Hard to beat: KORG volca drum - review & jam

[@mart6571]

Thank you for learning the instrument and producing a highly musical demo, unlike some other reviewers who play aimlessly with the controls and expect us to endure a cacaphony of screeches and howling noises.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the great feedback! 😊

[@teatime2595]

Yeah I hate that shit gives me a head ache practically not sure why they even have that option like who the fk can listen to that?

[@neonblack211]

@@teatime2595 nice way of saying you dont understand how synthesis works

[@neonblack211]

@@teatime2595 what "option" or options are you talking about exactly?

[@mpmi7588]

Dude that end jam was crazy

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@mobiusvoid347]

Finally a demo of this unit that actually utilizes the synth aspect adequately. Think you just convinced me to pick one up. Thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the nice feedback! 😊

[@cuttygrass]

I got a Volca Drum two weeks ago as my first hardware synth after many years of audio engineering mainly in the box. I love it!! It has a lot of potential as a sound design tool as well. Additionally, I really appreciate your thoughtful and direct analysis. Looking forward to enjoying more of your content.

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@MrAliensix]

Quite possibly the best and most exciting review of the Volca Drum. Loved the jam. Thank you, Pete! 😊

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@Ssspaceform]

Best review and demo of this unit I have seen. Thanks for being concise and no-nonsense. Oh I just subscribed.

[@PeteMidi]

Great that you like it, thank you so much!

[@MD_is_me]

Being able to actually accomplish an informative concise review is most often a sign of having in-depth knowledge of the subject. I appreciate these types of reviews as much as in-depth ones; sometimes more.

[@Pamberjack_]

I got one on the strength of this review. I wasn’t disappointed. AWESOME box. Highly recommended.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@heathbrady8510]

Killer demo. Had no idea these could sound so good. Now I’m a subscriber

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@TenisDimants]

Amazing, great review and the jam at the end makes me want to get one.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@petercane6376]

My word...You really know what you are talking about and put it all over so exactly how it is. I have just bought one. You are totally convincing and you have the gift to make people listen to you even out of your own mother tongue. And.....it's all technical jargon too. You are extremely clever. I have subscribed so as to learn from you. Thank you! BTW..Volcaniced here on you tube also goes for the Volcas before any other synth!!!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the great feedback, very encouraging! 😊

[@AveMcree]

My dude.... This was amazing!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! 😊

[@FfWHR-MovingPictures]

Great review, and the only person to notice the huge step forward into stereo. So important, probably the feature which sold it to me finally. Thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the nice feedback!

[@HotStrange]

This is a very great and informative review. Subscribed and hope to see more great content from you :)

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much!

[@MisAnnThorpe]

Came here just after watching your Electron Model: Cycles video and in both cases it is most apparent that it is always really about the man/woman behind the machine(s). Good work Pete.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@tonipepperoni3424]

You are my favorite reviewer, I just got one of these and it's as much fun to use as i thought it would be 😀

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@davidlloyd9598]

Great work Korg. You managed to fit NIN, Prodigy and Aphex Twin inside a tiny box!

[@SIl_Ae]

Omg these were exactly my thoughts lol. They KILLED it with the drum, from what I'm seeing.

[@brianwredfern]

This is really exciting because it s a new way of producing drum sounds. Everything else either uses analog , samples or virtual analog but they are all trying to recreate the sounds of the past, this is really making use of new power in modern micro-controller processors to try a new way of making drum sounds.

[@brianwredfern]

The po32 is still basically virtual analog in a tiny form factor.

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, exactly that's also my opinion, volca drum as a nice device for fresh sounds.

[@NS-pj8dr]

agreed, although elektron machindrum did this about 20 years ago, it has analog modeling, fm, physical modeling, and a few other kinds of synthesis if i recall. i see volca drum as an affordable machinedrum-lite

[@brianwredfern]

@@NS-pj8dr Yeah physical modeling has been around for a while I think the thing here is how cheap and tweakable it is, its always been a feature only on very high end machines, like the korg oasys had it but it cost as much as a honda civic. Although my psychoflute series of android apps has had free physical modeling since 2007. So yeah its not new here just cheap enough to be do-able for those of us on a low budget.

