Fast answer
Match the MIDI channel and enable MIDI RX ShortMessage. A playing internal sequence proves neither that the sender is on the right channel nor that incoming note messages are enabled.
Try these checks
- Connect the controller’s MIDI OUT to the volca’s MIDI IN and match their MIDI channels.
- Hold FUNC while powering on; make step 7 lit to enable MIDI RX ShortMessage.
- Press REC to save and restart, then send a single note on the selected MIDI channel.
Diagnose it
Is global step 7 lit?
Yes: Check the sender’s channel and note output.
No: Enable step 7 and save with REC.
What should happen
Valid note messages on the selected channel can reach the sound engine.
Why this happens
MIDI channel selection and the short-message receive switch both affect incoming notes.
If it still doesn’t work
Check the connections and settings described above. If your device behaves differently, email us with its model, firmware version and the steps you tried.
All volca bass fixesReferences
Sources & review
Sources reviewed: . Documentation does not replace a physical hardware test.
- volca bass Owner’s Manual · Korg · EFGSCJ4 multilingual sheet, English panel · last checked 2026-10-03
Sections reviewed: English panel: MIDI IN, Specifying the MIDI channel, global parameter 7.