The Volca Drum loses the analog vibe but gains a torrential downpour of sophistication, versatility, depth, and fresh new sounds – not to mention a much-improved user interface via the LCD. The snare drum However, to get the best out of a performance/ sequence (and particularly when playing chords on the Keys) we advise connecting an external MIDI keyboard. The Beats doesn't respond to velocity over MIDI, but all the Volcas react reliably to MIDI note input. Each unit can also have its own MIDI channel but there's no multi-timbrality on any Volca. Elektron’s Model series made its debut with 2019’s Model:Samples - a sample-powered groovebox based around the engine from the brand’s Digitakt sampler. The Swedish firm has expanded the range with a second instrument, this time based around the sound engine of the Digitakt’s sibling instrument Digitone. Whichever waveform combinations you choose, the Volca Bass sounds surprisingly fat and alive. Its greatest sonic richness is obtained by subtly detuning each VCO and you can gain further movement by introducing slow LFO sweeps of the filter cutoff — enough to loosen up the most robotic of bass lines. All Volcas except the Mix can be powered by 6 AA batteries or an external power adapter. The Mix can only be powered by an external power adapter.

We said: “PO-32 tonic features 16 main buttons, with 16 sounds or patterns to select. The pitch, drive and tone of these sounds can be adjusted with the two rotaries. Pre-programmed patterns can be chosen via the 16 keys and you can easily add to them by choosing one of the 16 sounds, twisting its character and then recording over the patterns in a 16-step, switch on, switch off way. It’s very easy and great fun”. The core of the Volca Drum’s character, however, comes from its ‘Wave Guide’ resonator. This is set up as a global send effect, allow each layer to be sent to it by an independently controllable amount. The Wave Guide itself has three controls: Tune, for the pitch of the effect, Decay, controlling its length, and Body, which alters the timbral characteristics. There are two varieties of resonator available too, switchable between Tube and String styles. The results that can be achieved using this resonator sound fantastic, ranging from odd faux-reverb effects to pitched tonal stabs and spiralling, modulated decays. The on-board loop/step sequencer is taken directly from the Electribe for its easy-to-use functionality and wide range of controls. The 16-step sequencer is represented by 16 step keys, allowing you to intuitively enter notes while monitoring the timing of the notes via the LED lights. You can even play the touch panel keyboard whilst recording in real-time. The internal memory provides you with enough space to store up to eight sequence patterns. The sequencer features a stutter mode, designed to add flare to your live performances. This gives you the ability to create drum rolls and delay-style effects while playing your sequences. You can also record movement of the stutter knob. The Active Step and Step Jump function allow you to create new rhythms by inserting or removing steps, creating irregular rhythms; ideal for live performance use. Portable Design, Versatile ConnectivityAlso, in conjunction with the Func button, the keys double as function buttons to access secondary functions and this system works well and is easy to learn. The balance between functionality, ease of use and playability is great and it's amazing how much has been crammed in for the money. Of course, there are reasons why Volcas are affordable. They do have many limitations, and Volca Sample 2 naturally can not have the same features or capabilities as, for example, Korg's Electribe. But thankfully, it doesn't have to—it can still be an amazing instrument in its own right. When limitations are approached by the designer with creative considerations, they can be transformed into features. It feels like the folks at Korg know how to do this pretty well, and Volca Sample expresses their ability to do so. Unlike Stutter on the Volca Beats, the Keys' delay is a real digital delay. It's less noisy than that of the Monotron Delay but presumably the hiss is filtered or gated because the delays are duller than its predecessor but similar in quality otherwise. Still, even though it's dirty and imperfect it could be useful in certain situations. Tempo sync is provided too but the delay loses some range and versatility when this is active.

Pros: 8 channels (2 of them stereo), mutes, panning, 2 aux sends, separate phones and main outs, power for 8 Volcas, battery powered, same size as Volca All Volcas include a MIDI in port to allow you to control it with another synth, drum machine, sequencer or MIDI controller. You can use the Stutter function to dramatically expand your live performance possibilities by adding drum rolls or delay-like effects. It can be used to completely transform the feel of the entire pattern, or as a fill when switching patterns. Movements of the Stutter knob can also be recorded in a sequence. Active Step function and Step Jump function generate new beats by inserting or removing stepsWhile the volca modular is a semi-modular synth, it is equipped with a full-fledged 16-step sequencer providing a wide range of functions, letting you enjoy automatic performance even when used stand-alone. Based on 'common analogue vintage circuits' (and sounding similar to a Roland TR606), the Beats has six analogue and four PCM sounds. Drum machines are sought after by producers and musicians looking to bolster their live performance set-up, bring a touch of analogue warmth to computer-based mixes and capture the inimitable feeling of playing, sequencing and tweaking electronic rhythms on the fly. However, to get the most out of your performance/sequence (especially when playing chords on your keyboard), we recommend connecting an external MIDI keyboard. Beats do not react to velocity via MIDI, but all Volcas respond strongly to MIDI note input. Each device can have its MIDI channel, but the Volca does not have multi-voice. Also, along with the Func button, the key acts as a function button for accessing secondary functions, and the system works well and is easy to learn. The balance between features, ease of use, and reproducibility is excellent, and it’s incredible how much money you have piled up. Greet the Beats of Korg Volca Beats