[@PeteMidi]

Yeah, also for me the machinedrum was too expensive and I did not like the user interface ...

[@jonathanlindo9885]

That Jam was so cool! Now Im glad I had just ordered one

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@alchimerical2613]

Best demo I've seen so far! 💥

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!!

[@lupus2252]

Great jam, thanks for the video!

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@boriscat1999]

Looks like Korg fixed at least one complaint sometime after this video was made. Korg's system update (2019.09.10) release notes: "Fixed single channel MIDI handling of note events."

[@QuimFont]

Excellent demonstration and explanation, thank you

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@chamatsprayart2283]

These volca machines are just banging...

[@jenniferw8963]

Would be nice if say you are using primarily a Behringer RD-8, to have one or more channels set to trigger sounds from the Korg Drum via midi.. just turn down the volume for internal sound mapped to that channel and have it send hte midi note that corresponse to the sound in the Korg. That way I could use just once sequencer.

[@thomasmitchell3920]

Nobody else has made this thing sound so hard!!! Good session!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@iosmusicman]

Refreshing approach for the review and jam. Thanks. Lee

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Thanks Pete. I have stuck with my Drum as you advised and now enjoying it. Very powerful editing and can make some amazing tech sounding beats.

[@PeteMidi]

Great! 👍

[@spartaco162]

they should include this video in the package. Great Job!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@jibberer]

Great demo... convinced me to get one! It really is instant fun. Can't believe how good it is for the money!

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, absolutely - many thanks for the feedback!

[@electroshox]

This seems to be one (if not the only one) of the reviews, that really shows the deeper possibilities of that tiny juwel.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! 😊

[@colmmadden8526]

Best review and best jam on the bestest volca yet. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much for this great feedback!

[@acamerontx]

Some of the best demo beats I've heard. Have a subscription!

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much!

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Hi Pete. I am taking my Drum to the open mike tonight. Looking forward to it. Have lots of questions for you about MIDI. Will send you a note tomorrow. Thanks for all your help and videos. They are really good and helpful. AL

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks AL, you can also reach me via email, you find it on my bioseq.de website.

[@dietervoser4425]

Eine ausgezeichnete Demonstration dieser Zauberkiste ! :-) Macht spass zuzuhören/sehen. !

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks - vielen Dank!

[@synth4ever]

Hi Pete, great review! Now that LXR-02 has been released, any thoughts on Volca Drum vs LXR-02? Which has more features/sound designs possibilities? LXR-02 kit morphing seems pretty cool but I don't think it has a resonator. Do you still think LXR-02 has a much steeper learning curve? Appreciate your insights!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the feedback! The lxr-2 has a simplified user interface, in particular the sequencer is more straight forward now. Sound possibilities are still superior to volca. Because of the different engines learning the lxr is still more complicated but morphing is great!

[@notwasnot]

Hi! Pete ! i like your style , i don't normally like content creators that show their face , but you put on a good show thank you and your jams have a feel that i like a lot . i'm sold to the volca series, when linked the volca are made to go together . i got most and the drum is next . i will watch your up coming none the less and keep up the good work .

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot for the great feedback!

[@iamisandisnt]

when you defied the mainstream and then I listened to you jam is when I decided to get this piece. Thanks for the honest thoughts :)

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@guiom77]

hello pete midi ! i hope you re alright and hope to see you soon on youtube for another great video !!

[@stefan3112]

great performance bro, volca masterclass

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@KevinThomsonPlus]

Best review and demo of the volca drum I've heard 🙂

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@delscoville]

Thanks, you helped my decision. Just ordered one.

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@RogerioCRibeiro]

AMAZING JAM! Love your stuff!

