Korg · Updated August 2026
volca drum: price, specs & release date
volca drum, released 2019-03. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: korg.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Is the volca drum a good buy?
At $129, the volca drum is #2 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399. On the spec sheet, its pad count of 16 is at the median of the 12.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $129 US MSRP |
|---|---|
| Brand | Korg |
| Released | 2019-03 |
| Sound engine | Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) |
| Voice count | 6 parts x 2 layers |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences |
| Sample playback | No |
| Onboard effects | Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls |
| Output count | 1 |
| Midi support | Yes |
| Battery powered | Yes |
| Pad count | 16 |
Source: korg.com (verified 2026-08-01) · corroborated by thomannmusic.com. Korg's own product page confirms the 6-part x 2-layer DSP percussion synthesis engine, the 16-step sequencer (chainable to 256 steps via 16 linked sequences), the waveguide resonator effect, standard MIDI In, and the 16 step/trigger buttons (not traditional velocity pads or keys). Thomann's US listing (fetched directly) confirmed the $129 price, March 2019 availability, 6xAA battery power (or optional adapter), and the single combined line/headphone 3.5mm output jack. No sample-import capability exists on this model (pure synthesis), so sample_playback is false.
Is the volca drum worth it vs cheaper drum machines?
volca drum against its closest cheaper and pricier drum machines on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 13 ranked
| Product | Price | Sound engine | Voice count | Sequencer steps | Sample playback | Onboard effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volca drum this | $129 | Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) | 6 parts x 2 layers | 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences | No | Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls |
| PO-32 tonic | $89 | Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge) | 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer) | 16 | No | 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion) |
| RD-6 Rhythm Designer | $149 | Analog TR-606-style synthesis (8 fixed analog drum voices) | 8 | 64 | No | Distortion |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the volca drum cost?
The volca drum has a US price of $129 (US MSRP), as of 2026-08-01.
How does the volca drum compare on price?
At $129, the volca drum is #2 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399.
When was the volca drum released?
The volca drum was released 2019-03.
What are the volca drum's key specs?
volca drum (Korg): sound engine Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator), voice count 6 parts x 2 layers, sequencer steps 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences, sample playback No, onboard effects Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-08-01.
Price of record: $129 at korg.com, 2026-08-01. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
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