Korg Volca Keys Synth Module
The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer
Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. Volca keys is a 27-key analog lead synth that generates unbelievably powerful sound from its compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.
With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice as a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of an analog synth, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation.
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!
Polyphonic performance
Simple three-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer
With its structure of 3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, and 1EG, the volca keys has a
recognizable, versatile structure. The ability to generate diverse and powerful
sounds with just a few carefully selected parameters is a distinctive
characteristic of analog synthesizers. The possibilities are endless; you can
use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to
produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic
sounds. This is also an ideal beginner's instrument for learning the
enjoyment of creating your own sounds.
Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
The Voicing function makes it easy to specify how the three oscillators will be
combined. Simply turn the knob to choose one of six combinations: Poly, Unison,
Octave, Fifth, Unison Ring, or Poly Ring. Without complicating the
volca's simple design, this feature makes it easy to obtain a wide variety of
sounds.
Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities
The volca keys contains a delay effect that's indispensable for creating
spacey synthesizer sounds. This effect also reproduces the pitch change that
occurs when you change the delay time on an analog tape echo unit.
Simple loop sequencer
Loop sequencer lets you record phrases just as you play them
There's a loop sequencer with up to 16 steps, allowing you to record your
performance on the touch panel keyboard just as you play. It's easy to create
phrases that come to mind, and you can also use overdub recording to produce
complex loops that could not be played individually.
Up to eight sequence patterns can be stored in internal memory.
Use the Motion Sequence function to meticulously craft your loops
The Motion Sequence function lets you record knob movements, letting you apply
time-varying changes to your sound that will enhance your loops and add
originality to your live performances.
Use the Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change
to your sequences
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.
By turning on the Flex function, you can play back the phrase without quantizing
the steps, producing a loop with a distinctive sense of groove.
Convenient functions for greater ease of use
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 performance 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 any 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.
Specifications
Synthesizer
Type
Analog synthesis
Maximum Polyphony
3
Structure
3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG
VCO
Octave, Ring Modulation, Detune, Portamento, EG Int.
VCO Wave
Sawtooth, Square
VCF
Cutoff, Peak, EG Int
VCF Type
Low Pass Filter, 12 db/oct
LFO
Rate, Pitch Int, Cutoff Int, Wave (Sawtooth, Triangle, Square)
EG
Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain
Effects
Delay
Time, Feedback, Temp Sync
Sequencer
Number of parts
1
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 × 1.81 inches
Weight
377 g / 0.83 lbs (Excluding batteries)