Why exactly people love the Volca Sample? | Complete review/tutorial (+ tips)

[@dataphreak]

If you pitch up your samples, you can get more sample time by pitching the sample back down on the machine. It's an old school sampler trick from back in the time of the floppy disk.

[@nicolasdiaz5653]

how much time if sampling does the volca has?

[@SH_Hof]

@@nicolasdiaz5653 4mb or 1 minute

[@nicolasdiaz5653]

@@SH_Hof thanks!

[@lilmisssandi]

good to know , just orderd one but also have an atari ste with cubase x

[@IGD-974]

@@lilmisssandi did you get the old version or the Volca Sample 2? The 2nd version has double the memory (8mb) and double the sample spots. Although V2 has a USB port, there is also an android app by the folks who make CAUSTIC 3 (a fairly powerful mobile DAW in it's own right) it will allow you to edit and load samples as .WAV files right from your phone easily. It's very intuitive and useful for people who don't always have access to a PC.

[@Mephistopheles9]

Man, people like you make the internet the (mostly) great thing it is. I just got my hands on a used one yesterday and I’d like to thank you very much for the work you put into this. After watching it twice, I’m already able to use my volca the way I want to and create music. This should be packaged with the instrument (at least as a link or something) as most of the others online are useless or lazily made, including korg’s own videos. Without any donation options available that I can see, the only thing I’m able to do is subscribe, but I do that gladly and hope that it somehow helps a bit.

[@Woochia]

How come I only see this comment 9 months later? Thanks a lot! If this video helped you enjoy your volca and pass the frustration to go straight to the joy of making music with it, it makes me happy :) Thanks for the support! In case you're interested, I now have a patreon set up. There I share some sample packs and presets I make for my videos, but it's not much as I like to have most my content available for free. Have a great day.

[@ruxiwang9571]

the 'make it synth' part blew my mind! it opens up a whole new world of sampling!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@flame2106]

with the pajen firmware you can make 4 sample slots 4 note polyphonic, pretty sick. havent tried it yet

[@MarneusAndMilkyBlood]

I just got a second hand unit in the mail this morning and now I'm having fun with it thanks to your awesome tutorial! Awesome job!

[@theprinceofportugal]

Best review of the Volca Sample. Better than the original manual. Congrats.

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

I have literally just received my Sample today (to compliment my other Volca’s). Great tutorial and you have a new subscriber

[@bregbarega3717]

Best volca Sample tutorial yet! I've seen a ton of v.Sample videos and tutorials recently and this was the best sorted, simple, not too long but comprehensive and you had time for some extra tips also! Excellent! Thanks!

[@pfaprado]

Best walkthrough of the Volca Sample on KZbin. Simple and direct. Best regards!

[@Woochia]

Thanks!

[@zun-man]

@@Woochia This video gave me inspiration to dust off my old Sample and try to create a track. Thanks dude!

[@KangDaJuicemane]

this is my favorite volca of them all ! very functional and easy to learn

[@jakeniemiec8559]

This is my favorite drum machine so far! The ability to be creative with the sound of the samples is great, because it allows us to create our own sounds! Also ambient sounds and sound designy stuff!

[@Dizzy_the_kid]

This little box forces you to be creative.. It's dope. .. Check my channel, I Play with Volca too .. 🙋‍♂️

[@mickypoo4622]

What an great and comprehensive guide to using the features of this! I have one (now with the Pajen firmware installed) but I haven't really put it to good use yet. Having now watched your vid I will now try to get to know it a lot better. SO well done, many thanks and please keep up the good work.

[@LewisVideoArchive]

Mine is arriving today (£95 off Amazon) - can’t wait. This comprehensive video is going to be a big help - thank you!

[@cleziocn7013]

Great video. Have it and love it! probably the funniest volca to have on its own. I would love to see your toughts on the Volca Bass. Keep it up!

[@marcelonavarro796]

El mejor tutorial de Volca Sample!!! Muchas gracias desde Argentina!!!

[@sihargreaves]

This is a super useful video my man. Been jamming no mine all night after watching it, super fun!

