Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop Synthesizer Reviews

I've owned and worked with Synthesizers since 1972. I currently own quite a few Synthesizers from several manufacturers, Behringer, Roland, ASM, Elektron, Modal, Teenage Engineering and Korg, to name a few.

At being over 10 years in the marketplace this Volca Keys has really held up to the test of time. I decided it was time to take another look at it and decided I wanted to have one.

Although it is marketed as an "Analogue" Synthesizer in reality the control signals are generated digitally with the CPU using a 10-bit DAC giving incredible near-analogue resolution. Essentially, this is a Subtractive Hybrid unit; an analogue sound engine with digital control so dial tweaks and note info can be recorded into the sequencer/accessed over MIDI. By the way, this is a good thing not a negative at all.

It's a pretty easy to use, straightforward Synth, with no menu screen or deep diving, pretty much a dial per function arrangement. Great for beginners but powerful enough for experienced users. However I did notice notice that some dials are translucent and some solid. As a rule I found (with some exceptions) the solid dials' movements can't be sequenced, but the translucent dials can be sequenced and are backlit red plus flash to denote which parameters are active or recorded in a 'motion sequence' (motion sequencing captures dial movements into the sequencer). The tempo dials flash in time with the internal/MIDI-clocked tempo and each key/sequence step has its own LED too, convenient for letting you know what's happening at a glance within complex sequences.

It features 3 sawtooth wave oscillators and produces great upfront three-note chords, dirty lead/bass lines, ring modulated sounds and detuned unisons. It also features octave/fifth mono modes, a versatile tempo-syncable analogue-style delay that does reverbs/bit-crushing (from the Monotron Delay).
It also uses the MiniKORG700s filter, which is a great filter. The LFO has 3 waveforms: sawtooth, square and triangle which make for some great modulation variety.

The Volca Keys really packs a lot in and it's very versatile and a true value at such a low cost. It's a nice addition to the Analog Synthesizer part of my Studio's Synthesizer "Arsenal". At this price everyone should own one!

The Korg Volca Keys is a fantastic sounding analog poly synth even if it were more expensive. This can really get pretty fat too. I love the Volca Keys so much that I made a sample library with it using motion recording and doing two passes of each sound to give me stereo imagining of the LFO phase. If there's one thing that's greatest about it, it's the filter. Korg filters are the best and this filter, based on the miniKORG 700S, is no exception. The different oscillator modes give it a wide range of sounds and one of my favorite features of this is the pitch envelope. The pitch envelope just really sets it apart from synths lacking such control. I've used this with its sequencer and that's totally fun for DAWless jams. I'm now also enjoying using it in sampled form. Every parameter is motion recordable except oscillator mode & resonance and you can motion record all other parameters without limit. I hope to always have a Volca Keys and I just know I'll only ever get rid of it if Korg comes out with a Volca Keys 2.

really easy to use and good for house / techno music.

Not my 1st volca or even my 1st volca keys it's a great sounding poly synth I've used it in many productions the filter is very unique sounding I've shared a video link the video in the link all the lead is volca keys .. thank you Sweetwater for being all that you are!

You can get huge sound out of this little box. It is very basic, but it does what it does quite well. The built in sequencer and delay are great. I do wish tempo was quantized, but that is my only criticism.

This synth has a vintage sound that anybody can use. It can be a little daunting as a beginner synth but don't let that hold you back from getting it.

I bought this synth on my first visit to Sweetwater"s walk-in store. I was amazed at the sound of this inexpensive Korg and have used it on several projects now. It isn"t quite as versatile as I need but if you take the time to play one or listen to lots of samples, you can get a feel for its voice. That said, it is a little versatile and is capable of doing quite a few different things that I need it to do.

Love the little guy, great analog sound at a cheap price and now I have bragging rights by saying I own. Korg.

I love this synthesis machine. With midi in, it becomes a whole new beast. I run it in Ableton, my DAW, and I am immediately inspired by the never ending supply of sequences It can conjure. The ability to automate parameters on the synth is lovely, and with the volca keys remote, a max for live device, I can control my synth's automation with my DAW.

