A digital drum synth and Buchla-inspired semi-modular system are coming soon.
Following a leaked image that materialised in December 2018, electronic musical instrument luminaries Korg have confirmed that two new additions to the Volca series are coming soon.
A digital drum synth and a Buchla-inspired semi-modular system will join the company’s hugely popular Volca family in 2019, which currently boasts seven systems including a digital sample sequencer, an analogue drum machine, a bass synthesizer and a polyphonic digital synthesizer modelled on Yamaha’s famed DX7.
The Volca Modular is exactly what it says on the tin. Ok, almost. The semi-modular system – which features eight modules and fifty patching points, a 16-step sequencer, motion sequencing and mini patch cables not dissimilar to those of the Kastle Bastl – is said to be modelled on the percussive and experimental synthesis of the West Coast, taking its cues from Don Buchla’s pioneering range of instruments. The implementation of low pass gates, dual function generators, a random source, two FM-capable VCOs with wavefolding, an internal sequencer and custom, microtonal scales allow for a wide variety of abstract and timbrally complex results.
The Volca Drum is a sophisticated percussion generator that the company states “was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, and generates a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds.” Unlike its predecessor the Volca Beats, the drum machine is digital and reliant on a physical modelling engine with multiple layers. Main features include a 16-step sequencer with parameter automation, a slice function for step division and drum rolls, accent, choke and randomize.
Watch two official promo clips that demonstrate the new instruments’ capabilities below.
There are no confirmed release dates for the Volca Modular and Volca Drum at present, however the machines will be showcased at NAMM 2019 alongside Korg’s new polyphonic synthesizer, the Minilogue XD and cost $199.99 and $169.99 respectively.
Words by Sam Wilkinson.
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