The Korg Electribe 2 Sampler has been out for 2 years now. I wanted to put together an article that sums up some of the recent changes, problems still outstanding and tips and tricks all in one place.
I plan on doing a YouTube video covering this too – so we can have both searchable text here and visual guidance over on the YT!
Firmware v2.02 details
As of writing the firmware version for the Korg Electribe 2 Sampler is v2.02 which adds the following features/fixes:
- Chaining patterns
- Undo function
- Original value indicator
- Improved loading and exporting times for samples
Issues to still be resolved & features needed
However, scouting around the ‘Net you’ll find there’s plenty of wishlists for this sampler. Some aren’t possible due to the hardware limitations.
- Having to re-import user samples after power cycle.
- Voice stealing – limitation to total tracks even when not using FX or polyphony
- Note cut-off on pattern change – really effects live playing. Notes should continue to tail.
- Attack problems – small minor adjustments aren’t possible, it seems like there’s some OS lag where jumping occurs. Filter is affected the most by this.
- Knob improvements (jumping)
- Re-triggering glitch – PCM sounds click when retriggered
- Song mode lacks features – not chaining – re-introduce features of older electribes for song mode.
- Arpeggiator needs control for up/down/random/order (standard setup)
- Key transpose in sequencer mode
- Decay & Release – separate these – access Release via Shift
- Preview sample on select for loading/import
- Sample edit should show graphic of sample – similar to MPC-style
- Add a timestretch feature
- Sequencer edit – should include gate and velocity modes for the pads
- Set velocity numerically (1-127)
Sample management
Make your samples mono and speed up the recording to save sample memory space. Even today, this sampler suffers the same problem that the older MPC samplers had – memory limitations! Speeding up your sample (double + double speed) – and then down-pitching when using the sample saves memory space.
- Have a few SD cards with only EXPORT-ALL-SAMPLE and EXPORT-ALL-PATTERNS loaded on them
- Store no more than 100 samples in a folder on the SD card (E2S slows down if more)
- Keep sample names short – makes it easier to find them on the device
- For projects, you could create a folder on the SD card where you can store your patterns and samples – for making it easier to find them.
- Use EXPORT-ALL-SAMPLE to ensure that you have the samples load when you power on later.
Pad shortcuts
This image is handy to print and keep nearby. It shows what SHIFT+Pad functions are (not printed on the hardware):
Or you can just purchase a 3rd party skin (not affiliated with me in any-way-shape-or-form):
Convert your Electribe 2 to an Electribe 2 Sampler (e2->e2s)
Do so at your own risk, but it is possible to have an E2S if you only own the E2 by following the instructions on this site.
Sampling drums
Drum samples can be made a single audio file bound together in banks, then you can splice all the hits and only use one sample slot (to a max of 64 hits).
Performing
- Part Mute – tap twice to solo tracks
- Factory patterns have hidden parts muted – un-mute them to discover more stuff!
- Part parameter settings can be discovered “non-destructively” by using the < and > arrow keys.
- Use Chord mode + Scale to get some cool extra notes! (Poly parts only)
- Sequencer|Keyboard|Chord + pad will go straight to the part you want (not having the scroll <> through each part to get there slower).
- Use Gate Arp and select multiple pads – then you can use this pad selection to part mute (for example) – a great hack!
- Use the part length to create shorter parts and form arpeggiator-like sounds.
Parameter Guide
The Parameter Guide (is your friend):
Korg Electribe 2 Sampler Parameter Guide
Information thanks to the following sites:
- Korg forums
- YouTube (loopop channel)
- FaceBook users group
- GearSlutz
- My own personal usage of the E2S
Blog article originally posted on my blog website: ranzee.com