VOLCA DRUM

VOLCA DRUM Digital synthesizer of drum and percussion sounds

Say hello to infinitely expandable sound design.
A third drum synth model joins the already popular and appreciated volca kick and beats.

The volca series is characterized by its unique sounds. From analog to digital PCM and FM, the volca synth series contains unique sounds in the various models that compose it. The series is now joined by a rhythm machine with a distinctive sound character. This is the digital percussion synthesizer volca drum.

It all starts with a simple waveform that passes through a wave folder and an overdrive, which add harmonics and distortion respectively, before moving on to the waveguide resonator effect. The 6-part DSP-based synthesis engine was designed following a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, to generate a wide range of sounds that can be played back by the inevitable volca-style sequencer.

Add percussive sounds that will revolutionize your music productions and performances.

A wide range of sound nuances

Digital percussion synthesizer with 6-part, 2-layer structure

The term “digital” is often associated with synthesizers that play PCM samples of kick, snare, or cymbals, but the volca drum generates drum sounds using 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 from the realistic to the experimental, without necessarily being limited to drum sounds.

Each of the 6 parts is made up of two layers, and there are no restrictions on the type of sound that can be generated; each part therefore has the same specifications. You can freely assign the sound you generate to one of the 6 parts, without the typical limitations of traditional drum machines. A kit is made up of the 6 parts and the related settings of the waveguide resonator effect. 16 kits can be saved in the internal memory of the instrument, which include the 10 preset kits loaded by default.

Distinctive sounds thanks to a new DSP synthesis concept

Each of the 6 parts is composed of two layers. For each layer, the user can select between 5 different waveforms (including sine, sawtooth and HPF noise), choose three types of modulation, for the pitch and the amplitude envelope generator, all optimized for percussive sounds. The layer parameters can be modified individually or simultaneously and the user can also assign the same sound to the two layers in order to obtain a more full-bodied and incisive one.

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 the overdrive to add distortion. By doing this you can generate distinctive sounds from this synthesis engine. Once you have specified the sound, you can intervene on the balance of the parts by modifying the timing, the steps, the pan, the pre-mix gain and the send to the effect.

The Waveguide Resonator

The volca drum’s effects section includes a model-based waveguide resonator that adds sympathetic resonances to the original sound. You can choose between two different waveguides: “tube,” which adds resonances typically generated by cylindrical objects such as drums or pipes, or “string,” which introduces metallic resonances typical of strings. The three knobs in the center of the panel allow you to set the DECAY (attenuation over time), BODY (sound character) and TUNE (pitch). Setting the TUNE parameter to low values will produce a sound behavior similar to a delay effect. You can benefit from using these knobs not only during sound design operations, but also in your live performances.

An advanced volca sequencer

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 using 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 plays 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 composed of a total of 256 steps.

In addition to simply playing a pattern, you can use the motion sequence function to memorize the movements of the knobs (automations) during real-time recording and then play them back together with the sequence. You can memorize up to 69 different parameters. This will be useful both when you are creating your pattern and during live performances. The instrument's internal memory hosts up to 16 program sequences, which include: the 16-step patterns, the 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 during the playback of a sequence. You can generate DJ-style effects, from the simplest loop-based to the most particular and unusual irregular rhythms, including polyrhythmic ones thanks to the possibility of applying different settings to each individual part. Not a simple sequencer, but a real additional instrument in live performances. Also available is the Step Jump function, which allows you to jump to the selected/pressed step during the playback of the sequence. Using these functions during editing or in real time you can create impactful, fun effects that will make your performance even more dynamic.

With the Slice function you can divide the steps to obtain rolling effects

The step slice function lets you play steps in rapid succession, such as drum rolls; a knob lets you vary the number of slices and insert a drum roll at the end or during playback of a pattern.

16 levels of dynamics: the Accent function

You can assign accents to give more prominence to certain steps. This function does not use a banal on/off setting, but rather provides you with 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 that lets you specify which parts will have priority over other parts played simultaneously; for example, alternating between a part that features 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 the layers by applying variations on the steps, slices, accents and settings of the individual selected parts. Using these stochastic functions you can apply rhythmic changes and evolutions during a performance, which will allow you to escape the classic repetitiveness that has always characterized and often limits traditional drum machines.

Renovated design with custom LCD display

Thanks to the special engraving process used to produce the dashboard, it conveys a sense of quality, which is particularly appreciated in the embossed lettering. For the first time, a custom LCD display is used in the volca series. The high brightness of this display provides excellent visibility, making even the most complex graphic representations intelligible. This makes the instrument more immediate, simple to use and understand.

Synchronized performance with other volcas, electribes and DAWs

The sync connection allows you to easily connect to synths and groove machines Korg (minilogue, monologue, prologue, electribe, SQ-1) and other instruments of the Volca series, to synchronize the sequences played by the various instruments in no time. The MIDI IN connector allows you to use the Volca Drum as a sound module for your DAW software or to play it from another sequencer or MIDI Controller.

Play It Everywhere

Thanks to its compact size, battery power and built-in speaker, it is convenient and easy to take the volca drum with you to use it in any situation.

Technical Specifications Korg volca drum

Keyboard

Trigger Pad Multi touch/Step key

Sound synthesis

Type: digital synthesis

Maximum polyphony: 6

Structure: 6 parts (each part 2 oscillators, pitch modulator and amp envelope), waveguide resonator effect.

Kit: 16 (settings for the 6 parts + waveguide resonator); Kits No.1/No.10 are factory presets.

Program: 16 (Sequence pattern, Motion sequence, Kit No.); Program No.1/No. 10 are factory presets.

Sequencer

Number of parts: 6

Number of Steps: 16 (chain pattern possibility)

Recordable patterns: 16

Connections

Audio Output: Stereo mini jack 3.5mm

Sync In: monaural mini jack from 3.5mm; Max Level 20V

Sync Out: monaural mini jack from 3.5mm; Max Level 5V

MIDI: MIDI in pentapole DIN format

Diet

Battery: 10 hours of battery life (using alkaline batteries)

Power supply: 6 AA batteries; or adapter Korg “KA-350” (not included)

Other

Includes:6 AA alkaline batteries (for functionality testing), Sync cable

Accessories (sold separately) AC adapter (KA-350), SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA hard case, SEQUENZ CC-VOLCA soft case, SQ-CABLE-6 sync cable

Dimensions and weight: 193×115×39mm; 370 grams (excluding batteries)

To purchase the optional power adapter, the Korg KA-350, not supplied:https://www.ekomusicgroup.com/it/accessori-tastiere-pianoforti/korg/ka350-alimentatore

For technical support, create a ticket from your user area: https://www.ekomusicgroup.com/it/login

For repairs, spare parts and physical interventions under warranty contact: https://www.masterservice.tk/rma.php