Korg Volca Bass Analog Bass Synth Module and Sequencer Korg

Volca Bass – Analogue Bass Machine

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Three true-analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers to generate the ultimate analog leads, basses, or rhythms

Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, Korg announces the Volca series. Volca is a new lineup of EDM production tools comprised of three distinct models: the Volca Keys lead synthesizer, the volca Bass synthesizer, and the Volca Beats rhythm machine. These powerful and fun-to-use true-analog devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog synthesizer. Each is also equipped with sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances. Multiple volcas can be used in tandem via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favorite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that you can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. These are the next-generation analog synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. Whether used together or by themselves, the volca series is poised to inject true analog power into any performance or studio setup!

Analog bass sounds with awesome presence

Three oscillators generate a variety of bass sounds

Generating the thick and modulated sounds that you expect from an analog synthesizer, the three oscillators can be used in a variety of ways from one-part unison to three-part chords, giving you an incredible diversity of bass sounds.

By creating a sequence that uses each oscillator individually, you can create a complex pattern in which three different phrases are woven together. Using the oscillators in a 2+1 combination lets you place one set of oscillators at a low pitch and the other at a higher pitch, producing a bass line and melody simultaneously. When using the three oscillators together, you can slightly detune their pitch to generate thick unison sounds; alternatively, setting their pitch to 0, +3, and +7 will produce a chord.

Bright, crisp sound from Korg’s legendary analog filter

The analog filter has been fine-tuned specifically for the volca bass. Turning the Cutoff knob to open the filter will make the sound brighter and more expansive; closing the filter produces a rounder and milder sound. Using the Peak knob to raise the resonance will initially produce a clean peak, and further increases will create great-sounding distortion. The resonance distortion that’s so important for acid music has been tuned especially to accommodate bass sounds.

Simple structure with a single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG

In addition to the three VCOs, the volca bass provides a carefully selected parameter structure consisting of a single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG, ensuring that the sound that you want can be created intuitively. This is also the standard structure of a synthesizer, making the volca bass an ideal introductory instrument for learning the fundamentals of synthesizers – the enjoyment of creating your own sounds.

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe

The Electribe’s step sequencer

This step sequencer is designed to make editing easy and to let you add or remove parts in an improvisational way. You can use the 16 step keys to intuitively enter notes while visually monitoring the timing of the notes within the measure. You can also enter completely different phrases for each of the three oscillators, and play the touch panel keyboard to record in real time, andpp to eight sequence patterns can be stored in internal memory.

Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps

Active Step is a function that lets you skip a step during sequence playback. It can create effects similar to a short loop or unexpectedly irregular rhythms, allowing dynamic performances just as though you were performing the sequence itself.

Self-tuning function overcomes pitch drift

Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would drift with changes in temperature or the passage of time. The volca solves this by providing a Self-tuning function that constantly tunes the oscillators. You’ll never need to tune during a performance, or wait for the pitch to stabilize after turning the power on.

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performances with multiple units or with your DAW

By using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronized playback with multiple volcas or with a monotribe. You can also use the “SyncKontrol” iPhone app to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronized playback with iOS music apps via WIST.

The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronize with other devices as well as play the volca from your MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW and use the volca as an analog sound module