Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine

Powerful Analog Drum/Rhythm Machine

The Volca Beats combines vintage style and sound with modern day innovations, resulting in this high-end beat machine. The unit features an onboard 16-step sequencer, borrowed from Korg's Electribe; as well as a wide variety of analog drum sounds. The highly compact design makes it one of the most portable drum machines on the market, allowing you to create rhythms and patterns on the move. The analog circuitry ensures you capture the warmth and grit associated with the circuits normally found in vintage synthesizers. The ergonomic design and wide variety of connectivity makes it highly versatile, whilst still remaining easy to use.

Analog Drum Sounds

The Korg Volca Beats provides you with a range of sounds including: Kick, Snare Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. The sounds are reminiscent of 909 and 808 drum machines, with some of the sounds prevalent in modern and older dance music. The powerful analog sounds provide with a full-bodied tone, with crisp highs and booming lows for optimised audio performance. As well as the standard sounds, the Volca Beats also included a PCM sound engine, which covers for the sounds that can’t be generated by the analog circuitry. Combining modern technology with the vintage style provides you with Clap, Claves, Agogo and Crash sounds for additional flexibility. The rough lo-fi sound it produces is reminiscent of 80s synths. You can even change the PCM speed to raise or lower the pitch for added versatility.

Electribe’s Step Sequencer

The on-board loop/step sequencer is taken directly from the Electribe for its easy-to-use functionality and wide range of controls. The 16-step sequencer is represented by 16 step keys, allowing you to intuitively enter notes while monitoring the timing of the notes via the LED lights. You can even play the touch panel keyboard whilst recording in real-time. The internal memory provides you with enough space to store up to eight sequence patterns. The sequencer features a stutter mode, designed to add flare to your live performances. This gives you the ability to create drum rolls and delay-style effects while playing your sequences. You can also record movement of the stutter knob. The Active Step and Step Jump function allow you to create new rhythms by inserting or removing steps, creating irregular rhythms; ideal for live performance use.

Portable Design, Versatile Connectivity

The highly compact design of the Volca Beats, makes it one of the most portable drum/rhythm machines available on the market. It features integrated speakers, allowing you to create patterns and sequences on the move. It also allows you to test out idea without having to be hooked up to external speakers. The vintage-style Sync jack allows you to unify multiple Volca unit together for synchronised playback. The MIDI IN connector allows you to expand your functionality, by hooking the Volca Beats up to your selected DAW. The unit can be powered by AA batteries or via mains plug, allowing you to setup and play anywhere you go.

Features

References classic rhythm machines

Maximum effect from minimal parameters

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe

Stutter function

Active Step function

Step Jump function

Sync jack and MIDI IN

Compact size

Battery-powered operation

Built-in speaker

Specifications

Synth

Keyboard Type: Multi touch trigger pad / step key

Synth Type: Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat) PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)

Kick: Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Snare: Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Tom: Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level

Hi Hat: Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level

PCM: PCM Speed, Part Level

Sequencer

Number Of Parts: 10

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” (not included)

Dimensions (WxDxH): 193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches

Weight: 372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)