[@BigCrashTrackLoop]

Really appreciate this super-deep-dive into the Volca Sample. I've had my v1 for a couple of years, but I learnt a few new triple button combos from this vidtut. Nice one, thank you. Liked and subscribed!

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

I just received the new Volca Sample2, I can wsit to dive right in and try out all the functions, this video is just perfect to get me going! thnx mate

[@Dizzy_the_kid]

.. Check my channel, I Play with Volca too .. 🙋‍♂️

[@aparidaewithaclue3267]

intro. excellent promising video. already great, lets go. one is on the way 🎶

[@harrietHHH]

Excellent demonstration. Thank you! I agree with your cons. I love experimenting using the clear parameter dials and the loop function. Lots of fun to use.

[@80Jay71]

Nice review! I bought my Volca Sample last week along with the Volca NuBass. Since the latter got first in line I haven't even un-boxed my Sample yet. Now after a few clips on youtube I'm looking forward to it!

[@charliesmiler5618]

This sampe machine is great value for money, easy to make really nice sounding patterns.

[@kevmac1230]

Man you're a smart guy.I'm a retired older guy that has been a musician all my life but I come from the anolog world.I never used a computer in my life.Now that I have time I'm trying to learn new things,but this stuff makes me feel overwhelmed.I'm finding it hard adapting to the digital world of today.It is however so intriguing.I hope the lights come on at some point.

[@svenjansen2134]

Get some gear and hit play and record. Step sequencing is a drag but can be useful. Arpeggiators en modulators and oscillators have many parameters don't let it hold you back. It's all still just tracking.

[@svenjansen2134]

Getting into No Input Mixing... Have no fear!

[@johnruschulte2593]

Just used mine today always go back to it and have had it since it came out.

[@kevinbeardslee7587]

Thank you for this video! I’ve been watching Volca Sample videos for weeks and this is the first one that actually explains and teaches all the features. I’ve been using Reaper and sampler5000 do effectively the same thing but this seems faster and more fun!

[@schoontube]

Great tutorial. Clear explanations and logical flow. This will really help me get productive with my Volca Sample 2. Thanks!

[@Woochia]

Glad it helps! Also check out the "pajen firmware". Apparently imakesbthe workflow way better. I haven't tried it yet, but it's been on my list of videos to do for a long time.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This is a fantastic Tutorial, thank you so much for sharing it !

[@PLA.net-DANTE]

As always , really awesome review and tutorial! Had the sample too , for a while. the drums sounds really hard and the motion sequence is awesome to create lively grooves. But even with pattern-chaining 16steps aren't just enough. And they should have implemented a input to sample directly from external gear , it would be a no-brainer. Anyway with the keystep and the Rk002 cable you can play the samples chromatically and have a cheap but powerful setup. You should also checkout the novation circuit. With all the updates they made such a powerful and easy useable tool. I love your videos,man they're amazing! Thumps up

[@jonathanison5829]

Very informative video on the Volca Sample! This helps me understand the functions better. I bought this a year ago yes very versatile I still think this little device has yet to be used to it's maximum potential

[@jammingpositivevibration]

O LOVE JAMMING 💘 WITH SAMPLE & KORG VOLCA BASS... KEEP ON JAMMING POSITIVE VIBRATION ❤ 💛

[@Syncopator]

What you missed is any information about MIDI capabilities. For example, can you set up a drumkit of samples and play them with an external device via say, MIDI channel 10?

[@jerrybriardy]

Great video! Very informative. I'm a long time musician, guitar, bass, piano just getting involved with synthesizers. I have a Behringer TD-3 and a Korg Volca FM as well as a Boss drum machine. I wish I'd bought this instead of the drum machine. It is more complicated but it is much more versatile and it sounds as though it can produce some very interesting sounds. I'll probably buy one of these eventually, they are very cheap. But for now I need to learn to use what I've already got.

[@alikecelioglu1109]

You are a very good tutor, thanks.

[@MatusFinchus]

Superb video. My Volca Sample 2 is arriving in 3 days time. A sweet little addition to my other gear. :-)

[@mgrollins]

Thanks, learned a few new things! I got one recently used, making it an even better deal!

[@patricksantos6918]

Best Volca Sample Tutorial ever!::..

