I’ve had mine for almost 10 years. I just dug it out of my equipment closet today. I forgot how much fun it is to play around with. And it sounds amazing
for my opinion it's one of the best volcas ever. it needs no update. it's perfect in the 1st version and it's sound is just awesome!... i just love the volca keys
lmao this is p much exactly what's been on my mind the past week, perfect timing FB! been plinking around with some POs and an NTS-1 and so far I'm really enjoying them. learning how to structure patterns while also getting really quick satisfying results has been very rewarding. I'm thinking if I can snap up a keys at the right price, even if I don't dive into it right away, it'll be really nice to have waiting for when I'm ready anyway, you've been super helpful all along the way, thanks a bunch!
I own and have owned all types of synthesizers over the years and though the volca keys sounds may not be as rich and complex as moogs or juno 106's etc... I think it does hold it's own because the sound does have it's own sawtoothy character and sometimes if you find the sweet spots real magic can happen.
I use mine next to a Deluge, 0-Coast, and Strega. The volca keys holds its own for sure. I've cut it from my rig several times and it always comes back because it does what it does so well. It's nasty, snarly, and cuts through a mix.
I was deciding whether to buy Volca Keys vs the Roland S-1, I thought the S-1 has a lot more capabilities for a similar price. There is more of a learning curve vs the VK, if you know nothing about synths S-1 might be tough to get started on. I haven't seen much on the East Beast, that looks interesting as well, but for now I'm coming up to speed on my new S-1.
@Gerald Clark I have the east beast as well it's pretty cool but I need to learn more about patching and synthesis to make it sound great but I got it to interact with my other modules. I can make some fat bass but not much else, I wish I could find a patch tips video!
Bass guitar pedals work really well with the Keys. Lets it maintain the chucky substance at the low end which guitar pedals can thin out a bit. I have it running through MXR Bass Envelope Filter, Big Muff Bass, Boss Bass Chorus BE-2B (ooh fancy pants 🤗) Sounds like mechawalnut older two-men-to-carry 2nd mortgage beast.
This might be the first time I truly understood the EG Int!XD If you made a very detailed overview of how all those knobs shape sounds it would be appreciated! Some of them I have a hard time understanding exactly what they do, doesn’t effect anything with my patches.
EG int is absolutely one of the most useful things on any synth. Easy bass patch on any synth: turn cutoff all the way down, set your envelope shape, then turn EG int / env amount to taste. add unison, or other oscillators. maybe chorus. done.
I did like the sound of my Volca Keys when I had it BUT I did not find a way to save my custom sounds so I got rid of it fast! I bought the R3 instead and I was enjoying that much better. But for the price as a Minimoog style synth that does not save settings or patches, it would be very worth it. For the right LOW price... eBay right now is NOT the right place to buy equipment anymore! Most of the listings are from CHINA or JAPAN and the prices are insane! If you are lucky and have a local pawnshop or music store in your town or area, that is your best bet.. like in the olden days before online shopping.
@@FreeBeat Sorry, I forgot to answer the title of the video.. YES. Yes it is worth it in 2023 as long as you get it for a reasonable price and think of it as a Minimoog like synth.. no preset saving option
Bro… been looking for it for ages at this point. Why did Roland make such a fuzz out of it only for it to not even be available on Amazon a month later? Idk… s1 looks amazing but it’s also kinda like, “imaginary” as far as I can tell (… I know it isn’t, but honestly… wth Roland? 😂). Seriously, if you’re not in the US, S-1 has gotta be impossible to acquire.
The filter “stepping” you’re hearing is caused by the filter (with high (maxed) resonance) “picking out” individual harmonics as the filter’s cutoff frequency is swept. Most analog filters will behave this way, especially if the cutoff slope is relatively steep…
I’m a newbie. I have been playing edrums the last three years. I just wanna know if is posible make some songs with this synth and mix it with the tracks that I play with my edrum kit. Thanks for this video
You would need some way to record the synth to actually make the songs. This does have a sequencer, but you won't be able to get anything resembling full songs with just that.
The "flux" n "step divider" make this sequencer unique. In fact there are 4 bars. The only Volca with that ability. There was a time when Korg was selling those for 110$. Now it can be kind of expensive and selling fast on used market. Just bought it (again) for 90$, hope its in good condition. This time I won't sell it... like never. Modern classic. Its so easy to make it sound like a Blade Runner OST.
Excellent synth, but problems with degrading contacts on its rubber buttons make it inconvenient for frequent live use. Big problem of all Volcas, unfortunately (I got 4 of them).
Model D is kind of a bigger beast than the volca keys. Very popular for bass lines but you can do leads with it as well. The microfreak as lead and model d as bass would be awesome, tho the freak can do crazy bass as well.
