KORG Volca Sample (New Generation) - Portable sampler with 16-step sequencer, 200 samples, and micro USB connection

KORG Volca Sample (New Generation) - Portable sampler with 16-step sequencer, 200 samples, and micro USB connection

The KORG volca sampler (2nd generation) is a portable sampler focused on performance and beatmaking, featuring an 8-voice polyphony PCM engine, a 10-part step sequencer, digital reverb , and the classic Analog Isolator (bass and treble) for quickly sculpting any pattern. This new version doubles the memory of the original and expands pattern handling and sample import, adding the much-requested micro USB connection for MIDI control and sample transfer from your computer. It features 200 total slots (with 150 factory presets , all rewritable ) and 16 patterns with pattern chain functionality for linking sequences together. All this in a compact form factor with an internal speaker , battery power, and analog sync for integration with other volca and drum machines.

Main features

• Sound Engine : PCM sample playback with 8 voice polyphony and Reverse control.
• Sequencer : 10 parts , 16 steps , 16 patterns with pattern chain , Motion Sequence , Active Step , Step Jump and Swing .
• Sample editing : Start Point , Start Delay , Length , Hi Cut , pitch ( Speed , EG Int , Attack , Decay ) and amplitude ( Level , Pan , Attack , Decay ).
• Effects : Digital Reverb (adjustable mix) and Analog Isolator (Bass/Treble) on the main bus.
• Sample memory : up to 200 (150 factory + 50 free; all overwritable), 8 MB / 130 s total at 31.25 kHz / 16-bit .
• Connectivity : 3.5mm stereo headphone output, micro-USB (to Host) for MIDI and sample management, 5-pin DIN MIDI IN , SYNC IN/OUT minijack for analog clock.
• Power supply : 6 × AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH) or optional KA-350 adapter; battery life approx. 10 h (alkaline).
• Interface : multi-touch keyboard, dedicated potentiometers, integrated speaker and ultra-compact chassis.
• Dimensions and weight : 193 × 115 × 45 mm (with knob height) and 372 g (without batteries).

Product benefits

• Instant Workflow : Spend less time in menus and more time creating with physical controls, Motion Sequence , and pattern chaining to build complete themes.
• Ready-to-use library : 150 rewritable factory samples covering drums, percussion, bass, and textures; easily import your own sounds via USB .
• Powerful sound : built-in reverb and Analog Isolator to enhance bass and treble without external processors.
• Complete portability : battery-powered, includes a speaker, and fits in any backpack; syncs with other volca units or a DAW via USB MIDI and SYNC .
• Flexible integration : control parts via MIDI IN , synchronize via SYNC IN/OUT with analog equipment, and trigger from an external keyboard or sequencer.

Use cases

• Portable Beatmaking : Create beats anywhere, save 16 patterns, and play them in sequence live.
• Live and performance : muting by parts, Step Jump for fills and Motion to automate filters and tone on the fly.
• Hybrid production : sequence from your DAW via USB MIDI , send clock via SYNC , and resample your own stems to the volca.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you sample directly from the input? It doesn't sample external audio directly; samples are imported from a computer via USB (or a compatible app). It's designed for playing, manipulating, and sequencing previously recorded samples.
• Is it USB powered? No. The micro-USB port is for MIDI and data transfer. The unit does not operate on USB power.
• Does it have a built-in speaker? Yes. If you don't connect headphones, the audio comes through the internal speaker.
• How many parts and patterns does it have? 10 parts in the sequencer and 16 patterns, with pattern chaining .

Connectivity and synchronization

3.5mm stereo headphones ; SYNC IN (mono minijack, max. input level 20 V) and SYNC OUT (mono minijack, max. output level 5 V); 5-pin DIN MIDI IN ; micro-USB (to Host) for MIDI/sample management. Compatible with analog sync from the volca family and other boxes/sequencers.

Description for projects

KORG volca sampler (2nd generation): PCM engine, max. 8-voice polyphony; 10-part, 16-step sequencer, 16 patterns with pattern chain ; sample editing (Start Point, Start Delay, Length, Hi Cut), pitch (Speed, EG Int, Attack, Decay) and amplitude (Level, Pan, Attack, Decay), Reverse ; effects: digital reverb and Analog Isolator (Bass/Treble); memory: 200 samples (8 MB / 130 s) at 31.25 kHz/16-bit; connectivity: 3.5 mm headphones, SYNC IN/OUT, MIDI IN, micro-USB (MIDI/data); power: 6×AA or KA-350 adapter; battery life: approx. 10 h; dimensions: 193 × 115 × 45 mm; weight: 372 g; Includes 6 AA batteries (for verification) and sync cable.