Korg Volca FM2 Digital Synthesizer - Secondhand

Full Description

Expanded sonic palette - 6-voices

Building on the original design, the Volca FM2 doubles your creative power, adding three additional voices. The 6-voice polyphony opens up a new world of sonic possibilities allowing you to create complex chords and advanced sequences/arpeggios. The onboard MIDI connectivity provides velocity sensitivity for improved expression when playing. The Volca FM2 is the ultimate portable synthesizer that features a powerful 16-step sequencer including a motion sequence function so you can capture inspiration when it strikes including capturing knob movements and subtle tonal changes.

Create on the move, thanks to the ultra-portable design which can be powered via 6 x AA batteries. The hands-on controls and easy to navigate layout make it perfect for any musician. A range of connection options means you can easily integrate the Volca FM2 into your live/studio rig. The Volca FM perfectly reproduces the classic sound engine that made FM synthesis so popular in the 80s. Its six operators and 32 algorithms provide complete compatibility and it can even load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format of the DX7.

New effects and randomisation options

Further expanding on the original design; the Volca FM2 now features a rich and lush reverb effect. In addition to the classic Chorus effect, you can use the reverb to add depth and further texture to your sound. You can adjust each effect to suit your needs using the onboard controls. The Volca FM2 also features new program randomisation and performance tools to generate new ideas and create ‘happy accidents.

You can warp active step and pattern chains as well as the ability to create irregular rhythms. You can set the Volca FM2 to skew step timings and add some chaos to your sequences. You can link together multiple sequence patterns to have sequences to play in succession. You can link up to 16 sequences in total, making it perfect for live performances and even creating full songs.

Intuitive sound editing/shaping

Modulate and shape your sound using the MODULATOR/CARRIER editor knobs. Each knob is mapped to multiple parameters within the synth so you can make changes you can hear straight away. For the more advanced users, you can dive into the onboard menu to create full parameter edits with ease. Use the touch-panel keyboard to play melodies and create patterns and store up to 16 sequence patterns via the onboard memory.

Volca users can now modify patches with ease using the Synthmata online editor. Korg has collaborated with Oscillator Sink to provide a completely free online editor so you can delve further into your sound. The online editor features an intelligent randomizer that provides 11 sound-quality sliders and a range of other controls, allowing you to shape your sound with precision.

Not only that, but the Volca FM2 comes complete with a comprehensive music software bundle which includes Reason Lite which is a DAW software used to record/arrange/edit music. You can use Reason Lite with the Volca FM2 to record sequences and sounds and create full songs. You can then master your music using Izotope’s Ozone Elements software. For those who want to improve their playing skills, the Volca FM2 also includes ‘Skoove’ which is an online learning platform for piano/keyboards.

Features

• True FM synthesis
• 6-voice polyphonic FM synthesizer, fully compatible with classic unit
• Super-easy sound editing
• Onboard Chorus effect and newly introduced reverb effect
• Volca-style sequencing with advanced randomisation options
• 16-step sequencer allows to automate each parameter
• WARP ACTIVE STEP, ARPEGGIATOR and PATTERN CHAIN make crazy looping rhythms and patterns
• 16-note touch keyboard for playing in melodies and sounds
• Synchronise two Volca FM units
• Compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker
• MIDI Out connection for external sequencing
• Create/edit patches using the Synthmata online editor

Specifications

• Keyboard: Multi-touch 27 key keypad (velocity sensitive via MIDI)
• Synth engine: FM
• Polyphony: 6
• Structure: 6 operators
• Number of programs: 64
• Parameters:
  • Modulator (attack, decay)
  • Carrier (attack, decay)
  • LFO (rate, p.depth)
  • Algorithm
  • Randomize
  • (Editor mode allows changes to each parameter for each operator)
• Control: Transpose, velocity, octave, arp (type, div), chorus level, reverb level
• Arpeggiator types: 9 (rise, fall, random x 3)
• Voice modes: Poly, mono, unison
• Effects: Chorus, reverb
• Audio output: Headphone (3.5mm mini jack)
• Sync:
  • Sync In (3.5mm mono mini jack, max input level: 20V)
  • Sync out (3.5mm mono mini jack, output level: 5V)
• MIDI: In, Out (Requires optional Type-A 3.5mm stereo mini jack to MIDI din adaptor for each)
• DX compatibility: Can convert and load SYS-EX/SYX files created on DX7
• Battery life: Approx. 10 hours
• Power supply:
  • AA alkaline battery x 6 or AA nickel-metal hydride battery x 6
  • AC adaptor (DC 9V) (optional)
• Dimensions (WxDXH): 193 x 115 x 40mm (without knobs)
• Weight: 360g (without batteries)