This synth is the best that I have found for the price, and it has blown me away with how creative you can be with such a simple synth. I've tried finding cheap units like the monotron delay which is ultimately only good for as an effect unit and getting a dirty noisy sound, but this synth is so powerful on its own I can't believe it. It's as basic as you can get while still being able to have fun, and is a very effective learning tool on midi and hardware setup as well as instrument for simple sequencing and melodies. What is the greatest thing about this synth is the many versatile ways to play it in my opinion. You can power this on batteries and play it with its own built-in speaker for on the go boredom, or power this with their own supply and plug it in for hardware integration (not included). You can sequence a melody straight from the sequencer and save it, or you can plug a midi cable in and have it play a melody from your DAW. You can record motion with the sequencer as well, or apply your generic effects within your software or rig to add complexity to the sound. I would highly recommend this for any musician big on physical synthesizers regardless of level, for the many different ways to play it. Would also highly recommend this to anyone like me who is always looking around for cheap and usable hard synths. This is my final thoughts on the volca keys:

Pros:
Super easy to use in many ways
Portability is as easy as it gets
Super clean sound
Many ways to be creative and record
Overall clean look and feel
Easy integration for other hardware and keyboards

Neutral Comments:
A little research and reading is needed to do some things like set midi channel etc

Cons:
Keys are very small, pretty hard to play in poly mode with chords on this
Sequencer is a little crazy to work with
Knobs are small (monotron small)
Power supply not included

If you can get passed the simplicity and small design, then this is a synth for anyone who loves them.

What's not to like? This super portable, very affordable synth sounds fantastic. This is the first analog synth that I've owned and I don't think I'm going back. This has great range and can easily create massive low end in your tracks or upfront leads. My favorite part is the pattern sequencer - I can lay in bed with headphones and try out sounds, record bass lines and then automate knob turns into the sequencer to really make the patterns I've recorded come to life. On more than a few occasions, inspiration has struck hard with this device and I immediately have to get up out of bed, go plug this into my audio interface and begin making a track. This thing is amazing and sounds even better when played via midi by a keyboard. I love it.

This is the same review I'd write for the Volca Bass and Volca Beats, they're all awesome, huge range, easy to learn, super fun and most importantly....analog! For the price it is so worth it! I bought a Hosa 1/8" stereo to 1/4" mono chord to go from its headphone jack into the Behringer 4 channel Micro Mix then into my Peavey Bass amp and you get a really great sound! Also, if you get the Korg SQ-1 you can synch them up or get the Hosa Midi cable and control the Volca Keys or Bass with that.

WARNING: THIS IS A SAWTOOTH-ONLY POLYSYNTH.
It has a Square wave capability but only for the Ring Modulation. You will not hear polyphony for the Square Wave, only Ring Mod.

That aside... This Sawtooth PolySynth is EXTREMELY simple. I wanted something that can do some nice pad chords. I was so Upset that it only had Sawtooth which is so harmonic that it could rarely ever be used in a soft way. But After a while, it grew on me so much. I find myself using for everything now, even though I have a whole collection of excellent synthesizers. It's just so liberating to have an analog polysynth in my little world of monosynths.

But that's just the beginning. The several modes that you can select are all really great. No lie here... they're actually very useful, and not gimmicky. And I think the "Detune" knob is absolutely genius. The EG is the weakest point in my opinion, aside from the single waveform.

I do not use the built in keyboard, I hook it up to my MPK49 as a controller. I route the faders to the MIDI Implementation CCs for the Volca Keys and the sound is tremendous without even any FX on it. And the crappy delay that's built in adds so much crazy Lo-Fi color.

I have expensive synthesizers, but I can't put this little 150 dollar thing down!!

Consider it a Module. That's how I look at it, like it's a Korg Sawtooth Polysynth Module. :)

I regret the Volca Bass. I don't regret the Volca Keys.

The Volca Keys is a great little analog synth for a beginner to learn about analog synthesizers with, or the pro who wants something small and portable to bounce some ideas around with, when not in the studio. It would have been nice, if Korg had incorperated a mixer in it (for each of the VCOs) and a noise source (pink and white), but I guess you have to cut corners somewhere to keep the price down. I have been a little annoyed of what I've read from people on other sites, giving reviews of it though. Contrary to what they have been saying, this Synth's VCOs gives you 2 different waveforms, (a sawtooth and square)..not just a sawtooth. I guess those people should have had their hearing checked, if they can't tell the difference between a Sawtooth and Square wave, because they are as different as night and day.!! Plus, it tells you right in the owners manual about it having 2 different waveforms, not just one for the VCOs. A great little synth all in all, for the money. I would have liked to seen Moog come out with something like this, but I guess they dropped the ball on this one or were sleeping...

Got this monster to swap out a Volca Bass and im glad i did!
I didnt think this machine would be to my liking but Ive been so absorbed in it that i haven't even started playing with the beats unit 2 months after Christmas! Im very impressed with it. Worried you cant live with just one wave form? The 6 modes of operation gladly compensate for that. The sound is very rich for $150 in my opinion. Not too mention its 3 voice poly. You will not be sorry you get this one.

