I used in my last album in every songs, far the best volca, that timbre and the noise from the delay are unique. Just love it! I use it with fx pedals its lovely whit a good reverb. ITS DARK, NOISY LUSH, THAT FILTER WHIT THE DELAY LIKE REVERB SETTINGS ITS A BEAST!
The Volca Keys is full of surprises. Even if you’ve had one for years there are still times when it will produce something new and unexpected. Fantastic little box.
I got the Volca FM, you can pump out some gritty sounds that accommodate the Circuit really well. FM definitely has a learning curve and I haven't began to unlock it's full potential, even after two years. But it sounds so damn good, and even on the surface level a novice synth player (like me) can enjoy working with it. But if you're willing to do some menu diving, and take some time to experiment, you will unleash a beast within this little synth. All that being said; I'd still love to have the Volca Keys as well for it's raw analog sound and simplicity. These little synths are definitely not a toy, in fact the FM can easily stand toe-to-toe with many $400 digital synths, possibly even out preform them, at half the price.
The volca series was my re introduction to gear/synths so they will always hold a special place in my heart I have always vacillated back and forth between electronic based music and grungy dirty effects-laden guitar, I got my first two Volcas a few years ago, and it really caused me to dive headfirst into chasing after some of the strange glitchy sounds in my head that I have not been able to produce by other means
I'm similar musically, somewhere between techno and punk. I've got my volca keys hooked up to a digitech hot rod rock distortion pedal and a delay and can get a pretty good, dirty lead sound.
For me..the best music machine Is the electribe MX...and SX. They are beasts. But for me the volca series are Toys. In first..the sequencer are 128 steps in the electribe MX/SX. Never you will find so long...in every brand.
hi Gabe Miller Music, you are Real - and that is what I like! your reviews are always contentful and I like to be informed by your videos... thank you for your Time and your Work. best regards, Frank Liebe
Your “1 bass note used for everything” at 5:20 is known as a basso continuo in traditional historic musical terms. Ancient monks used this technique as a early form of harmony, and is somewhat the basis of modern harmony.
And with a couple of guitar pedals you can get great results, plus it's battery powered and super compact. The keys are really fun for legato leads. Thanks for the video!
I got my Volca Keys 2 weeks ago, it is my 2nd synth after the MicroBrute (I don't count the Volca Sample among the synths now) and I think it's unbelievable what kind of sound comes out of this little box. I am really happy that I bought it and I will definitely buy the Volca FM too. I especially like it, even if it sounds a bit stupid that it has a metronome. So it is very easy to play and record something.
YO! SAME! LMAO! BUT! Do i need to know how to play the piano in order to make patterns? I noticed some people play that shit like the piano and i get so lost and confused...
I make music on the side for fun and love learning more and more about EDM/electronic music, it's a passion I have had since high school. I think the Volca Key's would do great for people who like making music but having that new sounds each time, it fits that unique flavor that producers need to have there own sound/style.
The Keys can store 128 presets and have additional, any-shape LFOs. 128 Presets: Think of a preset as a photography of the state of your knobs. Load an empty sequence. Create your lovely sound. Activate motion sequence, and one single step of your 16 steps sequence. That will be the photography of your preset. Push Rec and move every knob just a bit so its position gets registered. Don't record notes. Save. To access the preset later on, just go back to that single step and press play. 16 steps x 8 sequences = 128 presests. You can freely play it with the device keyboard itself or a nice, big MIDI controller. One LFO per Knob: Think of an LFO as a tiny robot repeatedly moving a knob for you. Instead of an actual LFO, that could be the motion sequencer. The result is the same. Load an empty sequence. Create your lovely sound. Activate motion sequence. Record knob movements according to how you would modulate them with an LFO. You don't need to record notes but you can put something just to hear what's happening and erase it once you're done. If you want to do LFO shapes that require a lot of speed or abrupt changes, you can take advantage of either lowering the tempo or editing step by step with the Active Step funtion as in the previous operation. For the rest of the knobs, the ones you want to remain still, record moving them just a tiny bit so their position gets recorded, and allow the bar to end so their stillness is also recorded. To access the preset later on, just go back to that sequence and press play. 8 sequences = 8 presets but with complex LFOs. Save. You can freely play it with the device keyboard itself or a nice, big MIDI controller. Interesting stuff: You can use these LFOs to modulate the actual LFO, by moving the Rate, Pitch and Cutoff Ints!
