Our Volca Setup: How Is Everything Connected? (2018-06-03)

This video runs through the gear we typically use in our Volca setup and how everything is connected. First I look at the instruments, effects, controllers and mixer. Next I explain how we connect everything in terms of power, MIDI and audio. Finally I touch on how we record our jams.
PLEASE NOTE: The Miditech Thru/Filter solution I present in this video (for filtering out start/stop messages) doesn’t work for everyone. Please read the pinned comment before purchasing this device.
Things I forgot to mention:
- 00:58 : The recording camera is mounted on the highest shelf of the book case this table is standing next to. It’s basically taped to a piece of wood, super DIY. ;)
- 01:19 : The Volca Bass is a monophonic analog synthesizer.
- 03:19 : The mixer actually has 10 channels: 2 mono and 4 stereo.
- 03:33 : The big mixer is the Behringer XENYX UFX1204.
- 04:16 : The Beatstep Pro is great in combination with the Volca Bass, both because the Beatstep Pro's sequencers are monophonic (like the Volca), and also because the Volca's sequencer is much more limited than the other Volcas (no motion sequencing, no tempo resolutions).
- 08:40 : For this to work (Beatstep Pro MIDI OUT into Keystep MIDI IN) you have to use Arturia's MIDI Control Center software to configure the Keystep and set "MIDI Thru" to "ON".
- 13:09 : The cable I use to connect the Volca Sample (stereo out) to the Waldorf 2-Pole (mono in) has a 3.5mm stereo jack on one end, and a 6.3mm mono jack on the other end. Be careful with those cables: we’ve had some issues when using these to connect the Volca to the mixer, so only use it for connecting to an effects module / pedal.
- 14:33 : The cables I use to connect the stereo effect pedals to the mixer are dual mono jack cables, on both ends.
Korg Volca Sample + Waldorf 2-Pole Analog Filter
Korg Volca Bass + Zoom MS-50G
Korg Volca FM + Zoom MS-70CDR
Korg Volca Keys + Strymon BigSky
Arturia Beatstep Pro
Arturia Keystep
Miditech MIDI Thru/Filter
Behringer XENYX QX1002USB
Behringer UCA202
Recorded with iPhone 7 and Tascam DR-05.
LINKS FOR CABLES
Since I didn't explicitly mention all cables by name / brand in the video, below are some links to the cables that we use (or alternatives). DISCLAIMER: Most of these cables are quite low quality, so buy some extra ones or look for better alternatives.
3.5mm (1/8") stereo jack to dual 6.35mm (1/4") mono jack (Volca to mixer / stereo effects pedal):
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/VENTION-Y-Cabl...
- AliExpress: www.aliexpress.com/item/Venti...
3.5mm (1/8") stereo jack to single 6.35mm (1/4") mono jack (Volca to mono effects pedal):
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-305-i...
- Bax-shop (Dutch): www.bax-shop.nl/jack-kabels/h...
2x dual 6.35mm (1/4") mono jack (stereo effects pedal to mixer):
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPP-202-S...
- Bax-shop (Dutch): www.bax-shop.nl/jack-kabels/d...
2x single 6.35mm (1/4") mono jack (mono effects pedal to mixer):
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPP-110-U...
- AliExpress: www.aliexpress.com/item/New-1...
3.5mm (1/8") ground loop isolator:
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Is...
- AliExpress: www.aliexpress.com/item/Groun...
Volca power splitter cable (daisy chain): myvolts.co.uk/product/18809/
Effects pedal power splitter cable (daisy chain):
- Amazon: www.amazon.com/Effects-Pedal-...
- AliExpress: www.aliexpress.com/item/Daisy...
Download our music: slenterendebeer.bandcamp.com
Follow us for frequent clips and updates:
- / slenterendebeer
- / slenterendebeermusic
- / slenterendebeer
- / slenterendebeer

[@Sharkwhisperer]

Midtech midi thru filter, does it work or not? Does someone know an alternative?

