 , that was just for mk1, the mk2 already have single parts delay on the fx section ;)
@@T-Error thanks for the quick reply. I found an ER-1 mk1 for 215, do you think i should get it or is the ES-1 good enough for sampling? I got it to use with my kaossilator and kp3 lol
@@NeonArtifact You're welcome, well ES-1 is properly a sampler, was made for that porpuse , so you realy don't need an ER-1, .... a lil extra tip if you realy looking for the sounds of an ER-1 you can easyly find samplers pack of it , digging the net, and upload on your ES-1 ...have fun mate :D
The buffer of midiox sysex transfer tend to overflowing - restarting was always the best guess...
but if you read 'NEVER UNPLUG YOUR DEVICE UNTIL FIRMWARE IS INSTALLED' sweating is one of the minor symptoms ( last weak on my sp-5³ )...
As someone who has destroyed gear worth tens of thousands of I am rather cold-blooded when it comes to stuff like that
@@AudioPilz no way, I rather sell my wife and my children!
Last week I sell my beloved K-Station to a hipsteresque teacher looking guy.
On his way out we said to me:
I will care about the Synth like my son...
The little boy besides him - 8 years old.
Poor little one
Curious, isn't the ES 1 just the ER 1 but you use your own samples? my ER 1 just gave up the ghost & I can't figure it out. Thinking about getting ES 1
The ER1 is a real synth so you would have a hard time emulating ER1 tweaks on the ES1
I really like them cowbells
More cowbell!
I lol every time I see the Yamaha dj thing in your set up.
It spices up every synth setup😂
@@AudioPilz..... I wanted to get one, but they're stupid expensive on reverb. I somehow feel that's you're fault.
I wonder if there's custom firmware for the ES1, the sampler version of this instrument.
I'm not aware of one...
Uhhh yesssssssss!!! Super dope!
Thanks!
Ok ok.. I DO remember the ES1mkll having that ROLL/SPIT/STUTTER effect I love so much, but does this older ER1/ES1 series have that same machine gun roll effect too or did you do that with a computer? THAT feature ALONE is what has had me looking for gear lately.. as in for the past 10 years? I KNOW the BOSS DR660/770 has ROLL function with 8th 16th and 32nd roll speeds or resolutions. BUT This sounded like it has 48th, 56th and 64th roll spits! Thats what I want. My arabic Korg keyboard sounds would REALLY kick royal butt with that feature!!
I just used double tempo
@@AudioPilz Ah ok, so if the beat or song is 120, you used 240 bpm so as to speed the roll? I need to try that as soon as I can get a machine with ROLL function built in. NON of my drum machine capable Workstations have that function. I think my Yamaha RM1X does, but it is not easy to use or get to. Like the MC505, it DOES have arpeggietor but that function is only accessible via those little keys, and not midi. Shame..
It has the same effects. I think the MKIIs had just new cases.
If you own an ES1 why not install the MK2 software onto it? I did.
This is a great video, a great machine and a great channel. I love the ER1 dearly (see the vid on my channel) I'm not sure I want to change her!!!
Thanks! She mostly stays the same, just better
Midierror, your instructions on bypassing the tubes on the esx and emx made the machines WAY better!
Wow! I bet the prices of the ER-1 are going to go up ;P
Not guilty, Your Honor ;)
Hey! I have a question, not too sure if you can help. I am having the same problem you had at @2.27 in your video where the syx file for the samples wont upload to the er1. The problem is I dont seem to get a backup of the syx file like you do in your video. Any tips? Do I have to write a certain command to save it or something? Cheers. ps my firmware updated fine, just not the sample (yes they are all correct format)
Edit: got the syx file but again, it wont update the er1 even in midi ox :( no circle update screen or anything. bizarre. any help would be appreciated.
Edit2: the Shaman came through and solved my issue. I didn't write "308" when prompted for a version number, as I thought hitting enter updated the er1 to the latest firmware as stated in the instructions. It was the latest firmware, just the latest Korg firmware, not the shamen firmware. So for anyone having issues with flashing the er1, make sure you type "308" (or whatever version number is the latest shamen firmware) when prompted for a version number.
Have you tried to contact the Shaman? He is a very helpful guy
@@AudioPilz we are in the process of talking now. I guess it's up to the Shaman.
Nice video man, damn I couldn't even re wire my guitar :D
I am REALLY bad at servicing guitars 😂😂😂
I own the ER1 just too late 90's tecno for me but with the 808 samples would make it more interesting
Pretty nice update!
Brilliant!
Thanks!
heh nice, does it work on a mkII ?
Awesome content. Watched all your vids. Never mind the amount of work you do, your content is hilarious. Just not sure everyone gets the jokes. Can't help but think that it's a little TOO good considering the limited viewership for such technical content. But hey, I guess LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
manages to do it. Your stuffs is WAY better quality than peeps like Bo Beats and Ricky Tinez even though they get to just sit back and let their "cult of personality" rack up their views. Infuse your personality a bit more so you don't have to do so much work (ie. more of you, less of the hard work stuffs). Just my thoughts. Hope you do well. I'm subbed.
