Korg Volca Drum - Digital Percussion Synthesizer
The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analog modeling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums. The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits). Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. You can customize the resulting trigger waveform by applying bit reduction to produce roughness, adjusting the wave folder depth to add complex overtones, and using overdrive to adjust the distortion. In this way, you can generate distinctive sounds from this sound engine that's structured rather differently from a typical drum machine. The effect section features a waveguide resonator that's based on physical modeling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the sound.
The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analog modeling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums. The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits). Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. You can customize the resulting trigger waveform by applying bit reduction to produce roughness, adjusting the wave folder depth to add complex overtones, and using overdrive to adjust the distortion. In this way, you can generate distinctive sounds from this sound engine that's structured rather differently from a typical drum machine. The effect section features a waveguide resonator that's based on physical modeling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the sound.
The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analog modeling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums. The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits). Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. You can customize the resulting trigger waveform by applying bit reduction to produce roughness, adjusting the wave folder depth to add complex overtones, and using overdrive to adjust the distortion. In this way, you can generate distinctive sounds from this sound engine that's structured rather differently from a typical drum machine. The effect section features a waveguide resonator that's based on physical modeling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the sound.
The term "digital" typically brings to mind sounds that are based on PCM-sampled bass drum, snare drum, or cymbal, but the volca drum creates its drum sounds by DSP-powered analog modeling. Oscillator waveforms such as sine wave, sawtooth wave, and noise are provided. By applying various changes to these waveforms, you can create a wide variety of percussion sounds that range from realistic to idiosyncratic, and are not limited only to drums. The six parts each have two layers, and do not impose any rules or restrictions such as specifying which parts must be used for the bass drum or for the cymbal; all parts have the same specifications. You can freely assign your new sounds to these six parts without being limited by the conventions of a drum set. A kit consists of the six parts that you've assigned plus the waveguide resonator effect settings, and 16 such kits can be stored in memory (the factory settings contain 10 preload kits). Each part consists of two layers. For each layer, users choose one of five types of oscillator waveform including sine wave, sawtooth wave, and HPF noise, and also choose from three types of pitch modulator and amp EG, each optimized for drum sounds. You can customize the resulting trigger waveform by applying bit reduction to produce roughness, adjusting the wave folder depth to add complex overtones, and using overdrive to adjust the distortion. In this way, you can generate distinctive sounds from this sound engine that's structured rather differently from a typical drum machine. The effect section features a waveguide resonator that's based on physical modeling, and which adds sympathetic resonances to the sound.
in 61 offers
The lowest price for Korg Volca Drum - Digital Percussion Synthesizer right now is $187.41 at Volt Music Store, compared across 23 retailers.
The all-time low was $175.99 on 4 Oct 2023 — today's price is 6% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 30 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 30/09/2026 23:35:41
Korg KO-VOLCADRUM Korg Volca Physical Modeling Drum Synthesizer
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Korg Volca Drum
Delivery $79.94
Korg Volca Drum
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Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
Delivery $36.28
Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer Rhythm Machine Dsp
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KORG Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer | EX-DEMO
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Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
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KORG volca drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer rhythm machine Built-in speaker
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Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
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Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
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originally posted on ebay.com
Cant really say anything bad ab out this little box considering the price. The synth engine produces nice deep bass tones, and the filters enable some nice squelch and beeps. The sequencer is pretty easy to use, and the overall build quality is not bad. The on board speaker is naff, but the box sounds great through headphones, and I run mine through a mixer with built in effects which really beef the sound up. Im only just learning to use it, but after only a week Ive figured most of it out and its really good fun. Ive just bought a 303 clone which Ill sync with the volca using the midi port, so hopefully Ill be making some dark and twisted acid choon very soon. Highly recommended. A nice bonus is it can run on batteries, so with some decent headphones, its truly ... MoreCant really say anything bad ab out this little box considering the price. The synth engine produces nice deep bass tones, and the filters enable some nice squelch and beeps. The sequencer is pretty easy to use, and the overall build quality is not bad. The on board speaker is naff, but the box sounds great through headphones, and I run mine through a mixer with built in effects which really beef the sound up. Im only just learning to use it, but after only a week Ive figured most of it out and its really good fun. Ive just bought a 303 clone which Ill sync with the volca using the midi port, so hopefully Ill be making some dark and twisted acid choon very soon. Highly recommended. A nice bonus is it can run on batteries, so with some decent headphones, its truly portable. Thumbs up from me
originally posted on musicstore.de
Haven't used it much but it's well made and sounds good. Probably needs some effects or a pedal to make it sound really nice.Few things I mind a bit:-It takes like 15 seconds to start up. Kind of annoying for a simple synth.-I wish it would start up when the power is connected. All other devices I have start=up like this, or have a static switch, but the Volca's always require you to press a button.-I struggled a bit to get this thing to pick up MIDI notes. Between badly explained MIDI/Global settings, sometimes I just had to restart all devices to get it to pick up on MIDI...
