Musikmesse 2013 – Korg: Volca Keys

Robert Honey
Korg Volca

Following in the footsteps of the Monotron, Monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the Volca series. Volca is a new line of EDM production instruments consisting of three distinct models: the Volca Keys synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the Volca Beats rhythm machine.

These powerful and fun-to-use (true-analog) machines feature a huge range of sounds that can only be obtained from a analog synthesizer.
Each is equipped with sequencers/recorder to generate performances in an intuitive way. Multiple Volcas can be used in tandem via vintage-style sync in / out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers, meaning you can comfortably play anywhere, anytime .
These are analog synthesizers next generation, which will give you the ability to create sounds and grooves with ease and depth.
Whether used together or alone, the Volca Series is ready to inject true analog power into any live performance or studio setup!

Features in common

SYNC jack e MIDI-IN allow synchronized performances with multiple units or with your DAW.
By using the synchronization socket it is possible to obtain synchronized playback with one or more volcas or with a Monotribes. You can also use the "SyncKontrol" for iPhone to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS and other music applications via WIST technology.

The MIDI IN connector allows you to synchronize with other devices, as well as play the Volca from any MIDI keyboard. It is also possible to send note messages from DAW and use the Volca as an analog sound module.

Selftuning function (Volca Basso and Volca Key),

Until now, the main problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch of the oscillators was not maintained over time for example or due to temperature variations.
Volca solves this problem by providing a function of Self-tuning which keeps the oscillators constantly in tune.
You will never need to tune oscillators during a performance, or wait a few minutes for them to stabilize after switching on.

Compact size, battery operated, and speaker for fun anywhere,
With compact size, battery operation and built-in speaker, it's easy to take the Volca anywhere and play it anytime.

Volca Keys "Analogue Loop Synth"

The ideal synth to start with, with a simple - yet powerful - analog synthesis engine and loop sequencer.

  • Three notes of polyphony in a completely analogue synthesis
  • Voicing functions in order to allow the creation of sounds facilitated by everyone
  • Delay effect to increase the sonic possibilities
  • Simple Loop Seqeuncer

• the Seequncer Loop allows: recording of musical phrases exactly as they are performed,
• recording of parameter movement and changes in real time
• The Active Step function and the Flux function allow you to add dynamic changes to your sequences

Useful functions with enormous ease of use

  • Auto-tuning for a constant and stable pitch
  • Sync In and Out allows for clock synchronization of multiple instruments from the Volca series as well as Monotribe Korg
  • Compact size, battery operation and speaker for playing and having fun anywhere.

Volca Keys is long overdue synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and complex history of Korg analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers incredibly powerful sound in a compact package. Starting with a filter section that utilizes the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), offering amazing sound that makes the most of half a century of Korg's circuit design know-how.
With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it is also the ideal choice for an analog first synth. It generates the typical, extraordinarily expressive analog sounds, offering the pleasure of simplicity and, at the same time, the creation of very deep sounds. The possibilities are endless, you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detuning to create very solid lead sounds, or apply ring modulation to create a sort of metallic sounds.

Volca Bass "Analog Bass Machine"

Powerful bass tone generator and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the most modern bass lines.

Powerful analog bass sound

  • Three analog oscillators for big, powerful bass lines.
  • Analog filter Newly developed for a brilliant and incisive rendering
  • Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO and EG

Loop sequencer extracted from the Electribe series

  • Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  •  Slide function which is indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
  • Active Step function to generate new bass lines by removing or inserting steps

Useful functions for ease of use

  • Auto-tuning for a constant and stable pitch
  • Sync In and Out allows clock synchronization of multiple Volca series instruments as well as Monotribe Korg.
  • Compact size, battery operation and speaker for playing and having fun anywhere

Aggressive sounds that stand out on the drums, powerful sounds to support the rhythm, the funky sounds that generate a groove - Bass Volca is a analog groove box which has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

While simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation - it is an ideal choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The Electribe-like step sequencer is not only visually intuitive, it's also an effective way to generate “free form” bass loops that will spark your inspiration.

VolcaBeats "Analog Drum Machine"

Unmatched sounds generated by an analog drum kit and an Electribe-style sequencer

Powerful analog drum sounds

• Real analog sounds created with reference to classic drum machines
• Six editable analog parts with a knob for each function for easy editing
• Maximum sonic impact with a minimum number of parameters - a unique advantage of analog
• The sound engine PCM expands the possibilities when used with analog sounds

Sequencer loop inspired by the Electribe series

  • Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  • Stutter function that generates repeated triggers that can dramatically change the sequence
  • Active Step function that generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
  • Step Jump function that instantly reproduces only the step you are pressing

Useful functions for incredible ease of use

  • Sync In and Out allows you to clock synchronization more instruments from the Volca series as well as MonotribeKorg
  • MIDI In for note recording, plus external sync and DAW software control
  • Compact size, battery operation and speaker for playing and having fun anywhere

Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we cannot overlook the sound of analog electronic drums. Thick sounds that have the power to stand out on acoustic drums and guitar, and are still indispensable for creating tracks or during live performances. The Volca Beats a gives you analog drums plus Electribe's easy-to-use step sequencer that lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the finest high-quality sounds.

Useful Information

Producer: Korg
Model:Volca Keys
Model:Volcabass
Model:Volca beats
website: www.korg.com
Italian distributor: www.ekomusicgroup.com
Price: About 150 euro

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