What are
/r/volcas'
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/volcas:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/volcas:
LMMS
Tracktion
Clyp
loopMIDI
Gumroad
ASIO4ALL
The most popular Android Apps mentioned in /r/volcas:
Caustic Editor for VolcaSample
Power Cepstrum
Micro Volca Sample
The most popular reviews in /r/volcas:
https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2/
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?? if you watch the video and read the comments you'll see.... not sure but I think that's what they are??
Check out this option that I found . I have one and it fits three volcas . You just have to do a lil cutting .
I think Garageband have no midi out , IIRC. If you want to send midi out, you can try another DAW. Try with a free one ! You can try with Tracktion 6 (https://www.tracktion.com) for exemple.
You could always look for pluck and pick foam cases which are fairly cheap on Amazon and come in a variety of sizes. Larger ones gives you options for pulling out more of the grid for future expansion.
I use this one for my recorder. Not something I'd toss around on the road Night after night, but it's inexpensive and fairly decent quality.
The Behringer Xenyx series is absolutely fine for your needs. It's well known that a lot of Behringer products are copies of other companies' circuitry, and the Xenyx series is a Mackie Onyx knock off. They aren't perfect, but they are pretty damn good, and 25 quid for the 802 is a steal.
You'll need cables that go from 3.5mm (minijack on the Volcas) to 1/4" (quarter inch, the big socket on the mixer). You can also get adapters to convert the cables that came with the Volcas to the right size, but you're probably going to need those cables to sync the Volcas. You can get these cables or adapters from Amazon or probably the same place you bought the Volcas from. Be aware that the Volca Sample is true stereo, and the rest are mono. So you'll need:
- 3 of these for the FM, Beats and Keys, and
- 1 of these for the Sample
Cheap speakers are fine, but if you can afford to spend a bit on monitor speakers, I would strongly recommend it. It's not all about sound quality; when you're playing with analog hardware, it's possible to generate frequencies and sound levels that will just pop consumer speakers. Monitor speakers, even cheap ones, tend to be a bit more robust. So you can buy monitor speakers, or risk buying the Logitechs twice. M-Audio and PreSonus both make decent monitor speaker sets for under £100.
Yeah totally. The beats in particular is insanely noisy.
I have the Sample, Beats and Keys going straight into my Berhinger Xenyx x1832 and my Bass running into my digitech whammy pedal then into my mixer.
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All of those go into Logic via USB.
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I'm using THESE cables as my main 1/4-1/8 volca cables and a guitar patch chord for out of the whammy.
USB cable is gold plated amazon basics one.
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Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated!! I've tried a bunch of stuff and EQing it out of the Beats works best but I lose a lot of the hi hat so I've just been leaving it lately.
The manual doesn't give details of how to get it to work in Cubase, but it's just a 64-bit VST (plus a standalone program), so I can't see why it wouldn't.
It does rely on a piece of software called loopMIDI though so it may be worth exploring if that works on your operating system before buying. Worked fine for me on Windows 10 after a bit of fiddling.
Nice! My version of your suitcase is currently: Volca Bass + Volca FM + NTS-1 (A) + NTS-1 (B). One of the NTS-1s is for effects, the other is used as a synth voice (though both can do both jobs if needed). I've also got a DIY MIDI thru box attached which lets me control everything from a single MIDI cable (and single MIDI controller), as well as allowing more MIDI integration and syncing with other synths and drum machines. Everything is USB powered via MyVolts Ripcords where needed, and this mondo battery:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GQK7TG5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Love this battery, I only need to charge it perhaps once every month or two, since all the Volcas/NTS1s are such low draw devices. And plenty of ports for everything (the Ripcords require 2.4A USB ports, and this battery has 2 of them). It also gives me a single on/off switch for the whole setup, which is nice. It can also be charged with 2 different types of USB cable, and it can even use both at once for a faster charge! So good design all around. It is heavy (about 1 lb I think), but overall probably less weight than a ton of AA batteries. And certainly more runtime/less annoyance.
I love your integration of the Bastl Dude mixer/compresser, I've drooled over that one too. If only they made a stereo version of it, I would buy it in a heartbeat! But it would be such a shame to lose the stereo effects from the NTS-1s...
Meet me at the train station, platform F, to exchange dossiers and funky beats. Trenchcoats only.
Looks awesome! Integrated speaker is nice too. How's the sound quality on that one?
Looks like you have room for a USB battery bank as well, if you want to power everything from a single battery instead of managing all the individual AA batteries.
