Korg Volca Bass (opened)

Whether it's aggressive sounds competing with the drums, thrusting basses underlining the rhythm, or funky swing - the volca bass simply gives you everything you need for your bass line. Despite its simple structure, the analogue-based sound design is totally accurate, with subtle nuances that digital simulation can't replicate. This makes it an ideal choice especially for acid house, but also for many other musical styles. The step sequencer, taken from Electribe, is not only very intuitive at first glance, but it's mainly a way to generate bass loops very easily and according to your inspiration.

Three oscillators generating different bass sounds
The built-in oscillators, which generate an unmistakable modulated sound, can be used in different ways, either for unison playing or separately within chords, giving you an incredible range of different bass sounds. When you create a sequence that uses the oscillators separately, you can further create a complex pattern combining these phrases. Or you can also use the oscillators in a 2+1 combination, where one set of oscillators will be on a low frequency and the other will be on a higher, melodic frequency. Alternatively, you can set all three together, with subtle mutual detuning, and so on - the possibilities are simply many.

Clean and clear sound from the legendary analog filter
The analogue filter is tuned specifically for the Volca Bass. Turning the Cutoff knob opens the filter and brightens the sound; closing the filter results in a softer sound. The Peak knob allows you to adjust the resonance or distortion at the same time. The resonance distortion, which is important for acid, has been tuned specifically for these bass sounds.

Simple structure with one VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG
In addition to the three VCOs, the volca bass also offers a single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG, which keeps sound creation simple and intuitive. It's also a standard synth structure, making the Volca Bass an ideal tool for first contact with synthesizers.

A loop sequencer taken from Electribe
The loop sequencer is designed to make editing easy and allow for improvised insertion or removal of certain parts. Using the 16 keys, you can insert individual notes while visually checking their correct timing within a measure. For each of the three oscillators you can insert completely different phrases, and recording can be done in real time. Up to eight sequencer paterns can be stored in memory.

Slide function, indispensable for EDM
With its distinctive "sticky" character, acid bass is an indispensable sound on any analogue synthesizer. In this respect, the volca bass offers a Slide function that seems to connect the steps, making it easier for everyone to create acid sounds. The function can be set for each of the steps.

The Active Step function generates new bass lines
Active Step is a function that can skip certain steps during the playback of a sequence. It is therefore an effect similar to a shortened loop, or it can be used to create irregular rhythms, which enlivens the whole sequence.

Self-tuning function
Up until now, the problem with analogue synthesizers has sometimes been the way the pitch of the tone sometimes changes abruptly. The volca model features a self-tuning function that continuously tunes the oscillators. This way, you don't have to wait for the instrument's tuning to stabilize the next time you turn it on or during live performances.

Thanks to the wide connectivity, you can enjoy playback coming out of several volca synths simultaneously, or connect them to a monotribe. Through the "SyncKontrol" app on your iPhone, you can wirelessly control tempo and some other settings, including iOS playback via WIST. You can sync the synth to other devices via the MIDI IN connector, or "play" the synth via a connected MIDI keyboard. Similarly, you can then connect Volca to your music software and use it as a sound module.

Dust cover for Korg Volca Bass: DECKSAVER Korg Volca Series cover