This thing gets real fun when you use it in ways that were never intended for, like an analog drum machine :) specially the synth version with all the extra oscillators and filters, you can get some really cool percussive sounds
Totally agree. Loved synthesizing kits with it, but ultimately threw a bunch of Elektron A4 drum samples in the sampler version to have basically a really cheap Rytm.
I was surprised by how realistic sounding drums i could make with this (by using multiple tracks/oscillators, for sampling in the Electribe 2 Sampler). Very interesting stuff..!
Hi Gabe - just a note about the MIDI out on the Electribe... those mini MIDI outs do not seem carry the standard current (I had a similar issue on the BSP). If you chain devices "In/thri/in/thru" it seems to struggle. it works fine if you have a powered MIDI thru box, however. Funnily enough I have just come back from a short holiday and I took my electribe with me (first time I have used it in ages) and thoroughly enjoyed using it! Sure it's limited by MPC standards but the thing is just soooo easy to use to get an idea going. I have had my MPC One for about a year and am only just getting to grips with it. Nothing like "simplicity" for inspiring creativity. sometimes too many options just get in the way!
If I were CEO of korg I would just hire Jim Pavlov to design a hardware version of grooverider gr-16, pump some money into it and call it Ultimate Electribe 3... or Electribe III 3rd strike
They could also just modify the modwave and add pads to the hardware and song sequences in addition to the automation sequences it already has. Would be a cool device.
7:45 Yes! The“play to start recording” function is such a basic need for a groove box and I can’t believe my Circuit Tracks simply neglect that :( 10:18 I believe you didn’t use the right cable. Korg applies a different type of mini TRS-A midi jack, which is not compatible with TRS-B (from Novation, Arturia). At the beginning, I thought I should sell my ES2 for CTracks, but it turned out that I kept both. CTracks is excellent but not enough to take place of ES2. Especially, 2 melodic tracks is way too limited.
It's still relevant in 2022. Once you fix the annoying issue of ruining your work by mistaking "sessions" knob for "Oscillators" knob either marking it a different colour from the rest, or making a cap cover for it (I made a nice raised metallic cap cover for it) - you're good to go. It's the only hardware synth I need to take with me whenever I do promotional EDM busking. It makes it possible to simultaneously play 2 oscillators, - one Oscillator on MIDI channel 1 by using a mini keyboard, and entirely another oscillator by using the pads which gives you a very rich synth sound repertoire, even though you have to use external reverb, - it's no big deal. And, when you play Acid House it covers for TB-3 (303) very decently with squelchy, screaming sounds. Finally: batteries. 6 rechargeable batteries let's you have fun for hours without draining your portable lithium battery power supply, leaving more time for the DAW on my laptop drum machine.
Its super underrated! Pair it with the sampler version and boom!! This allows for layering of synth sounds which can get pretty wild. It takes time but totally worth once it all clicks
I still can't understand why people hate this wonderful machine. I bought the synth version first and some days ago I decided to buy his partner, the sampler. I really love them.
I think its so different from the almost legendary esx electribe that came before it. Also there is some noise and the over all audio frequency range leaves a bit to be desired in the high and low ranges. Don't get me wrong, I love mine, but I get it.
Praying for a firmware update or a custom firmware...just to fix some of the small quirks the device has. Also an improvement on the sample manager. I have the black sampler (for hip hop beats). The interface of this device is great. I love that I can manipulate the samples with knobs instead of menu diving. Makes for a great machine to carry a ton of samples on.
I like your timing of this video as just this week I busted mine out after having it on the shelf for a year or so, I got sidetracked by Elektron gear, and it was so much fun to get back onto it again, feels much more tactile and immediate than newer gear and so easy to mangle sounds.
It's worth to notice two things: In sampler version you can also upload wavetables, besides samples. And sampler and resampler working also in stereo mode.
@@razfan2546 Yeah, I wanna try exactly that. Waveforms. I am still getting used to editing samples on the red E2, it's new to me. I am used to the synth E2.
Most people just don't realize how capable this thing is. I've created sounds with this that sound like they came straight from a movie. I've even made big Moog sounding synths and complex digital sounds as well. It may take some time but it is very rewarding in the end. You don't need software. I just have more fun by doing it all in the electribe.
Truly underrated box. I much preferred the hacked sampler version though and never went back. If they had included all of the synth version oscillators, filters and the ES2 samplers functions, it would’ve been really dope. I used mine as the master brain for live shows along side an Elektron box and loved the results. Plus, the grooves you can put on tracks really can make the tracks come alive more than just adding swing.
Thanks Gabe , I used to have the black sampler version . I bought the grey synth version yesterday and wow ! Its so easy to sound design high level sounds on it and has more to offer for me as far as synth sound design. Im using this with Novation Circuit, Korg Gadget , AUM and a few inter apps for live looping style performing. Thanks for helping me decide what to get .
It is amazing how many features are packed into these machines and some of them, like you mentioned, are not so obvious even now. Multitrack export, handson controll and, why noone talks about it, 16 tracks! I do not have electribe now but I tested it and when I watch your videos on it I always get back to thinking about buying one someday. I am still looking for a device to make music on the go and this looks perfect in many ways, especially for someone who cannot stand menudiving. While reading a manuals you can find so many great shortcuts using shift and certain pads you can do many things without menus even if it is not obvious at first. Pads are decent, sample editing on knobs are also a must for me. Really worth considering.
Spooky, suddenly Voidmaster is back doing tutorials on the device and a great look back on it from Gabe :D Electribe2 was my first groovebox, still really enjoy it.
I have the Sampler version, but I think both 'Tribes are underrated. Strengths are, in my opinion, sounds good including the filters, fairly compact and light, solid build, reasonable price, runs on 6x AA batteries. Also 24 note polyphony is not bad. Note stealing, while an issue, can be managed if you know the unit well. The closest thing I owned to the Electribe was the MPC500, which ironically was underated at the time and sold for peanuts. Fast forward ten years and they are selling for twice the price! The MPC500 incidentally is a bit smaller than the 'Tribe and has some strengths but also weaknesses in comparison.
yo I have a 500 I wanna sell for something else, and Ive been thinking about replacing it with a tribe sampler. I never connected with the workflow on the 500 because of how closed in and slow it felt and I feel like the tribe wouldnt be like that, but I wanna hear from someone whos used both. Would this be a good switch?
Yes, I agree with you with the MPC500 workflow. I found while it got better as you got to know the unit better, that tiny little display was a little painful! The Electribes are definately easier to use, of course there is a learning curve, but once you're over that the 'Tribes are quick and easy to use. The fact there are lots of knobs helps a lot. The screen is the perfect size, I think. I'm not a fan of the massive screens you see on the new MPCs, although they are great, deep (a little too deep for me) machines and very powerful, capable.
@@epson_ecotank_et-2850 I might add that the Ableton support is a big plus. The only drawbacks to the 'Tribes are beats are quantised automatically, theres no way to turn it off. There are workarounds, one which Gabe Miller demonstrated and the groove templates, which you can apply to each individual sound if desired. I find the 'Tribes fast to use once you learn "the system" and they sound great. There are some menu-diving moments, much better though than the MPC500. One way to help with menu diving is to label the shortcuts on the machine (you press shift + the 16 pads for shortcuts). The only other drawback I think is the fact you need to save the pattern, plus go into the menu and "export all patterns" and "export all samples" instead of there just being a simple save button. There is one thing I miss too from the MPC500, the ability to stack samples in different velocity layers on one pad, but of course there are ways to get similar effects.
Great video Gabe. I’ve recently re-bought an Electribe 2. Yes, it does have its limitations (that are well documented) but the sound design capabilities are good to my ears. I’m going to try and sequence with an iPad, to overcome the limited sequencer.
Nice to see the electribe getting some love. With midi on the unit, each part is its own distinct midi channel. Its nice if you have multiple synths to control, but a hassle if you don’t. I get around the the 4 bar limitation/hard quantization by pairing it with the sequencer in my DAW.
The hack to convert the synth to the sampler definitely works , I swap between the two regular , also I created a template for lemur app on iOS that adds a lot more real time control, which is recordable using the event controller, which is another overlooked function. The way round the 4 bar limitation is the pattern chain function.
@@i.q_music yea it’s safe never had a problem , I just keep all the firmwares in separate folders on the sd card and rename them as required. I got banned from the Facebook group for posting about it , by the arseole moderator.
Og es1 and ex1 user here. Even had the em1, which paved the way for the tube driven parents of this. Sometimes working in a confined unit can help you get the most out of a machine like this.
Just used my E2 + Volcas again last night. Another amazing point: it's 16 tracks! which can all have a different sound if you choose. (Still like ESX best!)
I love the Electribe 2. First i wanted to buy a Roland MC 101 but they were sold out, so i got my hands on the Electribe 2 (Sampler) and it was an instant match. The workflow , the sound, the usability, the build quality, the features , everything has blown me away. Still today i am full in love with the Electribe 2, don´t listen to people who talk about limitations, this device is truely amazing and you can workarround almost any "limitation" The only thing that suck is a missing preview function in the sample import.
Lol thats like 3rd gen. the OGs are the EA-1, ER-1, then the ES-1 and EM-1, then there was the Mkii's then the X series, still got my ES-1 and S-mkii kicking around. Love the sound!
You are KINDA limited to 4 bars patterns, but not really, considering you can use the "chain pattern" (song mode) function to chain up to 250x patterns together. The downside is that you can only record or edit one 4 bar pattern at a time, so the workflow is not as good as with more bars in a single pattern - but at least you get a similar result from it...
10:15 - did you used original jack to midi din adapter reduction shipped with electribe ? Becasue electribe uses diferent routing in reduction than for example Circuit (and other HW) and reductions from other devices doesn't work with electribe .. if i good remember it's even important to used OUT recuction not IN reduction, they don't work when switched ...
I'd probably love this, considering how much fun I've had with Electricibe Wave on iPad. It's very limited and basic, but that's half the fun to see how far you can push sound design and music within its constraints. I'm sure I'd dive in quite deeply if I had one, despite owning a Deluge, A4 and other far more powerful grooveboxes. "Limitation breeds creativity"
Good stuff my Man. I can't believe This Gabe. I just got myself the sample version. A circuit, minilogue and a couple volcas and a keystep 37. I knew you would be the go to guy for this s#*t. I haven't touched a synth since my JP8000 and my mc303 back in my youth. 20+ yrs ago never really got the chance to get right into it. Had to sale it. Long story. Anyway midlife crisis and wanted to get back into synth's. Just opened my electribe. And BANG! Gabe puts a video out 👊👊👊👊💪🔥🔥🔥 u the man at this Bro. Bug love from the UK 🇬🇧✊🙏
@@GabeMillerMusic all your stuff is Bro. Git most of my bit's because of yours, Bo's and loopop's videos. Your a G.O.A.T as this stuff Bro. Up there with the big dog's 👊💪🔥
I love my E2. But I'd like to add a sampler with it. Do you have any suggestions ? Does the ES2 combined with the E2 really worth it, or should I take the Circuit Rhythm or the MPC One ? Thanks
I have an electribe synth version wich i bought already "modded" to be used as both the synth and the sampler version and i have never had any problems. I can switch back and forth without any problem. Only thing is that if you have a track saved it will mess up the samples. But i am able to make full songs in both versions.
The midi cables Are opposite trs compared to regular ones i think? I think its a korg ploy to sell theyre own breakaway cables, sequencing externals is the best thing about this , so worth troubleshooting
Hi! In this video how exactly you connect together the minilogue and the electribe? I have the same devices, but I am beginner.... can you teach me, please. Thank you!
Hey dude! You're making a great content, thank you or that! But! I have a question to you and maybe other people here. How do you guys live with that high pitched whining noise in the background? I used two different grey units and one pink (sampler), and that awful sound is always there, both in the headphones and speakers, even with Audio In set to OFF, although with it the problem gets even bigger. I mean, it just makes the device totally unusable for me - only maybe to keep it as a midi sequencer, which, without quantize off feature again making it far from perfect.
it is a good unit but I wish they had combined the sample ability into the one grey unit; because unless ur a good synth programmer many will grow tired of those same sounds, but it does have punchy sound tho
Thank you for your video!, is it possible to "finger drum" on the korg electribe? and assign each pad a drum sound that we want? And for this purpose which version is better the synth or the other? thank you so much.
Can anyone help me with a MIDI issue. I have connected my arteria key step 37 via the media adapter but can't get anything to sound. The manual says look for the MIDI control in the global parameters but I don't see anything. I have changed the MIDI channel to all the channels on the key step but still no sound. Please help a noob!! 🙏
I've been using the sampler version of this for several years now and love it. I have an Sp404 and a model samples, but when I use them to be the main boxes in a track I am always missing something. I am sure if I used an mc707 or an octatrack or digitakt maybe I would think different, but idk... for the money, these machines rule.
So if u have a mini or monologue.. you would probably be better off Gert getting a sampler of which any make would. Work .. is that rite ? Because much of those sounds I get on my monologue.. I’m heading towards a sampler or groovebox or tr6s at the moment or that new Roland 4d but it’s ££££ and I’m hoping to get reconditioned or luck when purchasing… don’t want to go over 500 sterling
i need software 1.19 because its not taking sotware 2.2 vtb file showing error i really appreciate in advance if you can get me that software or where from i can download it please reply Thanks for help in advance
This sounds pretty much exactly like my JDXI. Same strengths and limitations. Anyone considering buying, check out both. I would prefer the JDXI, although this is cool too
I used to make some awesome sounds and rhythms on my electribe 2! I loved this thing for making beats on the go but it doesn't sample sounds anywhere as easily as my maschine mk3 will. Cool video!
Great instrument, when you don't reach the polyphony limit. I own the sampler version which has 24 voices polyphony in theory but using filters/effect/chords/certain oscillators you cut down on voices. Sometimes I can't even use more than half of those theoretical voices...
if you like Electribe, you will love GrooveRide GR16 on iPad :-) You can use Electribe as controller :-) Grooverider is basically MUCH MUCH improved clone of electribe :-)
I totally agree…GrooveRider is much better!!this app shows what Electribe should be…and its the reason why I sold my Electribe. I dont like Korg Electribe 2..slow loading, slow workflow, bad buttons layout, no sampling, heavy weight for what it is, you get out of voices so quickly..and the company doesnt care about updates in this machine. Although they are very different machines I prefer Roland sp-404 or even the Korg Volca Sample 2.
As someone who doesn’t like using presets and prefers to design all of his own sounds from scratch, how redundant would the Circuit Tracks be in conjunction with an Electribe? I was initially sold on the idea of getting both, but without more in-depth tweakability on the Tracks without an editor and a total of 4 melodic parts (if including the MIDI inputs) it almost seems like the Electribe is the bigger, meaner brother. I’ve seen countless people swear by the ease of the workflow but that seems like such a big gamble to bank on…
The Electribe is definitely enough to make tracks on its own, and yeah the workflow has a slightly steeper learning curve but it's one of the easier ones I've used.
To add to the limitations, there is also limited polyphony/voice stealing and the fact that effects reset on pattern change, so delays and reverbs don’t tail off into the next pattern, which can be jarring when trying to chain patterns. Not sure how you have your MIDI setup but if you are running MIDI into it, it won’t allow you to send MIDI out of it. It has to be the brain, it’s MIDI out will not function as a thru. So if you have it daisy-chained to something above it in the chain, it’s not going to work.
In regards to the delays and reverbs tailing off when you switch patterns (it is possible). You have to make sure that both patterns have identical channels. IE if your sound on channel 4 has delay, the pattern you switch to must also have the same delay settings on channel 4.
I still use mine. The being able to build synth sounds onboard is more useful to me as I'm basically using this and a SP404 mk2 and trying to be DAWless. I like to make basslines etc on this then sample them.
as an emx-1 and esx-1 owner, that thing is balls. I own the deluge too, and it's synth engine is balls too and not what I would call "hands on" (it rules as a dawless sequencer though).
@@VJFranzK I watch ur vidz all the time. You are one of the OG synth youtures. Dare I say that the deluge sound rather suits your style so I can understand why you like it. But it is a relatively very "bright" sound. Jarringly so.
The zoom ARQ 48 , is a better option , they are less than 100.00 uk and they have a full synth engine and a sampler , the pads are horrible though and it’s limited to 4 bar patterns but they can be chained to make full songs , it’s a little difficult to navigate but once you get used to it , it is very powerful for the price , I only got rid of mine when I got an MPC one
Don't know if you have the KORG MIDI cables, but regular TRS to 5-PIN MIDI cables didn't work correctly for me. I thought my Electribe 2 was broken. Once I ordered the KORG MIDI TRS to 5-PIN, I was able to send MIDI to my other synths. Love your videos! Thanks!
Yeah, there two midi standards for TRS to 5-Pin MIDI cables. I believe Korg uses the Type A, whereas, Arturia and Novation use Type B. I could be wrong on who uses what, but worth investigating.
@@markmiller2949 Yeah, I initially bought the same cables as my Microfreak uses and they wouldn't work with the Electribe. Afterwards, I found out about the two different types. Oh well, live and learn...
what's super cool about E2 synth is its excellent classic filters emulation. also, E2 does one of the best 808 kicks i know. pair it with some multitimbral synth (because anyway its 16 channels is way more than its real polyphony before it runs into note stealing) - and you get a complete rig.
is there a way to send a master effects to a single sound, for example a reverb and use the master effects just for that sound? because when i try,the reverb effect every time each sound/sample i´m playing in that moment. i also tried to record it by playing the sample alone using the reverb,but it didn´t works
i actually understand how to do it,the only disadvantage is that i can use just one MFX for each pattern... but it´s better like this than not having it at all. if you know a way to record different MFX in a single pattern, please let me know
The midi adapters are proprietary Korg adapters. You have to get them from Korg, or they don't work. I learned this the hard way, went through a few brands and almost gave up before ordering the Korg ones, but I'm glad I got them. Great video, I love my Electribe (synth version)!
