Korg Volca Drum

Bringing together flexible DSP, huge automation capabilities, deep editing and motion sequencing possibilities, the Volca Drum is a 6-part analogue modelling percussion synth like no other. Part of Korg's acclaimed Volca series, it takes a completely different approach to drum synthesis, generating sounds through waveform manipulation and physical modelling rather than relying on PCM samples. Whether you're building brooding industrial textures or crisp acoustic-inspired kits, Volca Drum gives you the tools to get there.

A Sound Engine Built Differently

At the heart of Volca Drum is a 6-part DSP engine, with each part featuring two independent layers. For each layer you can choose from five oscillator waveforms - including sine, sawtooth and HPF noise - and pair them with one of three pitch modulators and amp envelope types optimised for percussion. From there, bit reduction adds roughness, a wave folder introduces complex overtones, and overdrive shapes the distortion, giving you a palette that ranges from punchy and realistic to strange and unpredictable.

Crucially, none of the six parts are locked to a specific role. There's no dedicated bass drum slot or snare channel - every part has identical capabilities, so you're free to assign sounds however you like. A kit stores the settings for all six parts alongside the waveguide resonator configuration, and you can save up to 16 kits in memory.

Waveguide Resonator

The built-in waveguide resonator uses physical modelling to add sympathetic resonances to your sounds. Choose between "tube" mode for the resonance of a cylindrical body like a drum shell or pipe, or "strings" mode for metallic string-like character. Three dedicated knobs control Decay, Body and Tune, and setting Tune lower introduces a delay-like behaviour - making the resonator just as useful for live performance as it is for sound design.

Sequencer and Performance Tools

The 16-step sequencer supports both step and realtime recording, and a pattern chain function lets you link up to 16 sequences together for patterns up to 256 steps long. Motion sequencing lets you record knob movements in realtime and play them back automatically, with up to 69 parameters available for automation - a powerful tool for evolving, expressive performances.

Beyond the basics, Active Step lets you skip steps per part to create irregular rhythms and polyrhythms, while the step slice function divides individual steps for drum rolls and fills. Accents can be set across 16 levels of intensity for subtle groove and feel, and the choke function lets you group parts so that, for example, open and closed hi-hat sounds behave naturally. Two randomise functions - one for sound parameters, one for sequence data - are on hand whenever you need a creative push in a new direction.

Compact, Connected and Ready to Go

Volca Drum runs on six AA batteries for approximately 10 hours of use and features a built-in speaker, so you can use it anywhere without needing a separate audio setup. A sync jack connects it to other Volca units, the Electribe, the SQ-1 or any compatible Korg hardware, and MIDI IN lets you use it as a sound module with your DAW. The aluminium panel, produced using an etching process, and the custom high-brightness LCD - a first for the Volca series - round out a unit that's as well-built as it is versatile.

Key Features

• 6-part digital percussion synth with analogue modelling, each part featuring two independent layers
• Five oscillator waveform types per layer including sine, sawtooth and HPF noise
• Wave folder, bit reduction and overdrive for detailed sound shaping
• Waveguide resonator effect with tube and strings modes
• 16-step sequencer with realtime and step recording, pattern chain up to 256 steps
• Motion sequencing with up to 69 automatable parameters
• Active Step, step slice, 16-level accent and choke functions
• Two randomise functions for sound and sequence parameters
  
• Sync In/Out for connection with other Volca and Korg hardware
• MIDI IN for use as a DAW sound module
  

Specification

• Synthesis type: Digital (DSP analogue modelling)
• Parts: 6, each with 2 oscillator layers, pitch modulator and amp EG
• Maximum polyphony: 6
• Kits: 16 (Kits 1–10 factory preset)
• Programs: 16 sequences (Programs 1–10 factory preset)
• Sequencer: 6 parts, 16 steps, 16 recording patterns, pattern chain available
• Audio output: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
• Sync: Sync In (3.5mm mono, max 20V) and Sync Out (3.5mm mono, max 5V)
• MIDI: MIDI IN
• Power: 6x AA alkaline or NiMH batteries (not included), or KA-350 AC adapter (sold separately); approx. 10 hours battery life
• Dimensions: 193 x 115 x 39mm
• Weight: 370g (excluding batteries)
• Included: Sync cable