Korg Volca Beats Synth Module
Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines
Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style
sequencer
Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog
synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those
thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are
still indispensable for track-making or live performance.
The volca beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.
Three true-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, or rhythms
Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the Volca series. Volca is a new lineup of EDM production tools comprised of three distinct models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the Volca Beats rhythm machine. These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer. Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!
Powerful analog drum sounds
Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
The volca beats provides six of the sounds for which the greatness of analog
shines most clearly: Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi
Hat. Paying careful attention to the standard sounds that are indispensable for
dance music and that are included on numerous synthesizers and sampling CDs,
we've designed powerful new sounds that could not be produced by any means other
than analog.
Maximum impact from minimal parameters – a unique advantage of
analog
The volca beats provides a carefully selected minimal set of parameters that let
you quickly create the drum sound you want. For example, simply by using the
three knobs Click, Pitch, and Decay, you can create an incredible variety of
kick sounds, ranging from rough sounds that dominate the low range to tight
sounds that keep a precise beat.
Regardless of the settings, all of these sounds will have great presence and
density, and will deliver the convincing power that's possible only from an
analog sound generator.
PCM sound engine covers sounds for which analog is
unsuited
The PCM sound engine is used to cover sounds for which an analog synth is
unsuited, such as Clap, Claves, Agogo, and Crash. We've also paid attention to
the PCM engine, and have reproduced the rough lo-fi sound of the '80s. These
sounds are a good match with the analog drums, and you can also create even more
distinctive sounds by changing the PCM Speed to dramatically raise or lower
the pitch.
The Electribe's step sequencer
This step sequencer is designed to make editing easy and to let you add or
remove parts in an improvisational way. You can use the 16 step keys to
intuitively enter notes while visually monitoring the timing of the notes within
the measure. You can also play the touch panel keyboard to record in
real time.
Up to eight sequence patterns you create can be stored in internal
memory.
Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the
sequence
You can use the Stutter function to dramatically expand your live performance
possibilities by adding drum rolls or delay-like effects. It can be used to
completely transform the feel of the entire pattern, or as a fill when switching
patterns. Movements of the Stutter knob can also be recorded in a sequence.
Active Step function and Step Jump function generate new beats by inserting or removing steps
The Active Step function lets you skip a step during sequence playback; the Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing. It can create effects similar to a short loop or unexpectedly irregular rhythms, allowing dynamic performances just as though you were performing the sequence itself.
Convenient functions for greater ease of use
SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performances with multiple
units or with your DAW
By using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronized playback with multiple
volcas or with a monotribe. You can also use the “SyncKontrol” iPhone app to
wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS
music apps via WIST.
The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronize with other devices as well as play
the volca from your MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW
and use the volca as an analog sound module.
>Information about SyncKontrol
Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment
anywhere
With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it's easy to
take the volca anywhere and perform any time.
Keyboard
Multi touch trigger pad / step key
Synthesizer
Type：
Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat)
PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)
Kick
Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
Snare
Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
Tom
Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level
Hi Hat
Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level
PCM
PCM Speed, Part Level
Sequencer
Number of part
10
Number of Steps
16
Number of Recording Patterns
8
Connectors
Audio Output
Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Sync
Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V) , Sync Out (3.5mm
monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
MIDI
In
Power
Battery Life
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
Power supply
AA alkaline battery ×6
AA nickel-metal hydride battery ×6
AC adapter “KA-350” (optional)
Others
Accessories
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)
Options
AC adapter “KA-350”
Dimensions
(W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 × 4.54 × 1.78 inches
Weight
372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)
