Korg's Volca Keys proves you don't need a mortgage to own a real analog synth. Three genuine analog voices, a squelchy resonant filter, and a delay that smears everything into dub heaven, all crammed into a battery-powered box the size of a paperback. The touch keyboard and built-in step sequencer mean you can sketch a hook on the bus and have it looping by the time you're home. Stack the voices for fat unison leads, detune them for drifting chords, or abuse the delay until it self-oscillates into chaos. It's tiny, it's cheap, and it sounds gloriously, unmistakably analog.

FEATURES & PROS:

• 3 Real Analog Voices: Actual voltage-controlled oscillators, not a model. Warmth and grit you can feel.
• Resonant Analog Filter: Squelch, sweep, and self-oscillate. Classic Korg filter character in your palm.
• Voice Modes + Detune: Unison, poly, and ring-mod for everything from fat leads to seasick chords.
• Built-In Step Sequencer: 16 steps, motion recording, and Active Step trickery for instant grooves.
• Delay FX: Smear it into dub, slap it for rhythm, or push it into glorious feedback.
• Battery or Mains: Six AAs or a 9V adapter. Make noise on the couch, the train, or the beach.
• Sync-Ready: Plays in time with other Volcas, Pocket Operators, and your wider rig.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Year: 2013
• Type: Analog synthesizer (portable)
• Voices: 3-voice true analog, multiple voice modes (poly, unison, ring)
• Filter: analog resonant low-pass (self-oscillating)
• Modulation: LFO, envelope generator
• Sequencer: 16-step with motion sequencing and Active Step
• Effects: delay
• Keyboard: 27-key touch ribbon
• Inputs / Outputs: headphone/line out, sync in/out, MIDI in
• Power: 6x AA batteries or 9V DC adapter
• Dimensions: approx 193 x 115 x 45 mm
• Manual: Korg Volca Keys owner's manual (PDF)