Pro-Music-News Keyboard-Section

Korg Volca series of analogue synthesizers

At Musikmesse Frankfurt 2013, Korg launched the Volca series of portable, true-analogue synthesizers. Following in the footsteps of the Korg Monotron, Monotribe, and the MS-20 Mini synth, these next-generation true-analogue instruments offer on-the-go sounds and grooves along with MIDI functionality. The series is comprised of three models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer; the Volca Bass synthesizer; and the Volca Beats rhythm machine. The Volca Synthesizers were highlighted at Summer NAMM 2013, Nashville, and are eventually nominated for a Musikmesse International Press Award (MIPA) 2014.
All models allow users to create the distinctive, massive sounds that can only come from a true analogue synthesizer. Each instrument features a loop sequencer for intuitively generating and recalling phrase-based performances. Multiple Volcas can be used in tandem thanks to vintage-style sync in/out, or with the user's DAW software via MIDI In. Optional battery operation and built-in speakers provide the ability to play anywhere at any time.
The Volca Keys represents a new chapter in Korg's history of analogue synthesizers. This 27-key analogue lead synthesizer's three oscillators can be tuned against each other in a variety of ways—from one part unison to three-part chords–to provide the versatility needed to create a diversity of sounds. With a filter section that utilizes the circuitry of the classic miniKORG700S (1974) plus an easy-to-use interface that includes delay effects and a 16-step sequencer, Volca Keys offers the expressive sounds that are distinctive of an analogue syntheizer.
The Volca Bass is an analogue bass line groove box that's capable of generating a wide range of bass lines. Though basic in structure, the analogue sound engine provides subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation. Its step sequencer–distilled from Korg's Electribe series–offers a visually intuitive way to generate "free form" bass loops to stimulate inspiration. The three oscillators can be combined in several ways via a voicing function, to generate a variety of thick and modulated bass sounds.
The Volca Beats offers six fat analogue drum sounds: Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. It contains a wide array of sound variations that could not be produced by any means other than analogue, with special emphasis on the sounds that are considered indispensable for dance music. A PCM sound engine is also included for generating clap, crash and others sounds that are better suited for PCM. Simple knob-based parameters can be used to quickly create a variety of drum sounds. For example, simply by using the three knobs (Click, Pitch, and Decay), a variety of kick sounds can be crafted, ranging from rough sounds that dominate the low range to tight sounds that keep a precise beat. In addition, a 16-part sequencer is included to easily add or remove parts.
Korg Volca series of analogue synthesizers
© 07/2013 Pro-Music-News™
© 1997 © 2014 Pro-Music-News™. All rights reserved. Thank you for visiting Pro-Music-News™.