It seems like KORG just can't make a synth that is not fun to use. Cool little noise maker synth with an affordable price tag.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN: a music person with like a faqir box supposedly playing like a looped sequenced synth part with breaks and leadparts jamming like a lead guitarist-tthat's what this is.
I DO NOT NEED TO SAY MORE.
But i will tell you that if you have roots in those syths or listening toacid lines in old heavy metal venues then welcome to that long forcast future it is here!
....with all the adjustments and light weight your simple operation makes it a blast......jam to old disco albums or remix with effects the classics while burnished synth parts glide katabaino/anabaino-the ascending and descending angels shall bounce with it.

The Key's polyphonic capabilities and midi implementation were the deal clinchers for me. My use is mainly as a synth module instead of a live sequencing device and it exceeded my expectations. It can do things through midi that cannot be done otherwise. All knobs except peak (resonance) are available through midi CCs even the filter cutoff. Polyphony mode is limited because there is only one EG and to get proper polyphony you need to disable attack. But the real outrageous sounds come from the unison modes where it becomes more like the Volca Bass. If there were anything I wish Korg had done differently was to add a CC for the modulator waveform and my pet peeve is using sawtooth instead of a triangle for the default modulator waveform. Maybe in an update.

Fits my needs very well (for creating background choruses). Unit has a compact size and small footprint. Sound quality is quite good (a warm analog sound). An easy to understand device, with features that are easy to use. The "function section" (play, record & memory) allow you to record different recipes. This unit has the availability to supply something extra when needed: a MIDI-in, a sync-in & out, and a headphone jack. Product has a good price point (affordable). The only drawbacks (IMO): 'no' MIDI-out connection, and the internal speakers are minimal at best (but I do not use the internal speakers or batteries as a power supply).

My musical background is mostly on bass guitar and drums but lately I had been wanting to branch out into something more electronic based. I have played keyboards a bit in the past and was looking into getting a new one when I stumbled upon the Korg Volca line of products. Such a cool concept and very powerful little units at a pretty affordable price point.

I was a bit overwhelmed by which one to get and ultimately settled on the Volca Keys. From what I've read it is a very basic entry into the world of analog synthesis yet also a more intuitive unit than some of the others. So far I am amazed at the sounds I can coax from this little box. Very 80s.

The learning curve is a little steep, but once you get the hang of creating and saving different sequences and a feel for what all the knobs do, you will be hooked for hours! I'm already looking at adding the new Volca Sample 2 to my electronic arsenal. If you are like me and just looking at an entry level synth at a good price, you found it here.

Finally somebody came up with a tinny synthesizer loaded with nice features for a good price. Doesn't surprise me it's korg. One of the most innovative and price-friendly companies always my favorite. The sound is impressive for a such small unit. I'd like to get more storage for patterns but in combination with other devices it still gives you a lot of options to play with sound.
The only thing I don't like is the delay effect. For some reason it doesn't keep the effect-I have to move delay knobs to keep it going otherwise delay stops working.
But I don't care about it that much because I'm using extra delay effect pedal.

Got this to dabble in synthesis without spending too much. Great little synth... Not too complex....The instructions aren't very helpful... But there are plenty of helps online for specific questions.

When I first got it, I hated and nearly returned this synth, but have come to find it very useful having taken more time to learn its strengths. It sounds very good, and the filter and time-based sound shaping controls add quite a bit of versatility. The detune function and built-in delay also strengthen the character of what you can get out of this knobby little box. The fact that this is (mostly) a sawtooth synth works for me, as I use sawtooths pretty often. The oscillator presets offer a good variation to use as foundations to build upon.

I typically use this to work out ideas on the couch or while I’m in a situation that I’d just be sitting around otherwise. Playability is difficult with my larger than average hands, but after a couple of recording passes, I can build a sequence I am pleased with. Sending MIDI from a sequencer or controller also makes this process easier in the studio.

One of my two favorite features is the fact that you can cut the sequence speed in half or one fourth - giving you 2 measures of 1/8 notes, or 4 measures of 1/4 notes (based on 4/4). The other thing that convinced me to hold on to this box is the "flux" option - which releases the quantizing function and allows you to play "between" steps. This takes some of the rigidity out and adds a human element your sequence allowing some notes to be played slightly off time. Using these two functions together allows you to (theoretically) stretch this 16 step sequencer to 32 or 64 steps.

