One of the best reviews I've cam e across so far, I'm a guitar player and just started to spread my wings and this is my first synth. I'm happy with the purchase and haven't played my guitar in over a month, I think I should pick it back up before I lose my calices!
Just got mine and about to have some fun playing with it. Thanks for the great review as it was most helpful and influential in making my decision to buy one. You really know your stuff, clearly explain the features and give great constructive criticism, all of which is very informative and refreshing. Please keep up the good work.
Nick, I appreciate that you actually play something nice and melodic. Many other synth demo/reviews (especially the manufacturers) are people just jerking around with uninteresting sequences and saying all the great things it can do. I don't care of all the cool things it can do if I don't know how I can use it with the music I create.
Hey Nick, was just watching your reviews of the Monotron Delay/Duo and Monotribe. The analogue synth industry (Volcas not the best example) and your channel have both come a long way in the last 5 years. Not missing the goatee at all!
No, its not. Analog filters do not generally step like that, they have a smoother slope to them, the stepping is due to the lack of resolution of the control knob. This is because of two things - the MIDI controller is only 128 steps AND Korg have not done anything with the interpolation to make it smoother. Unsurprising really considering the cost, but that is why.
The Volca Keys really is an amazing little synth. I play it every day and I'm still finding new sounds it can create. It can be a smooth polysynth, a bassy monosynth, and if you have a sampler it can even provide your analog drum sounds. Love it.
I like, I love and I adore your SonicLab reviews of synthesizers and other things. I watch them very active, very often and completely all reviews. And I watch them some of them several times. SonicLab reviews is my favorite. Wonderful!!!
to me, it's about the unique features. automation is very cool. you can really do things with these that you can't do with anything else. great for creativity. plus when the power went out the other day I hardly even noticed. also I like the stepped sound to the filter when the res. is high. people usually complain about this but I use it to my advantage, you can play melodies with the filter and sounds different than everything else out there. thank you korg.
not unique though... Almost all korg products have that automation thing, the older one too. As parameter locking in ALL the Elektron machines... So not only Korg ;)
Definitely the best of the Volcas. I even like it's sound more than a lot of really expensive synths. Love the gritty old school feel of it... perfect for ambient soundscapes. Having built in delay is a huge bonus too... the average delay pedal costs as much as the Volca Keys itself.
7:32 LFO cutoff internet? For that I´d choose a very slow pulse LFO with an incredibly short pulsewidth, so my internet only cuts off shortly every now and then. Seems like someone put a S&H in there...
I purchased the volca keys and hated it on my first listen of it. Its growing on me as i play with it and learn its features. The way its designed with the sync makes you want all 3. I have now ordered the bass and beats will be no doubt on the the way soon. All i can really say is you get what you pay for. its very good for price but dont expect a awesome sounding analog. With tweaking and change of EQ through a mixer , external fx it can sound sweet.
great vid got a lot of info, missed if he explained what the LFO trigger sync function did. I'd watch it again im just quite busy if anyone would explain that would be most rad.
AYE found my answer so ill just post here in case anyone is equally as clueless as myself. The LFO trigger sync function when turned on restarts the sweep of your LFO with each new note you play pretty groovy
Slight mistake in the review: the motion controls can't be applied to the VCF Peak knob or the tempo knob. All the other white/transparent knobs can have motion control applied to them. One very positive thing to note is that the it's actually possible to play the keys on the device, unlike that sadistically tiny strip that comes on the Monotribe.
A mini portable sampler keys would be nice, they should do a mini sample player with analogue filter and delay. A little micro sd job, but make it run on batteries.
As far as sampling goes, I think between the Korg ESX-1 and microsampler and the Roland SP-404, there are plenty of affordable, easy to use samplers out there already. Plus samplers are not having the sort of renascence that analog synths are right now.
I wasn't too convinced of its actual usefulness until you showed the tempo division feature! I'm going to try and sync it to my EMX-1 to add a few chords here and there. Thanks for yet another awesome in-depth review. PS I read somewhere the filter is steppier on the Keys due to it being digitally controlled (for automation recording) unlike the Bass.
try having a look at sonicstate's review of the Kaossilator Pro it goes into the midi functionality, the other thing is I think the Volca keys only excepts sync by its clock inputs and not by its midi input could be wrong tho and that could be updated later
Yeah, I've been wondering about the delay as well. The monotron was using some cheap CMOS IC so my guess it's the same. Would be great to get that confirmed though.
