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WinningDaysKorg Volca Keys: A Great Machine, but the Phara-O Mini Fixes Its Weaknesses
Published on 05/09/25 at 13:30The Volca Keys was my first compact analog synthesizer. I’d previously owned a Minikorg 700, and I missed it. As a big fan of Korg’s sound, I was immediately curious. I sold it a few months ago without regret, after the announcement of the Behringer Phara-O Mini. In the meantime, I’ve been able to get similar sounds with Korg DS-10.
What stood out for me was the ergonomics—probably the best I’ve found on such a compact synth. The sound was thick, lively, and the filter was exactly to my taste: expressive, with tons of character while still being quite versatile.
There were a few downsides. The delay effect, while useful, often introduced a bit of unwanted noise. Also, the power setup...…
What stood out for me was the ergonomics—probably the best I’ve found on such a compact synth. The sound was thick, lively, and the filter was exactly to my taste: expressive, with tons of character while still being quite versatile.
There were a few downsides. The delay effect, while useful, often introduced a bit of unwanted noise. Also, the power setup...…
Read more
The Volca Keys was my first compact analog synthesizer. I’d previously owned a Minikorg 700, and I missed it. As a big fan of Korg’s sound, I was immediately curious. I sold it a few months ago without regret, after the announcement of the Behringer Phara-O Mini. In the meantime, I’ve been able to get similar sounds with Korg DS-10.
What stood out for me was the ergonomics—probably the best I’ve found on such a compact synth. The sound was thick, lively, and the filter was exactly to my taste: expressive, with tons of character while still being quite versatile.
There were a few downsides. The delay effect, while useful, often introduced a bit of unwanted noise. Also, the power setup always felt off to me—especially with the uncommon adapter and the reliance on 6 AA batteries. Not ideal for long sessions.
And I never understood the point of the built-in speaker. It’s pretty much useless and, in my opinion, detracts from the overall value of the product.
Despite these issues, I have great memories of the Volca Keys. It’s a charming, accessible, and effective machine. However, the Behringer Phara-O Mini seems to fix most of its shortcomings, which is why I decided to move on.
What stood out for me was the ergonomics—probably the best I’ve found on such a compact synth. The sound was thick, lively, and the filter was exactly to my taste: expressive, with tons of character while still being quite versatile.
There were a few downsides. The delay effect, while useful, often introduced a bit of unwanted noise. Also, the power setup always felt off to me—especially with the uncommon adapter and the reliance on 6 AA batteries. Not ideal for long sessions.
And I never understood the point of the built-in speaker. It’s pretty much useless and, in my opinion, detracts from the overall value of the product.
Despite these issues, I have great memories of the Volca Keys. It’s a charming, accessible, and effective machine. However, the Behringer Phara-O Mini seems to fix most of its shortcomings, which is why I decided to move on.
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tristan07crazy to return the analog to a!
Published on 04/21/13 at 07:20 (This content has been automatically translated from French)I'm not and do not want to!
I'm not a hobbit or lilipucien!
what's the trip lbr />
USE
mash with a clamp should, surely!
SONORITS
looks not too bad with the Electronic now.
NOTICE GLOBAL
seems to sound a lot, there's a step squencer more.
there's even a polyphonic mode apparently
we just drive by noon.
schtroumf why this method? it is unplayable.
even if the driver would need a midi control surface with normal knobs.
Before they were the most complex machines 2000 memoirs effects, "lcd screen, sound a bit cold
now becomes easier and directly accessible, warm, minimalist somewhere, finally so tiny!
the idea is that a back moin chre can be purchase...…
I'm not a hobbit or lilipucien!
what's the trip lbr />
USE
mash with a clamp should, surely!
SONORITS
looks not too bad with the Electronic now.
NOTICE GLOBAL
seems to sound a lot, there's a step squencer more.
there's even a polyphonic mode apparently
we just drive by noon.
schtroumf why this method? it is unplayable.
even if the driver would need a midi control surface with normal knobs.
