KORG Volca Beats - Analog PCM drum machine with 16-step sequencer

KORG Volca Beats - Analog PCM drum machine with 16-step sequencer

The KORG volca beats is an ultra-portable analog drum machine that combines six 100% analog voices (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi-Hat, and Open Hi-Hat) with a PCM engine for Clap, Claves, Agogo, and Crash . Its Electribe-inspired step sequencer lets you record in real time or in steps with 16 touch-sensitive keys , store 8 patterns , and trigger creative functions like Stutter , Active Step , and Step Jump to transform your groove instantly. It has Sync In/Out for linking with other volca drums, and MIDI In for syncing from your DAW or playing parts from a MIDI keyboard. It can be powered by 6 AA batteries (≈ 10 hours of battery life) or the optional KA-350 adapter , and includes a built-in speaker so you can take your music anywhere.

Main features

• Rhythm-centric hybrid synthesis: analog for Kick/Snare/Toms/Hi-Hats and PCM for Clap/Claves/Agogo/Crash.
• Dedicated voice controls (examples): Kick (Click, Pitch, Decay), Snare (Snappy, Pitch, Decay), Toms (Hi/Lo Pitch, Decay), Hi-Hats (Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain); PCM with PCM Speed ​​to drastically alter the tone.
• Built-in sequencer: 10 parts , 16 steps , 8 memory patterns ; real-time or step recording with touch keys .
• Performance functions: Stutter (can be recorded to the pattern), Active Step and Step Jump for fills, short loops and irregular rhythms.
• Essential Connectivity: Sync In (3.5mm mini jack, max. input 20V), Sync Out (max. output 5V), Audio/Headphone (3.5mm stereo mini jack), MIDI In .
• Flexible power supply: 6 × AA (alkaline or Ni-MH) or KA-350 adapter (optional); approx. 10 h runtime with alkaline batteries.
• Total portability: built-in speaker and compact format 193 × 115 × 45 mm ; 372 g (without batteries).

Product benefits

• Sound with real analog punch: dense kicks, characterful snares and grainy hi-hats, combinable with lo-fi PCM percussion.
• Instant creativity: simple Electribe-style sequencing and Stutter/Active Step/Step Jump functions for menu-free pattern variation.
• Perfect fit for your set: synchronize multiple volcas via Sync or control from your DAW/keyboard via MIDI In .
• Ready to go: Battery-powered with built-in speaker; also supports the KA-350 adapter for studio/stage use.

Use cases

• Mobile Jam: Analog + PCM drum kit with built-in speaker for making beats at home, backstage, or in the park.
• Live and performance: chain patterns (manual pattern chain ) and use Stutter/Step Jump for transitions and fills.
• Hybrid production: Send MIDI clock from your DAW and record the audio outputs to add analog punch to your tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync it without MIDI?
Yes. Use the Sync In/Out (3.5 mm) to link it with other volcas or the Monotribe. You can also use SyncKontrol (iOS) for tap tempo and swing with WIST.

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 runs on 6 AA batteries.

Description for projects

KORG volca beats drum machine with 6 analog voices (Kick, Snare, Hi/Lo Tom, Closed/Open Hi-Hat) and 4 PCM keys (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash); 10-part, 16-step, 8-pattern sequencer; Stutter (recordable), Active Step, and Step Jump functions; connectors: 3.5 mm stereo headphones, Sync In (3.5 mm, max. 20 V), Sync Out (3.5 mm, max. 5 V), MIDI In; power supply: 6 x AA (alkaline/Ni-MH) or KA-350 adapter; battery life: ≈10 h with alkaline batteries; dimensions: 193 x 115 x 45 mm; weight: 372 g (without batteries); includes 6 x AA batteries for testing.