VOLCA Revolution

12/26/2018

I must confess that I am a true fan of the Korg Volca synthesizers. It all started when in 2012 I bought the fantastic Korg Monotribe; already had a Korg Monotron, it was fantastic to discover how these small machines summarized in a very small space, the analog sound of a whole decade of electronic music, the 80s.

But the real revolution soon arrived. Korg Volca are currently 6 machines, each with its own personality:

Korg Volca Bass, is a great old-school analog bass synth.

Korg Volca Keys, is a synthesizer that can create classic string sounds, leads and more from VCO, VCF, LFO and Delay effect

Korg Volca Beats, is a drum machine with a clear analog sound. Kick, Snare, Tom and Hi Hat, are pure analogs, while the rest are samples. All modifiable live.

So far my personal experience. They are all connectable by sync and midi sound great, can be used with AA batteries, have 8 memories for sequences and most importantly, are easy to transport.

Korg continues to work on these wonders. There is the Korg Volca Sample, which I decided not to buy. Then appears Korg Volca FM whose digital sound engine is based on the famous Yamaha DX-7 (The most recent Korg Volca models are sold out in Chile. I have orders to the distributor). The series ends with Korg Volca Kick, which is a synthesizer of analog kicks with a very thick and versatile sound, you can get even bass sounds as powerful as those of the classic Korg MS-20 of 1978. (Soon it will reach my home, probably next February)

A final release is a Volca mix of 3 channels and sending effects, synchrony and power supply. But without a doubt what has me in the expectation is the recent appearance of some Korg Volca Modular photographs, a kind of modular synthesizer in miniature with connections in small plugs and everything necessary for a pure synthetic sound.

As it was worth waiting in 2012, I hope now for the models that will complete my collection. If you plan to buy the Korg Volca series, you will not regret it. I'm also not promoting the Korg brand; I can only tell you that they are so easy to transport and work so well that fun moments are assured.

5 Comments

Eduardo GOZNE
& Zacarias Malden

Audio visual artist since 1984.

In 1983 - 84 composed “Radio” on cassette format, based on the sounds of the shortwave radio stations with a purely experimental and strange sound for the time.
During the 80’s produced many experimental and other discs marked by the sound of the Electric Body Music (EBM).

In the 90’s he formed “Alvania” with some friends. Influenced by the Electro-industrial, making numerous live appearances and two albums: “Estado de Coma” and “Alvania en Vivo”.

Later, following the dissolution of the band, began a search for a more personal style. For this, the use of analog synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, effects pedals and any device to deliver an interesting noise, were the basis of their sound. With the advent of new technologies, Gozne renewed their sound, without neglecting its core analog.

At present come together in his studio virtual synths, iPad, computational processes, plugins and sound edition in screen, with their old and faithful analog synthesizers.

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Chile

Rafael González

12/27/2018 03:38:57

I have one of these devices! Thanks for the article, it has helped me to appreciate these synthesizers more thanks to your enthusiasm

Eduardo GOZNE

12/27/2018 09:35:21

Thanks Rafael. Saludos from Chile and happy holiday

12/27/2018 10:08:51

¡Mi placer! Really! Felices Fiestas. Greetings from España.

Frank

12/27/2018 19:07:24

I love them!(got the Keys, Bass & FM)... haven't made any songs with them yet(lack of time), but fiddling with the knobs gives great pleasure.

I probably will get me the Modular one, when(if) it gets released.

Did you see, they also talk about Volca Drums on YouTube.

Penny

1/3/2019 01:57:35

Hi, thank u for the article. I have the volca keys..i did have the volca beats I ended up returning the volca beats. I thought the snare was a lil weak and anything i tried sounded to techno. I do enjoy the keys. I have used it mostly to create some ambient swells and a few minimal pieces. Like Frank i am interested in hearing what they create next mod wise.