Korg Volca Drum Mega Tutorial

[@maurettiditroifa9685]

Hey Cuckoo can you make longer sequences?

[@truecuckoo]

16 steps + chaining. BUT I realise now that I forgot to mention what ACT.STEP does. It enters a mode where you can turn on and off individual steps in the sequencer, per track. Effectively making the tracks different independent lengths. This way drifting polymeter rhythmical patterns appear, which do not loop as often. It’s one way to make patterns feel longer, and less loop like.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

cuckoomusic : Oh that is awesome news, I was really hoping they would include individual active step settings!! It’s such a shame the Sample can’t do that.

[@KohlHebert]

@@SlenterendeBeer The FM can.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

BirdYork Enterprises Ltd. : Well, (almost) all the Volcas have the active step option. The difference is that in general it’s for all parts combined (like with the Sample and Beats), but here it’s per part.

[@zalhietzli]

Thank you for the info, this is definitely weighing in for a "buy" !

[@elsantoproductora]

What a time to be alive, you can buy an incredibly versatile drum synth for 150 bucks and learn everything about it watching Cuckoo on your phone.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Exactly that! Built my first computer from a kit, back in 1978, and have witnessed amazing progress, since then. I have lived 60 years, making music/noise, and you right on the money. Could not be more pleased/grateful with these developments. All thanks, to the makers and teachers ❤️

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Amen, brother!

[@SynthFabriCraft]

I noticed that the Cukoo's face is in a little circular mirror on the left. At first I thought he edited his face in using some video software. That is Lo-Tec AF. Nice!

[@night_speed]

Right! Pretty clever.

[@kenziegunn4769]

Right?! The dude is clever. Work smart!

[@ProSimex84]

Didn't realize that until I read this haha

[@Jason75913]

"Lo-Tec AF" *very practical

[@SynthFabriCraft]

@@Jason75913 indeed

[@nobbystyles4807]

only a minute in. this guy is my new favorite thing. i want him to come to my house and explain stuff to me.

[@NickQuinn1986]

love that. Me too!

[@Daath7Music]

Lol

[@beelzeboob6784]

gay...

[@frederickneil6075]

Best comment of the year, and exactly how I feel. Cuckoo needs to be apart of Ikea or something haha.

[@nansenscat9315]

Same here. 😊

[@280zjammer]

Not only is this dude an amazing teacher, he inspires positive emotions. More please! We need this in the world right now.

[@messer21]

Just got my Volca Drum in the mail, installed batteries, pull up Cuckoo video for my instruction guide. This is my tradition

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

LOL, same here :-)

[@daedevillewrestling]

First time viewer here This man is combination of Russell Brand and Mr. Rodgers and it gives me very good feelings.

[@tadeoluna1412]

I'm so glad I found the Bob Ross equivalent of the synth tutorial I needed This was as educative as it was wholesome Thank you so much

[@401dB]

😂

[@troy_con]

In addition to being very informative, probably the most likable youtube personality I've ever encountered.

[@noisetv1863]

I think it's the best volca (I've tried) for jamming/performing/improvising/experimenting/tweaking etc. Step Jump is so fun and it even has pitch quantization, probability, and randomization! I love it's crazy FM sort of sound, too. I was really sad when my cat puked on my Volca Drum last Halloween and fried it! I wish I was kidding :( I am just now getting around to finally replacing it. (Cat's fine! She just prefers Roland:P)

[@truecuckoo]

😅🤣🙏🏼

[@BrendanMahoney]

Really benefited from your video. One thing I think you left out in the parameters menu, that I discovered because of your video, is that you toggle between the pitch on each trigger having a numerical value (0-225) and a regular note value (F1, C3#) by changing "OPI" off or on. It's very cool if you're trying to take a bit of the guessing out of programming a melody/bassline.

[@krytenfivetwothreep2485]

I thought that said QPI lol that's really helpful though, I came across that setting myself and messed around switching it on and off, but I hadn't noticed that effect, and I'd been trying to program in a melody using the numeric values

[@L2-Synth]

you taught me all I wanted to know, I found myself somewhere between smiling and laughing throughout this video and I found my mood tangibly improved please keep it up mister

[@MrJeradhayes]

I preordered one of these after watching the first 15 mins of this video several months ago. I received it last week, and went through this entire tutorial (rewinding in multiple parts), and felt as though the skills it gave me merited me buying one of your t-shirts, Mr. Cuckoo. Spectacular stuff - I love the way you teach how to explore on machines like this.