Sorry, I have a quest. Do you think that with keys ,beats and bass is possible to make sounds like daft punk? I mean old daft punk like in homework and in discovery. Another thing. Volca keys might be used to play elettronic-ambient? Or there are only dance sounds? (I think like mmoths-THNX. There is this music on youtube) thanks! (Ps I hope is possible to use not a lot the pc hahah)
I think it would be easier to do classic Daft Punk with the Volca series. But you'd need some kind of sampler, too, as the old Daft Punk stuff was very sample heavy. As for MMOTHS, you might make it work, but you'd need to do a lot of post-production to get that beautiful shimmery sound they have.
From the retailer where I have my pre-order waiting to be filled. They checked with Korg Canada last week and just heard back from Korg today. Funny, Korg Canada already has a bug fix posted for Volca Beats and the system software 1.02 to download.
Motion recording delay time adjustments to make a chorus is such a good idea! Could do the same with detune in tandem maybe too for even thicker effects. Damn it I can't wait for these boxes!
Just a note about waveforms, the oscillator puts out a sawtooth wave, except in the ringmod modes. If you go into ringmod poly and play single notes, you'll get a square wave. Hardly earth-shattering, but it's a nice feature.
I thought the same thing the first time I heard someone demo the Keys filter. If you listen closely though you'll notice that as the filter sweeps higher it starts missing harmonics. It's too bad as they probably could have dropped motion sequencing support for something that wouldn't have bee missed (like the EG or one of the mod depths) and doubled up on the cutoff's resolution.
So I bought the Volca Keys and I tried plugging it to my Kaossilator Pro. The only thing I managed to get with that is synched clocks. Is there something else I can control with the Kaoss? (Such as starting loops on both machines at the same time) Overall, I really like it. Yesterday I commuted to and from work while trying new sounds with it. I'm sure there's a whole lot about it I haven't discovered yet!
Are the volcas in stereo? or just mono? And could you do a video of all three of them playing together to show the range of sounds that can be created together? (go on, you know you want to spend half an hour noodling!)
If you use a slow LFO to modulate the filter, it will not step. The EG attack/decay will not either. generally the stepping is usually on synths where there is some preset storage or automation ability, because I believe the slider is controlling data not the VCF directly. My Jupiter 6 does this, but funny enough the Andromeda does not. So maybe its newer or more expensive data encoder designs. The only way anyone can say no to this synth is if they already have a more comprehensive analog poly.
Great review Nick. Given all the different features and louder noise level of the Volca Keys, would you choose the Keys or the Bass if you were to only get one?
Sounds nice on the video. Im not too sure bout the filter stepping. I have volca bass, roland tr8, electribe em1, and a roland sh101 for playing live acid house/detroit techno. What are peoples genuine views on the keys?
my 2 cents on the volca series. i played with the beats. the kick is really good. not too happy about the snare and the hats are ok i guess, more on the lo-fi end of things. i found the sequencer to be limited for me, but maybe i dream too much about mpcs. bottom line the kick is great. volca bass is the best sounding of the bunch. not that much noise, great filter, brilliant subs, really nice as a monophonic synth. no gain control over different oscilators though. if you pitch it up it is nothing like the 303. also, no sine wave oscilator?! bummer. some say it sounds distorted with the peak up, but synthetis IS distortion so... have fun. the volca keys is somehow the hardest to immediately love. not too musical or playable at fiirst tests. the filter is steppy and restarts when different new notes are played. it is noisy and glitchy. BUT. It has a very nice sequencer, the best of the volcas. really good to morph the same sequences over and over and over. ironically, this might be the next 303, and not the volca bass, because it was sent on the market to do something - you know... keys. and, imho, it s not that good at this. but, on its own, without an external midi controller, its glitches and artefacts can be sequenced really well into something new. if i had to choose. bass for subs and little melodies. keys for indulgent knob turning and time away from the computer. long story short. volca bass - instant gratification. volca keys - a grower
So is it necessary to have the Volca beats if you want to create a sequence? I see this, and the bass have "Step" functions, but I'm not sure if they can sequence without the beats...if so, then that's great!!!
as a person who mainly does live improvisation, the motion-sequencing and beeing able to pre-record them really makes me wonder if I should get this one or the bass (although eventually I might get both)... I don't care for the beats at all, but I can't wait to sync them up with my good ol' Electribe ER1
Great review as always! I want all three volcas. Because of Nick and Sonic State I have bought Moog, Korg and Dave Smith synths. I've also avoided buying equipment as well.
