Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $143
Budget/Beginner
$249
$700+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your creativity with the Korg Volca Sample Digital Sample Sequencer, an innovative tool designed for music enthusiasts and professionals alike. This compact musical powerhouse is loaded with 100 built-in samples, providing an endless source of inspiration. The accompanying AudioPocket iOS app enables you to customize your sound palette by uploading your own samples and noises. With a diverse range of controls, you can experiment with pitch, reverse effects, swing, and decay to craft your unique sound. Plus, its compatibility with other Volca and Electribe series gear makes it a versatile addition to any studio or live setup.
Key Features:
- 100 built-in samples for a wide array of sounds
- AudioPocket iOS app for custom sound creation
- Comprehensive controls for pitch, reverse effects, swing, and decay
- Compatible with other Volca and Electribe series gear
- Compact design ideal for both studio and live setups
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Volca Sample Digital Sampler & Sequencer |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Samplers, Sequencers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
-
What is the primary function of the Korg Volca Sample?
-
The Korg Volca Sample is a digital sample sequencer that allows you to edit and sequence up to 100 sample sounds in real time, making it ideal for dynamic live performances.
-
How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Volca Sample offer?
-
The Korg Volca Sample provides 8 voices of polyphony, allowing multiple samples to be played simultaneously for rich and complex soundscapes.
-
Can the Korg Volca Sample be integrated with other MIDI devices?
-
Yes, the Korg Volca Sample features a MIDI input, enabling it to be easily integrated with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and performance options.
-
What kind of sound quality can I expect from the Korg Volca Sample?
-
The Korg Volca Sample uses a 31.25 kHz, 16-bit sampling architecture, which offers a unique sonic character that's slightly lower in resolution than CD-quality, adding a distinct texture to your samples.
-
Is the Korg Volca Sample suitable for creating full songs?
-
Yes, the Korg Volca Sample includes a Song mode that allows you to save up to six song patterns, each combining up to 16 sequences, making it suitable for creating complete musical pieces.
Videos
Red Means Recording
Volca Sample: Beats From Scratch (Part 1)
Volca Sample: Beats From Scratch (Part 1)
Red Means Recording
Korg Volca Sample Review
sonicstate
Why exactly people love the Volca Sample? | Complete review/tutorial (+ tips)
Woochia - Charly Sauret
1 Volca Sample - Getting Started, using Live Record mode
minimal.camera
KORG Volca Sample Full Tutorial
Simon Guitar
Korg Volca Sample Demo
Perfect Circuit
Reviews
PROS
-
Fun and easy to learn, especially for those familiar with Korg Volcas
-
Versatile for various music genres, from lo-fi hip hop to modern house
-
Compact and durable design, with good knob placement for usability
-
Built-in speaker and battery power offer portability for music making on the go
-
Intuitive step sequencer and real-time manipulation of samples
-
Loaded with 99 useful presets and two analog filters for tonal warmth
-
Supports uploading your own samples for personalized sound palettes
-
Encourages quick composition and idea exploration
-
Offers a cost-effective introduction to electronic music production
-
Compatible with mobile and desktop apps for sample management
CONS
-
Original model's sample import via Sync-in port is finicky
-
Lacks MIDI OUT, limiting integration with other gear
-
Only equipped with a 3.5mm jack, requiring adapters for standard audio cables
-
Memory limited to 4MB, with a maximum sample length of ~65 seconds
-
Sample uploading process can be complicated and tedious for beginners
-
Built quality feels less robust due to plastic construction
-
16 step sequencer might be insufficient for complex patterns
-
Requires an external device to load new samples into the unit
-
No built-in resampling or effects beyond reverb
-
Some included samples may not suit all musical tastes
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Volca Sample.
Features and functionality
-
The Volca Sample v2 offers USB connectivity and double the memory compared to the original, enhancing ease of use and storage capacity.
Source -
The Volca Sample 2 can receive MIDI notes on channel 1, C2-Bb2, corresponding to 10 different samples, but lacks a multi-sample map mode.
Source -
The Volca Sample 2 stores samples in numbered slots, allowing users to save patterns with specific sample assignments across 16 patterns.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
The Pajen alternative firmware allows the original Volca Sample to play samples chromatically and polyphonically, enhancing its musical versatility.
Source -
Pajen's firmware for the Volca Sample V1 allows polyphonic sample playback, which can be creatively used with a MIDI keyboard for chord progressions.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
-
Some users recommend considering alternatives like the Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 or a used MPC for more comprehensive sampling and sequencing capabilities.
Source -
The Elektron Model:Samples, though more expensive, offers more modulation options and user-friendly parameter controls than the Volca Sample 2.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Volca Sample shines for sequencing one-shot samples, particularly with a Roland x0x-style sequencer, appealing to those seeking a simple hardware drum machine.
