Bad Gear - The Bass

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about Korg Volca Bass. Is this member of the original Volca trio (Korg Volca Beats, Korg Volca Keys and The OG) still The Bass??? Has this compact synth turned into a modern analog synth classic?
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:49 Overview Korg Volca Bass
01:14 Oscillator Section, Oscillator Modes
01:57 Filter
02:28 LFO, Envelope
02:53, Lack of Accent Track, Slides
03:07 Active Step, Limitations
03:22 Pattern Recording, Editing
03:39 What else??? Midi, Pricing
04:00 Hate
04:24 Jam 1 (Techno, Bass Power)
05:25 Jam 2 (Volca Setup)
06:25 Finale (House, Non Bass Tones)
06:26 Verdict

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/audio.pilz/

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

Ideas for Bad Gear...these are a few bits of kit that I want to love but have never been able to fully embrace for one reason or another: Modal Craft Synth - First version, I could never figure out how to implement it into a set-up, dawless or otherwise. Korg LittleBits Modular - Cool idea that predates the Teenage Engineering weirdness Electro Harmonix 8-Step Program As always, love the show.

[@Myexpectationsarerealistic]

Eww. A Volca. 🤮

[@gelatinous6915]

I'm both very impressed and slightly concerned with the insane quality and pace that Florian puts out these episodes.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@basspartout]

So true, and luckily for him and us Korg just put out lots of new bad gear today and yesterday... well the modules of the opsix, wavestate etc. really look tempting and not bad at all....

[@Valentine98766]

Big government got involved to distract us people with GAS And🎉 aids

[@ben_benanza]

Really true and impressive. The man must be fully run by AI. Did anyone ever met hin in Real Life...? 😂

[@GullySyde28]

This is what a modern day wizard lookslike. Engineer minded meme alchemist

[@TyCrawford]

He's coming for my first synthesizer, now its PERSONAL

[@AudioPilz]

I’m afraid now;)

[@corradomorgana]

I once did a gig with a bunch of Volcas and some modular kit...the guy running the PA, who was also doing a set, sneered at my rig. I took great pleasure in utterly blowing the snooty sod off stage with my set. Booyah!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@oldunclemick]

Excellent 👍

[@jamesscott3263]

My favorite Volca meme is the hurdy gurdy one. Don’t ask me why

[@ChrisSmout]

Volca Bass is legitimately the most fun of the original lineup. Not just good for thicc basses, it does wild arpeggios and three note rave stabs too. Plug in a MIDI keyboard and play it like a budget 70s mono as well. Good shakedown as always Herr Pilz

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! The 70s mono is strong with this one!!!

[@David_Banner]

I totally agree, it's far more than just a 303 clone.

[@ozzy3ml]

Agreed, it sounds really good. That filter is raw. Miss mine…might have to get one again lol

[@zdravkodimitrov]

Volcas are underrated, thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️😂❤️😂❤️😂❤️😂❤️😂

[@vasil3089]

FM2 especially, right?

[@zdravkodimitrov]

@@vasil3089 they just need to release that with a small 2 octave keybed and more controls and I'll buy one yesterday

[@autecheee]

Florian needs to do his own TED talk

[@JakeSweeper]

Volca Bass is that rare box that says what it does, does what it says, and does it pretty well. :)

[@AudioPilz]

Well put, Sir!!!

[@styloroc2000]

(and does it without costing more than what I paid for my first car)

[@bencetakacs1049]

I keep returning for the glorious What if 90s House Was Already a Thing in the 70s Crisp and Clear Four on the Floor Workout video. You should seriously consider making full videos from these tracks. I see some great viral potential left on the floor.

[@HansGruenify]

the feature with three oscillators, each having his own sequencer is incredible... you can play it like three synths in one... mindblowing! never found it in another synth since then! keep up the good job :)

[@AudioPilz]

Great feature indeed!!! Thanks!!!

[@80iesDude45]

Paraparaphonic

[@kentishka-iz-naliva]

So it’s technically a polysynth?

[@mikegeary8056]

6 track

[@serhiymarchenko8361]

DSI Evolver has similar feature 4 (2 analog + 2 digital) oscillators and each has track in the sequencer. You cannot play them individually over MIDI (only using internal sequencer).

