Korg Volca FM Review

Korg brings the Volca FM into its second generation, with twice the polyphony, twice the sound memory, twice the effects and more.

The Korg Volca series has been a perennial favorite among portable gadget synthesizers for years.

In the format of a cigarillo box, each Volca synthesizer covers a specialized area, either with analog or digital sound generation. Among them is the Volca FM, which is fully dedicated to FM tone generation.

In 2022, Korg will bring the Volca FM into its second generation with new features.

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Korg Volca FM in second generation

The new Volca FM (2nd Generation) is a fully featured FM synthesizer in a portable compact format that is ahead of its predecessor in many ways: a polyphony doubled to 6 voices offers more playful freedom.

In addition, a reverb effect now complements the well-known chorus effect, both of which can be used simultaneously and controlled separately.

In addition, the memory now offers space for 64 sound programs, which is double the previous memory.

The whole thing has been expanded to include a random function that can be used to create completely new sounds at the touch of a button.

Further innovations
As the first representative of the Volca series ever, the Volca FM has a MIDI OUT connection in addition to MIDI IN.

This means that the 16-step sequencer can now also control external sound generators.

Also new is that the new Volca FM can now be played velocity-sensitive via an external MIDI keyboard.

In Sequencer mode, the “Warp Active Step” provides interesting rhythmic shifts, while the Pattern Chaining function allows sequences with a length of up to 256 steps.

As a further treat, the new Volca FM comes with an extensively equipped Korg software bundle.

Remained are the classic structure of the synthesizer with 6 operators along with 32 algorithms and the possibility to process sound data of the original Yamaha DX7 (SysEX), which makes the little box a very interesting instrument.

The most important features in short overview:

• FM synthesizer with 6 operators in classic volca format
• 6-voice polyphonic
• 32 classic algorithms
• 16 step sequencer with motion sequencing
• 2 simultaneously usable and separately controllable effects (chorus and reverb)
• Compatible with classic FM sounds (loadable via SysEx)
• Versatile arpeggiator
• Random function to create new sounds at the touch of a button
• Playable velocity-sensitive via MIDI
• MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
• SYNC IN and SYNC OUT
• Integrated loudspeaker
• Powered by six AA batteries or AC adapter (optional)
• Comprehensive software package included

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