Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer Fashion

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.

A wide range of sound variation

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).

Distinctive sound from a newly developed DSP engine

Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one
of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth
wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch
modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. Layer
parameters can be edited either individually or simultaneously, and
users can also use the two layers to produce the same sound for
additional thickness.

You can customize the resulting trigger waveform by applying bit
reduction to produce roughness, adjusting the wave folder depth to
add complex overtones, and using overdrive to adjust the distortion.
In this way, you can generate distinctive sounds from this sound
engine that’s structured rather differently from a typical drum
machine.

Once you’ve specified the sound, you can adjust the balance of the
parts by modifying the timing at which steps are heard, the pan, the
gain before mixing, and the effect sends.

Waveguide resonator adds rich resonances
The effect section features a waveguide resonator that’s based on
physical modeling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the
sound. You can choose from two types of waveguide: “tube” which adds
the resonance of a cylindrical object such as a drum body or a long
pipe, or “strings” which adds the metallic resonance of a string.
The three knobs located in the center of the panel let you specify
the DECAY (amount of attenuation), BODY (sonic character), and TUNE
(pitch). Setting TUNE to a lower value will produce a delay-like
behavior. You can take advantage of these knobs not only for sound
design but also in your live performances.

An evolved volca sequencer

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.

ACTIVE STEP lets you replace steps for each part
There’s an active step function that lets you skip steps during
sequence playback. This can be used to create “short loop” effects
and irregular rhythms, or you can even create polyrhythms by using
different settings for each part. Also provided is a step jump
function, which jumps to the step of the button that you press
during sequence playback. By using these functions to edit in real
time, you can create dynamic performances that arise from chance.

Slice function finely divides a step to allow drum-rolls
The step slice function lets you play drum rolls. You can use a knob
to change the number of slices, and insert a detailed drum roll in
the middle or at the end of a pattern to create a climax for your
song or performance.

An accent function that can be specified in 16 levels
You can set accents to create strong beats at specific steps, not
simply as an on/off setting but in a range of 16 levels, allowing
you to express a subtle sense of groove and rhythmic nuance.

A convenient choke function lets you specify grouping for parts
There’s a choke function that lets you specify which of multiple
parts should take priority when sounded simultaneously, such as the
hi-hat closed and open sounds of a drum machine. Parts for which
you’ve enabled the choke function will not sound simultaneously;
only the one part of the lowest part number will be heard.

Two randomize functions expand your inspiration

The volca drum provides two randomize functions that let you
randomly change the sound (layer) of the selected single part, or to
randomly vary the step, slice, accent, and active step settings of
the selected single part. By using the randomize functions during a
performance, you can add unexpected change and development to the
sound and the pattern.

Novel design featuring a custom LCD

The aluminum panel is created using an etching process that emanates
a sense of quality, using delicate relief to express the text and
fine lines rather than using printing. In a first for the volca
series, a custom LCD is used. The high-brightness display provides
excellent visibility, portraying complex settings graphically for
comprehension at a glance, and ensuring that volca drum is easy to
use with a quick learning curve.

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.

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)