Excellent end to a fine series of reviews. Like how you rounded up some general notes, very thorough. Rather strange (and disappointing) how it's noisier than the 2 others, but still doesn't sound anywhere near as bad as the monotrons, so still a very tempting proposition. Also disappointing with the filter, as the filter on the bass sounds very sweet in your review of that. Btw, any1 know, is it confirmed that the delay is analogue? I believe the monotron delay was only "analogue style". GJ!
yes! a midi lfo box is something really missing on the market, same as just a standalone pitchbend/modwheel for keys with no function like that. where are the manufacturers with their mind? nice demo, you did a great job on this and the v bass!
I picked up a portable Lithium-ION battery pack for $20 that you use to recharge smartphones, MP3 players, etc. via a USB cable. It powers the Akai MPX8 great. I haven't tried to see how long the MPX8 will run off the battery pack, but probably longer than typical 6-AAs.
Hmmm wonder if they'll release a software update like with the Monotribe :D I could go for that! I'm guessing the filter doesn't track the keyboard right?
Yeah I think I'd buy the beats if I didn't already own an EMX-1, but the Volca Bass just has a such a great sound to it considering it's price. Can't wait...
hey, im tying to connect my axion 25 mk2 to my volca keys via a Dc 9v adapter without a computer. I have masure they are on the same channel, but Im having no luck
Amazing little synth the bass mate, has a very unique sound and is capable of some really complicated and fresh new sounds. It's not just for bass either, you can make some amazing leads too even bass drums and percs. Most people are saying it sounds better than novations bass station II which is pretty amazing considering theyre £400.
Yeah, in this case i'm inclined to agree. But traditionally the noise is a huge problem with all Korgs units with built in speakers. That's why it's on so many peoples minds in this case too. About the sampling, all those interested in a cheap sampler should take a 2nd look at an Akai MPX8. Which also kinda proves that a Volca Sampler is very possible. And Korg have earlier done very well with the Electribe ES-1 and ESX-1 samplers. Think that tech would easy and cheap conform to a Volca format.
Marcus Wiles Chorus IS a modulated delay! You should use short feed backs and short times and modulate the time. Another way to simulate the sound is to detune the oscillators in unison mode.
Hello, thanks for the great review. I was wondering how you played it through your separate keyboard. I have a Novation MiniNova with Midi In and Out. Would that work? Thanks. Tom
Yo mate do you have a link by any chance? A name or something to make it easier to find? Not lazy, just hopin to avoid scouring for hours haha. Thanks!
Very important question (for me)! If I wanted one volca just as a analog synth module for my DAW and not for live performances which do I want? Bass or keys? Which has the bigger range use in studio work?
since im already writing a book here I might as well add in, the reason the volca bass doesn't step is because it cant record motion sequences or store the cutoff knob data. Of course I haven't played any volcas yet but have played hundreds of synths. I'm relay looking forward to both the beats and the bass both of which make sounds that haven't been available for the last 15 years for under a grand. The keys is surely the least expensive analog poly ever built tho.
Does the other synths (bass/drums) have anything similar to the tempo 1/1 - 1/4 division? When you are using a 1/4 tempo division can you switch patterns ? Do patterns saved with tempo divide mode save with theiir respective tempo divisions?
I have a volca keys and I love it. It's really a minimal rig, by the way it's capable of surprisingly subtle shades. Noisy, yes, a little. Not a problem, it's too much fun for the buck.
Loving mine. Beware that it's a total gateway drug though! You'll soon want more Volcas and other synths as you go down the rabbithole...
i mix synths with sodium bicarb in the microwave and smoke them - someone help me!
exactamente es
currently there, im fucking in love with the volca sample, not using my mpc500 anymore lol
I'm not using my laptop, guitar and bass anymore since I don't remember when, but I'm happy.
Just got my 7th ! Gotta catch em all!!!!
