Considering EMX-ESX Switch - Opinions?

[CleverConQueso]

Folks-
I love my EMX, don't get me wrong. But the sound that comes out of it doesn't have the fullness and (especially) the low-end. So when I use it as a sound module next to my Virus or Moog, it sounds naked in comparison. So I'm considering picking up an ESX so that I can use samples instead of the synth engine, and freshen up the drums a little.
In your experience, does the sound quality of your own using full-length samples (rather than looped ones) reproduce faithfully? Or does the sound engine just sound like that?
Thanks team,
-CCQ-

[brambos]

I can't compare my ESX to the EMX because I've never owned the latter. However my ESX sounds nothing I'd describe as naked. Especially with the tubes dialed in a little bit I get pretty big sounding mixes.

Just be aware of the limitations. It has 24Mb of sample ram (most effectively used with mono samples) and only 2 mono channels for melodic/synth lines (which may not be an issue since you also have Virus and a Moog). Also, the filter lends itself to tweaking samples a little bit but it's not big and powerful enough to turn the ESX into a full fledged synth. Although for creating basic bass and blip sounds out of single cycle waveforms the synthesis tools are adequate.

Having said that, I love my ESX. Just looking at it makes me want to use it - and the very thought of being able to make songs on it without having to touch a PC gives me warm fuzzy feelings. I just upgraded the tubes to JJ ECC83s valves which has upgraded the sound even more.

If you have specific questions, ask away.

[robosardine]

Yes go for it. I'm with you all the way on this one. I hardly use my EMX now for the reasons you describe. On the other hand my ESX has become the dominant part of my setup- in fact I'm thinking of getting a second one. The EDM/Techno/D&B (and all the rest of it) stuff is much easier to produce/create/vary/jam with an ESX. I earlier mistakenly stuck with the EMX for far too long believing that the synthesizer as opposed to the sampler was the best way to go- for me- WRONG!

[CleverConQueso]

Thanks, guys.

So it's not crazy to think that I could sample my Moog and be satisfied with the results, even at the low end?

I think I'm about to get a pretty good deal on an ESX, it needs work, which is something I'm adequate at. But it leaves budget for tubes. I've heard tale of the joy of new tubes but I don't understand what replacement tubes offers? I usually run my EMX with tubes at 25% and volume at 50%. I would drive it more but since you've got several instruments coming out of the same holes, it's not always the right thing to to. And the effects chain is only on the main outs.

I'm also a little concerned about having fewer total voices in the end although I'm hoping creative repurposing will allow me to continue to drive 5 or 6 channels of external gear. Or maybe I'll just sample everything. No wait, that doesn't work. Switch to a minimal style? No...

I'll just get the thing and find out. But what do you find?

[djcactus]

i use an esx for drum tracks and sampling, i really like it, i use my keyboard channels to trigger melodies and bigger scenes in ableton live. So forget those mono keyboard channels, you have better gear. I hear the emx can be an amazing controller, so if you're a software guy maybe give it a try before you swap it. Other then that i love making samples in my daw and putting kits together on my esx, you definitely already have the learning curve down so i don't doubt you would be making sweet beats in no time.

[robosardine]

Yes- I sample my synths all the time- Mininova, Microkorg & Monotribe and am perfectly happy with the results. I always trim, amplify and normalize them on Audacity (free WAV editor on web- make sure you check it out).
before dropping them onto the ESX via the free ESX editor- see sticky above-
I have never bothered to change the tubes simply because I am happy with the sound I get at the moment- though by all accounts if you do change- then you would be unlikely to change back. Have a look at the previous posts in the forum.
You may want to have a look at phrase samplers to accompany your ESX such as the MPC's or the Boss SP-505 to play your longer synth phrases and the like.

[CleverConQueso]

Anyone use the line-in to record or is it always in the box? How does the line-in change the sound?

[brambos]

I have used the line-in occasionally to sample blibs and bobs from my Monotrons. It works and sounds perfectly fine but trimming loops without seeing what you're doing is tricky.

[CleverConQueso]

The ESX I went to look at last night was without a doubt the most abused piece of hardware I had seen in as long as I can remember. The good news is it's stood the test, the rest of the news is, someone else is going to have to take it the rest of the way. The search continues. Thanks for all of the guidance. I'm on a few gear forums and this one is for sure my favorite. Honestly, it's a good reason to stay with the equipment.