Powerful analog drum/rhythm machine
The Volca Beats combines vintage style and sound with modern day innovations, resulting in this high-end beat machine. The unit features an onboard 16-step sequencer, borrowed from Korg's Electribe; as well as a wide variety of analog drum sounds. The highly compact design makes it one of the most portable drum machines on the market, allowing you to create rhythms and patterns on the move. The analog circuitry ensures you capture the warmth and grit associated with the circuits normally found in vintage synthesizers. The ergonomic design and wide variety of connectivity makes it highly versatile, whilst still remaining easy to use.
Analog drum sounds
The Korg Volca Beats provides you with a range of sounds including: Kick, Snare Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. The sounds are reminiscent of 909 and 808 drum machines, with some of the sounds prevalent in modern and older dance music. The powerful analog sounds provide with a full-bodied tone, with crisp highs and booming lows for optimised audio performance. As well as the standard sounds, the Volca Beats also included a PCM sound engine, which covers for the sounds that can’t be generated by the analog circuitry. Combining modern technology with the vintage style provides you with Clap, Claves, Agogo and Crash sounds for additional flexibility. The rough lo-fi sound it produces is reminiscent of 80s synths. You can even change the PCM speed to raise or lower the pitch for added versatility.
Electribe’s step sequencer
The on-board loop/step sequencer is taken directly from the Electribe for its easy-to-use functionality and wide range of controls. The 16-step sequencer is represented by 16 step keys, allowing you to intuitively enter notes while monitoring the timing of the notes via the LED lights. You can even play the touch panel keyboard whilst recording in real-time. The internal memory provides you with enough space to store up to eight sequence patterns. The sequencer features a stutter mode, designed to add flare to your live performances. This gives you the ability to create drum rolls and delay-style effects while playing your sequences. You can also record movement of the stutter knob. The Active Step and Step Jump function allow you to create new rhythms by inserting or removing steps, creating irregular rhythms; ideal for live performance use.
Portable design, versatile connectivity
The highly compact design of the Volca Beats, makes it one of the most portable drum/rhythm machines available on the market. It features integrated speakers, allowing you to create patterns and sequences on the move. It also allows you to test out idea without having to be hooked up to external speakers. The vintage-style Sync jack allows you to unify multiple Volca unit together for synchronised playback. The MIDI IN connector allows you to expand your functionality, by hooking the Volca Beats up to your selected DAW. The unit can be powered by AA batteries or via mains plug, allowing you to setup and play anywhere you go.
Features
- References classic rhythm machines
- Maximum effect from minimal parameters
- Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe
- Stutter function
- Active Step function
- Step Jump function
- Sync jack and MIDI IN
- Compact size
- Battery-powered operation
- Built-in speaker
Specifications
Synth
- Keyboard Type: Multi touch trigger pad / step key
- Synth Type: Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat) PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)
- Kick: Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Snare: Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Tom: Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Hi Hat: Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level
- PCM: PCM Speed, Part Level
Sequencer
- Number Of Parts: 10
- Number Of Steps: 16
- Number Of Recording Patterns: 8
Connectors
- Audio Output: Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
- Sync: Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V) , Sync Out (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
- MIDI: In
Power
- Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
- Power Supply: AA alkaline battery ×6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery ×6, AC adapter “KA-350” (optional)
Others
- Accessories: AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)
- Options: AC adapter “KA-350” (not included)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches
- Weight: 372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK it's normally around £4 for order values under £150, and free above that. Shipping to mainland EU is typically between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of Parcelforce, DPD, Royal Mail and UPS for the UK, and for international orders it's either Royal Mail, UPS, DHL or FedEx depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we normally dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 15:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes FedEx or UPS may come a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Shipping times
Since April 2020 the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer.
There is absolutely nothing we can do about this unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Saturday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 15:30 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday delivery (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). The success rate with DPD is about 95% so it's worth a punt most of the time. Please note that if you select Saturday shipping on an order placed earlier in the week, we'll wait until Friday to ship it.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
Product Overview
Powerful analog drum/rhythm machine
The Volca Beats combines vintage style and sound with modern day innovations, resulting in this high-end beat machine. The unit features an onboard 16-step sequencer, borrowed from Korg's Electribe; as well as a wide variety of analog drum sounds. The highly compact design makes it one of the most portable drum machines on the market, allowing you to create rhythms and patterns on the move. The analog circuitry ensures you capture the warmth and grit associated with the circuits normally found in vintage synthesizers. The ergonomic design and wide variety of connectivity makes it highly versatile, whilst still remaining easy to use.
