KORG Electribe EMX-1 Review

The Electribe EMX-1 is a ground-breaking instrument, which is a part of a series of Dance tools. To create music on the EMX, pattern-based programming is used to create sounds beyond your imagination.

Sometimes thought of as a Synthesizer, or even a 'Mixer' of some kind, the EMX allows the user to create sounds using many knobs to change effects, and filters such as Cutoff, Reasonance, and also Modulation such as Pitch, and Amp to create interesting Wobble effects which can be used in Dubstep music.

The EMX uses a Cutting-Edge MMT synthesis engine, and has Twin Vacuum Tubes for Analog Warmth. Vacuum Tubes, though considered a thing of the past in the world of music, add an interesting 'warm' feeling to the sound produced, though it is actually recommended that you leave Tube Gain at it's minimum.

It is possible to use any MIDI Keyboard with this, especially the microKORG Keyboard, as it's made to work with the EMX. There is a keyboard built in to the EMX, however there are no keys - you just use the pattern keys and change the bar with directional arrows. For this price you may expect a slightly more impressive keyboard implemented, but it does the trick for me and I have no major issues .. though I have used a Keyboard with it and it does make it easier to make catchy melodies due to not having toswitch between bars.

Having used the EMX for a couple of months now, I have to say it is a very interesting piece of equipment. At around £450, it certainly isn't cheap to try, but I must recommend it as I have always been a fan of music, and this has allowed me to have a shot at it. I have been able to make all the sounds I want, from Peaceful Electronica to Devastating Dub .. You can do it all with this fascinating device. A few artists who use the EMX are - Calvin Harris, Enter Shikari, and Lady Gaga, to name a few.

Overall, I highly recommend this, especially for 'forward-thinking' musicians. You can make truly unique music with it, and even for the huge price I think it's very much worth it! The design is very nice, the blue is metallic which gives it a nice, shiny appearance. The buttons light up too which is looks impressive - even though it's simple! I'm very pleased with the product, and I hope many more people take the risk with the amount of money I did!

It is incredibly confusing at first, but if you sit down with the trusty manual (which by the way is very informative), you can find yourself making tunes beyond your wildest dreams in no time. I have created a song for my Artists Page on MySpace.. which you can find here. My first main song is called 'Flight of the Dove', and is mainly a peaceful tune. I made it in less than a day, and will display it here to hopefully give you guys a nice insight on what can be created with this. Don't be too critical as it is recorded in terrible quality and is just a quick snippet, no vocals yet or anything!

Flight of the Dove [LOW-QUALITY PREVIEW] by HarleyThorneMusic.

Thanks for reading my post, and I hope you found this interesting! Be sure to check out my YouTube channel, HavokHarrTV, and also follow me on twitter, @Harr2k9!