Fantastic tip! Thank you so much. This comment should be pinned by the author of this nice video. Truly appreciate your taking the time to share this. Thanks again!
Just got mine today! I hope I could incorporate it on my coming albums! Last month I took the leap of faith and go with the Volca Beats. Still learning it but already put a few beats I created on it to my 4th album (unreleased). Thanks for this, man!
Do it! Weirdly - the Volca Keys, despite it's name implying it is brilliant for leads (it is)... It has settings on it (unison & poly ring) which are just brilliant for harsh, metallic FM percussion type sounds
Shop around - I've just picked up a mint condition boxed example for £50. At that price, it's a total no brainer. It is limited and programming the onboard sequencer is never going to be fun but the basic sound is pretty good. A great lead synth once MIDId up to a playable keyboard. and pair it to a cheap stereo FX pedal like a Hardware DL-8 and is comes alive as an atmospheric mood machine.
In 2023 the Volca Keys is still relevant! You can really get some fat sounds from this little guy. I really feel in love with it over again connecting it to my Arturia Keystep Pro. I'm a hardware guy because hardware, to me, sounds more authentic than digital. And the Volcas' have that fat crunchy, noisy, analog sound most of us ole school producers love. Long live the original OP-1 too...
Nice review and part tutorial, too. I've not got the keys (yet) but have the bass and the Behringer Crave for some analogue warmth and grit to pair with the digital sound of the Novation Circuit. I like the sound from the keys that I've heard on TH-cam, it sounds massive and warm.
I think the mixture of no presets and limited sound design make thing a great synth fundamentals machine for beginners and a fun cheap synth for experienced people who don't want to shell out big money for true analog sound Furthermore, having everything limited like this makes me appreciate the Volca keys more as an instrument rather than a piece of gear... Just connect it to your favorite midi keyboard and start playing!
Thanks for putting light on my favorite volca! The keys ARE definitely small, but to me, you're missing out on it's biggest strenght: the 128 step sequencer! Yea the sound is sure nice but the 3 voice paraphony and the sequencer allows very elaborate ideas, once you dive into it 😉 Cheers!
Don't know why this one isn't a favourite one of my favourite volca's, was my first analogue synth. Got it to play with my G2M mark 2. Cool you have midi out!
I've had one for years and have never figured out how to sequence a decent beat. I can get great tones out of it, but I have no idea how to make it do more. I find the videos on youtube confusing.
I sold a bunch of cheaper equipment, Behringers, arturia and volca series in order to get Moogs matriarch and grandmother. The only one I regret selling is the volca keys. I had two of them and I wish I kept them.
Thanks for the video, I think it answers the question you put in a very helpful way. I used to have one, and a feature I quite enjoyed was that the motion recording capabilities work even when there are no notes recorded in a sequence. Now, you said you don't really use the sequencer at all, but I was wondering whether it is possible to motion record some knob tweaking and have that running over a sequence coming from, say, the Novation Circuit? I guess that could work, and might motivate me to get a volca keys once again.
Nice one, Gabe. I had the Keys first and recently got a Circuit, in large part because of your videos. Loving the circuit but was wondering about the Keys and now I know . . . hook the brothers up!
I have a love hate relationship relationship with it. I use it without effects. Sometimes I love some sounds and sometimes it sounds too metallic and too harsh and when you change notes it gives a small click noise and the reverb is not usable (I remember in the beginning it was). I would advice buying the microbrute or behringer crave instead or the uno.
Love the set up...im choosing the arturia micro freak as the side synth ..the korg sounds great but the arturia has wayyyy more flexibility for 40 bucks more.
Awesome video thanks man! Have you connected it to a novation product there? I have an Ableton push 2, would I be able to connect it and do you have a link how to do it?
The Volca's are brilliant. The Bass is still one of the most fun little synths to experiment with to me. The 3 step sequencers that all can have a different length make ot a great poor mans Subharmonicon replacement. I know it's quite different, but to me it's a more practical way to experiment with interesting minimalist polymetric music. I might finally have to give the Keys a try as soon as we can go to physical music stores again.