One of the best reviews I've cam e across so far, I'm a guitar player and just started to spread my wings and this is my first synth. I'm happy with the purchase and haven't played my guitar in over a month, I think I should pick it back up before I lose my calices!
+stack0413 ST@X13 @SoundCloud
spent so much time playing music you forgot to study spelling and grammar in school! LoL!
Yeah, takes the time to add some cunty remark to a 2 year old comment.
@@SonicBodhi1 That was rather callous
@@SonicBodhi1 ass
Where else can you get a 3 voice poly analog for $150? This thing is excellent.
Just got mine and about to have some fun playing with it. Thanks for the great review as it was most helpful and influential in making my decision to buy one. You really know your stuff, clearly explain the features and give great constructive criticism, all of which is very informative and refreshing. Please keep up the good work.
Nick, I appreciate that you actually play something nice and melodic. Many other synth demo/reviews (especially the manufacturers) are people just jerking around with uninteresting sequences and saying all the great things it can do.
I don't care of all the cool things it can do if I don't know how I can use it with the music I create.
It took me 9 years after this video to actually buy a Volca Keys... but hey the fun is still there!
Hey Nick, was just watching your reviews of the Monotron Delay/Duo and Monotribe. The analogue synth industry (Volcas not the best example) and your channel have both come a long way in the last 5 years. Not missing the goatee at all!
No, its not. Analog filters do not generally step like that, they have a smoother slope to them, the stepping is due to the lack of resolution of the control knob. This is because of two things - the MIDI controller is only 128 steps AND Korg have not done anything with the interpolation to make it smoother. Unsurprising really considering the cost, but that is why.
The Volca Keys really is an amazing little synth. I play it every day and I'm still finding new sounds it can create. It can be a smooth polysynth, a bassy monosynth, and if you have a sampler it can even provide your analog drum sounds. Love it.
This review was worth the wait. It hit the points I was wondering about and brought up a few issues to ponder. Excellent.
The filter has more than a little bit of stepping IMO
They only need to put a tiny amount of lag on that. That would only cost them a few pennies (or yen or whatever)
I don't mind stepping in lots of cases. Sometimes it can sound cool
Yeah, but it screams.
I like, I love and I adore your SonicLab reviews of synthesizers and other things. I watch them very active, very often and completely all reviews. And I watch them some of them several times. SonicLab reviews is my favorite. Wonderful!!!
I would say these three reviews (beats, bass and keys) are the best and most informative of all that I've stumbled uppon on youtube! Thanks!
to me, it's about the unique features. automation is very cool. you can really do things with these that you can't do with anything else. great for creativity. plus when the power went out the other day I hardly even noticed. also I like the stepped sound to the filter when the res. is high. people usually complain about this but I use it to my advantage, you can play melodies with the filter and sounds different than everything else out there. thank you korg.
not unique though... Almost all korg products have that automation thing, the older one too. As parameter locking in ALL the Elektron machines... So not only Korg ;)
To get rid of the hiss, bypass the delay witch a switch.
MrVitalic85 how ? :o
Definitely the best of the Volcas. I even like it's sound more than a lot of really expensive synths. Love the gritty old school feel of it... perfect for ambient soundscapes.
Having built in delay is a huge bonus too... the average delay pedal costs as much as the Volca Keys itself.
Very tempted to buy a couple of these to sync with my analog 4.
Just curious, what was the signal during the 6:58-7:03 marks?
7:32 LFO cutoff internet? For that I´d choose a very slow pulse LFO with an incredibly short pulsewidth, so my internet only cuts off shortly every now and then. Seems like someone put a S&H in there...
6:21
There's a reason for that. When in either of the ring mod modes, the oscillators output square waves.
I purchased the volca keys and hated it on my first listen of it. Its growing on me as i play with it and learn its features. The way its designed with the sync makes you want all 3. I have now ordered the bass and beats will be no doubt on the the way soon. All i can really say is you get what you pay for. its very good for price but dont expect a awesome sounding analog. With tweaking and change of EQ through a mixer , external fx it can sound sweet.
great vid got a lot of info, missed if he explained what the LFO trigger sync function did. I'd watch it again im just quite busy if anyone would explain that would be most rad.
