Korg has released System Version 2 for the Monotribe – a major firmware update that adds sample and hold, a new sync capabilities, 16 step synth sequences and more.

Here’s what’s new in Korg Monotribe System Version 2:

• Sequencer:
• Synth part resolution has been doubled to 16 Steps
• Volume Automation has been added to the synth part.
• Active Step can be specified for each part.
• Drum Roll capability has been added.
• Gate Time Hold function has been added.
• Synthesizer:
• Sample and Hold (S&H) function added to LFO.
• Sync:
• Connected sequences allow multiple monotribe units to play in rotation.
• Half Tempo function has been added.
• Short Cut Keys:
• Four convenient shortcuts for creating patterns quickly

Here’s a quick user demo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkdsijz-A_8

Here are the details:

• 16-Step Synth parts – As with drum parts, the synth part now provides timing information in between the steps in a sequence, allowing a pattern to achieve a total of 16 steps.
• Synth Part Volume Automation – Volume Automation allows the synth volume to be recorded during playback to create more detailed sequences. The left side of the ribbon controller keyboard decreases the volume, and the right side increases it. This Volume Automation can even be controlled when if Flux mode is on.
• Set individual Active Steps for each Part – The Active Step function lets you specify which steps are played or jumped when playing back the step sequencer. Now, the Active Step can be set individually for each of the SYNTH, BD, SD, and HH parts. By specifying a different number of steps for each part, you can create complex polyrhythms.
• Sample & Hold (S & H) added to the LFO – The RATE knob adjusts the frequency of change, and the INT. knob adjusts the depth of change. Unlike traditional LFO waveshapes that provide a constantly changing signal, the Sample & Hold feature takes a “sample” of the LFO signal and holds that level for a specific duration of time. The results are the highly popular and slightly random stepped-filter effects so famously used in analog synthesizers. By using noise as the input signal, the monotribe version 2 lets you create effects that change in a distinctively random manner.
• Drum Roll capability – A roll can now be added to the desired drum part. The speed of the roll can be controlled using the ribbon controller keyboard; moving toward the right will increase the number of strikes. You can also record the drum roll using the sequencer to intuitively create subtle and dynamic drum patterns.
• Linked Sequences play multiple monotribes in rotation – The Link Sequence feature is a completely new sync method that vastly expands the scope of the monotribe, to deliver even more fun. When sequence playback reaches step 8, the sequence will automatically stop and the next monotribe unit will start playing. By loop-connecting the SYNC jacks, the playback can keep cycling through multiple units – in true modular fashion.
• New Additions – The Gate Time Hold function lets you use the ribbon controller keyboard to play and record new pitch information while retaining the gate times recorded in the sequencer. Also new is the Half Tempo function, which cuts the tempo in half when synchronizing to an external input from the SYNC IN jack. In addition, there are now four shortcut keys that instantly initialize various types of sequence data or active step settings.

Let us know what you think of the Korg Monotribe System 2 update!

Updating Procedure

Thinking of monotribe as an analog synthesizer, the procedure of for updating the Operating System is also a very old-school, analog-style method, reminiscent of loading data via the playback of analog cassette tape. Download the system data which Korg has encoded as an audio (WAV) file from www.korg.com or from the website of your local Korg distributor. Then, play back the file using a WAV file player like a Smartphone or using PC application software, directly in to the monotribe’s SYNC IN jack. When the audio (WAV) file finished playing, your monotribe has been updated. It’s a traditional procedure revived for a new generation.

WARNING! Do not playback the system update file on any speaker or headphone system as this could lead to damage to equipment and/or hearing loss. Neither Korg nor any of its affiliates will accept responsibility for any damages, personal loss or injury that may result from playback of the file.