Most of the turnoffs that I had with the Volca Keys have faded except for the fact that it has no display. Most of the visual feedback provided by LEDs gets the message across, but there is no way to view your tempo as a result. To solve this, I just sync it from one of my other Volcas and set the tempo there, but it would be nice to have that info available when using this independent of any other equipment.

The only other gripe I would have is the lack of patch memory. It would be nice to save your settings along with a sequence. I've had occasions where I'd play a saved sequence and it would sound awful. I would then have to remember (or get close to) the settings I used that made that pattern sound good enough to save it in the first place.

Those two issues are minor enough to only warrant removing 1/2 star.

All in all, this is a lot of bang for the buck. It’s fun to use, sounds great, has lots of sonic possibilities, and the flexibility in the on-board sequencer take it well beyond a simple single measure loop maker.

This is my first synthesizer and for the price I couldn't be more pleased. First, the thing just sounds cool and is very tweakable. Very compact, runs off of batteries, and has MIDI. I used a 300 mA power source that I already owned and it runs fine off of that. So in the future as I acquire more gear I predict that this little synth will always have its place in my setup. The touch control surface works fine but if you have big fingers you will have a hard time with hitting the right notes in a chord. When I'm looking to play a sequence with chords I prefer to use a MIDI controller.

The modes are all useable. At first I wasn't sure what I would do with the ring modulation but if you set it to poly and use the touch control surface you can get some fantastic glitchy 8-bit video game sounds or with some tweaking of the envelope controls some wild effects. Can't wait to get a sampler and incorporate these into a performance.

Now to nit pick a bit:
-Some reviews have noted stepping in the filter when sweeping the VCF, I think that only pops up when you have the resonance (peak) up or the delay up.
-The delay can be noisy and not great especially in the lower octaves.
-Some of the knobs seem touchy like the attack and the LFO rate knobs. I would like to see a smoother transition throughout the range of the pot.

But for $150 you can't beat it.

This thing is great for messing around. I also have the Volca Bass and together they are a lot of fun. Throw some batteries in them with some headphones and away you go. These are great little devices.

I'm really impressed with this little synth. You can get some fantastic beefy sounds that you'd expect from a piece costing 4 times as much or more. Plus 3 note polyphony...wow! The ring modulated modes are fantastic. Filter is decent. Wish the knobs were a bit bigger and easier to see (translucent on top of more translucent). This seems a Korg thing. I have a minilogue and the decision to place a black dial indicator on a black dial is similarly not helpful. Nothing a fine-tip marker can't fix. Anyhow. Totally worth it for the money.

For the portability and the price, the Korg Volca Keys gives you some simple analog options. It's great for those on a super low budget and just need to add some analog flavor to a recording or live performance. It's interface is very easy to understand and the ribbon keypads seem pretty accurate.

Where the Volca Keys loses a little luster for me is the quality of the filter and overall build. The filter itself is decent enough, but it's not overly smooth. You can hear it step as you open and close the filter, so you don't get that nice smooth transition. Same happens with the delay. I also get a slight hum from the unit's output. It's very faint, so it's easy to bury it in a mix.

A far as the build, it's not overly durable. The body is a light plastic, so you have to be a bit careful with toting it around. The nobs also have a minor problem, for me at least. The notch in the nobs to indicate the level at which it's turned is very difficult for me to see, so sometimes I'm double and triple checking a nobs position whilst using it during live performance.

One other minor issue are the options for output and connectivity. The midi in is nice to remotely sync it to another midi device or use an external keyboard to play it. However, the lack of output options puts some limitations on the device. Some CV control would have been cool, as well as a standard line out or XLR out.

Again, these negatives are only minor and are expected from such a low cost analog synth.

For what it is the, the Volca Keys are great and definitely recommended for a novice that wants to get their feet wet with something analog. It's a lot of fun to sequence things and you can create some crazy loops very quickly.

This is a great little synth. The killing flaw for me is the output jack has an unacceptable amount of noise when you try to record it. I also have the vulca bass and it doesn't have this problem. It might be my individual unit, but after this experience I'm going to seek out higher grade synths.

I'm certain that once one has managed to figure out how to use and really exploit the capabilities of the Volca, it will be a worthy tool. However, it is drastically non-intuitive, and the manual is miserable. A book is radically needed. It took 3-4 minds together (including those of Sweetwater tech support, who, to their credit, went beyond what they should be expected to do) and about 45 minutes to figure out how to record a sequence! I still don't know how to (or whether one can) save a sequence. I cannot recommend this unit unless/until someone comes out with a decent book (just as the same goes for the Zoom R24).