Ah the Korg Volca series… When Korg first introduced the first of their pocket sized gadgets, such as the Kaossilator, the Mini Kaoss Pad and their Nano Series (NanoPad, NanoKeys and NanoKontrol) I’m not sure if even they knew just what a hit these pieces of gear would be with travelling DJs and producers worldwide. Goldfish use the NanoKontrol as does the likes of progressive artist, Ace Ventura, our very own Broken Toy and well, pretty much every second artist looking for quality gear, at a reasonable price that, most importantly, is easy to transport.
Then there are also the Monotron Analogue Ribbon synthesizers and the Monotribe. But it’s their latest offering, the Volca series that has really got tongues wagging. Not quite as minuscule as the aforementioned ‘Mono’ series they’re still small enough to bomb all three in a backpack along with your laptop and hardly feel the extra weight.
Here’s a brief overview of each of three products with an accompanying video to get all you gear-headz giddy with excitement…
Volca Keys
The Volca Keys is an analogue loop synth with a polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer.
The synth engine:
- Three note true analogue synthesis
- Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
- Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities
The loop sequencer:
- Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
- Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
- Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Features:
- Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the Volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
- Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere[/one_half]
Volca Bass
As the name suggests the Volca Bass is an analog bass machine boasting phat analog Bass lines with the subtle idiosyncrasies only analog can offer. It includes an Electribe-inspired sequencer to completely sequence your basslines.
The Bass is ace!
- Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
- Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
- Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
Sequencer your bassline:
- Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
- Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
- Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Features:
- Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the Volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
- Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power[/one_half]
Volca Beats
Right so we’ve got some gnarly analog synth sounds, a rad bassline going, now all we need is drum beat. Enter the Volca Beats your analogue rhythm machine. It’s a drum machine. What more can one say –except it’s an analog drum machine for that extra authenticity and phatness.
Drum Sounds:
- Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
- Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
- Maximum effect from minimal parameters – a unique advantage of analog
- PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Sequence those beats:
- Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
- Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
- Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
- Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you’re pressing[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Features:
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the Volca Series as well as Korg’s Monotribe
- MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
- Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power[/one_half]
Fun to use, easy to transport and light on the pocket (comparatively speaking) the Volca series gets your hands back on the instruments producing beats and grooves instead of clicking that mouse. Since each device is equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities and can be synced to a central midi clock these three instruments would be great both live and in the studio.
We want. All of them!
SA Distributor: Tuerk Music Technologies