[@niklas9649]

for me it's a clear yes and no: I can filter the velocity but when it comes to the system messages I don't know how to get it working... already tried almost any possible configuration. Is there anything that has to be changed in the Keystep and the setup of the box as well?

[@Sharkwhisperer]

@@niklas9649 maybe it is better to just connect only the keys to the midi controller with midi and connect controller to the mixer. And connect bass and beats/sample to the mixer as well? I mean: i wont buy an FM volca.....

[@SlenterendeBeer]

@@Sharkwhisperer Like @Niklas said: it *does* work for filtering out the types of messages it mentions on the box (e.g. velocity, pitch bend), but the Miditech cannot filter out start/stop messages. I made the mistake of thinking that turning on the filter for "system" messages (which actually stands for "system exclusive" or "sysex") prevented start/stop, but that's *not* the case. Apparently, when you've connected an active MIDI device to the Keystep's MIDI IN (in our case it's the Beatstep Pro), the Keystep will not send start/stop messages when you press its transport buttons. When I press start/stop on the Beatstep, the Volcas *do* respond. So it's perfect for our scenario (we have made the agreement to never stop the Beatstep during jams, haha), but unfortunately the Miditech is not the solution for filtering out the transport messages.

[@Sharkwhisperer]

@@SlenterendeBeer thanks but if I connect only the volca keys to the keystep and connect this with the mixer and connect the bass and the drums with the mixer. Further on I will connect the volcas among themselves so they are in sync. Would that be a solution. I am a beginner in this. Thanks a lot for you reply. I am dutch too. (also thinking about adding reverb pedal, the hall of fame 2 should be one of the best, but not cheap). And compliments from an English teacher for your English : )

[@niklas9649]

@@Sharkwhisperer first of all on a sidenote: two dutch and a german discussing midi chains over KZbin, that has a ring to it. But back to topic: when you try to invert the chain (regarding the clock signal), having the Volcas as master clock to the Keystep, you will lose the arpeggiator and sequencer function in the Keystep. They only work with the sync set to internal. That would reduce the Keystep to a mere keyboard, what would be a waste of possibilities in my opinion. @slenterende beer The twist with the midi-in signal stopping the system messages is kind of difficult to understand but intriguing.

[@martinwhile1607]

I think I speak for everyone when I say ‘respect and thank you’.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

You're welcome!! :)

[@sullycliftona]

Y

[@valdiskrebs566]

What a great detailed explanation!!! Every beginner in synth music should watch this several times. Even us experienced folks can learn from this great demo. Thank you!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thank you, happy to hear everything's clear. :)

[@peterbode3005]

My deep respect for the makers of this great tutorial. The right words, the right tempo and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Peter Bode : Thank you, appreciate it!! :)

[@faichung5744]

Thank you so much for your generosity and clarity - the links in the description are particularly helpful! Wishing you well.

[@toddwmac]

One of the most informative and well structured vids I've seen on this topic. Thank you!

[@lwcyphr]

very generous of you to share all your setup and insights gained over time. Thanks!!

[@gustavorosas4302]

What a good explanation, Thanks !! Very few share knowledge and "their secrets" the way you do, clear and in a very entertaining way. Both of you are great and many should learn from you.

[@GONZOFAM7]

This is very helpful. I appreciate the level of the technical detail and the talent in the music you produce. Thanks.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Jaime Gonzalez : Thank you, glad to hear this was helpful! :)

[@HyperObjeckt]

Just learned a lot from the MIDI section of this, thank you!!

[@tomkay42]

thank you so much for sharing this...it is really helpful for anyone interested in getting started with analog setup. You guys are great

[@essentialdang]

I love seeing peeps setups! Really in depth tour, thanks for sharing

[@egodeathbliss]

Thanks for taking the time to detail your setup. Very clear and informative!

