KVR Audio

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:12 pm

I have a question regarding the recording of the Korg Volca Beats. I have no mixer, just a PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL and it has 2 instrument/mic inputs. What I want to do is record (either live or sequenced through the MIDI In) it into my DAW; what kind of cables will I need? I read about its dual mono output and the problems people were having with it.

Do I understand correctly, that the Volca Beats outputs line level signal? If so I think I would need a DI box to convert the line level signal to instrument level. Thanks.

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:16 pm

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:18 pm

First thing to note, MIDI does not do audio. MIDI just tells the Volca what notes to play. The audio comes from the dual mono 3.5mm jack.

To connect you need to:
- MIDI out from audio interface to Volca in
- audio out from Volca to audio interface instrument in (using a 3.5mm stereo to 6.35mm dual mono cable)

And no, no DI box is required.

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:51 pm

Reading this made me think I would need a DI box: http://support.presonus.com/entries/215 ... -or-22VSL-

So does the Volca output instrument level audio? What about the TR/TRS cables, will I need to pay attention to that as well?

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:02 pm

I'm wrong on that then. Seems a DI is required. That's incredibly unusual.

That said they are cheap. A Behringer one can be had for around £20.

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:04 pm

http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_di100_ultra_di.htm

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:39 pm

Ah, I see. For the DI I will need just a mono instrument/guitar cable and the signal flow will then be:
Volca Beats -> 3.5mm stereo - 6.3mm dual mono cable (are these the "Y-cables"? Can you post a Thomann link to that please?) -> DI (what about Millenium DI-E?) -> Instrument mono cable -> Input of AudioBox.

Never thought it would be complicated to connect a drum machine...but good thing is I am learning about hardware.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:05 pm

Maybe get an audio interface with a line level input? The Presonus is the only interface I've seen without one.

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:09 pm

thecontrolcentre wrote:Maybe get an audio interface with a line level input? The Presonus is the only interface I've seen without one.

I have to agree with this. Will save you lots of hassle later.

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:26 pm

Yeah, that sounds about right. Will the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 do; slightly offtopic: are they good with supporting new OS releases?

The thing I really don't get is cables. I am reading up on TR vs. TRS right now. When you say I need a 3.5mm stereo to 6.3mm dual mono cable, does that mean that the 6.3mm is actually 2 cables (Y-cable)? If so, that would use up 2 inputs on my interface...

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:41 pm

Mono out of the Volca to mono in on an interface requires a simple 1/4 inch mono to mono cable (unless the Volca has a "mini jack" 1/8 inch output (?)

Mushy Mushy · Post by **Mushy Mushy** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:45 pm

thecontrolcentre wrote:Mono out of the Volca to mono in on an interface requires a simple 1/4 inch mono to mono cable (unless the Volca has a "mini jack" 1/8 inch output (?)

The problem is the Volca uses an 1/8" stereo out jack.

The OP will therefore require a stereo 1/8" to dual 1/4" mono.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 3:10 pm

How are you listening to the Volca now?

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 3:51 pm

I don't. I want to buy one including cables and seems like a new interface.

alexejm · Post by **alexejm** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 4:06 pm

Is this the right cable for the Volca? http://www.thomann.de/gb/cordial_cfy_6_wpp.htm

Connecting and recording Korg Volca Beats