Korg Volca MIDI Controllers

It might sound a bit cheesy to say that good things come in small packages, but with the Korg Volca series, it's an undeniable truth. Compact and powerful, these sound machines are amazing all-around performers: beginner-friendly, travel-ready and featuring Korg's legendary analog synthesis under the hood. They're also really flexible, with built-in touch controls and the option to use an external MIDI controller of your choice to open up even more possibilities. The only question you'll need to ask yourself is how you want to take advantage of what Korg Volca can do.

There are a few different models in the lineup, including an analog drum machine (Volca Beats), synth (Volca Keys) and bass machine (Volca Bass), as well as a digital sample sequencer, the Volca Sample. So, the first step to choosing from this section is simply to understand what kind of machine you need. Looking for a way to beef up the rhythm of your tracks with pounding percussion and a bold bassline? If so, check out the Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine and the Volca Bass Analog Bass Machine. Want to create entire electronic tracks from scratch? The Volca Keys Analog Synth Machine is the way to go.

One that deserves special mention is the Korg Volca Sample Digital Sample Sequencer. It's the only machine here that's not analog, and the reason for that is simple enough: where the other Volca units generate sounds, this one is designed to handle pre-recorded samples, which is a job at which digital excels. You can edit and sequence as many as 100 samples in real time, which makes it the perfect way to round out your Volca setup with a limitless library of sounds that could be as diverse as vocal cues, spoken-word effects, ambient sounds or even glitches. Where your Volca Sample can take you is a matter of your own imagination.

It's also up to you whether you use just one member of the Korg Volca series or go all-out with a setup containing the entire range. They're great team players whether they're working with each other or with other pro audio gear, and with Korg's half-century of circuit design expertise, they're sure to live up to the high standard that professional musicians depend on.