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
Easy and difficult at the same time. Rating based on potential. My overall experience has been discouraging. I tried to load samples and it hasnt been the same since. I've tried every troubleshooting method from reddit, discord and YouTube. Very convenient for how mobile it is but I've had more problems than not with the device since purchasing and my overall experience has been discouraging. I would really appreciate a replacement.
| Keyboard | Multitouch Trigger Pads / Step Keys |
| Maximum Polyphony | 6 |
| Number of Parts | 6 |
| Number of Recording Patterns | 16 |
| Audio Output | 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone |
Korg KO-VOLCADRUM Korg Volca Physical Modeling Drum Synthesizer
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Korg Volca Drum
Delivery $79.94
Korg Volca Drum
Delivery $99.51
Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
Delivery $36.28
Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer Rhythm Machine Dsp
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Cant really say anything bad ab out this little box considering the price. The synth engine produces nice deep bass tones, and the filters enable some nice squelch and beeps. The sequencer is pretty easy to use, and the overall build quality is not bad. The on board speaker is naff, but the box sounds great through headphones, and I run mine through a mixer with built in effects which really beef the sound up. Im only just learning to use it, but after only a week Ive figured most of it out and its really good fun. Ive just bought a 303 clone which Ill sync with the volca using the midi port, so hopefully Ill be making some dark and twisted acid choon very soon. Highly recommended. A nice bonus is it can run on batteries, so with some decent headphones, its truly ... MoreCant really say anything bad ab out this little box considering the price. The synth engine produces nice deep bass tones, and the filters enable some nice squelch and beeps. The sequencer is pretty easy to use, and the overall build quality is not bad. The on board speaker is naff, but the box sounds great through headphones, and I run mine through a mixer with built in effects which really beef the sound up. Im only just learning to use it, but after only a week Ive figured most of it out and its really good fun. Ive just bought a 303 clone which Ill sync with the volca using the midi port, so hopefully Ill be making some dark and twisted acid choon very soon. Highly recommended. A nice bonus is it can run on batteries, so with some decent headphones, its truly portable. Thumbs up from me
Haven't used it much but it's well made and sounds good. Probably needs some effects or a pedal to make it sound really nice.Few things I mind a bit:-It takes like 15 seconds to start up. Kind of annoying for a simple synth.-I wish it would start up when the power is connected. All other devices I have start=up like this, or have a static switch, but the Volca's always require you to press a button.-I struggled a bit to get this thing to pick up MIDI notes. Between badly explained MIDI/Global settings, sometimes I just had to restart all devices to get it to pick up on MIDI...
Easy and difficult at the same time. Rating based on potential. My overall experience has been discouraging. I tried to load samples and it hasnt been the same since. I've tried every troubleshooting method from reddit, discord and YouTube. Very convenient for how mobile it is but I've had more problems than not with the device since purchasing and my overall experience has been discouraging. I would really appreciate a replacement.
I use this mainly for sound design of drum sounds for samplers I own. It punches above it's weight class and I have gotten amazing sounding results with it, but it's a very frustrating device in some ways. There are two layers per drum sound and it's very easy to mess up your settings while working.Pros:This is a great drum synth machine capable of generating drum sounds from almost realistic to other worldly.The quality of sound is great.Quick to learn.The sequencer is solid.Connectivity is pretty decent for this size of device with sync in/out, midi and headphone out.The randomize functionality is very cool and well executed.Cons:No included power cable.Unforgiving interface for sound design can be fiddly and frustrating.The speaker blew out ... MoreI use this mainly for sound design of drum sounds for samplers I own. It punches above it's weight class and I have gotten amazing sounding results with it, but it's a very frustrating device in some ways. There are two layers per drum sound and it's very easy to mess up your settings while working.Pros:This is a great drum synth machine capable of generating drum sounds from almost realistic to other worldly.The quality of sound is great.Quick to learn.The sequencer is solid.Connectivity is pretty decent for this size of device with sync in/out, midi and headphone out.The randomize functionality is very cool and well executed.Cons:No included power cable.Unforgiving interface for sound design can be fiddly and frustrating.The speaker blew out during normal usage which isn't bad, because I don't use it that way.Bottom line:I love what this thing can do, I hate using it sometimes. The sound design tools are amazing and it's actually the most capable outboard drum synth I have, but the controls make it difficult to tweak a sound.
