Korg Volca FM Digital FM Synthesizer

The volca series has shed new light on classic technologies by linking classic sound engines such as the groove machines and early samplers of the past with the dance music of today. Now it’s time for the series to gain an FM sound engine.

The volca fm is a three-voice digital FM synthesizer that completely reproduces the sound engine of a classic FM synthesizer, and provides compatibility with it as well. The unique volca interface makes it easy to manipulate distinctive FM sounds even if you’re not familiar with the complexities of FM synthesis. The 16-step sequencer that’s one of volca’s features provides new functions such as Warp Active Step and Pattern Chain that let you make even more powerful rhythm patterns.

The appearance of FM (Frequency Modulation) sound generation was a major turning point in the history of synthesizers. Its metallic and sharp sounds, most notably electric piano and synth bass, have been loved by all music creators since 1980 up to the present time. The volca fm perfectly reproduces the sound engine of the classic 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.

The volca fm makes FM sound editing accessible with the Modulator/Carrier super-easy edit knobs – the knob movements are mapped to multiple parameters for sound changes that are easy to understand. FM enthusiasts can also menu dive into full parameter edits. The Volca fm comes accompanied with a Parameter List Guide to assist this. Along with a perfect reproduction of the sound engine, the volca fm is also equipped with a lush chorus effect to add depth to your sounds and further expand its sound-creating potential.

There’s a loop sequencer with up to 16 steps, allowing you to record your performance on the touch panel keyboard just as you play. It’s easy to create phrases that come to mind. Up to sixteen sequence patterns can be stored in internal memory. And the motion sequence function records your knob movements, letting you add time-varying change to the sound. This is great way to polish your loops, and also lets you generate highly original live performances.

In addition to the active step function that lets you skip steps during a sequence, the volca fm provides new functions that enable 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 synchronizing the playback with another volca series unit, you can deliberately skew the step timing to generate truly unconventional performances.

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. Furthermore, 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. The volca fm provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to Korg’s groove machines. Connect this to the other volca series unit, the electribe, or the SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronized sequencer playback. And 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 lets you use the volca as a sound module for DAW and MIDI controller. With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it’s easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.

Features

• A polyphonic digital synthesizer that completely reproduces a classic FM sound engine
• 3-voice, 6-operator polyphonic FM synthesiser
• Memory: 32 Programs and 16 Sequence Patterns
• Super-easy sound editing
• Onboard Chorus effect
• 16-step sequencer allows to automate each parameters
• Warp Active Step, Arpeggiator and Pattern Chain make crazy looping rhythms and patterns
• Clone sounds from one Volca FM to another
• Easily synchronize with other Volca units
• Powerful step sequencer
• Fully compatible with Yamaha DX-7 sound files
• Offers new additions to the Volca sequencer, including Warp, Active Step and Pattern Chain