Korg Volca Beats - SonicLAB Review

[@DenverVideoProduction]

Your ending copyright claims this review was done in September 2103. Can you tell me if my grand kids turn out ok?

[@cremefrais]

lmao

[@CrazyAboutVinylRecords]

They turned out horribly bad I'm sorry to say.

[@ETA555]

Your from the future!

[@kierenmoore3236]

"Great Scott ... It's your kids, Jonathan! Something has to be done about your kids!!"

[@neilcarson6489]

@@CrazyAboutVinylRecords Kind of a bit of a shame...

[@Epic501]

Love the cheesy "turn to B camera" shots in these vids, coupled with the in-depth info and very clear speaker. Great shit guys

[@daniloprates]

he changes them himsef, which's even cooler

[@neoaureus]

@@daniloprates ...imagine going to dinner with him.... got be ready for the changes.

[@Neuri]

thanks for the active step feature nick! useful for me today 9 years later

[@KevinSkorneyspcewzzzd]

I agree with shoontz, Sonicstate reviews w/ Nick Batt have no comparison. Nobody gives this in depth of reviews for synth gear, video quality is always great, and everything is covered. The other great part about these videos is that they're a great mix of demo and review/opinion. Keep it up!

[@alexgregory1427]

well this is the difference when a true master speaks, versus some kid, that mumbles behind braces - repeating what he read on the innntaannnet…if they even can pronounce it!…lol...

[@Decoy303]

Check out loopop, Ricky Tinez, and also Stimming. They do some really awesome tutorials and reviews on gear. These four people are my go to product reviewers.

[@TheoVoidTV]

This dude is the best reviewer on the inter-nets! Anytime I'm interested in any piece of gear, I look for a Nick review!! Keep up the good work my friend.

[@innerpull]

you guys do the best, most comprehensive reviews with clear examples for the points you note.

[@HotStrange]

InnerPull This channel and Marc Doty are the best by far.

[@SendyTheEndless]

The weak link on this one is the "snap" portion of the snare. Every demo I've seen of it sounds scratchy and horrible. Great kick, though. It's very warm and slightly grainy in a nice way.

[@swordghoti]

This is the best channel for gear reviews anywhere on the web, always demonstrates the features really well. I have one of these and it's a handy sketch book style unit for just jamming on the fly at random times. It's not gonna set the world alight but it's pretty serviceable in a small box for little over a hundred quid, which is decent.

[@jaKthemighty]

as a young musician, I grew up loving the DFA sound but until now that crisp analogue vibe has been so hard to afford. Can't wait to see the other Volcas Nick, great review.

[@pete2070]

When I got mine I asked if a power unit was included and was told there was one in the box. The price was the same. When it arrived I checked and there it was! So ask before you buy the Volca Beats.

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

It has the puniest sound of the Volca range, but it's also one of the most fun to play. And if you put it through an overdrive/distortion pedal, it doesn't sound so puny.

[@Digiphex]

Why for the love of God no analog clap?

[@kletsgoo]

This Volca series remind me a lot of the Electribe set. We can probably wait for the Volca sampler. I like this set a bit more though. Simplicity!

[@SeriouslyNudeSamurai]

I absolutely love the snare. Go buy an EDM sample pack.

[@yoianrhodes]

I lost my arm... in NAMM.

[@yoianrhodes]

No not the.. OH GOD THE FLASHES ARG. THE AHH THE ELECTRONICS NO NO PLEASE NOT THE AHHH! MY NIPPLES

[@yoianrhodes]

AHHH 12 volts AHHHH

[@saadmemon543]

AAM

[@sonicstate]

Dont worry, that ones next - will try and get it done asap

[@d1ggitydan]

I know! I was laughing at that so much when he spun around on the camera switch and said "you know what else is cool!?"

[@sonicstate]

Hey thanks! We do our best

[@RhombusLabs]

Please explain how you would make an analog clap. White noise wouldn't cut it. It would also be nice to have a link to any device that produced an analog clap. I'm super curious.

