Korg Volca Bass Synth Module
Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines
Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the
rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove – the volca bass is an analog
bassline groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.
Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable
presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation;
it's a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step
sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive;
it's also a powerful way to generate “free form” bass loops that will
stimulate your inspiration.
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!
Three oscillators generate a variety of bass sounds
Generating the thick and modulated sounds that you expect from an analog
synthesizer, the three oscillators can be used in a variety of ways from
one-part unison to three-part chords, giving you an incredible diversity of bass
sounds.
By creating a sequence that uses each oscillator individually, you can create a complex pattern in which three different phrases are woven together. Using the oscillators in a 2+1 combination lets you place one set of oscillators at a low pitch and the other at a higher pitch, producing a bass line and melody simultaneously. When using the three oscillators together, you can slightly detune their pitch to generate thick unison sounds; alternatively, setting their pitch to 0, +3, and +7 will produce a chord.
Bright, crisp sound from Korg's legendary analog filter
The analog filter has been fine-tuned specifically for the volca bass. Turning
the Cutoff knob to open the filter will make the sound brighter and more
expansive; closing the filter produces a rounder and milder sound. Using the
Peak knob to raise the resonance will initially produce a clean peak, and
further increases will create great-sounding distortion. The resonance
distortion that's so important for acid music has been tuned especially to
accommodate bass sounds.
Simple structure with a single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
In addition to the three VCOs, the volca bass provides a carefully selected
parameter structure consisting of a single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG, ensuring that
the sound that you want can be created intuitively. This is also the standard
structure of a synthesizer, making the volca bass an ideal introductory
instrument for learning the fundamentals of synthesizers – the enjoyment of
creating your own sounds.
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe
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 enter completely different phrases for each of the
three oscillators, and play the touch panel keyboard to record in real time,
andpp to eight sequence patterns can be stored in internal memory.
Slide function that’s indispensable for EDM
With its distinctively "sticky” sounding pitch and filter, acid bass is an
indispensable type of sound for an analog synthesizer. The volca bass provides a
Slide function that creates the impression of connected steps, making it easy
for anyone to produce acid sounds. The slide can be specified for
each step.
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting
steps
Active Step is a function that lets you skip a step during sequence playback. 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 ease of use
Self-tuning function overcomes pitch drift
Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would
drift with changes in temperature or the passage of time. The volca solves this
by providing a Self-tuning function that constantly tunes the oscillators.
You'll never need to tune during a performance, or wait for the pitch to
stabilize after turning the power on.
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.
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 Keyboard / step key
Synthesizer
Type
Analog synthesis
Structure
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG
VCO Wave
Saw, Square
VCF
Cutoff, Peak, EG Int
VCF Type
Low Pass Filter, 12 db/oct
VCA
EG on/of, Sustain on/off
LFO
Rate, Int, Target (Amp, Pitch, Cutoff), Wave (Triangle, Square)
EG
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain
Sequencer
Number of parts
3
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 × 46 mm / 7.61 × 4.54 × 1.82 inches
Weight
370 g / 0.82 lbs (Excluding batteries)