AYE found my answer so ill just post here in case anyone is equally as clueless as myself. The LFO trigger sync function when turned on restarts the sweep of your LFO with each new note you play pretty groovy
THANK YOU NICK
Slight mistake in the review: the motion controls can't be applied to the VCF Peak knob or the tempo knob. All the other white/transparent knobs can have motion control applied to them. One very positive thing to note is that the it's actually possible to play the keys on the device, unlike that sadistically tiny strip that comes on the Monotribe.
Love the camera changes. Though they should be synced with key changes ;)
For the price, this thing appears quite epic.
A mini portable sampler keys would be nice, they should do a mini sample player with analogue filter and delay. A little micro sd job, but make it run on batteries.
As far as sampling goes, I think between the Korg ESX-1 and microsampler and the Roland SP-404, there are plenty of affordable, easy to use samplers out there already. Plus samplers are not having the sort of renascence that analog synths are right now.
I wasn't too convinced of its actual usefulness until you showed the tempo division feature! I'm going to try and sync it to my EMX-1 to add a few chords here and there. Thanks for yet another awesome in-depth review. PS I read somewhere the filter is steppier on the Keys due to it being digitally controlled (for automation recording) unlike the Bass.
Seems like this might be my first synthesizer
Wow that sounded nice and big at the end there. I really like the rustic delays, if it is like the one on the monotron I will love it!
try having a look at sonicstate's review of the Kaossilator Pro it goes into the midi functionality, the other thing is I think the Volca keys only excepts sync by its clock inputs and not by its midi input could be wrong tho and that could be updated later
The sounds you made in the outro of this video are freaking awesome!
Yeah, I've been wondering about the delay as well. The monotron was using some cheap CMOS IC so my guess it's the same. Would be great to get that confirmed though.
Sorry, I have a quest. Do you think that with keys ,beats and bass is possible to make sounds like daft punk? I mean old daft punk like in homework and in discovery. Another thing. Volca keys might be used to play elettronic-ambient? Or there are only dance sounds? (I think like mmoths-THNX. There is this music on youtube) thanks! (Ps I hope is possible to use not a lot the pc hahah)
I think it would be easier to do classic Daft Punk with the Volca series. But you'd need some kind of sampler, too, as the old Daft Punk stuff was very sample heavy. As for MMOTHS, you might make it work, but you'd need to do a lot of post-production to get that beautiful shimmery sound they have.
Alessandro Simone the TB-3 by Roland has some Daft Punk sounds, i.m.o.
From the retailer where I have my pre-order waiting to be filled. They checked with Korg Canada last week and just heard back from Korg today.
Funny, Korg Canada already has a bug fix posted for Volca Beats and the system software 1.02 to download.
Motion recording delay time adjustments to make a chorus is such a good idea! Could do the same with detune in tandem maybe too for even thicker effects. Damn it I can't wait for these boxes!
Just a note about waveforms, the oscillator puts out a sawtooth wave, except in the ringmod modes. If you go into ringmod poly and play single notes, you'll get a square wave. Hardly earth-shattering, but it's a nice feature.
Correct some radio hash
I thought the same thing the first time I heard someone demo the Keys filter. If you listen closely though you'll notice that as the filter sweeps higher it starts missing harmonics. It's too bad as they probably could have dropped motion sequencing support for something that wouldn't have bee missed (like the EG or one of the mod depths) and doubled up on the cutoff's resolution.
So I bought the Volca Keys and I tried plugging it to my Kaossilator Pro. The only thing I managed to get with that is synched clocks. Is there something else I can control with the Kaoss? (Such as starting loops on both machines at the same time)
Overall, I really like it. Yesterday I commuted to and from work while trying new sounds with it. I'm sure there's a whole lot about it I haven't discovered yet!
if you are watching this and still dont own one of these things, go out and buy it. you wont regret. the keys has been a solid performer in my studio.
Really informative, man.. thank you for making these videos, your knowledge helps a lot of people, seriously, thanks you very much. You are the best!
i love this dude, its so pleasing to listen to his reviews,
Are the volcas in stereo? or just mono?
And could you do a video of all three of them playing together to show the range of sounds that can be created together? (go on, you know you want to spend half an hour noodling!)
If you use a slow LFO to modulate the filter, it will not step. The EG attack/decay will not either. generally the stepping is usually on synths where there is some preset storage or automation ability, because I believe the slider is controlling data not the VCF directly. My Jupiter 6 does this, but funny enough the Andromeda does not. So maybe its newer or more expensive data encoder designs. The only way anyone can say no to this synth is if they already have a more comprehensive analog poly.
