Volca Bass or Monotribe?

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:50 pm

What do you think?

I really like the look of the new Volca Bass. Particularly being able to program slides properly will be a first for Korg.

However I feel that the MS-20 filter in the Monotribe has a more aggressive filter.

I wouldn't be using the Drums much on the Monotribe, but in that case I guess with MIDI the Volca Bass may sync better with other gear too?

What do you think is a better deal, and what is actually the best sound for you for basslines?

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:46 pm

I have the Monotribe and am about to update its firmware so I can trigger it from my Moog Little Phatty with CV/Gate added. Those two, and a moogerfroofer Ring Modulator, will make for a potent little setup.

However - I fully intend getting all three of the Volca series for related but different reasons - as in - what they are designed for. So I see the Volca Bass as different to the Monotribe (which I'll essentially use as a monophonic synthesizer) - the Volca bass will offer solid, characterful bass and compliment live performance along with sequences from the other two. And remember - the Volca series have the Korg 900 filter - it is a very different sound to the MS20 - so having both gives you greater sonic versatility. So - get both!! (and the amazing thing about these little boxes is that they are so cheap, are not pretentious, and offer a quality sound and feature set).

So I can't vote as I think they compliment each other!!

DrHoo · Post by **DrHoo** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:28 pm

I have the monotribe & given the choice i would go for the new volca bass IF i had neither one & had to choose.
It just looks like there's more you can do with it & less limited.
For me ,the monotribe makes a nice extra voice via midi but it has a very limited envelope as in there's no decay time edit. Shame really but it's still a mean little box.
Not sure yet what the envelope is like on the volca bass but it still looks more diverse than the monotribe.

A quick edit.. I'm not going to buy the volca bass. I have the beats & it's a bit cheapy & naff so no more volcas for me.

Re-Member · Post by **Re-Member** » Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:08 pm

Another big difference between the two is the oscillators. The Volca Bass is going to have three individual oscillators that can be stacked together, pitched differently and even sequenced individually. The Monotribe just has a single oscillator running on one sequence. That right there is going to make it sound like an entirely different synth.

jiggityj · Post by **jiggityj** » Fri May 17, 2013 12:59 am

I have 2 Monotribes with Midi and sequence both at the same time, like having 2 oscillators. It sounds dope as hell, but I still would rather have the volca bass. Damn Korg!

renegade · Post by **renegade** » Sun May 19, 2013 3:03 pm

Based on the sounds I have heard from the Bass I think I prefer the sound of the Monotribe so far, of course this might change when I get the Bass but all the demos of it sound weedy in comparison to even Monotribe videos, maybe it is the filter or maybe it is the compression on the videos, sounds a bit noisier too, plus the Monotribe does drums too

I will be getting all the Volcas, but my Monotribes ain't going anywhere!

Crystalmsc · Post by **Crystalmsc** » Tue May 21, 2013 5:27 pm

The Monotribe is an essential part of my sound and live performance gear. So, I simply choose it. But, the Volca Bass going to make my life complete

darenager · Post by **darenager** » Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:25 am

Based on sound alone the Monotribe, the filter is much better than Volca Bass, the Bass does have a really nice sequencer though with the slides.

whatusearewe · Post by **whatusearewe** » Fri Nov 01, 2013 9:58 pm

I bought a Monotribe earlier in year & feel conned by the release of the Volcas to be honest.

brambos · Post by **brambos** » Sat Nov 02, 2013 7:42 am

whatusearewe wrote:I bought a Monotribe earlier in year & feel conned by the release of the Volcas to be honest.

Conned sounds like quite a strong word. Better versions of instruments come out all the time and everybody already felt that with the Monotron and Monotribe Korg were testing the waters for more further developments.

Anyway.. I bought my Monotribe last week, fully aware of the Volca Bass. And I love my 'Tribe. There's something about the filter that's so silky smooth and bouncy and rich.

I also prefer the look of the box and the feel of the knobs and rockers over the buttons of the Volca. And one of the most surprising aspects of the Monotribe is the combination of the touch-strip and the sequencer. I always seem to come up with cool unintended patterns and loops.

The one thing that annoys me about the Monotribe is the clickey envelopes. But I don't regret my purchase one bit.

Hugo · Post by **Hugo** » Sat Nov 02, 2013 1:38 pm

I don't own either, but I'm getting both the Volca's and the Monotribe

ILL GREEN · Post by **ILL GREEN** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 9:59 pm

Even though the Volca is much prettier and capable than the monotribe, I have to say that the monotribe has a thicker distinct sound. The Volcas sound kinda small in comparison.

Also I enjoy crafting my own sounds on the monotribe, its so deep. Sounds are organic and sound like human speech at times.

If Korg was to redo the monotribe like a Volca, I think it'll be in the $300 range.

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 4:31 pm

Monotribe:- hands down- all day long.... and all the rest of it

PB21 · Post by **PB21** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:53 pm

renegade · Post by **renegade** » Thu Nov 21, 2013 2:25 am

Based on the results of the poll 24 people voted without hearing the Volca Bass properly

NO contest, Monotribe all day.

Volca Bass is great, but nowhere near the low end of the Monotribe, and ironically not as acidic either, slides are great though, hope the Monotribe gets an update to have the slides added, doubt it though.

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Volca Bass or Monotribe?