[@TenisDimants]

Press Edit/Step button, if you press and hold a step, then with level/value knob can change PRB function from 0 to 100 as in what percentage of time that step will be played. Realy cool for randomizing the sounds and making it even more alive. Love that function. Thank you for deep tutorial Cuckoo!

[@sierragold]

Your voice is so calm and pleasant-- I really love how you go about explaining everything. I can see why you've got almost a hundred thousand subscribers! :)

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much Sonya! I’ll take that to my heart 🙏🏼

[@LukeWatts85]

The drum machine makes some good sounds but I prefer the sounds Cuckoo makes when he's happy or excited. Like 45:56

[@truecuckoo]

❤️

[@danbaggenstoss]

Korg needs to update the 3 original Volcas to include "Global System Parameter" #8 which is for the "Sync input/output unit". This would allow the entire collection of Volcas to sync to “Once a step” (or 4 PPQN). The added bonus is that when the Volca Drum, Volca Kick, or Volca Sample is used as the master clock, the swing settings will extend to all Volcas in the chain.

[@voltijuice8576]

I am surprised that the timing of these and Pocket Operators is so low-res.

[@jaydeepalmer]

I think they did it for the keys. Which is amazing, if you know how the flux mode work 😉

[@DerHerbman]

Dude, I have no clue of Synthesizers, Drummachines or whatsoever but I just bought the Volca and am learning with your Video! Thanks man that tutorial is simply as good as gold! Love it!

[@strelokknoize]

Got mine today. This is by far the coolest Volca so far. Geez, the kicks it can produce alone make it worth the price.

[@daryx.langdale]

That was painful to watch. mainly because with every minute of this video it became harder and harder not to run directly to my Volca Drum and start trying out what you cover here. Haven't felt so excited about a

[@truecuckoo]

❤️ Thank you!!

[@theTerribleFamiliar]

Still the king of synth videos on KZbin IMO. Cuckoo is a more entertaining Boss Ross of synthesis. I learn so much from each video and it's presented clearly with an upbeat attitude.

[@jdsimz8147]

I've been a bass/guitar player for yrs and am interested in getting into synths. These lil Kong synths are not expensive and seem like a good starting point. Videos like this help me get past the learning curve.

[@sid1888]

J. Simondz get yourself a Minilogue XD

[@Choirboy444]

This is a superb tutorial. Got one of these for Christmas and only 20 minutes into the video I already feel like I know what I'm doing. Thanks!

[@snaprockandpop]

Loved this. I'm a drummer of 30 years but new to synthesis. This little instrument is a beaut and it was so helpful running through your tutorial :)

[@shatteredsquare]

So you know each step can have it's own slice setting right? With each step having it's own amount of slices?? Dude you can get so intricate with imitating marching snare taps and rudiments and buzz rolls, like how Danny Carry does that kick roll in the grudge that steps up the resolution from 1/4 to 1/4t to 1/8 to 1/8t etc...just by putting slice on a line of hits and setting them to different slice amounts. Volca Drum is a MONSTER!!! 😍

[@DavideCerriGA]

dammit korg take my money! This exactly what i was hoping for, end of analog based drum machines and instead have synth engines. The po32 is great, but to tweak the engin you have to get microtonic and you need to do it on the computer. Good job korg.

[@bboymac84]

Davide Cerri just bought the P.O 32 lol

[@cursedsound]

I have the po 32 and i find a shame that i have to buy the vst to use all the features and the vst is so expensive in my opinion

[@DavideCerriGA]

@@cursedsound This weekend if i have time, i was planning to convert all the default microtonic sounds to wav files to give people a bunch of sounds to use with the PO32. Sad that there is not a nice place for people to share sounds.

[@DavideCerriGA]

soundcloud.com/dcerri/tracks. I started uploading

[@Roikat]

@@@DavideCerriGA Thanks for uploading those. I've also got a bunch of original PO-32 sounds on my KZbin channel if anyone's interested. I think I prefer the dirtier sound of the PO-32 over this Korg, at least from what I've heard so far.

