Fun, fun fun! That's what the Monotribe is all about. Since getting our hands on the prototype Monotribe at the Frankfurt Musikmesse we haven't been able to stop smiling. This thing will remind even the most cynical musos why they got into making tracks in the first place. Because it's fun. Sure, it may have limitations but none of that is impoprtant when it's so easy to enjoy making crazy sounds with this incredible little beast. Don't get us wrong though, the sound of the Monotribe is nothing like a toy. Thanks to the pure analogue circuitry, the drum noises have bite and depth and the synth, well, the synth sounds simply staggering. If you're looking for a hands-on, no-nonsense, great fun way to make thick analogue sounds then you have to buy a Monotribe. Oh, and at this price, you'd have to be absolutely crazy not to....
The Korg Monotribe Analog Ribbon Station is a new form of synthesizer that packs an amazing array of features and technology into its compact body.
The Korg Monotribe fuses the powerful sound of analog synthesis with the dexterity and playability of Electribe-style sequencing, delivering the full sonic spectrum from warm and easy-going to full-on rampage. In addition, the Monotribe provides three-part rhythm section powered by discrete analog circuitry; bass drum, snare, and hi-hat, generating distinctive beats attainable only from the monotribe.
Following on the legacy of the previous Korg Electribe products, the Monotribe features a step key interface, with a dedicated button for each of the eight steps allowing for real-time, hands-on step editing of not only the drum parts, but also for any synth part sequence played on the ribbon keyboard. The addition of Active Step editing and Flux Mode provide even more musical versatility by creating and morphing edgy beats.
The built-in synthesizer is based around an analogue VCO offering a choice between sawtooth, triangle and square wave, and the VCF circuitry found in the legendary Korg MS-10 and MS-20 semi-modular synthesizers to produces anything from deep bass to piercing lead-lines. Moreover, the Monotribe features three envelope generators (EG) and an LFO with a range switch for added versatility and impressive effects.
The ribbon controller keyboard provides three selectable playing modes/ranges; chromatic mode (KEY) for playing melodies and bass lines, continuous mode (NARROW) for glides and bends, and the wide continuous mode (WIDE) with a six octave pitch range for dramatic synth zaps and screams. Coupled with the Gate button, it is possible to create extremely flexible sequences while using the ribbon keyboard.
The Monotribe also features both Sync In and Sync Out jacks and allows for multiple units to be chained together, or to synch the Monotribe to a DAW for increased flexibility. In addition, the Monotribe is equipped with a built-in speaker and powered by six AA batteries making it a very portable unit, that will deliver hours of enjoyment wherever you take it.
.png){kind=logo}