I'd say no. The Volca Keys' sequencer and delay effect are really the only "new" things you'd be getting, and probably not worth $150 USD. The Model D already sounds great!
@@FreeBeat Thanks! I didn’t word that correctly. I actually have a volca keys. I got it before I got the model d. Looking to get rid of some stuff to buy more stuff that doesn’t have as much overlap.
That's a tricky one, because they are so different in just about every aspect. Ideally I'd go with both, but if I could just have one I'd go Microfreak. It just does SO much.
2:25 I honestly don't see any value in "true analog" over virtual analog. Both can be done well and both can be done badly. If it sounds good it's good. Given the similar prices, the Roland S-1 seems to be a much better choice now - from the integrated battery, USB-C and MIDI out, over better sequencer and polyphony, to more sound possibilities and better effects.
Yeah, I don't really have too much lean in either direction, but I know there are quite a few folks who prefer the true analog circuitry over digital sounds. I think both synths are great!
The wiki for the Volca keys says the filter is based on MiniKorg 700S. However it also claims it's a self resonant filter which it is not. I've always had issues with that claim. Is the filter really based more so on the MS10 and MS20? Because that's at least more believable
still worth it in 2024, too. Bought a used one for way under 100 bucks... 😎👍 having fun - also with the other volcas, ´cause I can´t carry my minilouge xd around 🤣
hey, do you need this volca if you use DAW like fl studio where you have all the plugins, please tell me if its used just for DAWless music creating? Thanks
@@roryjineffect Not a good idea. Florian makes great music and would inadvertently cause people to buy volca mixes for no damn reason causing unbalance in the world :)
Just reading "Volca Mix" always makes me laugh, it's like an automatic punchline to any synth discussion 😂 (yet I'd still get one if I wasn't poor 🤷♂️)
@@zackcolbourne6921 Totally! Agreed. I think was just used to Volcas blowing my mind with value, and then the Mix felt like... well, like it should've been $80 ;)
The Korg Volca Keys is still an incredibly powerful little synth and is definitely worth it in 2023!
Absolutely!
I’ve had mine for almost 10 years. I just dug it out of my equipment closet today. I forgot how much fun it is to play around with. And it sounds amazing
Awesome!
I actually sold my Volcas like 6-7 years ago and realised, that I really miss them. So I bought new ones last year! Amazing gear!
It's amazing how solid it still is!
for my opinion it's one of the best volcas ever. it needs no update. it's perfect in the 1st version and it's sound is just awesome!... i just love the volca keys
It's pretty awesome!
and it's even more awesome in a combination with a keyboard... you already know what i mean bro... 😉😎
I agree it is the best volca. though if i could ask for an update have 4 voices instead of 3 and a white noise oscillator would be cool.
Yes! Second place for the bass!
sure, with a proper keyboard you can make the most out of volca keys. Totally love it.
lmao this is p much exactly what's been on my mind the past week, perfect timing FB!
been plinking around with some POs and an NTS-1 and so far I'm really enjoying them. learning how to structure patterns while also getting really quick satisfying results has been very rewarding.
I'm thinking if I can snap up a keys at the right price, even if I don't dive into it right away, it'll be really nice to have waiting for when I'm ready
anyway, you've been super helpful all along the way, thanks a bunch!
Glad to help! Have fun :)
I own and have owned all types of synthesizers over the years and though the volca keys sounds may not be as rich and complex as moogs or juno 106's etc... I think it does hold it's own because the sound does have it's own sawtoothy character and sometimes if you find the sweet spots real magic can happen.
Great demo/reminder on a great piece of a not so modern synth ... great sounds
Thanks for the best explanation of "paraphonic" in one sentence ...
Glad you liked it!
I use mine next to a Deluge, 0-Coast, and Strega. The volca keys holds its own for sure. I've cut it from my rig several times and it always comes back because it does what it does so well. It's nasty, snarly, and cuts through a mix.
Right on, that's awesome!
I think one of the best features of Keys is the "flux", where you can record notes pretty much without quantization and do things "out-of-sequence".
Definitely!
Especially good for ambient. Drop the tempo all the way and Flux the crap out of that thing!
Can't understand why more sequencers don't offer this awesome feature. I wish they'd make a Volca Sequencer with Flux that could control other synths.
S-1 tweak synth showed up today. Holy crap it's insane, definitely waiting for you to check it out and do some aira jams! Maybe aira with volcas
I was deciding whether to buy Volca Keys vs the Roland S-1, I thought the S-1 has a lot more capabilities for a similar price. There is more of a learning curve vs the VK, if you know nothing about synths S-1 might be tough to get started on. I haven't seen much on the East Beast, that looks interesting as well, but for now I'm coming up to speed on my new S-1.