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@draconianrhythms]

Ah that jam at the end was so nice .. I can only hope to one day unlock the magic in the box

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the feedback! 😊

[@The5thVolt]

Awesome, I just bought this amazing little device because of your video! I love the jam at the end.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the feedback! 😊

[@apislapis]

Great demo. I bought an Arturia Drumbrute Impact a few weeks ago, and while it makes a change from using 909 / 808 sounds (or my poor man's 808 the 606) it's not quite as 'left-field' as the volca drum which I hoped to purchase and use it in tandem with the drumbrute impact. Demos like yours - not to mention being a G.A.S. sufferer - mean I will be making that investment. Thank you for your excellent work consider yourself liked and subbed.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! Drumbrute & volca drum: excellent combination!

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Hi Pete. I am really into this machine now. It took me a while but loving it now. Thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

👍

[@alanflores4289]

That last jam convinced me to order it

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@petrpazyna]

wow! best review of volca drum that i saw. thank you!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the great feedback!

[@TheWorld_2099]

‘I had a dream’ - haha, man, you’re hilarious! But I appreciate your great technical skills, thank you for all you share.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks! 😊

[@XanderMorgan]

Awesome review. Such a good quality. I wish you more subscribers.

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much!

[@XanderMorgan]

@@PeteMidi Subscribed!

[@cyborgmetropolis7652]

Thanks for the great review. I noticed that Korg released a firmware update on 9/2019, after this video was released. I'm curious what, if any, faults have been addressed in the update. It appears that individual notes can now be triggered (allowing the machine to be used to play bass notes). I'm curious how well this works. Release notes for firmware Version 1.14 - Support for external clock synced delay. - Added a new edit parameter to enable pitch quantization. - Fixed single channel MIDI handling of note events. - Fixed MIDI Song Position Pointer.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! Yes the delay sync and pitch quantization work, very useful!

[@0601989m]

Yours is easily the best review so far of this amazing little instrument, thank you! I was actually ready to splash out on the nord drum two weeks ago when this little guy suddenly came into view. I am blown away by what it can do in the short time I´ve been experimenting with it. I´m still very tempted by the nord drum as I´m more of an old-school type of musician than a beatmaker and I´m in love with the Nord´s tone and expressiveness from the videos I´ve seen. Care to share any further thoughts on how the two compare?

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! The Nord is great for its velocity control of the sound. This is completely missing with the volca which comes to life through the sequencer. Therefore, I think the main difference is , how you would exploit the full potential of these two machines: expressive live playing vs. elaborate sequencing.

[@LukezyM]

@Hedonicus Have you seen the Nord drum video from Red Means Recording? To me, it sounds way nicer and it’s got pads to play, for some of that unquantized mojo, but it doesn’t have sequencer, so it pairs well with one(Beatstep, Digitakt..). But for the money, the Volca Drum is not that bad either. They’re just different leagues I suppose. Here’s that Nord Drum video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoK2f2yQiadjpMU

[@ahteha8010]

Great demo

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks!

[@chiptunasoundworkshop8257]

Wow... great jam! Very Carpenter movie style! I can see Snake running from the cannibals 😎

[@PeteMidi]

😄

[@thetownwaites118]

I too have been using Microtonic for years, and after going back to hardware was waiting for a hardware version. Was stoked at the PO-32, but have been relectant to buy it for the reasons you have stated. Im hoping Modal will come up with a a drum machine based on their CRAFT rhythm, much like their much anticipated Craft 2 has done for wavetable synthesis.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the feedback! I also came across the CRAFT rhythm, as a potential replacement of my volca sample. But then decided for the Model:Samples ... Yes, a nicer design (like Craft 2) would make the rhythm way more attractive.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Great review of en excellent little unit !

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

I'm not really looking for this sort of thing, and possibly don't need it either, but bloody hell I want one now!

