KORG volca nubass is an analog bass synthesizer whose sound source is a Nutube vacuum tube. One tube works in the oscillator and generates a sawtooth or square wave, the other in the drive circuit of the sub oscillator, which adds a tone one octave below. On top there is an analog overdrive and a 16-step sequencer in a case the size of a notebook. Play it in our Warsaw showroom.
A bass with warmth and bite
A plain digital oscillator gives a bass that can sound flat in a mix. In the volca nubass the signal runs through a tube, so you get warmth and depth, and the sub oscillator adds a foundation an octave down. The overdrive is an analog circuit like a classic stompbox: it compresses the level, adds thickness and mild distortion, and a tone knob sets the crispness of the highs. The synth is monophonic with a filter, a VCA, an envelope and an LFO.
A sequencer built for playing live
The sequencer records 16 steps, and the memory holds 16 sequences (numbers 1 to 10 are factory presets) that you can chain together. Motion Sequence records knob movements, Active Step skips selected steps, and three groove functions, transpose, accent and slide, add movement without editing notes. The SYNC jacks connect the unit to other KORG gear, and the MIDI IN lets you use it as a sound module from a DAW. The built-in speaker and the headphone output let you play without a mixer.
KEY FEATURES
- Sound source: Nutube vacuum tube in the oscillator and in the sub oscillator drive
- Sawtooth or square wave, sub oscillator one octave below
- Analog overdrive with a tone control
- 16-step sequencer, 16 sequences, chain function
- Motion Sequence, Active Step and groove functions: transpose, accent, slide
- Built-in speaker, headphone output, MIDI IN
- Sync cable included
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: analog synthesizer, maximum 1 voice
- Structure: VTO (oscillator and sub oscillator), VCF, VCA, EG, LFO, Overdrive
- Keyboard: multi-touch with step keys
- Sequencer: 1 part, 16 steps, 16 sequences (1 to 10 factory presets)
- Connectors: headphone out (3.5 mm stereo mini jack), SYNC IN (mono mini jack, max 20 V), SYNC OUT (mono mini jack, 5 V), MIDI IN
- Power: 6 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) or KORG KA-350 AC adapter (optional)
- Battery life: approximately 8 hours (alkaline)
- Dimensions: 193 x 115 x 46 mm / 7.61 x 4.54 x 1.82 in
- Weight: 370 g / 0.82 lb (without batteries)
- Included: sync cable
