Korg Volca Beats Analogue Drum Machine

more accessible and understandable than ever beforeThe Korg Volca Beats continues the tradition of classic drum machines with thick, powerful analogue drum sounds and a very intuitive 16-step sequencer. Glitch out your beats live with the stutter and step-jump functions, sync up to multiple Volcas or other gear in your studio, or create patterns on the move with battery operation and a built-in speaker!

Even after more than thirty years since the age was dominated by analogue synthesizers, people just can't let go of the sound of analogue rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The Volca Beats gives you those analogue drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds.

Following on from the Monotron, Monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analogue synthesizers, Korg present 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-analogue devices deliver a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analogue synthesizer. Each include sequencing/recording capabilities for intuitively generating performances.

Multiple Volcas can be used together via the vintage-style sync in/out, and with your favourite 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 analogue synthesizers, bringing you the ultimate sounds and grooves with ease and depth. If used together or by themselves, the Volca series is aure to add true analogue power into any performance or studio setup!

At A Glance • Compact analogue drum machine with Electribe-style sequencer
• Play in time with Monotribe or other Volca machines using Sync In/Out
• Sync to MIDI Clock from your DAW or external sequencer
• Six fully editable analogue parts and four PCM parts
• Control via the onboard ribbon or via MIDI input
• Powered by 6 x AA batteries or Volca Power Supply (not included)

inspired by classic rhythm machinesThe Volca Beats includes six of the sounds for which the greatness of analogue shines most clearly: Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. Paying careful attention to the standard sounds that are a must for dance music and that are included on many synthesizers and sampling CDs, Korg have designed powerful new sounds that could not be produced by any means other than analogue.

a unique advantage of analogueA carefully selected minimal set of parameters let you quickly create the drum sound you want. For example, simply by using the three knobs Click, Pitch, and Decay, you can create an incredible range of kick sounds, ranging from rough sounds that dominate the low range to tight sounds that keep a precise beat. Regardless of the settings, all of these sounds will have great presence and density, and will deliver the convincing power that's possible only from an analogue sound generator.

PCM sound engineThe PCM sound engine is used to cover sounds for which an analogue synth is unsuited, such as Clap, Claves, Agogo, and Crash. Korg also paid attention to the PCM engine, and have reproduced the rough lo-fi sound of the '80s. These sounds are a good match with the analogue drums, and you can also create even more distinctive sounds by changing the PCM Speed to dramatically raise or lower the pitch.

The Electribe's step sequencerThis 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 play the touch panel keyboard to record in real time. Up to eight sequence patterns you create can be stored in internal memory.

Stutter functionYou can use the Stutter function to dramatically expand your live performance possibilities by adding drum rolls or delay-like effects. It can be used to completely transform the feel of the entire pattern, or as a fill when switching patterns. Movements of the Stutter knob can also be recorded in a sequence.

Active Step function and Step Jump functionThe Active Step function lets you skip a step during sequence playback; the Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing. 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.

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connectorBy using the sync jack you can enjoy synchronised playback with multiple Volcas or with a Monotribe. You can also use the "SyncKontrol" iPhone app to wirelessly control tap tempo, swing settings, and synchronised playback with iOS music apps via WIST. The MIDI IN connector lets you synchronise 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 analogue sound module.