Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum and Rhythm Machine

Model #VOLCABEATS

Product Questions?
Click here for answers!

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog 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 analog 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.

Volca beats is an analog rhythm machine that provides carefully selected parameters that allow the user to create a diverse array of fat sounds that can be obtained only from an analog device. Volca beats is also equipped with a loop sequencer for intuitively generating phrase performances. Multiple units can be used in tandem, or together with your DAW software. Battery operation and built-in speakers mean that users can conveniently play anywhere and anytime. This is the next-generation analog rhythm machine, delivering the ultimate sounds and

grooves with ease and depth.

The volca Beats delivers unforgettably classic sounds with six analogue and four PCM-based drum parts. Instant editing via the intuitive user interface allows you to cut/mix/slice your loops on the fly to deliver devastating analogue rhythm experiences.

Features

Powerful analog drum sounds

Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds
Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

The Electribe series step sequencer

Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps
Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing

Convenient functions for incredible ease of use

SYNC jack and MIDI IN connector allow synchronized performances with multiple units or with your DAW
Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Click here to write your own review.

By Tommy Tranq on 7/3/2023

The Korg Volca Beats is a joy to use. The analog tones - kick, snare, toms, and hats - really are the heart of this little machine. They sound so fantastic and their control is minimal but covers a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities. The hats are the standout. The grain knob really has a unique element of sonic control. I bought the Volca Beats, again after having one many years ago, specifically for the sound of the hats. Programming with MIDI notes is the way to go here. You could definitely do a cool one-bar performance on this beast especially getting crazy with the Stutter function but, for my purposes, writing techno-electronic tracks, MIDI note triggering from a DAW is ideal. For fine control, I recommend sequencing your MIDI notes and then recording samples of each instrument for use with sampler instances in your DAW. This way you can adjust the phase of each sample to really gel everything as opposed to having a random analog phase to each tone. Also recording samples allows you to process each sound individually and that is really what a polished & professional sound is all about. The PCM sounds can be cool and sound wonderfully degraded at low pitch settings but honestly you can ignore them and stick to the analog section without losing ANY value to the machine. Korg has delivered almost certainly the best budget friendly analog (and PCM) drum machine with the Volca Beats.