Korg Volca Drum Machine

The Korg Volca Drum Machine With A Difference!

Let your inner percussionist flow with the Korg Volca Drum. This compact analog modeling synth boasts 6 parts of flexible DSP power, extensive automation, deep editing options, and innovative motion sequencing, creating rhythmic possibilities beyond compare. Its built-in speaker and battery power let you drum anywhere, while DAW connectivity unlocks even greater creative potential.

Expand your sonic universe with the Volca Drum, the latest addition to the acclaimed Volca series. Unlike its analog and PCM siblings, the Volca Drum is a unique digital percussion synthesiser, offering a third distinct drum sound. Built around a simple trigger waveform, its innovative six-part DSP engine utilises wave folding, overdrive, and waveguide resonance to generate a vast array of unexpected and highly expressive sounds.

This revolutionary approach, combined with the familiar Volca sequencer, will transform your productions and performances.

The Volca Drum is a digital percussion synthesiser offering a vast sonic palette. Unlike typical digital percussion which relies on PCM samples, it uses DSP-powered analog modeling of oscillators (sine, sawtooth, noise) to generate sounds. This allows for highly flexible sound design, ranging from realistic drums to completely unique percussive textures.

Its architecture features six parts, each with two layers, providing total freedom in sound assignment. There are no pre-defined roles for each part; bass drums, snares, cymbals, and any other percussive sound can be freely assigned. Each part offers identical capabilities. Complete kits, consisting of the six assigned parts and waveguide resonator settings, can be saved—16 kits in total (10 factory presets included).

Distinctive sound from a newly developed DSP engine

This new DSP engine delivers a distinctive sound, built on a two-layer synthesis architecture. Each layer offers five oscillator waveforms (sine, sawtooth, HPF noise, and two others), and three drum-optimized pitch modulators and amplitude envelopes. Layers can be edited individually or together, and duplicated for sonic thickness.

Customize the trigger waveform with bit reduction (for roughness), wave folding (for complex overtones), and overdrive (for distortion). This unique structure generates sounds unlike conventional drum machines.

Finally, fine-tune the overall sound by adjusting step timing, panning, pre-mix gain, and effects sends for precise part balancing.

Waveguide Resonator Adds Rich Resonances

This effect uses a physically modeled waveguide resonator to add rich, sympathetic resonances. Choose between "tube" (simulating cylindrical objects like drums or pipes) and "strings" (simulating metallic string resonance). Three central knobs control DECAY (attenuation), BODY (sonic character), and TUNE (pitch). Lower TUNE settings create delay-like effects. These controls are useful for both sound design and live performance.

16-step sequencer with a wide range of parameter automation

This 16-step sequencer empowers creative improvisation. Its 16 buttons allow for intuitive pattern creation via step or real-time recording (with looping). A pattern chain function links up to 16 sequences for complex, 256-step arrangements. Beyond basic sequencing, a powerful motion sequence function records and replays adjustments to 69 parameters, adding dynamic performance control and expressive possibilities to your patterns. 16 sequence programs (including patterns, motion sequences, and kit selections) can be stored internally.

ACTIVE STEP lets you customize step sequencing. Skip steps to create short loops, irregular rhythms, or even polyrhythms by setting different skip patterns for each part. A step jump function instantly advances playback to the pressed button's step, enabling spontaneous, dynamic performances driven by improvisation.

Slice function finely divides a step to allow drum-rolls

The step slice function creates drum rolls by finely dividing a single step. Adjust a knob to control the number of slices, adding detailed drum rolls to build intensity—perfect for song climaxes or performance highlights.

An accent function that can be specified in 16 levels

A 16-level accent function provides fine-grained control over rhythmic emphasis. Instead of a simple on/off accent, you can specify accentuation across a range of 16 levels, enabling subtle groove manipulation and nuanced rhythmic expression.

A convenient choke function lets you specify grouping for parts

The choke function prioritizes parts when multiple are triggered simultaneously. For example, it prevents the simultaneous sounding of a drum machine's open and closed hi-hat. Only the part with the lowest number will play when the choke function is enabled.

Two randomise functions expand your inspiration

The Volca Drum's two randomisation functions spark creative improvisation. One randomises a single part's sound layer; the other shuffles a single part's step, slice, accent, and active step settings. These functions inject unpredictable variations into both sound and pattern during live performances.

Novel design featuring a custom LCD

The Volca Drum boasts a novel design, highlighted by a custom high-brightness LCD—a first for the series. Its aluminum panel, etched with delicate relief text and lines instead of printing, conveys a premium feel. The clear, graphic display simplifies complex settings, ensuring intuitive operation and a rapid learning curve.

Synchronised performance with other Volca and Electribe units, and with your DAW

The Volca Drum syncs seamlessly with other Korg Volcas, Electribes, and your DAW. Its sync jack enables effortless connection to Korg grooveboxes (like other Volcas, Electribes, and the SQ-1) for synchronized playback. MIDI IN allows integration as a sound module within your DAW.

Enjoy Anywhere!

Its compact size, battery power, and built-in speaker let you enjoy it anywhere.

Free bundle of music software

Get a free suite of music software with your Volca Drum! This includes Izotope's Ozone Elements (AI-powered song creation and mastering), Skoove (keyboard lessons), Reason Lite DAW, and synths from KORG and other top brands. Unlock your musical potential the moment you own it.

Korg Volca Drum Specifications:

• Keyboard:
  Multi touch trigger pads / Step keys
• Synthesiser Type:
  Digital synthesis
• Maximum Polyphony:
  6
• Structure:
  6 parts (For each part, 2 oscillators, pitch modulator, and amp EG), waveguide resonator effect.
• Kits:
  16 (Settings for 6 parts + Settings for waveguide resonator) Kit No.1 – No.10 are factory preset.
• Program:
  16 (Sequence pattern, Motion sequence, Kit No.) Program No.1 – No. 10 are factory preset.
• Sequencer:
  Number of parts 6
  Number of steps16 (pattern chain is available)
  Number of recording patterns16
• Connectors:
  Audio Output: Headphones jack (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
  Sync In jack: (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
  Sync Out jack: (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
  MIDI: Midi In
  Power: Battery Life Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
  Power supply: AA alkaline battery × 6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery × 6
  Other Included Items: Sync cable
  Accessories (sold separately): KA-350 AC adapter, SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA hard shell case, SEQUENZ CC-VOLCA soft shell case, SQ-CABLE-6 Sync cable
• Dimensions (W x D x H)193 × 115 × 39 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.54 inches
• Weight: 370 g / 0.75 lbs. (Excluding batteries)