KORG Volca NuBass - Analog Bass Synthesizer with Nutube and 16-Step Sequencer

KORG Volca NuBass - Analog Bass Synthesizer with Nutube and 16-Step Sequencer

The KORG Volca NuBass is a monophonic analog synthesizer module that showcases a unique architecture: a Nutube tube-based oscillator capable of generating sawtooth or square waves, reinforced by a sub-oscillator an octave below, also driven by Nutube. The result is a warm, thick, and harmonic-rich bass that only a real tube can deliver. Added to this is a transistor ladder low-pass filter —the signature of acid music—plus analog overdrive with Tone control to round out the character.

Its 16-step sequencer integrates classic volca series functions (real-time or step recording, Chain , Motion Sequence , Active Step ) and specific expressive tools for bass lines: Transpose, Accent and Slide , each with a Randomize option to generate variations on the fly. It includes a built-in speaker , runs on 6 AA batteries (approximately 8 hours of battery life) or with an optional KA-350 adapter , and offers Sync In/Out for integrating other KORG machines and MIDI IN for control from DAWs or external keyboards. The set is completed by a music software bundle with titles such as iZotope Ozone Elements, Skoove (3 months), Reason Lite and KORG Gadget 2 Le.

Main features

• Nutube Tube Architecture: 2 tubes: one in the oscillator (saw/square) and one in the sub-oscillator drive (one octave down) for depth and warmth.
• Analog ladder filter LPF: Transistor ladder low-pass filter with a dynamic sweep ideal for acid/techno and punchy basses.
• Analog Overdrive with Tone Control: Adds compression and musical saturation to the bass sound.
• Flexible, syncable LFO routing for creative modulation.
• Volca Sequencer (16 steps): Step or real-time input, Chain (chain up to 16 patterns), Motion Sequence (automate parameters), Active Step , and Accent/Slide/Transpose functions with Randomize .
• Connectivity and portability: Sync In/Out , MIDI IN , 3.5mm headphone output, built-in speaker , powered by 6×AA or KA-350 .
• Includes 6 AA batteries for verification and sync cable .
• Compact size: 193 × 115 × 46 mm; 370 g (without batteries).

Product benefits

• Organic bass with the tonal response and saturation of a real tube.
• Instant creative flow : agile sequencer with Motion and groove functions (accent/slide/transpose + randomize) for quick and direct ideas.
• Easy integration into hardware (Sync) and software (MIDI IN) setups , with a fully portable option thanks to batteries and a speaker.

Use cases

• Acid/Techno/House: lines with slide and accent , automations and distortion with character.
• Live jams and mobile studio: chain patterns, modulate with synchronized LFOs, and take advantage of the speaker for sketches without extra equipment.
• DAW/Hybrid Production: Sequence from your DAW via MIDI IN and record the audio, processing it with the analog filter/overdrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it have a USB or MIDI OUT port? No. It has a MIDI IN (DIN) and 3.5mm Sync In/Out ports for analog synchronization.
• What's included? 6 AA batteries for testing and a sync cable ; the KA-350 adapter is sold separately.
• How long does the battery last? Approximately 8 hours with alkaline batteries (typical use).

Description for projects

Monophonic analog bass synthesizer with Nutube on oscillator ( saw / square waves) and sub-oscillator drive (−1 octave); VCF lowpass ladder , VCA , EG , LFO ; analog overdrive with tone ; 16-step sequencer with Chain , Motion Sequence , Active Step , Accent/Slide/Transpose and Randomize ; connectivity: Headphones 3.5 mm , Sync In (max. 20 V), Sync Out (5 V), MIDI IN ; built-in speaker ; power supply 6×AA or KA-350 (optional); battery life approx. 8 h ; dimensions 193 × 115 × 46 mm ; weight 370 g (without batteries); includes 6 AA batteries and sync cable ; software bundle included.