Gallery
Description
Features
Specs
Warranty
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer | NAMM 2019play button

Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer | NAMM 2019

KORG

collapse expand iconDescription

The Korg volca drum opens up an infinitely expanding universe of sound design. As the third and most unique drum synth in Korg's volca lineup, the volca drum creates digital percussion sounds through analog modeling rather than PCM sampling. Its six part, two layer synth engine was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, generating a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds. When you add these distinctive sounds to your rhythms, it will revolutionarily transform your performances and productions.

Shape Sounds Through Wavefolding and Resonance

The volca drum starts with basic waveforms like sine, sawtooth and noise, then applies wavefolding and overdrive to add overtones and distortion. A waveguide resonator effect brings the sounds to life, emulating the resonance of tubes, drums or strings. Decay, body and tune knobs let you shape the sounds. Setting tune lower produces delay like sounds. Use these controls not just for sound design but also live performance.

An Evolved Sequencer for Improvisation

The 16 step sequencer excels for improvisation. Easily construct patterns with 16 buttons, one per step, using step or realtime recording. Chain multiple patterns to play up to 256 steps. A motion sequence function records and plays back knob tweaks, automating up to 69 parameters. Create patterns, save sequences and kits to internal memory, and sync playback with Korg groove machines or modules like the electribe or SQ 1.

Take This Compact Synth Anywhere

The volca drum's compact, battery powered design with built in speaker means you can create and play anywhere. Its aluminum panel uses etching for a high quality feel, with a custom LCD for visibility and easy learning. A standard MIDI in connector lets you use the volca drum as a sound module in your DAW.

KORG volca drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
KORG volca drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
KORG volca drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer

collapse expand iconFeatures

    collapse expand iconSpecs

      collapse expand iconWarranty

      USA Warranty Policy

      All Korg products purchased from a Korg USA authorized dealer are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship to the original consumer purchaser as listed below:

      Labor: 1 Year
      Parts: 1 Year

      Exceptions: Tubes, AC Adapters, Foot Switches: 90 days

      Warranty Requirements and Limitations:

      -Proof of Warranty - The customer must provide proof of purchase in order to obtain warranty service. The dated sales slip or copy thereof is the only acceptable proof of purchase.

      -The product must be purchased from a Korg USA authorized dealer and have a valid serial number.

      Damage resulting from the following causes are excluded from the warranty set forth above:
      -Misuse, including damage occurring during shipment, damage caused by battery leakage, accident, fire, unauthorized repairs, tampering, cosmetic damage or other types of damage which are the result of improper handling or abuse.
      -The cleaning of controls or contacts due to exposure to dirty, dusty, or otherwise contaminated environment.
      -Damage resulting from modification.
      -Damage to units used for loan or rental.

      Register online and extend your warranty!
      Register your new Korg keyboard, keyboard rack module or digital piano online and receive a certificate that extends the product warranty for an extra year from the date of purchase.

      Featured Articles

      collapse expand iconReviews

      5

      7 Reviews

      100%

      of respondents would recommend this to a friend

      Best drum synth on the market, but with some bugs
      Filters
      Best Uses
      1. Practicing2
      2. Back-Up1
      3. Concerts1
      4. Experimenting with new sounds1
      5. Sequencing1
      Cons
      1. Some minor use issues1
      Describe Yourself
      1. Novice4
      2. Experienced2
      3. Professional Musician1
      Pros
      1. Functional7
      2. Good Quality7
      3. Easy To Use5
      4. Improves Sound1
      5. Batteries or AC both1

      Reviewed by 7 customers

      • Great product, fun to use!

        5

        Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

        submitted2 years ago

        byShane T

        fromPortland, OR

        Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

        This worked exactly how I imagined and it's been great. I have been recording from it into DAW and it sounds pretty good! Seems versatile. Thanks Guitar center! #sweepstakes

      • A Fantastic & Creative Percussion Synth

        5

        submitted2 years ago

        byTom

        fromSilver Spring, MD

        The Korg Volca Drum is a super fun & creative percussion synthesizer. This Volca definitely is unique. It offers six parts each with layers of two individual sounds per part that can be edited separately or together. Programming is very immediate and the controls invite tweaking without having read the manual. However there are a few settings that aren't immediately intuitive which are accessed with the edit/step button and then scrolled through by the select/parameter knob. These potentially overlooked settings really do add to the sound giving bit reduction, wave folding, overdrive, panning, and gain adjustment. The three distortions here add a bit of grit to the sound and in my experience don't degrade the sound too much either, being mostly consistently useable at maximum settings. The motion record opens up the sound design potential quite a bit even if it is a shame that motion recording isn't available for the resonator parameters. I especially enjoy motion recording the rate of the LFO modifier. So many types of synthetic percussion can be made with this synth and, with choke groups, you can treat multiple sounds as a single instrument set. Programming on the Volca Drum is a joy. I plan on holding onto mine probably forever.

      • Works as advertised

        5

        Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

        submitted5 years ago

        byRocket-Dan

        fromSanta Cruz

        Using with a laptop for making music.

      • Korg volca drum synth is my first synth

        5

        submitted5 years ago

        byBRW

        fromCambridge, MA

        Korg volca is my first synthesizer and I had only tried playing with other peoples' machines to get a feel for them in general. One of my friends has a korg volca drum synth and I really liked it so I got one for myself. I love how portable it is and light, nice compact size. It's amazing how much is under the hood with this one. For a beginner like me the many youtube video tutorials on Korg volca synths are extremely helpful.

      • Great sounds

        5

        submitted5 years ago

        byTrrrevor

        fromLA

        Great sound if you are familiar with wave modulation and such. Very surprised to see automation on this unit.

      • Best drum synth on the market, but with some bugs

        5

        submitted6 years ago

        bynorthivanastan

        fromLakewood, Colorado

        I use this as my main drum machine. It can produce crazy SFX and can be used both for drums and noise. Only synth like it is maybe the Moog DFAM. But that was too expensive. Only issues are, presets sometimes save to the wrong slot and a couple of times the thing shut off without warning.

      • Previous
      • 1
      • 2
      • Next

      collapse expand iconQ&A

      Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

      • submitted2 years ago

        asked byTony

        fromElk Grove California

        Is it possible to make 90's style hip hop beats on this thing?

        Is it possible to make 90's style hip hop beats on this thing?

        Open Reply - Beau
        Yes.

      • submitted3 years ago

        asked byDayne

        fromMinot nd

        Would this be could for metal music drums? Is there a double kick drum option?

        Would this be could for metal music drums? Is there a double kick drum option?

        Open Reply - Thomas
        This needs a little bit of discussion. Please give us a call 855-770-3373