[@ckhgator]

this was my first synth, wonderful unit. i recall having my dorm window open on winter nights, my Volca Bass on the windowsill as I played it. Sold it for drug money years later, I'm sober now and miss this synth so much. Gonna buy a used one now, thanks fr the memories Mr AudioPilz

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@RCAvhstape]

Finally, you've done my favorite Volca! The fact that the V Bass winds up in most of my recordings and almost all my live setups kind of snuck up on me over the last couple of years. It's tiny size makes it a no-brainer to take it with you to shows or on trips to see your family so you can hide in your mom's spare bedroom and record stuff to keep family from driving you crazy on holidays. Also, for what it's worth, I think it's the best-looking Volca. The brushed metal panel and knobs and the four little bolts on the corners of the front panel give it a touch of 70s tech vibe. As always your jams are killer, as I knew they would be with this, the most worthy of Volcas.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Agreed!!!

[@JonasHamill]

That TB-3 definitely needs a revisit episode given how much you clearly love it far more than you said before!

[@AudioPilz]

I wholeheartedly agree!!!

[@dsxmachina3737]

at this stage I am almost too afraid to ask if the TB-3 is even considered bad gear@@AudioPilz

[@stresseater2201]

I second that. I’d love to see videos about your favorite and most used gear from throughout the series

[@slavestudios47]

@@stresseater2201 i reckon a series called 'Bad Gear Gone Good' were Pilz does 3 mins of why all the bad gear is actually good 😁

[@debu206]

@dsxmachina3737 tb3 is good gear! If you try programming a 303 type bass youll get it ;)

[@SlaserX]

There's something magical about an all-Volca jam

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@psychosbudgetsynth7445]

Love this little synth. So simple but so musical.

[@AudioPilz]

True that!

[@basspartout]

I'm watching your episodes every week for over two years now and it's amazing to see how you keep up the high quality in memes, jams and videos and how you never fail to entertain us synth nerds in between discussing the price of the Moog One on Facebook 😂😂

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Happy to hear that!!!

[@sonic2000gr]

I am not a potential Volca buyer but you again made some awesome clips! Korg has released so many synths in the last few days that you will have enough to go on for the entire year!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@jboulderct]

My first synth! Still kicking around on my desk too. Love the Little Shop intro!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!! Thank you!!!

[@MrJonBertsch]

My first real synth! The lfo sync is real fun!

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!! Agreed!!!

[@t.kahraba763]

Mine too

[@_P_M_]

You make great videos and always have time to respond to the comments. That Volca '90's in the 70's' was cool! Volca sounded better than I thought it would.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@randynovick7972]

This was my second synth. I have it racked up and will never ever set it loose. I love it, for all its limitations. The simplicity and richness keeps it with me. My favorite Volca. Thank you Florian for reminding it.

[@AudioPilz]

Always a pleasure!!!

[@gravy_brain]

First time viewer. Great vid! Got my VBass 5 years ago, but just started getting into it lately, now have VDrum also. I'm a noob in synth world, but im hooked. Always played guitar and bass in bands, now im obsessed with these. cheers.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@studiospiraluniverse]

The only volca I kept and will keep. Even though the Midi implementation is quite reduced I play it that way…Its the sound that keeps me going.

[@AudioPilz]

👍👍👍

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

I've had a number of Volcas come and go and the Bass is definitely the best of the bunch. It comes very close to being a grown-up synthesizer. I have it, the Beats, and Kick nestled in a little custom rack. They make a great rhythm section when noodling around on one of my keyboards.

[@bonistik]

Kudos for the Suur Tõll animation clips! Its great but it scared the shit out of me as a kid. Watching it is a childhood trauma of every Estonian😂

[@CSGraves]

It's why I never leave the house without two giant wagon wheels

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@robmusial]

Your jams are always great but that last jam today was sooo great. Always look forward to your videos!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@AlexNes]

I was literally searching for Volca Bass videos today, was shocked that there was no Bad Gear episode for it. Florian read my mind and 4 hours later here we go. You're a legend dude! As a side note: I both hope and not hope that there will be a Bad Gear feature of the Yamaha Seqtrak when it is released *excited face* but also *anxious face*

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!😀😀😀

[@straighttalk2069]

That sounded surprisingly good, intro and jams great work.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Andre_G78]

Na endlich, auf das Video hab ich gewartet. Ich arbeite seit gut zwei Jahren mit dem kleinen Basswunder und das Teil ist der Hammer.

[@AudioPilz]

Ganz deiner Meinung, größer als es aussieht!!!

