Korg Sampler ESX-1 SD

Samples can be recorded directly on the device, edited and then arranged in a pattern. The Korg ESX-1 SD combines sampling with 16 sequencer parts and assigns key sound parameters to knobs and buttons on the front panel. Two switchable valves in the master output add an analogue-influenced output stage to the digital sound generation.

A total of up to 285 seconds of sampling time in mono is available for your own recordings; stereo samples use twice as much memory, allowing up to 142 seconds. Up to 384 samples can be stored internally: 256 mono and 128 stereo. You can record external signals via the audio input, edit existing samples or resample the device's signal. WAV and AIFF files can also be loaded from an SD card.

Functions such as Normalize and Truncate help with editing: Normalize raises the sample level, while Truncate removes unused sections before the start point and after the end point. Time Slice divides a sample into individual sections based on its peaks, which can be used to create new rhythms. With Time Stretch, the pitch is maintained when matching the tempo; this allows a phrase sample to follow the pattern, even if you change its tempo during a performance.

The 16 parts comprise nine single-sample parts for drum and percussion one-shots, two keyboard parts, two Time Stretch parts, one Time Slice part, one Accent part and one Audio In part. Patterns can contain up to 128 steps per part. With Motion Sequence, you can record up to 24 parameters per part and change sound progressions within a pattern. The arpeggiator is controlled via the ribbon controller and pitch slider.

Three effect blocks each offer 16 effect types, including delay variations, Chorus/Flanger, Grain Shifter, Phaser, Ring Modulation, Talking Modulation, Pitch Shifter, Compressor, Distortion, Decimator, EQ, high- and low-pass filters, and Reverb. Some delay modes can be synchronised to the BPM; parameters can be recorded in Motion Sequences. Two switchable valves in the master output complement the effect processing.

For data backup and sample transfer, the SD model uses SD cards up to 2 GB or SDHC cards up to 32 GB. The card can back up and load internal data, as well as receive samples from a computer. Please note the limit of 256 files in total and that the card must be formatted directly in the device before first use. An SD card is not included.

With stereo audio input, main outputs, two additional individual outputs and MIDI In/Out/Thru, the sampler can be integrated into a hardware setup. The headphone output lets you monitor directly on the device. The ESX-1 SD is suitable for sample-based dance and electronic music production when you want to combine parts, pattern sequences, effects and performance controls in a standalone instrument.