volca keys - Rediscovering the possibilities -

keys only, by an internal sequencer
volca keys, BOSS DD5, BOSS RV6

[@carpediemMusica]

I have received inquiries from several people, so I will outline this song. The volca keys has FLUX function. The FLUX function seems to memorize the timing of playing in a stepless manner, but the resolution is actually low, and it is quantized at the timing when one step is divided into eight. But in other words, you can think of volca keys as a 128-step sequencer, not a 16-step sequencer! In this song, input the bass in 32 notes per one chord. (4 steps on the keys’s keyboard.) There are 4 chord changes, so there are a total of 128 notes. Next, enter the 5-note arpeggio 25 times and 3 notes. so it be 128 sounds. Finally, add high-pitched accents 16 times at the timing of - - x x - - - -. At the beginning of the song, you can hear the bass part by closing the filter. Gradually open the filter ,will be hear the arpeggio and high-pitched accent notes. Also, I'm using a delay pedal and a reverb pedal, which aren't shown on the screen. A delay pedal, a reverb pedal and the volca keys, that's all.

[@trevord9811]

I'd love to see you put together a video on how you programmed this. I like your notes but I still feel confused. Great track and thanks for sharing.

[@LikeCarpenter]

What?

[@synthfocus8948]

Hello, I have a question, do you recommend the avalanche run v2 for the volca keys? or if with that pedal I would have the result that you have with your two boss pedal

[@carpediemMusica]

@@synthfocus8948 thank you for watching my video. it's a very attractive piece of equipment. But it won't make sound the same as mine. I almost always use DD-5 and a mixer to create an "analog delay-like sound". I create a feedback sound. And add reverb separately from that sound. If you want to do the same thing, you have to separate the delay and reverb.

[@jackisgoofingoff5510]

Did you record the MIDI in DAW?

[@michael_mack]

I it isn't about the equipment. Its more about how much you are an artist and how you are capable to focus on what you got. Good work bro.

[@BlowsAgainsttheEmpire]

True, this one came out great.

[@charliehale4960]

So great. What you created. This little beast has so much tone when you let it breathe

[@scottarmstrong8585]

It is a splendid synth. The filter is particularly gorgeous.

[@katryanaorange2092]

Please, a tutorial would mean the world to us. (These kind of lessons are priceless!) I felt this pumping in my veins🔥👏

[@WalterGiroldi]

Hola aquí tienes un tutorial del funcionamiento básico del Korg Volca Keys: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTXnmt_g6ull7M

[@otisflick]

Hey bro, you REALLY should do a how-to on this one. Keys isn’t exactly newbie friendly compared to the kick or bass. Great stuff!

[@johnpowell3767]

I was just getting comfortable with ambient guitar and now THIS? I love this stuff. I just imagine its 1971 and listening to Pink Floyd. This absolutely gives me chills and I'm liking it lots and lots!

[@HYPONOVA_Official]

dude EXACTLY

[@narky594]

I keep getting tempted to buy new gear, and then ppl like you come around and remind me that it’s not the gear that makes music, but the player. Amazing stuff, this. Inspired to play with my Keys again! Subbed!

[@carpediemMusica]

Keys is a basic and full-fledged analog synth. It's interesting to dig into it. Let's have fun!

[@alisonlee1578]

This is absolutely incredible. So beautiful.

[@rutasysnorkelporlacomunidad]

Fantastic!!! Very nice sound. I LOVE my volcas.

[@WilliamAdelstein]

I always kinda disregard this little synth when I begin to jam, only then to kind enter a vortex with it when I start tweaking. It’s an incredibly deceptive little thing that can take you on a deep journey. Love your track. ❤

[@withak30]

Holy shit, I kept waiting for it to pan over and show all of the other instruments.

[@carpediemMusica]

Haha, I only used KEYS. what’s more It's a one-shot recording, instead of multiple recording.

[@joeyrossiter3763]

Some people call them toys, that's BS, if you spend a little time, you can get some of the same sounds, that would cost you over $1000

[@charlesvick5]

This is sooooo good. My goodness I've made some weird breathy drones with the flux but this is a whole other level.

