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Average Price: $143

Budget/Beginner

$249

$700+

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Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Korg Volca Keys". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Korg Volca Keys Analogue Loop Synth, a versatile and compact synthesizer boasting a true-analog engine. This nifty instrument, a proud member of Korg's acclaimed Volca series, offers a wide spectrum of fat, EDM-style sounds that analog synths are renowned for. It's a user-friendly gear piece that's perfect for both novices exploring the world of synthesis and seasoned musicians craving for that rich, analog flavor in their tracks.

The Volca Keys is more than just a portable synth, it's a performance powerhouse. Its built-in sequencer and recording features let you generate intuitive performances on the fly, while the vintage-style sync in/out allows it to communicate seamlessly with other Volca units and DAW software. To top it off, its battery operation and built-in speakers allow for impromptu jam sessions wherever inspiration strikes.

A standout feature of this synth is its filter section, which employs the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S from 1974, offering an astonishing sound that benefits from Korg's half-century of circuit design expertise. The Volca Keys also showcases a 27-key analog lead synth that packs a punch despite its compact size.

Whether you're crafting complex chords with its three oscillators, producing heavy lead lines with unison and detune, or creating alien-like, metallic sounds with ring modulation, the possibilities are endless with the Korg Volca Keys.

Key Features:

  • True-analog synthesizer engine
  • Sequencing and recording capabilities
  • Vintage-style sync in/out for connectivity with other Volca units and DAW software
  • Battery operation and built-in speakers for portability
  • Filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S
  • 27-key analog lead synth
  • Three oscillators for playing chords, unison with detune, and ring modulation.

Owner's manual

Korg Volca Keys User Manual

Product specs

Type Desktop Synthesizer and Sequencer
Analog/Digital Analog
Type of Keys 27 x Key Buttons
Polyphony 3-voice
Oscillators 3 x VCO
Waveforms Sawtooth, Square
Envelope Generator 1 x EG (attack, decay/release, sustain)
LFO 1 x LFO (sawtooth, triangle, square)
VCA Yes
Filter Lowpass 12dB/octave
Effects Types Delay
Sequencer 16-step, 8 Patterns
Headphones 1 x 1/8" Stereo (shared output)
MIDI I/O In
Other I/O Sync In/Out
Power Supply 6 x AA, 9V DC power supply (optional)
Height 7.61"
Width 1.81"
Depth 4.54"
Weight 0.83 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Korg Volca Keys a polyphonic synthesizer?

Yes, the Korg Volca Keys is a 3-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, allowing you to play up to three notes simultaneously.

What kind of sound waveforms can the Korg Volca Keys produce?

The Korg Volca Keys can produce sawtooth and square waveforms, giving you a range of classic analog synth sounds.

Does the Korg Volca Keys have built-in effects?

Yes, the Korg Volca Keys includes a delay effect, which can add depth and texture to your sounds.

How is the Korg Volca Keys powered?

The Korg Volca Keys can be powered by six AA batteries or an optional 9V DC power supply.

Can the Korg Volca Keys be integrated with other MIDI devices?

Yes, the Korg Volca Keys has a MIDI input, allowing it to be controlled by external MIDI devices.

What type of sequencer does the Korg Volca Keys feature?

The Korg Volca Keys features a 16-step sequencer with the capability to store up to 8 patterns, enabling complex and evolving sequences.

How portable is the Korg Volca Keys?

The Korg Volca Keys is very portable, weighing only 0.83 lbs and measuring 7.61" x 1.81" x 4.54", making it easy to transport and fit into compact setups.

KORG INC.

KORG INC.

Introducing KORG volca keys

Video thumbnail for Introducing KORG volca keys by KORG INC.

Introducing KORG volca keys

KORG INC.

KORG INC.

Video thumbnail for Korg Volca Keys - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

Korg Volca Keys - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Top 3 reasons Why I love the: Korg Volca Keys | Sound Demo / Mini Review by littleBIGsynths / Mod Maquina

Top 3 reasons Why I love the: Korg Volca Keys | Sound Demo / Mini Review

littleBIGsynths / Mod Maquina

littleBIGsynths / Mod Maquina

Video thumbnail for Korg Volca Keys played via MIDI keyboard by SynthMania

Korg Volca Keys played via MIDI keyboard

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for The Volca Keys Might be the ONLY Analog Synth you Need! by Free Beat

The Volca Keys Might be the ONLY Analog Synth you Need!

Free Beat

Free Beat

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Korg Volca Keys - Low Key Synth??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Korg Volca Keys - Low Key Synth???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Is the Volca Keys Worth It in 2023? by Free Beat

Is the Volca Keys Worth It in 2023?