Oh yeah... Uno Synth is now only €155 on Thomann, so it offers more bang for the buck on paper, but the batteries last like 2 hours, using power bricks it gets extremely noisy, you need the software editor to change some parameters and if you sell it you have to pay IK Multimedia 20 bucks to transfer the software license to the new owner. So yeah... Volca's are still the way to go for most people...
Hi Gabe, for a beginner hardware synthesizer, what is the best in your opinion? For meanly futuristic neuro drum and bass, I saw the microfreak or the minilogue are good, thanks!!!
Interesting video. It's annoying how the KVK only has 8 pattern slots. it's also annoying how not every knob (e.g. filter) is Motion-automatable. The unit seems quite noisy/dirty-sounding but I guess that's its appeal.
Great vid but I have a newbie qu - at the end are you comparing the keys with akai mpc 1, live machine +? Doesn't seem like a realistic comparison, or another akai I've missed
I pronounced it a little weird, I said the I.K. Multimedia stuff (they also make a small, inexpensive analog synth). Although I made this was before the new ones, which look a lot better than the original Uno.
I think in like 30 years they will be worth like 1000 dollars it will be one of those overpriced synths that everybody has but don't appreciate until later
I just bought 2 skulpt synths from sweetwater, love the sound and app to control, but they kept crashing, and would not sync. They were on sale for 200. Skulpt is digital, it has the sync import, but analog volca might be better choice for reliability and sync.
Thanks for the video man, Let me ask you how loud is the audio output? cause usually minijack synths arent that loud but judging by the fact that is analog should sound loud,
I was thinking I need a cheap synth that play chord, So I choose Volca FM not the volca Key. But then I realize that, I love knobs and faders which mean a control panel not a preset player. I still use my vBass today, but not using the FM that much because changing the sound on the fly is fun:)
If you can put up with the limitations of its polyphony, then this is a good low cost option. If you need some proper poly and have more to spend, the original Korg Minilogue is definitely good to look into. I've got a dedicated video covering it coming eventually.
Hi Gabe, thank you for this. Very cool insight on the Volca Keys. Can you explain your setup here. What exactly is the Circuit doing? Are you using the sounds from Keys and letting the Circuit sequence them?
Yep, that's the setup. In some cases I programmed a melody into the Circuit, and in other cases I played a part live, but the Circuit is sequencing the Keys in both cases.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks for the reply! I recently purchased two pocket operators and been having a blast learning to use those. Now I have an itch to learn to create synth sounds!
It was good for the time, for the price. But no saved patches makes it extremely limiting for most people. There's a reason you have it in your closet. In 2021 unless you need the specific sound and have a very limited budget and only want hardware there are better options with presets and the ability to save patches.
As I said in the video, me not using it much is mostly due to how I like to work, not the gear itself. While some people will be annoyed by the lack of preset saving, I don't think it's a big deal. My music making process with hardware synths relies on tinkering and experimentation anyway.
@@GabeMillerMusic It's true there aren't saved patches within the Volca Keys, but you can get something close to that, at least if you have a computer or ipad/iphone as part of your setup. This is because almost all of the Keys knobs (except for 'peak') are automatable and controllable via midi cc messages. Here's a link to a mac/pc app that allows you to create/save/load presets for the Volca keys: fabriziopoce.com/volcacontrol.html And here's a link to Korg's published list of the Keys' midi, which I use to control and automate the VKeys from an iPad that's part of my music setup: i.korg.com/uploads/Support/USA_volcakeys_MIDI_Chart_E.pdf
It's limited enough in options that if ya play around with it for an hour here and there you'll eventually know how to get the sound you want in an instant. Maybe not fast enough for live play but in studio presets aren't necessary and the fast patching skill translates to other analogs too
@@aleksiaakko6830 You can always find a spot in your heart for something based on the sound, no matter how awkward a user interface is, or the difficulties in programming (like no saving patches). But I think the main thing going for this unit after 5 years is the price and the knobs, not really the sound. If all you have is $150, go for it! if you want. Personally I'd recommend spending $30 more on Diva VST, or if you want standalone hardware saving up and spending $300 on a Microfreak or $350 on a Korg Monologue (or $100 less on each if you buy used) or $250 on a used MicroBrute. Volca is a GREAT entry into new analog hardware but too restrictive for me, and most people I know who bought them shelved or sold them once they bumped against some of the many limitations.
