Korg Volca Bass

Here are the features of the machine:
Keyboard: small touch keyboard 16 notes (to the do) - you can change octaves with a knob (6 octaves all)
3 VCO: they can be used together (group) or alone, they can mutate / unmute, select the waveform or triangle or square - each VCO can be -1 or +1 Detuner octave, by no semitone, or the unit below (coma I think, but I'm not sure)
VCF 1: 1 low-pass filter with -12db/oct control the cutoff frequency and resonance
1 LFO controls with speed and intensity - the LFO can affect the VCA and / or pitch, and / or cutoff - you can select the waveform of the LFO triangle or square
1 volume control
1 Sequencer 16 steps: realtime recording or step (step-rec)
1-step active control: allows you to choose not active or not in the sequence
1 slide command to create a slide effect between adjacent notes in the sequence
1 envelope generator: you can choose to assign the envelope to the VCA or not, and VCF - available controls are attack and decay / release, note that you can enable or disable the sustain envelope

Connections:
1 record DYN for MIDI in
2 3.5 mm jack for the syncro in / out with other analos machinery
1 headphone jack at size 3.5 mm stereo

Other:
1 power button (normal!)
1 compartment for AA 6piles
1 mini speaker to strengthen the side mobile use
1 small screen clock radio style 90 years!

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Note that there is no utility for computer came with, however an editor (paying!) exists (there is one for each element of the volcanic series) here: http://www.fabriziopoce. com / volcacontrol.html

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is very clear: the vast majority of functions are readily available and are printed - the function accessible via a key combination (always func + sth) are silkscreened
Even without manual (which is roughly the size of an A4 sheet, it is clear, simple and concise) it's still very easy to access!
Editing sounds is relatively simple, we quickly took to the game, there are not 36,000 orders, so after just 1 hour of use can master the machine quite well.
At the sequencer: I mainly use the step mode - it is very simple you enter either a note or a pause, on the other hand it is well to put in mind that when pressing play it plays the note, and displays the flashing LED directly below the next step, like "it is I who will play the next stroke play, or you can replace my note", then indeed we can find it heavy, but if you know what note you want to enter, there is no problem, ultimately it would be rather a lack rewind button in the sequencer, and it would be flawless - but contrary to the opinion of this 01rsa is blocking me more than that, it's a hand to take, and I think it's always easier the sequencer of my MC303!

Note: I have not used yet noon, but the lack of midi out does not bother me (the lack of midi in would have been much more embarrassing I guess)


SOUNDS

So there! it sounds, it is clear! we feel that it is of analog, there is the presence of the work material. The sound is characteristic of the TB303 basslines, but this is not yet another rival of it, the sound is different, if the TB303 acid sounds, this one sounds caustic!
The triangle waveform (which I like a lot on this machine), can really do think its a 303, this is really huge, I was pretty impressed. Until now I used mainly for these sounds AudioRealismBassline2 typed acid (which is more like the sound of the original 303), but I listened some of my records and there is much less grain, it sounds flat / cold side of the small volcanic!
Well then, that's true here I just do not compare unfavorably with a 303 (forced anyway!), But it does not have one, also there is a great video on youtube, or type Live shows you the comparison between these two machines.

The VCF is doing its job, the filter is really great, I had a microbrute there some time and I find the filter in the same vein, but better (less noisy), although the resonance pushed over 15h17m30s (and yes there is really against by millimeter) produces a wild self-oscillation!
The LFO modulation also good, although the setting range is sensitive enough (a little less than the resonance anyway)
I especially like the slide mode that allows fabulous, very distinctive glissando 303 use the "Hardfloor" for once!

So realistic, when compared to real instruments, logically low, well not at all! on the other hand for acid bassline, or other analog synth of course since it is a / a!

The only downside for me is breathtaking! Well, it is not dead either, but after such a positive outcome, it disappoints me, that said I did not notice immediately, but when it plays with the closed filter it may be annoying (I quibble, but we're here for!)


OVERALL OPINION

I use it since last night, I had the time to do some sequences, we get the desired result quickly.
Feature I like most: the sound, sound editing, sequencer
Feature I like least: the breath, lack of backwards in step-Rec mode

I think it should not be restricted to see a bassline, but a little synth to dump good sound analog worked well. I have not had time to integrate it into a component, but am trying to do, and my little sequence I just do a good job, well, I feel that it will really make a sound new , I can not have with my VSTI, or even my microKorg (which it says is a great synth!)

Excellent value for money, especially as I had with the transformer included (which is not the case if you buy new, you'll just batteries, good joke!)
To date yeah I would do this choice, I also recommend it to anyone who want to equip a small analog synth / mono, which allows, among other bassline make quality more can the take it anywhere!

The features seem attractive on paper, but the machine does not keep his promises because the operating system has been sloppy.
Do not buy Volca Bass if you want a standalone bassline. For now it is only a module monophonic sound very basic, which takes place for not much. An update is imperative to resolve some inconsistencies in the system.

UTILIZATION

Apparently many people use them as a simple Volca Bass Expander noon and in this case the machine is available which explains the many positive reviews.
on the other hand, if like me you were hoping to create a bassline standalone sequences as a millimeter Xoxbox or Tb-303 go your way or wait for an update because programmers at Korg have completely messed up the implementation of the "mode step rec "which is essential
the concept of bassline. That is unusable, do not expect to create interesting sequence on Volca, just rewrite a sequence produced on another device or record live measurement .. without a metronome! Suffice to say that you are not going to dance crowds with ca.

