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Review Summary
2023-07-02T17:17:56
The Korg Volca Beats is a joy to use. The analog tones - kick, snare, toms, and hats - really are the heart of this little machine. They sound so fantastic and their control is minimal but covers a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities. The hats are the standout. The grain knob really has a unique element of sonic control. I bought the Volca Beats, again after having one many years ago, specifically for the sound of the hats. Programming with MIDI notes is the way to go here. You could definitely do a cool one-bar performance on this beast especially getting crazy with the Stutter function but, for my purposes, writing techno-electronic tracks, MIDI note triggering from a DAW is ideal. For fine control, I recommend sequencing your MIDI notes and then recording samples of each instrument for use with sampler instances in your DAW. This way you can adjust the phase of each sample to really gel everything as opposed to having a random analog phase to each tone. Also recording samples allows you to process each sound individually and that is really what a polished & professional sound is all about. The PCM sounds can be cool and sound wonderfully degraded at low pitch settings but honestly you can ignore them and stick to the analog section without losing ANY value to the machine. Korg has delivered almost certainly the best budget friendly analog (and PCM) drum machine with the Volca Beats.
Tom N.
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10 drum parts
8 user patterns
Ribbon controller
1 x Sync input, 1 x MIDI
1 x Sync output, 1 x 1/8" headphone
AC adapter (sold separately), 6 x AA
1.78x4.54x7.61" / 4.52x11.53x19.32 cm
0.8 lbs / 0.36 kg
4959112108684
Fantastic Analog/PCM Hybrid Drum Machine
By Tom N.
The Korg Volca Beats is a joy to use. The analog tones - kick, snare, toms, and hats - really are the heart of this little machine. They sound so fantastic and their control is minimal but covers a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities. The hats are the standout. The grain knob really has a unique element of sonic control. I bought the Volca Beats, again after having one many years ago, specifically for the sound of the hats. Programming with MIDI notes is the way to go here. You could de...
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Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.
Powerful analog drum sounds
Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series
The Electribe series step sequencer
Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps
Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing
Convenient functions for incredible ease of use
SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performances with multiple units or with your DAW
Compact size, battery-powered operation, and Built-In Speaker for enjoyment anywhere
631-390-6500