FYI, I've also had some trouble with those right angle 1/8" adapters causing too much torque on an audio port and breaking it. I haven't had that issue with Volcas specifically, I think their ports are pretty robust, and in your suitcase it doesn't look that there's any tension on those cables, so probably totally fine. Just wanted to mention it.
For compact setups like this, I've been very happy with these super short right angle cables:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072TYZ89H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Something like this maybe:
Maker Hart LOOP MIXER - Portable Audio Mixer with 5 Channels, 5 x 1/8" Stereo and 1/4" Mono to Stereo DM2S Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M68UK38/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_06WFEDFM58P2ZRYEH3QP
I have this one and their smaller one as well that I use for various things.
3.5mm jack that has mic and headphone splitter into the iPhone lightning adapter. The trick is the cable has to have 3 black rings in it opposed to the ones with just 2. I picked up a few of these ones and seem pretty good…
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XC3BHTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I have one and it's perfect.
This looks simple/cheap, though haven't used it personally:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JBJ9V11/
(note: looks like you have to reverse the in/out cables for it to work)
If you're having problems with functions triggering on your phone when you have something plugged into the headphone jack it's because the poles on the jack don't match the poles on the socket.
Headphone jacks have a concept of poles: They are little rings separated by an insulator that perform different functions like the pins on a USB cable.
A phone typically has between 4 and 6 poles (rings) for: Audio left, audio right, pause/play/skip, activate voice assistant etc.
Here's a wiki article that explains some of the standards. Part of the problem you're experiencing is that the input/output amplification stage on Volca products is garbage. The input is usually too low and the output is too high.
Fixing this is not simple, especially with your portable rig. You'd need a humbucker box (also called a ground loop eliminator), a balancer and a pole converter.
The closest to a portable solution you're going to get is probably this box by Pyle.
An issue I'm dealing with as well. I decided on a one-desk setup for computer and synth gear. I just got something similar to this for my mixer
This is the tabletop mixer I use, I have it going into a Motu M2. Works great, and just throw it in my bag when I need to. I have my FM/Drum/Sample 2 all running through it no problem.
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https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-105-inch-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3F
This is exactly the cable you need to sum the tip and ring of the 3.5mm side to the tip of the 6.3mm side.
Edit: I see that you're abroad, not sure if this is available in your country from Amazon.
I use these adapters - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5H34M3/ - "zdyCGTime DC4.0x1.7mm Male 90 Degree Angle to DC5.5x2.1mm Female Adapter 5 Volt DC Barrel Power Jack Charging Cable Connector for Tablet (DC4.0x1.7mm)(2pack)"
Oooh, nice. I hadn't heard of that. FYI to people, the "developer website", when you google the name of the software, looks like malware.
Use the App and Play Store links
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caustic-editor-for-volca-sample/id949331370
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.singlecellsoftware.kvsampler&hl=en
Highly recommend the key step. Everyone uses it because for 120 bucks you can’t get better — arp, sequence and decent keybed.
If you are strapped for cash, I bought this too and its outstanding for 21.99. I use it for my nts-1 and my key step for other synths.
Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard for Wii and WiiU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RS19XE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_z7sqFb220TBPF
Hosa YMP-137 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TSF Stereo Breakout Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O5E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_A0niFbNB4RPTW
Is this what im looking for?
Or this?
Hosa YMP-137 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4" TSF Stereo Breakout Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O5E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_A0niFbNB4RPTW
Yes, you can do this, but you’ll need two adapters. One to switch from Center Negative to Center Positive, then another adapter to change the size to match the Volca jack.
1-Spot makes an adapter for the negative to positive conversion, and you should be able to search Amazon for a 2.1mm to 1.7mm adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D49WQ7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mmgsFb9DS391Y
Another option is the M-Track. It's basically the same thing as the Alesis above but a teensy bit cheaper.
For software, you can also try reaper as a DAW, which is free for 60 days and then only costs 60 bucks to license. It comes with a bunch of compressors, which is helpful for the Sample. That's how I've been recording these tracks.
Ouch, you just missed the Buy 2 get 1 free sale (if you're in the US)... That was the only reason I bought a Volca Mix.
If you wanted to connect just the two Volcas without the MicroKorg, you should be able to run them both to the Minifuse 2:
Pan each channel of the Sample to hard left. Turn the Reverb to 100% dry.