3 note analogue poly synth going at less the £150 GBP...... Its the best value for money analogue synth in the UK today. Still relevant - yes, on the cost . functionality ratio.........
Huh! I get all my stuff from Muziker because I live here in Slovakia. It’s a reliable source I reckon. Hmm I half know a guy who works there, so I’ll see if I can find our more...
No, it means that it has no software on it running. A digital synth (e.g. Volca FM) is basically a small computer, when you turn the knobs - you're just adjusting some values in the software, like you do with regular computer keyboard or midi keyboard. Analogue means that it has no software, but some circuitry inside that basically makes sounds and by turning knobs you're changing the resistance (and hence the voltages) in the circuitry.
I used in my last album in every songs, far the best volca, that timbre and the noise from the delay are unique. Just love it! I use it with fx pedals its lovely whit a good reverb. ITS DARK, NOISY LUSH, THAT FILTER WHIT THE DELAY LIKE REVERB SETTINGS ITS A BEAST!
The Volca Keys is full of surprises. Even if you’ve had one for years there are still times when it will produce something new and unexpected. Fantastic little box.
It has a huge sound for the size and price.
I got the Volca FM, you can pump out some gritty sounds that accommodate the Circuit really well.
FM definitely has a learning curve and I haven't began to unlock it's full potential, even after two years. But it sounds so damn good, and even on the surface level a novice synth player (like me) can enjoy working with it. But if you're willing to do some menu diving, and take some time to experiment, you will unleash a beast within this little synth. All that being said; I'd still love to have the Volca Keys as well for it's raw analog sound and simplicity.
These little synths are definitely not a toy, in fact the FM can easily stand toe-to-toe with many $400 digital synths, possibly even out preform them, at half the price.
The volca series was my re introduction to gear/synths so they will always hold a special place in my heart I have always vacillated back and forth between electronic based music and grungy dirty effects-laden guitar, I got my first two Volcas a few years ago, and it really caused me to dive headfirst into chasing after some of the strange glitchy sounds in my head that I have not been able to produce by other means
I'm similar musically, somewhere between techno and punk. I've got my volca keys hooked up to a digitech hot rod rock distortion pedal and a delay and can get a pretty good, dirty lead sound.
For me..the best music machine Is the electribe MX...and SX. They are beasts. But for me the volca series are Toys. In first..the sequencer are 128 steps in the electribe MX/SX. Never you will find so long...in every brand.
hi Gabe Miller Music, you are Real - and that is what I like! your reviews are always contentful and I like to be informed by your videos... thank you for your Time and your Work. best regards, Frank Liebe
Your “1 bass note used for everything” at 5:20 is known as a basso continuo in traditional historic musical terms. Ancient monks used this technique as a early form of harmony, and is somewhat the basis of modern harmony.
lmao this is not basso continuo this is pedal point
continuo is something else entirely
That song at the beginning hit so hard, love it!
And with a couple of guitar pedals you can get great results, plus it's battery powered and super compact. The keys are really fun for legato leads. Thanks for the video!
You answered all my questions about the Volca Keys.
Great intro jam.
I'll wait for the Volca Keys2, with features that match the FM2.
Thank you for information of volca keys. I am a beginner of volca keys. And I must learn much more.
One of the loveliest and beloved synth ever
I got my Volca Keys 2 weeks ago, it is my 2nd synth after the MicroBrute (I don't count the Volca Sample among the synths now) and I think it's unbelievable what kind of sound comes out of this little box. I am really happy that I bought it and I will definitely buy the Volca FM too. I especially like it, even if it sounds a bit stupid that it has a metronome. So it is very easy to play and record something.
Came here because I didn't know if I should buy it.. 3 minutes and I'm ordering
YO! SAME! LMAO! BUT! Do i need to know how to play the piano in order to make patterns? I noticed some people play that shit like the piano and i get so lost and confused...
I make music on the side for fun and love learning more and more about EDM/electronic music, it's a passion I have had since high school. I think the Volca Key's would do great for people who like making music but having that new sounds each time, it fits that unique flavor that producers need to have there own sound/style.
The Keys can store 128 presets and have additional, any-shape LFOs.
