If you're looking to make a name for yourself in the dance music scene, then let's face it, you need the most cutting-edge, aggressive sounds possible. You need to call on the Tribe!

The new Electribe Series from Korg employs the ultimate in analog modeling technology to give you the richest, most versatile analog-style sounds you've ever heard. To handle all your analog synth, bass and sound effects needs, you'll want access to the Electribe A (EA-1 — $499 list). The Electribe A is a two-part analog modeling synthesizer that uses the same outstanding, critically-acclaimed tone generators made famous on Korg's hugely-popular Prophecy and Z1 synthesizers. Each of the EA-1's two parts contain two oscillators which are the building blocks of your sound. The EA-1 is able to generate startlingly accurate analog sawtooth, square, and triangle waveforms and these can be modulated with the Ring, Sync, and the appropriately-named Decimator controls.

What does this mean to you? Simple: It means you can create all those classic analog sounds you know and love. Plus, Distortion, Tempo Delay, and Chorus/Flanger effects are also included to push your audience over the edge. Dedicated knobs for each parameter allow you to quickly change and tweak your sounds to create that perfect patch. The EA-1 is so user-friendly that you can start creating great new sounds almost immediately — no degree in electronic synthesis required. In addition to the EA-1's internal tone generators, you can take your sound one step further by plugging an external sound source (like a CD player or other synths) into the Audio input jack. These signals can then be processed by the EA-1's filters and effects. You can also sync them to rhythms you create on the Electribe for truly unique sonic textures.

The EA-1's powerful (but easy to use) built-in step sequencer with 16 pad keys makes creating patterns with the sounds you've made a breeze. You can store a total of 256 patterns plus 16 songs in its memory. Patterns can be created using the step record mode or in real-time using the pad keys to play your performance. Another great feature is the "Motion Sequence" function. This function will allow you to record knob movements such as filter frequency, pitch, and effects depth right along with your patterns. This is a great way to add life and motion to your sound.

The Electribe can also be controlled from an external sequencer, keyboard or sampler to function as an analog sound tone generator. Also, its sequencer will sync to MIDI Clock or you can tap in the beat and sync to a turntable or other non-MIDI sound source.

To handle all your rhythm and percussion needs, Korg's Electribe R (the ER-1 – $499 list) will be just the thing you're looking for. With over 35 years of rhythm programming expertise, Korg may have created the ultimate analog beat machine. Every element that makes up a sound, like pitch, modulation depth, waveform shape and more can be tweaked on the fly to allow you to create slammin' beats and sounds that are truly your own. Just like the EA-1, the ER-1 gets its power from the same tone generators made famous on Korg's Prophecy and Z1 synthesizers. The ER-1's four tone generators will allow you to model four completely different kinds of rhythm sounds, in addition to the four PCM sounds: Crash cymbal, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, and clap. With the Low Boost knob you'll never have to worry about not having enough bottom end on your kick drum — just be careful to leave some plaster on the walls when cranking up this control.

The ER-1's tempo delay effect can be used to create hypnotic rhythmic delays that will always be in sync with the pattern. Also available on the ER-1 are not one but two external audio inputs that can be used to gate and sync audio signals. This is great for creating experimental rhythm patterns nobody's ever heard before. This one function alone will have you tweaking for many hours. The ER-1 will allow you to store 256 of your own rhythm patterns and 16 songs. Rhythm patterns are easily created with the built in step sequencers 16 pad keys. Plus you can record in real time using the ER-1's 12 trigger pads. And, of course, all knob movements can be recorded with the "Motion Sequence" function just like on the Electribe A. Naturally, you'll have no problem syncing the ER-1 to the EA-1 or any other external MIDI device for that matter by using MIDI Clock or the Tap Tempo function.

To top it all off, Korg introduced the KAOSS Pad dynamic effect / controller ($350 list) which puts realtime effect processing at your fingertips for any type of audio source. The X-Y pad lets you control separate parameters in the horizontal and vertical directions. You can do things like simultaneously control the delay time and the feedback of a delay line, or simultaneously modify the cutoff and resonance of a filter. It can be controlled as if you were playing a musical instrument. The X-Y pad can be tapped or scraped, making it possible to control the effects in time with a rhythm or musical phrase. The KAOSS Pad comes with sixty versatile effect programs such as delays, reverbs, pitch shifters, filters, flangers, phasers and pan. Effects can be selected by turning a knob, and can also be assigned to any of the six buttons for immediate recall. There is even a hold button to freeze the effect setting at the current location on the X-Y pad. The KAOSS Pad can even sample an external audio source like a mic or CD player for a maximum of 5 seconds at 48kHz. You can then control that sound from the X-Y pad using trippy effects like time stretch, reverse playback and pitch change. This is a great way to add sampled effects into your live set. Not only is the KAOSS Pad a cool effects processor, but it's a MIDI controller too! By connecting a MIDI device to the MIDI Out of the KAOSS Pad you can use it to control synthesizers, samplers, effects, or other external devices. With the low list prices, great sounds and cool features of the Electribe series and KAOSS Pad, Korg has definitely found the cure for the common groove.

Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more info and special low pricing on these exciting new products. Better still, order all three and start building your own rhythm empire for the upcoming new Millennium.

— Gary Phillips