Volca Keys -- Noob playback question (sorry)

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Reyes
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:09 pm

Volca Keys -- Noob playback question (sorry)

Post by Reyes »

Hi all

I've tried to find an answer to this, but can't, even after ages playing with the Volca Keys. Here's my question:

How do I play two or not samples back at the same time? In other words, if I've saved two samples into M1 and M2, how do I play M2 whilst M1 carries on behind it? I'm under the impression you can do this, but can't find anything to show how...

Help appreciated!

Jon
roblabs
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Post by roblabs »

you cant. you can only load one sequence at a time. but you can achieve this if you use a sampler/looper, or record m1 ahead of time and then play over it.
Reyes
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:09 pm

Post by Reyes »

That explains that.

How does this guy achieve what he's doing then?

Korg Volca Keys, Love Stimulation, in coffee shop: http://youtu.be/U2ZM1e4nsKg

It's like he's just overlapping tracks.

Thanks for the quick reply.
roblabs
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Post by roblabs »

well first, he has poly selected as the OSC type. What you probably don't know about poly mode is that on the volca keys you can actually layer up the sequence if you record the notes monophonically. Second, he's using a delay effect from the minikp2, which brings out the rhythm a bit in the sense that it sounds like they're more notes than he's playing.
Reyes
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:09 pm

Post by Reyes »

roblabs,

I'm going to sound disgustingly newby'ish now, but how would you layer up the sequence by being in poly mode? I don't quite understand even with the reference to recording monophonically.

The reason I originally sent my message is because when I'd recorded something, and then tried to play over, it's just distorted, and any effects I add change the whole thing (which now makes sense), but I just don't see how you can really build anything up with this volca.

Some of what I'm saying will undoubtedly be due to the fact that I'm new to synths, but the layering bit is what really attracted me to this (I now know to ask more questions next time).

Thanks for your help so far.
roblabs
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Location: NYC

Post by roblabs »

no worries man, we all gotta start somewhere...

heres what I mean about poly/mono.

OK, say you set the OSC to Unison? That's a Mono setting...meaning you can only play one note at a time. Chords are impossible. But if you set it to Poly or Poly Ring, you're now in polyphonic mode (its actually not true polyphony but lets not worry about that right now). So now, you can play up to 3 notes at a time.

When I say play monophonically, I mean just that - play and record the notes one at a time. For instance, you play a C note on every 4 steps. Then, you can throw in an E every 2 steps. Etc.

This type of "layering" is limited but its still possible and you can build up things with more complexity if you do this across more than one pattern....but of course you can only do so much as you only have 8 patterns. Another option is to just leave REC on and work with "evolving" sequences that are continuously changing.

As far as distortion....well, this is a unit for under 200 $/£. It can only do so much lol. But one thing I noticed about the Volca Keys is that the knobs seem very sensitive in the sense that even a slight adjustment can change the sound dramatically. This is something you need to get used to. Also, keep in mind that the onboard delay is "dirty" sounding. So if you want a cleaner sound, adjust the settings so there's less feedback or use outboard gear for delay and other effects.
Reyes
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:09 pm

Post by Reyes »

Thanks roblabs, that's some really good info that's definitely made me understand a bit more!

On the back of that, I happen to have another video that has this 'layering' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlZVFTwrl3M ...

At 2:57, an additional high-pitch piece comes in on top of what's been playing up until that point. Does this mean that the way he's achieved that is by somehow recording in [a] 'poly' mode and expertly playing some weird pattern that happens to sound perfect?

roblabs! This is bugging me! I'm desperate to love it, but this is like trying to love the woman that's just cheated on you with your best mate! Ha ha!

Thanks for being so kind!
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