Powerful sampler/drum machine/music production station with great sound editing potential and a wide palette of unique, gritty effects. This ESX-1 is in great condition (with one exception, see below*) and has a custom occult-themed faceplate, aftermarket vacuum tubes (provides some clearer tone when compared to the factory tubes), a 128MB SmartMedia card (maximum capacity for the format) with accompanying USB card reader, original power supply and the owner's manual/quick start tutorials.

Highlights:

• 14-part step sequencer with motion sequence, accent & dedicated audio in track
• Live record with part pads
• Sample slicing, stretching, truncating, normalizing, and more
• Sequence external gear via MIDI
• Arpeggiator with multiple scales and modes
• 16 effect types with flexible effect chaining, assignable per part (non-global)
• Low pass, high pass, band pass and band pass plus filters (independent of effect filters)
• 384 sample slots, 256 pattern slots and 64 song slots per .esx memory set (SM card allows for multiple memory sets to be saved at once)
• Flexible envelope and modulation options with different types of tempo sync
• Sample import/export via SmartMedia card and live sample recording
• Resampling capability
• Auto BPM detection for input audio
• Adjustable vacuum tube gain
• MIDI in/out/thru
• Mono/Stereo audio input (can be routed through internal effects and filters or straight through)
• 2 assignable outputs
• 2 main outputs (L/R)
• Headphone output

The ESX-1 features powerful step sequencing, motion sequencing (recording live knob tweaks in real time and adding them to the pattern), an excellent arpeggiator, song mode for preparing arrangements and superb live-playing ability. MIDI sequencing of external gear is also possible, and the unit features a Stereo/Mono line input for instruments or microphones, with a dedicated audio in track for direct external sound processing. It also has a pair of assignable outputs, for cleaning up your mix, or for creating an external effects loop. This unit is great for any form of techno, EDM, drum n bass, breakbeat, hip hop, etc. I have used this unit exclusively in a smoke-free home studio environment. Selling because I realized I no longer need it, but it will be missed. Although it is a superb sampler and sound mangler, I personally enjoyed the sequencer, effects, and filters the most out of everything this box has to offer. It pairs perfectly with the Korg EMX if you already have one and are looking for a complement.

*I have tested every function, and everything works correctly except the slider for the arpeggiator. However, the ribbon controller works flawlessly, and the slider function can be assigned to the ribbon controller in the arpeggiator settings. I'm not sure what's wrong with the slider, it was not functional when I bought the unit from its previous owner. The slider not working never bothered me much, but if it's a dealbreaker for you, I understand.

Overall, a very fun machine, easy to pick up and super versatile once you figure it out.

If you're interested in this machine, be sure to look up the OpenElectribeEditor! This program makes the process of managing samples on the SM card a LOT easier. Also, many excellent sample packs can be found online with a quick search.

From Vintagesynth:

"Using sample based sound creation, the ESX-1 can generate a total of 16 parts that can be used for building patterns. A generous 285 seconds of memory (at 44.1kHz) can be used to create up to 384 of your own samples. Nine parts are set up to play as "one-shot" samples, or Drum Parts. Two additional Keyboard Parts allow samples to be played melodically at various pitches right from the step keys or a MIDI input device. Sampled loops can be assigned to the Stretch Parts. As Stretch Parts, their tempos can be freely adjusted without affecting their pitch. This allows two sample loops recorded at different tempos to be used in the same piece of music. Phrase samples can be "Sliced," or divided up at the rhythmic peaks of the sample. Once sliced, individual samples can be muted to generate new grooves. Pitch, filter and effect settings can be applied to the individual sliced samples (or Motion Sequenced) to transform the original phrase into something unique. Two Accent parts introduce added dynamics. Reverse and Roll commands can be used to quickly generate complex sounding patterns. Additional Sample edit commands include Normalize, Truncate and Start Point. The ESX-1 ships with 196 preloaded samples covering a wide variety of styles. All samples (.WAV/AIFF format) can be imported and exported via SmartMedia cards.

The two Vacuum tubes (Valve Force Circuitry) create an analog tube circuit to add warmth and presence to your sounds. The tube gain knob adjusts the level of the output signal passing through the vacuum tubes, creating dynamic sounds with the distinctive tonal quality that only tubes deliver. Three stereo effect processors are available for simultaneous use. Each part can be independently routed to any of the three effects processors, and you can even use the Chain function to link multiple effects in series. Each processor offers 16 effect types including reverb, delay, flanger and chorus, tempo-based delay, talking modulator, grain shifter, decimator and more. The edits you make to each of the effects processors can be saved with each pattern. A brand-new filter lets you chose Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass or Band Pass Plus. Audio inputs allow you to process external signals through the on-board filter and effects, and an extra pair of assignable outputs has been added as well."