Before they were the most complex machines 2000 memoirs effects, "lcd screen, sound a bit cold
now becomes easier and directly accessible, warm, minimalist somewhere, finally so tiny!
the idea is that a back moin chre can be purchase...…
Read more
I'm not and do not want to!
I'm not a hobbit or lilipucien!
what's the trip lbr />
USE
mash with a clamp should, surely!
SONORITS
looks not too bad with the Electronic now.
NOTICE GLOBAL
seems to sound a lot, there's a step squencer more.
there's even a polyphonic mode apparently
we just drive by noon.
schtroumf why this method? it is unplayable.
even if the driver would need a midi control surface with normal knobs.
Before they were the most complex machines 2000 memoirs effects, "lcd screen, sound a bit cold
now becomes easier and directly accessible, warm, minimalist somewhere, finally so tiny!
the idea is that a back moin chre can be purchase for the customer? Finally it's frustrating not? or I get it. What is the dlire otherwise the crisis logemnent Paris?
it will make the tables mixes and pregnant version schtroumf also, why not?
in short.
no crazy caning for me and I think for many people who will not dare to say anything!
Korg is crazy from the jaws of the world, 20 ms mini, but it'll still really what.
they make their synths normal size or schtroumf as has everyone will find his account, it's on.
Korg: re synths like the m500 or minikorg which were usually small and redone even bigger and PE1000
: Angry:
I'm not a hobbit or lilipucien!
what's the trip lbr />
USE
mash with a clamp should, surely!
SONORITS
looks not too bad with the Electronic now.
NOTICE GLOBAL
seems to sound a lot, there's a step squencer more.
there's even a polyphonic mode apparently
we just drive by noon.
schtroumf why this method? it is unplayable.
even if the driver would need a midi control surface with normal knobs.
Before they were the most complex machines 2000 memoirs effects, "lcd screen, sound a bit cold
now becomes easier and directly accessible, warm, minimalist somewhere, finally so tiny!
the idea is that a back moin chre can be purchase for the customer? Finally it's frustrating not? or I get it. What is the dlire otherwise the crisis logemnent Paris?
it will make the tables mixes and pregnant version schtroumf also, why not?
in short.
no crazy caning for me and I think for many people who will not dare to say anything!
Korg is crazy from the jaws of the world, 20 ms mini, but it'll still really what.
they make their synths normal size or schtroumf as has everyone will find his account, it's on.
Korg: re synths like the m500 or minikorg which were usually small and redone even bigger and PE1000
: Angry:
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07
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Brandskicute but good!
Published on 08/22/14 at 04:18 (This content has been automatically translated from French)I, unwanted as qu'expendeur because let's face it claver ribbon is just impossible to use.
I the driver from an external MIDI keyboard with a syncro tempo by an external sequencer.
The MIDI implementation is complete, everything is controllable (except peak VCF).
UTILIZATION
very simple to use and the little manual is clear.
Once the stuff we got it out sounds good but a little weak. I do pass through a chain of compression / reverb / delay to give it more body.
SOUNDS
nice to add a layer of synth to techno or electro.
The range is wide octave, little is even out of the bass.
No velocity, only noon.
OVERALL OPINION
for 1 year.
The integrated delay is zero. I...…
I the driver from an external MIDI keyboard with a syncro tempo by an external sequencer.
The MIDI implementation is complete, everything is controllable (except peak VCF).
UTILIZATION
very simple to use and the little manual is clear.
Once the stuff we got it out sounds good but a little weak. I do pass through a chain of compression / reverb / delay to give it more body.
SOUNDS
nice to add a layer of synth to techno or electro.
The range is wide octave, little is even out of the bass.
No velocity, only noon.
OVERALL OPINION
for 1 year.
The integrated delay is zero. I...…
Read more
I, unwanted as qu'expendeur because let's face it claver ribbon is just impossible to use.
