Korg Volca Drum - Digital Percussion Synthesizer
The Korg Volca Drum is a digital percussion synthesizer
that harnesses the power of physical modeling to create sounds and
patterns unlike most other drum machines, making it well suited for
musicians and producers working in the studio or performing live on
stage. The machine utilizes dual-layer drum parts, comprehensive motion
sequencing, and sequencer tricks to generate a variety of standard
percussive sounds and eccentric drum styles.
The Volca Drum provides six parts, each with two layers, from which the
user selects any one of 5 oscillator waveforms including sine, sawtooth,
and HPF noise. Additionally, the user can select from three types of
pitch modulators and amplifier envelope generators, each optimized for
drum sounds. Edit layers separately or together while adding bit
reduction, wave-folder depth, overdrive, and distortion. A waveguide
resonator adds sympathetic resonances to the sound and provides two
selected types including tube, which adds the resonance of a cylindrical
object such as a drum body or a long pipe; or strings, which adds the
metallic resonance of a string.
The onboard step-sequencer allows the user to manually input up to 16
steps per pattern, but also can be used for real-time recording. The
pattern chaining function can chain up to 16 sequences to construct
patterns with up to 256 steps. Use the motion sequence function to
record knob movements during real-time recording and reproduce them
during playback. There are a total of 69 different parameters that can
be recorded and played back. Additional features and functions include
Active Step, which replaces steps for each part; and Slice, which finely
divides a step to allow drum-rolls; an Accent function that can be
specified in 16 levels; and a convenient Choke function for specific
grouping of parts.
The Volca Drum can be synchronized with other Volcas and Electribes via
the trigger I/O. Additionally, the machine features a standard 5-pin DIN
connector for connecting to other sequencers, allowing the unit to
perform as a drum module. The Korg Volca Drum is powered by an optional
power supply or via the included six AA batteries.