[@PeteMidi]

😄👍

[@wunderwuzziroboter7551]

Crazy beats, oh my dear! Just ordered one after THIS Demojam :-D

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! ☺️

[@peglapegla]

Just discovered your channel. Like your styles of reviews and jams. Cheers.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@wromans3730]

Thanks Pete, really informative demo, helps me a lot to make a decision on purchase. Came for that, and will likely come back again to learn some technique.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the nice feedback!

[@miroslavradulovic6129]

18k views and I guess, 18k sold Volcas for Korg...great review & even better jam!!! BRAVO

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Love your channel so far, and really love my Volca Drum, even if it is twitchy, and finicky in the para pots.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@foxholeartist]

Nice and informative. I like how you really know what you're doing

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the nice feedback!

[@gregorio_luque]

Great review as always Mr Midi!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@nivrothvalachus7969]

i dont even have any instruments but i still subscribed !!

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@andp3058]

Excellent review. Subscribed!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@tupatutupatu]

Insane jam!!! Awesome review.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan]

Your jam is better than anyone else's of this product. Sold. Were you applying any external fx?

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! No external fx, it's the direct signal from the vd stereo out.

[@MicroBanshee]

Interesting review and great jam, subbed.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@RadagastTheBrwn]

include photos of mentioned gear - great vid as always

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the feedback!

[@AndroLectric]

Thanks Pete :-) FINEST and informative review

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@iawnlad]

I'm just about to buy one of these! Thanks from wales! :)

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the nice feedback!

[@Howdy606]

Great vid. When you save a kit, can you name it on the LCD?

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks, no names for drum kits...

[@mickolos]

I'd love see you do a video on the LXR Drum synth.

[@PeteMidi]

It's on my (long) to-do list 😉

[@dalejason]

Nice work Pete 👍

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! 😊

[@BrettRiverBoat1]

Interested to see if you are gonna pick up the new cycles

[@PeteMidi]

😉

[@joanrue5169]

Well Done letonchosier said it before me! No Nonsense - and a helpful Review!!!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@stubrakon9683]

Great work! Thank you!!😀😃😄👍

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot for the nice feedback! 😊

[@Emontop1]

Great tutorial and Crazy jam.👍👍👍👍👍🎹😃

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@spaaarky21]

Great introduction. My takeaway from owning this is that endless synth percussion experimentation really is what this Volca is for. But despite being called Volca Drum, I struggled to build a kit with more conventional, less synth-y drum sounds. If you just want to program some drums, get the Volca Beats instead. :)

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the nice feedback! Yes, the volca beats provides a more direct way to conventional drums.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

How you doing Pete? You know we both love our Arps. Please pick up a Novation Launch Key mini mark 3 as it has an amazing Mutate function on it. Takes the arp in to a different movement. I use the Electron Samples grey midi out connector for this as TRS A. Works well for Craft 2.0 and Uno Synth etc. Regards AL

[@PeteMidi]

I'm just finalizing the next video, which of course includes an arp jam 😊

[@minisynthcollective7822]

@@PeteMidi Of course. Cant wait. Check the Mutate and deviate function on mk 3 mini. Have a slot here for you to play when you come to England.

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

Does the sync work with behringer TD3 and RD6..? is it the same pulse/clock..?

[@PeteMidi]

I did not try, because I use midi clock sync, but from specification it should work.

[@superikone]

This tool sounds like a newer version of my good old Electribe ER1. I like it.

[@PeteMidi]

👍

[@superikone]

@Alessio Di Summa I am using the ER1. In my opinion it is easier to use. :-)

[@humaninterface7153]

10:00 omg i´m buying it now thanks for the video Danke !

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot for the nice feedback! 😀

[@Elkesar1]

Finaly some good demo!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks!

[@jm6734]

Thanks for your good focused review. This is the first Volca that really caught my attention. And your jam is the best I’ve heard. I wonder how useful this midi (or sync out?) can work as a master sequencer in a minimal set up?

