In the latest episode of Sense Music & Media‘s Modern Classics series, host Martin Stimming reviews one of the most notable drum machines of the last few decades, the Korg Electribe ER-1 Groovebox.

The ER-1 is a strange little box, because it doesn’t have the kick of classic Roland drum machines, and it’s analog modeled voices don’t sound especially authentic. But it can make a huge variety of very electronic percussion sounds, giving it a unique sound, and the Electribe sequencer is capable and easy to use.

Check out the video and share your thoughts on the Korg ER-1 in the comments!

Video Summary

“This was Stimming’s first drum machine, so holds a special nostalgic place in his heart, it’s frenzied interface and manipulability can seem almost archaic at times, you can really go crazy with as is so wonderfully displayed by Stimming in this video.

Under the hood of this rectangular silver and red box is an analogue modelling synth, built around four analogue modeled instruments and four PCM samples, a 64-step sequencer and adjustable oscillator, envelope, modulations and a built in delay. Nowadays these things are retailing on the used market at around 200-300 euros and at this entry level price are more than worth the investment.”