Korg’s Volca series has gained immense popularity among musicians, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts for its affordable, portable, and feature-packed synthesizers and drum machines. These compact devices offer an array of sound-sculpting possibilities, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned musicians. In this article, we will explore the Korg Volca series and answer the question: How many Volcas are there?
The Growing Family of Korg Volcas
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Korg had released a diverse range of Volca instruments, each specializing in a particular aspect of electronic music production. Keep in mind that Korg may have released additional models or discontinued some since then. Nevertheless, here is a list of the Korg Volca instruments available up to that point:
- Volca Beats: A drum machine designed for creating various rhythm patterns, including kick drums, snares, hi-hats, and more. It’s perfect for crafting beats in a variety of electronic music genres.
- Volca Bass: A monophonic analog bass synthesizer that excels at generating thick basslines. It offers three oscillators for rich and powerful low-end sounds.
- Volca Keys: An analog polyphonic synthesizer with three-voice polyphony. It’s known for its warm and versatile sound, making it suitable for melodies, chords, and atmospheric textures.
- Volca Sample: A digital sample sequencer that lets you import and manipulate your own samples. It’s a versatile tool for creating unique percussion and melodic patterns.
- Volca FM: A digital FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizer that emulates the classic sound of ’80s and ’90s digital synthesizers. It offers access to a wide range of iconic FM timbres.
- Volca Drum: A digital percussion synthesizer with a unique approach to sound generation, featuring six parts and a wide variety of sound-shaping options.
- Volca Modular: A semi-modular analog synthesizer with a Eurorack-inspired patch bay. It’s perfect for experimenting with modular synthesis in a compact form.
- Volca Nubass: An analog bass synthesizer with a vacuum tube oscillator for producing deep and powerful bass sounds.
- Volca Drum N&B (NuBass): A hybrid drum machine and bass synth, combining elements of the Volca Drum and Volca Nubass for a versatile sound palette.
- Volca FM “Simplified FM”: An updated version of the Volca FM with a simplified user interface for easier FM sound programming.
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021, and Korg may have introduced new Volca models or made changes to the lineup since then.
Conclusion
The Korg Volca series offers a diverse range of synthesizers and drum machines, each catering to specific musical needs and preferences. These compact and affordable instruments have become staples in electronic music production due to their versatility and ease of use. Whether you’re looking for analog warmth, digital precision, or experimental sound design capabilities, there’s likely a Korg Volca that fits your requirements. Be sure to check the latest offerings from Korg to see if any new Volca models have been introduced since my last update.