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the nice feedback - and, good question: many devices would actually understand the KORG sync out signal, but I guess the most common way is to use the volca as slave. Then you have the choice between midi and sync in ....

[@geraldclark5812]

@@PeteMidi I'm a brand newby to the synth world. I bought a Novation Circuit and Volca Drum with the Volca as the slave like you mentioned. I've been able to get some surprisingly good jams out of this setup, especially since I have almost no idea what I'm doing. The Volca is becoming a little more understandable with help from videos like this one and Cuckoo's, but it is still difficult understanding how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

[@PeteMidi]

Gerald, many thanks for this great feedback!

[@anythingbox]

You did a fantastic job... It does remind me of the Toniq but with more... girth? The best drum machine.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@Flying_Karsten]

Was Du aus den Dingern rausholst ist echt heftig, sucht wirklich seinesgleichen und ich kenne viele Genre´s und hab schon viel gehört! Bei einer Jam finde ich, sieht man erst wer die Geräte beherrscht und wer nicht. Solange Einspielen in einer DAW kann eigentlich jeder, man macht einfach bis es passt. Aber Live ist echt ne andere Nummer! Wieder einmal krasser Shit am Ende!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! Live vs. DAW: tolles Statement, sehe ich genauso.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

By the way I heard some really gorgeous sounds in your jam. Very very nice

[@PeteMidi]

@DetroitMicroSound Thank you so much! And I fully agree on what you say about the knobs/pots ;)

[@tonycanderton1975]

great I thought the V drum would be boring how wrong I was great demo

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@gerardozaragoza4055]

imma be straight on this When I want an honest opinion on any electronic instrument, I only come here. Thnks for the reviews:)

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the great feedback! 😊

[@trevormalcolm4328]

one of my favourite sound demos!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@recycology5468]

Love my Volca Drum. I’d like to see a comparison with the Korg Electribe EM-1 and Volca Drum. Thank you for your demo!

[@PeteMidi]

Sold my EM-1 a long time ago...

[@recycology5468]

@@PeteMidi Oh ok I’ll do it then! =)

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Hey! Pete are you still using your Volca Drum?

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, I really like the sound. But due to memory and user interface limitations I'm more and more turning to model cycles as an alternative...

[@manavthakkar4447]

great review but I have a question: is it easy to use for beginner?

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks, I think it's not an easy volca, unlike bass or kick. As a beginner you really need some time to create your own kits...

[@ken.adhitya]

Is there any way around to seperate the outputs of each instrument for a recording session? Im still hesitant to buy it because of this reason. Although Id still be very happy to jam with it live.. Still figuring out purchasing This, volca FM or a TD-3

[@PeteMidi]

Not possible, you can just distribute the parts in the stereo image...

[@SunstrokeMilitia]

it's like the perfect idm/electro drum machine i think

[@oldbatwit5102]

Great, as always.

[@PeteMidi]

😊

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Hi Pete. Starting to learn the Drum now. Thanks for telling me to stick with it. Have you got the Modular? Do you ever come to England?

[@PeteMidi]

Good luck with the drum! I skipped the Modular, did not thrill me that much. I would really like to go to England during summer, but this year it did not work ,,,

[@minisynthcollective7822]

@@PeteMidi Ok Pete. When you come to England please come down to Brighton. Monday is open Mike night so bring some kit and do a set live.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

I passed on the Modular for the moment. My Volca set is as follows. Bastyl Kastyl and Micro Granny for intro. Keys fro Arps with USB time machine. Then Sample and Bass. All mixed through Bastyl Dude. Works really well. I use to Keystep midi in to program as easier than using keys on Volcas. Use Batterys and usb and it all goes on a chair or very small table. Sounds really big.

[@mishadoumnov]

nice video! do you know if this machine can be controlled by external controller (pref keys) by assigning a drum sound to a key? asking cause the keys on the volca are very small. Thanks Pete !!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks - yes, in single channel mode it works!