Digital synthesizer of drum and percussion sounds
€ 121,59 132,16 € 104,82 + VAT
Order by 12:00 noon to receive this product on the day 17/02/2025
The volca series is distinguished by its unique sounds. From analog to digital PCM and FM, the volca synth series packs unique sounds into its various models. A rhythm machine with a distinctive sound character is now added to the series. It is the volca drum digital synthesizer of percussive sounds.
It starts with a simple waveform that passes through a wave folder and overdrive, which add harmonics and distortion respectively, and then transitions into the waveguide resonator effect. The 6-part DSP-based synthesis engine is designed following a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines to generate a wide range of sounds that can be played by the ever-present volca-style sequencer.
Add percussive sounds that will revolutionize your music productions and performances.
A wide range of sound nuances
Digital percussive synthesizer with 6-part 2-layer structure
The term "digital" is often associated with synthesizers that play PCM samples of kick drum, snare drum or cymbals, but the volca drum generates drum sounds through a DSP based on analog physical models, on oscillators that generate sine, sawtooth and noise waveforms. By applying various modifications to these waveforms, you can reproduce a wide range of percussive sounds ranging from realistic to experimental, without necessarily having to limit yourself to drum sounds.
Each of the 6 parts consists of two layers, and there is no restriction on the type of sound that can be generated; each part thus possesses the same specifications. You can freely assign the sound you generate to one of the 6 parts, without the limitations typical of traditional drum machines. A kit consists of the 6 parts and their waveguide resonator effect settings. There are 16 kits that can be saved in the instrument's internal memory, which includes the 10 factory-loaded preset kits.
Distinctive sounds thanks to a new DSP synthesis concept
Each of the 6 parts consists of two layers. For each layer, the user can select from 5 different waveforms (including sine, sawtooth and HPF noise), choose three types of modulation, for pitch and amplitude envelope generator, all optimized for percussive sounds. Layer parameters can be changed individually or simultaneously, and the user can also assign the same sound to the two layers in order to achieve a fuller, more punchy sound.
You can vary the waveform by applying bit reduction to make it more "scratchy," adjust the intensity of the wave folder circuit intervention to introduce complex harmonics, and use overdrive to add distortion. By doing this you can generate distinctive sounds from this synthesis engine. Once the sound is specified, you can work on the balance of the parts by modifying their timing, steps, pan, pre-mix gain, and send to the effect.
The Waveguide resonator
The effects section of the volca drum includes a waveguide resonator based on physical models, which adds sympathetic resonances to the source sound. You can choose between two different waveguides: "tube," which adds resonances usually generated by cylindrical objects such as drums or pipes, or "string," which introduces metallic resonances typical of strings. The three potentiometers located in the center of the dashboard will allow you to set DECAY (attenuation over time), BODY (sonic character) and TUNE (pitch). Setting the TUNE parameter to low values will produce sonic behavior similar to a delay effect. You can benefit from using these potentiometers not only during sound design operations, but also in your live performances.
16-step sequencer with a wide range of automatable parameters
The 16-step step sequencer is essential for improvisation. You can create your own 16 patterns by taking advantage of the 16 keys that correspond to the 16 steps. In addition to step recording, the sequencer supports real-time recording to play and record your pattern while the sequence is played back in a loop. The Pattern Chaining function allows you to play different patterns in succession, up to a maximum of 16 for a sequence consisting of 256 steps in total.
In addition to simple pattern playback, you can take advantage of the motion sequence function to store potentiometer movements (automations) while recording in real time and then play them back along with the sequence. You will be able to store up to 69 different parameters. This will come in handy both while you are creating your pattern and during live performances. The instrument's internal memory houses up to 16 program sequences, in which are included: the 16-step patterns, motion sequences and the kit used.
ACTIVE STEP allows you to vary the steps of each part.
The Active step function allows you to skip one or more steps while playing a sequence. You'll be able to generate DJ-style effects, from the simplest loop based to the most peculiar and unusual irregular rhythms, including polyrhythmic ones thanks to the ability to apply different settings to each individual part. Not just a sequencer, but a real additional tool in live performances. Also available is the Step Jump function, which allows you to jump to the selected/pressed step while playing the sequence. Using these functions when editing or in real time you can create impactful, fun effects that will make your performance even more dynamic.
With the Slice function you divide steps to achieve snare effects.
The step slice function allows you to play steps in rapid succession, such as snares; a potentiometer will allow you to vary the number of slices and insert a snare at the end or while playing a pattern.
16 levels of dynamics: the Accent function
You can assign accents to give greater emphasis to certain steps. This function does not use a trivial on/off setting, but rather gives you 16 different levels of dynamics that will allow you to make your rhythmic groove even more engaging.
Assignable choke function
Volca drum offers a choke function through which you can specify which parts will take priority over others played simultaneously; for example, alternating between a part that accommodates an open hi-hat and one that plays a closed hi-hat.
Two random functions to give you inspiration
The Korg volca drum offers two functions that automatically and randomly change the sound assigned to layers by applying variations on the steps, slice, accents, and settings of individual selected parts. Using these stochastic functions you can apply rhythmic changes and evolutions during a performance, allowing you to break out of the classic repetitiveness that has always distinguished and often limited traditional drum machines.
Revamped design with custom LCD display
Thanks to the special engraving process used to produce the dashboard, it conveys a sense of quality, which is especially appreciated in the raised lettering. For the first time, a custom LCD display is used in the volca series. The high brightness of this display provides for excellent visibility thus making even the most complex graphic representations intelligible. This makes the instrument more immediate, easy to use and understand.
Synchronized performance with other volkas, electribes and DAWs.
The sync connection allows you to easily connect to Korg synths and groove machines (minilogue, monologue, prologue, electribe, SQ-1) and other Volca series instruments to synchronize the sequences played by the various instruments in no time. The MIDI IN connector allows you to take advantage of the Volca Drum as a sound module for your DAW software or to play it from another sequencer or MIDI controller.
Play it Anywhere
With its compact size, battery power supply and built-in speaker, it will be convenient and easy to take the volca drum with you to use it in any situation.
Keyboard
Sound synthesis
Sequencer
Connections
Power supply
Other
Includes: Sync cable
Accessories ( sold separately) AC adapter (KA-350), SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA hard case, SEQUENZ CC-VOLCA soft case, SQ-CABLE-6 sync cable
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Pro Audio
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Synthesizers