Volca sync

kmlimsg · Post by **kmlimsg** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:46 am

So I bought the Volca Keys and Beats. On their ownself, they are really fun instruments. But the real fun I'm sure, is in the sync and play-together.
Tried that with sync-in and sync-out. But the sound output is not sync-ed.
So I guess the only way is to output the sound via a mixer.
Does anybody have better ways to achieve this?

jahreed · Post by **jahreed** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 5:56 pm

the sync is for the clock and start/stop of the volcas only...

Unless you are using the built in speaker each instrument needs its own audio connection so yes - to hear them both you need a mixer of some sort.
cheap dj mixers are cheap

brambos · Post by **brambos** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 6:34 pm

jahreed wrote:the sync is for the clock and start/stop of the volcas only...

The sync does start/stop as well? How do I enable that? It only syncs clock on mine.

Unless you are using the built in speaker each instrument needs its own audio connection so yes - to hear them both you need a mixer of some sort.
cheap dj mixers are cheap

Yes, you can get a decent mixer for cheap these days. The Behringer Xenyx are excellent value for money and a lot better than the 'old' Behriners.

If you really want to mix on a shoestring; get a Belkin Rockstar or one of the even-cheaper knockoffs off Ebay. Not ideal, but works in a pinch and is virtually free.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Mon Dec 01, 2014 7:43 pm

the syncs don't do start/stop. if you want that functionality use midi with an appropriate device.

kmlimsg · Post by **kmlimsg** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 1:41 am

To be honest, the volca series is really not difficult to manipulate.
I've got an Electribe EMX-1sd. I'm still learning how to use it well. The basics are easy, but creating is challenging with so little instructions out there. Now with the new Electribe, I'm not sure if I want to plonk another slice of my treasured funds into it.

I've got quite a few of these Korg machines. The kassilator pro+, mini kp, volca beats and keys, electribe, monotribe and the kaoss pad.
Of them all, I admit the Volca is the easiest to function, although to use it well, I guess like all musicians, it takes some practice.

I'm looking to put money into either a mixer or the zoom r8 which can also act as a mixer, and recording device at the same time.

Perhaps then I can play some or all of them all together, in-sync.

kmlimsg wrote:So I bought the Volca Keys and Beats. On their ownself, they are really fun instruments. But the real fun I'm sure, is in the sync and play-together.
Tried that with sync-in and sync-out. But the sound output is not sync-ed.
So I guess the only way is to output the sound via a mixer.
Does anybody have better ways to achieve this?

teknoid · Post by **teknoid** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 5:34 pm

google: Belkin Rockstar (no i dont work for Belkin, just helping a brother out, every Multiple Volca owner shoudl have one)

kmlimsg · Post by **kmlimsg** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 1:24 am

Thanks. Looks like what I need. Not expensive. Plus, it's portable.

teknoid wrote:google: Belkin Rockstar (no i dont work for Belkin, just helping a brother out, every Multiple Volca owner shoudl have one)

kmlimsg · Post by **kmlimsg** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:35 am

It works! I had the keys and beats but since the Rockstar works, I bought the bass. It is now the volca trinity.
Won't be sleeping for a few nights now that I have all three Volcas.
Still a bit far from composing anything melodic but the sounds is great.

I also have an Electribe emx1, a kaossilator pro+, mini kaoss pad, monotribe. Should be nice to see how some or all of them can play together.
A wee bit accessive since the Electribe does almost everything. Trouble is the Electribe has a very steep learning curve.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 7:00 pm

you should probably add more gear one by one. I would say add the minikaoss pad or monotribe next. Honestly, you might not even need to use all of it together, though. Use what works.

volcaPaul · Post by **volcaPaul** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 7:50 pm

teknoid wrote:google: Belkin Rockstar (no i dont work for Belkin, just helping a brother out, every Multiple Volca owner shoudl have one)

I'd bought a cheapo ebay "hub" that looks/works just like that to save using my bigger behringer mixer.

I have the 3 volcas and a pair of headphones hooked up to it and at first I thought it worked well.

Something weird though - it seems that there is some bleed from the headphone socket as when I'm using certain sounds, it's messing up the tempo on the volca bass (volca beats being the master tempo) - even though the sync cables are connected entirely separately.

Has anyone seen any similar issues with the Rockstar?

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:03 pm

I've heard of issues like that from others (I don't actually own a rockstar, I do the mixer route). that's because these are headphone hubs and aren't really designed for this, although you can sort of get away with it. If you want to sync them and hear them all properly, you should go with a mixer.

volcaPaul · Post by **volcaPaul** » Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:13 pm

Thanks for the reply.

I was hoping the rockstar had circuitry that would stop it vs the cheapo ebay hubs which clearly don't. Sounds like you've saved me the cost of a rockstar as I was going to take a punt.

Looks like the behringer is here to stay then.

kmlimsg · Post by **kmlimsg** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:00 am

I opted for cheap. To be honest, the best thing about user a splitter is that the Volcas are mobile. I can play it on the fly anywhere (standby batteries), without the need for power supply.
However for best sounds, use a mixer. If you have many instruments (like myself), a mixer is always the best bet. Trouble is, I have no space left in my tiny room to rig up a mixer.
A splitter is also the cheaper option. Mixers can cost bin cheap or fly sky high. Plus you will need a set of speakers (good speakers, better quality) to hook up to the mixer. And then the cost price will up a little more.

Thanks to all for your advice.

(ok now who wants to tutor me on the Electribe?)

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:28 am

man, the electribes take time to learn! but check out some of the sticky threads in the electribe section. some good tips there.

Also, check out http://electribe-forum.com/

Its a community exclusively for the tribes.

(I would love to help you but don't own an emx, just an EA1, ES1, ielectribe, and soon the new electribe2)

teknoid · Post by **teknoid** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:56 pm

i have no syncing or bleeding issue's when using the Rockstar. I use only with (rechargeable) battery's to stay clear from any ground loop problems.
Biggest issue when not using a mixer is the weak
output volume from Volca Beats.
But it sure is workable.

good luck

some volca tips:
http://undertone.nu

Korg Forums

Volca sync

Volca sync

audio sync?

Re: audio sync?

Re: Volca sync

belkin rockstar

cheap vs mixer