So I got the new Electribe...now my thoughts on it.

[Glitchcraft]

Man I like it but there are some major issues Korg needs to address. I am using the updated 1.03 firmware on it. First is the gap problem when switching patterns. It only happens when the INSERT effect is on no matter the settings. Master effect will transfer patterns smooth and fine but the insert makes it unusable as is.
Second is a free running LFO and the ability to send the LFO to more than one destination. Sorry but coming from a modular world and having used more synths than I can count only having 1 mod slot destination for the LFO is unacceptable. And to answer the question no the LFO will not do audio rate.
Third is no way to assign different midi #'s to the individual parts. WTF?!? Just one global midi setting that's it! Also when hooked up to my other gear, it will send/receive midi note info but all the pads are hardwired 1 - 16 respectively.
Fourth is 8 bars. Still really feel like it needs it and I am used to it and feel the patterns are too short and not intricate enough with 4 bars. Defiantly not going to replace my EMX as my master... and the halve the tempo stuff does not work well when controlling lots of other gear!
Fifth the insert effect editing is horrible just one setting to adjust unlike the 2 parameters on the EMX. You cannot use the kaoss pad to edit or affect the insert effect...big oversight! Also the mod delay effect is not on the insert so you can't do the crazy effects of adjusting the delay time just depth on the delays except for the short delay.
Sixth really needs a note slide function and a way to turn quantinazation off. I mean come on 2014 and Elektron, DSI and even the Volca series can do it.
Seventh It's range is 2 octaves less than the others. Big problem for me when sequencing other gear from it especially with my modular and synths.
Overall I like it and it has potential but it needs to be used and thought of in a different way than the old Electribes. It really should have been marketed as a super Kaossilator IMHO. My old blue faithful EMX will remain master of my gear and this will find its own little niche amongst my gear. Drums are really good on it way better than the EMX and overall the sound is better. I also like the kaoss pad built in and really hope they add some more effects to it. Its worth the $$$ for sure but like I said it's a whole new animal.

[L551]

Thanks for the review, that cleared couple of things I was wondering. No big surprises there though.

Do you feel that the synth sounds are editable enough to get some real sound variation, or does it feel more like a preset machine?

[DrHoo]

It's a disappointing read there but it's also just as i thought it would be. It's like they made a new instrument completely & just decided to call it an electribe ! Maybe 'Electribe Mini' would have been more appropriate to differentiate from the others.
I have one on its way to me & if i can't make the sound i want within 24 hours of getting it then i'll sack it straight away.

[brambos]

Lots of big words like "unusable" and "unacceptable" in there.

[SMK]

Third is no way to assign different midi #'s to the individual parts. WTF?!? Just one global midi setting that's it! Also when hooked up to my other gear, it will send/receive midi note info but all the pads are hardwired 1 - 16 respectively.

Huge question.

It looks like you have a good handle on midi and the gear with it.

I was wondering if you could try an experiment with your keyboard controller: Set all of the parts on your new tribe to "keyboard" and have a different sound on each new tribes 16 pads then have your keyboard controller cycle through the different 16 channels to see if it triggers a different pad. My guess is that the parts / pads 1-16 are hard wired to each one of the 16 channels. If I am correct, at least from sending midi to the Tribe, you should be able to control each part separately by switching channels on the keyboard controller as oppose to reassign channel numbers on the parts and pads them selves in the Tribe.

If this works right, then, based on the midi chart (notes 1 - 127) those 2 missing octaves should be easily triggered.

[brambos]

Come on guys, criticizing a portable €399 all-in-one solution groove box because it doesn't have the LFO-routing flexibility of a modular synth?

Some people need a bit of perspective methinks.

[SMK]

..it needs to be used and thought of in a different way than the old Electribes. It really should have been marketed as a super Kaossilator...it's a whole new animal.

I agree with you, at least this has been my first impression from the get go; a supped up Kaossilator Pro. Really this is what I have been expecting the new Tribe to be like.

I think the one important issue you point out Glitchcraft is how it really doesn't seem to be friendly to those who want to use this with other amounts of gear.

For guys like me, we are looking for a single solution to end the constant lugging around of a crap ton of gear.

