Korg Unveils The Electribe Analog-Modeled Dance
Synthesizers
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EA-1
(Click for a close-up)
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ER-1
(Click for a close-up)
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January 28, 1999
Korg USA
premiers two new, exciting dance-oriented synthesizer products, the ELECTRIBE*A
Analog Modeled Synth and the ELECTRIBE*R Rhythm Synthesizer. Whether used alone
or in conjunction with each other, these new tools can help fill the needs of
most electronic dance music artists- from DJs to remixers to producers.
These new products are descendants from the DSP synthesis technologies used
on the Z1 and Trinity V3 MOSS synthesizer engines, as well as the legendary
Prophecy and OASys synthesizer platforms.
The ELECTRIBE*A (EA-1) is a two-part DSP-based synthesizer producing classic
analog sound, combined with a flexible step and real-time sequencer. Its synth
engine offers 2 oscillators per voice, a resonant filter, and oscillator modulation
capabilities like Ring Modulation, Sync, or Decimator. Effects are part of the
tone-generation system, including a dedicated Distortion control as well as
a choice of Delay, Tempo Delay, or Chorus/Flanger. A unique Motion Sequencer
function allows the user to record a given knob movement per Part so that expressive
filter sweeps and other sound changes can be recorded as well. The ELECTRIBE*R
(ER-1) combines a four-part DSP-based synthesizer with four additional PCM sound
sources, providing classic hi-hat and cymbal tones. Its synth voices includes
dual oscillators, waveform modulation, amp and panning parameters. Effects include
low boost for booming low-end, normal or tempo delay settings and the same Motion
Sequencer as the ELECTRIBE*A. The combination of DSP and sampled sound sources
is what gives the ER-1 its unique character - the voice is much warmer and more
modulatable than other sampled-only drum boxes.
Both ELECTRIBE models offer the same sequencer design, which uses the familiar
step-grid interface used on many venerable dance products, but also allows for
real-time recording as well. Patterns can be from one to four measures long
and include an accent function. The ELECTRIBE series both offer 256 patterns,
which remember the tones programmed as well as the sequences recorded. Sixteen
Songs are provided, where the user can string together selected patterns freely
to make their desired arrangement.
Another feature useful for live performance is the ability to assign different
patterns to each of the sixteen step keys allowing the user to quickly switch
between different patterns during the performance.
Both ELECTRIBE models offer audio inputs for processing external audio through
the synth voice and sequencing the external audio using the step-grid interface.
Each step of the pattern can be set to pass or gate the audio input, so rhythm
patterns can be programmed to synchronize the gating of the audio in time with
the rest of the pattern. The ELECTRIBE*A offers one audio input, while the ELECTRIBE*R
offers two inputs and two sequence parts.
Both the ER-1 and EA-1 are MIDI capable can be used as tone generators when
triggered from an external keyboard, drum pad or sequencer. They output MIDI
clock, note and controller information for use with other MIDI gear. They both
have
very clean and intuitive interfaces with multiple buttons which light up to
show which part is selected and what rhythm it is programmed to play, as well
as a host of real-time knobs and controls.
The ELECTRIBE*A and ELECTRIBE*R will be available in May 1999 with pricing
to be announced shortly.
For more information, visit Korg at http://www.korg.com/
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