Volca NuBass: Part 2

Back with a second a video about the Korg Volca NuBass. This Volca has definitely grown on me as I've spent more time with it. The focus here is sequencing and motion sequencing. I've left out a couple of the fundamentals: 1) entering a sequence using step recording and 2) entering a sequence using live recording. If you have another Volca, it's basically the same here. Instead, I wanted to show some other ways to make sequences and some entirely different uses for the sequencer. Thanks for watching!
TIMELINE
00:00 STARTER. This is just using the envelope and the square LFO, running it through the Nux Atlantic (which has been my goto effect for this video).
00:44 INTRO. Overview and plan. I'll start by covering some sequencing and motion-sequencing topics and then show a few ideas for using the sequencer in other ways.
03:18 STORAGE CONCEPTS. This is some important stuff to keep track of.
06:07 SEQUENCING. I use a hoketus-ish single-note sequence to demonstrate the embellishments you can put on a sequence step (accent, transpose, and slide). NOTE: I goofed and forgot to show how you can use the CLEAR functions for performance. The CLEAR is sort of like UNDO/REDO and you can do that on slides, transposes, accents, and active step settings - all independently. One of the slickest ways to use it is by setting up something like slides on a sequence and then clearing the slides right before playing the sequence - then by hitting the clear again it can activate the slides. I mainly use ACTIVE STEPS for "builds" (although there are tons of other uses, like phasing two sequences) - if you have a sequence that starts off sort of punchy, you can start building up the intensity of the sequence by turning off the later steps, say 9-16, then 5-8, and possibly even down to a single step. Then clear it or change to another memory slot for a transition. Lots of fun.
10:32 MOTION SEQUENCING. I use the pitch knob to dial in a groove/melody for a sequence. You can do this sort of thing on the Kick too - BUT, dropping in some transposes really helps spice such a thing up (because then it doesn't really sound like it was made that way, not as "slide-whistle"-ish.). I also show how to chain together a longer version of your sequence.
17:54 IDEA 1. Here is a quick thought. Do motion sequencing but without really changing the parameter (at least not noticably). Why is this useful? Because then you actually CAN save some key parameter settings with your sequence in a Memory slot - and this is big for performing because you can actually make more of a true preset. Now, a second possibility (did not show this) - is using this "static" motion-sequencing as a way to have TWO sounds within ONE memory slot. So, you set the KNOBS to one sound, and then you motion sequence the knobs for the second sound. This can be done WITH an actual sequence (sequence sounds one way, notes played while stopped sound another way), or with an EMPTY sequence (see below) - so in that case you can A/B your sounds by turning the sequencer on/off. It is a pretty flexible method.
20:29 IDEA 2. Empty Sequence "LFO". I've done this a lot on the Kick but I feel like it's even better on the NuBass. You could chain together up to 16 empty sequences that vary multiple parameters - and then get a different effect that depends on where you are in the cycle. Super powerful way to use the NuBass as a playable synth voice (and this is also another reason why I wish the NuBass had true sustain).
24:41 IDEA 3. Step Jump "Arp". So, the only Volcas that have Step Jump are the Beats, Sample, and NuBass. This wouldn't work on the Beats, but I assume has been done on the Sample (but I've never seen that). I've got it as an UP arpeggiator here, but you could make it DOWN by entering in the chromatic sequence backwards and figuring out your chords. You don't even have to stick with the chromatic scale, but that DOES make it easy to play.
25:51 OUTRO.
26:25 ENDER. HEAPHONES ALERT! Lots of lows in this Volca Team-Up: Beats + NuBass. The NuBass sequence is another default-note motion-sequenced and chained setup (32 steps) - but with the square LFO running. That, plus the delay, gives a ton of texture to the NuBass sound. I am not running the Beats through the Atlantic, just some stutter on the kickdrum. The NuBass filtering creates some incredible formants - I hear voices down in that bassline...
LINKS
www.korg.com
www.nuxfx.com

[@KaleOrton]

Very good tip as you mention; running the NuBass through an effects pedal etc for reverb/delay. I've heard a lot about this but have yet to try it through my Zoom G2. Exciting!

