Positive remarks for the new Electribes

[death_club]

No secret this sub-forum is chock full of belly-aching about what this thing can't do.

But, if you're able to understand the limitations of a device you can use them to your advantage as a creative tool. That's where you're going to get the most bang for your buck / return on investment. This thing is, of course, a budget instrument aimed at getting people into the KORG ecosystem, but its also very useful in more advanced contexts as well.

Like, you don't have to just use it as a full on standalone groovebox. I'm not doing that. You could if you wanted to, but it's flexibility in integrating with other systems is where it shines.


My workflow with the new electribe is this:

I start by using the electribe as my master clock.

MIDI out goes to my interface and I use that to clock some monome patches on my laptop. I route this audio from my laptop back into the electribe for processing.

I use the sync out on the electribe to send a clock to my modular.

I send the electribe's audio into the modular as well and now I've got all 3 systems linked.

Any sequencing I do on the electribe is pretty minimal. I mostly use it for drums and hits. It's really great at that stuff. One way of looking at the limitation of the sequencer that I find helpful in my own programming, is using the same patch on multiple parts and programming variations into each instance. Basically making crude pattern sets for use within an actual pattern sets. This can be so hugely powerful, you just have to not think of the sequencer in the old linear fashion we're all used to. I also have a suspicion that this is why there are 2 of these similar boxes.

The built in pattern presets are excellent for showing off the sound engine but they really don't help convey how to get the most out of the sequencer because, you know, it requires actual physical contact. That's what its made for.

It really is pretty crazy that all this sync and audio processing is happening on a drum machine with a synth engine, pretty decent effects and sequencing capabilities for less than $400 bucks.

And it runs on batteries. Take it to the park.
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