[@OregonDARRYL]

Well done! A master craftsman turning knobs with purpose - not just fiddling around.

[@carpediemMusica]

thank you. it is 50% composition, 50% improvise.

[@cooliothehoolio4325]

Hi, that sound is sick! Could you make a video showing how you made it?

[@dysfurikofficial7587]

Great patch and sound! One of my favourite volcas for sure.

[@saruman771]

This is very impressing!

[@Chaotrick]

Gorgeous sequence and lovely modulations. Captivating from the start and hypnotic throughout.

[@publicationsdesordonnees]

It sounds really good ! Very nice approach , full of possibilities. Tx!

[@carpediemMusica]

welcome!

[@selmaaljazairi5786]

this is so beautiful, thank you!

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

Great stuff! The Keys is such an underrated synth.

[@kimdiez2681]

Thousands of people have the Volca Keys, so it is NOT under rated.

[@adrian1072]

Wonderful sound !!! Very well constructed.

[@carpediemMusica]

thanks!

[@sirm01]

Great jam, the keys is a Beast, great synth

[@carpediemMusica]

Yes, there is no other small analog polysynth that can produce such a strong sound.

[@pedroebenitez5550]

Gracias ❤

[@damiensargeant2432]

Splendid!😳

[@80Jay71]

The Keys and the Sample2 are the best 2 Volcas I have. (No disreapect to Drum, Bass and FM)

[@brianmclaren2767]

This video just got you a new sub… Top tier stuff, especially at the 2.15 mark… Flashbacks of the shadow man harpooning me in the spine and pulling me back into the never ending depths of my couch.

[@Hipster_In_Denial]

Very nice. Thanks so much for sharing. Glad I purchased this synth.

[@orchidsvoid]

It's always a good thing to come back to basics with new experience ❤️

[@carpediemMusica]

Yeah! I like TB-303's anecdote. A bass machine that was made to help a band practice was discovered in a strange way and became a techno tool.

[@orchidsvoid]

@@carpediemMusica sometimes simpler are better 😊

[@გუგაბაგალიშვილი]

Never Gets old!

[@morgenrothe]

This is fantastic! Think I'll be buying one pretty soon.

[@carpediemMusica]

enjoy this tiny gadget!

[@jaydeepalmer]

Nice to see someone taking advantage of the 128 step sequencer of the keys 😎 Great sequence you got here, cheers!

[@carpediemMusica]

The volca keys are small synths that can only produce three notes at the same time, but I like it because it can do interesting things.

[@Empirism]

Maybe someday I learn to use that magic box like that. Amazing stuff

[@carpediemMusica]

Volca Keys isn't that difficult. Anyway, Let’s have fun and keep exploring!

[@pharmjason]

Feel like I’m watching the subway scene in Risky Business 😊

[@carpediemMusica]

yeah. the movie is filled with 80's sounds.

[@user-mb7xn9js5x]

Great work! Sounds awesome. Keep up!

[@johnnyprovo7157]

F-ing great, man. So inspiring and thanks for the tutorial. I gotta get on to doing some of this with mine.

[@carpediemMusica]

The volca keys has only 3 sounds that can be played simultaneously, and the sequencer has only 16 steps and no pattern chaining function.It also has no separate tracks.However, with some ingenuity, it is possible to record 128 steps, and if the three notes are arranged well, it can be made to feel as if there are three separate tracks.When you apply volca keys's pleasant filter to these sounds, you are in heaven.I hope you enjoy it too!

[@BlowsAgainsttheEmpire]

This is great and just what I look for as so many have beats and I try to find ones that are melodically heavy without precussion.

[@Ziqohth]

i love this kind of videos

[@JorgeenriqueGomezGarza-cp5nm]

Nice sound!!

[@kinetic-cybernetic]

I can see you were serious with that title. Certainly using the synth with more depth than anything I had seen before.

[@aorakis5795]

Agreed ! Except maybe for this one i discovered few month ago ! I can now say that there are two performance that gimme the desire of having a Volca quite a lot ! :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5Oxd3-vo5Kbis0

[@sirm01]

Love this video ❤

[@carpediemMusica]

thanks always!

[@meilstone]

Marvellous!