Thanks and thank you for the great feedback. Just started this channel a few month ago. Still trying to find the sweet spot
I would pay even more and much more if Shaman replace those samples with another 4 synth parts even if they choke same way as samples, that would be sooo dope. Honestly I have to say that korg missed so much opportunity on new electribes. I hope they will make mk3 versions of er,es,ea with up to date stuff in very near future:D
I'm afraid the CPU of the ER-1 will not be able to calculate another 4 synth parts
ER-1, i love it, it's fun to use it 😜
Great drum machine!
ok this new show is sick.
Thanks!
i had the electribe sampler 2. it was fun. but looks like electribe 1 is always gonna be its daddy
Very cool!
Thanks
Damn, miss my ER-1. Bought a hardly working unit back in 2002'ish, took it home and opened it and removed about 2 grams worth of low quality weed from the internals which brought it back to working conditions. Sadly I managed to fry the unit a couple of years later as I plugged in the wrong power supply... Doh!
Maybe put some high quality stuff in? ;)
I’ve recently acquired a ER in mint condition with original box and cable, really want Cc capabilities but don’t want to brick my device!
No risk - no fun;)
I approve all three components of this video.
Thank you!!!
It would be cool to see you try the hacked firmware for the Electribe 2 models
True that!!!
You should do the Pajen firmware beta 7 for Volca Sample.
You're right, there will be no way around it
old school electribes are amazing.
Love 'em!!!
I have an good old es-1 somewhere in the attic
Damn, I want one of those...
How do I convert to 16-bit .WAV. 32 KHz. Mono. Linear PCM, no compression? Can you please recommend a program?
Reaper does that pretty well
@@AudioPilz it worked, thanks so much!
Hahaaa, ein weiterer DJX User. Ein wahrer Kenner!
Klassiker;)
I bought myself one of these (new), for my birthday when they came out.
I was careless with money and later sold it, on ebay.
Feels.
❤️❤️❤️
What the drive black pedal did you use? Thank you
Moog MF-Drive with a built-in ladder filter. DA BEST ;)
@@AudioPilz Yee, Moog forever 🤘
The timpani jam is hot, bubby
Thank you!!!
3:22 this has a Module tracker-type sound
It gets them samples super crunchy!
I really need to spend more time on my ESX-1.
Electribes are nicccccccccccce
Do you think a er-1 mk2 is still worth buying or should I just buy a Roland tr-6s
Never tried the MK2 but the new Rolands seem awesome
Awesome
Thanks
Where's your video on the ES-1?
I'm asking myself the exact same thing ;)
I just saw an article that claims you called the er-1 bad gear. They also mentioned the roland 509...
www.musicradar.com/amp/news/apparently-these-are-some-of-the-worst-synths-and-drum-machines-ever-made-but-does-this-synth-jam-prove-it
I would never even dare to call it Bad Gear. There is a Bad Gear spin-off called Better Gear that lead to this two divine creations;)
ruclips.net/video/aV5idTIZz0o/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/pPUYGK80yc0/видео.html
@@AudioPilz i don't think the author watched your videos
🙏 Please someone do this with the Volca Beats!!!!🙏
Custom pcm sounds would make the Volca Beats an absolute killer (forget about the snare mod, just drop in a pcm 808 snare)!
Still searching for a way to do that
Cool. Do a TR 626 next!!
There's one available in my area. What should I do with it?
@@AudioPilz I'm not sure what the possibilities are, I'm just curious to see mediocre hardware doing interesting things!
Is this possible with the MKII?
Not sure about that but you can always ask the shaman
@@AudioPilz Thanks! Was going to get a Volca drum but grabed this instead. Looking forward to do the shaman update!
whats a mac software.
You know, with fries and coke
Does this work with the mk2?
There's an option for the MK2 in the installation routine, so I assume yes
@@AudioPilz Love your show thanks man!
Amazing vídeos! Im learning a lot. What do you think about the Kaoss series. Especially the KP3+ and the Kaossilator pro?
Thanks! The Kaoss range is already on my shopping list
Man, id love to try this for the 808 alone, but just cant bring myself to chance it.
Those who dare, groove... ;)
@@AudioPilz hey, im new to ur channel, but have u done any videos on dist pedals/processors for drum machines? In particular, dist pedals with stereo in and outs so you dont lose your panning?
Now I want to hear Volca Sample pitch trick
Probably gonna make a video about it
@@AudioPilz That's some interesting links, hope will helpful:
ruclips.net/video/7qa7WOD-NiI/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/ci_ReYDKUfI/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/qKoX-ueDJmQ/видео.html
Better Gear- the world's most hated audio tools are now a little less hated!
It's about time for another Better Gear episode;)
Cool is this working on the ER-1 mkII too?
Should work but ask the shaman
AudioPilz thanks :) will you post a link?
@@WackyJackyTracky electribe.cc/wp/
Yes. ruclips.net/video/sVG6MOvNVZo/видео.html