[@joker9494949494]

The snare is the only weak link as far as i can see..

[@Synthesis1979]

Why did they decided to use a PCM for the Clap sound?. Originally it was an analog sound - WTH.

[@shoontz]

The internet is loaded with reviews but god damn if Nick Batt isn't the cream of the crop. He's thorough, interesting and tells the truth. Manufacturers take note; I buy what I buy based on this guy's reviews.

[@PocketUnv]

I'm so glad to see that you've reviewed this thing, thanks for that! However, please please please get rid of the purple lights, they are enormously disturbing when trying to get a feel for what the unit looks like.

[@sonicstate]

Nope, only Stutter and PCM playback speed - so I guess you could record an Agogo pitched line

[@mixerinc]

4:38 ! sold

[@BNedr218]

agreed. Same here

[@ronnieperez7650]

It's really funny, when I set things to low decay, and do a little stutter, I was thinking how IDM it can sound. The stutter has a very autechre feel to it. :)

[@dinogoldie9716]

Korg need to bring out MKii versions of the 1st 3 Volcas. It's so frustrating that the Beats doesn't have its own swing knob/slider. Also, the sequencer should be 2-4 bars rather than the current single 16 steps. Why is The Beats the only Volca with "Stepjump?" Bass/Keys MKII really need stepjump too. Seems odd there's 16 steps but only 10 sounds on The Beats - would it have really broke the bank to have 8 analogue and 8 pcm parts? I feel Korg have targeted the Volcas at the Techno/House market at the expense of hip hop.

[@MrTrollinglol]

If you want hip hop get a real 808. I'm joking theyre too expensive but maybe the sample would be better for hiphop

[@bomb2themaximum]

Another great review from nick thanks dude keep up the good work. I got my volca beats in the mail today

[@lofiant81]

can the volca beats sync up to the microkorg, arpeggiator for example ????

[@MaxZorin8]

"...but in the back of my head I heard distant feet Che Guevara and Debussy to a Volca beat"

[@verve92]

SonicLab is hands down the best. There is no bias like the other reviews who are just selling gear and won't mention the unit's shortcomings. SoS review are not bad either but no video!

[@Black_Agent_Seattle]

I'm wondering if the Sync output works in conjunction with the MIDI input. So if i say, sync the Beats to my Octatrack via MIDI, can i then sync the Bass to the Beats via the Sync ports.

[@KorhanErel]

Is it possible to record only motion sequence data on the step sequencer and trigger drums using an external keyboard/DAW? This would allow storage of 8 patterns with motion sequences (sort of like presets).

[@KorhanErel]

+Korhan Erel let me answer my own question. Yes it is :)

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Love my Korg Volca beats the best bargain drum kit without going broke. I love drum machines but don't have 1k plus for a fancy one!

[@dnotive]

I can't wait to get one of these.

[@jonowise]

Hi Nick great rievew what is the noise floor like ? the Monotirbe / Monotrons were pretty noisey

[@AtlasVulpes]

Is it possible to apply a mod, like there was for the TR-808, to extend the maximum decay time of the kick, so that it doubles as a sub bass synth? I'm really into alt hip-hop and trap, and I like unique sounds. If this can do that, then this is an instant buy for me.

[@MrTrollinglol]

I'm sure if you circuit bent it there would be a way

[@newrecordhigh7860]

the date on the rolling credits is 2103, did you in a rush, but can you imagine what korg will be producing by then

[@PseudomoniaProject]

On the credits it says September 2103. Have we discovered time travel?

[@S4V0LAEN3N]

Yes. Long TIME ago! BTW. I love to visit in early ninetees underground warehouse parties. Great atmosphere there.. .

[@ZethKeeper]

10:37 Oh, hello, Nick from the future!

[@AmcogG]

I'm sold. Wasn't going to buy one of these. But now I am. Love the stutter feature. Great review.

[@Djunturica]

Does anyone know is it possible to control arpeggio clock of an other instrument with the " In - Sync - Out " connectors on the volca beats? Many thanks!