128 Presets:
Think of a preset as a photography of the state of your knobs. Load an empty sequence. Create your lovely sound. Activate motion sequence, and one single step of your 16 steps sequence. That will be the photography of your preset. Push Rec and move every knob just a bit so its position gets registered. Don't record notes. Save.
To access the preset later on, just go back to that single step and press play. 16 steps x 8 sequences = 128 presests. You can freely play it with the device keyboard itself or a nice, big MIDI controller.
One LFO per Knob:
Think of an LFO as a tiny robot repeatedly moving a knob for you. Instead of an actual LFO, that could be the motion sequencer. The result is the same. Load an empty sequence. Create your lovely sound. Activate motion sequence. Record knob movements according to how you would modulate them with an LFO. You don't need to record notes but you can put something just to hear what's happening and erase it once you're done. If you want to do LFO shapes that require a lot of speed or abrupt changes, you can take advantage of either lowering the tempo or editing step by step with the Active Step funtion as in the previous operation. For the rest of the knobs, the ones you want to remain still, record moving them just a tiny bit so their position gets recorded, and allow the bar to end so their stillness is also recorded. To access the preset later on, just go back to that sequence and press play. 8 sequences = 8 presets but with complex LFOs. Save. You can freely play it with the device keyboard itself or a nice, big MIDI controller.
Interesting stuff: You can use these LFOs to modulate the actual LFO, by moving the Rate, Pitch and Cutoff Ints!
Fantastic tip! Thank you so much. This comment should be pinned by the author of this nice video. Truly appreciate your taking the time to share this. Thanks again!
It's very helpful in considering buying a new piece of gear, to honestly show the pros and cons
Just got mine today! I hope I could incorporate it on my coming albums! Last month I took the leap of faith and go with the Volca Beats. Still learning it but already put a few beats I created on it to my 4th album (unreleased).
Thanks for this, man!
I might be wrong, but when you save a sequence on the Keys it also saves the sound.
it does not. However you can possibly save it through sequencer because sequencer also saves knob movement
Breh I swear it saves the presets on a pattern like I change the sound but then I can just reload the pattern and it sounds fine
fuck it, i’m buying it 😂
i’m thinkin about it...
Avoid the beats model. The rest are solid. The FM paired with the Sample is a fun portable combo.
Don't forget to get yourself the Volca Drum as well, as the sounds you can make from that tiny box are brilliant.
Do it! Weirdly - the Volca Keys, despite it's name implying it is brilliant for leads (it is)... It has settings on it (unison & poly ring) which are just brilliant for harsh, metallic FM percussion type sounds
Did you? I did. No regrets.😁👍
With analog gear like this, everytime I hear something I like, I sample. Its one way of getting "memory".
Use the volca modular with the Korg distortion synth, and start tripping without even taking a tab.
Shop around - I've just picked up a mint condition boxed example for £50. At that price, it's a total no brainer. It is limited and programming the onboard sequencer is never going to be fun but the basic sound is pretty good. A great lead synth once MIDId up to a playable keyboard. and pair it to a cheap stereo FX pedal like a Hardware DL-8 and is comes alive as an atmospheric mood machine.
Dark and warm sounding synths are the best imo
Would you suggest the volca keys or arturia microfreak as another/third synth to pair with Novation Circuit OG for newbie ?
In 2023 the Volca Keys is still relevant! You can really get some fat sounds from this little guy. I really feel in love with it over again connecting it to my Arturia Keystep Pro. I'm a hardware guy because hardware, to me, sounds more authentic than digital. And the Volcas' have that fat crunchy, noisy, analog sound most of us ole school producers love. Long live the original OP-1 too...
The pre sets can be saved as a blank pattern😉 I have mine with a zoom cdr70m fx pedal....next to other bigger synths because it has a definate sound.
That's nice combo tho. :)
Nice review and part tutorial, too. I've not got the keys (yet) but have the bass and the Behringer Crave for some analogue warmth and grit to pair with the digital sound of the Novation Circuit. I like the sound from the keys that I've heard on TH-cam, it sounds massive and warm.
I have one. It's still decent. But really the microbrute is the king of cheap analog.
I think the mixture of no presets and limited sound design make thing a great synth fundamentals machine for beginners and a fun cheap synth for experienced people who don't want to shell out big money for true analog sound
Furthermore, having everything limited like this makes me appreciate the Volca keys more as an instrument rather than a piece of gear... Just connect it to your favorite midi keyboard and start playing!
