# volca drum vs PO-32 tonic: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the volca drum (Korg) and PO-32 tonic (Teenage Engineering) among drum machines. PO-32 tonic is the cheaper of the two at $89.

## Side by side

| Spec | volca drum | PO-32 tonic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $129 | $89 |
| Brand | Korg | Teenage Engineering |
| Released | 2019-03 | 2017-04 |
| Sound engine | Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) | Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge) |
| Voice count | 6 parts x 2 layers | 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer) |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences | 16 |
| Sample playback | No | No |
| Onboard effects | Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls | 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion) |
| Output count | 1 | 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker |
| Midi support | Yes | No |
| Battery powered | Yes | Yes |
| Pad count | 16 | 16 |

## Key differences

- Sound engine: volca drum Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) vs PO-32 tonic Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge)
- Voice count: volca drum 6 parts x 2 layers vs PO-32 tonic 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer)
- Sequencer steps: volca drum 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences vs PO-32 tonic 16
- Onboard effects: volca drum Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls vs PO-32 tonic 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion)
- Output count: volca drum 1 vs PO-32 tonic 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker
- Midi support: volca drum Yes vs PO-32 tonic No

## Sources

- volca drum: https://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/volca_drum/ (korg.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- PO-32 tonic: https://teenage.engineering/products/po-32 (teenage.engineering, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/korg-volca-drum-vs-teenage-engineering-po-32-tonic/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, volca drum ($129) vs PO-32 tonic ($89) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/korg-volca-drum-vs-teenage-engineering-po-32-tonic/
License: CC BY 4.0.