[@timofeyosokin451]

white noise would but you should use saw waveform to control the vca, add some delay with low timing and compression as well

[@cresshead]

just ordered one...to go with my volca bass and keys

[@iLLxVillaN]

Can you please make sure you do a sweep of the octaves with the bass? I've not seen a video yet that shows the range from low to high, thanks.

[@91crey]

can someone please tell me how can I sync volca beats to Presonus Studio one ? I'd like to buy the volca but only if I'll know how to sync it

[@hansimeyer707]

As always, very nice review Nick! Keep it on buddy!

[@9P6T]

Korg has been totally nailing it with their last 2 product lines.

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

You didn't mention noise floor? Korg products seem to be plagued by bad noise, is this any different ?

[@DafDafC]

Hey, can i connect this to midi keyboard which has 3.5mm midi jack?

[@aikighost]

Can the sequencer record tuning? Could you do a "bassline" with the kick for example?

[@beninglis8097]

I love the random camera angle changes... I'm guessing he likes video editing software as well lol.

[@Emily_Entropy]

Excellent review, Nick. It's a fun little box, but this review has confirmed my suspicions about the sound quality. I'm glad I didn't pre-order this one!

[@Dullbedsitblogger]

I am hungry for this product!

[@SaltyBob355]

Seems like Volca sample can do everything this can with more versatility, granted some computer pre-manipulation. Thoughts?

[@JG-ib7xk]

No, no it can't.

[@danvankouwenberg7234]

Great review of the features.

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Just realised, I don't think this machine has a 'swing' function ? That is a total deal breaker for me on a x0x drum machine. Did the 606 have swing ?

[@scottschulze3568]

Nailed the review! I was pondering one but this sold me!

[@StateOfHead]

I like it but just a little bothered by no velocity and a few other limitations. Price makes up for it.

[@joewhy]

Boy I hope he keeps reviewing synths and the world doesn’t go to crap

[@infindebula]

Thanks for the informative review. BTW your closing credit roll says you did this in "September 2103" ... is that how long I'll have to wait for mine to ship?

[@gregorio98000]

Your reviews are awesome, thank you keep them coming

[@masonboycott-owen7822]

hi nick (don't know if you'll read this but thought i'd ask just in case) i'm currently trying to send the midi clock data from my roland GAIA to the volca beats so that i can sync up the tempo of the two and play arpeggios and drums in time. the volca beats doesn't seem to be accepting any of the tempo data from the gaia but does seem to be receiving note triggers from the gaia's keyboard, could you give any advice on syncing the two up?

[@migraine516]

Awesome. May I ask where you found the MIDI CC numbers to control the volume and other parameters? I have a Volca Bass and I don't believe it mentions it in the manual at all. All it really says is "use this plug for MIDI connections".

[@shaner577]

Can anyone help I have both the the bass & the beats but I want to midi sync with my reason.How can trigger everything at the same time Thankyou in advance

[@SeaWasp]

Is the headphone out jack amplified? If so, how much hiss/noise is there? I remember on the Monotribe, the 1/4 inch out made life very easy. Really appreciate the review!

[@Synthematix]

Awsome I think the bass is the best unit of the three

[@TYRONEBIGGLES]

thanks 4 the review SL!

[@chvadsb]

Couldn't agree more. Nick has made or broken tons of my buying choices. This guy is fucking great.

[@calvi195]

Is there an axiom air? When do you will make the review i´m waiting for it too¡ Come on Nick¡ Greetings from Argentina¡

[@lacherlichcateaster4538]

For me, the Beats is the lesser of all the Volca series. It doesn't have a lot of punch when you record it, and no-where near the functionality of the Bass and Keys. Does having 7 analog sounds really make a difference? Not really. There are drum machines for less that do more, and although motion record is a nice touch, stutter is just a delay.. I'd go for the Zoom Streetboxx which has 100's of sounds, song chaining, panning, tuning, instruments, FX..I don't work for Zoom btw

[@Driftless91]

Any chance you'll be reviewing the Bass Station II soon?