I the driver from an external MIDI keyboard with a syncro tempo by an external sequencer.
The MIDI implementation is complete, everything is controllable (except peak VCF).
UTILIZATION
very simple to use and the little manual is clear.
Once the stuff we got it out sounds good but a little weak. I do pass through a chain of compression / reverb / delay to give it more body.
SOUNDS
nice to add a layer of synth to techno or electro.
The range is wide octave, little is even out of the bass.
No velocity, only noon.
OVERALL OPINION
for 1 year.
The integrated delay is zero. I utlise externalities.
The instrument breath a little ...
I the driver from an external MIDI keyboard with a syncro tempo by an external sequencer.
The MIDI implementation is complete, everything is controllable (except peak VCF).
UTILIZATION
very simple to use and the little manual is clear.
Once the stuff we got it out sounds good but a little weak. I do pass through a chain of compression / reverb / delay to give it more body.
SOUNDS
nice to add a layer of synth to techno or electro.
The range is wide octave, little is even out of the bass.
No velocity, only noon.
OVERALL OPINION
for 1 year.
The integrated delay is zero. I utlise externalities.
The instrument breath a little ...
See less
40
»
thadronesPublished on 05/27/14 at 00:43 (This content has been automatically translated from French)
A small semi-analog paraphonique (3oscillos and digital controls for cutoff (ie notches) and some other parameters) that goes well as long as we like the grain of oscilloscope and filter ...
UTILIZATION
Bullet points: jacks 3.5 ", the Auxiliary input abscence to chain multiple volcas without mixer when you are traveling, and the size of the loop sequencer, 1bar is vraiiment very little!
SOUNDS
A big plus for the filter, with a good round even in subs resonance, which allows to draw lines satisfying bass with a little hack.
OVERALL OPINION
To conclude: a good plug for a type sequencer ESX or MPC a bit feeble solo, but with a little imagination there's always something to do...…
UTILIZATION
Bullet points: jacks 3.5 ", the Auxiliary input abscence to chain multiple volcas without mixer when you are traveling, and the size of the loop sequencer, 1bar is vraiiment very little!
SOUNDS
A big plus for the filter, with a good round even in subs resonance, which allows to draw lines satisfying bass with a little hack.
OVERALL OPINION
To conclude: a good plug for a type sequencer ESX or MPC a bit feeble solo, but with a little imagination there's always something to do...…
Read more
A small semi-analog paraphonique (3oscillos and digital controls for cutoff (ie notches) and some other parameters) that goes well as long as we like the grain of oscilloscope and filter ...
UTILIZATION
Bullet points: jacks 3.5 ", the Auxiliary input abscence to chain multiple volcas without mixer when you are traveling, and the size of the loop sequencer, 1bar is vraiiment very little!
SOUNDS
A big plus for the filter, with a good round even in subs resonance, which allows to draw lines satisfying bass with a little hack.
OVERALL OPINION
To conclude: a good plug for a type sequencer ESX or MPC a bit feeble solo, but with a little imagination there's always something to do ...
UTILIZATION
Bullet points: jacks 3.5 ", the Auxiliary input abscence to chain multiple volcas without mixer when you are traveling, and the size of the loop sequencer, 1bar is vraiiment very little!
SOUNDS
A big plus for the filter, with a good round even in subs resonance, which allows to draw lines satisfying bass with a little hack.
OVERALL OPINION
To conclude: a good plug for a type sequencer ESX or MPC a bit feeble solo, but with a little imagination there's always something to do ...
See less
41
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Tech. sheet
- Manufacturer: Korg
- Model: Volca Keys
- Series: Volca
- Category: Analog Synths
- Package weight:789 g
- Added in our database on: 04/10/2013
The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer
The polyphonic synthesizer you've been waiting for
- Three note true analogue synthesis
- Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
- Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities
Simple loop sequencer
- Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
- Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
- Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences
Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use
- Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
- Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere
Source: http://www.korg.com/
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Other names: volcakeys