Thinking ES-1 over ESX...

I'mNoGuru · Post by **I'mNoGuru** » Tue May 07, 2013 12:25 am

Hoping to make my first leap into solo music production with a view to being able to also use the unit in a live-theatrical setting...
I've had a 10 year gap from making any sort of music and although I've spent a fair amount of time in studios it was always from a kinda rock'n'roll rather than electro POV...

Just bought an Alesis-SR16 but want to be able to use my own samples (including vocal phrases) within recordings; to layer beats/hits and loops etc... That said, I do like a fair few of the SR-16's kits and I'm hoping I can do more with those sound by using the features of an electribe sampler?

As price is an issue I've been thinking about an ES-1 over the ESX...

How much am I likely to regret this (if at all) in the short and long term?

I'm aware that the ESX comes in both smartmedia and SD models and the ES-1 in only smartmedia... How much of an issue is this (apart from availablity) in real life production?

Thanks in advance!
Dave

Headphones · Post by **Headphones** » Tue May 07, 2013 12:33 am

You'll save a little bit of money, if you're lucky enough to locate one, but you'll have to locate the old memory cards is the only fly in the ointment, and this is where you may regret the decision. If you look on eBay, most people sell a ES-1 from anywhere from $150-300 (depending on condition, location, shipping, and if it has the original manual/box, etc). But the memory cards are where the cost adds up, since those can go from anywhere from $50-100.

Also keep in mind, you have to put up with only one effect at a time, compared to the 3 a ESX gives you. So, if you don't mind stepping back and adjusting to a different (but not too different) workflow, you should be good.

I'mNoGuru · Post by **I'mNoGuru** » Tue May 07, 2013 12:40 am

Are the cards for the ES-1 the same as the cards for the ESX (non-SD version)?

Thinking I should maybe save harder for the ESX-SD then...

Thanks for the speedy reply!!

thehighesttree · Post by **thehighesttree** » Tue May 07, 2013 2:08 pm

They use the same SmartMedia cards, except I think ES-1 only supports up to 64MB. As far as I know, only some Boss/Roland gear uses the 5V SM (SP-202 for example) which is the really rare one, instead of the 3.3V which the Electribes use. It's not *that* hard to find SmartMedia cards if you go about it the right way, which is to look for people selling old used digital cameras with a few of the cards...these usually go for less than you'd pay for the card, the camera acts as a card-reader and if you're lucky you can get several cards at once. SM isn't a deal-breaker but if you can find an SD version of the ESX for nearly the same price I'd recommend it.

Aside from that, the ESX is an order of magnitude better than the ES1. Being able to define the start and end values of samples by dedicated knobs, a modulation section, much more extensive FX routing, far superior filter (non-resonant LPF vs. res LPF/HPF/BPF/BPF+), 8 VS 4-bar max, MELODIC SAMPLE SEQUENCING, ARPEGGIATOR, etc. etc., you get the idea. Thanks to the free OpenElectribeEditor software, ESX is also much easier to load with samples from your computer. If you're simply looking to play back your own drum samples with some minor tweaks then ES1 may suit you based on the description of what you're looking for, but if you have any interest in mangling your samples or doing any rhythmic sequencing then you may want to consider the ESX.

staticwarp · Post by **staticwarp** » Wed May 08, 2013 8:17 am

you should definitely save the extra money and go with an esx. you get a lot more bang for your buck - the es1 is kind of a toy by comparison. ebay is great, you're looking at $300-$400 used (not bad for the power and use you get out of it), but i'd look locally and in your surrounding areas first. I got my esx for $175 locally simply because there is a dent on one side and the 1st measure LED is missing.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Wed May 08, 2013 1:24 pm

I would never go so far as to call the ES1 a "toy". Definitely less features than the ESX, but some people also like the lower sampling quality. I suppose it depends on cost. If you can get one under 200 I'd say go for it - I got mine for $100 near mint, and I was able to find a smart media card off of amazon for $30. Some peeps say to look for shitty cameras on ebay that include SM cards - maybe you can get one for under 50?

I've never used the ESX but I know you get many more features. Obviously if you go this route get the SD version. Also keep in mind Korg just decided to discontinue the ESX, so if you can get one for a good deal, you're picking up a future classic.