[@iamhall]

This was a great, thorough explanation. I'm going to start working a similar setup with my Volcas. Thanks!

[@janeywebdev2370]

an excellent video! thank you for the very detailed but concise and clear explanations. you've tackled all the issues i have been running into and was looking for the answers for. keep up jamming 💪🎶

[@romboid]

Thank you! Glad to see we have very similar setup. Great tutorial for anyone!

[@luke3055]

This most useful music tutorial I’ve seen on you tube! Thanks guys!!!

[@ms_needle3502]

Just in the process of buying my first volca and I was not sure which cables I need and should get so you helped me tooons! Thank you so much!

[@Nassuklovni]

Thank you for the video! It has been been a huge help with my trainwreck operation. I had no idea what to do with the humming, but your tip about the noise isolators helped me out. When I get the $ to invest on a Beatstep Pro, I will surely come back to this.

[@lwpweb]

excellent video and explanations. Love it. It covers all in detail. Currently i have fun building my own dawless config and also got aware of this 'start/stop' issue in conjunction with the other devices. Great tip to use the Miditru filter box to solve this. Thanks for this super video.

[@Sicolirics]

Abel's sound and melody is unique !!! thank you for the teachings

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Sicoliric : Thanks Cesar!! :)

[@steffish]

I've been searching for some good sources for learning how to make and use a midi setup. The videos I found was either about why USB is the better alternative or what "the brain" is. It's all good of course, but after simply enjoying one of Your jams, the algorithm lead me to this video right here. This, THIS helped me crack the code..! Thank you so very much! ❤

[@jambutty2218]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your knowledge . 🇬🇧

[@studio5317]

Amazing! Thanks so much for this detailed insight into your setup. I had no idea those ground isolators were a thing. I’ve had similar issues so I need to get some!

[@Imayormaynotbeatroll]

Blessed video, love the detailed explanation from the ground up.

[@fabolous1687]

I've been looking for long on youtube for such a good explanation. Thanks very much!!!!!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Great, you're welcome! :)

[@sitarredon]

a great video for the community. thank you guys

[@crookedrain771]

Thank you for this. I always loved your set up. Glad I stumbled across this. This covered ALLOT of ground. Thanks again brother.

[@onetenthhero]

Thanks for such a detailed and thorough description of your setup!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Eon Hetherton : You’re welcome! :)

[@RobinParmar]

As a tech dude who knows this stuff i have to say... what an excellent video! Clear, complete, and accurate. Bravo!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Robin Parmar : Thank you so much!! That means a lot. :)

[@dennisristow2102]

Most excellent walk thru. Clearly step by step explained. The additional descriptive notes are also nice, especially mentioning the MIDI Thru feature of the Keystep from software control panel. Other KZbin'rs would do well to make similar set up videos. This has so much helpful info that it should be required viewing for all those diving into this arena of production. Whenever I'm recording a band or just my own gear I'm always wondering if there's a better (cleaner) way to connect things, but there really isn't. It may feel like a lot of cables but that's just how it goes. For audio, midi and power, most people just don't realize what is needed. Glad to know it's not just me that has so much to connect up. Cheers :-)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Dennis Ristow : Thanks so much for your great comment! Yeah, we’re always thinking about how things could be more organized / compact, but for now it looks like this is what we’re stuck with. :)

[@paulkuiper5289]

Verry informative. Just getting started with a dawless setup and this helps to figure out with gear I need. Nice to see you are tackling some problems which you encountered on the way. Problems like a ground loop or filtering midi messages could have take me hours of searching the web.

