Analog synthesizers can be very expensive, especially if you are new to synths and want a synth from a trusted brand. Fortunately, the known music brand Korg has heard the pleas of the people and made one such synthesizer, the Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer.
Hoping for a cheap Korg model that has the same power as an expensive and sophisticated Korg? This analog synthesizer is the one for you. Korg has gone to every length to create an analog synth that immediately responds to user preferences. Check out all the features of the Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer below.
Features
- This synth can produce three note true-analog synthesis with just one knob, allowing you to tweak sounds easily through your preferences
- It also comes with a 16-step sequencer that can help produce free-flowing loops if needed
- It also has a 27-key analog lead synth that will blow users away due to the sounds it can produce
- This model of the Korg synth comes with a voicing function that can be modified with the three oscillators in the machine, which can produce one of six combinations: unison, poly, fifth, octave, unison ring and poly ring
- The synth also comes with a motion sequence function which records how you move the knob and other settings, ensuring you can create uniformed loops and unique music each time you use this synth
- You can connect a variety of instruments in this synth thanks to its sync in and out plug
- This synth also comes with a MIDI In note entry plug and external sync capacity for DAW
Summary
Considering the name of the brand which made this synth, the Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer should be a top contender if you are looking for a cheap, yet powerful synthesizer. However, it is important to determine how it holds up to the name. Continue reading to see the things you may experience when you get this synth.
Pros
For a small synth, Korg has done wonders with this model in ways you may not be expecting. In terms of its design and style, this synth is very portable and has an onboard keypad that will play perfectly in any environment.
The synth is not like its siblings in the Volca range because you will notice that it can offer versatile functions that other synths cannot easily replicate. You can instantly load samples with the machine, such as an acoustic or drum sample, and add 10 instruments to the fray thanks to the 8-instrument/note polyphony you can get with this synth.
Pitch control is world-class with this synth because you can just change it with the up/down or the semitones option. The speakers installed with this synth are also quite loud so you don’t have to connect it to an external speaker unless you wish to do so. The battery life of this machine is quite something, despite the fact it is a very small synthesizer.
It can last for a long time even without charging for an entire day. You can also use your favorite 3rd-party apps to play your samples and upload it to other mediums, as well as edit them. The product is also quite cheap if you want a portable analog synth with a lot of features.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are several things which may turn you off with this synth from Korg. First of all, the build quality of this synth is not up to its siblings as the material is cheap plastic and it is likely to become more brittle if placed in direct sunlight. The touch keys are also quite close to each another so it will be quite a challenge to enter your desired sequence without hitting two or more keys at the same time.
The documentation manual that comes with this machine is laughable because it doesn’t provide much explanation on each step sequence, which can be a problem if this is your first time working with an analog synthesizer. You may also find this machine producing a distinct snare sound, which can be quite annoying if you are trying to modify the sound.
In some cases, the synth may not record at all and the sounds you make with this cannot easily be loaded. Korg does not include a program or means to help you transfer samples to a different medium.
It also comes with only 4MB of space, preventing you from storing samples on the synth for a long time. Maintaining the machine is also quite expensive because this synth requires 6 AA batteries, which can quickly run out, and the plug is sold separately.
Bottom line
Korg is a pioneer in music technology and it shows in all the products they develop. The Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer reflects the company’s mastery and has created a one-of-a-kind analog synth that you can play anywhere.
