A workflow I’m currently pursuing is using the Korg Electribe EMX-1 and ESX-1 as sound modules, with all sequencing being performed in Cubase.

I tried to learn Ableton Live in the past, being attracted to the idea of recording my arrangements at home, but then being able to remix those arrangements on the fly. With the Korg Electribe, I can do that.

Recently I configured Cubase to send MIDI Clock messages to the Electribe. I configured the Electribe to sync with an external MIDI clock, and I pressed the record button so that when Cubase would start playing, the Electribe would record the MIDI stream.

I pressed Play in Cubase, and it did this. I hit stop when the 4 bar loop had finished, then I played back the pattern from the Electribe. It was missing the first kick drum, and the first bass note.

The solution to this problem is not a timing issue, where you need to configure a delay or something. You simply need to send the same number of bars as the pattern itself to your device without any MIDI, and then have the MIDI begin after that period of silence. This gives the device time to properly sync, and then it is ready for the first notes of the pattern when they come in on the second loop.

Also, if you have any sort of MIDI CC automation, you’ll need to enable the “MOTION SEQ” setting to “Smooth” for your parts in the Electribe EMX/ESX.