[@jonassenft585]

Duuude, I just got my volca and I'm amazed by the variety of features it has. Thank you for making this tutorial! I really appreciated your calm and playful approach to explaining this little machine! Greetings from Germany!

[@zachariahpoltergeist4516]

Salesman at music store - "Hello, can I interest you in a box of Autechre?"

[@aevin_io]

Haha good one

[@percussionboy4357]

Ha! Was thinking the same thing.

[@davidobrien2606]

Oh really interesting got modal samples recently great autechre vibes from that can't wait to grab one of these always wanted a drum synth.

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

Thanks Cuckoo for really understanding this thing. I’d seen a couple reviews that commented on limitation of control but clearly they hadn’t dove as deep as you. I really like the visual representation of the current layers and how randomize can actually teach you how to make certain sounds, as well as inspire new ideas. Also that first accidental bass before you actually made one was neat!

[@nikosidis]

First I made a couple of songs using default kits. I did modify them a little and while recording I did trigger events to make it more interesting. Watching this video I'm feeling comfortable doing my own stuff from scratch. You teach very well. Easy to understand and you explain step by step in good order. Thank you a lot. This machine is very cool. My instrument is guitar. Using Volca drum and Volca bass I have a band :) I can put up the 2 songs I did somewhere if you are interested to hear it.

[@declangreicius3640]

yes i wouold like to hear your songs

[@fortheloveofnoise]

This really exceeded my expectations, I expected the Modular to be the one I really wanted....but this seems to be the most useful and fun Volca to date.

[@radiorain5665]

Just having flashbacks to all the people saying this was fake a few weeks ago. XD

[@cursedsound]

I didn't even know about this i was so confused a moment ago i thought he means volca kick 😂😂

[@vikingblast3582]

Thank you! Just ordered one and after watching this, I feel like I understand how it works much better than after every other video I’ve watched.

[@LukeWatts85]

37:05 sounds like someone left their car door open

[@LukeWatts85]

@NA HORA DA BRINCADEIRA I think it's an American car thing. Europeans don't need a noise to realize their door is open

[@atomicdemise]

@@LukeWatts85 we need to be told what to buy too. and who to vote for. lol

[@JakeG]

I don't want this. *watches cuckoo play with it for 10 minutes* I want this.

[@RaketenKuhGewehr]

15 minutes in: I NEED this.

[@boosha93]

this is the 3rd time watching this video in full. every time I'm picking up new little things. thank you! the way you explain and make your videos on all your synths are right up there on with the best on youtube! Thank you Cuckoo

[@orphanoforbit7588]

Really decent tutorial for beginners. Most just fly in and leave you trailing. This one is how you're supposed to mess around with all the lovely possibilities. Cheers Mr. Cuckoo.

[@TheFreeRadikal]

Rhythmic vibes on the hour beats that just won't stop I've got rhythm in my veins like a Cuckoo Clock

[@aevin_io]

Truly amazed how much thought Korg has put into this!

[@GarHoover]

I am confident that someone could make a full set on this! This things got some DEPTH!

[@mindfullcafe5115]

This is the best online tutorial, easy to understand and delivered perfectly. Thank you

[@vuuvovuuv]

38:47 accidentally playing the super mario world theme song (!) it's so deep in your blood, cuckoo!

[@truecuckoo]

🤣

[@Decoy303]

You can get rid of whatever sound you are manipulating but keep the send delay feedback it creates as long as it's on the sequencer by going into your edit step and going to the gain parameter. That's where the magic is. You can get better balance with your mix this way as well and get into some really interesting territory where the delay becomes very organic sounding while being built on a foundation of techno sounds scapes. This thing is super versatile and unique for what you pay for.

[@jasonparker8570]

You the man Cuckoo! I recently bought a 2nd hand Volca Drum and with your help I'm now groovin' to the beat. Keep up the good work. Thanks for making this video.

[@jake5265]

paired with the volca kick I can imagine some incredible rhythmic jams.

[@matthewcody1757]

Jake yeah i just got one today and paired it with kick xd monologue and og minilogue fuk me what a arsenal of sounds

[@radddch3293]

It seems like all the volcas are a re-imagining of iconic instruments. Your video makes me think this volca is like a rendition of the machinedrum. The red led screen kind of winks at that. I never would of have thought there would be a volca like this. Great!