Use 3.5mm to 1/4" (6.35mm) TS (mono) cables to connect each Volca to one input of the Minifuse. Alternately, use 3.5mm TRS to dual 1/4" TS and leave the right channel of each one unplugged. (Plugging a stereo output to a balanced input will give you a quiet, noise-filled signal.)
If you want to use the Volca Mix with the MicroKorg, a couple things to note:
MicroKorg and Volca Sample both have stereo output, but Volca Mix only has one stereo input. So you'd lose the stereo effects from one of those two.
I don't have a MicroKorg, I have the Monologue which has the same power connector and voltage rating as the Volcas and MicroKorg, and the Volca Mix will not power it. So I doubt it will power the MicroKorg, you'll have to connect that separately or run it on battery.
Others have discussed the pros and cons of the Volca Mix already, so I'll skip that part. I'll just add that I have one of these and it's cheap, well built and works very well as a simple mixer.
You can find lots of cables that go from a stereo 1/8th to two mono 1/4inch - I'm in Canada but this is what I use from Amazon:
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This works for any of the fake stereo volcas as well if going into a mixer or interface (eg. Volca Keys). Gets rid of the hiss problem a lot of people have.
I have 3 of these for my 6 Volcas and they are dirt cheap.
No it isn't the Volca mixer. It has more channels and was more useful for my needs. Let me see if I have a link for it.
https://www.amazon.com/Moukey-MK0150-RD-FR-Ultra-Low-Noise-8-Channel/dp/B08BCFXSBV
I do have pedals, but I don't know if I have a ton to trade. Do you want to hit me with an offer for the bundle without the Modular?
I use something simple like this Moukey. It works fine to tie my synths/drum machine/guitar together. It doesn't have any equalizer type of adjustment.
This is the brand https://www.amazon.com/Sequenz-Volca-Rack-Stand-2x2/dp/B07RWJGZ4R/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3006B33EK6IEC&keywords=sequenz&qid=1655759097&sprefix=sequenz%2Caps%2C289&sr=8-3, but weirdly I can't find that 3x4 rack anywhere anymore...maybe im luck to get that early before they sold out?
I haven't used mine in a few months, but from what I remember, I had to avoid TRS cables. TS cables fixed the problem.
I have my Volcas connected to my Scarlett with these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068O3I/
This is your cable. I bought these when I ran into the same issue with my FM and Sample:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068O3F
Had initially purchased these but they behaved as you described so I had to buy the first ones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08233VCKK
I have two of theseand I cut the foam in each of them . They hold 3 volcas each .
Find yourself something like this, either online or at a hardware store. You can cut the foam inside to fit the Volcas, and there are all those pockets for patch cords and batteries. I have two of them, one for my Korg Monologue, and one for Volcas and POs.
Hi. The JTech digital audio extractor is for getting the sound out of an HDMI signal, in other words a video signal such as from a PC or a Blu-Ray player. What you need to get the sound of the Volca Drum into the PC is an audio interface. There are lots of choices available, and the price generally depends on how many inputs the interface has, in other words, how many instruments you want to connect through it. A basic audio interface would be something like this or this.
A Moukey MAMX1 will let you mix four stereo channels down to one. Very cheap and very small.
Maker hart Just Mixer S - 3 Channel 3.5mm Stereo Input/Output Mini Audio Mixer Battery/USB Powered Portable Pocket Audio Mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0824Q3WY8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_A192NPK2CX06RGEQPYTW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this for my volcas
You shouldn't though, inputs should be isolated from each other with a resistor at least.
This should work well if your stereo has enough gain:
https://smile.amazon.com/myVolts-mickXer-5-way-Passive-Filtering/dp/B07XTBZZCB
For headphones or lower-powered sound systems, though, you might need a powered one, this is what I use:
https://smile.amazon.com/Moukey-Low-Noise-Sub-Mixing-Microphones-Mixer-MAMX1/dp/B08393DLGV
That's good to hear it will work, thanks so much! I'm gonna have to learn to understand how MIDI data communicates, and where to set those options lol. I ended up getting this 4 way MIDI splitter to give it a test run. I feel more confident it'll work as intended now.
My initial hesitation came from if it was possible after reason some reviews of some MIDI splitter cables (probably just low quality ones not capable of transmitting that much data), and then my confusion set in when I wasn't sure if I'd be able to play each individually - purely my own lack of knowledge here.
