Volca Keys Ambient Jam with Specular Reverb V2

I just got my GFI System Specular Reverb V2 and this was the first sounds that came out when I hooked it up to my Volca Keys. I loved the sound so much that I just uploaded it here.
I used the Zoom MS-70CDR just to add the delay, which you can clearly hear at the start. The Volca Keys' delay is so noisy, which can be cool, but doesn't sound great when combined with a high-quality reverb like this.
Please use headphones to listen to this clip - the stereo reverb is great.
PS: I've revisited this melody about a year later, check it out here: • Volca Remix Of Previou...
Volca Keys
Zoom MS-70CDR
GFI System Specular Reverb V2
Behringer UCA202
Recorded with iPhone 7.
Download our music: slenterendebeer.bandcamp.com
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[@Antonio229]

That melody just stays in your head.

[@AnD2LPU]

I know it's been more than 2 years since this was posted. No matter what comes out from other channels and other artists: this will always be to me one of the best jams ever made and it makes me feel so good every time I stumble on it. Also, this 'bare bone"version is perfect as it is. ✅

[@krispobeats5349]

This is probably the best thing my ears have ever heard, thank you

[@shkeni]

That lovely slide between the first two notes just makes the track. Beautiful.

[@ronnieriveros4206]

Beautiful melody 🌌💜

[@warbwarb]

Absolutely gorgeous this. Thanks for sharing it.

[@volt7cooltangs701]

Wow! Just wow. 👏🏻 lil’ Volca keys eh with some lovely reverb. Love it.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Just wanted to say what you have created here was beautiful and has been stuck in my head all week. Thank you for creating this!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Matthew Wong : Wow, thank you so much!! I’d still like to do something more with this tune, add some other instruments, another part... we’ll see. ;)

[@berakdata]

Gorgeous infinite hope ambience! Well done, what a flow!!!

[@gedoumazoutsuki]

omg man stop, the emotions you make me feel through this song are so strong. this is why i love ambient, this is why i love music, this is why i wanna make my own *w* thks man

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Redhewlett : Thank you so much!! :)

[@jsebastiengelinas]

It is incredible through my headphones.

[@glazeguy]

That was epic! I'm sold man!!

[@peterjones4732]

Economy of melody. Perfect. Something to strive for. Thanks again.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Peter Jones : Thanks Peter :)

[@matrixknobs2848]

wow, lovely sounds

[@boomtap869]

Beautiful

[@SlenterendeBeer]

BoomTap Thanks! :)

[@MrAlessio111564]

great sound , a hit song in the making with good lyrics

[@TheDyingPlant]

Perfectly Simple and beautiful I really like this

[@KaturoLP]

Your sense for beautiful things is enormous :) I am so happy, that I found your channel

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Wow, thank you so much! :D

[@josephwright5921]

I miss these simple little beautiful jams

[@wilhelmmusic241]

This is awesome 👏🏻- I’ve got the shivers!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thank you!!! :)

[@frequencydata]

just wanted to let you know that i swing by to listen to this and the oceansize cover once a day. so good.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

justnisdead : Wow! That’s a big compliment, thank you for listening! Sounds like you’re a fan of the Specular Reverb. :)

[@jonathanredman8497]

And I'm glad you did upload it. Nice!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thank you!! :)

[@MikeRenouf]

That melody is top notch. Thanks for sharing :)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thank you! You might like my 'remix' as well - I've added a link to it in the video description. :)

[@user-es3ty1se3b]

Amazing reverb and synth.... Great!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Себастьян Перейро : Thanks!! :)

[@truedanbo]

So beautiful! Almost cried!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Danbo Liu : Thanks! :)

[@robbe4711]

These sounds are so harmonic...it is pure meditation.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

robbe4711 : Yes, you can get lost in this reverb.. :)

[@kimgaugemusic]

Love this - so good! After watching all your videos, I finally got a Volca keys and I run it through a bunch of effects including the Zoom, and I'm really happy with the results!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Kim Gauge : Thanks Kim, that’s great to hear!! :)

[@kimgaugemusic]

Hey again, just a quick question - I'm finding that the Volca only puts out a mono signal even though it has a stereo out? Is that what you're finding with yours? @@SlenterendeBeer

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Kim Gauge : Yep the only stereo Volcas are the Sample and FM (with chorus on), all others are mono. :) Oh and yes: you should always use stereo cables with your Volcas. Check our “how is everything connected” video for more info. :)

[@kimgaugemusic]

@@SlenterendeBeer I made a splitter cable for the Keys, and I've used it with only one mono plug plugged into it, and the only thing that happens, is that there is a drop in volume. So in effect, the stereo pair is being summed into a mono signal at the input. Cheers :)

