KORG VOLCA NUBASS Analog Synthesizer with Tube Oscillator

Analog Synthesizer with Vacuum Tube Oscillator

The KORG VOLCA NUBASS is an analog bass synthesizer featuring Nutube, the next-generation vacuum tube. Tube and analog for a warm, rich, fat sound. The transistor ladder filter provides the character of a classic bass machine, with overdrive for the essential distortion needed to reproduce the typical aggression and power worthy of a synth bass line. A new-generation acid bass machine, combining classic sound with a modern synth design.
The Nutube tube consists of two independent triodes. One is used in the oscillator to generate sawtooth and square waveforms. The other triode is used in the sub-oscillator circuit to add depth and warmth an octave below the oscillator. The oscillator and sub-oscillator are based on a circuit structured to reproduce the harmonic character that only a true tube instrument can express.
The KORG VOLCA NUBASS low-pass filter completes and defines the sound of this bass machine. Based on a transistor ladder design typical of classic analog bass synths, this filter is known for its dynamic effect on sound that goes far beyond the simple "bright sound/dark sound." Its extensive timbral possibilities make it ideal for various applications in dance music: from the most distinctive modulations typical of acid house to the more aggressive techno character that can be achieved by increasing resonance.
The KORG VOLCA NUBASS features an analog overdrive circuit reminiscent of a classic stompbox. Turning the knob to the right applies compression to the signal, causing slight distortion and adding thickness to your bass sound. The tone knob also allows you to adjust the character of the mid-high frequency range.
The KORG VOLCA NUBASS is equipped with a 16-step sequencer complete with various functions that will allow you to play automated patterns.
The KORG VOLCA NUBASS comes with the 16 buttons typical of the volca series for adding and deleting steps, or using them as a keyboard to record performances in real time. The Chain function allows different patterns to be played in succession, up to a maximum of 16 for a sequence totaling 256 steps.
The motion sequence function records potentiometer movements to add variations over time to sound parameters, while the indispensable active step function allows you to omit selected steps during sequence playback, halve or reduce its length, generate loop-based rhythmic effects, vary the rhythmic division, or create evolving patterns in real time.
Additionally, the KORG VOLCA NUBASS sequencer includes three functions to add the typical slap and slide techniques of acid bass to performances: transpose, accent, and slide, all controllable via the step sequencer. Transpose is a function that plays the note one or two octaves above the original, to add movement to the bass line while staying on the same scale. Accent emphasizes a note to recreate a dynamic rhythmic progression. Slide, on the other hand, is essential for more acidic bass lines because it introduces a smoother transition between notes played in succession.

Specifications

• Type: Analog
• Maximum Polyphony: 1
• Structure: VTO (oscillator, sub-oscillator), VCF, VCA, EG, LFO, Overdrive

Sequencer

• Number of Parts: 1
• Number of Steps: 16 (with pattern chain function)
• Number of Savable Patterns: 16 (factory 1 to 10)

Connections

• Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo mini jack
• Sync In: mono mini jack (Max input level: 20V), Sync Out: mono mini jack (Max Out level: 5V)
• MIDI: MIDI In on standard DIN connector

Power

• Battery: 8 hours of battery life (using alkaline batteries)
• Power Supply: 6 AA batteries; or Korg "KA-350" adapter (not included)