Korg Forums

I currently have a Kaossilator Pro and a KP3. Now I want to add and EMX or ESX but can't decide between the two. I am into making Dubstep and Drum and Bass and really want to run all hardware. I understand the EMX is a synth and the ESX is a Sampler but I was hoping to get more input from a more experienced person as I am still a noob.

Thanks,

Scott

Anyone?

The obvious answer would be: both!

I have the ESX and will be getting an EMX within a week or two and I would do it in that order if I had to do it again.

My main interest is beat programming so the ESX was more up my alley. You have to ask yourself: do I want to focus on programming beats or programming synths?

Would being stuck with a fixed set of drum samples (emx) be a problem?
Would being stuck with only two keyboard parts (esx) be a problem?

i would go for the emx. if you want to make dubstep you'll be happy about every synth part but that's just my opinion...

Either one would work great. It all depends on the music you hear in your head...

I think I am going to save up and get them both like I did with my kp3 and kaoss pro. It seems from what everyone is saying they work best together as they compliment each other like the kaoss pads. I mean sure I could get one or the other and it would be fine but after having my pads I wouldn't want to get rid of either of them.

@Discore

I watched your YouTube vid in your sig. Nice Work bro. I like your dubstep is that just with the Emx and kp3?

@sjwilson3821

thanks man most vids are just EMX. I don't own a kp3 just a kp2.

I tentitively voted ESX but having both is great. Ultimately, ESX drums are more versitile and a lot of what you'll want to do with stuff like basslines can be done with the drum parts. Some cool unique features also help (Reverse, Start Point buttons). ESX is more kurmudgeonly because of all the thought that has to go into your choice of samples, so that should be a factor in the decision. Keep in mind that if you want to change the numbers of, say, open hi-hats in your kit that you'll have to retool any "Parts" that use that instrument in all of your patterns. EMX never requires this kind of fiddling around and gives you 5 really versatile synth parts, which in itself is pretty huge. The real question is: do you favor more drum (ESX) or synth editing (EMX)?

I own 2 EMX's and dont own an ESX. but i'd vote for the ESX bearing in mind that you're doing dubstep/dnb.
the EMX is a great tool for generating beastly synth and basslines tho.
the limitation of the drum sounds of the EMX can get irritating when you're looking for a specific percussion sound and have to battle to tweak the drums to get as close as possible to what you really want.

ESX will work nicely with KP3 and KOPRO. you can use the (weak) synth and bass sounds of the KOPRO passed thru the KP3 effects to give them some guts, and sample to use on ESX.

then again the EMX kicks the ESX's ass when it comes to synth/bass which is essential for dubstep filth. =P

EMX + ESX is similar to KPRO + KP3. both have weaknesses, but when put together their power is greater than the sum of their parts.

I believe I am going Emx first. Ive been watching a lot of YouTube videos and the Emx simply sounds amazing to me. I am going focus on the Emx first because I am more interested its wobbles and bass lines to add to my current set up. A lot of people I see on the tube using the esx seem to stick to more simplified less building loops then those with the Emx. Who knows maybe I'm wrong if so could some one post a vid. I find more Emx vids to one more of what I am going after with dubstep in mind and two more entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVJWMb4JhZg

Personally, this is the best example of the EMXs' potential. After watching that video and all the dubstep videos, I knew I wanted one. Buying mine this Tuesday. Found one on CL for $325.
Just got my Kaossilator Pro and I love it. I can only imagine how fun the EMX is going to be...

@punpkomg

Have you ever run your EMX through a KP3? I don't know why you would if you had the ESX but I've read a bit about it and it seems the prime choice for anyone building on a budget. Thoughts?

SO it looks like I am not getting the Emx as soon as I thought. I am picking up the Esx today from a guy selling it on Craigslist. I was able to talk a 500 dollar machine that he had listed for 350 bucks down to 140 dollars. I couldnt pass it up.

Hellz yea. Sweet deal. I just won an EMX on eBay for $275, $75 less than what my CL guy wanted.