[@MarioNinaus]

Very useful review! Even though I already have the sample for quite a while after your video I think I'll give it another chance of using it! THX man!

[@aaronfarrelly4075]

Great tutorial, thanks. just for reference, the sample 2 does not have song mode, instead it has a chain function where you hold 'memory' then select the sequence of pads you want, say 1-4. Then you hit play. For some reason korg took song mode out of 2.

[@Woochia]

To be honest, I think that a good change :o I find the song mode almost useless, especially if you can chain patterns in the order you want. I'd gladly take the extra slots to save more patterns

[@boriscat1999]

Thanks for this! I was struggling on how to do accents. Automation is very cool.

[@evertvanbavel7083]

Great video man!

[@dizydiaz9214]

Thanks, super well explained, useful and clear info

[@Woochia]

Thanks :)

[@MisterMurphy]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@fabianrohrhofer]

wtf that synth(pro) mode tips was big brain mode

[@thejewk386]

Excellent and informative run through, many thanks

[@geraldinecheng]

Clear and informative as usual. Thanks, this was useful!

[@antoniocastro4371]

I bought mine 3 week's ago, and yes, caboom, 1.30!!! Thank's for the tip's!!! 🙂😉👍👌

[@justinkitchin105]

@@Woochia the pajen 7 firmware is where it's really at! I'm surprised you didn't opt for that with all the original features plus so soo much more

[@rvanhees89]

Its one of the few pieces of hardware where I can make speedcore at a bpm level higher than 300 (up to 600) *and* one of the few pieces that are able to create Extratone (over 1000bpm)

[@jarickthom9767]

Great detail work and review - I really like your section on "make it synth" - that is SO helpful. Thank you for this and the video. Do I like this device - I think it is very useful and has great value. Like you said it can do almost everything or just be your drum machine. I just recently picked mine up used for less than $100 - I wish I bought it years ago. It is a very useful device in music creation or prefomance if that is your thing. It is also great to pack in a knapsack and jam/create anywhere. Just curious if you are going to do a video on the Sample Firmware hacks including "Pajen" which adds more funcitonality to the device. Thanks for the great videos.

[@Woochia]

I had plans to make a video about the pajen firmware yes! I heard about it when I released this video. But to be honest, the list of videos I'd like to make is pretty long

[@amfimoll9428]

A super cool review-tutorial. Thanks!

[@DocBolus]

Looks a good instrument, some very useful features but also some restrictions that I am not sure I could deal with. Love the sound editing capabilities which turn this into an actual sampler rather than just a sample playing drum machine but the sequencer is a bit restrictive. Not sure I will replace my ES Mk1 just yet but it may be on the cards.

[@freddymercury2259]

Hi, I was looking at getting an EMX-1 or this volca. I was curious, what can you do on the ES MK1 that you cannot do on this?

[@DocBolus]

@@freddymercury2259 'I think this probably has the edge in sequencing terms but the 2 main standouts for the ES are that you can actually record samples in the box, ie you don't need a PC to load samples on it, and you get more sequences to play with. Hope that helps.

[@lbu4191]

Yo that was really helpful man thanks, just got the sample 2 and it's siiiiiiiick 🤙

[@skriptico]

Great tut. We need the pajen firmware tutorial too :)

[@valentinolar955]

Yes please

[@arrozrobot]

Great vid!! can you tell me the specific mA of the power supply you are using?? the volca data sheet didnt specify the mA you need except the 9v, thank you very much.

[@thereal.tenere8793]

I would buy it and use it. Great video!

[@LORANBELTRAM]

Very ineressing and usefull overview.... thank you !!!

[@MrBatraaf]

What I liked most about this Volca, is that it made me think about sampling in a different and more creative manner. Warning samples and using bits and pieces, rather than the whole sample is guaranteed to give you hours of fun. Additionally, the 12 bit playback resolution is not nearly as much of an issue as I had expected and the factory samples are powerful.

[@leftmono1016]

Think it's 16 bit 31khz. So not as lofi as 12 bit but it does have a great sound. It'd be fantastic if someone made a cheap 12 bit sampler. The old Akais fetch so much money they're obviously very sought after.