[@guillaumeb3062]

Thanks for this very clear description ! 👍

[@davidnaus]

I would never have thought about the polarity of the power adapter...genius! Thanks for sharing

[@SlenterendeBeer]

David Naus : Glad to hear this was useful! :)

[@davidnaus]

@@SlenterendeBeer at the end I bought the volca mix because it has the ability to power 3 other volca's so no more recharging batteries...next problem was the ground loop hum but apparently the solution for that is mentioned in one of the other comments. I keep coming back to this video for advice 👍

[@AmericanAstroMonkey]

You have now answered my issue with Volca ground loop noise. And also that updated firmware on the Beatstep for the Sample. One can always learn from others.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

JamEDodger : That’s great to hear. Thanks for watching! :)

[@EvLoutonian]

Really dig this setup! And your detailed explanation !

[@fosbeat5834]

Really appreciate your info., made a good difference in my setups!! Cheers!!! Thumbs up and already suscribed!!

[@piemanmusic]

This video was so incredibly useful. Thank you very much.

[@dfxmonkeyhead]

I already own most of the gear in this video. Thank you so much for doing this video.. I often get pretty confused trying to figure out how to make everything talk to each other.

[@looprovisation1235]

This video is awesome guys!! Well done!

[@longfade]

Really nice, well put-together presentation. Thanks!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Zach Barnhart : You’re welcome! :)

[@santivanic]

lot of value on this video, thanks for sharing

[@samueltame9140]

Thanks so much for this video. You have answered so many questions that google couldn’t.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Samuel Tame : Glad to hear this was helpful! :)

[@landofthesilverpath5823]

Aw man, You have the Big Sky-- the final piece of gear I need for my setup.

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

With so many newer pieces of gear, such as volca, and other analog gear often only offer IN for MIDI. There is a schematic for a single in to 5 out thru box, that can be easily made or it can be bought for under 50$ online. I have a 19” processor for midi handling, but the 5 way thru is nice for portability, which is why I like volcas. It’s great to know that your learning this stuff, and that you have a unique solution that you’re happy with. Thanks for sharing!

[@scottvincent770]

Where can one find said schematic?

[@macpaz]

May one kindly inquire about said schematic?

[@lgr6124]

Schematic?

[@LukeBlunton]

We crave the schematic kind sir

[@thenaughtybear1739]

Thank you for the informative video! Keep up the good work! Groetjes from New Mexico! :-)

[@nicot594]

Excellent video. Was very helpful :)

[@drthunda]

Great video I watched this a year ago when I started with my first synth a Volca Sample. I struggled with building a Volca rig because of their stereo outs (requires more mixer) and weak sequencers (requires external sequencers) and the pain of syncing (not grest start-stop functionality). One year later I would take a Digitone-Digitact rig any day over a convoluted setup to run a few entry level synths.

[@HanjoSynth]

very cool and detailed walkthrough, thanks!

[@vogelvogeltje]

Lol bro I’m from California, Stockton to be exact. I started learning dutch last year and I totally hear your Dutch accent lol. Love it dude, and I love the language. And thanks for making this video, it answered a lot of questions I had about my own rig.

[@merchantofdoom3932]

Thanks for such a great video. I have learned a hell of a lot from this and it would be great if you could do the midi specific video some day. 👍

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Very helpful explanation, thank you.

[@jonnyhead]

Wow what an amazing video well done guys brilliant editing and incredibly informative!!👍👍👍😎😎😎😎

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thanks Jonny! :)

[@jackdoyle3762]

Thanks so much to you this was so Informative and easy to understand It really cleared up some things about midi

[@SlenterendeBeer]

jack doyle : That’s great to hear! :)

[@albertogarcialuque2152]

Ooohhh!!!months looking for videos like this one!!! Lets do many more,please...best!!

[@lastsonofktn]

Awesome stuff super informative and simple

[@suburbansage]

huge props for making this breakdown video for us starters aka noobs lol. helped a lot. things just got less intimidating for sure

[@Markplaysmusic]

Cool. An interesting tour

[@PRODIGY5369]

Thank you for explaining. Very helpful.

[@Concannontommy]

Thanks for this lads!

[@lordmelkor]

This is what I was looking for

[@user-hr6xm7em4k]

I haven't understood what MIDI could do at all . Great video , thank you !