Great review Nick. Given all the different features and louder noise level of the Volca Keys, would you choose the Keys or the Bass if you were to only get one?
No noise generator on this one? I mean..if i just wants to use it as an effect sound unit..to make breezing winds an suchs?
Sounds nice on the video. Im not too sure bout the filter stepping. I have volca bass, roland tr8, electribe em1, and a roland sh101 for playing live acid house/detroit techno. What are peoples genuine views on the keys?
my 2 cents on the volca series. i played with the beats. the kick is really good. not too happy about the snare and the hats are ok i guess, more on the lo-fi end of things. i found the sequencer to be limited for me, but maybe i dream too much about mpcs. bottom line the kick is great.
volca bass is the best sounding of the bunch. not that much noise, great filter, brilliant subs, really nice as a monophonic synth. no gain control over different oscilators though. if you pitch it up it is nothing like the 303. also, no sine wave oscilator?! bummer. some say it sounds distorted with the peak up, but synthetis IS distortion so... have fun.
the volca keys is somehow the hardest to immediately love. not too musical or playable at fiirst tests. the filter is steppy and restarts when different new notes are played. it is noisy and glitchy. BUT. It has a very nice sequencer, the best of the volcas. really good to morph the same sequences over and over and over. ironically, this might be the next 303, and not the volca bass, because it was sent on the market to do something - you know... keys. and, imho, it s not that good at this. but, on its own, without an external midi controller, its glitches and artefacts can be sequenced really well into something new.
if i had to choose. bass for subs and little melodies. keys for indulgent knob turning and time away from the computer.
long story short. volca bass - instant gratification. volca keys - a grower
theres a midi template you can get for the lemur on ipad that works as a midi LFO. that should work
So is it necessary to have the Volca beats if you want to create a sequence? I see this, and the bass have "Step" functions, but I'm not sure if they can sequence without the beats...if so, then that's great!!!
Year 2020 and I'm watching this review (because sonicstate reviews are really really the best!) hunting for some (additional) cheap (
Excellent Review as always. I've got one coming in the post.... Thanks!
Nick you are awesome. Thanks for doing all of these great vids, keep it up!
as a person who mainly does live improvisation, the motion-sequencing and beeing able to pre-record them really makes me wonder if I should get this one or the bass (although eventually I might get both)... I don't care for the beats at all, but I can't wait to sync them up with my good ol' Electribe ER1
Great review as always! I want all three volcas. Because of Nick and Sonic State I have bought Moog, Korg and Dave Smith synths. I've also avoided buying equipment as well.
Excellent end to a fine series of reviews. Like how you rounded up some general notes, very thorough. Rather strange (and disappointing) how it's noisier than the 2 others, but still doesn't sound anywhere near as bad as the monotrons, so still a very tempting proposition. Also disappointing with the filter, as the filter on the bass sounds very sweet in your review of that.
Btw, any1 know, is it confirmed that the delay is analogue? I believe the monotron delay was only "analogue style".
GJ!
yes! a midi lfo box is something really missing on the market, same as just a standalone pitchbend/modwheel for keys with no function like that. where are the manufacturers with their mind?
nice demo, you did a great job on this and the v bass!
How come there's step on the cutoff levels? Exactly which components are analog on the Volca?
I picked up a portable Lithium-ION battery pack for $20 that you use to recharge smartphones, MP3 players, etc. via a USB cable. It powers the Akai MPX8 great. I haven't tried to see how long the MPX8 will run off the battery pack, but probably longer than typical 6-AAs.
It's 8th (like good old days when clock pulse of Din sync between Korg and Roland were different).
Hmmm wonder if they'll release a software update like with the Monotribe :D I could go for that! I'm guessing the filter doesn't track the keyboard right?
Yeah I think I'd buy the beats if I didn't already own an EMX-1, but the Volca Bass just has a such a great sound to it considering it's price. Can't wait...
According to the specs don't you get a simple square wave with a single note in poly ring mode?
where are the 3 ocilators, can you make one a sine one a triangle and one saw wave?
I genuinely need all three of these.