[@lucasbrasil4650]

mann mann mann das geht schon wieder so tief... also wirklich ich liebe dieses Stück ... ❤️❤️🙏🏽

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Lucas Brasil : Danke schön!! :)

[@user-kp9ud2xl4f]

You just sold a Volca Keys. Keep putting out these videos, you two are an inspiration!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

y 4 : Thanks for listening!! :)

[@StuartRochabrunt]

That beautiful melody could be way more than just a gear demo. There's really something about your music. Good work! BTW, I use the Flashback Triple Delay and planning to buy the Specular Tempus to add them to my sound palette.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Stuart Rochabrunt : Thank you!! I did revisit it in a later jam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYndcomeaZihnck Triple Flashback + Tempus sounds like an awesome combo!! I recently bought the Strymon Timeline which is really really great, might be worth your consideration. :)

[@jorgeparedesaponte4045]

Amazing!

[@chrisrobertportailsyntheti4329]

Fantastique !!

[@markthomas5030]

Amazing

[@Gender.free.93]

so smooth

[@paultyrrell8060]

This is so nice,

[@elshuffles]

nicely done!

[@blakecasimir]

Haven't heard of this pedal or the manufacturer before. That really is quite a nice modulated reverb!! Very reasonable price considering the sound quality.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

BlakeCasimir Yeah completely agree! I hadn’t heard of them either, and after comparing MANY of the current reverb pedals I was suprised to find this sound, at this price. Very happy with it. :)

[@tybowesformerlygoat-x7760]

Very nice.

[@nicolasamaro4548]

amazing

[@lucasbrasil4650]

love it ❤️

[@hopser2012]

Wow! Great!

[@arturpolonski6234]

Awesome

[@spacedrifter1961]

Beautiful👍

[@SlenterendeBeer]

spacedrifter 1961 : Thank you :)

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Nice! (watched both versions) :)

[@marcokruissink464]

Die melodie man wauw!

[@InstantlyDistant]

so so good

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Lost : Thank you very much :)

[@proyectosynth7593]

Bravo!!!

[@shavemymind]

This is really nice. I'm buying that reverb!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thanks, you should! Great epic sounds.

[@shavemymind]

Slenterende Beer It just turned up. Plugged it into a ju-06 and sounded pretty Epic. I'm gonna use for the minilouge to add massive stereo image!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Skinshrink : Niiiiice!!! Looking forward to your jams!

[@MikeH_PR]

As of today, five people bothered to give this a thumbs down. How jealous are they

[@Crushloopscrew]

Два инструмента в руках мастера, результат фантастический звук)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Crush Loops : Thank you so much!!

[@fibranijevidra]

Sick

[@freddym.l.6029]

Awesome sounds !!! Excellent ambient music, well done ! :-) This pedal is fantastic, it's a pity we can't find it anywhere any more. I just got myself the Volca Keys and the Zoom MS-70CDR. Hope I'll be able to create something nice shortly. I find it hard to get some pretty nice sounds out of the Volca Keys. I must keep working on this synth I guess...Thanks for sharing this fabulous piece anyway ! :-)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Freddy MusicLover : Thanks so much for the kind words! We love both of these pedals, each for different reasons. :) Have fun with the Keys + MS-70CDR combo!

[@freddym.l.6029]

Thank you ! :-)

[@cristianstocker6736]

Nice :)

[@HHFan420]

Looking for a setup nearly identical to this one. I have an MS 70-CDR and a TC Electronics HoF. Getting ready to pull the trigger on the Volca Keys. Is there any other gimmicks/cabling/stomps I need to get this going? Planning on running it into the Line-In of a little Roland combo I have. Excellent playing.

[@gao4444]

Just great guys, all of your jams really. If I want to hook up 2 Volca's to the Multistomp, do I need 2 mono minijack>jack cables? I've read somewhere you loose half the volume if you use stereo, or was it the otherway around.. Hope you can help! Grtz!

[@jayarava]

The output of all the volcas is *mono*. If you use a stereo jack one channel usually has no signal. You need to use mono jacks. The set up shown here doesn't get around the basic set up. Although the *output* from the Zoom may well be stereo.

[@ohtobeforgiven]

Liking this reverb, it does more justice than my HoF. Could you advise, the manufacture of those cables? I like how its color coded.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

embazle : The cables are by Dap Audio. :)

[@atomswan4265]

I'd be really interested in hearing what some of your favorite patches are for the Zoom MS-70CDR...