@Gerald Clark I have the east beast as well it's pretty cool but I need to learn more about patching and synthesis to make it sound great but I got it to interact with my other modules. I can make some fat bass but not much else, I wish I could find a patch tips video!
Nice!
@@geraldclark5812 the s1 has exceeded all expectations for me
this does make me want to pair it with the volca keys. great combo of gear
I've bought this one because of you. Like it!
Glad to hear it!
i’ve got 3 volcas and the keys is my favourite for sure! ❤
I love mine too. It's a simple, beautiful machine. Great with effects.
Thanks for watching!
I’d say it’s worth it I only have the volca samples 2 but man I love that machine and super easy to use for beginners
Absolutely!
VS and VK together are a great choice. I got 'em both.
my favourite analogue synth, its limitations are its advantages. Analog, rural, and a very warm sound in a pocketsize machine.
Cool video and actually you play that tiny keyboard pretty well to be honest 👌👍
Bass guitar pedals work really well with the Keys. Lets it maintain the chucky substance at the low end which guitar pedals can thin out a bit.
I have it running through MXR Bass Envelope Filter, Big Muff Bass, Boss Bass Chorus BE-2B (ooh fancy pants 🤗)
Sounds like mechawalnut older two-men-to-carry 2nd mortgage beast.
Oh interesting, I might have to give that a shot! Thanks :)
I have two of these and always find new sounds.
Awesome!
This might be the first time I truly understood the EG Int!XD If you made a very detailed overview of how all those knobs shape sounds it would be appreciated! Some of them I have a hard time understanding exactly what they do, doesn’t effect anything with my patches.
Maybe I'll do some more in depth Keys content if they start making them readily available again!
EG int is absolutely one of the most useful things on any synth.
Easy bass patch on any synth: turn cutoff all the way down, set your envelope shape, then turn EG int / env amount to taste. add unison, or other oscillators. maybe chorus. done.
It’s a great sounding voice and my opinion I have bigger synthesizers, but also I have a fm2, sample and keys. They’re awesome.
I did like the sound of my Volca Keys when I had it BUT I did not find a way to save my custom sounds so I got rid of it fast! I bought the R3 instead and I was enjoying that much better. But for the price as a Minimoog style synth that does not save settings or patches, it would be very worth it. For the right LOW price... eBay right now is NOT the right place to buy equipment anymore! Most of the listings are from CHINA or JAPAN and the prices are insane! If you are lucky and have a local pawnshop or music store in your town or area, that is your best bet.. like in the olden days before online shopping.
Thanks for watching!
@@FreeBeat Sorry, I forgot to answer the title of the video.. YES. Yes it is worth it in 2023 as long as you get it for a reasonable price and think of it as a Minimoog like synth.. no preset saving option
I’d say the new Roland S1 is a better option now.
It looks solid! The keys is a great option for those who want a true analog synth though :)
Bro… been looking for it for ages at this point. Why did Roland make such a fuzz out of it only for it to not even be available on Amazon a month later? Idk… s1 looks amazing but it’s also kinda like, “imaginary” as far as I can tell (… I know it isn’t, but honestly… wth Roland? 😂).
Seriously, if you’re not in the US, S-1 has gotta be impossible to acquire.
at the price, you could get both :) the s1 sounds pretty analog for a digital synth tho
I've got both and I was playing with them together today and they make a great combo! Especially with the Volca going through a little reverb.
My desert island synth ❤️❤️
Nice!
the unicorn volca...are they back in production yet?
I ordered one in Febuary and Sweetwater says 'still waiting on item' so I don't thinks they are.
There are a few places that still have them in stock, but I'm really hoping for more units soon!
The filter “stepping” you’re hearing is caused by the filter (with high (maxed) resonance) “picking out” individual harmonics as the filter’s cutoff frequency is swept. Most analog filters will behave this way, especially if the cutoff slope is relatively steep…
cool little beat at 4:50
Thanks!
I’m a newbie. I have been playing edrums the last three years. I just wanna know if is posible make some songs with this synth and mix it with the tracks that I play with my edrum kit. Thanks for this video
You would need some way to record the synth to actually make the songs. This does have a sequencer, but you won't be able to get anything resembling full songs with just that.
The "flux" n "step divider" make this sequencer unique. In fact there are 4 bars. The only Volca with that ability. There was a time when Korg was selling those for 110$. Now it can be kind of expensive and selling fast on used market. Just bought it (again) for 90$, hope its in good condition. This time I won't sell it... like never. Modern classic. Its so easy to make it sound like a Blade Runner OST.
Would the Volca drum be a better first synth? Was thinking drum or Korg NTS-1
I'd say the Drum's too deep for a beginner. Got Keys as the first one and had fun using just some fx and looper.
I mean the Keys, the Drum, and the NTS-1 are all very different machines haha. Pretty hard comparison to make in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
Yes it's still a great Synth.