[@helisoma]

The Jams in this episode were just another level of goodness (ranking 1, then 3 then 2 as favorites), and a flawless overview as usual. Vintage synths are my favorite part of this channel :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@chrism5931]

Just stopped by to like, comment, and check all the boxes. Well done as usual. Thanks. Keep it up dude.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jeffreyorion]

You are in luck, Korg has like 7 or 8 "new" synths coming out this year!

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, great times!!!

[@jamesforrest9837]

in 2024, korg's trying the "direct to bad gear" strategy.

[@RandomNoiseMusic]

That (Mono) Log Lady reference towards the end is pure gold!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@treetopjones737]

"My analog has something to tell you."

[@marcosrotllan]

This channel should have a red line that splits bad gear and good gear. The volca bass is that red line.

[@AudioPilz]

There is no red line;)

[@boriscat1999]

I picked up this and the original Kaossilator as my introduction to synths. I still noodle on the Bass some 10 years later, so I feel like I got my money's worth out of it.

[@EdLrandom]

I really loved the sound of this one

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@gerryhathaway7527]

I’ve gotten a lot of Jean Michel Jarre esque/krauty 70’s analog synth horn lead sounds out of mine Volca Bass. Great for Berlin style tracks too! Multifaceted beast.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@G1SUNPLANT]

Cool episode about my favourite analogue synth! Well explained with cool jams and track! All the best!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@adwarfsittingonagiantsshoulder]

It sound so GOOOOD !!! I think Korg is really nailing it with their synth range offer : The Volca Bass and the Volca Keys, despite their limitations are some of the greater sounding synths out there. And the Miniligue (also great sounding and full of sound designing potential) is one of the best value for money synth there is. In techno history, it was always about Roland (TR-909, TB-303, SH-101), the future of techno history will probably be all about Korg... when it's dawless... free VSTs for the rest.

[@AudioPilz]

That sums it up nicely!!!

[@zoned7609]

Man I really just have the exact opposite impression. The volca bass and keys are my only two analog synths and they are both my biggest purchase regrets (and I've bought an omnichord on impulse)

[@jazzad]

Don't forget the NTS-1 that brings an extra mono voice, arpeggiator and effects to the rig for just as little money. Mk2 just out.

[@leftmono1016]

The Bass and Keys got me back into analog synths and hardware in general. Fantastic little boxes 👍

[@doublebass]

Ive had one connected to my beatstep pro for years. Cant beat the size and sound. Sounds massive hooked up to my subwoofer

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@hullhistorynerd]

My first ever analogue synth! Very fond memories of that chonky sound, the filter is so dark and growly. A shockingly big and warm sound from a cheap little plastic box!

[@AudioPilz]

Classic!!!

[@nazarenomerino9142]

one of the many to have it as a first synth! the buttons died on mine a few years ago and ive been trying to fix it since but never found a reason to do it . thanx as always brother youre the youtube master!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@DerekPower]

I'm waiting for the mega-module version of all Volcas =D Jam #3 definitely slaps smooth.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! Same here!!!

[@dykodesigns]

I have a Volca Bass and also a Volca Keys and the two generations of Volca FM. I prefer the Bass over the Keys, mainly because of the UI with the big cut-off knob (best feature). I never use the built-in seqencer on the any of the Volca's though, much too fiddly for me but they make excellent sound modules when used with Korg Gadget on an iPad in combination with a midi keyboard a hooked up to a decent midi thru-box. It's the "modular groovestation" solution!

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@irradix213]

Three years and six g after getting out of the box, I'm gonna use the box again, but and would totally just rock these

[@AudioPilz]

That’s the way!!!

[@efectonino2492]

I love your program and your way of playing each of the Bad Gear hopefuls! I think Korg should make second versions of its first three Volcas, although the 10th Anniversary has already passed!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Agreed!!!

[@PK-ct1bm]

Man, your reviews have become a piece of art on their own and a yt classic already. But one question remains regarding the volca bass: is it ticking _all_ the boxes or is it just a volca?😄

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Isn't that the same thing?

[@PK-ct1bm]

To me def.yes. @@AudioPilz

[@eddievanheinous666]

Wolka time!

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@d_vibe-swe]

I love my Volca Bass! Thanks for a great episode, as usual :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@debu206]

I gotta say this is some intense well researched musically sound trolling/not trolling ever

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@napotronix]

One thing that should be mentioned is that the Volcas, despite being a bit small and crappy, kind of jumpstarted the whole analogue revival in a time when most larger manufacturers were busy creating boring stage keyboards and workstations and midi controllers because (analog) hardware was considered dead.