Free Beat

Free Beat

Video thumbnail for One Of The Most Underrated Synths // Korg Volca Keys by craigwilliamsmusic

One Of The Most Underrated Synths // Korg Volca Keys

craigwilliamsmusic

craigwilliamsmusic

Video thumbnail for Explore the Korg Volca Keys - overview by Korg UK

Explore the Korg Volca Keys - overview

Korg UK

Korg UK

Video thumbnail for 10 Years of the Korg Volca Keys by Alamo Music Sound Lab

10 Years of the Korg Volca Keys

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

PROS

  • Great for beginners; easy to use and experiment with

  • Affordable entry into analog synthesis

  • Compact and portable, ideal for on-the-go music creation

  • Can lock to an external clock with precision

  • Versatile sound creation, from bass and leads to retro effects

  • Intuitive one-knob-per-function interface for real-time tweaking

  • Supports MIDI for expanded control options

  • Features like motion sequencing add depth to performance

  • Paraphonic capability allows for creative voicing

  • Built-in delay offers additional sound texture options

CONS

  • Limited sequencing capabilities; can't layer sequences or play over patterns

  • No line-out, requires a pre-amp for mixer connection

  • Low sound output may be problematic for some setups

  • Paraphonic, not true polyphonic, limits chord voicing

  • Sequencer does not record velocity, limiting dynamic expression

  • Some features (e.g., peak/resonance) cannot be automated or MIDI controlled

  • Mini keys may be challenging for playing chords or complex parts

  • Limited in sound scope compared to more expensive synths

  • No MIDI out, limiting integration with other gear without modifications

  • Some users find it difficult to sync with larger keyboards or record high-quality audio

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Volca Keys.

Use cases and applications

  • The Volca Keys is valued for its paraphonic capabilities, providing a unique feature that some users have leveraged to record entire albums.

    Source
  • Users report the Volca Keys excels at creating "Blade Runner-esque" soundscapes when combined with reverb effects.

    Source
  • The Volca Keys excels at creating classic synth sounds like a saw wave with reverb, making it versatile for leads, pads, and chords.

    Source
  • It can sync with other devices like a Volca Sample for creative sequencer-driven music.

    Source
  • Ideal for analog, dirty sounds, and benefits from external effects like reverb or delay to enhance its sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users find the small form factor advantageous for portability, bringing it on trips and integrating it into various setups.

    Source
  • A stereo to mono splitter cable can significantly reduce noise issues, enhancing recording quality.

    Source
  • Cleaning the pad contacts with IPA can resolve unresponsive soft buttons, highlighting a simple maintenance task that can restore functionality.

    Source
  • Users note the need for an adapter to convert the 3.5mm headphone output to 1/4” to use with external gear.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that pressing a single key on the Volca Keys can quickly inspire musical ideas, making it ideal for immediate music creation.

    Source
  • Owners express a desire for a polychain mode to expand its paraphonic capabilities, suggesting enhanced functionality for future iterations.

    Source
  • The slide keyboard offers unique playability compared to traditional keyboards, despite its small size and limited ergonomic comfort.

    Source
  • The filter is described as squelchy but not overly '303', and the 3-osc unison detuned sound is praised for basses and leads.

    Source
  • The delay effects are always active and can be synced to tempo, allowing for creative use of feedback during performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One user secured a Volca Keys for $60 due to a pricing error, emphasizing the unit's high value even at full retail price.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest adding larger knob covers to improve usability for the small knobs, enhancing control during performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Minilogue, some users prefer the Volca Keys for its sound and sequencer capabilities.

    Source
  • Compared to Moog, the filter is more aggressive, which some owners prefer.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find value in the Volca Keys' limitations, as it encourages creativity within its constraints.

    Source
  • The sequencer is user-friendly, but limitations include small knobs and inability to chain or transpose sequences.

    Source

Critic Reviews

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Korg Volca Keys impresses with its affordability and versatility, offering real analog synthesis with features like 3-part polyphony, unison, and ring modulation. It excels in delivering thick, expressive sounds that suit genres like Trance and EDM, while its step sequencer makes it a great tool for live performances. However, the built-in delay could be improved, and the single oscillator waveform might limit sound diversity. Despite its plastic build, it feels rugged, and the LED-laden design adds a charming touch. Overall, it's a fun, cost-effective synth that delivers solid performance for its price.