[@SlenterendeBeer]

バター犬 : You’re welcome! Glad to hear it helped. :)

[@peter-utrblk]

Thank you very much for the video. It will help me a lot.

[@chadsix4838]

Perfect. Great video man!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Glad you like it! :)

[@fbigslave]

Awesome! This was really instructive, thank you :)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Francesco Schiavone : You’re welcome! :)

[@waistlineinc]

Solid explanation!

[@RosssRoyce]

I use the Novation circuit tracks to control the volca and it can also filter the Midi system/play messages!

[@inande]

As a total newb, thank you soooo much for making this vid!!!

[@AythamiakaMito]

A great video. I has been very useful to me thanksss!

[@nikgray7665]

Thanks, really clear describing 👍

[@user-cy3do4xc2c]

Every volca should be sold with delay/reverb pedal :) Thanks for inspiration and tech details.

[@marcfaur]

Very informative, thank you!

[@robertparenton7470]

Thank for your Valuable time.

[@InkyDaCaT]

You are experts...still waiting for club jam😉

[@HEC9]

Congrats, man! Big MasterClass!! I learned how to solve the noise problem. I was thinking in use different source power outlet...cause unfortunately until now I can´t find those module in Brazil.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Heitor : Good to hear this helped! :)

[@nicolasm31]

Thank you, so....so..... Much! These video is inspirational! Greetings frontera México.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Glad to hear this was helpful! :)

[@bernardogui3933]

great video!! amazing set up.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Xavi Val : Thanks for watching!! :)

[@marcnellis6504]

Brilliant, thanks for this!

[@mankismelbournejay]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@giuliocesarecipriani]

Good work, it's a useful video :)

[@martinlubitz3171]

Nice explanation, thanks a lot.

[@P.Atreides]

thank you for all the informations. best regards from germany also interesting the explanation of the band gusgus iceland

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Ah cool, I'll check it out! :)

[@Ottomatik0]

thanks, very good explanations!

[@ut4646]

Great video!!!

[@Hindukushsailing]

That was a huge help man!!!!!! Thanks.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Hindukush : Great, you’re welcome!! :)

[@ys521wow]

Really helpful ! I just started up. Thank u!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

SeN YanG : Good to hear, you’re welcome! :)

[@jessetaldotcom]

AWESOME tutorial! Very well explained!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@jessetaldotcom]

Slenterende Beer I’ve posted the link to the Dawless Jammin’ Facebook group. One question: what is the make and model of the multitrack-capable mixer that you showed briefly near the beginning of the video?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Jesse Tal : Cool, thanks!! It’s in the video description: it’s the Behringer UFX1204. :)

[@jessetaldotcom]

Slenterende Beer Ah, okay. Thanks!

[@Rahimraissnia]

Super helpful!

[@lozD83]

So glad I already have my BigSky for this

[@ConvictSkeeter]

Thank you so much for this in depth

[@ConvictSkeeter]

You know how hard it is for most people who call themselves producers and or musicians to describe MIDI? Like a lot!

[@lucafauna4824]

Very useful.. Thanks so much!

[@moogsmiley4157]

CHeers ad thanks for making this video of your great setup!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Matt Smiley : Thanks for watching!! :)

[@mchlnrvs]

great video!

[@falazarte]

Thank you! Great video

[@vasilijkozacuk7072]

Nice! Thank you! That allot of help!

[@jopieachternaam2922]

jullie zijn echt geweldig en verdienen meer subs imo!

[@JustineJones23]

Grounding cables omg thank you!

[@sundaysunday9718]

This is an amazing video

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Sunday Sunday : Thanks, glad to hear that! :)

[@ErichNolanBertussi]

wunderbar! mucho danke man! sweet!

[@macpaz]

08:00 Using the pajen firmware you can filter out velocity on each pattern individually, if you want. No hardware midi filter required.