Thanks so much for your insights! It's been super helpful
If you only want to split to 2 devices, just use a midi y splitter cable like this:
SinLoon DIN 5-Pin Splitter Y Adapter MIDI Cable, MIDI 5 Pin Male to Dual 2 x DIN-5 Female Extension Audio Cable (D5P M-2F,0.5meter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3RH5GI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_8FDF8CQBTSGWTTV669GR
I use one just like that (with 2 standard midi cables also) and it works great.
If you want to split to more than 2 then you need something like the quadrathru, which is a lot more expensive. Or a DIY solution like Deftaudio kits (soldering required)
I have exactly the same problem as OP. Could anyone direct me/us to some way I/we can test the pin connectivity with a multimeter?
This is the cable I have, and a couple of the reviews state that it works with the NTS-1, but I'd like to be more sure than I can be from two Amazon reviews.
The controller I'm now using is a Behringer Swing, which works fine controlling my Volcas.
Something like this.
Since running multiple Volcas from the same power source, they will have common ground, resulting in a lot of noise. These isolators isolate the ground to a new one.
I use this thing from amazon and for the price i couldn't be happier ! It doesn't seem to add any noise and I can hear all my stuff I plug into it perfectly. It doesn't have any bells and whistles but I pretty much just wanted it so i can hear everything i got syncd going at once. I got a line level splitter thing and was disappointed because it cut the volume and then sometimes it would just sound like ass so i ended up trying this thing out.
Hope that helps!
SinLoon DIN 5-Pin Splitter Y Adapter MIDI Cable, MIDI 5 Pin Male to Dual 2 x DIN-5 Female Extension Audio Cable (D5P M-2F,0.5meter) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3RH5GI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_VWZ032W6ZM7J8AGQ1B8Q
That type of MIDI splitter plus 2 standard 5 pin MIDI cables (1ft recommended) is the missing hardware you need.
Beyond that, you just need to set matching MIDI channels between the Volcas and the MIDI tracks on the Circuit Tracks.
Components are cheap, and you can buy a decent soldering iron for the price of a bottle of mid-tier whiskey. The ability to solder and do some light troubleshooting also helps if you need to repair or modify your equipment (I added midi out to my Volca Keys).
Otherwise, if you just need a small passive mixer, you can find one on Amazon for the price of a cheap soldering iron.
Moukey make some neat little mixers in various sizes. USB powered, cheap, with stereo jacks. I have the MAMX-1 - 4 switchable mono/stereo inputs and stereo out.
Hey thanks! And ehhhh good question. I think it was one from this pack that I tweaked a bit.
Effects wise there's not a lot going on the Volca, just some big deep reverb.
I think a Y-splitter like this one would work. Getting an interface is a good option as well though.
This is the tubing I bought for this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPV94K9?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1
I have the Orzly Carry Case for Switch and Switch OLED.
It's a perfect and cheap solution for transporting your Volca. In Canada, Amazon has it for CAND 20 and in various colors.
Here's a photo montage of Volca Keys, DC power adapter (e.g. KORG KA350) and a 1/8 audio cable fit in snug and tight.
I have the Orzly Carry Case for Switch and Switch OLED.
It's a perfect and cheap solution for transporting your Volca. In Canada, Amazon has it for CAND 20 and in various colors.
Here's a photo montage of Volca Keys, DC power adapter (e.g. KORG KA350) and a 1/8 audio cable fit in snug and tight.
I use a 'cheap and cheerful' mini audio mixer to connect multiple desktop sound sources. Mine is an 8-channel and you can switch input pairs to stereo or as two separate mono. Seems like they now only have 4- and 6- channel models listed and no 8-channel. Conveniently powered by micro-USB.
https://www.amazon.ca/Moukey-Low-Noise-Sub-Mixing-Microphones-Mixer-MAMX1/dp/B08BBXK8CY/ref=sr\_1\_6?keywords=Moukey%2BMini%2BAudio%2BMixer&qid=1636641332&sr=8-6&th=1
You want to get this number as low as possible without your computer struggling to keep up.
Play with the buffer size, and get it as low as you can without hearing clipping/distortion, which is a sign you might've gone too low. The more plugins/tracks you're running, the higher this number needs to be, and the more latency (time between pressing something and hearing sound) you'll get*. You should be able to get it pretty low with something built for gaming.
Not sure about number 2 – a recording might help people with that diagnosis.
(*I'm on Mac, but last time I was on PC, a lot of people managed to get their latency a lot lower by using ASIO4ALL rather than their default soundcard.)
