Time signatures on Electribe ESX-1

[john_iv]

Hey there, planning on possibly getting an Electribe ESX-1, pending the following Qs...

1. Every demo I hear is a basic four-on-the-floor, or basic 4/4 time sig. Can the unit do 'odd' time signatures? i.e. 3/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 11/8, etc.?

2. If yes to the above, can multiple time-signatures be used within the same 'song', and can time signature be changed on the fly?

3. Last one...I know these units are several years old...anyone know if Korg plans on bringing out a new version, perhaps one with a USB port?

Thanks,
john

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

1. Every demo I hear is a basic four-on-the-floor, or basic 4/4 time sig. Can the unit do 'odd' time signatures? i.e. 3/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4, 11/8, etc.?

yes, the Last Step feature let's you choose to have measures of 7 beats for 7/8, for example.

2. If yes to the above, can multiple time-signatures be used within the same 'song', and can time signature be changed on the fly?

the Last Step is set per pattern, but can't be changed on the fly. multiple patterns can be combined into a single song, so you could change time signature within a song by putting a 7/8 pattern after an 8/8 pattern

3. Last one...I know these units are several years old...anyone know if Korg plans on bringing out a new version, perhaps one with a USB port?

they're only just brought out very slightly revised versions with SD cards instead of SmartMedia - as far as I'm aware there are no rumours or info about new electribes

[jerry6681]

The last 2 patterns I just completed with my EMX1 SD were 5/4 with a triplet feel and 9/8.

Now I am working on a 6/4 pattern.

Jerry

[phillwilson]

not strictly on topic but you can also get more perceptual veriations by layering sync'd delays over the odd signature

ie create a 7/8 groove but then add a 3/4 sync delay which gives the perception of some really messed up shifting signature