Thanks for putting light on my favorite volca! The keys ARE definitely small, but to me, you're missing out on it's biggest strenght: the 128 step sequencer!
Yea the sound is sure nice but the 3 voice paraphony and the sequencer allows very elaborate ideas, once you dive into it 😉
Cheers!
Thats right ! No other synth has 128steps in this size !!
Isn’t it only 16?? Did i miss something?
@@adam.recording the flux function enables 128 steps
@@jaydeepalmer oh right i forgot about that
Love it, its on my top list now.i love 💘 jamming with korg volcas....
Keep on jamming positive vibes❤💚🤩❤💛💙🧡
Stiiilllll!!!!! this is small one, but with some pedal can be a beast.
great video, melody and harmony.
yes,and fits in everywhere,
i love this baby!👍
I can't figure out how to use the Roland mc 101 to control the volca
Why do the knob light keep going out?
My peak was out when i nought it
Now another just went
They work but the lights dont
Don't know why this one isn't a favourite one of my favourite volca's, was my first analogue synth. Got it to play with my G2M mark 2. Cool you have midi out!
my favorite Volca is Volca Bass oscillator for NTS-1 ))
I've got one of these Volca Keys but rarely ever use it. Probably due to my own lack of knowledge and experience.
I've had one for years and have never figured out how to sequence a decent beat. I can get great tones out of it, but I have no idea how to make it do more. I find the videos on youtube confusing.
It does take some practice (and effects) to sound great. Also sequence it using a DAW or something
I have the Keys and have found the best way (for me) is to record a pattern by playing the "keyboard" live while recording, then edit in step mode.
I sold a bunch of cheaper equipment, Behringers, arturia and volca series in order to get Moogs matriarch and grandmother. The only one I regret selling is the volca keys. I had two of them and I wish I kept them.
I get it. Its not going to break the bank to get them back though dude 😁
Thanks for the video, I think it answers the question you put in a very helpful way. I used to have one, and a feature I quite enjoyed was that the motion recording capabilities work even when there are no notes recorded in a sequence. Now, you said you don't really use the sequencer at all, but I was wondering whether it is possible to motion record some knob tweaking and have that running over a sequence coming from, say, the Novation Circuit? I guess that could work, and might motivate me to get a volca keys once again.
The call of the volca keys
Love the keys, but the FM is my favorite.
What is it you particularly like about the FM? I've struggled to do anything with it. Just gathering dust now...
As a beginner fm is not an option right?
@Em K IronFist Wait... can I dump my Dexed presets in there?
@@adamgriffiths1703 if ur trying to get rid of it lmk!
@@Zer0Spinn you can. DEXED is also the best tool IMO for doing so.
Yes still good! but they could make an updated "Volca Synth", "Lead" or "Chords" to match the newer volcas
Nice one, Gabe. I had the Keys first and recently got a Circuit, in large part because of your videos. Loving the circuit but was wondering about the Keys and now I know . . . hook the brothers up!
U can save presets whit volca keys editor. My favorite is fm.
I have a love hate relationship relationship with it. I use it without effects. Sometimes I love some sounds and sometimes it sounds too metallic and too harsh and when you change notes it gives a small click noise and the reverb is not usable (I remember in the beginning it was). I would advice buying the microbrute or behringer crave instead or the uno.
Love the set up...im choosing the arturia micro freak as the side synth ..the korg sounds great but the arturia has wayyyy more flexibility for 40 bucks more.
Awesome video thanks man! Have you connected it to a novation product there? I have an Ableton push 2, would I be able to connect it and do you have a link how to do it?
Just picked one up for £90, super excited...!
The Volca's are brilliant. The Bass is still one of the most fun little synths to experiment with to me. The 3 step sequencers that all can have a different length make ot a great poor mans Subharmonicon replacement. I know it's quite different, but to me it's a more practical way to experiment with interesting minimalist polymetric music. I might finally have to give the Keys a try as soon as we can go to physical music stores again.
Oh yeah... Uno Synth is now only €155 on Thomann, so it offers more bang for the buck on paper, but the batteries last like 2 hours, using power bricks it gets extremely noisy, you need the software editor to change some parameters and if you sell it you have to pay IK Multimedia 20 bucks to transfer the software license to the new owner. So yeah... Volca's are still the way to go for most people...
