With a price tag that won’t leave you whoring on street corners to make ends meet, it’s a compact, budget-friendly synthesizer with an array of neat features.
This synth found its way into my creative arsenal as a gift from a dear friend, and today I wanted to delve deeper into what it can do.
Build & Aesthetic
Weighing in at less than a lb., it’s small and light but doesn’t feel cheap. With a battery life of approximately 10 hours, it’s great on the go but can also be used with an aftermarket 9V power adapter.
This flexibility caters to a wide range of musicians, making the Volca Keys adaptable to both studio setups and impromptu jam sessions on the move, a testament to its user-centric design.
Moreover, it’s a rather gorgeous unit and lights up like a Christmas tree upon initial startup.
Additionally, the built-in speaker makes it a standalone instrument that doesn’t require an external amplifier for practice or jamming.
That said, I’d probably just bring along a pair of headphones and plug them in if I was going to listen that way.
The speaker, while convenient, is about what you’d expect out of a tiny portable device. It simply won’t be loud or detailed enough for most people’s tastes.
Sound Engine
The Volca Keys boasts a fully analog signal path with three polyphonic oscillators, offering rich and warm tones that are characteristic of analog synthesizers.
These oscillators can be set to different intervals, allowing for lush chords and harmonies.
Voice Modes
One of its standout features is its voice modes.
Users can switch between Poly, Unison, and Mono modes, enabling it to serve as a polyphonic, monophonic, or chordal synthesizer, making it exceptionally versatile for different musical contexts.
Octave Mode
In this mode, the three oscillators are tuned to play at different octaves simultaneously.
This allows you to create DUMMY THICC, harmonically rich sounds with ease, making it great for basslines, pad textures, or complex melodies.
Fifth Mode
The Fifth mode tunes the oscillators to play in intervals of a perfect fifth apart.
This mode is excellent for crafting harmonically pleasing and consonant chords, adding a touch of musicality to your compositions.
Unison Ring Mode
This mode combines the three oscillators in unison and also enables ring modulation.
Ring modulation introduces a metallic and bell-like quality to your sound; perfect for creating experimental and otherworldly timbres.
Poly Ring Mode
In Poly Ring mode, the three oscillators are played polyphonically, and ring modulation is applied as well.
This mode offers a unique blend of harmonically rich polyphonic tones with the intriguing effects of ring modulation.
These additional modes significantly expand the creative potential of the Volca Keys, allowing you to experiment with different tonal textures and interesting sonic landscapes.
Filter Section
The built-in resonant low-pass filter with cutoff and peak controls provides precise manipulation of the sound.
The filter is capable of producing everything from soft, mellow tones to sharp, cutting leads.
Envelope Generators
Volca Keys includes Attack and Release envelope generators that can be applied to shape the amplitude of your sound.
This adds expressiveness and dynamics to your patches.
LFO and Modulation
The LFO section offers modulation depth and rate controls which can be applied to the pitch, filter, and pulse width modulation for evolving, animated soundscapes.
Sequencer
The onboard 16-step sequencer is intuitive and fun to use.
You can program melodies and patterns easily, making it great for live performance or songwriting.
Plus, it can be synchronized with other Volca units for expanded sonic possibilities.
Here’s a good video to get you started.
Demo
MIDI Connectivity
While it’s a self-contained unit, the Volca Keys has MIDI input, allowing it to be integrated into larger setups or controlled by external MIDI devices such as a Keyboard/Drum Pad, etc.
I’ve been using mine this way and having an absolute blast.
From FL Studio you can record yourself playing the synth and do full performances, or you can simply sample your own material for beats and whatnot using Edison.
The possibilities are vast!
Below is me noodling around. Around the 16-minute mark, I came up with a really neat melody and plan to make a song – incorporating some other instruments as well:
Closing Thoughts
Korg’s Volca Keys is a remarkable testament to modern synthesizer technology, offering a wealth of creative possibilities in a compact and affordable package.
Its analog sound engine delivers warmth and depth that’s reminiscent of classic synthesizers, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
The inclusion of versatile voice modes, a powerful filter section, and an intuitive sequencer empowers artists to craft a wide spectrum of sounds, from ethereal pads to cutting-edge leads.
Furthermore, the option to power the Volca Keys with batteries enhances its mobility, enabling musicians to explore their sonic ideas wherever inspiration strikes.
Whether you’re a live performer seeking a reliable and expressive tool or a producer looking to infuse your tracks with analog warmth, the Korg Volca Keys has something to offer.
LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator): LFO with rate and intensity controls for modulation
Sequencer: 16-step sequencer with step recording and real-time recording modes, Motion Sequence function records knob movements in real-time
Keyboard: Multi-touch keyboard with individual note and step functions
Effects: Delay effect with Time and Feedback controls
MIDI: MIDI In for connecting to other MIDI devices.
Sync: Sync In and Out for synchronization with other Volca units or external gear
Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (1/8″) for connecting to external audio equipment
Power: 6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter (not included)
Dimensions: 7.60″ x 4.53″ x 1.54″ (193 x 115 x 39 mm)
Weight: 1.31 lbs (0.6 kg)
Included Accessories: Sync cable
Key Features
Compact and portable design
Three polyphonic oscillators
Voice modes (Poly, Unison, Mono)
Resonant low-pass filter
Envelope generators (Attack and Release)
LFO with modulation options
16-step sequencer
Built-in speaker and battery power
MIDI connectivity
Sync options for integration with other Volca units
Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Korg Volca Keys Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Is this synth a good value? Are you looking to start a home studio or already in the process? I can help and would love to hear from you. Until next time..
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Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.