Korg Volca Keys

Name: Korg Volca Keys
Brand: Korg

An analog lead synthesizer with 3-voice paraphonic synthesis, a 27-key keyboard, and built-in analog delay

Overview

The Korg Volca Keys is an analog lead synth made by Korg. It has a 27-key keyboard and three voltage-controlled oscillators, which give it 3-voice paraphonic synthesis. It also has a 16-step sequencer with 8 memory locations and a motion sequence function that records real-time knob adjustments. It runs on 6 AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, and gets approximately 10 hours out of alkaline batteries.

Specifications

Keyboard	27-key
Polyphony	3 voices
Oscillators	3 VCOs
Filter	Analog filter with Peak function (LPF)
Envelope Generator	EG with Attack, Decay/Release, Sustain
LFO	LFO with 5 waveforms (Saw, Triangle, Square, S&H, Sample & Hold)
Effects	Built-in analog delay with Time, Feedback controls
Sequencer	16-step sequencer with 8 memory locations
Motion Sequence	Motion sequence function records knob movements
Sync	Sync In/Out terminals (mini-jack)
Audio Output	5 mm monaural mini-phone jack
Power	Powered by 6 AA batteries or optional AC adapter
Battery Life	Approx. 10 hours of continuous use (alkaline batteries)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	193 x 115 x 46 mm
Weight	365 g (including batteries)

Design

The Volca Keys uses analog circuitry for both sound generation and filtering. It has a built-in speaker and an analog filter with a Peak function. It is a 3-voice polyphonic analog synth, built to be playable right away and small enough to carry.

Reception

One user noted: "I much prefer the VK's character."

Market

One reported problem is sync trouble, which may persist if audio output cables are connected during use. The power socket design has also drawn criticism in user discussions.