[@mistral_uk]

I feel like even if I had zero interest in drum machines, synthesis, or music in general I would still have thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thanks dude!

[@user-yf2lk5gi7q]

This was the best tutorial! I went from being very confused to fully understanding how to use my vocal drum.

[@russbomo5906]

Changing patterns and selecting them to play in sequence was very helpful. I don’t think I would’ve been able to figure that out on my own.

[@deadlydanton]

Thanks so much for this vid cuckoo, I bought this on a whim 6 months ago and it's been gathering dust until I watched this vid a few nights ago. Loved this detailed yet easy to understand tutorial. It's a great little device when you know what you're doing.

[@TexazFox666]

Thanks for not having any ads in your videos also thanks for the in depth tutorial

[@danselmix]

good product...seems that they took their ER-1 synthesis engine and added the resonator part...good combo of features for the price

[@therealone1288]

like a plonk that costs twice as less and doesnt need a case, has a sequencer, and midi in. NICE

[@bebop7]

> twice as less my head asplode

[@shinobislayer7039]

I just imploded externally

[@bobibob6103]

Just wanted to thank you sooo much for what you're doing, my dear Cuckoo! You introduced me to most of the synthesisers I owned, and you are doing it really pleasantly... Cheers, mate!

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼

[@jesusrocks7500]

You're such a hippie. Love your way of teaching. All the best to you Bud.

[@SuperKillbill66]

By the end of 38th minute , I have already ordered one !! That's definitely a brilliant tutorial !! Thank u sir !

[@mattnielsen1468]

Korg really packed the features into this thing! Looks like I can get rid of half my other volcas and replace them with one of these, and still have a couple extra features on top (wave folding, drive, bit crush, etc!)

[@nathankirklambo1986]

dude your video style is way cool. is that a true physical mirror you use instead of another camera for your face? that's amazing.

[@whiteperill]

This is best combination ever: asmr voice + learning about synths at the same time 🎧✨🙌🏻

[@scottl.6307]

I feel old bc this seems like a new age ER-1 and I remember “old school” synth heads and 808 die hards trashing me for my affinity for the er-1 and indeed the whole ‘er-‘ series. The ER-1 was red but somehow there was a green, a blue, and something else all in the same pantheon. The sounds on this range from eerily similar to outright identical. Perhaps I’ll grab this for the memory sake. Of course, the entire instrument industry bc of pipe dream spending that later becomes nostalgia spending by the same person.

[@matthewcody1757]

I just got mine today as here in Aus they hav took ages to get here like alot of stuff so im well intrested and looking forward to watching this.

[@aki_gong6271]

That machine is such a simply great designed machine, with an amazing sequencer, and it sounds amazing. This and the Kick are my complete fav ones from the series ;)

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

thousands of fun with this little machine !! for shure, besides volca kick and sample 2

[@vuuvovuuv]

there are a lot of pieces of this that remind me of the ER-1 architecture that i'm very very into

I'm late to the party, but I just got one, I love it! It's so different, It's refreshing!

[@artaxdrowning4423]

Watched and read so much, thought i was just too dumb...learned more in the first 16 min of this vid than everything else combined. Homie is awesome.

[@Limpuls]

6. Wave guide section sold me out. Godamn, what a tool for percussive sounds

[@ebraltazar3498]

Great info, relaxing video, super fun drum machine. Well done Cuckoo and thanks again.

[@paultyrrell8060]

Hey Cuckoo - love your videos - can you do a tutorial on the volca modular

[@KevHutch]

Thank you, you really opened my mind to the amazing possibilities!

[@alyeska4226]

I love Korg's loyal formats. The electribe are the box of markers, and now the volcas are boxes of crayons.

[@Sineidal]

Al Yeska yup I’ve tried to replace my electric due to some of its limitations, but just can’t. I love it some much.

[@OttosTheName]

For those not willing to spend an hour, 5:20 is where it got most interesting for me with some crazy sounds starting at 6:20. Interesting powerful little machine and great demo!

[@julianfrank2461]

p-locks + individual track length + hot swapping presets is just awesome

[@remowo_]

Thank you for your time and effort sir. Truly a comprehensive tutorial on the basics and advanced (hidden) features of the volca drum. I agree with you that this is not a typical drum-machine, I was also disappointed at first for no actual reason because after your tutorial I saw that it's so much more.