Might be a mono versus stereo thing. The Sample outputs stereo, but most pedals only do mono. So try using a stereo to dual-mono adapter, then plug in only one of the mono leads (left) to the pedal, and leave the other (right) unplugged. So a cable like this, or adapters that achieve the same thing:
https://www.amazon.com/Tisino-Stereo-Y-Splitter-Cable-Breakout/dp/B07K58VX13
If you want to connect both something like the Belkin Rockstar 5-Jack works well as a passive mixer.
Yea this is an issue with the Volcas BUT there is hope!
Grab some ground loop isolator to fix this issue!
https://www.amazon.com/JABINCO-Ground-Loop-Noise-Isolator/dp/B08BRSQ7JY
The Vaultz cases are extremely sturdy. I jumped on the Vaultz train for the Volcas, but use them for many other things now too (mics, recording devices). Very much suitable for travel in a bag.
https://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Locking-Supply-Tactical-VZ00192/dp/B00KWN5VZ4/
I have the 6-channel version of this one for my portable setups, and it works really well. It's lightweight and can fit in a packpack no problem. and it's good and cheap.
I have a few volcas, including the Vsample 2 and an UMC404HD. Here's what I did. I used a jack to mini jack converter for the headphone output of the audio interface for my speaker, and a female 1/8 trs to dual 1/4 ts cable for the audio input of the interface,this one At first I simply used another single jack to mini jack for the audio input on my audio interface, since I record in mono but that didnt work very well, sound quality was shit, didnt know why, so I asked reddit about it, here's the thread if you wanna know. I only plug one of the 2 1/4 ts into the UMC404HD so I can have 4 input, you can do the same and have 2 mono inputs, or plug both and have 1 stereo output.
It was cheap, had 4 channels and came with a funky delay fx for “free”: Mini 8 Channels Metal Mono Stereo Audio Sound Reverberation Mixer with Power Adapter Cable Low Noise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RK1HGZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8M2NB8VWFMYF7NN8C0BV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’m using this m audio midi. in and out. https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-UNO/dp/B00007JRBM Already ordered a totally standard cable (midi in/out)
I have tried usb to phone charger and usb 3.0 laptop for power.
Maybe it’s just the midi cable. Midi in on volca and out on keystep
Here's a pedal case that looks pretty decent:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00F3DE42E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_M81P18MMKBXKSAJDYMCH
I've seen people use rifle cases as well.
If you want a single battery to power everything in the case, I highly recommend this one:
No, it says on that product description:
" This only used as a mono (output) to stereo (input) connect, if it used as a stereo (output) to mono (input), this could burnout the stereo output stage of the device. "
So don't use this one.
You want to use a 1/8 stereo to dual mono cable, like this https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Splitter-Compatible-Computer-Multimedia/dp/B00ZKM3S4S/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=1%2F8+stereo+to+1%2F4+dual+mono&qid=1618414948&sr=8-4
You can probably find a cheaper one. Just leave one of the 1/4 jacks unplugged. As weird as it sounds, that's how to run a volca into a mono input.
Pretty sure the volcas are stereo outs (though its the same mono signal in both channels). Something like this should do the trick:
I’ve got one of these for an MPC ONE, something like this is good mixers, but it is limited on forward tilt in the case of using it high. I find it perfect for the mpc.
You should consider getting a ground loop noise isolator like this.
I bought a 28$ mixer
FIFINE Ultra Low-Noise 4-Channel Line Mixer for Sub-Mixing,4 Stereo Channel Mini Audio Mixer with AC adapter.Ideal for Small Club or Bar. As Microphon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDN6Z83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MPFEmenHGMgUk
And a 25$ "karaoke" microphone that has audio through. It's not on sale right now though :
Studio Recording Microphone, ZealSound Condenser Broadcast Microphone w/Stand Built-in Sound Card Echo Recording Karaoke Singing for Phone Computer PC Garageband Smule Live Stream & YouTube (Gold) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078W69PRJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_zsB-FbBDJDBV5
I run the mixer out into microphone (audio jack to mini USB prided with mic) and run the mic's output (aux) into iphone/iPad.
On the cheap! Sounds good enough for videos.
Copy that.
I used these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQ9BLLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The center is snug but the outer is a bit loose but not enough to impede the flow of electrons. My units are being installed on a pedalboard with velcro and will not be moved individually so I can secure the cable so they don't stress the PCB.
In transit I can remove the cables and plug them in easily while setting up. All my cables are meticulously labeled so I can unplug the few that I want to for transit without losing track. There's still some work to be done so it would to be another few weeks before I would post any pics of videos. The rig is being built around more consumer oriented or "newbie" gear; AKA: "cheap gear".