I use the E2 as the main sequencer for other gear and I can confirm it does that work perfectly, so maybe you should send yours to the doctor. I've had it for over a year now and I still keep discovering tricks it can do and workarounds for its limitations (which, tbf, are many but if I hadn't those limitations I wouldn't finish anything honestly). My main tip for new users would be: make your own (or buy an) overlay for the shift functions. Edit: about the midi adapters, I am now using in the E2 the ones that came with my Model:Cycles and haven't had any issue. Prior to that, I've mixed the ones that came with the E2 with the ones that came with my MPX8 (currently I have no idea which one is which, since they're all black except for the Elektron's which are gray and look nicer and stronger), and never had a problem with sending midi notes to other machines.
I just got an Electribe 2 MPS and for some reason when I turn it on, it loads up to about 98% on the progress bar startup screen and then just dies out (with fresh batteries and a 9v adapter) Does this happen to anybody else? Any reboot remedies?
Question: what is actually different in red version of the sampler? I know quite few things were changed in blue version of the synth in comparison to gray one. However I could not find much info on black vs red electribes. Can anyone clarify this for me or recommend some materials on this online?
I’ve been interested in a hardware sample player and am trying to decide between the electribe sampler, the model:samples, and the new circuit rhythm and the answer I have so far is that I don’t have an answer :(
I’d choose either the Rhythm or ES2 out of those 3. The Fx section of the ES2 seems more expressive imo and it has more sample memory...but the Rhythm has the Circuit workflow. The modulation section of the sampler is very useful in the ES2, and you can hold more content in it for a single performance. Tough decision there.
Thanks for this important video to shift this machine at the right rank. It is a great synth and it has been a bit masked by the attractive sampler version.
I wouldn’t say it’s underrated, it’s been rated pretty accurately over the years. However it’s a decent machine in its own right, especially compared to a lot of newer boxes. For a lot of people looking to make a full track and especially with a wealth of modulation and fx to really craft your sounds, yes definitely this is underrated compared to many others devices costing 3x more. The ‘cool’ kids all want ‘trigs n locks’ but for $1000 you get 4 voices, bullshit imo! Syntakt is the first really decent all in one I’ve seen in a while, but it’s again a hefty grand and still has less multitimbral ability than an e2!
For the synth version, you'd have to install a user-made firmware, which I haven't tried yet because I'm afraid of bricking my machine (and don't know if I'd be able to get the original oscillators back).
This thing gets real fun when you use it in ways that were never intended for, like an analog drum machine :) specially the synth version with all the extra oscillators and filters, you can get some really cool percussive sounds
Totally agree. Loved synthesizing kits with it, but ultimately threw a bunch of Elektron A4 drum samples in the sampler version to have basically a really cheap Rytm.
You’re the other guy that keeps the Electribe flame alive too!! Thank you as well.
I was surprised by how realistic sounding drums i could make with this (by using multiple tracks/oscillators, for sampling in the Electribe 2 Sampler). Very interesting stuff..!
I agree. BTW, i like your jams from your channel
This thing looks mysteriously cool and definitely has the “can be totally self contained music making” attraction factor.
Just very limited ployphony (speaking from experience). :)
You can do the sidechain/duck effect by using the limiter on the mfx section... :)
Electribe legend 🙌🏻
I found it’s very easy to sidechain if you set Modulation to ‘SawUpB Level’, but that would be 4 on the floor only.
@@grouponspeam9236 yup, also the 'Pumper' in tbe IFX section is another way to do 4/4 ducking.
@@MistabishiTV Sure, but I would rather let IFX free to add some cool FX on it 😜
Got rid of my Electribe 2 and purchased an old school Emx 1. Whoa what a beast.
Hi Gabe - just a note about the MIDI out on the Electribe... those mini MIDI outs do not seem carry the standard current (I had a similar issue on the BSP). If you chain devices "In/thri/in/thru" it seems to struggle. it works fine if you have a powered MIDI thru box, however. Funnily enough I have just come back from a short holiday and I took my electribe with me (first time I have used it in ages) and thoroughly enjoyed using it! Sure it's limited by MPC standards but the thing is just soooo easy to use to get an idea going. I have had my MPC One for about a year and am only just getting to grips with it. Nothing like "simplicity" for inspiring creativity. sometimes too many options just get in the way!
If I were CEO of korg I would just hire Jim Pavlov to design a hardware version of grooverider gr-16, pump some money into it and call it Ultimate Electribe 3... or Electribe III 3rd strike
I'd say get Capcom in on it, but Teenage Engineering beat them to the punch.
Truer words have never been spoken. Jim solved all the issues and to have GR-16 in a physical box would be my dream groovebox
They could also just modify the modwave and add pads to the hardware and song sequences in addition to the automation sequences it already has. Would be a cool device.
GR16 is GReat, but have you tried the more knobs UI of Electribe EMX? It would be a much better framework for 3, a lot of us think!
100% !!!
7:45 Yes! The“play to start recording” function is such a basic need for a groove box and I can’t believe my Circuit Tracks simply neglect that :(
10:18 I believe you didn’t use the right cable. Korg applies a different type of mini TRS-A midi jack, which is not compatible with TRS-B (from Novation, Arturia).
At the beginning, I thought I should sell my ES2 for CTracks, but it turned out that I kept both. CTracks is excellent but not enough to take place of ES2. Especially, 2 melodic tracks is way too limited.
