The Volca series are a group of three miniature synths with built in sequencers designed to help you create music away from your computer. Sitting next to the bass and keys units in the line is this beats version which takes its cue from classic analogue beatboxes fusing that with the ethos of Korgs Electribe design to create a miniature analogue drum machine brimming with possibilities. There are two sound engines; an analogue engine for the kick snare open hats closed hats low tom and high tom sounds as well as a PCM engine for clave cowbell ago go and clap sounds all of which are fully editable. The 16 step sequencer is based on the classic Korg Electribe sequencer and includes features for warping your sequences such as stutter roll and active step functions. The Volca Beats is battery powered with the option of a 9V AC adapter and in addition it includes a sync I/O for chaining different Volca instruments together including Korgs Monotribe. There is also MIDI in for use with your DAW or external clocking device and the main audio output is through a headphone mini jack port. Those who like to use touchscreen interfaces may be intrigued to hear that it is also possible to sync all of the Volca units wirelessly using the SyncKontrol app for iPhone. With competition in the miniature drum machine market heating up its unrivaled affordability makes Korgs Volca Beats well placed to be the leader of the pack.

Korg Volca Beats – Analog Rhythm Machine
$59.79