Korg's Electribe ESX1 is a pattern based sequencer and music production controller with a retro, analog drum machine appearance, and lots of knobs for some genuinely stunning real-time sonic warpage.

Designed with the Dance and Electronica market in mind, for the live DJ or budding re-mix talent, the Electribe ESX1 offers sampling, automated parameter control called Motion Sequencing(a function that records and plays back knob and slider controller adjustments), and intuitive step or real-time programming of patterns and Arpeggios. Korg has also included in the signal path a pair of 12AX7 vacuum tubes(!), for extra analog spice and fattening. That's right, tubes, as in guitar amps, and they're easily procured. A full complement of multi-effects and an expanded filtering section complete the mix.

The Electribe ESX1 is an interesting hybrid machine that should appeal to anyone, really, that enjoys the increasingly blurred borderlines between music and effect; with this box, the effect IS the music.

Sampling and Sequencing Live and Remix Production Tool

Excellent Graphics and clear labeling of keypad and controller functions

Motion Sequencing records all controller parameter adjustments for repeated playback

Pattern Set storage for instant access to favorite patterns

12AX7 Vacuum Tubes add Analog Warmth and Size to Signal Path

Analog-style Knob Controls and Labeled Keypad for intuitive programming

Expanded Programmable Filtering Section

Real Time parameter control

Ribbon and Slider controls

SmartMedia Card Storage