[@carpediemMusica]

thanks!

[@meilstone]

@@carpediemMusica Not much more I can say. Add a subtle beat and you'll be featured on a Spotify Chillout House playlist.

[@valentinch0]

I hope that someday you will get a commission from Korg for the Volca Keys I’m about to purchase 🙏🙏

[@aorakis5795]

I love it ! it's the second vidéo and musical creation around the Volca that is taking to the question i'm asking myself... "do i take this little device or not... ?" If i understand correctly you only add two pedals on it right ? I'm wonderinf if this volca would pair well with a Polyend Tracker... Thanks for the sharing i really loves this little and simple atmospheric performance !

[@veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

roland s-1 is what you want

[@flangelouder]

This frieaking epic

[@PanEchoes]

Thanks for the inspiration. I never used the volca like that before. Now I tried something similar on my channel.. But there's still alot to learn.

[@adrianing.8027]

This is amasing. !!!!

[@moonandmelodies]

It’s really awesome sound ! Kudos!

[@onsetoffall7497]

Coming back to this video after getting my volca keys, god I love this. I have a question though! How do you get the recording to have so little noise? I find even with headphones the Keys is quite noisy. Is it about the power supply/batteries? Do you use a a gate? What’s the secret to a noiseless recording? 🤔

[@carpediemMusica]

Thank you for coming back here! yes, The sound to noise ratio of the volca series is not so good, I didn't use any noise gates or something. Possibly, the reverb pedal is hiding the noise. For reference, my setup used a rechargeable battery. and I connected to an analog mixer by mono cable.

[@onsetoffall7497]

@@carpediemMusica I’ll be picking up a reverb pedal and a delay pedal in a few days, maybe that’ll help. Thanks! This song inspired me to buy my first synth (The keys), and it remains my favourite demonstration of the Volca Keys!

[@XTINCTIONation]

Amazing!

[@LORANBELTRAM]

BRILLIANT !!!!!

[@carpediemMusica]

I am honored.

[@trichtersky]

Super. Poproszę o więcej 👍🙂

[@carpediemMusica]

Dziękuję Ci!

[@acidperex]

Amazing.

[@tropicalplantguy]

wow. just wow

[@rookmaster7502]

I'm curious to how you were able to get the Volca Keys to play an arpeggiated pattern on each step, without using an external midi controller to generate the pattern. Is this perhaps achieved by setting the LFO to square wave and then adjusting both the LFO and PITCH INT knobs just right? Or is there actually more to it?

[@Metamerist625]

My geuss is that the midi trick was used to record a longer pattern from a daw with the keys set to 1/4 tempo. I can't explain very well in a KZbin comment how this is accomplished but you can easily find videos that show you how. I might be wrong but I have used this method to achieve similar results.

[@carpediemMusica]

Rook Master thank you for having interest. It's a relatively easy trick. First of all, you have to know about the FLUX function. The FLUX function seems to memorize the timing of playing in a stepless manner, but the resolution is actually low, and it is quantized at the timing when one step is divided into eight. But in other words, you can think of volca keys as a 128-step sequencer, not a 16-step sequencer! In this song, input the bass in 32 notes per one chord. (4 steps on the keys’s keyboard.) There are 4 chord changes, so there are a total of 128 notes. Next, enter the 5-note arpeggio 25 times and 3 notes. This is 128 sounds. Finally, add high-pitched accents 16 times at the timing of - - x x - - - -. At the beginning of the song, you can hear the bass part by closing the filter. Gradually open the filter ,will be hear the arpeggio.

[@carpediemMusica]

to Metamerist Wow, I'm interested in your method. I will look for the video. thank you!

[@0800.in.flowers]

@@carpediemMusica its georgeous to find this video and this comment, because just today i were re-encountering myself with my volcas and also wondering how to get longer sequence patterns by maybe sidechaining them, like is able to do in volca FM. Would yo do a video explaining and showing more about this tricks? Is effectively a non very satisfied topic on internet forums hehe. Greetings!

[@rookmaster7502]

@@carpediemMusica Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I definitely need to explore the FLUX function a bit more - obviously it is capable of much more than I assumed. Thanks again.