I think there may be some confusion about sequencing and playing. Sequencing means programming a sequence of events (notes, CC, etc.) and those play when the clock is running. Playing would mean having an external keyboard to input notes in real time.
Since the Volcas already have internal sequencers, I imagine you want a keyboard to control them externally but use their internal sequencers. And you want some kind of scale correction.
I think the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 could fit the bill. It's got an excellent mini-keybed (the same as the Reface), pitch wheel and mod wheel, plus it's got a "jam" mode where you can put what's the scale and all the "wrong" notes will be transposed to a right one in the scale. Plus, since it's a keytar and battery powered, you can just get a table, grab a recorder, a passive mixer, a MIDI splitter, cables and you've got yourself a portable battery-powered jam station.
A cool thing about using the midi thru hub and the SHS-500 is that you could connect via MIDI to all your 4 Volcas and control them separately via different MIDI Channels, which are very easy to switch between in the SHS-500.
There's a lot of behringer hate. But I've had really good luck with them
$115. As you look you will find you can spend a lot more. Bwahahaha
hmmm i’m thinking i’ll just have to suck it up and get an interface then. i know some people see major audiophiles, and i can relate on some level (i like warm sounds, i love my turntable) but how important is quality when it comes to interface hardware? ive never messed with any kind of electric sound before, is it similar to a preamp? something to interpret the sound? this is the cheapest one i found (and cheaper on sweetwater) but i don’t want to invest in shitty hardware if i’m just going to be frustrated with the quality.
You could get a mackie or berenger 8 channel mixer for a decent price on amazon.
youll want your amazon rather than the american one, but something like this.
So, I also really had trouble with audio out from all of my volcas for a while until someone here gave me the link to the VolcaFAQ site, which says this:
The correct cables for connecting your Volcas to a mixer are 3.5mm stereo (TRS) → 1/4″ dual mono jack (TS)
Like this cable here on Amazon.
It kinda stunk for me because I had to buy new cables for each of my Volcas (beats, FM, sample, and bass), but it has been 100% worth it!!!
Also, that VolcaFAQ site has TONS of other great info. Besides this sub it's my go-to whenever I'm trying to figure something out.
Good luck!
Here’s a super simple mixer that will mix up to four inputs down to one. You’ll lose the stereo this way, but it’s a really cheap and easy way to mix your volcas. You’ll also still need an audio interface if you want to record to your computer. But you could get away with a single channel interview face. Again, this would mean losing your stereo image.
AFAIK all Volcas have a female stereo TRS 3.5mm minijack connector, but the signal is not truly stereo, both channels are bridged internally instead. This makes sense for using headphones, but it's not that convenient for taking the signal out into a mixer or audio interface.
The cable that I've seen the most people using has a male stereo minijack (TRS 3.5 mm) on the Volca side and a male mono jack (TS 6.35 mm) on the side that goes into the unbalanced input in your mixer or audio interface. This cable is wired in such a way that the signals from the tip and the ring in the minijack are bridged together and connected to the tip in the jack, while both sleeves are used for grounding and connected directly.
You can find the pro snake on Thomman or Designacable on Amazon.
As the connector in the Volca has its tip and ring already bridged, another option would be a similar cable to the one explained before, but leaving the ring in the minijack unconnected. "Tip to tip" plus "sleeve to sleeve" should just work.
A third option is a regular male stereo minijack (TRS 3.5 mm) to twin male mono jack (TS 6.35 mm), but you will need to leave one of the two 6.35mm jacks unconnected to the mixer or audio interface. Not exactly ideal, but much easier to source from any music gear store.
What will definitely not work is a mono to mono cable. Again, as the connector in the Volca is internally bridged, using a mono connector would connect the ring and the sleeve together and in doing so it would also divert the signal from the tip to the sleeve, which is grounded. Long story short: no audio at all on the other side of the cable.
Really bad suggestion. :\
There's absolutely nothing a Volca Mix will do that a $100 Behringer Xenyx and a $20 Volca power hub (like this) won't do, besides send sync - but since you can't get external sync into the Volca Mix, it's still pretty useless as a master sync, you can just as easily use one of the other Volcas as your master and adjust tempo from that.
