TOYS IN THE ATTIC

Words & Photography by Adam Rudegeair In this issue I decided to explore the Korg Volca range — four nifty little polyphonic units measuring only 193 x 115 x 46 mm and each dedicated to one function: Beats, Bass, Keys, and the Sample (more on that later). At Store DJ they were all chained together via a web of 3.5mm leads, allowing me to start with a drum pattern on the Beats, then add in the other layers and manipulate each element separately, all in perfect sync. It’s not necessary to have all four, as each one can provide a plethora of groove and rhythm possibilities as a standalone. They’ve all got a lot going for them in their own right, so this is just a broad overview of the product line. In a nutshell (well, almost) these units are a great entry point for anyone wanting to understand more about analog synthesis and/or wanting to start creating multilayered electronic music in a very hands-on way. Korg’s obsession with all things miniature is on full display in these battery-operated devices (they can also be powered form the wall socket). A row of black and gold (no dress jokes please) ribbon-style … Continue reading TOYS IN THE ATTIC