Source -
One owner effectively designates Volca Sample V1 for drum duties and V2 for melodic samples, leveraging the unique strengths of each model.
Source -
Ideal for one-shot sample playback rather than longer samples due to limited memory and a 32kHz sample rate.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
Loading samples on the Volca Sample v2 via USB is easier and faster compared to the original's audio transfer method.
Source -
Vosyr is recommended for managing samples on the Volca Sample V1, but ensure no audio enhancements are active on your computer's headphone output during transfers.
Source -
It’s noted that Korg software often faces issues on Windows; installing all necessary Korg drivers might help with setup.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 13 Reviews and 142 Ratings
200
sample playtime
This is a machine with great possibilities for this price. I had to develop a Retrokits RK-002 cable ( http://www.retrokits.com/rk002 ) to get it to play samples from a single midi channel but apart from that this thing is ace!
2049
Cool toy for doing live act
Haven't used much in the show room, but I aim to use it for live act. You can also swap the samples with an unofficial utility program on Windows and Android as well. No need to use iPhone.
Artist usage
Add artist
On Description of 'Korg funk 5' , Volca Sample is mentioned.
It can be spotted in the centre of the picture.
During Stimming's Alpe Lusia album launch at Phonica Records, he was seen using the Korg Volca Sample, as captured in a video by Phonica Records.
In A. G. Cook's Arte TRACKS Interview, on top of the Fender amp is a small white box. On the 'box', 2 knobs on the left & 3 smaller knobs on the right can be seen.
This means that he's using the volca sample from Korg. The 2 knobs on the left are analog isolators & the 3 smaller are swing, reverb, and volume knobs.
.jpg)
"shponglemusicNew toys ???? Tonight at Granada Theater in Dallas.... #Shpongletron"
Seen just above and just the left of the two white Moog pedals.
Leftfield uses the Korg Volca Sample, as shown in a post on their official Facebook page.
They use the Volca Sample in the whole video.
In an Instagram post, Joseph Capriati is seen with the Korg Volca Sample, highlighting its role in his studio setup.
funkagenda Integrated a Volca Sample into his modular setup...
Album Usage
The Korg Volca Sample has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Volca Sample, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783231518)
-s.webp?v=1783177028)
-s.webp?v=1783177092)
Community setups
Show yours
Similar
Add recommendation3 alternative and related items for Korg Volca Sample, curated by the Equipboard community.
$129.97 - $149.99
It's the newer version of the Korg Sample. The storage has been upgraded, and the major upgrade of the Korg Volca 2 is a USB-Micro connector, for managing samples more easily (even though an USB-C would've been better).
$79.99 - $99.00
I would recommend the Korg Volca if you already have an analog setup (that cost a lot of money (so if you don't have this money, you should get with just a bunch of MIDI equipment, and a DAW software)). Else, if you just want to play music just for fun, you can go ahead and take a Volca. But you should consider the Pocket Operator PO-33, that is also a cheap portable sampler, with which you can have fun, even though the Korg Volca Sample will get you tons more options.
$225.00 - $459.99
The Korg Electribe Sampler is a major upgrade from a Korg Volca Sample. On themselves, the Korg Volca Sample have up to 10 voices, and store up to 160 steps (over 10 sequences), while the Korg Electribe Sampler have 24 voices with 16.000 steps (over 250 sequences). You can connect your Korg Electribe Sample to a DAW, and make a full song out of that. On the other hand, the Korg Volca Sample is super portable, you can bring it everywhere. To conclude with, we can say that the Korg Electribe and Korg Volca can be complementary.
More Korg Audio Samplers
$220.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$225.00 - $478.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$89.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$220.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
.jpg?v=1782612968)
$16.99 - $225.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$177.07
in Audio Samplers Rank
$129.97 - $149.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
$225.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$140.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$598.87 - $999.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
$293.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
-m.webp?v=1783264110)
$1,467.61 - $1,799.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
.jpg?v=1783110493)
$445.00 - $499.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
$72.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
-m.webp?v=1783177011)
$298.54
in Audio Samplers Rank
$425.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
.jpg?v=1782938947)
$599.99 - $689.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
$284.00 - $349.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$240.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$225.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$179.12
in Audio Samplers Rank
$599.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$450.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$406.01
in Audio Samplers Rank
$2,429.00 - $3,099.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$417.95
in Audio Samplers Rank
$625.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$235.63
in Audio Samplers Rank
$584.10 - $699.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$377.00 - $507.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
in Audio Samplers Rank
$692.61
in Audio Samplers Rank
$1,000.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$800.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$1,313.57
in Audio Samplers Rank
.jpg?v=1782915672)
$400.00
in Audio Samplers Rank
$25.00 - $2,099.99
in Audio Samplers Rank
Gear Guides
Most Popular Audio Samplers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
adamfiregateGear IQ 2049
-