Definitely!
1:17 Nowhere on the machine it says "Polyphonic"......It only says "Polyring", relating to poly(multiple) ring(s)modulator....
Could I hook this up with my maschine mk1 for sequencing and drums as well as my AKAI MPK Mini MK2 for „proper“ keys to play dawless?!
I'm not familiar with the Maschine gear but I think so!
Excellent synth, but problems with degrading contacts on its rubber buttons make it inconvenient for frequent live use. Big problem of all Volcas, unfortunately (I got 4 of them).
Do you think I need the volca keys if I have the Behringer model d? Thinking about selling some stuff to get the minilogue xd or micro freak.
Model D is kind of a bigger beast than the volca keys. Very popular for bass lines but you can do leads with it as well. The microfreak as lead and model d as bass would be awesome, tho the freak can do crazy bass as well.
I'd say no. The Volca Keys' sequencer and delay effect are really the only "new" things you'd be getting, and probably not worth $150 USD. The Model D already sounds great!
@@FreeBeat Thanks! I didn’t word that correctly. I actually have a volca keys. I got it before I got the model d. Looking to get rid of some stuff to buy more stuff that doesn’t have as much overlap.
I have Volca Bass and FM, I keep wondering if Keys would be a good addition? Any thoughts out there? Thanks!
Soundwise the Bass and Keys are very alike. They differ in the workflow tho.
I'm honestly not sure, as I've never really used the other two. Do you find yourself wanting a second analog voice?
As a First and only synthetic, between the volca and the Microfreak, which one would you choose?
That's a tricky one, because they are so different in just about every aspect. Ideally I'd go with both, but if I could just have one I'd go Microfreak. It just does SO much.
Its ok, a bit of fun. But I personally prefer the Volca Bass tone wise.
Fair enough, also a great synth!
2:25 I honestly don't see any value in "true analog" over virtual analog. Both can be done well and both can be done badly. If it sounds good it's good.
Given the similar prices, the Roland S-1 seems to be a much better choice now - from the integrated battery, USB-C and MIDI out, over better sequencer and polyphony, to more sound possibilities and better effects.
Yeah, I don't really have too much lean in either direction, but I know there are quite a few folks who prefer the true analog circuitry over digital sounds. I think both synths are great!
The wiki for the Volca keys says the filter is based on MiniKorg 700S. However it also claims it's a self resonant filter which it is not. I've always had issues with that claim. Is the filter really based more so on the MS10 and MS20? Because that's at least more believable
I'm a bass player and I want to have a synth for bass synth in my gigs, but that I can also use for other types of sounds, do you recommend this one?
What did you use to teach yourself about synth music and this product?
I have one and love it.
Awesome!
I have some higher-end kit as well, but as you mention, who couldn't use an extra bread and butter poly analog synth?
still worth it in 2024, too. Bought a used one for way under 100 bucks... 😎👍 having fun - also with the other volcas, ´cause I can´t carry my minilouge xd around 🤣
Absolutely! Thanks for watching :)
Worth it for the flux sequencer alone
Thanks for watching!
In 2024 it’s the shit🎉
Any analog geat is a triumph🎉
hey, do you need this volca if you use DAW like fl studio where you have all the plugins, please tell me if its used just for DAWless music creating? Thanks
Yes.
Now I NEED one 🤧
The real question is: will the Volca Mix ever be worth it?
Ask Florian?
@@roryjineffect Not a good idea. Florian makes great music and would inadvertently cause people to buy volca mixes for no damn reason causing unbalance in the world :)
Just reading "Volca Mix" always makes me laugh, it's like an automatic punchline to any synth discussion 😂
(yet I'd still get one if I wasn't poor 🤷♂️)
@@Rompler_Rocco I got one for $80 CAD once. At that price, they're admittedly a bit less stupid.
@@zackcolbourne6921 Totally! Agreed. I think was just used to Volcas blowing my mind with value, and then the Mix felt like... well, like it should've been $80 ;)
I'm not going to watch this video because the answer to the question is very simple: yes!... ok, I'll watch it anyway... 😁🎹
The answer is absolutely yes :D Huge fan of you and your work, thanks for watching!
🙏
Are all the parameters under MIDI control? Including the delay?
If you search "Korg Volca Keys MIDI Implementation Chart" you can see everything controllable :)
And in 2024…
Do I go for it or not?
I still do love it, but it depends on what you're after, and what you already have.
You're not gonna find a better synth for that price.
I'm inclined to agree!
I enjoy the mentioning of scripted and none scripted stuff lately ^^
I'll definitely try to keep that going!
Spend a little more and get a Microkorg or R3
Those are both solid synths, however they are twice the price of the Volca, and much bigger. It depends on what you're after