Volca Mix:
- $150
- Three inputs (levels / EQ only, no stereo panning)
- Three power inputs
- "Width" (only affects one input, standard stereo widening that you get on any free plugin) and "dynamics" (sidechain compression) effects, three channel send for external FX
- Can send sync to three units, cannot receive external sync
- 3.5mm and RCA outs
Xenyx 802 + MyVolts splitter:
- $90 on Guitar Center's site + $21 from Amazon = $111 total
- Eight inputs (five independent levels, four independent EQs, four independent stereo pannings)
- Five power inputs
- No onboard effects, but four-channel FX send
- 1/4" and RCA outputs
- Cannot send sync, will need to daisy-chain Volcas for sync
I got a very similar mixer yesterday.
I want a mixer with more inputs and features at some point, but this is great for my needs right now. I have two Volcas, and I also play along quite a bit with music from my computer, so that's as many as three inputs right now, and my output is to either the amplifier that goes to my speakers, or to my headphones.
As far as recording, I have the same problem. As a Mac user, I have no audio input. All my inputs are USB-C, and it doesn't appear yet that there is a good solution to just plug in a TRS cable into some sort of inexpensive adapter.
It seems that the usual approach is an "audio interface," which is how guitarists, synth players, and other instrumentalists have been connecting their non-USB instruments to computers for years. This is a little pricey, given that we see it as mostly an adapter.
Another option is recording to a portable recorder that has a line in. Zoom makes some really good self-contained units. You can then transfer the audio to the computer, and I assume it's possible to work that into some sort of real-time workflow.
/u/HaileSelassieII gets it right in another comment in this thread. MIDI doesn't send audio. It only sends musical instruction data. So the main reason the Volcas don't have MIDI out is because it wouldn't do what most people would want. Since the Volca is creating the sound that you want to record, the only way to record that is to send the sound itself, as audio signal. And the only option for that on the Volca is the headphone jack. Some would say that a "line out" jack would be slightly better, but I've found that using a headphone jack as a line out is better than listening to a line out with headphones :)
I use the same simple mixer I got a cheap USB audio interface, plug the headphone out into the interface, real simple and cheap.
Cost $48, there are cheaper options,
Caustic Editor for Volca Sample runs on Android. Haven't used it myself, but hopefully it should do the trick for you :)
Conceptually it should work. Perhaps you do have to go up a tier quality wise. I got https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQBLQC3 for a similar purpose and from the 8 or so I have now they all work. For you, even those 1/4 ones should work to stereorize the output of the pedal, but it's not as elegant - kind of wastes an input on the mixer.
Some of these cheaper ones won't send Sysex. FWIW I have used one from this brand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T28SBCK?pf_rd_r=TG2AAXHXZMBDBH477YQP&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee to do it successfully. The exact product page of the one I bought was missing for some reason, but it looks very similar to this one. Roland makes some $40 that apparently works as well, but if you look around and search reviews you should be able to find one for less than $20 that will work.
I would keep everything mono and then https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-107128-Stereo-Adaptor-Plated/dp/B002N1XMPO in the output.
I like these Hosa cables https://www.amazon.co.uk/HosaTech-CMP-159-3-5mm-Stereo-Breakout/dp/B005HGM1D6
You’ll want to look for the cables guitar players use with pedal power bricks to find multipacks of power cables with right angle barrel connectors. These are the same types of cable included with the Mix but with a right angle on one end. Search around to find shorter lengths.
10 Pack Effects Pedal DC Power... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQV8W0G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You can also use a USB power pack with a 5v to 9v converter cable. Lasts a LONG time and still portable.
KUNCAN 5ft USB 5v to DC 9v Step Up Converter Cable, USB Port Voltage Converter to DC 5.5 x 2.1mm Connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID90E3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KgWeFb6NKVNDV
I had to replace the connector to plug into the Volca....could not find one in the right size.
I have a Bastle Dude. A wonderful human in this very sub sold it to me, and I LOVE IT. Only catch for you is that it only has 5 inputs only one stereo out. For me, it's good, as I don't plan on needing more than 5. But it sounds like you need a proper mixer. Take a look at the Maker Hart?
For a cheap way to sum all signals, use a multi-headphone splitter. You can find cheap 2-packs in many places. Some places also know them as a splitter hub. If you're summing all to one output I personally don't notice any volume difference. Mostly notice difference when there's 1 input and many headphones.
BUT I might add that if you're getting a lot of noise you may be using a bad or incorrect cable. Volcas need a stereo (TRS) 3.5mm cable, so you may want to buy extra of those. Your audio interface shouldn't be the problem if you're hearing low volume or fuzz.