Hi Gabe, for a beginner hardware synthesizer, what is the best in your opinion? For meanly futuristic neuro drum and bass, I saw the microfreak or the minilogue are good, thanks!!!
Either of those will definitely be great. The MicroFreak is a tad more experimental/chaotic, but either will serve you well for that kind of music.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks!! I guess I will go for microfreak, is cheaper so...
looove mine but often out of tune 1 full step...not on batteries...why?
Can anyone tell me what he means by"dal" in recording?
Cool tune!
Gabe, you heard these rumours about a Novation Circuit Rhythm and Circuit Tracks? Any thoughts?
I have! I'm really excited for them, they look awesome and have some upgrades that could be absolute game changers.
What is the best korg volca for hip hop beats???
Probably the volca bass imo
Beats? Probably the Volca Sample, but its beats are quantised, however.
Interesting video. It's annoying how the KVK only has 8 pattern slots. it's also annoying how not every knob (e.g. filter) is Motion-automatable. The unit seems quite noisy/dirty-sounding but I guess that's its appeal.
do you know where I can find custom patches sheets ?
Does have a beat setting?
What gear are you using in this video?
Novation Circuit (the original) as the sequencer.
I see people still use the volca series. I personally hate the workflow and the tiny keys, but good tones none the less
Great vid but I have a newbie qu - at the end are you comparing the keys with akai mpc 1, live machine +? Doesn't seem like a realistic comparison, or another akai I've missed
I pronounced it a little weird, I said the I.K. Multimedia stuff (they also make a small, inexpensive analog synth). Although I made this was before the new ones, which look a lot better than the original Uno.
@@GabeMillerMusic ah sweet, cheers man, I'll check them out
Volcas in general are relevant and will be.
I think in like 30 years they will be worth like 1000 dollars it will be one of those overpriced synths that everybody has but don't appreciate until later
"You can't save presets" *laughs in guitar tube amp*
I sold mine and I miss it a little. Even if I have a minilogue xd now :-D no, just kidding. But the volca fm is still in use.
Cannot decide between this Volca Keys n the VOLCA FM ... Any advice?? T-you 😊
I haven't used the Volca FM, but they're pretty different. Noir Et Blanc Vie did a great video comparing them that I recommended watching
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks a lot for ur reply 😊
very dope vid
This was gonna be My first synth, but i'm thinking that getting the skulpt by modal can be a better entry synth, opinions ? 🥺🥺
I just bought 2 skulpt synths from sweetwater, love the sound and app to control, but they kept crashing, and would not sync. They were on sale for 200. Skulpt is digital, it has the sync import, but analog volca might be better choice for reliability and sync.
Ik Uno Synth is monophonic is pretty noisy with USB power
Is it possibile to save your sounds on the Volca Keys?
Thanks for the video man, Let me ask you how loud is the audio output? cause usually minijack synths arent that loud but judging by the fact that is analog should sound loud,
These things are gonna go for 4x original value in a few years, mark my words. Make the investment now and reap the rewards in the future.
I was thinking I need a cheap synth that play chord, So I choose Volca FM not the volca Key.
But then I realize that, I love knobs and faders which mean a control panel not a preset player.
I still use my vBass today, but not using the FM that much because changing the sound on the fly is fun:)
thinking of selling your fm? Cause i have a keys but id be down for an FM
@@vazqueze234 No, FM sound still useful, just not a joy to patch.
Great video
still one of my favourites
Thak you gabe
Would you compare that to the Nuetron synth by Behringer. ? Can u save patches on there ?
The neutron is really oldschool with no patch saving at all
Hi, can you plug a microphone in it ? If you can what can you do with it ? Cheeeerz
I am very tempted, I would like an analogue polysynth, how could I go past this? I have enough money in my paypal.... why wouldn't I
If you can put up with the limitations of its polyphony, then this is a good low cost option. If you need some proper poly and have more to spend, the original Korg Minilogue is definitely good to look into. I've got a dedicated video covering it coming eventually.
Hi Gabe, thank you for this. Very cool insight on the Volca Keys. Can you explain your setup here. What exactly is the Circuit doing? Are you using the sounds from Keys and letting the Circuit sequence them?