[@KaleOrton]

Just tried the NuBass through my G2 effects pedal, and WOW! A whole new set of infinate! Sounds incredible. Volca Nubass seems well suited for reverb/delay/distortion, and a whole host of other manipulation through effects filters. In fact this probably applies to all Volcas, I've tried it with other kit like the Pocket Operators, but none have added so much as using them with the Volcas, perhaps it's the higher fidelity, I'm so excited! Thanks again for your channel sir. I feel a bit guilty of commenting so much, but your channel is awesome. NNTR

[@KaleOrton]

That arp tip! GOLD.

[@undulations]

Thank you! I started to think about how to apply it to other other Korg gear with Step Jump.

[@miguelvarela6742]

Great! you make the people rethinking the way they use this Volca

[@free2muse]

Best how to on this unit I've seen. Thanks!

[@undulations]

Thanks very much for checking it out🙏🏼!

[@ExStepsister]

You taught me so much about an instrument I've been noodling with for months. Thank you so much.

[@undulations]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@t55a2]

Useful, cheers for uploading

[@undulations]

Glad to hear it🙏🏼 Enjoy your NuBass👍🏻

[@t55a2]

@@undulations Will do, now I've seen both videos. You made them interesting and full of wee tips- thanks.

[@brosephthomas3764]

this guys voice is ASMR

[@undulations]

LOL, thanks for watching! ps there is actually like 2 seconds of me doing "ASMR voice" at the beginning of my "Model:Samples (Granular)" video.

[@KaleOrton]

Agree! Also his knowledge and pace is spot on.

[@xxii22222]

Thanks a LOT for this video!!! not even the official Nubass videos take you this deep into it, you've helped me decide to buy one! Great Jam!!!!!

[@undulations]

2oo2 ? Hey, thanks for checking it out! Enjoy yours😀!

[@evwaldron]

That arpeggio idea is really cool!

[@undulations]

evwaldron Thank you🙏🏼!

[@evwaldron]

@@undulations My NuBass is in the mail LOL.

[@undulations]

Awesome🔥!

[@rummysharma-official123]

very nice sir.

[@undulations]

Thank you very much!

[@exitritual]

Nicely done. I like the jam at the end as well.

[@undulations]

scott sturgis Thanks man! Appreciate you checking it out!

[@NibiruTheChannel]

how tf can a dude be this chill

[@undulations]

lol, shooting a video rn. this is the sort of moral support that i need😀! i hope you get something out of the video - i'm still a fan of that smooth, saturated NuBass sound!

[@NibiruTheChannel]

@@undulations yeah that was the best video on the nubass I saw, gave me something to think about! Might plug it to my Minilogue for the reverb, it sounds really cool

[@KaleOrton]

This man is an inspiration to me, I just discovered the channel recently - and his knowledge, pace, personality and delivery is exceptional.

[@groove_sapient]

There's a doctor in the house! And he's into acid! - Good show.

[@MrKeys57]

Found out that an external effect almost is neccesary with the nubass, - i have an very unusual effectsunit , a Zoom PS2, older thingie, very small pocket minimixer, but with great effects! -- i can emulate a two oscillator synth by adding the Pitch effect, and then also of course putting on some nice reverb and delay - i can use 6 effects in row if i want - this Zoom is very good because it also have an small Amp built in, so the effect out can be varied, to either line or earphone, so far, so good! -- greetings and good sound undulations! Levi in sweden

[@undulations]

That sounds great Levi! I like my (fairly new) Zoom pedal a lot. They make nice stuff :)

[@MrKeys57]

@@undulations and to accompany the Nubass i just purchased "the worlds worst drummachine"!! Lol! - (The Rhytm wolf from Akai)

[@Decoy303]

@@MrKeys57 I have that and a Tom Cat. Once they warm up they aren't so bad but not great either. But they have their place.

[@SouthShoreSonics]

There is a new firmware for the NuBass dated 10 Deccember 2019. Has anyone tried it? I do not have one, but made note of the lack of release noted in the videos. Wonder if this firmware might fix this issue? Thanks

[@undulations]

Mark Pigott Thanks for the heads up! I just checked the release notes: mentions a midi fix and “minor bug fixes” - so I’m thinking not. But I’ll do the update soon and find out for sure.

