Korg Volca Series – New Analog Mini-Synths

Following in the footsteps of the Monotron, Monotribe and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the Volca series. Volca is a new lineup comprised of three distinct models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer, the Volca Bass synthesizer, and the Volca Beats rhythm machine.

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VOLCA KEYS

This 27-key analog lead synth delivers powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers analog sound that takes full advantage of Korg’s half-century of know-how in circuit design.

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The highlights:

– The synth …

  • 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

– Functions for ease of use

  • 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

VOLCA BASS

The volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines. This is a powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines …

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The highlights:

– Powerful analog bass sounds

  • 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

– Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

  • 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

– Convenient functions for ease of use

  • 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

Interesting: parts of the Volca Bass look quite similar to Roland’s TB-303 …

VOLCA BEATS

Last, but not least: the (analog) drum computer. The Volca Beats gives you analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe. It lets you generate analog beats with the best high quality sounds.

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The highlights:

– Powerful analog 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

– Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

  • 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

– Convenient functions for incredible ease of use

  • 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

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So, this is a powerful new analog synth package from Korg. A Mini-Synthesizer (with unison mode and ring modulation), a bass synthesizer and a new drum box. With real knobs, SYNC and – very nice – MIDI.

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More info: http://www.korg.com/volcaseries

Filed under General

“Es genügt, einen Ton schön zu spielen” sagte der Komponist Arvo Pärt im Jahre 2005. Diese Aussage ist ebenso einfach wie ich auch exzellent: Es braucht kein Meer an Tönen, denn entscheidend ist der Klang. Dass so mancher Vintage-Synthesizer der 70er und 80er Jahre teils unerreicht hochwertige Klänge liefert, steht außer Frage. Doch tatsächlich leben wir “heute” in einer nahezu perfekten Zeit. Einerseits hat man – mehr oder weniger – noch Zugriff auf die Vintage Analogen, andererseits wird auch bei Neugeräten die wichtige Komponente des hochwertigen Klanges wieder zunehmend berücksichtigt. Doepfer, Cwejman, Synthesizers.com, MacBeth, Moog, GRP, Studio Electronics, COTK, John Bowen und andere Hersteller bauen hervorragende Synthesizer, die den “Klassikern” in nichts nachstehen. All diesen (alten wie neuen) “großartigen” Instrumenten ist Great Synthesizers gewidmet. _________________________________________________________ In 2005 composer Arvo Pärt said: “Playing one tone really well is enough”. In other words, it is sufficient to play one tone 'beautifully'. I agree with that. All musical efforts are focused on the sound itself. Although I studied classical music (piano and drums), it’s the electronic sound that inspires me. Synthesizers are the epitome of new sounds and exciting tonal spheres. Today, many companies produce high-quality - excellent! - synthesizers: Doepfer, Cwejman, MacBeth, Moog, GRP, Synthesizers.com, COTK, Studio Electronics, John Bowen and others. It's their products I'm really interested in ... apart from Vintage Synthesizers, which I have been collecting for 20 years. Subsequent to our former websites Bluesynths and Blogasys, Peter Mahr and I have now created GreatSynthesizers. We hope you like it.