[@mrd1701d]

Note at the end of the review Nick is clearly a time traveller - reviewed September 2103!! :-)

[@ChronicBurnout3]

Nice review Nick, but it was hard to tell if you really liked it. I got a kind of shruggish "hard to complain" bemusement rather than any type of real enthusiasm but this may be just how British people express themselves, so Im not sure!

[@Longuncattr]

You could put a swinging clock signal into it.

[@aschemusicreations]

September 2103

[@nemtna]

+Urine Denial 2103 wow!

[@nemtna]

+Urine Denial 2103 wow!

[@mattdunn6263]

Can you control the tempo with the MIDI-in?

[@BeatGrooveRhythm]

Great demos ! Cheers Penfold keep it up !

[@DanielOakfield]

Nice review as usual, very informative!

[@motoboy6666]

egen is the next volca demo due?

[@nicolesproducerpack]

Can you not adjust the panning?

[@S4V0LAEN3N]

It is possible to do some modifications like separate outputs for analog sounds.. which allows further processing to sounds. Like balance in the mixer.

[@leepicciotto]

Simple snare mod turns this into a serious little drum machine.

[@nonstopdemo]

You could get a used ER-1 for this price and it has a much broader functionality

[@Wicked-RPG]

Mine will be here in a month! Love your vids.

[@mano123456]

Nice work on the videos! - Mano

[@gijsvanouwerkerk]

How are the various sound panned? They seem to be all straight in the middle. Any way to influence this?

[@paphundekel1926]

I bought circuit bent Roland TR-505 instead of this and it sounds much, much better than Volca Beats

[@markzzzsmith]

Watching a review from the future - September 2103 according to the end credits 😉

[@Methanol2000]

Can't wait to see the Keys reviewed =) As always, Nick is the best reviewer I've seen =)

[@NoSeAsuste]

Can I sync it from computer via Midi?

[@alidisco]

September 2103 hey, you kept the fact that you'd invented time travel pretty quiet Nick ; )

[@mrd1701d]

Hopefully an MS-50 Mini and an SQ-10 Mini?

[@whiterottenrabbit]

Is it possible to synch this unit via MIDI clock, using it as a slave?

[@ben1210]

All the volcas sync to midi, including the beats. www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/how-do-i-set-up-my-korg-volca-series-synth-module-to-sync-to-an-external-midi-clock/

[@chrisobserwator]

At the end titles "September 2103" - interesting.

[@stevemountford3707]

Does it do midi time sync?

[@TheGhostfaceKLR]

It's easy to beat, for the price. boom boom bap!

[@Patritz]

@sonicstate what's your favourite of the 3? second favourite?

[@RichardDenRooyen1973]

anyone know how i can send tempochanges TO the Volca Beat by midi? i want to use my Yamaha AN1x (with stepseq and arpegiator) to control the tempo (BPM) of the Volca Beat.... sofar it seems it only would work within a DAW (with very terrible syncing in Ableton.... im kinda disappointed about that part of the Volca`s)

[@F-Andre]

hi why not sync the beats to anything you like?

[@RichardDenRooyen1973]

***** it seems my AN1x wont send out MIDI clock so indeed i have to find another clock source

[@billypilgrim1]

Can the Volca's sequencer be used as a midi controller?

[@SharkRecordFilms]

+BillyPilgrim 2:40

[@fullconsciousness1448]

can anyone tell about adding a midi out port? this would be great to use as a beat programmer and then record it to the Daw or another device which does not have a step sequencer for instance

[@fullconsciousness1448]

found this in a video's comments: Volca MIDI OUT MOD This MOD is easy.Wire connection of the three points in a board is only carried out to the pin of the MIDI terminal of VD=4, GND=2, and TX=5. (respectively red,green and yellow) or see the web page: blog.utopianlabs.com/2013/09/korg-volca-beats-midi-out/