[@SlashnKashmir]

I couldnt decide that i should buy modular or drum till this video. Definitely drum will be center of my setup

[@garethmillers5453]

Awesome Tutorial. Any chance of a Volca Kick Mega Tutorial please?

[@Maochan81]

Fast & not furious at all :) Seriously, just read the announcement, headed over to YT subscriptions and BAM. Thanks for the great vid!

[@jonpatchmodular]

I got one today! I kept jamming on the thing while trying to figure it out, it's so fun!

[@percussionboy4357]

are all 6 drum sounds on the same MIDI channel? Or is the Drum like the Volca Sample, where each sound is on a different MIDI channel? Thx...

[@vprice509]

I just ordered a Volca Drum from Amazon. Thanks so much for breaking it down.

[@pixelflow]

oh man, a budget wave guide synth! guess 'Korg Karplus-Strong couldn't fit on the label :)

[@davidjacobik5451]

Thanks for the in-depth tutorials! I really enjoy jamming and rhythm designing with my new Volca Drum now that you've helped me unfold the details!

[@hermansimms8410]

You sound like a chilled stoner!! Awesome. You don't rush when explaining ❤️😊👍

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thank you so much for this in-depth tutorial! I was kind of on the fence about this one, but now that I’ve seen and heard so much of what it can do (especially the additional hidden settings), I am definitely getting one. I think it will be a great addition to our setup. I love the white noise percussion sounds. Also, I can’t wait to dive into the melodical part of this. 6 notes is plenty to do some interesting chords or mini-leads. Have you tried tuning this to other gear? I’m wondering how easy it is.

[@stuffmikelikes5934]

It's next on my shopping list!

[@ontheroad579]

Great channel of yours. Korg should send you stuff for free.

[@thebigzero]

in the future all instruments will be taught like this. invaluable resource cuckoo, thanks heaps

[@clarkflavor]

One of the most interesting sounding machines I've heard in a while, can't wait to order one!

[@designthink271]

inspiring tutorial from relaxed guy who enjoys sharing knowledge. Thanks!

[@kaydues]

Hey Cuckoo! Thank you for this absolutly awesome tutorial into that volca drum - i own one of these nice maschine and i am impressed. The best section in this tutorial for me, was that explaining about that fact of combine more of one programm. Thank you !

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks mate! Glad to hear you found it useful!

[@ремдигга-в7щ]

Спасибо чемпион ! Крутой туториал !

[@taliosnz]

Just picked up one these and a KORG Monologue - first instruments in 30ish years. I’m not sure which I’m. Ore excited to play with first!

[@PhrygianPhrog]

Wow, a lot packed into this thing

[@woodleybob]

Thank you for such a clear explanation. Much better than Korg's own video about the instrument! Now waiting for mine to arrive and start making sounds...

[@aattoaatto1192]

Thank you so much for this video! I just picked up my Volca Drum today and I have to say... I flippin’ love it! 🥁

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Gonna spend the whole weekend watching this video on a loop fiddling with my volca drum!

[@toslinked]

I love this thing. korg somehow made a very friendly version of elektrons ideas.

[@enensis]

Fantastic tutorial I learnt so much! I struggled abit with the manual. Thanks mate

[@truecuckoo]

👊🏼

[@georgeray3492]

Another superb Cuckoo tutorial. Thanks for going through so much of this kit. Joy and fun every time you take us on an exploration. The section titles will help me find your hints and tricks when I get one of these in my hands...

[@Cra2yThund3r]

Salut Cuckoo !!! Merci beaucoup à toi ! Là où il n'y avait que frustration, j'ai découvert l'exploration et l'amusement et ce sur chacune des machines que je possède... Te voir t'amuser comme un enfant mais faire rire avec toi. Merci pour ton travail, merci pour ce tutoriel. Je vais de ce pas m'offrir un un de tes t-shirt et parler de toi a qui voudra l'entendre 😊 Big Upppp l'Artiste !!!!!!

[@cpcohen1945]

My VD just arrived. Now that I have it in my hands, this makes a lot more sense! Thank you!

[@Braunschweiger1984]

You're the right person to demonstrate this product. This drumachine is quirky, to use your parlance.