To me moving 5 pieces of gear to a show is too much. The cables, the midi, the power supplies. I believe the new Electribe was really meant for the performer who wants the simplicity of a lap top but hates the initial risk of transporting their "life book" (unless they have a dedicated music laptop). One device does it all and if you're creative enough, all on 4 bars a piece.

I never thought this would be a good match for other gear, but it is my hope I can use other controllers to effect patches in keyboard mode. But if not, it is not a total lose.

Anyhow, good and brutal review. I can see for a normal electribe user this new device could be a let down. For a Kaoss Pad / Kasossilator Pro user, your review confirmed that this unit is a dream come true.

[Glitchcraft]

Come on guys, criticizing a portable €399 all-in-one solution groove box because it doesn't have the LFO-routing flexibility of a modular synth?

Some people need a bit of perspective methinks.

It doesn't have the modulation routing options of a Microkorg let alone a modular. It is cool and fun and a nice "stand alone" box/sketchpad.

[Glitchcraft]

Third is no way to assign different midi #'s to the individual parts. WTF?!? Just one global midi setting that's it! Also when hooked up to my other gear, it will send/receive midi note info but all the pads are hardwired 1 - 16 respectively.

Huge question.

It looks like you have a good handle on midi and the gear with it.

I was wondering if you could try an experiment with your keyboard controller: Set all of the parts on your new tribe to "keyboard" and have a different sound on each new tribes 16 pads then have your keyboard controller cycle through the different 16 channels to see if it triggers a different pad. My guess is that the parts / pads 1-16 are hard wired to each one of the 16 channels. If I am correct, at least from sending midi to the Tribe, you should be able to control each part separately by switching channels on the keyboard controller as oppose to reassign channel numbers on the parts and pads them selves in the Tribe.

If this works right, then, based on the midi chart (notes 1 - 127) those 2 missing octaves should be easily triggered.

Yes that is how it works. You do not need to set it in keyboard mode though.

[Buska]

Thanks for the review, that cleared couple of things I was wondering. No big surprises there though.

Do you feel that the synth sounds are editable enough to get some real sound variation, or does it feel more like a preset machine?

I want to know this too

[Glitchcraft]

Thanks for the review, that cleared couple of things I was wondering. No big surprises there though.

Do you feel that the synth sounds are editable enough to get some real sound variation, or does it feel more like a preset machine?

I want to know this too

Synth sounds sound are good on it but the editing is next to nil on it. I am not a preset jockey and my fear would be that in the end the same noises are going to be heard everywhere from this.

[Buska]

Thanks for the review, that cleared couple of things I was wondering. No big surprises there though.

Do you feel that the synth sounds are editable enough to get some real sound variation, or does it feel more like a preset machine?

I want to know this too

Synth sounds sound are good on it but the editing is next to nil on it. I am not a preset jockey and my fear would be that in the end the same noises are going to be heard everywhere from this.

Uggg damn, that was my greatest fear.

This factor bundled with the limited set rom sounds now has me hovering over the cancel button on my preorder. Dammit.

I think my iPad + the electribe sampler might be a better way to go now

Thanks for the reply

[Glitchcraft]

I want to know this too

Synth sounds sound are good on it but the editing is next to nil on it. I am not a preset jockey and my fear would be that in the end the same noises are going to be heard everywhere from this.

Uggg damn, that was my greatest fear.

This factor bundled with the limited set rom sounds now has me hovering over the cancel button on my preorder. Dammit.

I think my iPad + the electribe sampler might be a better way to go now

Thanks for the reply

It's a fun machine on its own and can do some neat stuff for sure. I truly believe if this was labeled a Super Kaossilator I would have been much happier with the delivered product. I think the sampler version will be more "useable" in a professional context but plan on keeping this one as it has some unique abilities despite the limitations.

[Kilko]

