Korg Forums

hello all,

Been reading here for a while, but this is my first post. I've got a question for those "in the know", and am looking for some advice from folks that have used both the Electribes and the Radias

First I'll have to say I've been out of the loop for quite some time. I used to be quite the hand with cakewalk and MIDI sequencing in general, and still have all my old SoundCanvas hardware (really dating myself, I know). However, I never really got big into the hardware synth scene, so I'm lacking a lot of knowledge in that area. I've also got some experience programming the Electribes although I do not own one.

I have a project coming up and I needed some new sound so, after playing around for about a week, I decided to take the plunge and get a Radias to further my knowledge of current gen synths. Mostly because of the price (us$1000 -vs- the $2000+ for a Virus TI), although I liked the accessibility of the controls, the wide variety of sounds it seems capable of, and most reviewers claims of many "deep" options. I thought it would keep me busy for quite some time.

SO, I've ordered my Radias and it will arrive next week some time, but I'm left with a question. Should I also get say, an EMX-1 for beatbox function? From the spec-sheets, manuals, and some other users comments I understand that the Radias alone is very capable of doing everything the Electribe can do (and maybe even sound better?), but I'm not sure of how to go about programming it's step sequencer. As I said, I'm familiar with the Electribe, and I think my initial impulse is to just get one because it's in my "comfort zone". I haven't received my Raidas yet, so I don't have anything to play with, but how hard/different is it really?

I guess just writing this down has made it clearer in my own mind that I am buying the Radias as much for my education as to make noise so I shouldn't get the Electribe yet, but I would still like some other viewpoints.

If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading. Looking forward to any insight you all can provide.

Fierball

I own a radias and the emx and I couldnt live without either of them

the emx is very easy to work with if you have expiernece in drum machines.


I use to mess with fruity loops alot, so learning the emx wasnt too steep.


I think you should get one, the emx is a brilliant machine that goes alot further than step sequence drums through your radias.


I just recorded this last week, im using a radias, kaoss pad and an emx (which is not visable in the video)

I accidently broke one of my keys
from what im gathering, my warranty will not cover it, and my local shop said they would have to order a whole new keyboard because they said one key cannot be replaced.

sounds fishy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDkWk1zct4o

Excellent,

Like I said, I'd been floating around the forums and watching youtube videos for a while now, and you're exactly the person I hoped would respond. Video is very informative. How these two devices can fit together in a workflow. Good tracks too. Thanks for that!

The EMX being easy to access is exactly my sticking point. I already have some knowledge so I can hit the ground running. I also wouldn't need to "change modes" on the Radias in the middle of something (I still don't know how difficult this would be, but it's usually a chore). And finally, anything that puts more knobs and buttons on my desk can't be a bad thing.

So now the only question is how to get it past my wife. . .

On keyboards, have you considered opening it yourself? Just the case, see what they're talking about. As long as there's no locktight on the screws (and you're careful), you can probably get away with taking a look without voiding a warrantee. Even if there is locktight, just get some at the hardware store and re-apply when you're done. I can understand that sometimes there are non-user serviceable sub-assemblies, but a keyboard usually isn't too hard to access. I honestly JUST finished ripping apart my old Roland S-10 to clean the keys. (don't laugh, quickdisk died a long time ago, but it's a great MIDI controller and built like a tank. Will never give it up.) I'd hate to think that all they need to do is re-seat it, but will rake you over the coals because of "policy".

Take all that advice with a grain of salt. I'm a very do-it-yourself kinda person, and almost everything I have has been out of warrantee for 10+ years. I kinda HAVE to do the repairs.

Fierball

first off Fierball I like your name

I'm currently the proud user of the RADIAS, esx1 mkII and the KP2--I've used all three live and like their depth and integration possibilities. The RADIAS is one of the most interesting and untapped sound sources I've found in a long time--I own a whole lot of synths. Use it. Tweak it. Learn to use its integrated drum kits and sequencer and you'll be surprised at the leaps in modern synth understanding you'll gain. Remember that the manual, although complete, is an absolute bear to use starting out--I went through the quasi-tutorial pages several times before I even started to understand the workflow.

The RADIAS WILL be outside your electribe comfort zone until you develop your own workflow, then suddenly the sequencing and tweaking should feel electribe-esque. Don't get an electribe until you need one (and I would personally recommend the sampler version because it definitely expands your possibilities beyond the RADIAS which doesn't have upgradable sample paths.

What I do know is that the integrated kits are nice and snappy, and you have FOUR massive timbres to work with so the RADIAS should keep you busy for a while (forever).

Hi fierball,

when getting a groovebox please consider a roland mc-808 as one option. Since its sample based its a good partner for your radias. And because it was discontinued you can get it at a very interesting price.

Ciao, Dirk.