Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop Synthesizer

Play fat leads, stabby chords, and chugging arpeggios. Record loops and phrases, dial in delay, and input MIDI. This tiny 3-voice analog synth can do it all.

Korg has a rich history of analog synthesizers -- and this time-honored tradition continues with Korg's line of Volca synthesizers. Korg's Volca Keys Analog Loop Synthesizer is a true analog lead synth in an extremely portable, battery-powered package. It's very affordable, so it makes a great synth for first-timers, and powerful enough that it can easily be integrated into any EDM setup.

An Analog Synthesizer You Can Carry Anywhere

The Volca Keys is an analog synthesizer you can take with you, wherever the road may lead. Play anywhere, anytime thanks to the built-in speakers and battery-powered operation. The unit runs on six AA batteries and lasts approximately 10 hours with fresh batteries. The unit may also be powered by regular AC power adapter (sold separately). What's more, the Volca Keys is compact enough that it's easy to pack with the rest of your gear. Weighing less than a pound and under 8 inches in all dimensions, the Volca Keys adds a simple, yet powerful analog lead to your setup with a minimal footprint.

See how small Volca Keys is -- and learn more about the sounds you can make:


True Analog Synth Lead -- Plus a Loop Sequencer

The Volca Keys supports three-voice polyphony with numerous oscillator and modulation combinations. It features a full envelope and filter section in addition to a delay effect, so you can sculpt and manipulate rich lead tones any way you like. With the Volca Keys' one-knob-per-function design, it's easy to dial in settings, read more and there are no complicated hidden menus -- so generating thick, original sounds will be intuitive for folks that have used a synth before, and fun for new users to learn. And Volca Keys is not just a synth lead, it's also a full-fledged loop sequencer, capable of recording and capturing patterns on-the-fly -- great for live performances.

Sync with Other Korg Volca Synths

Volca Keys can easily integrate with other Korg Volca synths via the provided Sync In/Out port. Volca units may also be integrated with your existing DAW or MIDI environment via the provided MIDI port. Whether you're looking for your first synthesizer or expanding a professional music production studio, Korg's Volca Keys offers an extremely affordable lead synthesizer in a surprisingly portable analog unit.

Features:

- Portable polyphonic analog lead synthesizer and loop sequencer
- 27-key multi-touch keyboard and internal speakers
- 3-voice polyphony
- 16-step sequencer with memory for 8 stored patterns
- Self-tuning oscillators
- Oscillation types: sawtooth and square
- Modulation types: ring modulation, detune, portamento, EG intensity
- Filter types: low pass, 12 dB/oct
- Effect types: delay
- 1/8" Sync In and Sync Out for synchronizing with other Volca units
- 1/8" headphone output
- MIDI In
- Powered via six internal AA batteries or AC power adapter (sold separately)
- Runs approximately 10 hours on alkaline batteries
- Weighs less than 1 pound
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 1.75 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): VOLCAKEYS

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop Synthesizer

The Korg Volca Keys analog loop synthesizer is part of Korg's Volca series -- a lineup of EDM production tools that also includes the Volca Beats rhythm machine and Volca Bass synthesizer. Following in the footsteps of the monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers, 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.

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple -- yet powerful -- polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer, Volca Keys adds a chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds.

Each Volca synth is 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!

Features:

Polyphonic synthesizer:
- Three-note true analogue synthesis
- Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
- Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer:
- Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
- Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
- Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for ease of use:
- Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
- Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performance 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.

MIDI IN connector: Synchronize with other devices, as well as play the volca from any MIDI keyboard. You can also send note messages from your DAW and use the Volca as an analog sound module.

Self-tuning function: Until now, the problem with analog synthesizers has been that the pitch would drift over time, or because of changes in temperature. 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.

Compact size, battery power and built-in speaker: With its small size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it's easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted September 14, 2015 by Cory I in Ohio, OH

"Amazing range, touchy keys."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This thing packs a major groovy punch, if tuned correctly you can get those super grainy, grungy sounds, all the way to trance style smooth sounds. Super gutteral lows and squealing highs. Built in sequencer is great, the controls all have great action, just enough resistance for me. Everything about the whole Volca series is just outstanding in general in my opinion. This is a perfect lead for the DJ on a budget, and zZounds is a great place to get these guys on a pay plan if that's you. It's definitely possible to perform with them, but I'd say they're more for studio recording overall. If I had to make a complaint, the touch pads are so well responsive that it can almost become a fault. I have slightly larger fingers, I don't have problems with keyboards or guitars, but I tend to accidentally hit notes on this compact device quite often. To correct for this they've left midi / DIN input, so I can't really complain . 4.5/5, Would buy again!

Musical Background:

Aspiring Musician

Musical Style:

EDM, Early 90's/80's hard synth dance music, House/Acid House, Trance.
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