Can't Beat a Korg Volca

6+4=Volca

Released in 2013, the Korg Volca Beats is an analogue and digital drum machine with a sixteen step x0x style sequencer. It has six analogue sounds (kick, snare, closed hat, open hat, low tom, hi tom), and four digital (clave, clap, agogo, cymbal). It can be synced via a MIDI in, or with a clock pulse sync. Audio out is via 3.5mm stereo, as well as an in-built speaker, and it can be powered by 6 x AA batteries, or a 9V DC power adapter.

Make Sound Gooder

There are various controls for the individual sounds, as well as a master stutter effect which causes the sounds to retrigger, with control over rate and depth; it has a wide sweet spot and can go from subtle to wild. The parameters that have the grey knob controls (see pic) can be "motion sequenced" across the sixteen steps. Notes can be input live, by playing the keys (no velocity), or by manual placing steps. It's all very straightforward, and you can knock up a groove very quickly, with the knobs and stutter effect providing great fill and breakdown opportunities.

Size Matters

Despite it's diminutive size, this thing packs a real punch, especially the kick drum, which is capable of some serious 808-style low end action. The hi-hats and claps are also excellent, with a wide palette of useable sounds, all available with just a few knob twiddles. The only let down is the snare, which seems to lack a bit of body; there is a fairly well-documented circuit bend for those with some DIY skills, which apparently significantly improves the sound. All in all then, the Korg Volca Beats is a very affordable, great sounding and great fun drum machine, which will easily fit into the smallest of studios.

If you have a great piece of music equipment you think we should have a look at then leave a link in the comments.

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