Korg Volca FM

Korg Volca

Usability and portability are the two main objectives of Korg’s Volca range and the FM is no different. There are plenty of ways to easily attain the sounds you’re looking for with the Volca FM. The 6 operators can be edited on the system to find your unique tone. There’s LFO with depth and rate controls, and an array of editing knobs for further customisation. The presets are an obvious throwback to synths of the 80s, but recreate them faithfully and with attention to detail. The Volca FM can be filled with sounds from the DX-7 via the online database SysEx, making it a powerful tool for a multitude of song possibilities.

FM Synthesis

In the 1980s, when FM (Frequency Modulation) sound generation was introduced, it became a major turning point in the history of synthesizers. The metallic, sharp sounds, most notably electric piano and synth bass, are still hugely popular with modern music creators. The Volca FM perfectly reproduces the classic sound engine of the digital synthesizer that made the world aware of FM synthesis. Its six operators and 32 algorithms provide complete compatibility and it can even load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format of the Yamaha DX7.

Simple Sound Editing

The MODULATOR/CARRIER edit knobs make sound editing simple with their movements mapped to multiple parameters. FM enthusiasts can explore full parameter edits with the help of the included Parameter List Guide.

CHORUS Effect

The Volca FM features a lush chorus effect to add depth to your sounds and expand the creative potential even further.

16 Step Sequencer

A loop sequencer with up to 16 steps lets you record your performance on the touch panel keyboard as you play. Easily create phrases and store up to 16 sequence patterns in internal memory. The motion sequence function records your knob movements so you can add time varying change to the sound. This means you can polish your loops and generate impressive and original live performances.

Unique Live Performance

The Korg Volca FM features an active step function that lets you skip steps during a sequence and new functions that allow you to generate more irregular rhythms. If the active step is fewer than 16 steps, you can use the WARP ACTIVE STEP function to compensate to occupy the same playback time as 16 steps; then by synchronising the playback with another Volca series unit, you can deliberately skew the step timing to generate truly unconventional performances.

Arpeggiator

In a first for the Volca series, the Volca FM is also equipped with an arpeggiator. By using this in conjunction with a motion sequence you can create extremely eccentric rhythm patterns. The pattern chain function lets you connect multiple sequence patterns for successive playback, making it possible to construct large-scale developments of 32, 64, or even 256 steps by joining up to 16 sequences.

Connectivity

The Volca FM provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to Korg's groove machines. Connect this to the other Korg Volca series unit, the Electribe, or the SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronised sequencer playback. When two units of Volca FM are connected, you can clone the sound programs and sequence data from Volca FM to Volca FM. The MIDI IN jack also lets you use the Volca as a sound module for DAW and MIDI controller.

Highlights

• True FM synthesis
• 3-voice polyphonic FM synthesizer, fully compatible with classic unit
• Super-easy sound editing
• Onboard CHORUS effect
• Volca-style sequencing and more
• 16-step sequencer allows to automate each parameters
• WARP ACTIVE STEP, ARPEGGIATOR and PATTERN CHAIN make crazy looping rhythms and patterns
• High playability
• Synchronise two volca FM units
• Compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker

Technical Specifications

• Type: Multi touch keyboard

• Type: FM synthesis
• Maximum Polyphony: 3 voices
• Structure: 6 operators, 32 algorithms
• Number of Programs: 32
• Main Edits: Modulator (Attack, Decay), Carrier (Attack, Decay), LFO (Rate, P.Depth), Algrtm, Available to edit full parameters for each operator in Edit Mode
• Controls: Transpose, Velocity, Octave, Arp (Type, Div)
• Arpeggiator Types: 9 (each 3 patterns of "Rise", "Fall", and "Random")
• Voice Modes: Poly, Mono, Unison

• Type: Chorus

• Number of Parts: 1
• Number of Steps: 16
• Number of Recording Patterns: 16
• Controls Motion Sequence, Active Step, Warp Active Step, Pattern Chain, Metronome

• Audio Output: Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
• Sync: Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V), Sync Out (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Output level: 5V), When two units of volca fm, available to export the sound programs and sequence data from a volca fm to the other one
• MIDI: In, Available to convert and load SYS-EX/SYX file created on the Yamaha DX7

• Power Supply: AA alkaline battery x 6 or AA nickel-metal hydride battery x 6, Or AC adapter (DC 9V) (optional)
• Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries)

• (W x D x H): 193 x 115 x 40 mm / 7.60” x 4.53” x 1.57”
• Weight: 360 g / 12.70 oz. (Excluding batteries)

• Included Items: AA alkaline battery x 6 (for verifying operation), Sync Cable, Edit Parameter List
• Accessories: AC adapter (DC 9V) KA-350