Description

A powerful bass synth with a sound source based around a vacuum tube oscillator.
Even today, when digital technology allows electronic musical instruments to simulate any sound imaginable, the warm harmonics and distortion produced by analog vacuum tubes are still sought after. This distinctive sound has a quality beyond words that sets it apart, and cannot be captured by a response curve; it's the unmistakable sound of tubes.

The volca bass is the first analog synth to be equipped with a Nutube new-generation vacuum tube in its oscillator circuit. By incorporating a vacuum tube, bass produces a warm, thick, and rich sound, unlike any digital or transistor-based synthesizer. The familiar transistor ladder filter along with overdrive, and huge-sounding distortion, gives it the unmistakable character of a classic bass machine. Coupled with an LFO with flexible routing and sync, nubass also provides numerous possibilities for a new generation of music.

A truly unique bass machine for both classic and new sounds, with the power of modern synthesizer design. It's the volca nubass.

The fusion of a newly developed vacuum tube oscillator with a classic ladder filter
A vacuum tube oscillator circuit forms the heart of volca nubass, utilizing groundbreaking Nutube technology
The Nutube is equipped with two vacuum tubes; one is used in the oscillator to generate a sawtooth wave or square wave. The other vacuum tube is used in the drive circuit of the sub-oscillator, adding depth and warmth one octave below the oscillator. This oscillator and sub-oscillator provide a circuit structure that brings out the harmonic character that only a real vacuum tube could provide.

A transistor ladder low-pass filter that produces a distinctive sound
The low-pass filter defines the sound of this bass machine; it uses a transistor ladder design found on classic analog bass synths. This filter is uniquely dynamic in the way it affects a sound more than just ranging from bright to dark. Its wide range of timbral possibilities makes it ideal for a broad variety of dance music; you can use it to create the distinctive modulation that can be heard in acid house, or increase the resonance to bring out a sharp character that's appropriate for techno.

Analog driver circuit
nubass is equipped with an overdrive that uses an analog circuit reminiscent of a classic stompbox. Turning the knob toward the right compresses the volume while causing mild distortion, adding thickness to your bass sounds. The tone knob also lets you adjust the crispness of the high-frequency range.

Volca sequencer makes performing and composing simple and intuitive

A 16-step sequencer that lets you automate parameters
The volca nubass is equipped with a full-fledged 16-step sequencer with a variety of functionality; by using it in conjunction with a rhythm machine, you can construct rhythm tracks or loop music.

You can use the 16 buttons for step input just like the rest of the volca series, or play the buttons as a keyboard for real-time recording. The chain function lets you playback multiple sequence patterns in succession, allowing you to loop up to 16 sequences.

The motion sequence function can record knob movements, applying parameter changes over time to the sound. This can be used when creating loops, or for live performances that are dynamic and original. Up to 16 sequence patterns together with motion sequences can be saved in internal memory.

There's also an active step function that lets you skip steps that you specify during playback; sequence patterns become more dynamic and exciting when they can be edited in real-time during performances.

Three functions to create grooves on volca nubass
The sequencer of the volca nubass provides three functions that add the slap and slide performance techniques that are distinctive of acid bass: these transpose, accent, and slide functions are accessible and controllable through the step sequencer.

Transpose is a function that plays a note one or two octaves higher; it adds movement to the bass line while staying within the original scale. Accent emphasizes a note, creating dynamics that make the rhythm expressive. And the slide function that's indispensable to acid sound creates a smooth transition to the next note. Use these functions to add a sense of groove, and volca nubass will come alive in your performances and compositions.

Randomize settings can be applied to each of these three functions. In addition to generating unpredictable patterns, you can update the randomize settings to keep varying the patterns, bringing out more unexpected and exciting ideas from the sequencer.

Excellent playability

Connectors that allow synchronized performance and external control
Since this unit provides a sync jack for easy connection to Korg groove machines, you can connect it to another volca series unit or to equipment such as an electribe or the SQ-1, and enjoy synchronized playback with the sequencer. There's also a standard MIDI IN connector, so you can use the volca nubass as a sound module for your DAW.

Enjoy anywhere
Compact, size, battery operation, and built-in speaker mean that you can take this unit anywhere and enjoy playing on the go.

Free bundle of music software
The volca nubass comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including "Ozone Elements" which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI, "Skoove" which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, "Reason Lite" DAW software, as well as software synths from KORG and other brands.

In other words, the moment you get your hands on this synthesizer you'll have a variety of tools to help you take your music to the next level.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What makes the KORG volca nubass unique compared to other synthesizers?

• The KORG volca nubass stands out due to its Nutube-based vacuum tube oscillator. Unlike digital synthesizers or traditional transistor-based synths, the volca nubass uses Nutube technology, creating a warm, thick, and rich bass sound that adds harmonic character and warmth. This analog sound is impossible to replicate digitally, providing a classic analog feel with modern features.

2. What kind of oscillator and filter does the volca nubass have?

• The volca nubass features a vacuum tube oscillator capable of generating sawtooth and square waves. It also includes a sub-oscillator one octave lower, enhancing depth and warmth. The filter is a transistor ladder low-pass filter, commonly found in classic analog bass synths, offering a wide range of timbral possibilities ideal for various genres such as acid house and techno.