[@emreacikgoz8418]

you are the king!

[@keirmckeon]

great video!

[@carpediemMusica]

thanks!

[@nikitavaibov]

hello! I am the owner of sp404mk2 and I want to start building a setup. now there is a choice between volca keys and bass. need advice! in this video I heard a very smooth bass under a very nice synth. Is it possible to get such different sounds on volca keys? As far as I understand the keys are a more versatile machine for this? I will be very grateful for the answer! peace!

[@nicholaspariera8224]

You're definitely going to want the volca keys for the setup you want. The volca bass is not nearly as versatile as the keys as it's only really good at making acid bass sounds. The volca keys can do bass, pads, leads, pretty much everything you're going to need starting out. I just got mine recently and was really impressed by the versatility on the machine so I'd definitely recommend the keys for sure.

[@nikitavaibov]

@@nicholaspariera8224 thank you very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to reply! Now everything is clear to me) going to pick up the keys :)

[@veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

get a roland s-1 for about the same price. way more versatile than a volca and has a 64 step sequencer and you can save way more patches. and it has fx and i could keep going on and on but you should just get one

[@andrewlux2084]

Wow! How did you make such a long pattern in the sequencer?

[@carpediemMusica]

The volca keys has FLUX function. The FLUX function seems to memorize the timing of playing in a stepless manner, but the resolution is actually low, and it is quantized at the timing when one step is divided into eight. But in other words, you can think of volca keys as a 128-step sequencer, not a 16-step sequencer!

[@andrewlux2084]

@@carpediemMusica Thank you!

[@jeanmedar]

Holy fuck

[@carpediemMusica]

wholly hacked?

[@Teddyrobinson]

fireeee

[@カタコト-h9d]

素晴らしい👍

[@rayderrich]

Truly amazing! I keep looking at Volca videos for about half a year already, and can't seem to pull the trigger on a few of them. But your jam is brilliant.

[@multiversum]

This hands🥰😘😛

[@mux1978]

FUCKING WOW!!! ❤

[@cutalin]

If I want to plug directly into the laptop, is a jack in the headphones in volca and usb in the laptop going to do work?

[@carpediemMusica]

Volca keys has a midi input jack, so if you have a cable or equipment to convert from USB to a standard midi plug, you can connect it to a laptop.

[@cutalin]

@@carpediemMusica so there is the big plug with many pins midi in and two in and out sync then the headset plug. If it says in, doesn't it mean that it receives sounds or effects?

[@carpediemMusica]

@cutalin Volca keys cannot receive sounds or effects; the MIDI jack only receives MIDI signals; SYNC-IN only receives clicks to synchronize with other equipment. The following is transcribed from the instruction manual. - - - - - - - - - - - - MIDI IN jack This jack is where you can connect an external MIDI device to control the sound generator of the volca keys. SYNC IN/OUT jacks Use these jacks with the included cable to connect the volca keys to a monotribe or other compatible equipment, such as an analog sequencer, and synchronize them. The SYNC OUT jack sends a 5 V pulse of 15 ms at the beginning of each step. If the SYNC IN jack is connected, the internal step clock will be ignored and the volca keys sequencer will proceed through its steps according to the pulses that are input to this jack. You can use this jack to synchronize the volca keys´s steps with pulses that are being output from the audio output of a monotribe, another analog sequencer or a DAW. - - - - - - - - - - - -

[@cutalin]

@@carpediemMusica thanks a lot for the explanationa! So for output to the laptop I use the headphones or sync out?

[@jeredalmeida1880]

​@@cutalin1)For audio output on Volca, you're headphone jack is the only option. However, you will need an interface or a mixer with a built in interface to transfer that audio via USB. 2)Sync input/output is simply a pulse that keeps multiple hardware instruments in time with each other. 3)Midi only sends digital note data like pitch, velocity, sustain, note triggers etc. Since this only has a midi in, it can only receive note data from another device. Volca does have an aftermarket modification to add midi out jack but unless you're ready to solder and splice, I'd recommend that you get a skilled technician to do it. 4)Effects can only be applied to an audio signal. Effects are the last in line in the signal chain so don't worry about them until you've got your audio stuff complete.