[@AudioPilz]

So true!!!

[@CiabaMusic]

Wolca! ❤

[@AudioPilz]

Wery nice!!!

[@Nagibator-cc7ei]

WOW! Fantastic episode!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Dubsteppah]

Another banger video, my buddy has this and I didn't know it was a tiny 303. Loving the sounds you make as always brother.

[@AudioPilz]

It’s a little more than that;) thank you!!!

[@jamalempfehlung9841]

I still remember Christmas 2018, when my parents bought me the volca bass. I WAS HYPED!! To say the least. Totally zoned out for the rest of the evening. But than it happend…My little brother wanted to see what I‘m doing. As the nice 16 year old I was back than, I toled him to fuck off. He started crying… so I threw the little volca bass at him, so he can check out the volca.(obviously)Long story short. I accidentally knocked his tooth out with the volca bass.

[@AudioPilz]

Never underestimate the bass;)

[@zorbanongreco]

Spoilt&Horrid

[@TheZooropaBaby]

that weird new Kaoss sampler thingy was made to be on Bad Gear

[@AudioPilz]

Looking forward to that one!!!

[@Trig242]

Volca bass was my first analog synth, so it will always have a home in my collection and a special place in my heart. Limitations and all

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bldcaveman2001]

Awesome tunes! I am so close to becoming a patron just for the tunes!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Hope to see you on the other side!!!

[@RemeSmokesaplenty]

This dude out here killing it with the content

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@satansrobotho]

Great video. I love the Vbass and use it in a live setup. Not for lack of means but it does it's thing perfectly in the least amount of space. Nice to see you found it's beauty.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@aerospatialerecordings]

HELL YES! My favorite Volca. I know what I'm watching on my lunch break today.

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@lewisd56]

How long have we got to wait for the EP-133 KO.II? That deserves its own series not just 1 episode of bad gear...

[@AudioPilz]

They're still not readily available here! Working on it!

[@trrg9]

Nice jam 🙌 & Great finale🙌

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@PercivalThe23]

volca were my re-entry into music making,lovely lil fellas!

[@Therap1ssed]

I love my Volca Bass, it got me into this whole world of synths and I still have it in my setup.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@Imetalman2000]

The Volca FM has been a work horse in my set up. Their ability to connect with other gear and each other so easily really gives it a ton of replay value.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@g.s.9393]

Finally!! First of all great channel and thank you for your videos!! I was watching your volca series videos and I was missing the og Bass and now you did it! I have a minilogue XD as my polyphonic synth and I used to have the B. Crave for my bass sounds. But one day I saw a video of a volca bass and I realize that this must be my main mono bass synth (To be exactly honest I wanted the E.S. DB01 Basseline or the A. minibrute 2s but budget is my enemy). So I sold the Crave and I use the volca Bass with effects and midi keys. It is great (for the money) and I'm thinking a mod for individual volume pots for each vco too. Thanks again for your videos!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@ambient-hour]

My first synth, still a favorite! The hydrasynth is now officially the only gear I own that hasn't been bad geared - only a matter of time I reckon :D Great stuff as always!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! Should I?;)

[@ambient-hour]

A wildly popular lightning rod for analog purists and hype backlashism? It's your destiny!

[@fotoniknoise]

Watching AudioPilz videos = Keeps my hand on the space bar in order to read the memes (btw, long love volca boss

[@AudioPilz]

Way to go!!!

[@coleford6197]

I should probably watch the whole thing before commenting, but I LOVED the Bass. I never assumed I'd actually try to play the keyboard on any of the Volcas; all the notes came in via MIDI. The gawkier features actually made for some great happy accidents, and I could always get it to sound legit. The stupidest thing killed mine: the battery springs rusted out, and where I live (Asia), it was impossible to get an adapter for it (from the States).

[@rayderrich]

Bass is by far my favorite Volca! Great video Florian!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@onionheadguy7094]

Your productions and skills on these devices is so sick

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@64north20west]

For teh price, I thought it was amazing that they had such good sound in such a small form.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@hitsonacousticguitar]

Sounds really catchy here.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@synthlord2368]

❤ it. Another piece of "Bad Gear" I own. Sorry I missed this on Friday. Hope you had a good weekend!

[@AudioPilz]

No problem!!! Same to you!!!