3. How does the overdrive function work in volca nubass?

• The volca nubass features an analog overdrive circuit, similar to classic guitar stompboxes. Turning the overdrive knob compresses the signal and adds distortion, resulting in a thicker, grittier sound. The Tone knob allows you to adjust the crispness of the high frequencies, giving you further control over the brightness of your sound.

4. What are the key features of the built-in sequencer?

• The volca nubass comes with a 16-step sequencer, allowing real-time or step-by-step recording. It supports motion sequencing, enabling you to automate parameter changes such as filter sweeps or envelope adjustments. You can save up to 16 patterns in internal memory and utilize the Active Step feature to skip steps during playback for dynamic sequencing.

5. How does the volca nubass enhance acid bass sounds?

• The volca nubass includes transpose, accent, and slide functions, essential for acid basslines. These features are accessible through the step sequencer. Transpose allows notes to be shifted up one or two octaves, accent adds dynamics to specific notes, and slide creates smooth transitions between notes, which are signature elements in acid house music.

6. Can I sync the volca nubass with other devices?

• Yes, the volca nubass has sync in/out jacks, allowing you to sync it with other volca units or groove machines like the KORG electribe or SQ-1. It also includes a MIDI IN connector, so you can control it via an external sequencer or DAW.

7. What kind of power options are available for volca nubass?

• The volca nubass can be powered by six AA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries, providing up to 8 hours of battery life. Alternatively, it can be powered using the optional KA-350 AC adapter (sold separately). This flexibility makes it highly portable for on-the-go music creation.

8. What software is included with the volca nubass?

• KORG volca nubass comes with a bundle of free music software, including:
• Izotope Ozone Elements: A mastering tool with AI features.
• Skoove: A learning platform to improve keyboard skills.
• Reason Lite DAW: A basic version of the popular DAW for recording and editing.
• Additionally, synths from KORG and other brands are also included.

9. Can I use the volca nubass as a sound module in my DAW?

• Yes, you can use the volca nubass as a sound module in your DAW by connecting it via MIDI IN. You can control it with external hardware sequencers or DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, giving you full integration into your existing workflow.

10. How does the motion sequence function work?

• The motion sequence function allows you to record changes in knob movements over time. This feature is perfect for creating evolving patterns, dynamic filter changes, or gradual adjustments in sound parameters. You can save these sequences to internal memory and apply them to your live performances or studio work.

11. What kind of bass sounds can I create with volca nubass?

• The volca nubass excels at creating a wide range of bass sounds, from warm and deep sub-bass to gritty, distorted acid basslines. The combination of the vacuum tube oscillator, sub-oscillator, and overdrive gives you great flexibility in crafting unique bass tones suitable for electronic genres like acid house, techno, and electro.

12. Is there any way to create random patterns on the volca nubass?

• Yes, the volca nubass includes a randomize feature for the transpose, accent, and slide functions. This allows you to generate random patterns, providing creative unpredictability in your sequences. You can also continually update these random settings for ever-changing, dynamic sequences.

13. What accessories are available for the volca nubass?

• KORG offers several accessories for the volca nubass, including:
• KA-350 AC Adapter for continuous power supply.
• SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA hard shell case for protection during transport.
• SEQUENZ CC-VOLCA dedicated carrying case for added portability.
• SQ-CABLE-6 sync cables for syncing multiple devices.

14. Is the volca nubass suitable for live performances?

• Absolutely! The volca nubass is designed for live use, with features like motion sequencing, active step, and real-time pattern editing. Its compact form factor, built-in speaker, and battery power make it highly portable for gigs, and its sync and MIDI capabilities allow it to integrate smoothly with other equipment in a live setup.

15. What are the dimensions and weight of the volca nubass?

• The volca nubass is compact and portable, with dimensions of 193 × 115 × 46 mm (7.61" x 4.54" x 1.82") and a weight of 370 g (0.82 lbs), excluding batteries. This makes it ideal for both studio and on-the-go use.

Specifications

• Keyboard: Multi-touch Keyboard / step key
• Synthesizer: Type = Analog synthesis, Maximum Polyphony = 1 Structure = VTO (oscillator, sub-oscillator), VCF, VCA, EG, LFO, Overdrive
• Sequencer: Number of parts = 1, Number of Steps = 16 (pattern chain is available)
• Number of Recording Patterns = 16 (No.1 - 10 are factory preset)
• Connectors: Audio Output = Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
• Sync = Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V),
• Sync Out (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V), MIDI = MIDI In
• Power: Battery Life = Approximately 8 hours (using alkaline batteries)
• Power supply = AA alkaline battery ×6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery ×6, or AC adapter "KA-350" (optional)
• Others: Included Items = Six AA alkaline batteries for checking operation, Sync cable
• Accessories (sold separately) = KA-350 AC adapter, SEQUENZ CB-4VOLCA hard shell case, SEQUENZ CC-VOLCA dedicated carrying case, SQ-CABLE-6 sync cable

*All product, company, and standard names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
*Appearance and specifications of products are subject to change without notice.

Size & Weight

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 193 × 115 × 46 mm / 7.61" x 4.54" x 1.82"
• Weight: 370 g / 0.82 lbs. (Excluding batteries)