Does it record digital audio of your playing or is it recording performance data, then triggering the oscillators on playback?
so are the other wave forms only for lfo and not for ocilators
Only a matter of time until we have a "mini" poly 6! Congrats Korg on enhancing you analog image this year.
Sigh, not available in Canada until sometime in November now. :-(
they are here in the states!
Can you transpose the key of a sequence in realtime? I have an IK UNO which is great but I don't think it can transpose.
Thanks for all your reviews Nick. I watch them all the time. Going to be reviewing the Bass Station 2 soon by chance? Cheers
hey, im tying to connect my axion 25 mk2 to my volca keys via a Dc 9v adapter without a computer. I have masure they are on the same channel, but Im having no luck
Can you play each of the KVK's 3 oscillators separately ala the Volca Bass?
Great video. Can you hook this up to a Roland tb 3? If so how?
Yes I saw that! Never actually got around to trying it out... thanks for the reminder.
Does all voices have individual filters and modulation sources?
i got one when released. i like its crusty cheap sound, ran through fx its great.
Is there a way to sync the LFO Rate to the Tempo knob/MIDI tempo???
Amazing little synth the bass mate, has a very unique sound and is capable of some really complicated and fresh new sounds. It's not just for bass either, you can make some amazing leads too even bass drums and percs. Most people are saying it sounds better than novations bass station II which is pretty amazing considering theyre £400.
Yeah, in this case i'm inclined to agree. But traditionally the noise is a huge problem with all Korgs units with built in speakers. That's why it's on so many peoples minds in this case too.
About the sampling, all those interested in a cheap sampler should take a 2nd look at an Akai MPX8. Which also kinda proves that a Volca Sampler is very possible. And Korg have earlier done very well with the Electribe ES-1 and ESX-1 samplers. Think that tech would easy and cheap conform to a Volca format.
Can you go into more detail on how you got that chorus effect my modulating the delay time?
Marcus Wiles Chorus IS a modulated delay! You should use short feed backs and short times and modulate the time. Another way to simulate the sound is to detune the oscillators in unison mode.
Does anyone know what clock those things put out/accept? is it just 16th note pulses, or do they have their own standard?
Hello, thanks for the great review.
I was wondering how you played it through your separate keyboard. I have a Novation MiniNova with Midi In and Out. Would that work?
Thanks.
Tom
Wow Tom Adams you have to much Ego
Thanks
Tom
Fj Francois lol
Yo mate do you have a link by any chance? A name or something to make it easier to find? Not lazy, just hopin to avoid scouring for hours haha. Thanks!
Can you use the motion sequencing on the delay time for chorus? If so I'm definitely getting one.
that little set up is badass
Very important question (for me)! If I wanted one volca just as a analog synth module for my DAW and not for live performances which do I want? Bass or keys? Which has the bigger range use in studio work?
since im already writing a book here I might as well add in, the reason the volca bass doesn't step is because it cant record motion sequences or store the cutoff knob data. Of course I haven't played any volcas yet but have played hundreds of synths. I'm relay looking forward to both the beats and the bass both of which make sounds that haven't been available for the last 15 years for under a grand. The keys is surely the least expensive analog poly ever built tho.
Not available in Canada until November? Where did you hear that? Oh no, where did you hear that?
i just tryed thebfkux mode but my chords results "chopped" or broken when sounds during reproduction. Why? probably my fault?
the flux mode. sorry
i'd like to see a volca sequencer come out
Does the other synths (bass/drums) have anything similar to the tempo 1/1 - 1/4 division? When you are using a 1/4 tempo division can you switch patterns ? Do patterns saved with tempo divide mode save with theiir respective tempo divisions?
9:35 Wow, that 1 to 4 tempo setting really lets you put everything in its right place doesn't it!?
if you only get a saw wave then why does it say square sine and triangle
which one is the best one to buy? and whats the most popular one for making techno sounds the bass beats or keys?
The volca sample is well-rounded
Volca Bass by a long shot
How on earth did you get it to be so NOT noisy? That's almost the only thing that mine makes. Noise is so prominent I rarely even use it.
Is it too late to send it back?
Superb demo. Thank you.
I have a volca keys and I love it. It's really a minimal rig, by the way it's capable of surprisingly subtle shades. Noisy, yes, a little. Not a problem, it's too much fun for the buck.