[@keithedwinsmith9416]

Excellent tutorial👍🏻😃 Bought one of these during lockdown but struggling with it because, although Korg make some great stuff (hardware and apps), their manuals are dreadful☹️ Do you know if a midi keyboard or pad controller will work to input real time melodies and patterns?

[@SimpleHold]

The standard midi implementation doesn’t allow that, but there is an unofficial firmware update that does. Here is a link with a download: ranzee.com/volca-sample-unofficial-firmware/ The author of the firmware goes by Pajen, and you can search and find more info on it. I’ve updated my sample with it and it works great, though I mainly have used it for the four-bars-per-pattern feature.

[@DarioMiticocchio]

@@SimpleHold yeah, that new FW really injected new life into this box. I've loved mine for years, but now it's even better

[@inventanew]

arturia beatstep pro is made for this

[@DarioMiticocchio]

@@inventanew that's a bit like putting a $6000 steering wheel on a Corolla, but sure 😂

[@PLA.net-DANTE]

You need a special midi-cable to do that . It's the Rk002 from Rokit kits. The cable has a built-in midi processor , with it you can play notes on the volca sample chromatically or with the Volca Fm you can control the velocity from a midi keyboard . Hope that helps

[@jammingpositivevibration]

Best tutorial

[@who_cares848]

Hey, try using a mono cable for transferring instead of stereo. I have a lot of older synths that take patches from tape and it won't work with a stereo cable.

[@Woochia]

Good call, I'll try that, thanks!

[@surferboycoolable]

Just ordered my Sample 2

[@MikaelKonradsson]

I have a question. I want to buy one of theese and use A drum machine in combination with my guitar pedals, and use the setup as a demo recording workstation. Can i sync the volca with a project in studio one? So i can have the bpm synched with the Two, and then come up with a simple drum loop on the volca and just write guitar over that?. All i want is to load some 80s style drums on it (like linn drum) and use one shots and make Quick loop

[@Woochia]

You should be able to do that yes. The volca has midi in, so if you have a sound card you can use that to synchronise it to your studio one. Maybe double how midi sync works on the volca but that should work.

[@midierror]

Great video man!! I do love my volca sample

[@juanrajara2887]

Does it have a factory reset if you replace the original samples then want them back?

[@jmsauret]

Thanks a lot for this great and Really nice video! Very detailed and precise.

[@acquisitium]

thanks so much for this! greatly appreciated

[@MrWildWales]

sweet man thanks for the tips

[@ruxiwang9571]

Hi I did exactly what you did in the 'make it synth' part (same ableton, same bpm) but still there is a periodic click sound in it... can't make it pure. do you have any idea what's wrong?

[@ruxiwang9571]

@@Woochia I tried but doesn't work. the thing is, it works well when I drop it in ableton's sampler, but when I copy and paste the wave in the track and play it, the click sound appears again. I wonder how do you export? the raw file of the trimmed audio in ableton is still untrimmed, so I used ableton to export the aif file.

[@ruxiwang9571]

@@Woochia yes! consolidate it is! now it works perfectly. thank you so much!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Great video. Shame this wasn’t done with the new updated version 2 volca sample (usb input and twice the memory) still, as always excellent vid! 👌🏽👍🏽🇬🇧

[@goodatsolitaire]

Are those functions included in the latest firmware update? I just snagged one, it's in the mail...can't wait to mess with it

[@sammywarren3070]

There’s no song mode in 2

[@nviouzcs]

Hey man, I'm trying to make a melody from one simple sound. I make sure there are no other parts at all. I made sure the sequencer is layed out and that the Motion Seq is enabled - to then edit a notes properties, edit in the step sequencer by holding the note and adjusting the speed knob however when I do this it makes all the other notes the same speed. I followed this down to the correct detail I am so confused

[@nviouzcs]

To note: When I hold on the sequenced note, then adjust the speed knob, the LED turns off but yours comes back on on its own so thats going wrong here. not sure what the issue is :(

[@avamiscelano]

is it possible to make voices layers playing live with this one? thanks.

[@Woochia]

You mean recording directly on the machine ? No you can't unfortunately. Have to check for the v2 as this is the v1, but I donc think it has a mic input

[@harmonicaman79]

Amazing video, thanks.