[@tonycanderton1975]

Wish I hadn't sold my now😢

[@veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

get a S-1

[@Daffe8]

hi, friend, wich pedals u use to create this one? how u connected?

[@carpediemMusica]

hello friend. I connect BOSS digital delay pedal and reverb pedal via mixer. volca keys | analogue mixer ->recorder / \ delay reverb Am I making sense?

[@Daffe8]

@@carpediemMusica woah very interesting ... Both pedals are BOSS? I'm learning slowly :)

[@Daffe8]

@@carpediemMusica thanks for your time, i'm nob ... U have another place to speak about this synth?

[@carpediemMusica]

@@Daffe8 do you have a facebook account? If so, the "Korg Volca series" or "Korg Volca" user groups are recommended.

[@Acidbath-cn9mc]

Do I need a computer for this? I’m very new to this so I would appreciate it if someone could tell me what all I’d need for this synth (-: thanks!

[@carpediemMusica]

No. No computer required. you don't need any MIDI, the equipment doesn't require modding. This song can be made with volca keys. though I'm using an external delay pedal. See also my fixed top comments for more details. thank you for your interest!

[@Acidbath-cn9mc]

@@carpediemMusica Thanks dude. Do you know anywhere I could inquire about a basic setup and what exactly I would need aside from this to just practice around a little? My budget can afford this and some more, I know that's unrealistic but for the time being I would like to start working hands-on with synthesizers, even if it's just to jam some.

[@carpediemMusica]

My teacher is a great "internet". Many nice people share their knowledge. The setup should be considered according to what you want to make. For reference, this video uses this little synthesizer with a mixer, delay pedal, and reverb pedal. Even if you have only one synth, it is convenient to have a mixer if you use pedals. Of course, you can make music without a mixer. For example, this performance(kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6aZhaBtapqjf7s) is recorded by connecting the delay pedal directly to the synthesizer. The most necessary thing is "intellectual curiosity". Oops,sorry, you already have this!

[@carpediemMusica]

@@oghigger At first, I turned the tempo knob to slow down the tempo and recorded. After that, the tempo is increased when playing.

[@gaston-alegre-stotzer]

@@Acidbath-cn9mc ​ @carpe diem So... a Volca Keys + NTS-1 ... Korg's got you covered :)

[@user-JM1967]

Stereo sounds?

[@carpediemMusica]

The volca keys is monaural, but I use pedals through a mixer, and those (delay, reverb) output sound in stereo.

[@JasonMontell2501]

Can this be paired with a boss dr-670?. Im new to all of this

[@defjeff2907]

If the DR has midi out you could connect that to the Volca to sync the tempo of the sequencers.

[@lenonel3286]

Poggers

[@andyszumilak9945]

How can one do this

[@carpediemMusica]

Thank you for your interest. This is a trick of the FLUX function. (Cf. my top comment for details)

[@JohnMitchellCalif]

......!! Wow! Subscribed.

[@carpediemMusica]

thank you for having interest!

[@alexsavin2451]

First few seconds sound like Mick Gordon's soundtrack to doom eternal.

[@80Jay71]

Hey! My like was nr 800! Do I win sometrhing? ;)

[@Empirism]

xD

[@SpaceAndroidz]

Thumbs down because if your going to teach people how to use a Korg properly show the buttons yr pushing. On the bottom of yr Korg you didn’t show the buttons. So yr tutorial was incomplete. If you do not show proper instructions I will unsubscribe to yr channel. Don’t be partial in yr videos. Ty

[@carpediemMusica]

I am not your teacher, but I wanna be your mate. If you want a tutorial, how about this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYnUmWCGnqiWe8k

[@MoreanMan]

Lmao don't let the door hit you on your way out what kind of entitled bullshit is this. Go ahead and unsuscribe, I'm suscribing anyway so the universe keeps its balance ;)

[@pyrotek45]

bro what a cry baby you sound like.

[@PartyOnDude_]

Waaah!

[@JG-ib7xk]

But he's not teaching at all, he's literally just showing what you can do with a Volca Keys. Why are you expecting him to teach you or be a teacher?