The EMX-1 groovebox - a tweaked version of the original Electribe - uses a combination of PCM drum samples and digital wave shapes for sound generation. Basic envelope generator controls and filter options allow the sound to be shaped, but the real power lies in the modulation section in the top-right-hand corner.

Here, an oscillator (LFO all the way up to audio rate, with BPM sync option) can be used to modulate parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff or oscillator settings. It's a relatively simple but highly effective system and the range of sounds on offer is phenomenal.

However, the outstanding step sequencer is the star of the show, making this a great choice for creating loop-based music.

Read Korg Electribe EMX-1 SD review