[@RinnEryr]

Tats engineered the Bass extremely well, together with the Keys and the Kick. Although the Kick has less use cases, the design is really clever and the machine is great fun. KORG’s lucky to have him on board.

[@ultralife73]

BEST CUT EVER at 0:49 🔥!. Also the Volca Bass sounds great and so do your jams.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@divisiona3974]

Hats off! Good eps...

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@plaintigergrrr8496]

You made that little synth sound awesome!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@nshapkar]

Song (Korg Volca Techno #3) referenced in the meme at 5:16 lives rent free in my head, it's so good.

[@AudioPilz]

Happy to hear that!!! Thanks!!!

[@kenfusion]

Great production , and intriguing little box . I could have some fun with this if it had a midi thru . I love the animation in the jams and the meme fest.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Maochan81]

Volca Bass and Sample were my favorite Volca's. Lot of fun. I was sad to see that there again no new Volca this year, but this cheered my up. Sometimes it's refreshing to see something simple and easy to use. Doesn't have tick all the boxes, just a couple of right ones ;)

[@AudioPilz]

Sample is awesome!!!

[@SolidtraxNL]

Got the first three volcas - all great stuff! Remember checking these out at the Musik Messe in Frankfurt. Truly impressed us! Cool demos as always Florian. Please talk with KORG for that Volca Bass SE! :P

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@secretelitemusic]

It's hard to resist the urge to punch down, but I will. Just this once, because you've finally completed your Korgemon collection.

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time!!!

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Am I dreaming? The AudioPilz x Volca Bass video is finally here!

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time!!!

[@janekalbinsky]

I bought one (second hand, of course) as COVID medication and have loved it from day two!

[@AudioPilz]

As the doctor prescribed!!!

[@huntergalloway3944]

The V Bass is the best analog synth under 200$. I got mine used for 80$ and that’s nuts for such a bad ass synth .

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!!!

[@Karstatron]

I have my volca bass connected in old yamaha psr310 with microverb 4. Adds Juice to pad sounds. Just haveto Love it.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!!!

[@andywalkswithme9550]

Why does it sound so Awesome!!!

[@AudioPilz]

It’s The Bass!!!

[@dinogoldie9716]

The Korg Volca is dead. Long live The Sonicware Livens! The KVB was the first bit of gear I bought since the 90s. It's surprisingly good apart from: -Only 8, single measure, pattern memory slots. -You can't address the oscillators and their respective sequencer tracks externally via MIDI. -Very few of the knobs are automatable. -No swing. -No patch memory. -Gridlocked 16 step sequencer.

[@AudioPilz]

These can be a bit tricky to use tho...

[@The_artist_called_The_Engineer]

Like the video quite nostalgic as I sold all my volcas ( I had four) last year and got an MC101 ( which I love)

[@Grisu.]

i love what you made for the verdict song.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@thelanavishnuorchestra]

I always enjoy your compositions. Not in the gear market, but your videos are fun anyway. Maybe I'll have to make some music this weekend. I like the idea of 90's house existing in the 70's. 70's is kinda my wheelhouse.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Have a nice weekend!!!

[@JGlassy]

I’m not even a Korg owner/player… but loved the creativity and good energy in this video!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@jdaddyaz]

Ah shit it's Friday! There goes 45 minutes as I struggle to pause and rewind the video in a frantic attempt to absorb all that hot meme action.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@7an7ara]

My favourite bass synth 😊 haven't found a better sound yet

[@AudioPilz]

😀😀😀

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Great sound! Great review! Today's suggestion is the Mantis from PWM (found at big German stores). It"s definitely not as usual as the brand's name.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Great suggestion!!!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

My man you are literally the funniest person in the world to me at this moment. That said, this piece of gear might not suck quite as bad as some of the recent wictims. Absolutely love your channel!!

[@ellopropello]

again a cool verdict video :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@xammai9679]

These jams went crazy 🤯 I love this thing. I have a couple videos on my Channel abusing this thing. The filter resonances is unmatched. 😮‍💨

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!! Agreed!!!

[@bonsaibloom]

6:30 yo whaaat is this animation?? super wild! killer beat like always :0)

[@AudioPilz]

Suur Töll!!! Thank you!!!

[@sp-404hypnodiqsoundjunkie8]

I look forward to and love spending an extra half hour rewinding and pausing a 10 min. video just to re-read memes that pop up and immediately disappear every 2 seconds on Fridays. Pure entertainment!!!🤗

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!