Analog drum sounds
The Korg Volca Beats provides you with a range of sounds including: Kick, Snare Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat, and Open Hi Hat. The sounds are reminiscent of 909 and 808 drum machines, with some of the sounds prevalent in modern and older dance music. The powerful analog sounds provide with a full-bodied tone, with crisp highs and booming lows for optimised audio performance. As well as the standard sounds, the Volca Beats also included a PCM sound engine, which covers for the sounds that can’t be generated by the analog circuitry. Combining modern technology with the vintage style provides you with Clap, Claves, Agogo and Crash sounds for additional flexibility. The rough lo-fi sound it produces is reminiscent of 80s synths. You can even change the PCM speed to raise or lower the pitch for added versatility.
Electribe’s step sequencer
The on-board loop/step sequencer is taken directly from the Electribe for its easy-to-use functionality and wide range of controls. The 16-step sequencer is represented by 16 step keys, allowing you to intuitively enter notes while monitoring the timing of the notes via the LED lights. You can even play the touch panel keyboard whilst recording in real-time. The internal memory provides you with enough space to store up to eight sequence patterns. The sequencer features a stutter mode, designed to add flare to your live performances. This gives you the ability to create drum rolls and delay-style effects while playing your sequences. You can also record movement of the stutter knob. The Active Step and Step Jump function allow you to create new rhythms by inserting or removing steps, creating irregular rhythms; ideal for live performance use.
Portable design, versatile connectivity
The highly compact design of the Volca Beats, makes it one of the most portable drum/rhythm machines available on the market. It features integrated speakers, allowing you to create patterns and sequences on the move. It also allows you to test out idea without having to be hooked up to external speakers. The vintage-style Sync jack allows you to unify multiple Volca unit together for synchronised playback. The MIDI IN connector allows you to expand your functionality, by hooking the Volca Beats up to your selected DAW. The unit can be powered by AA batteries or via mains plug, allowing you to setup and play anywhere you go.
Features
- References classic rhythm machines
- Maximum effect from minimal parameters
- Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe
- Stutter function
- Active Step function
- Step Jump function
- Sync jack and MIDI IN
- Compact size
- Battery-powered operation
- Built-in speaker
Specifications
Synth
- Keyboard Type: Multi touch trigger pad / step key
- Synth Type: Analog synthesis (Kick, Snare, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Closed Hi Hat/Open Hi Hat) PCM synthesis (Clap, Claves, Agogo, Crash)
- Kick: Click, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Snare: Snappy, Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Tom: Hi Pitch, Lo Pitch, Decay, Part Level
- Hi Hat: Closed Decay, Open Decay, Grain, Part Level
- PCM: PCM Speed, Part Level
Sequencer
- Number Of Parts: 10
- Number Of Steps: 16
- Number Of Recording Patterns: 8
Connectors
- Audio Output: Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
- Sync: Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V) , Sync Out (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V)
- MIDI: In
Power
- Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)
- Power Supply: AA alkaline battery ×6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery ×6, AC adapter “KA-350” (optional)
Others
- Accessories: AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation)
- Options: AC adapter “KA-350” (not included)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 193 × 115 ×45 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 inches
- Weight: 372 g / 0.82lbs (Excluding batteries)
Technical Specs
Shipping Details
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK it's normally around £4 for order values under £150, and free above that. Shipping to mainland EU is typically between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of Parcelforce, DPD, Royal Mail and UPS for the UK, and for international orders it's either Royal Mail, UPS, DHL or FedEx depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we normally dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 15:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes FedEx or UPS may come a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Shipping times
Since April 2020 the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer.
There is absolutely nothing we can do about this unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Saturday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 15:30 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday delivery (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). The success rate with DPD is about 95% so it's worth a punt most of the time. Please note that if you select Saturday shipping on an order placed earlier in the week, we'll wait until Friday to ship it.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