Yep, that's the setup. In some cases I programmed a melody into the Circuit, and in other cases I played a part live, but the Circuit is sequencing the Keys in both cases.
@@GabeMillerMusic Right on, thanks!
I like those light rings in your eyes.
the sound lvl es to low, is so limit in control midi, i change for a volca fm and i very happy with it
yes
It's great. For that price is amazing. If You have more gear it blends well.
I’m looking into learning how to use synths. As a total beginner to this, would this be a great thing to purchase?
Definitely, this is a great starter synth.
@@GabeMillerMusic thanks for the reply! I recently purchased two pocket operators and been having a blast learning to use those. Now I have an itch to learn to create synth sounds!
@@cheezdue They work fairly well together. Just got the PO-33 and the Volca Bass recently.
Can I eprom with this?
This video made me realise two things. One, I'd rather have the FM, and two, mid-sentence jump cuts are annoying af
I deleted the 1st of the 8 sequences so it was left blank. I feel your pain. lol
I love my Volca Keys 🤘🏼❤️
get a Behringer crave, same price and its semi-modular, and its built way better
MiniKORG 700fs has the same filters as volca keys
It was good for the time, for the price. But no saved patches makes it extremely limiting for most people. There's a reason you have it in your closet. In 2021 unless you need the specific sound and have a very limited budget and only want hardware there are better options with presets and the ability to save patches.
As I said in the video, me not using it much is mostly due to how I like to work, not the gear itself. While some people will be annoyed by the lack of preset saving, I don't think it's a big deal. My music making process with hardware synths relies on tinkering and experimentation anyway.
@@GabeMillerMusic It's true there aren't saved patches within the Volca Keys, but you can get something close to that, at least if you have a computer or ipad/iphone as part of your setup. This is because almost all of the Keys knobs (except for 'peak') are automatable and controllable via midi cc messages. Here's a link to a mac/pc app that allows you to create/save/load presets for the Volca keys: fabriziopoce.com/volcacontrol.html And here's a link to Korg's published list of the Keys' midi, which I use to control and automate the VKeys from an iPad that's part of my music setup: i.korg.com/uploads/Support/USA_volcakeys_MIDI_Chart_E.pdf
It's limited enough in options that if ya play around with it for an hour here and there you'll eventually know how to get the sound you want in an instant. Maybe not fast enough for live play but in studio presets aren't necessary and the fast patching skill translates to other analogs too
@@aleksiaakko6830 You can always find a spot in your heart for something based on the sound, no matter how awkward a user interface is, or the difficulties in programming (like no saving patches). But I think the main thing going for this unit after 5 years is the price and the knobs, not really the sound. If all you have is $150, go for it! if you want. Personally I'd recommend spending $30 more on Diva VST, or if you want standalone hardware saving up and spending $300 on a Microfreak or $350 on a Korg Monologue (or $100 less on each if you buy used) or $250 on a used MicroBrute. Volca is a GREAT entry into new analog hardware but too restrictive for me, and most people I know who bought them shelved or sold them once they bumped against some of the many limitations.
Yes, Excellent A+
3 note analogue poly synth going at less the £150 GBP...... Its the best value for money analogue synth in the UK today. Still relevant - yes, on the cost . functionality ratio.........
Ive wanted one for years just got one on ebay for under $120.
Gabe - Have you heard anything about new Circuits? I saw this article today:
sound-economix.com/new-novation-circuit-leaked/
Huh! I get all my stuff from Muziker because I live here in Slovakia. It’s a reliable source I reckon. Hmm I half know a guy who works there, so I’ll see if I can find our more...
I Googled it though and they’ve deleted the page 😅
Why clear the built in pattern every time? Just clear it once and save the empty sequence...
Was it ever?
Question: Analog means that you can physically push buttons and stuff right?
No, it means that it has no software on it running. A digital synth (e.g. Volca FM) is basically a small computer, when you turn the knobs - you're just adjusting some values in the software, like you do with regular computer keyboard or midi keyboard. Analogue means that it has no software, but some circuitry inside that basically makes sounds and by turning knobs you're changing the resistance (and hence the voltages) in the circuitry.
@@LostStylus Ah okay, i had no idea. Thank you for the explanation. Very thorough.