[@turfoid7899]

can u tell me which link for the charger?

[@MrSerbianOrthodox]

Great review!

[@footmarshian8295]

What cables do you need to sync 2 volcas and what cable does it use to get samples into it as I just bought version 2 and it does not even come with power or USB cable

[@PeruAvantgarde]

Gracias. Best vsample tutorial !!

[@ion-shivs]

So does it "transfer files" by recording your samples through the audio jack coming from your computer?

[@littlemanhovis]

great tutorial thanks very much

[@felippeboulderdash8453]

I like your beats!

[@Woochia]

Thanks!

[@ANDYWOUNDSABRXS]

looking to buy one of these, is it worth it if im just using it while bored at work to make some wierd noisey glitchy stuff like a simple Otto Von scatch miami bass stuff not his weirder stuff.

[@davidgoode7416]

Excellent video

[@alienproberecordings]

1 note per midi chanel? is that right?so if i had a keyboard on midi chanel 7,i could only play 1 sample.can i play all the keys on 1 midi channel pls?

[@G1SUNPLANT]

Great rev/tutorial! Tnx a lot!

[@orzanoap]

I bought a used volca sample 2. It says 1.00 when I turn it on. Is that good. How do I change it to 1.30?

[@Woochia]

If you have a volca sample 2, your firmware is more up to date than mine. I made the review on the volca sample 1 and the version 2 was released shortly after

[@razan4764]

you are creative🌷🌷🌷

[@cheapnoise9014]

Excellente vidéo! Sais-tu si une machine existe qui permet de jouer un sample avec un clavier et avec de la polyphonie? Je voudrais remplacer mon SK-1 par quelque chose de similaire avec une meilleure qualité.

[@triftiduda7636]

Can you publish your synthesizer preset from the software to update to the volca?

[@DannyDTM21]

how many build it sounds is there, I don't have a pc or laptop can I use this without one

[@luplewis9837]

What unit you think is best for hip hop beat making?

[@henrikpersson4698]

Can you adjust volume per step, i.e. create accents?

[@Woochia]

Yes you can!

[@henrikpersson4698]

@@Woochia cheers

[@klarnamemeta6556]

Hey Folks, short question: Can I record my own samples with that "Sync-In"-Input&if yes, how long can I record a sample (130s ?). A interested rookie thanks a lot for your answers!

[@OregonDARRYL]

Well, Korg doubled the memory, added USB and got rid of the six song slots, so now it has 16 pattern slots. Sold!

[@lundsweden]

This is why the Korg Volca Sample 2 is so much better. It has a Micro USB port plus twice the memory 8MB vs 4MB. The sample managment app is also great on V2, life is sweet!

[@TJ-hs1qm]

@@Woochia bc of Pajen's firmware

[@oldasrocks9121]

You still playing your Sample? Try the Pajen firmware, you can play it from an external controller on one midi channel, and play samples chromatically, it's very fun.

[@Woochia]

I heard about is the day I posted this video...

[@myreviewdotcom]

This thing is pure fun!

[@sunlinkable]

Did someone cut some short waveforms for the "synth" trick? Anyone willing to share the files? Thanks for this amazing video!

[@sunlinkable]

@@Woochia Thank you!

[@EddieSlowhands]

Hi there ! Thanks for such a really helpful video. I have just ordered a Volca Sample and would like to record my own samples to edit and create different sounds for use in song production. Do I record the sample into my Mac or iPad and then export ( or import ) them into the Volca ? Thanks again for such a clear and easy to follow video ! Best Regards . . . Eddie - a UK Musician.

[@rafalvarenga]

i did not unsderstand what you said about going up/down semitones on the writing melodies section. if anybody could help out, thanks.

[@TheTerracide]

Really nice video. Will you do one about the Sample v2 that is just out?

[@mchamberlain7408]

So im just a songwriter....can i program a full songs worth of drums on this thing?

[@mchamberlain7408]

And I get to song mode....😂

[@AlekseiDroganov]

Ready to buy second model? 🤔☺️🙋‍♂️ Hello from Tallinn.

[@renno_art]

awesome video