I personally got three different colors from Amazon and use them to hookup some volcas to my Reface CP so I have a battery powered jam station with speakers: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Antrader-Headphone-Splitter-Earphone-Adapterfor/dp/B07DQFD22M/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&ie=UTF8&keywords=headphone%20hub&language=en_US&qid=1594902285&sr=8-7
I used one of the 1/8” jack to USB in for a while before getting a full on interface. Everybody will tell you it’s not good enough, too noisy, etc but honestly at ~$20 it works well enough to get you making music and when you can identify what you don’t like about it you’ll be more informed for what you do want in an interface. If “just spend $100 on a real interface” isn’t an option for you, or you’d rather make music than study gear, I’d give this option a shot and return it to amazon if it doesn’t work for you.
I have fixed my problem.
I was using this "3,5 to midi (male)" got from amazon:
Which i realize that had different internal configuration than "arturia 3,5 to midi ( female) cable" what i found out was that the continuity of the internal cables from the trs tips ends up in different pins in each cable ( arturia vs amazon)
After replacing it by "arturia 3,5 to midi (female)" + "midi (male) to midi (male) cable" my beatstep pro started working and making music in volcas...
Hope this info is useful for anyone...
USB to Midi. Direct from computer to volca fm not through Keystep at all. The Volca FM is the only volca that can receive sysex programs since its based off of the DX7
USB IN-OUT MIDI Cable Converter, LiDiVi Professional Piano Keyboard to PC/Laptop/Mac MIDI Adapter Cord for Home Music Studio - 6.5Ft https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KLC884/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wpVpDbJW63D1B
Don't risk it. It will slowly destroy the gear. Or maybe quickly. Just get an appropriate plugin.
These are great. If you want to be extra cheap you can find a 9v at Goodwill, but then you'll still need an adapter for the size and possibly polarity. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANIEJDW/ref=twister_B01ANOQ0N8?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
I think the general consensus of budget mixers with included FX is that they're not very good. I don't have firsthand experience with the 1202fx, but I'd rather handle the fx separately anyway as I have a lot of pedals. If you want fx, consider looking at one of the Zoom multifx pedals as they're pretty cheap but offer a lot of freedom in what you can do with them.
I have a Dude. I like it and use it with my portable stuff, but if you weren't aware, it's mono only and powered. I were to get another smaller mixer I'd probably go with the Maker Hart Loop Mixer. 5 stereo inputs with a lot more options, and you can stack multiple mixers together should you need more room.
From another newbie, I spent a lot of time weighing strengths and weaknesses of different mixers for the volcas and wound up getting this and I'm really happy with it:
Can do mono and stereo, has a headphone output, cheap, already has all 1/8" jacks so no adapters needed.
lol!
Though to be fair, the word EuroRack in there is a bit of a misnomer and actually looks like a lot of other small mackie-style mixers: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UB1202-Eurorack-Mixer-Inputs/dp/B0002JF5E0
I have a MacBook Air with only one audio jack and have never been able to make it work as an input. I use a cheap usb audio interface like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q9loBbP6X8MXY
I've seen prices like that on other sites. For instance. My only issue is the shipping will likely take much longer than you expect. I ordered a laptop battery from a Chinese seller back in september and still haven't gotten it.
If price is the main concern I'd also suggest buying a used one off reverb.
I definitely will! You do the same. The way I did this one was I just ran the tracks playing into a small mixer I have, then a really simple USB interface i got off of amazon that looks like this:
this track is really simple so it didn't take much, but if you ran like 6 different channels into some simple interface like that it might muddy it.
I record most of my tracks into either logic or I use the recording feature on my op-1.
I'd really like to get more into abelton, becuase I think it would really help with workflow, but I have such a mental block on learning it. I'm used to the garageband/logic interface setup.
I got one of these for my volcas:
room to expand, uses only 3.5mm patch cables.
Remember, the volcas require a stereo 3.5mm plug, despite outputting a mono signal.
so don't forget some of these:
This one will, but you can also get something like this that breaks it out into left and right mono 1/4 plugs
Third the keystep. Not sure what is meant by reliance on DAW. Keystep plugs directly into Volcas. The only con to the keystep for my setup is that it requires USB power source. For that, just get a $10 rechargeable USB phone charger.
I have my keystep midi out going into a midi thru box https://www.amazon.com/MIDI-Solutions-Quadra-4-Output-Thru/dp/B0002GH8X4 The midi thru box plugs into each Volca and I can choose which gets Volca gets played by selecting the midi channel on the keystep. It's been working out great.