SOUNDS

The sounds produced by the machine are good and it is all the more disappointing not to be able to really exploit them without using another sequencer (so you have to forget the portable side of the Volca Bass)
The concept of 3 VCO with direct access to detune each is quite original and allows enough new sounds compared to conventional TB Xoxbob or even if this is not the kind of sound that finds its place in all projects.

OVERALL OPINION

It is very frustrating to buy then find that the Volca Bass does not keep its promises .. the same manual suggests that the sequencer is running, but it is editable is false because there are errors in the programming of this one and Volca should not have to be sold before these problems are solved. It could be a great bassline but an update is required. Unfortunately there are not many users who have responded to this problem as Korg could rest on its laurels.

My advice: Do not buy the Volca if you use it in expander noon or expect an update to repair the recording mode step.

ps: Here is the post where I explain in detail the inconsistencies of recording mode and editing step:

https://fr.audiofanzine.com/synthe-analogique/korg/volca-bass/forums/t.554715,probleme-volca-bass-step-rec-mode.html

I am xxxxx th, I will not repeat the record please product!
the octave range step is sufficiently wide, at the same time, we will type in the grave!
what style: bass, acid house, tb 303, electro, agrotech
8 memories of it, but no effect, no potentiometers notched or even numbered markers on the silkscreen. must make a cache and is even making its bearings.

UTILIZATION

use based on a manual 2-page mega simple, but the edition of steps, korg not done in simple.
the edition is easy, have similar machines is not a obligaction to understand, ca may be the thing for a beginner as a sound module in its SET +

I love the 3 sounds that off valves have a close emulation of Tb 303, novation BassStation, or novation Xstation or roland SH101 or ....

brief, low very adaptable
I do not like: the DWARF format GARDEN! why strive to put knobs so small, korg had a wholesale price on the knobs of the monotron since it is found everywhere. better, make a keyboard where the keys are smaller than your finger! MONOTRON for ever!
in 2013, the price of plastic is it exorbitant? the case deserves to be 30% + great to have key 10 mm, diameter 8 knobs, and especially to allow the field to the headphone, MIDI and taken power because it is too embarrassing , must tinker with angled plugs.
the rear speaker is also very funny, Reminds my nintendo 1994 this stuff behind 12 cm more (inaudible!).
can be rotated with 6 AA batteries, the double-sided tape to keep the box gg grams on the table is not provided!

I do not understand what commercial choice, it does not tablett, not paperback either not robust machine not NOMAD

SOUNDS

fortunately saves his stuff. for 130 euros, it is doing well, much better than machines and 400 +.
let's be objective, it will take DELAY output, and equalizer / noise gate for LIVE because you can quickly dirty bass by superimposing evil 3 synths.

to push some doors open:
this is not quite a MonoTribe, quite MONOTRON 3, quite a groove box is a hybrid genre

OVERALL OPINION

few hours of use and wear to be satisfied
it's still fragile to LIVE as the series and big sister, and found quickly find the MODS, to lose the warranty but winning functionality.

I highly recommend the volcanic beat and keys oriented gadget, and sounds MARIO 2.

Regarding features, settings I let you look on google, everything has been said and repeat, dissected in all directions in the forums and on youtube.
Overall this is a monophonic analog bass module, do not expect anything else, and it has not been presented differently. This is generally what may disappoint some people. No one buys a guitar hoping to make the piano with ...

UTILIZATION

The configuration is obviously simple, there is not. Everything is direct access with his fingers, the power button enough.
The doc is very well done, not very big. It has been quite useful to me because I'm not very familiar with sequencers monotribe / tron, and any questions I had about the slides, active step etc., have found an answer in the doc.
Regarding editing sounds, all easily accessible.

According to a slightly more advanced use, like everything is simple. I plugged in the afternoon and I can control is to play directly with another midi keyboard, or when to synchronize recorded with a step sequencer with Live sequence. The very definition of plug and have fun.

SOUNDS

Sounds. That's it. that's why we take this little beast!
This is not exactly a TB303 and good, a little fresh blood in the world of analog bass.
The sound is really phat, it shakes the walls! Most of the time I use the 3 oscillators together with a slight detune between two and the last one octave. You controls it with a MIDI keyboard, and go! And thanks to the filter envelope, you can leave sounds funky to Minimoog. (Note this is not a minimoog $ 150, but for bass sounds we are not far)
I also love to serve me step sequencer for bass lines a little dark. At the moment I trip on a sort of electro / progressive rock, and it works really well. You turn the cutoff gently shine the sound of the bass, it helps both mounted power.
So yes, it also works for the acid, but I admit this is not my trip.
In any case, it can be used for many things provided not turn all the buttons background.

However small remark, I'm not a fan of the range of the LFO. It is either very slow or too fast. The beach is interesting is really great short. So in general I find the right position and I no longer touch, too sensitive for my taste for change "live".

A little trick / "trick" that I very often for even greater significance is that I do spend a chorus and a delay. Gender plugin guitar pedal. Personally, I find it more appropriate than large specialized plugin delay or chorus. Above all, it allows you to go where you want fast, 3 buttons by pedals, that's enough. It is the sound design, large plugin I keep for surgery during the final mix.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two months and I really used much.
It became my synth bass. Often when it comes to a bass in a song, I first get in the presets of my apps, and then fairly quickly I turn to the volcanic, I triturated 3 buttons, I really have fun, and then generally it ends the song.
What I like is that he knows how to be discreet. Finally when I said that, it is to say that this is not just a box acid. Because when the volcanic bass is there, he knows to be heard, for greasy sub it meets this!

I remake that choice without any hesitation! Besides, at that time I wonder if I will not invest in a keys, it also has nice air.