My advice? Get the ES1 and then the ESX. Then you'll have both - the charm of the original and the power of the new beast.

thehighesttree · Post by **thehighesttree** » Wed May 08, 2013 5:55 pm

I just bought an ES1 a few weeks ago...honestly, sample management is a pain due to lack of the software librarian and the 3-character LCD screen, and the "missing" features I explained above put the ESX in a whole other ballpark. ES1, while it may have good value as part of a larger MIDI rig, simply doesn't cover the same territory as its big brother: the ES1 is a sampled drum machine, whereas the ESX is more like a sample-based production jam station, hence the "toy" comment above.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Wed May 08, 2013 7:05 pm

thehighesttree wrote: the ES1 is a sampled drum machine, whereas the ESX is more like a sample-based production jam station

Thats a good way to sum it up.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Wed May 08, 2013 8:27 pm

The ESX has much better sample sound clarity with a higher samplerate.

The ES-1 I was happy with for years but now to me sounds very dull in comparison.

The tubes are also awesome. And the keyboard parts can be handy not just for the ESX but for sequencing external gear.

Feelgood · Post by **Feelgood** » Fri May 10, 2013 9:26 am

If you can get a hold of both machines that would be a real win/win situation as they work together beautifully when paired up together. Without a doubt the ESX is clearly the superior machine, but the ES-1 has several redeemable qualities that make it a true classic. One thing that I always found charming about the ES-1 was it's gritty 32khz sound which in my opinion gives a very crisp and punchy result to anything you sample (good pre-EQ makes a world of difference also).

The white noise level, so loud and pronounced on the ESX, is practically non-existent on the ES-1 (changing the ESX factory tubes is reccomended). For obvious quality control reasons low noise levels are always preferable and the ES-1 delivers for sure in that department.

I bought mine (the MK1 green faceplate model) way back in 2000 when they first came out and despite the somewhat frail plastic "toy" appearance these things were built pretty damn sturdy and solid. Mine is still running as smooth as the day I bought it.

Acquiring affordable smart media cards are of course the only drawback. But as others have mentioned, finding some at a reasonable price really shouldn't be all that difficult if you really look hard.

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Fri May 10, 2013 1:47 pm

The ESX for sure. Nobody that owns an ESX wishes they had an ES1 instead (not many at least). Nor would they want to trade down and take the extra cash difference for themselves- for this would be one of the most painful and regrettable ways of raising some funds. The SM versions are perfectly fine- there are tons of SM cards on ebay- you will realistically probably only need one 128mb card.

thehighesttree · Post by **thehighesttree** » Fri May 10, 2013 2:31 pm

I have to admit as others have that the originals do have a certain mid-fi charm of that era, a kind of early-VA fuzz, that can work really well for them. As far as noise is concerned, well...the mkI has signal noise from the button LEDs! Still, it's good to have a solid piece of auxiliary kit that somehow (less total weight on sketchy pots?) feels more backpack-ready than the ESX, even if its faceplate is shiny plastic.

I'mNoGuru · Post by **I'mNoGuru** » Fri May 10, 2013 5:14 pm

Thank you all for the replies... Really appreciate it!

I took a trip into Leeds this week to a big store there hoping to have a play with the esx... Unfortunately they didn't have one in stock but after a good chat with the sales rep, I've decided to save a little longer and go for the sd version of the esx. He like me thought that the korg would suit my needs down to a 'T' (I have been looking at mcps too) although I don't think it'll be long before I'm synth shopping...

Now I just need to flog a few bits of camera gear I don't use often...
Then I can get down to the nitty gritty of 'What the f**k is going on?!' kinda questions...

Really pleased this forum is here... Learning loads and I don't even have the unit yet!!

sauce · Post by **sauce** » Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:19 pm

Hello.. Yes, with the ESX I can edit a pattern while the sequencer is playing, save in a location, make multiple, edited copies of said pattern, save all of them into several pattern locations, resample any of the patterns on-the-fly (although the sample must be edited and saved before use..), chain the patterns together into a continuous loop.. ..ALL WITHOUT STOPPING THE SEQUENCER! =)

sohatyi · Post by **sohatyi** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:12 am

I have an ESX and I live in Leeds. I could probably arrange a demo for you if you like?