Korg VOLCA DRUM

Descrizione

VOLCA DRUM Digital drum and percussion synthesizer

Welcome to endlessly expandable sound design.
A third drum synth model joins the popular and acclaimed volca kick and beats.

The volca series is characterized by its unique sounds. From analog to digital PCM and FM, the volca synth series features unique sounds across its various models. A rhythm machine with a distinctive sound character now joins the series: the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer.

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

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

A wide range of sonic nuances

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

The term "digital" is often associated with synthesizers that reproduce PCM samples of kick drums, snares, 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 percussion sounds, from realistic to experimental, without necessarily limiting yourself to drum sounds.

Each of the 6 parts consists 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 consists of the 6 parts and the relative settings of the waveguide resonator effect. 16 kits can be saved in the instrument's internal memory, which include the 10 factory 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 the amplitude envelope generator, all optimized for percussion sounds. Layer parameters can be modified individually or simultaneously, and the user can also assign the same sound to both layers to obtain a fuller, more incisive sound.

You can vary the waveform by applying bit reduction to make it more "gritty," adjust the intensity of the wave folder circuit to introduce complex harmonics, and use overdrive to add distortion. In doing so, you can generate distinctive sounds from this synthesis engine. Once the sound is specified, you can adjust the balance of the parts by modifying their timing, steps, pan, pre-mix gain, and send to the effect.

The Waveguide resonator

The volca drum's effects section includes a physical modeling waveguide resonator, which adds sympathetic resonances to the initial 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 panel allow you to set 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 take advantage of these potentiometers not only during sound design operations, but also in your live performances.

An evolved 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 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 is played 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 potentiometer movements (automations) during real-time recording and then reproduce them along 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 stores up to 16 program sequences, which include: 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 during sequence playback. You can generate DJ-style effects, from simpler loop-based ones to more particular and unusual irregular rhythms, including polyrhythmic ones thanks to the possibility of applying different settings to each individual part. Not just a simple sequencer, but a real additional tool in live performances. The Step Jump function is also available, which allows you to jump to the selected/pressed step during sequence playback. Using these functions in the editing phase or in real time will allow you to create impactful, fun effects that will make your performance even more dynamic.

With the Slice function, divide steps to obtain roll effects

The step slice function allows you to play steps in rapid succession, such as rolls; a potentiometer will allow you to vary the number of slices and to insert a roll at the end or during the playback of a pattern.

16 levels of dynamics: the Accent function

You can assign accents to emphasize certain steps. This function does not use a simple on/off setting, but rather provides 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 have priority over others played simultaneously; for example, the alternation between a part that hosts an open hi-hat and one that plays a closed hi-hat.

Two random functions to inspire you

The Korg volca drum offers two functions that automatically and randomly change the sound assigned to the layers by applying variations to the steps, slice, accents, and settings of the selected individual parts. Using these stochastic functions, you can apply rhythmic changes and evolutions during a performance, which will allow you to break free from the classic repetitiveness that has always characterized and often limited traditional drum machines.

Renewed design with custom LCD display

Thanks to the particular etching process used for the production of the panel, 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, thus making even the most complex graphic representations intelligible. This makes the instrument more immediate, simple to use and understand.

Performances synchronized with other volca, electribe and DAWs

The sync connection allows for easy connection to Korg synths and groove machines (minilogue, monologue, prologue, electribe, SQ-1) and other instruments in the Volca series, to synchronize the sequences played by 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 a MIDI Controller.

Play it Anywhere

Thanks to its compact size, battery power, and integrated speaker, the volca drum will be comfortable and simple to take with you to use in any situation.

Korg volca drum Technical Specifications

Keyboard

Multi-touch/Step key Trigger Pad

Sound Synthesis

Type: digital synthesis

Maximum polyphony: 6

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

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

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

Sequencer

Number of parts: 6

Number of Steps: 16 (pattern chain capability)

Recordable patterns: 16

Connections

Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini jack

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

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

MIDI: DIN five-pin MIDI In format

Power Supply

Battery: 10 hours of autonomy (using alkaline batteries)

Power: 6 AA type batteries; or Korg "KA-350" adapter (not included)

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

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

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