Korg Volca FM2 Polyphonic Digital FM Synthesiser

The next-generation volca fm is a powerhouse 6-voice, 6-Operator FM synthesiser with all 32 original algorithms, a 16-step loop sequencer, many effects, and a powerful arpeggiator that exactly replicates the sound of the vintage Yamaha DX7 and is also fully compatible with SYS-EX patches for the DX7. This compact, highly-advanced FM synthesiser is perfect for musicians and music producers looking to expand their live performances and setups with an exciting instrument that creates interesting sounds and compelling rhythms.

The Volca FM perfectly re-creates the sound of classic digital FM synthesisers providing you with metallic, sharp sounds as well as electric piano and synthesised basses that have been well-loved in the 1980’s. This synthesiser comes with six operators alongside 32 algorithms that work together to provide you with the popular sound of FM synthesis and can load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format of the Yamaha DX7. An onboard chorus effect allows you to add extra depth to your sounds and further expands the sound-creating possibilities.

The sound editing capabilities allow you to fully manipulate your sounds with modulator/carrier edit controls; these knob movements are mapped to multiple parameters to give you changes in tones that are easily understandable. FM enthusiasts can dive right into the menu to fully edit parameters and is supplied with a parameter guide to help you understand the complexities. To liven things up, the new version of volca fm contains a fresh new programme randomizer, which allows you to discover new ideas via happy accidents and unexpected patches.

An integrated 16 step sequencer lets you record your performance on the touch panel keyboard in real time as you play and also works to record automated parameters so its super easy to come up with new, creative musical phrases, up to 16 sequence patterns can be stored in the internal memory and can be instantly recalled when you need them. Thanks to the motion sequence function you can record your knob movements giving you automation and lets you polish your loops into full tracks as well as create original live performances.

The active step function allows you to skip steps during a sequence so you can generate more irregular rhythms, when the active step is less than 16 steps the warp function gives you the ability to compensate for the missing steps so you can have the same playback time as 16 steps. When combined with an additional Volca device you can deliberately screw and chop the step timing to generate genuinely unconventional performances. The Volca FM is also equipped with an arpeggiator which when combined with the motion sequence function works to generate extraordinarily creative and eccentric patterns and rhythms.

The Volca FM synthesiser comes equipped with a sync connector that easily connects to any of Korg’s groove machines such as the Electribe or the SQ-1 and allows for even more creative options, and when two Volca FM units are connected you can clone sound programs and sequence data. A MIDI IN port lets you hook up the sound module to your preferred DAW so you can produce crazy bassline and synth patches inside of your music editing software. The compact build, battery operation, and built-in speaker means you can take the Volca FM absolutely anywhere and use it at any time.