It's still relevant in 2022. Once you fix the annoying issue of ruining your work by mistaking "sessions" knob for "Oscillators" knob either marking it a different colour from the rest, or making a cap cover for it (I made a nice raised metallic cap cover for it) - you're good to go. It's the only hardware synth I need to take with me whenever I do promotional EDM busking. It makes it possible to simultaneously play 2 oscillators, - one Oscillator on MIDI channel 1 by using a mini keyboard, and entirely another oscillator by using the pads which gives you a very rich synth sound repertoire, even though you have to use external reverb, - it's no big deal. And, when you play Acid House it covers for TB-3 (303) very decently with squelchy, screaming sounds. Finally: batteries. 6 rechargeable batteries let's you have fun for hours without draining your portable lithium battery power supply, leaving more time for the DAW on my laptop drum machine.
There's an easier solution to the "sessions" "issue": Menu > GLOBAL PARAMETER > PTN CHANGE LOCK > On
Its super underrated! Pair it with the sampler version and boom!! This allows for layering of synth sounds which can get pretty wild. It takes time but totally worth once it all clicks
I have both and I couldn't be happier.
you should look for the hackribe version instead of buying both ^^'
I like the fact that you are keeping the Electribe flame alive. Thank you.
I still can't understand why people hate this wonderful machine. I bought the synth version first and some days ago I decided to buy his partner, the sampler. I really love them.
I think its so different from the almost legendary esx electribe that came before it. Also there is some noise and the over all audio frequency range leaves a bit to be desired in the high and low ranges.
Don't get me wrong, I love mine, but I get it.
Praying for a firmware update or a custom firmware...just to fix some of the small quirks the device has. Also an improvement on the sample manager.
I have the black sampler (for hip hop beats). The interface of this device is great. I love that I can manipulate the samples with knobs instead of menu diving. Makes for a great machine to carry a ton of samples on.
I like your timing of this video as just this week I busted mine out after having it on the shelf for a year or so, I got sidetracked by Elektron gear, and it was so much fun to get back onto it again, feels much more tactile and immediate than newer gear and so easy to mangle sounds.
It's worth to notice two things: In sampler version you can also upload wavetables, besides samples. And sampler and resampler working also in stereo mode.
Do you mean single cycle wave forms or wave tables? how do you edit a wave table in the electribe?
@@difflocktwo You're right. It's wave forms.
@@razfan2546 Yeah, I wanna try exactly that. Waveforms. I am still getting used to editing samples on the red E2, it's new to me. I am used to the synth E2.
@@difflocktwoSince you can set the start and end point of a sample, a wavetable could also work maybe?
@@HprFcs i don't think you can set start and end points of looped samples without going deep in the menu, so no motion recording.
You can record a performance. There is a special record mode that records every input you make and plays it back.
Most people just don't realize how capable this thing is. I've created sounds with this that sound like they came straight from a movie. I've even made big Moog sounding synths and complex digital sounds as well. It may take some time but it is very rewarding in the end. You don't need software. I just have more fun by doing it all in the electribe.
Some nice filter, phaser sounds here … I’m impressed …
There's also a custom firmware named hacktribe to add the sampling function on the synth
Yeah, I still need to look into it!
@@GabeMillerMusic much more versatility in the oscillators, too
It would be nice to see a nice software update on both machines!
There is an unofficial one! "Hacktribe"
I use mine all the time and I love it. I love the work flow and the sound design options.
Perfect timing with this video, I have been looking for some info about this device just recently and there you are with this! :) Thanks!
Truly underrated box. I much preferred the hacked sampler version though and never went back. If they had included all of the synth version oscillators, filters and the ES2 samplers functions, it would’ve been really dope. I used mine as the master brain for live shows along side an Elektron box and loved the results. Plus, the grooves you can put on tracks really can make the tracks come alive more than just adding swing.
Thanks Gabe , I used to have the black sampler version . I bought the grey synth version yesterday and wow ! Its so easy to sound design high level sounds on it and has more to offer for me as far as synth sound design. Im using this with Novation Circuit, Korg Gadget , AUM and a few inter apps for live looping style performing. Thanks for helping me decide what to get .
It is amazing how many features are packed into these machines and some of them, like you mentioned, are not so obvious even now. Multitrack export, handson controll and, why noone talks about it, 16 tracks! I do not have electribe now but I tested it and when I watch your videos on it I always get back to thinking about buying one someday. I am still looking for a device to make music on the go and this looks perfect in many ways, especially for someone who cannot stand menudiving. While reading a manuals you can find so many great shortcuts using shift and certain pads you can do many things without menus even if it is not obvious at first. Pads are decent, sample editing on knobs are also a must for me. Really worth considering.
Spooky, suddenly Voidmaster is back doing tutorials on the device and a great look back on it from Gabe :D
Electribe2 was my first groovebox, still really enjoy it.
Voidmaster….that takes me back
So happy to see VM back - and still rocking the e2!
I have the Sampler version, but I think both 'Tribes are underrated. Strengths are, in my opinion, sounds good including the filters, fairly compact and light, solid build, reasonable price, runs on 6x AA batteries. Also 24 note polyphony is not bad. Note stealing, while an issue, can be managed if you know the unit well.
The closest thing I owned to the Electribe was the MPC500, which ironically was underated at the time and sold for peanuts. Fast forward ten years and they are selling for twice the price! The MPC500 incidentally is a bit smaller than the 'Tribe and has some strengths but also weaknesses in comparison.
yo I have a 500 I wanna sell for something else, and Ive been thinking about replacing it with a tribe sampler. I never connected with the workflow on the 500 because of how closed in and slow it felt and I feel like the tribe wouldnt be like that, but I wanna hear from someone whos used both. Would this be a good switch?
plus I use ableton and I think the als export would make it fit with my setup a lot
Yes, I agree with you with the MPC500 workflow. I found while it got better as you got to know the unit better, that tiny little display was a little painful!
