KORG Volca Bass - 3-VCO Analog Bass Synthesizer with 16-Step Sequencer

KORG Volca Bass - 3-VCO Analog Bass Synthesizer with 16-Step Sequencer

The KORG Volca Bass is an analog bass synthesizer designed for creating acid , house , and groove lines with real punch. Its classic engine combines three VCOs with a 12 dB/Oct low-pass filter and a simple modulation path (VCA, LFO, and EG) that encourages menu-free programming. Each oscillator can operate in either a sawtooth or square pattern and can be grouped/ungrouped for thick unisons, fixed chords (in fifths, etc.), or independent phrases, resulting in punchy basslines or interlocking three-part sequences. The 16-step sequencer —inherited from the Electribe—allows real-time or step recording, storing eight patterns , and applying creative features like Step Slide and Active Step to skip steps and generate distinctive rhythmic variations.

Connectivity is straightforward: MIDI In for syncing from your DAW/keyboard and Sync In/Out on a mini jack for linking with other volca units or the Monotribe. Its ultra-portable design runs on 6 AA batteries (≈10 hours) or the optional KA-350 adapter , and it includes a built-in speaker for playing anywhere. It also features continuous VCO autotuning to prevent pitch drifts typical of analog hardware, and it automatically shuts off after approximately 4 hours to save power.

Main features

• Bass-centric analog synthesis: 3VCO / 1VCF / 1VCA / 1LFO / 1EG with immediate control.
• “Bite” Filter: 12 dB/Oct LPF with Cutoff , Peak (Resonance) and EG Int , tuned for acid- style resonant distortion.
• Versatile oscillators: saw and square waves; VCO grouping (independent/2+1/unison) and detuning for thickness.
• Musical LFO: Triangle and Square shapes with destinations to Amp , Pitch and Cutoff .
• Step sequencer: 3 parts , 16 steps , and 8 patterns ; real-time or step recording.
• Performance features: Step Slide (essential for acid ) and Active Step to skip steps and create short loops or irregular bars.
• Multi-touch keyboard: Touch interface for quick tapping and programming.
• Connectivity: Headphone output (3.5 mm stereo), Sync In/Out (3.5 mm) and MIDI In .
• True portability: built-in speaker; powered by 6 x AA or KA-350 (optional); approx. 10 h battery life.
• Analog stability: continuous VCO auto-tuning and configurable auto-off (~4 h).
• Compact and lightweight: 193 × 115 × 46 mm ; 370 g (without batteries).

Product benefits

• Thick, aggressive, and musical: bass with an analog presence that cuts through the mix and complements the drums.
• Instant flow: Program ideas in seconds with the 3-part sequencer and add variations with Slide/Active Step.
• Integrates into any setup: sync multiple volcas via Sync or control it from your DAW/keyboard via MIDI.
• Take it anywhere: Built-in speaker and batteries for mobile jams; the KA-350 is ready for studio and stage.

Use cases

• Classic Acid Lines: Activate Slide per step and raise the resonance for that signature sweep.
• Three-layer grooves: sequence each VCO with a different phrase for polyphonic/paraphonic basses.
• Hybrid production: Sync via MIDI from your DAW and record its output to add analog punch to your tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it have a built-in speaker?
Yes, it includes a speaker and is battery-operated, making it ideal for practicing without additional equipment.

How many patterns can I save?
Up to 8 patterns in internal memory.

What power adapter do you use?
The KORG KA-350 (optional). Also works with 6 AA batteries (≈10 h).

Description for projects

KORG Volca Bass Analog Synthesizer: 3VCO/1VCF/1VCA/1LFO/1EG architecture; VCO with sawtooth/square waves; 12 dB/Oct LPF with Cutoff/Peak/EG Int; LFO with Rate/Int and Amp/Pitch/Cutoff destinations (triangle/square shapes); 3-part, 16-step, 8-pattern sequencer with Step Slide and Active Step functions; connectors: 3.5 mm stereo headphones, Sync In (max. 20 V) and Sync Out (max. 5 V), MIDI In; power supply: 6×AA (alkaline or Ni-MH) or optional KA-350 adapter; approximate battery life: 10 h; auto-tuning and auto-off: ~4 h; dimensions: 193 × 115 × 46 mm; weight: 370 g; built-in speaker; includes 6 AA batteries for testing.