Korg drumlogue Quickstart Guide

The Korg drumlogue is a powerful drum machine in your arsenal, so in this guide, we will walk you through how to register, set up, and use it for the first time. This article only scratches the surface, so check out the drumlogue Owner’s Manual for more information! Follow the sections below to get started.

1. Register the drumlogue
2. Korg drumlogue Connections
3. drumlogue Power Sequence
   • Power On
   • Power Off
4. Creating a Pattern

Register the drumlogue

While it’s always exciting to plug in your new gear and start playing, you must first register the drumlogue with Korg. You will receive an extended warranty if you register the drumlogue within 90 days of purchase. Keep your Sweetwater invoice handy; you’ll need to provide some information during the registration process.

1. Go to the Korg account login page and enter your Korg account information. You will be prompted to enter a password if you don’t have a Korg account.
2. Korg will send you an account confirmation email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox!
3. Once you’re logged in, click Register a Product. On the next page, enter the necessary information, including the serial number, the purchase date, and the place of purchase (Sweetwater).
4. Click Save to finish the registration process.

Update the Firmware

After registering your drumlogue, it is important to update the firmware! Korg periodically releases firmware that addresses bugs and adds new features to the device. Check out our firmware instruction page to learn how to update your drumlogue!

Korg drumlogue Firmware Update Guide

Korg drumlogue Connections

The Korg drumlogue has plenty of connections that allow you to integrate it with external sound modules, sequencers, and audio players.

USB

• The USB to Device port is for connecting MIDI devices to receive MIDI data. Please note this port is only for receiving MIDI data.
• The USB to Host port is for sending MIDI data to your computer.

MIDI

• Connect traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI cables to transmit and receive MIDI data or to use an external device.

Sync

• Use the SYNC IN/OUT jacks to connect to Korg Volca products and to sync steps and output pulses.
• The SYNC OUT jack provides a 15ms long, 5v pulse at the beginning of a step. Make sure to use mini stereo cables for this connection!

Audio IN/OUT

• The AUDIO IN jack is for connecting to external audio sources.
• AUDIO OUT 1–4 are independent audio outputs separate from the Main outputs. This allows you to assign specific parts to the individual outputs without affecting the overall mix.
• Connect 1/4-inch TRS cables from the Audio L(MONO)/R to external audio sources like mixers, audio interfaces, and speakers.

drumlogue Power Sequence

Korg recommends following a specific power-up sequence so you get the best experience. Following the sequence improperly may shorten your speakers’ lifespans and potentially the drumlogue itself. Follow these steps for the proper power-up sequence.

Power On

1. With the drumlogue’s volume turned down and all connected external devices and speakers turned off, press and hold the POWER button until you see the drumlogue logo display.
2. Once powered on, turn on your external devices and speakers, then slowly turn up the speakers and drumlogue until it’s at a comfortable listening level.

Power Off

1. Turn down the volume on your speakers and drumlogue, then power off the external devices and speakers.
2. Press and hold the POWER button on the drumlogue, then wait until the display turns off.
   • Wait at least 10 seconds before powering the device back on.

Auto Power Off

The Korg drumlogue has an auto power-off feature that will turn off the device after four hours of not turning any knobs, changing settings, etc. By default, Auto Power Off is enabled. If you wish, you can turn the feature off.

1. Press and hold the SHIFT button and press LIVE to enter the Global Settings.
2. Press the DELAY button to enter the Hardware (HW) Settings.
   • You can also switch between pages using the PAGE UP/DOWN buttons.
3. Turn the second parameter encoder (beneath the display) to select OFF.
4. Press the LIVE button to exit the Global Settings menu. Any changes made in Global Settings will be saved automatically.

Creating a Pattern

You can store 128 kits and programs over 16 banks. Programs contain the kit, parameters, effects, rhythmic patterns, etc. Let’s create a pattern from scratch to get you up and running.

1. Select a Program by pressing SELECT, then use functions (F) 1 and 4 encoders. For this article, select Program E1.
   • If you want to clear the pattern, hold SHIFT and press CLEAR ALL (step 15 button). You can undo this by pressing the CLEAR ALL button again.
2. Press LIVE.
3. By default, each pattern is 16 steps long. To change the length of a pattern, press and hold SHIFT and press the NO button. Once selected, you can use the YES and NO buttons to navigate the pages.
   • Alternatively, press and hold the TIME button, then use the fourth function (F4) encoder underneath the display to change the length.
   • You can also change the length of a part by following the procedure above while holding the PART button and selecting the sample you want to change.
4. Hold PART and press the instrument you want to play.
5. Press the STEP button to create your pattern step-by-step.
   • To record live, press the RECORD button. It will start recording once you begin playing. Once you’ve reached the end of the pattern, it will then start to overdub.
6. Once you’re finished, press the Program SAVE button, rename it, then press SAVE.
7. Use F2 and F4 to select where to save the Program, then press SAVE again.

Chaining Patterns

One great feature of the drumlogue is the ability to chain up to 64 patterns. The process is straightforward, too.

1. Press the CHAIN button to enter CHAIN SELECT mode, then press buttons 1–16 to select the program for each button.
   • Buttons 1 through 16 directly correspond to CHAIN 1 through 16.
2. Turn the parameter knob to choose a program.
3. Press the PROGRAM SELECT button to add the program to CHAIN.
4. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to add the program to CHAIN.

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