Korg VOLCA-BASS

The Korg Volca Bass is a powerful analog bass-line synthesizer with 3 oscillators (VCOs) based on an extremely simple but impactful synthesis structure: 3 VCOs (sawtooth and square), VCF, VCA, LFO and EG. Like the other synths in the Volca series, the Bass has MIDI IN and mini jack sync in and out connections for use in a chain, synchronized to other analog synths, to play it from your computer-based DAW, or with external MIDI keyboards.

The Volca Bass will allow you to bring to life an infinite variety of bass sounds rich in those nuances that are difficult to reproduce with digital equipment, from the driest to the most fluctuating and modulated sounds. Given the various operating modes of the 3 VCOs (from unison to 3-voice chord), the Volca Bass will satisfy you in any situation. Using the 2+1 configuration, you can, for example, take advantage of two oscillators for the bass part, while the third can be used to originate a melodic lead part. In unison mode, by acting on the detune parameter, you will be able to generate patches with sure impact, or, by acting individually on the pitch parameters of the 3 VCOs, setting them to 0, +3 and +7 respectively, you will be able to give rise to a playable chord with the press of a single note. Korg's in-house analog filter has been specially revised to meet the current needs of electronic music producers and thus operate with greater incisiveness and clarity, with a special focus on resonance-induced distortion. Indeed, the latter is a fundamental element for this kind of instrument, which is often employed in the creation of acid bass lines.

By turning the cutoff potentiometer to open the filter, the sound will take on a brighter character, while closing it will gradually generate a more subtle timbre, up to the more enveloping deep bass. The peak potentiometer allows you to increase resonance, which at high values can result in real distortion. The built-in 16-step sequencer, which takes its cue from the one implemented in the Electribe by Korg series of groove boxes, is not only intuitive, but also powerful, capable of generating a bass ride with a few simple gestures that will not fail to infuse you with inspiration. You will be able to enter notes directly on the steps, or record the phrases you play via the instrument's touch keyboard.

Given the different modes available for configuring the oscillators you can generate complex patterns, recording, for example, different phrases for each of the three VCOs. The sequencer is designed to offer rapid pattern editing in real time. In Slide mode you will be able to apply a kind of portamento to the played notes. When the sequence is playing with the Active Step function you have the ability to exclude steps from the pattern. This will allow you to bring to life a looper-like effect, or irregular rhythmic patterns. With the Korg Volca Bass you can program sounds that stand out in the rhythmic fabric of your song, full-bodied and powerful basses to support the rhythm part, or sounds with a more electro-funky flavor for the most engaging grooves.

KORG VOLCA BASS SPECIFICATIONS

- Multi touch/step type keyboard

- Synthesis type: analog

- Maximum polyphony: 3 voices

- Synthesis structure: 3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, 1EG

- VCO configurations: 3 voices, 2+1, unison

- VCO waveforms: sawtooth and square

- VCF: Cutoff, Peak, EG Int

- Filter type (VCF): Low pass at 12 db/octave

- VCA: EG on/of, Sustain on/off

- LFO: Rate, Int, Target (Amp, Pitch, Cutoff), Wave (Triangle, Square

- Envelope (EG): Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain

- 3-part 16-step sequencer

- 8 storable patterns for sequencer

- Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini jack

- Sync In: mono mini jack (Max input level: 20V)

- Sync Out: mono mini jack (Max Out level: 5V)

- MIDI: In on standard DIN connector

- Can be powered by 6 AA batteries

- Battery life: about 10 hours (with alkaline batteries)

- Optional power supply: AC adapter KA-350

- Dimensions: 193x115x46 mm

- Weight: 370 grams (excluding batteries)