Korg Volca Beats Tutorial
In this video I give a tutorial on the Volca beats drum machine from KORG. This drum machine features 6 analogue sounds and 4 pcm sounds that can be programmed in an onboard 16 step sequencer.
Simon Duckett
Aug 27, 2024
Welcome to the tutorial on the Korg Volca Beats! In this guide, we'll explore all the features and functions of this compact drum machine, starting with its various sound options and moving through to its controls, recording capabilities, and I/O options. Let's dive in!
Overview of Sounds
The Korg Volca Beats offers a combination of analog and digital sounds, providing versatility in your drum programming:
Analog Sounds
: Kick, Snare, Low Tom, Hi Tom, Closed Hat, Open Hat
PCM (Digital) Sounds
: Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash
Sound Controls
Each sound on the Korg Volca Beats has specific controls to tweak and adjust to your liking:
Kick Drum
: Adjust the pitch, decay, and click settings for a variety of bass drum sounds.
Snare Drum
: Control the pitch and snappy settings to add more noise and crunch.
Low and Hi Toms
: Each tom has adjustable pitch, with a shared decay control for both.
Closed and Open Hats
: Modify the decay for the closed hat to change its duration, and adjust both decay and grain settings for the open hat to control its pitch.
For the digital sounds (clap, claves, agogo, and crash), the main control is the PCM Speed setting, which alters the playback speed of the samples, creating some unique effects. This control can also be automated and recorded.
Memory and Pattern Management
Managing your patterns is straightforward with the Korg Volca Beats:
Accessing Memory Slots
: Press the memory button to access eight slots where you can save and recall patterns.
Saving Patterns
: Use the function button in combination with the memory button to save your patterns.
Clearing Patterns
: You can clear a single part or all parts of a pattern by pressing the function button followed by the clear button.
Recording Patterns
There are two main methods to record patterns:
Step Recording: This method allows you to manually enter each step for your beats. Select the sound you want to use and press the corresponding step buttons to place the sound on your desired beats.
Live Recording: You can also record patterns live by playing the pads in real-time. This mode supports quantization, aligning your beats to the nearest step for tight, rhythmically accurate patterns.
Both methods allow for creative control and flexibility, letting you build complex rhythms with ease.
Additional Features
Stutter Effect
: This effect modifies the timing and depth of your beats, similar to a delay effect. It's great for adding a dynamic feel to your patterns and can also be recorded.
Active Step
: This feature allows you to choose which steps are active in your pattern, enabling you to create unusual time signatures or rhythmic variations.
Volume and Mute Controls
Individual Volume Control
: Adjust the volume for each drum sound by selecting the part and turning the volume dial.
Mute Function
: Mute specific drum sounds by holding the mute button and toggling the sounds on or off.
I/O Options
The Korg Volca Beats has several input and output options:
MIDI Input
: Connect to external devices for MIDI clock sync or to trigger samples from a DAW or other MIDI controller.
Sync In/Out
: Easily synchronize the Korg Volca Beats with other devices, such as the Korg Minilogue XD, using standard auxiliary cables. This is great for live performance setups.
Power Options
: The device can be powered via a 9V adapter or with six AAA batteries, which provide impressive battery life. It also features a built-in speaker, making it perfect for on-the-go music production.
Conclusion
The Korg Volca Beats is a versatile and compact drum machine that offers a wide range of sounds and functionalities, making it a great tool for both studio production and live performance. Whether you're using its analog sounds or manipulating its digital samples, the Volca Beats provides a robust platform for creative drum programming.