Gear Hunter

Korg - VOLCA-DRUM

Description

The volca series is joined by a new rhythm machine that brings yet another sonic character. It's the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer.

Based on a simple trigger waveform, wave folder and overdrive are used to add overtones and distortion, and then a waveguide resonator effect brings the sound to life. The six-part DSP synth engine was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, and generates a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds. And of course, you can play those sounds from the volca-style sequencer.

Adding these distinctive sounds to your rhythms will revolutionarily transform your performances and productions.

Digital percussion synth with a 6-part x 2-layer structure
The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analog modeling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums.

The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits).

16-step sequencer with a wide range of parameter automation
The 16-step sequencer is excellent for improvisation. You can easily create patterns using the 16 buttons, each corresponding to one of the 16 steps. In addition to step recording, the sequencer also supports realtime recording in which you can construct a pattern while looping the playback. The pattern chain function lets you play multiple sequence patterns successively, so you can successively play back desired patterns of consecutive numbers. Up to 16 sequences can be connected to construct patterns with 256 steps.

In addition to simply playing a drum pattern, you can use the motion sequence function to memorize knob operations during realtime recording and reproduce them during playback; a total of 69 different parameters can be memorized. This is useful not only when you're creating your patterns, but can also contribute to live performances that overflow with originality. Up to 16 sequence programs (16-step sequencer patterns, stored motion sequences, kit number) can be saved in internal memory.

Synchronized performance with other volca and electribe units, and with your DAW
Since this unit provides a sync jack for easy connection to Korg groove machines, you can connect it to another volca series unit or to equipment such as an electribe or the SQ-1, and enjoy synchronized playback with the sequencer. There's also a standard MIDI IN connector, so you can use the volca drum as a sound module for your DAW.

Enjoy anywhere
Compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker mean that you can take this unit anywhere and enjoy playing on the go.

Free bundle of music software
The volca drum comes with a diverse variety of music software. Includes the following Software for Mac/Windows:
- KORG Collection - M1 Le (synthesizer sound module)
- UVI Digital Synsations (synthesizer sound module)
- AAS Ultra Analog Session (synthesizer sound module)
- AAS Strum Session (acoustic guitar sound module)
- AAS Lounge Lizard Session (electric piano sound module)
- Propellerhead Reason Lite (DAW music production software)
- Skoove free 3 month trial of Skoove Premium (online piano lesson)
- KORG Gadget 2 Le for Mac (DAW music production software)
- iZOTOPE Ozone Elements (Audio Mastering Plug-in Software)

Specifications

Keyboard: Multi touch trigger pads / Step keys

Synthesizer
Type: Digital synthesis
Maximum Polyphony: 6
Structure: 6 parts (For each part, 2 oscillators, pitch modulator, and amp EG), waveguide resonator effect.
Kits: 16 (Settings for 6 parts + Settings for waveguide resonator) Kit No.1 No.10 are factory preset.
Program: 16 (Sequence pattern, Motion sequence, Kit No.) Program No.1 No. 10 are factory preset.

Sequencer
Number of parts: 6
Number of steps: 16 (pattern chain is available)
Number of recording patterns: 16

Connectors
Audio Output: Headphones jack (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Sync: Sync In jack (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out jack (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
MIDI: MIDI IN

Power
Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
Power supply: AA alkaline battery 6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery 6, or KA-350 AC adapter (sold separately)

Others
Included Items: AA alkaline battery 6 (for verifying operation), Sync cable
Dimensions (W x D x H): 193 x 115 x 39 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.54 inches
Weight: 370 g / 0.75 lbs. (Excluding batteries)