Korg has scheduled daily product releases ahead of Winter NAMM with Day 1 giving pride of place to two Volca introductions, the Volca Modular and the Volca Drum, plus the minologue XD.
Billed as ‘a semi-modular analog synthesiser that makes modular synthesis more accessible and understandable than ever before,’ the compact body of the Volca Modular features eight modules and 50 patch points and aims to pick up on the growing renewal of interest in the original modular synthesisers that pioneered this instrument type.
Korg says: ‘The volca modular is a semi-modular synthesizer consisting of independent analog synth modules, digital effects, and a sequencer. Each of the modules has been carefully selected for its stand-alone completeness. The modules are internally connected so that sound can be produced even before connecting the included pin cables, and the routing is shown by white lines on the panel. Module connections via a pin cable take priority over the internal connections, bypassing them’.
The Volca Modular will have an SSP of £179
As its name suggests the second new Volca is a drum synthesiser. Korg says: ‘The volca series is all about unique sound. Whether it’s analog, PCM, or FM, the volca series puts unique sounds into an accessible platform. And now, the series is joined by a new rhythm machine that brings yet another sonic character. It’s the volca drum digital percussion synthesizer. Based on a simple trigger waveform, wave folder and overdrive are used to add overtones and distortion, and then a waveguide resonator effect brings the sound to life. The six-part DSP synth engine was designed with a completely different philosophy than conventional drum machines, and generates a wide range of unexpectedly different sounds. And of course, you can play those sounds from the volca-style sequencer.’
The Volca Drum will have an SSP of£150. Both it and the Volca Modular will be available in March 2019.
Finally from Korg (for today) is the minilogue XD a polyphonic analogue synth ‘equipped with a digital; multi-engine’ and having what Korg describes as: ‘huge potential for sound design and performance… In addition to emphasizing the same real analog sound and joy of controlling an electronic musical instrument offered by the original minilogue, the minilogue xd newly adds a digital multi-engine, effects, a powered-up sequencer, and micro tuning functionality, further expanding the possibilities for sound design and performance potential. minilogue xd is a fitting addition to the original groundbreaking minilogue’.
The minilogue xd will have an SSP of £565 and will also be available in March.
Info: www.korg.com