[@SlenterendeBeer]

I have the feeling I've only played with about a third of the patches that are on it, amazing machine. :) In general I really like the delays, I'm not a big fan of the reverbs and I rarely use the choruses and compressors etc. Anyway, the ones I really like: Particle Reverb (huge space sound), Stereo Delay, Lofi Delay (not because of the delay, but because of all the lofi options), Vibrato (really cool at a slow rate), Ice Delay. Those are the ones that come to mind. If you're looking for cool patches, I can recommend checking out "hopefulutopian" on Instagram. :)

[@atomswan4265]

Awesome thanks! I just picked one of these up in part from seeing you guys always using them (and the ability to stack sounds and tweak the parameters). I'll check out that IG account. If you have a chance check out some of my videos-I'd love to know what you think. Cheers!

[@Antonio229]

Beautiful track. I now regret selling my Volca Keys

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Antonio229 : Thank you! Yup, love the Keys. :)

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Oh WOW, you're the MAN. What a great review! And side by side with Zoom. Obviously since you purchased the SRv2 you think the reverb is vastly superior to the ZOOM?? The Zoom has great reviews as a great "cheap" ambient reverb....what do you think???

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Ambient Sequential Synth Performer : You’re welcome! I love the versatility of the Zoom, and it does have great settings for ambient music and almost unlimited possibilities for combining and tweaking the different effects. However, I found the reverb sound too ‘ringy’ or ‘metally’, especially when using long decays, which is what you want for ambient music. I really love the reverb sound of the Specular (as shown here), but it is a lot more limited than some of its alternatives. If you’re looking for a high quality reverb, take some time to look at alternative options.

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Thank you, I know that "metally" sound, been hearing it all my life....and I don't want it. A dedicated reverb for ambient is the way to go.....thanks again.

[@meneerjansen00]

Beautiful jam. Just realized that the Specular Reverb V2 is almost twice as expensive as the Volca keys, ha ha. ;-)

[@SlenterendeBeer]

meneerjansen00 Yes, it is, haha. I researched and compared many different reverb pedals. I finally decided on this one because it can produce the exact sound I was looking for and is still priced pretty decently. Let me know if you want to know more and I can explain my considerations. ;)

[@meneerjansen00]

It was just an observation. The V. Keys is so cheap that almost anything that you buy is more expensive than it. The Specular is spectacular. I couldn't find it on Bax, Key or Thomann. Where did you buy it, or is it a vintage?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

meneerjansen00 Yeah it’s great the Volcas are so cheap, even more so when they sound so much better when you customize them, whether it’s with custom sounds or by adding effects. Guessing by your name you must be Dutch (like me). I bought mine at Haar Guitars: www.haarguitars.com/product/specular-reverb-v2/

[@SlenterendeBeer]

meneerjansen00 Oh and I found out GFI System is an Indonesian company, from Jakarta! :)

[@thedrumunkey8582]

I was thinking along the same lines... Funny the cheapest part is the actual synth! :) Nice work! Your mixing makes this sound better that some demos of $3K synths! :)

[@AdnanAlsannaa]

Considering getting some pedals, and I'm between getting the Zoom and getting dedicated reverb/delay pedals.. What do you recommend?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

It depends... If this is your first pedal and you're on a limited budget, then the Zoom is a great choice! Sure, the effects are lower quality, but there's a lot of flexibility in combining and tweaking the effects. Personally, I tried to replicate the sound of some of the higher-quality standalone reverb pedals I encountered with the Zoom, and couldn't get the sound I was looking for. So I compared many different options, from different price ranges, and decided on the Specular Reverb v2. I love the sound and it's great to combine with all the different delays the Zoom provides, which I think are generally of pretty high quality. So unless you're looking for a very specific (reverb / delay) sound, get the Zoom MS-70CDR and continue from there. Believe me, buying pedals is addictive, once you start there's no stopping. ;)

[@synriser6742]

I wanted to ditch my volca keys but listening to this... hmmm. I keep it.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

SynthPimp : Yeah man, keep it! Add some nice effects though, it completely brings it to life!

[@AndyPawlakOfficial]

Wow

[@buranboy]

❤

[@matiasbrunacci]

Nice! It reminds me a little bit to "Stone in Focus" by Aphex Twin.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Thanks! I know what you mean now that I listen to it. :)

[@Disharmonikash]

perfect sound! Say, I can see on all of your videos that you are using stereo setups, here as well, is the output from the volca mono? or is the headphone jack true stereo and you are just using a 3.5mm to two 6.3mm mono outs (provided the output from the volca is stereo) and then left channel goes to Zoom left input and right to it's right input etc. Is this how it works?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Cortexturizer : Thanks!! The only Volcas that are stereo are the Sample and FM, all other ones are mono. But when you use a stereo cable like this (yes, 3.5mm to 2x 6.35mm) you’ll have a signal on both channels. Hope that helps! :)

[@jayarava]

The volca output is mono. All of them are. Not sure why this guy is using a stereo jack. The out from the Zoom may well be in stereo depending on the patch.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Jayarava Attwood : Like I said in my previous comment, the Sample and FM (and also the new Modular and Drum) have stereo a stereo signal, the other Volcas are mono. However, if you connect a stereo cable to a mono Volca, you will get the audio signal on both channels. You’re right that in the setup of this video I could have used a mono cable from the Volca to the Zoom. Another reason I use stereo cables for all my Volcas is to prevent sync issues: when using the sync in-out ports on the Volcas, they will sometimes skip steps when using mono cables for the audio output. Hope that clears it up.

