VOLCA Beats Anyone? (MPC Template Inside)

Heyo!

Curious if anyone else owns the VOLCA Beats...

I took a few minutes and set up an MPC MIDI template that puts all the drum sounds right in front of you all in Pad Bank 'A'.

Right now, I can't remember if I changed the order up at all. If I did switch the order up then all I did was put the closed hats on pad 3 and the open hats on pad 4 instead of having the "lo" and "hi" toms on those pads. Makes it easier to groove.

Anyway - I have the template on the MPC at the studio. If anyone here hasn't made a template and doesn't feel like doing it, I'll upload mine. Figured I'd share this completely useless bit of information with y'all. Lulz!



Peace!

Doesnt sound useless to me. If I had a volca beat I'd want that template. It may be useful to go ahead and share it out somewhere and post the link in this thread.

I have the Volca Beats too. Awesome little drum machine. I have the Volca Keys too and I'm looking forward to buying the Volca a Bass to complete the collection. They all play really good together. I can't wait to mod my x0xb0x with a CV input, for when I want the Volca Beats to be the master. I also need to buy the power adaptors for the Volca, which is the same as the Monotribe.

If you'd like to share the pad mapping for the MPC, I know I would definitely use it and appreciate it.

I love my Beats but I did have to get a headphone amp to boost the signal. I just wish the kick could go deeper and I don't like the snare at all. It's still a fun little machine,I hope the add 32 steps on the next firmware update. The Bass is sick, I do suggest getting one.

T-Virus wrote:I love my Beats but I did have to get a headphone amp to boost the signal.

just to be sure, you're not trying to plug it in to a normal mixer input with a TRS jack?

because you need to use one of those TRS-stereo to dual-mono cables, unless you're on some device that has a single-jack TRS stereo input.

Bad ass, y'all. When I go to the studio tomorrow, I'll grab the template and post it up.



Peace!

T-Virus wrote:I love my Beats but I did have to get a headphone amp to boost the signal. I just wish the kick could go deeper and I don't like the snare at all. It's still a fun little machine,I hope the add 32 steps on the next firmware update. The Bass is sick, I do suggest getting one.

Are you sure the problem wasn't the cable you were using?
The Volcas take 1/8" stereo jacks. If you're using a mono jack, that's why your output signal is weak.

distortedtekno wrote:

T-Virus wrote:I love my Beats but I did have to get a headphone amp to boost the signal. I just wish the kick could go deeper and I don't like the snare at all. It's still a fun little machine,I hope the add 32 steps on the next firmware update. The Bass is sick, I do suggest getting one.

Are you sure the problem wasn't the cable you were using?
The Volcas take 1/8" stereo jacks. If you're using a mono jack, that's why your output signal is weak.

Good question, I will look into it.

T-Virus wrote:

distortedtekno wrote:

T-Virus wrote:I love my Beats but I did have to get a headphone amp to boost the signal. I just wish the kick could go deeper and I don't like the snare at all. It's still a fun little machine,I hope the add 32 steps on the next firmware update. The Bass is sick, I do suggest getting one.

Are you sure the problem wasn't the cable you were using?
The Volcas take 1/8" stereo jacks. If you're using a mono jack, that's why your output signal is weak.

Good question, I will look into it.

Yeah, that's gotta be what's happening. I read a few topics around here concerning that.
If you have an 1/8" stereo - to - RCA or 1/4" cable, use that instead.

Hi, I own a volca beats. I think it is an okay unit. I am currently working on a video comparing its sound to a digital synth (korg radias). Of course the Radias is much more powerful and the two aren't a proper match in terms of features.

The main reason I am doing this is because I have found the Volca to be wanting. You can use it of course,(you can use anything really) just because it is analog does not mean it sounds much better is all I have realized. It lacks things that I wish it had.
I guess the conclusion I have reached is that buying gear with less features just for its "analogyness" has proved to be a waste of money since I already owned a much better fully featured piece of gear that makes excellent sounds.

Two things got me in this instance...
1) A lack of knowledge about analog gear. So hearing talk about how much better it sounds made me question whether I had all the right tools in my studio. (mind you I own a moog minitaur- which rocks!)

2) The marketing: it is inexpensive $150

The volca beats is okay I am not insulting it. I just learned that I didn't need it because I was ignorant about the value of some of my other gear. The veil has been lifted concerning the analog mystique, for me.

Cheers,
IAn

PS "I have friends that have analog gear and I have listened to them, but owning and developing your own ear is another matter. That takes time with the gear.

Digital. Analog. Cheap. Expensive.

None of it means sh*t if you don't know what to do with it to begin with. And that just comes with time and experimentation. If you keep your mind open you can find a place or use for almost any piece of gear. Don't let buzzwords dictate your creativity. . . .

Word! The Beats might not have many "features" but it's ONE most IMPORTANT feature that it does offer you is a turn-key drum machine that allows you to focus on rhythm creation VS tweaking a ton of parameters to make the "worldz dopest snare" or what ever. Turn the thing on, sequence, bob your head, layer it up! Simple, elegant. At least Korg never lied about it's abilities, or lack thereof (in fact, they have said that it is possible to update the Volca units via MIDI... but that's another story all together)!

Anyway! I have the MPC template here on my machine. You guys suggest I use DropBox? I'll go start an account and place it up there, I'll edit this post with the download link. Keep in mind, this template just puts the Beats' sound front & center on Pad Bank A. Kick/snare/hats/open hats on your first four, then everything else as I saw fit. Nothing fancy, ya dig?


LINK TO DROPBOX DOWNLOAD: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ssxwes9cas012 ... 0BEATS.PGM

@ Medearis I didn't mean to try to change the topic.
Thanks for the file. I intend to try it out now.

@Electric Dragon...exactly.

Cheers,
Ian

No problem, mi amigo! We're all nerds about these things so it's only natural. The fora is a place to talk, so say it proud broham!

Hope the template works well for who ever downloads it.