[@MrKeys57]

You have good demos, and now you have sold me the Nubass! - going to order! - (and i have a multipedal from Zoom) -- and i love to see how you and your cat interact with eachother! (is it a Manx?) -- just the same way my little doggie and i do! - i have a feeling we are both great animal lovers too! - and btw, it looks like you are levitated above the flooR!! ;) -- greetings, Levi in sweden

[@undulations]

Well, I cannot levitate (yet) - and yes, he IS a Manx! Cool you are getting the Nubass! Thanks a lot for watching and best regards, Levi!

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Like it but got the Bass and get some great Techno lines from it. Think the Nu Bass is much more powerful. My set up for the Volca performance is 1. Kastl 2. Microgranny 3. Volca Keys with FX unit 4. Sample volca 5. Volca bass all into Dude mixer. Sounds great. Use my Volca drum along with Uno Synth , Uno drum with Big Sky and Mackie mix 8. Drum and bass for that set. Plus a PO 33 KO for samples before the gig. Have you got the Volca mix? Do you think it is worth looking at?

[@undulations]

Mini Synth Collective Your setup sounds great🧐! I don’t have the Mix - I guess with the Dude and a couple of other small mixers it seemed kind of redundant - but I don’t really know much about it. I should probably check out the details👍🏻

[@minisynthcollective7822]

@@undulations Yes I agree. Also have an MX 1 Roland. The Volca mix looks good but you can only play 3 Volcas. All powered though and easier to set levels and FX. I will get one in time.

[@olivierrenoir9282]

A really helpful video ! Don't you wanna do a video on programming in Step and in Real Time modes ? I just can't do it.. Thank you

[@undulations]

Olivier Renoir Hey, thanks a lot for the feedback! I think that is a great idea - putting it on my list of topics to cover in future videos😀!

[@jamesbtex58]

What reverb was you using?

[@undulations]

It is the Atlantic reverb+delay combo pedal from Nux Pedals. Thanks for checking it out!

[@schraibfelafanzine7637]

Have You somwhere mentored, how the Chain Funktion works? I tried IT, how it is explained in the Manual, But it insn't working......

[@undulations]

Hey, the manual isn't exactly clear. Think of it as more of a "range" than a "chain". The group of sequences needs to be in order. So if you want to play sequences 5, 6, 7, and 8 then you hold MEMORY and press keys 5 and 8 at the same time. You can keep Memory held down to confirm the range (they should flash). The display should say CHAI. You can hold Memory _while_ you are playing the set of sequences to see which one is playing (that one flashes faster). There are a some edits that you CAN'T make in "chain" mode (motion sequencing) because it will only let you do that on one memory at a time. To get OUT of "chain" mode just load a single sequence. If you want a sequence to play twice (or more) you need to make a copy and put it in the "chain". Hope this helps! Thanks for checking out the channel🙏🏼!

[@undulations]

ps I appreciate this comment. I spent like 2 hours making sequences on the NuBass after I replied.

[@schraibfelafanzine7637]

Oh great, thank You. But.... Well I Hope not to Take to much of your Time with asking: I Programed Sequenz one, then I Change to sequenz two, for programing. But wehn I Go Back to sequenz one, my sequenzingnis Home, and the erased sequenz from before is back 🤔

[@undulations]

@@schraibfelafanzine7637 Well, the only way to keep your work is to save/write it. So, work on sequence 1, save, load sequence 2, work on it, save, etc. The Volcas only change MEMORY if you you save, but remember that the knob settings are NOT saved in memory. To save your knob settings as part of the sequence you need to use Motion Sequencing. Hope this helps👍🏻!

[@MrKeys57]

OR the older Volca bass....;)

[@undulations]

I love the original Volca Bass! Thereare nice videos on the Ollie's Laboratory channel where he uses Volca Bass, Volca Keys, and Zoom pedal. He discusses using the Volca Bass for melodies at some point, which I feel like makes a lot of sense.

[@terrencegonzales2183]

ubd

[@undulations]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@terrencegonzales2183]

@@undulations when i get them i will add comments to your channel soon i hope yea i can figure out how to use them but i think you cover these volca units well so im gonna get um

[@scowlsmcjowls2626]

Thats the only thing i didnt like about the volca bass. No motion sequence

[@undulations]

scowls Mcjowls Yeah, I think that would be great. Cutoff. Mo-seq or parameter-locking on the pitches would be cool, chord sequences. Re-release!