Pro-Music-News Keyboard-Section

Korg's monotribe analogue synthesizer is more than a gadget

In 2010, Korg re-entered the world of analogue synthesis with their popular palm-sized Monotron analogue ribbon synthesizer. At Musikmesse 2011, Frankfurt/Main, Germany, Korg once again took up the analogue banner with the monotribe analogue ribbon station. In addition to analogue synthesis, monotribe brings together intuitive ease of use and a three-part discrete analogue rhythm section, plus the appeal of Korg’s Electribe-style pattern sequencing. Complete with built-in speakers and battery power, monotribe is self-contained and highly portable.
In addition to the analogue synthesizer voice, the monotribe provides a three-part rhythm section (bass drum, snare, and hi-hat) powered by discrete analogue circuitry. These sounds were key elements in a generation of analogue beat making, and are still in demand today. Korg’s popular Electribe step-key interface lives on in monotribe, with a dedicated button for each of eight steps. This allows real-time, hands-on step editing of drum parts, as well as any synth part sequence played on the ribbon keyboard.
Active Step editing lets users remove or re-insert individual steps, creating short loop-like effects or off-beat patterns that weave in and out of complex rhythms. Flux Mode allows the creation of sequenced synth parts that are not rigidly tied to the step grid.
The ribbon controller keyboard provides three selectable playing modes/ranges. The chromatic mode (KEY) is ideal for playing melodies and bass lines, with the ribbon keyboard stepping from note to note. Users can switch to the continuous mode (NARROW) for smooth gliding between notes. Also available is the wide continuous mode (WIDE) with a six-fold pitch range for sweeping effects. In addition, pressing the Gate Time button will allow the gate time to be sequenced as the ribbon controller keyboard is played.
The monotribe uses classic analogue components, including the same VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) circuit found on Korg's classic MS-10 and MS-20 analogue semi-patchable synthesizers. Using the audio input, any audio source can be enhanced by passing through the filter section. The Oscillator (VCO) offers a choice between sawtooth, triangle and square wave. White noise can be mixed in to the oscillator signal in any amount. The Octave selector covers a broad range, from deep bass to piercing lead-lines. The EG (Envelope Generator) offers three presets shapes. The LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can be sent to the VCO and/or the VCF, creating dynamic effects. The Range switch selects Slow or Fast modulation ranges. Switching the LFO Mode to the 1-shot setting allows the LFO behave as a second envelope generator. The monotribe’s auto-tuning circuitry provides stable chromatic playability to keep it in tune.
The monotribe provides both Sync In and Sync Out jacks, enabling multiple monotribe units to play and work together. Audio line level pulses can also trigger the Sync Input, so the monotribe can be synchronized to a DAW system, for example.
Korg monotribe Synthesizer
© 05/2011 Pro-Music-News™
© 1997 © 2011 Pro-Music-News™. All rights reserved. Thank you for visiting Pro-Music-News™.