The Electribes are definately easier to use, of course there is a learning curve, but once you're over that the 'Tribes are quick and easy to use. The fact there are lots of knobs helps a lot. The screen is the perfect size, I think. I'm not a fan of the massive screens you see on the new MPCs, although they are great, deep (a little too deep for me) machines and very powerful, capable.
@@epson_ecotank_et-2850 I might add that the Ableton support is a big plus. The only drawbacks to the 'Tribes are beats are quantised automatically, theres no way to turn it off. There are workarounds, one which Gabe Miller demonstrated and the groove templates, which you can apply to each individual sound if desired. I find the 'Tribes fast to use once you learn "the system" and they sound great.
There are some menu-diving moments, much better though than the MPC500. One way to help with menu diving is to label the shortcuts on the machine (you press shift + the 16 pads for shortcuts). The only other drawback I think is the fact you need to save the pattern, plus go into the menu and "export all patterns" and "export all samples" instead of there just being a simple save button. There is one thing I miss too from the MPC500, the ability to stack samples in different velocity layers on one pad, but of course there are ways to get similar effects.
so should I switch? btw I also chop a lot in my music and Ive found it to be kind of a pain in the 500. btw thank you a lot for the feedback
Korg Electribe 2 Forever!
Great video Gabe. I’ve recently re-bought an Electribe 2. Yes, it does have its limitations (that are well documented) but the sound design capabilities are good to my ears.
I’m going to try and sequence with an iPad, to overcome the limited sequencer.
Nice to see the electribe getting some love. With midi on the unit, each part is its own distinct midi channel. Its nice if you have multiple synths to control, but a hassle if you don’t. I get around the the 4 bar limitation/hard quantization by pairing it with the sequencer in my DAW.
The hack to convert the synth to the sampler definitely works , I swap between the two regular , also I created a template for lemur app on iOS that adds a lot more real time control, which is recordable using the event controller, which is another overlooked function. The way round the 4 bar limitation is the pattern chain function.
What is it like to convert ?
Is it safe to convert ?
Can you back up ?
@@i.q_music yea it’s safe never had a problem , I just keep all the firmwares in separate folders on the sd card and rename them as required. I got banned from the Facebook group for posting about it , by the arseole moderator.
Could you tell us more plz? Is this a firmware update or an iOS app to do this?
This is a great machine. I moved onto bigger machines, but I would recommend this to anyone.
Og es1 and ex1 user here. Even had the em1, which paved the way for the tube driven parents of this. Sometimes working in a confined unit can help you get the most out of a machine like this.
Just used my E2 + Volcas again last night. Another amazing point: it's 16 tracks! which can all have a different sound if you choose. (Still like ESX best!)
4:03 so far you have not mentioned anything unique about it lol they all have direct knobs for filter and can change the oscillator types?
The e2 is still an amazing machine in 2023 and it still goes for quite a bit, how does it compare to the circuit?
I love the Electribe 2.
First i wanted to buy a Roland MC 101 but they were sold out, so i got my hands on the Electribe 2 (Sampler) and it was an instant match.
The workflow , the sound, the usability, the build quality, the features , everything has blown me away.
Still today i am full in love with the Electribe 2, don´t listen to people who talk about limitations, this device is truely amazing and you can workarround almost any "limitation"
The only thing that suck is a missing preview function in the sample import.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: you REALLY need to try the OG Electribe, the EMX-1. You'd absolutely love it.
Ok, Is it still available?
Lol thats like 3rd gen. the OGs are the EA-1, ER-1, then the ES-1 and EM-1, then there was the Mkii's then the X series, still got my ES-1 and S-mkii kicking around. Love the sound!
🚛 agree! The ESX was my fav. It's still a better user interface than E2, generally!
10:20 I had the same problem with my second hand electribe. You need the specific midi dongle for the electribe (or sq-1) to send and recieve midi.
You are KINDA limited to 4 bars patterns, but not really, considering you can use the "chain pattern" (song mode) function to chain up to 250x patterns together. The downside is that you can only record or edit one 4 bar pattern at a time, so the workflow is not as good as with more bars in a single pattern - but at least you get a similar result from it...
Hey Gabe thanks for posting this!
10:15 - did you used original jack to midi din adapter reduction shipped with electribe ? Becasue electribe uses diferent routing in reduction than for example Circuit (and other HW) and reductions from other devices doesn't work with electribe .. if i good remember it's even important to used OUT recuction not IN reduction, they don't work when switched ...
I'd probably love this, considering how much fun I've had with Electricibe Wave on iPad. It's very limited and basic, but that's half the fun to see how far you can push sound design and music within its constraints. I'm sure I'd dive in quite deeply if I had one, despite owning a Deluge, A4 and other far more powerful grooveboxes. "Limitation breeds creativity"
9:40
Can you please explain me how you do this ??
Great Video! Love my electribes
Good stuff my Man. I can't believe This Gabe. I just got myself the sample version. A circuit, minilogue and a couple volcas and a keystep 37. I knew you would be the go to guy for this s#*t. I haven't touched a synth since my JP8000 and my mc303 back in my youth. 20+ yrs ago never really got the chance to get right into it. Had to sale it. Long story. Anyway midlife crisis and wanted to get back into synth's. Just opened my electribe. And BANG!
Gabe puts a video out 👊👊👊👊💪🔥🔥🔥 u the man at this Bro.
Bug love from the UK 🇬🇧✊🙏
Hey that's great timing! Glad the videos have been helpful
@@GabeMillerMusic all your stuff is Bro. Git most of my bit's because of yours, Bo's and loopop's videos. Your a G.O.A.T as this stuff Bro. Up there with the big dog's 👊💪🔥
I have an er-1. it's sweet. i'll probalby never get rid of it.
I love my E2.
But I'd like to add a sampler with it.
Do you have any suggestions ?
Does the ES2 combined with the E2 really worth it, or should I take the Circuit Rhythm or the MPC One ?
Thanks
I have an electribe synth version wich i bought already "modded" to be used as both the synth and the sampler version and i have never had any problems. I can switch back and forth without any problem.