[@kuldeepgohel29]

How is the setup done? Kong Volca Key going to Zoom or the Specular riverb? Thank you.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Volca -> Zoom -> Specular. :)

[@Hakucho64]

How does it compare to the reverb in the MS-70CDR?

[@manuelsirotti3793]

Fucking Cool !

[@AndyVonal]

Oh bum... I just bought the zoom. Do I now have to get this Spectacular pedal too? It sounds gorgeous....so rich and detailed. If it can help me make my volca keys sound like yours then I'm getting one - even if it costs twice as much as the volca! Ahhh the power of processors!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Andrew Brooks : If you’re serious about buying a reverb pedal like this, I recommend you look at some of the alternatives. For example, the Neunaber Immerse / Expanse look good and have more different reverb sounds and added types of control, such as pre-delay and 100% wet / kill dry. These are some of the things I miss with this pedal. Apart from that, yes, it sounds great. A good reverb really brings your Volcas to life!!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Andrew Brooks : Check out our Instagram (@slenterendebeer) for more experiments with this pedal and the Zoom. :)

[@AndyVonal]

My Zoom will arrive within the hour...I'd better see how that fairs before I spend any more. Just subscribed. Would be delighted if you could return the compliment. I have a few videos up (nothing professional, just me titting about with Movie Maker - badly - and a few live videos from a gig I did at work in June. I'm not on Instagram but this is reason enough to be...will check it out.

[@AndyVonal]

My Zoom has arrived...and...Oh My Word! Been playing my Volca FM through it for an hour...it's amazing, so deep and lush. Definitely the best thing I have ever bought for £75. How do they do it? The FM sounds "alive" and detailed whereas before it was a bit sterile and lifeless. What a box!

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Andrew Brooks : Great to hear you like it so much, it’s a huge difference, isn’t it? Have fun!

[@SaltyBob355]

Beautiful. What is the MS-70 doing?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

M R : It adds a delay, more info in the video description. :)

[@hollowmenrule]

Good Sonic wash I'm sound

[@IAmKye]

How did you record this?

[@SlenterendeBeer]

GuessImKindaEmo : Video with iPhone 7, audio from reverb pedal into Behringer UCA202 into computer. :)

[@jackhagemeister6516]

Do you have a file of this so I can sample it? This is absolutely amazing and I'd love to make a full song out of it :) cheers

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

Best reverb. Easily. That volca is on my list. Add some guitars and you have the ultimate ambient setup. Oh and a looper as well...

[@LoVeAmBiEnT]

Still love this.

[@maxmatson1578]

Fucking beautiful! bro👌👍 I got the keys and the CDR myself, the melody width that Reverb is so good.... it kind of makes you pissed at yourself for not writing it!?😅

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Haha, thanks man!! :)

[@maxmatson1578]

@@SlenterendeBeer thank you bro!👍 keep BrApin oN!!¡!🎹🎧💫💀😵👌😎✌

[@stonedapesociety5628]

Less gear = best gear

[@Blueguitar007]

Sounds good but those pedals would make a kazoo sound good. I got a keys and promptly returned it cuz for 2 of them u can buy a monologue. Cool vid tho.

[@SlenterendeBeer]

JJWalker : Yep, that’s true, so we use pedals on all Volcas. ;)

[@uhldev]

Having owned both I prefer the sound of the Keys, the Minilogue is a lot brighter and cleaner. Something about the dirtyness of the Keys attracts me more

[@SlenterendeBeer]

Michael Yuhl : I also really like the dirty sound of the Keys! However, I think JJWalker was talking about the Monologue. :)

[@beanacomputer]

I don't generally like to make this kind of comment, but... 10 people hate beauty.

[@phansy9642]

Not gonna lie, this is sounds like minecraft music

[@SlenterendeBeer]

maniken05 : I’m not familiar with Minecraft’s soundtrack, so I don’t know whether to take that as an insult or a compliment. ;)

[@mattdunckley897]

5mins of the same riff... Got boring v quick

[@SimplicityBeatZ863]

Beautiful