Volca FM 2 puts six-operator frequency modulation into Korg's pocket format, with six voices of polyphony and 64 program slots. A 27-key touch pad, a 16-step sequencer and onboard chorus and reverb keep the whole thing self-contained. Battery power keeps it portable.
Six operators, 32 algorithms
The engine follows the classic FM layout, with operators arranged across 32 algorithms. Panel controls handle modulator and carrier attack and decay, LFO rate and pitch depth, algorithm choice and a randomise function. Every operator can be edited in full once you drop into edit mode. Old DX7 patches load in as SYX files over MIDI.
Sequencing and motion
One sequencer part runs 16 steps across 16 storable patterns. Motion recording captures knob movements as they happen, while active step and warp active step let you skip or stretch parts of a pattern on the fly. Patterns chain together. For tracking by ear there is a metronome.
Voicing and effects
Poly, mono and unison modes change how those voices get allocated. Nine arpeggiator types are built from rise, fall and random shapes, three patterns apiece. Chorus and reverb each get a dedicated level control. Transpose, velocity and octave sit on the panel too.
Hooking it up
Sync in and out on 3.5 mm jacks tie the unit into a wider setup, and two of them can pass sound programs and sequence data between each other. MIDI in and out use 3.5 mm stereo connectors, so a type-A adapter is needed. Audio leaves through a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Six AA batteries last about ten hours.
See it in action
Specifications
| Keyboard | Multi touch 27 key keypad |
|---|---|
| Synthesizer Type | FM synthesis |
| Maximum Polyphony | 6 voices |
| Structure | 6 operators, 32 algorithms |
| Number of Programs | 64 |
| Edit parameters | Modulator (Attack, Decay), Carrier (Attack, Decay), LFO (Rate, P.Depth), Algrtm, Randomize Available to edit full parameters for each operator in Edit Mode |
| Controls | Transpose, Velocity, Octave, Arp (Type, Div), Chorus Level, Reverb Level |
| Arpeggiator Types | 9 (each 3 patterns of "Rise", "Fall", and "Random") |
| Voice Modes | Poly, Mono, Unison |
| Effect | Chorus, Reverb |
| Sequencer Parts | 1 |
| Number of Steps | 16 |
| Number of Recording Patterns | 16 |
| Sequencer 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 , OUT Note: 3.5mm stereo mini jack connector (type-A MIDI adaptor needed) Available to convert and load SYS-EX/SYX files from 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) |
| Dimensions (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 | Sync Cable, Edit Parameter List |
| Accessories | AC adapter (DC 9V) KA-350 |
Specifications from Korg. Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