The volca offers a lot of possibilities and is one of the few from the series that has such depth in the synth engine. If you get yourself familiar with the machine and utilise its limitations effectively, it can do drum, synth and effect sounds pretty well. The sequencer is good and perhaps one of the better from the series. With a little practice, you can perform just fine with it.
Bought it for my nephew’s 9th birthday. He didn’t receive it yet but I’m sure having a lot of fun with it! It’s simple and immediate to use yet there’s lot of features to take it beyond static 1 bar loops. Motion sequence and pattern chaining take it to the next level.I wish it had onboard recording and more than 16 memory slots. Regardless, a great piece of gear, don’t know other battery-powered samplers that have parameter locks AND can clock your modular
Cool sequencer with motion sequence and Elektron style parameter locks, 2 independent layers for each drum and very good FX module. The only disadvantage i found - is the one knob switching between the modes of a soundsource waveforms, modulation and EG. But when you remember the price it seems not so critical, especially when you get used to the order of combinations. Read next text carefully: I recommend that device to either experienced users or those who want to learn sound synthesis and ready to spend some time tweaking the knobs and trying to understand the principles. When I've just bought I've spent an hour while trying to make a kick drum. But now I need a few seconds. FM synthesis is also possible by modulating sinewave with another sinewave. So it's up to ... MoreCool sequencer with motion sequence and Elektron style parameter locks, 2 independent layers for each drum and very good FX module. The only disadvantage i found - is the one knob switching between the modes of a soundsource waveforms, modulation and EG. But when you remember the price it seems not so critical, especially when you get used to the order of combinations. Read next text carefully: I recommend that device to either experienced users or those who want to learn sound synthesis and ready to spend some time tweaking the knobs and trying to understand the principles. When I've just bought I've spent an hour while trying to make a kick drum. But now I need a few seconds. FM synthesis is also possible by modulating sinewave with another sinewave. So it's up to you. And It's not for every kind of music. Perfect for electro, minimalistic house, glitchy and noisy sounds etc. Highly recommended
This is a great little instrument, makes for endless experimentation and the sounds are great. Seems to be pretty efficient with the batteries so far, I'll probably get a power supply. Only cons for me: 1- the instructions are a little vague on the recording key sequence, I am still trying to figure out exactly what combo of buttons to push to get it to record every time. Sometimes it saves things and sometimes it doesn't, wierd. 2- in tandem with the above #1, triggering record sends it into some altered-sound mode where the recording is not exactly what the thing is playing when you trigger record. Again, instructions are not clear on why this is, you have to play around a lot to figure the thing out. Still, for the budget it's an easy way to get your hands on ... MoreThis is a great little instrument, makes for endless experimentation and the sounds are great. Seems to be pretty efficient with the batteries so far, I'll probably get a power supply. Only cons for me: 1- the instructions are a little vague on the recording key sequence, I am still trying to figure out exactly what combo of buttons to push to get it to record every time. Sometimes it saves things and sometimes it doesn't, wierd. 2- in tandem with the above #1, triggering record sends it into some altered-sound mode where the recording is not exactly what the thing is playing when you trigger record. Again, instructions are not clear on why this is, you have to play around a lot to figure the thing out. Still, for the budget it's an easy way to get your hands on this kind of a synth and see if higher grade gear is worth your time. You can be Roger Waters for cheap!
Sound quality is below acceptable (31.25kHz instead of 44.1kHz, mono instead of stereo). Unable to find the factory sample collection on the support page. There were only bonus packages available for download. Extremely tiny memory. I think it's more like a toy than a musical instrument. But I really like some of the other Volcas.
there's now midi out with the usb connection,,, i think its pretty goodthe sequencer itself is pretty high quality and sturdy, its my first real piece of audio gear and i think it's alrightreally easy to use, has lots of cool features but it takes some time to really get good at using itthere are only 16 steps in the sequencer and you can't reduce the amount. that's the only bad thing about it.also it comes with 150 samples
| Keyboard | Multitouch Trigger Pads / Step Keys |
| Maximum Polyphony | 6 |
| Number of Parts | 6 |
| Number of Recording Patterns | 16 |
| Audio Output | 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone |
