Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer

Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer
Product no: 9000-0092-2969 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

General

It's been a while since the original Volca FM was released, so the arrival of its successor has been highly anticipated. Now, the Korg Volca FM 2 is finally here and what's immediately clear is that it doesn't have the original three, but six voices. On top of that, it's touch-responsive (via MIA) which means you're looking at maximum musical expression - especially because it's FM synthesis we're talking about. Also, the chorus effect of the original has been thoughtfully expanded with a reverb, while other upgrades include a TRS-MIDI input and output you can use to control other gear via the built-in sequencer, as well as a randomize function that enters random parameters to shape totally surprising sounds.

The Korg Volca FM 2: Small in Size, Big on FM

The FM synthesis of this bold little synth is fully compatible with Yamaha's renowned DX7 synthesizer, meaning that loading in DX7 sys-ex's is no problem. Several control elements are present, but as anyone will understand, the Volca has nowhere near enough room to give every single FM parameter a physical control of its own. Nevertheless, all of the parameters can be accessed through a bit of menu diving, which may sound scary but it's simply how FM synthesis works. If you know what you're doing, you'll be just fine. And if you truly can't do without a large and easy editor, you can always use the free, browser-based Volca-FM / DX-7 Patch Editor to create literally millions of different sounds, experimenting with things like pitch and intensity.

Specifications

Product features

Sustainable product	not specified
Synthesizer kind	standard
Synthesizer options	extensive
Difficulty level	difficult
Vintage remake	no
Sound source	FM
Number of keys	27
Arpeggiator/sequencer	arpeggiator, sequencer
19-inch rack size	not applicable
Synthesizer type	desktop module
Type of keys	touch-sensitive keys/pads
Synthesizer inputs	none
Synthesizer outputs	headphone
MIDI & other	MIDI in (mini jack), MIDI out (mini jack)
Audio via USB	no
Control	none
Polyphony	6

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight (incl. packaging)	776 gr
Dimensions (incl. packaging)	26,5 x 15,5 x 7,0 cm

Product specifications

Korg Volca FM 2
synthesizer
polyphony: 6
synthesis: FM (DX7-compatible), 6-operators, 32 algorithms
preset storage: 64x
sync cable included
FM parameter list included
power:
- 6x AA batteries (included)
- Korg KA-350 power supply (not included)
dimensions: 193 x 115 x 40mm
weight: 360g (excluding batteries)

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Reviews from other countries

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D. Bosiers May 2, 2024

Wrote the following about Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer

Je kan hem gebruiken als DX7 clone, in dat geval heeft hij een het hele gamma aan retro sounds aan boord, van roaring bass tot glassy xylofoon. Online vind je massa's DX7 patches die hier op werken en als je de moeite neemt om in FM synthese te duiken dan kan je er zelfs zeer experimentele klanken uit krijgen, in dat geval is het wel aan te raden om patchbase of iets dergelijks te gebruiken al kan je alle parameters op het toestel zelf instellen, je gaat aardig wat notities moeten maken als je je weg niet wil kwijt geraken. Pakt enorm veel punch en mogelijkheden in een klein formaat, ideaal voor de kleinschalige experimentalist die beperkt is wat plaats maar toch niet hele dagen achter de computer wil zitten. Een klein nadeel is dat je de sequencer niet kan uitschakelen, van zodra hij een midi clock/transport signaal ontvangt begint hij te spelen. Al met al voor zijn prijs een alleraardigst synthje.

TB February 16, 2024

Wrote the following about Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer

Programmeerbaar met onder andere Dexed en andere DX7 patch editors. Inbegrepen chorus en reverb zijn erg welkom.

Dennis Moser July 7, 2023

Wrote the following about Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer

What a great little synth! My ONLY complaint is that the external power supply uses a different size plug that the "BOSS" style ones that so many other devices use and a power supp;;y does NOT come with synth — batteries do, but it would be great to have the proper power supply included. I get that Korg is aiming at "mobile" applications, but for use in the studio would be much easier.

So far I have had it being run by my Empress Zoia for creating ambient sequences.

Jean-Michel Bizarre July 6, 2023

Wrote the following about Korg Volca FM 2 Synthesizer

Een zesstemminge DX-7 voor minder dan 200 Euro, wat wil je nog meer? Je kunt DX-7 sysex patches laden via een midi-kabel. De FM2 heeft 6 stemmen (tegen 3 bij de FM1), midi-out (geen sysex dumps!), velocity (FM1 alleen via Retrokits midi-kabel of 3rd party firmware) en chorus+reverb (FM1 alleen chorus). Sustain heb je standaard (als ik me niet vergis) niet, maar met Retrokits kabel wel. Klinkt als een klok. Het enige minpuntje is dat het programmeren op het apparaat zelf onhandig is, net als op de originele DX-7. Maar genoeg patches op het internet te vinden, en die kun je wel makkelijk tweaken. Kortom: no brainer voor FM-synthese fans.