Small synths

[tiny_tove]

I have Volca Keys and I have recently purchased the Volca Bass.

Volca Keys is VERY good for the price. If you are a Korg addict as I am you cannot miss it and it does what it says. Very warm sound in my opinion.
Volca Bass, I have only tested it once and passing it through the Meat Box with a decent bass amplifier it tears down walls. Loved the filters, yet I still have to learn how to program it (which is usually a problem for me since I am a retard). Several people mentioned that it was as exciting as the more expensive (and solid) Moog Minitaur, but I haven't tried that. If you want I can post some rough material I have recorded with both.

[Andrew McIntosh]

Looking at the video examples, it seems to me the Volca Bass could be very useful for some decent, heavy throbs and pulses. Would that be correct? Because, if so, they're quite cheap down here and I might be inclined.

[tiny_tove]

Yes!
exactly. I am going to reharsal tonight and will carry it with me. If you want I can upload some tests during the week end.

[Andrew McIntosh]

I'm happy to take your word for it, but let us know how the tests go.

[D. Davis]

I wouldn't mind hearing the test runs - if you care to upload. My band has used both the Beats and Keys somewhat sparsely in a few recordings...and for the price they really can't be beat.

[martialgodmask]

I wouldn't mind hearing the test runs - if you care to upload.

Seconded, if convenient.

[tiny_tove]

recorded some stuff, nothing fancy but I think it gives a rough idea.
I must say it is very good for structured repetitive parts, German style and for drones... I have to learn to program it so i used only the factory set ups, mangling filters and pots.
I will post everything between tonight and Sunday.

[F_c_O]

These three videos should give you some idea about volca bass, or at least I made my decision to get them based on these videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxF4oANrzSk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZytLbaWIWY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzV-gMGNrY0

I might also record some footage of my personal recording session with them at some point in near future. Dont expect good quality footage/sound though because I can record video only on crappy cell phone but I think that it should be enough to give some idea of its capabilities in making noise, or at least in the way I am using them to make noise.

[martialgodmask]

recorded some stuff, nothing fancy but I think it gives a rough idea.
I must say it is very good for structured repetitive parts, German style and for drones... I have to learn to program it so i used only the factory set ups, mangling filters and pots.
I will post everything between tonight and Sunday.

Great, interested to hear! As is often the case I find, it's very difficult to find gear used in the way I would want it.

These three videos should give you some idea about volca bass, or at least I made my decision to get them based on these videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxF4oANrzSk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZytLbaWIWY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzV-gMGNrY0

I might also record some footage of my personal recording session with them at some point in near future. Dont expect good quality footage/sound though because I can record video only on crappy cell phone but I think that it should be enough to give some idea of its capabilities in making noise, or at least in the way I am using them to make noise.

Despite my comment above, watched these last night and found them very interesting. I can't afford another synth but I sure like the look of it.

[Andrew McIntosh]

at least I made my decision to get them based on these videos.

As have I. For a paltry two hundred this is pretty much what I was thinking of - throbs and pulses - and putting that through an effects unit or blasting through an amp could be just what I want. It's also tempting me to get the Keys version too a few pay packets down the road.

[tiny_tove]

So this is a first test improvisation with brand new volca beats that I have bought on Saturday. I was unimpressed by the demo, but once I played with it at the local Korg dealer I had to buy it.
These are just some loops (not much evolution) , I have organized them in snippets just to have a rough idea and using the standard tracks, I have to learn how to program my own ones.
Now also volca bass is up.

https://soundcloud.com/wertham/

[martialgodmask]

So this is a first test improvisation with brand new volca beats that I have bought on Saturday. I was unimpressed by the demo, but once I played with it at the local Korg dealer I had to buy it.
These are just some loops (not much evolution) , I have organized them in snippets just to have a rough idea and using the standard tracks, I have to learn how to record mz own ones. Bass will follow next.

Now also volca bass is up.

https://soundcloud.com/wertham/

Thank you!

[Andrew McIntosh]

Took possession of mine this morning. Have to say, played raw through the amp it gave a very satisfying low, grinding sound that impressed me. Perhaps not as full as a more regular sized synthesiser, but certainly heavy and intense. The functions seemed easy enough to use and I liked how the vco's tended to try to shoulder each other out of the way when I adjusted the pitch on each - fiddling with the rate knob on the lfo there's a possibility for some harshness. Some good pulsing straight up just with the lfo. Didn't try the sequencing yet, just wanted to hear if it sounded adequate, and it does, through the amp at least - even had to turn the bass down a bit. I'd say with the right effects and a bit of practice this thing will be more than adequate for my needs. The misgivings I have are the headphone sized jack and, as always with keyboard synths, the lack of a hold function. Things I can get around, but still. Anyway, thanks Martin for reminding us of these instruments, and thanks Marco and F_c_O for the input.

[tiny_tove]

yes the lack of a hold function is a bummer :/

[Cementimental]

Recently got a battered original DS and a the Korg DS-10 cart cheap on ebay. About as small a 'name-brand' synth as you could hope for, albeit really a softsynth of course. :) Seems really promising for noise! Interesting sound which suits Cementimental, nice combination of 'analog' synth sounds and chipmusic low-fi grit possibilities.