Man I like it but there are some major issues Korg needs to address. I am using the updated 1.03 firmware on it. First is the gap problem when switching patterns. It only happens when the INSERT effect is on no matter the settings. Master effect will transfer patterns smooth and fine but the insert makes it unusable as is.
Second is a free running LFO and the ability to send the LFO to more than one destination. Sorry but coming from a modular world and having used more synths than I can count only having 1 mod slot destination for the LFO is unacceptable. And to answer the question no the LFO will not do audio rate.
Third is no way to assign different midi #'s to the individual parts. WTF?!? Just one global midi setting that's it! Also when hooked up to my other gear, it will send/receive midi note info but all the pads are hardwired 1 - 16 respectively.
Fourth is 8 bars. Still really feel like it needs it and I am used to it and feel the patterns are too short and not intricate enough with 4 bars. Defiantly not going to replace my EMX as my master... and the halve the tempo stuff does not work well when controlling lots of other gear!
Fifth the insert effect editing is horrible just one setting to adjust unlike the 2 parameters on the EMX. You cannot use the kaoss pad to edit or affect the insert effect...big oversight! Also the mod delay effect is not on the insert so you can't do the crazy effects of adjusting the delay time just depth on the delays except for the short delay.
Sixth really needs a note slide function and a way to turn quantinazation off. I mean come on 2014 and Elektron, DSI and even the Volca series can do it.
Seventh It's range is 2 octaves less than the others. Big problem for me [when sequencing other gear from it especially with my modular and synths.
Overall I like it and it has potential but it needs to be used and thought of in a different way than the old Electribes. It really should have been marketed as a super Kaossilator IMHO. My old blue faithful EMX will remain master of my gear and this will find its own little niche amongst my gear. Drums are really good on it way better than the EMX and overall the sound is better. I also like the kaoss pad built in and really hope they add some more effects to it. Its worth the $$$ for sure but like I said it's a whole new animal.

You can make a slide if you Hold the shift button while using the Glide/Pitch-knob. This will activate Glide. Remember to let go of the Shift button afterwards and turn the Pitch back to where you had it previously.

Regarding octaves. The button 1 and 4 acts as Shortcuts to UP or DOWN in octaves. Therefore if you keep pressing the 1-button, you will get darker octaves, and if you keep pressing the 4-button you will get lighter octaves. You have to be in Keyboard-mode to do this.

[Glitchcraft]

Man I like it but there are some major issues Korg needs to address. I am using the updated 1.03 firmware on it. First is the gap problem when switching patterns. It only happens when the INSERT effect is on no matter the settings. Master effect will transfer patterns smooth and fine but the insert makes it unusable as is.
Second is a free running LFO and the ability to send the LFO to more than one destination. Sorry but coming from a modular world and having used more synths than I can count only having 1 mod slot destination for the LFO is unacceptable. And to answer the question no the LFO will not do audio rate.
Third is no way to assign different midi #'s to the individual parts. WTF?!? Just one global midi setting that's it! Also when hooked up to my other gear, it will send/receive midi note info but all the pads are hardwired 1 - 16 respectively.
Fourth is 8 bars. Still really feel like it needs it and I am used to it and feel the patterns are too short and not intricate enough with 4 bars. Defiantly not going to replace my EMX as my master... and the halve the tempo stuff does not work well when controlling lots of other gear!
Fifth the insert effect editing is horrible just one setting to adjust unlike the 2 parameters on the EMX. You cannot use the kaoss pad to edit or affect the insert effect...big oversight! Also the mod delay effect is not on the insert so you can't do the crazy effects of adjusting the delay time just depth on the delays except for the short delay.
Sixth really needs a note slide function and a way to turn quantinazation off. I mean come on 2014 and Elektron, DSI and even the Volca series can do it.
Seventh It's range is 2 octaves less than the others. Big problem for me [when sequencing other gear from it especially with my modular and synths.
Overall I like it and it has potential but it needs to be used and thought of in a different way than the old Electribes. It really should have been marketed as a super Kaossilator IMHO. My old blue faithful EMX will remain master of my gear and this will find its own little niche amongst my gear. Drums are really good on it way better than the EMX and overall the sound is better. I also like the kaoss pad built in and really hope they add some more effects to it. Its worth the $$$ for sure but like I said it's a whole new animal.

You can make a slide if you Hold the shift button while using the Glide/Pitch-knob. This will activate Glide. Remember to let go of the Shift button afterwards and turn the Pitch back to where you had it previously.

Regarding octaves. The button 1 and 4 acts as Shortcuts to UP or DOWN in octaves. Therefore if you keep pressing the 1-button, you will get darker octaves, and if you keep pressing the 4-button you will get lighter octaves. You have to be in Keyboard-mode to do this.

Yes I know that and that is not what I mean I am talking about what they would call microtime adjustments ala Octatrack and Tempest. And also yes I know how to adjust the octaves when playing it chromatically but the playable range is less than the old electribes.