Only thing is that if you have a track saved it will mess up the samples. But i am able to make full songs in both versions.
That's good to know. Do you happen to know how I could replicate that (or have somewhere you could point me to)? I'd be interested in giving it a go.
The midi cables Are opposite trs compared to regular ones i think? I think its a korg ploy to sell theyre own breakaway cables, sequencing externals is the best thing about this , so worth troubleshooting
A finer grid or recording unquantized is my most missed feature.
in germany (mainly east side) everyone used this thing to make a genre called tekk which is very popular right now
You can record the whole mix in the box, though. Pretty sweet just to have for sketching arrangement, as it lacks songmode.
Hi! In this video how exactly you connect together the minilogue and the electribe? I have the same devices, but I am beginner.... can you teach me, please. Thank you!
Great review sir!
Mines been back in the box for a few years. Been meaning to dig it out. 🎉
Hey dude! You're making a great content, thank you or that!
But! I have a question to you and maybe other people here. How do you guys live with that high pitched whining noise in the background? I used two different grey units and one pink (sampler), and that awful sound is always there, both in the headphones and speakers, even with Audio In set to OFF, although with it the problem gets even bigger. I mean, it just makes the device totally unusable for me - only maybe to keep it as a midi sequencer, which, without quantize off feature again making it far from perfect.
it is a good unit but I wish they had combined the sample ability into the one grey unit; because unless ur a good synth programmer many will grow tired of those same sounds, but it does have punchy sound tho
Yeah that would be top.
@@i.q_music yup i would of kept it if it was the sampler and synth combined
Hey Gabe, that chord mode @4:00 is awesome....was that a sample?
Saw oscillator and one of the low pass filters.
Thank you for your video!, is it possible to "finger drum" on the korg electribe? and assign each pad a drum sound that we want? And for this purpose which version is better the synth or the other? thank you so much.
Can anyone help me with a MIDI issue. I have connected my arteria key step 37 via the media adapter but can't get anything to sound. The manual says look for the MIDI control in the global parameters but I don't see anything. I have changed the MIDI channel to all the channels on the key step but still no sound. Please help a noob!! 🙏
I've been using the sampler version of this for several years now and love it. I have an Sp404 and a model samples, but when I use them to be the main boxes in a track I am always missing something. I am sure if I used an mc707 or an octatrack or digitakt maybe I would think different, but idk... for the money, these machines rule.
max out the master volume of the korg for less noise... just turn down the gains of your mixer or soundcard...
So if u have a mini or monologue.. you would probably be better off Gert getting a sampler of which any make would. Work .. is that rite ? Because much of those sounds I get on my monologue.. I’m heading towards a sampler or groovebox or tr6s at the moment or that new Roland 4d but it’s ££££ and I’m hoping to get reconditioned or luck when purchasing… don’t want to go over 500 sterling
I really like your videos you explain very well what do you think about these 2 I like to buy this one, or the akai Mpc thanks 👍🎼
i need software 1.19 because its not taking sotware 2.2 vtb file showing error i really appreciate in advance if you can get me that software or where from i can download it please reply Thanks for help in advance
have you ever had the chance to test the EMX-1?
Hey Gabe, would you ever try to use the 'hacktribe' firmware on this?
There aren't any 'pro' level videos showcasing it
It's been on my list for ages! I just have to make sure I have the time do all the steps properly because I'm scared of bricking my unit.
This sounds pretty much exactly like my JDXI. Same strengths and limitations. Anyone considering buying, check out both. I would prefer the JDXI, although this is cool too
No, JD-Xi's sonic palette is better.
I used to make some awesome sounds and rhythms on my electribe 2! I loved this thing for making beats on the go but it doesn't sample sounds anywhere as easily as my maschine mk3 will. Cool video!
Great instrument, when you don't reach the polyphony limit. I own the sampler version which has 24 voices polyphony in theory but using filters/effect/chords/certain oscillators you cut down on voices. Sometimes I can't even use more than half of those theoretical voices...
if you like Electribe, you will love GrooveRide GR16 on iPad :-) You can use Electribe as controller :-) Grooverider is basically MUCH MUCH improved clone of electribe :-)
That’s interesting. Do you hook the Electribe up to the iPad using usb and cck?
@@johnchesters81 you need some usb midi interface
I totally agree…GrooveRider is much better!!this app shows what Electribe should be…and its the reason why I sold my Electribe. I dont like Korg Electribe 2..slow loading, slow workflow, bad buttons layout, no sampling, heavy weight for what it is, you get out of voices so quickly..and the company doesnt care about updates in this machine. Although they are very different machines I prefer Roland sp-404 or even the Korg Volca Sample 2.
Kinda defeats the whole point of a hardware Seq if you have to keep looking at the dang i-Pad just to 'turn a knob' (that isn't a real knob).
As someone who doesn’t like using presets and prefers to design all of his own sounds from scratch, how redundant would the Circuit Tracks be in conjunction with an Electribe? I was initially sold on the idea of getting both, but without more in-depth tweakability on the Tracks without an editor and a total of 4 melodic parts (if including the MIDI inputs) it almost seems like the Electribe is the bigger, meaner brother. I’ve seen countless people swear by the ease of the workflow but that seems like such a big gamble to bank on…
The Electribe is definitely enough to make tracks on its own, and yeah the workflow has a slightly steeper learning curve but it's one of the easier ones I've used.
Is it possible to loop more than 8 bars ?
To add to the limitations, there is also limited polyphony/voice stealing and the fact that effects reset on pattern change, so delays and reverbs don’t tail off into the next pattern, which can be jarring when trying to chain patterns. Not sure how you have your MIDI setup but if you are running MIDI into it, it won’t allow you to send MIDI out of it. It has to be the brain, it’s MIDI out will not function as a thru. So if you have it daisy-chained to something above it in the chain, it’s not going to work.
