At Musikmesse 2013, Korg today announced the Volca Beats – one of a trio of new Volca analog synthesizers with built-in sequencers. The Volca true-analog instruments combine mobility along with MIDI functionality.
The Volca Beats offers six analog drum sounds:
- Kick
- Snare
- Hi Tom
- Lo Tom
- Closed Hi Hat, and
- Open Hi Hat.
According to Korg, the Volca Beats offers “a wide array of sound variations that could not be produced by any means other than analog, 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. Knob control can be used to quickly create a variety of drum sounds. For example, 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.
The series is comprised of three models:
- the Volca Keys lead synthesizer;
- the Volca Bass synthesizer; and
- the Volca Beats rhythm machine.
All models provide carefully selected parameters that allow users to create the distinctive sounds of a true analog synthesizer. Each instrument features a loop sequencer for generating and recalling phrase-based performances. Multiple Volcas can be used in tandem thanks to vintage-style sync in/out, or as synth module via MIDI In. Optional battery operation and built-in speakers provide the ability to play anywhere at any time.
Specifications:
volca Beats : SPECIFICATIONS
Keyboard
Multi touch trigger pad / step key
Synthesizer
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 Ssteps:
16
Number of Recording Patterns:
8
Connectors
Audio Output:
Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Sync:
Sync In (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V)
Sync Out (1/8” monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
MIDI:
In
Power
Power supply:
6 AA alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries
or KA-350 AC adapter (optional)
Battery Life:
Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
Dimensions (W x D x H)
193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches
Weight
372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)
Others
Options:
KA-350 AC adapter
Accessories:
AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)
Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.
The Volca Beats will be available in July 2013 for a U.S. street price of $149.99. Additional product information is available at Korg.com
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!
X3.
150$? wow, I am getting it for sure 😀 awesome news! thanks korg, these look like fun 😀
One grandmother for sale – £450 ono
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gau7UIzYY0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gau7UIzYY0&feature=youtu.be
Official Korg video, 3:30 of music. Drums sound huge!
i sure not hope the noise level is the same as my electribe sx 🙁
This is a different monster with a different signal path. It should be just fine.
Replace the tubes in your ESX. Makes a big difference.
Looks fun and easy.
It looks small, battery-powered, and has built in speaker then it must be very tight inside and im wondering if this is hackable as well as the other mono series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gau7UIzYY0
Korg just keeps putting the fun back into creating music 🙂
Do you think that 5V sync out could drive a modular synth? If so, sold. if not… sold.
This I love the most out of these 3. Though I’m getting them all for sure. I’m very happily surprised about the price!
When i saw these i nearly wet myself ! Korg are god ! This is what so many users want, including me.
Awesome looking product & once again at a realistic price. I can’t wait, tis gonna be a good summer !
why does the headline mention digital beats?
There are also a couple pcm sounds like a clap a clave and a cymbal
Is there any panning on the drum parts — either preset or user editable? It’s unclear from images of the thing, and I’m at work at the moment so I can’t listen to the videos 🙁
yes this is my question aswell. the demos are mono but that may be down to youtube compression.
i don´t mind them being mono really. i plan to sample the shizzle into octatrack and pan there.
Exact same width measurement as the monotribe, FWIW.
where do you get that from?
monotribe:
207 x 145 x 70mm
that would be great but the proportions are obviously different even from the pics.
It will be super awesome if the provide schematics also!
Paging Roland, Roland to the last chance saloon….
Korg even made this orange and black FFS!
Well done!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pre ordering one definitely! I couldn’t dig up the 2K$ for the tempest do hats off to Korg for coming up with an affordable analog 909/808 style machine. Bummer that it doesn’t have 1/4 inch outs but an adapter cable is all that is needed. As many others have said, Roland was very short-sighted for not doing an 808 reissue. This offers fresh new sounds and I’m sure Roland would have not done this for such a great price. My first synth was a Korg and my current workstation is as well.
Domo aragato Korg!