positive

Korg Volca Keys review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Volca Keys delivers impressive analog sounds at a budget-friendly price. Its compact build, battery power option, and sound quality comparable to pricier synths make it a standout choice for musicians. However, it lacks standard MIDI out and a power supply. While the sequencer is limited to 16 steps and has no pattern chain, its ease of use and versatility shine through. Ideal for both beginners and experienced users, the Volca Keys is a testament to Korg’s innovative approach, although users should be mindful of its low output level and potential background noise.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 25 Reviews and 206 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
lucamclindon

decent

groovy little thing. nightmare to do a lot of stuff with tho but for the form factor its amazing. never tried it with the other volcas which i reckon would help

jimmarchi1

the volcas sync incredibly well with eachother and with anything else you mate them with assuming you set your clock pulses up correctly from whatever is the master. Novation uses the korg standard as their default, but not everyone does

dantefisi

Korg Volca Keys

Comfortable, entertaining, always better with a MIDI keyboard connected to it. The Volca Keys is not a bad "synthesizer", it fulfills its function with its sequencer and that's it. I have no complaints about it, I used it for a few months and then sold it. Still, it was a nice birthday gift.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
kimba_nevile

3 VCO Analogue Poly Synth!

While a bit limited for the price you can not go wrong. Add a controller keyboard and you have a polysynth or a 3 VCO mono synth with Ring Mod and delay. Plus the sequencer, while limited, still has much potential.

ross_dedo

good sounds but too much small for me

Very nice sounds and toolset, considering its global dimensions. I had some problems with it because of its small keys.

faketuxedo

Amazing Device!

You can create a infinite array of sounds; from beautiful pads, to a nasty lead, with a few turns of a knob. The very best quality you can get for the price.

bendeguz_rendes

Nice way to get into

Thist tiny stuff helped me to really learn the basics of synths, def recommend it for entering the analog world.

metronohm808

Great starter synth.

Portable, sounds great, capable of generating cliché synth sounds, has everything you need

VCO VCF LFO ENV

and built-in delay

igg
igg

115

I want to tell you its good but its just okay.

Its not amazing. filters sound great. They have their place in times but with my production its normally on the back burner.

digitalwint3r

Another successful product from Korg.

Korg have done it again with an update to the older model of the Korg Monotribe. A few major updates include being able to save your sequences and use them later all with a simple touch of a few buttons as well poly, unison, fifth etc sound options.

jimmarchi1

I picked up a volca bass but haven't had time to play with it much yet.... sounds 303ish. Is the keys also analog or is it a modelling unit like the 90s electribes?

digitalwint3r

Don't know much about the Volca Bass but I know it sounds similar to 303ish sounds. The keys is analogue hence the name, "Volca Keys Analogue Loop Synth.

alfa_trax

Analogue Loop Synth

Analogue Loop Synth, 4 voice polyphonic analog

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Korg Volca Keys

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via YouTube

On Description of 'Korg funk 5' , Volca Key is Mentioned.

See how Stephan Bodzin uses Korg Volca Keys

Stephan Bodzin

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, by Stephan Bodzin, a Korg Volca Keys can be seen.

See how Jay Watson uses Korg Volca Keys

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Instagram

Jay Watson is playing the Korg Volca Keys in this video

See how BT uses Korg Volca Keys

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via Photo

the Volca Keys can be seen in this Instagram post

See how Mord Fustang uses Korg Volca Keys

Mord Fustang

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Mord Fustang has a Volca Keys Loop Synth wired through a Volca Bass Machine to try and produce new sounds.

See how Legowelt uses Korg Volca Keys

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "How To Make A - Legowelt - Track" by 180 Fact, Legowelt discusses and demonstrates the use of the Korg Volca Keys, albeit expressing a critical opinion of the synthesizer.

See how Galantis uses Korg Volca Keys

Galantis

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

In this Twitter photo, one can see Galantis using the Korg Volca Keys.

See how Celldweller uses Korg Volca Keys

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:08 in the video in which Celldweller shows off his studio to Future Music Magazine he shows where the devices are and then says "Here are the Volcas, I'm sure many people are familiar with these already. Again, fairly inexpensive. I think Korg is on their game because they're kinda bringing hardware back, they're bringing analog back, for those of us that are kind of a little burnt on the digital sound". A little later in the video he says that the last device in the chain is the synth Volca as you can tell also by the color of it.

See how Octave One uses Korg Volca Keys

Octave One

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

There was room for one more synth on the live rig. The Volca Keys/Monotribe bot is now interfaced into The Mothership :).

See how Mathew Jonson uses Korg Volca Keys

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via YouTube

The Canadian techno mastermind reveals how his live set works at the 2014 Red Bull Music Academy in Tokyo.

See how Moe Shop uses Korg Volca Keys

Moe Shop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Moe Shop features the Korg Volca Keys throughout the entire video shared on their Twitter, potentially using it to create the chords.

See how Amir Derakh uses Korg Volca Keys

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Facebook

Amir Derakh is shown using the Korg Volca Keys in a photo on his Facebook page.

Album Usage

The Korg Volca Keys has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Volca Keys, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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