In regards to the delays and reverbs tailing off when you switch patterns (it is possible). You have to make sure that both patterns have identical channels. IE if your sound on channel 4 has delay, the pattern you switch to must also have the same delay settings on channel 4.
this was a huge help ty@@noiseloader
I still use mine. The being able to build synth sounds onboard is more useful to me as I'm basically using this and a SP404 mk2 and trying to be DAWless. I like to make basslines etc on this then sample them.
as an emx-1 and esx-1 owner, that thing is balls. I own the deluge too, and it's synth engine is balls too and not what I would call "hands on" (it rules as a dawless sequencer though).
Disagree, Deluge synth / sampler / FM engine is quite good! Still not as "fun" as ESX though B - D
@@VJFranzK I watch ur vidz all the time. You are one of the OG synth youtures. Dare I say that the deluge sound rather suits your style so I can understand why you like it. But it is a relatively very "bright" sound. Jarringly so.
The zoom ARQ 48 , is a better option , they are less than 100.00 uk and they have a full synth engine and a sampler , the pads are horrible though and it’s limited to 4 bar patterns but they can be chained to make full songs , it’s a little difficult to navigate but once you get used to it , it is very powerful for the price , I only got rid of mine when I got an MPC one
The UFO? I've heard the demos. It doesn't sound very inspiring.
Don't know if you have the KORG MIDI cables, but regular TRS to 5-PIN MIDI cables didn't work correctly for me. I thought my Electribe 2 was broken. Once I ordered the KORG MIDI TRS to 5-PIN, I was able to send MIDI to my other synths. Love your videos! Thanks!
Yeah, there two midi standards for TRS to 5-Pin MIDI cables. I believe Korg uses the Type A, whereas, Arturia and Novation use Type B. I could be wrong on who uses what, but worth investigating.
@@markmiller2949 Yeah, I initially bought the same cables as my Microfreak uses and they wouldn't work with the Electribe. Afterwards, I found out about the two different types. Oh well, live and learn...
Hey Gabe Miller! Have you considered checking out the SP404?
what's super cool about E2 synth is its excellent classic filters emulation.
also, E2 does one of the best 808 kicks i know.
pair it with some multitimbral synth (because anyway its 16 channels is way more than its real polyphony before it runs into note stealing) - and you get a complete rig.
that psytrance beat was tuff
Hi Gabe , are you using the original firmware?
Yep!
is there a way to send a master effects to a single sound, for example a reverb and use the master effects just for that sound? because when i try,the reverb effect every time each sound/sample i´m playing in that moment. i also tried to record it by playing the sample alone using the reverb,but it didn´t works
i actually understand how to do it,the only disadvantage is that i can use just one MFX for each pattern... but it´s better like this than not having it at all. if you know a way to record different MFX in a single pattern, please let me know
The midi adapters are proprietary Korg adapters. You have to get them from Korg, or they don't work. I learned this the hard way, went through a few brands and almost gave up before ordering the Korg ones, but I'm glad I got them. Great video, I love my Electribe (synth version)!
I still would want you to make a video about the Sampler version :)
Synth version? What is/are the other version (s)?
What is the range of price for this unit now days?
I use the E2 as the main sequencer for other gear and I can confirm it does that work perfectly, so maybe you should send yours to the doctor. I've had it for over a year now and I still keep discovering tricks it can do and workarounds for its limitations (which, tbf, are many but if I hadn't those limitations I wouldn't finish anything honestly). My main tip for new users would be: make your own (or buy an) overlay for the shift functions.
Edit: about the midi adapters, I am now using in the E2 the ones that came with my Model:Cycles and haven't had any issue. Prior to that, I've mixed the ones that came with the E2 with the ones that came with my MPX8 (currently I have no idea which one is which, since they're all black except for the Elektron's which are gray and look nicer and stronger), and never had a problem with sending midi notes to other machines.
I just got an Electribe 2 MPS and for some reason when I turn it on, it loads up to about 98% on the progress bar startup screen and then just dies out (with fresh batteries and a 9v adapter)
Does this happen to anybody else?
Any reboot remedies?
This was a firmware update or two away from being a legendary piece of equipment in the value category
Question: what is actually different in red version of the sampler? I know quite few things were changed in blue version of the synth in comparison to gray one. However I could not find much info on black vs red electribes. Can anyone clarify this for me or recommend some materials on this online?
i think just the pads were raised a mm or so
ruclips.net/video/L5vYGmLFeAU/видео.html
how would you compare this synth engine to the EMX-1?
I’ve been interested in a hardware sample player and am trying to decide between the electribe sampler, the model:samples, and the new circuit rhythm and the answer I have so far is that I don’t have an answer :(
I’d choose either the Rhythm or ES2 out of those 3. The Fx section of the ES2 seems more expressive imo and it has more sample memory...but the Rhythm has the Circuit workflow. The modulation section of the sampler is very useful in the ES2, and you can hold more content in it for a single performance. Tough decision there.
Thanks for this important video to shift this machine at the right rank. It is a great synth and it has been a bit masked by the attractive sampler version.
Very instructive!
Thank you!
I wouldn’t say it’s underrated, it’s been rated pretty accurately over the years. However it’s a decent machine in its own right, especially compared to a lot of newer boxes. For a lot of people looking to make a full track and especially with a wealth of modulation and fx to really craft your sounds, yes definitely this is underrated compared to many others devices costing 3x more. The ‘cool’ kids all want ‘trigs n locks’ but for $1000 you get 4 voices, bullshit imo! Syntakt is the first really decent all in one I’ve seen in a while, but it’s again a hefty grand and still has less multitimbral ability than an e2!
One thing I would mention is the Digitakt. I would say it does a lot of what the electribe does but a bit better.
is it worth using your own samples
For the synth version, you'd have to install a user-made firmware, which I haven't tried yet because I'm afraid of bricking my machine (and don't know if I'd be able to get the original oscillators back).
YEAH, I have the synth version!
even vs. Akai Force?
Price range dude... Price range.
Still my favorite groovebox - only misses sampling (and the Sampler-Version is super quirky to use)
fantastic channel. thank you.