Essential Information About the Korg Volca FM2 Synthesizer
- 6-voice FM synthesis in an ultra-compact format, ideal for crystalline, percussive, or 80s-style sounds.
- Simple synchronization via MIDI and Sync In/Out to chain multiple Volcas or control from a DAW.
- Portable and ready to play: battery operation and built-in mini speaker.
- 16-step sequencer + arpeggiator for quickly creating patterns and live variations.
A Volca Designed for "Classic" FM, in the Spirit of the Series
The Volca FM2 follows the Korg Volca philosophy: a compact, immediate instrument focused on performance. Its 6-operator FM engine with 32 algorithms offers a palette ranging from precise basses to airy pads, including bells, electric pianos, and biting leads, while remaining easy to integrate into a Volca set or studio setup.
Who the Volca FM2 Is For: Compact Studio, Live, and Sound Design
This polyphonic digital synthesizer suits both
beginners wanting to explore FM synthesis through a direct interface and
advanced users seeking an inspiring module for techno, electro, synthwave, pop, or ambient music. In the studio, it can be easily controlled from a MIDI keyboard or external sequencer; live, its arpeggiator, sequencer, and "grab and go" format make it an excellent companion.
Features and Innovations
The Volca FM2 is based on
FM synthesis with
6 operators and
32 algorithms, offering a
maximum polyphony of 6 voices with
voice modes including poly, mono, and unison. Editing focuses on essential controls (modulator and carrier with attack and decay, LFO rate and pitch depth, algorithm selection), complemented by transposition, velocity, octave, and arpeggiator settings. Two built-in effects,
chorus and
reverb, instantly thicken sounds. On the rhythm side, the
16-step sequencer and its performance features (motion sequence, active step, warp active step, pattern chain, metronome) facilitate creating dynamic variations. For integration, MIDI and
Sync (In/Out) synchronization ensure tight timing with other machines or a DAW, while maintaining portability thanks to battery power and the onboard speaker.
Technical Specifications
General
- Category: Digital Synthesizer
- Synthesis Type: Digital
- Sound Generator: FM
- Max Polyphony: 6
- Display: LED
- Dimensions (mm): 193 x 115 x 40
- Weight (kg): 0.36
Keyboard and Controls
- Number of Keys: 27
- Key Format: Multi-touch keyboard / pad keys
- Transposition: Yes
FM Engine
- Type: FM synthesis
- Max Polyphony: 6 voices
- Structure: 6 operators - 32 algorithms
- Number of Programs: 64
- Number of Presets: 64
- User Memory: 64
- Main Editing: modulator (attack, decay) - carrier (attack, decay) - LFO (rate, pitch depth) - algorithm
- Controls: transposition - velocity - octave - arp (type, division)
- Voice Modes: poly, mono, unison
Modulation and Envelope
- Envelope: Attack - Decay
- LFO: 1
Arpeggiator
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Arpeggiator Types: 9 (rise, fall, random)
Effects
- Number of Effects: 2
- Effects: chorus & reverb
Sequencer
- Sequencer: Yes
- Number of Parts: 1
- Number of Steps: 16
- Number of Recording Patterns: 16
- Controls: motion sequence, active step, warp active step, pattern chain, metronome
Connections
- Inputs: MIDI, Sync In
- Outputs: MIDI, Headphone/Line, Sync Out
Power and Accessories
- Power Supply: 6 alkaline or nickel-metal AA batteries or KA-350 power adapter (not included)
- Included Accessories: Patch cables, Alkaline batteries
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