Korg Volca Beats Desktop Analog Drum 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)