[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzVFohFTClg?rel=0&w=640&h=360]

The latest in Korg’s Volca range of synths is a three-voice digital throwback to the FM synthesisers of old.

Korg’s Volca FM aims to reproduce the sound engine of the classic FM synthesisers. The Volca FM brings the sound design up to date with it’s digital sound engine that is even compatible with old FM synths. If you aren’t familiar with how to use an FM synthesis don’t worry, as the Volca interface lets you easily manipulate the distinctive sound.

Here’s what the impressive Korg Volca FM features:

16-step sequencer allows to automate each parameters

There’s a loop sequencer with up to 16 steps, allowing you to record your performance on the touch panel keyboard just as you play. It’s easy to create phrases that come to mind. Up to sixteen sequence patterns can be stored in internal memory.

And the motion sequence function records your knob movements, letting you add time-varying change to the sound. This is great way to polish your loops, and also lets you generate highly original live performances.

Warp Active Step, Arpeggiator and Pattern Chain make crazy looping rhythms and patterns

In addition to the active step function that lets you skip steps during a sequence, the volca fm provides new functions that enable you to generate more irregular rhythms. If the active step is fewer than 16 steps, you can use the warp active step function to compensate to occupy the same playback time as 16 steps; then by synchronizing the playback with another volca series unit, you can deliberately skew the step timing to generate truly unconventional performances.

In a first for the volca series, the volca fm is also equipped with an arpeggiator. By using this in conjunction with a motion sequence you can create extremely eccentric rhythm patterns.

Furthermore, the pattern chain function lets you connect multiple sequence patterns for successive playback, making it possible to construct large-scale developments of 32, 64, or even 256 steps by joining up to 16 sequences.

Make clone by synchronizing two units of volca fm

The volca fm provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to Korg’s groove machines. Connect this to the other volca series unit, the electribe, or the SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronized sequencer playback. And when two units of volca fm are connected, you can clone the sound programs and sequence data from volca fm to volca fm.

The MIDI IN jack lets you use the volca as a sound module for DAW and MIDI controller.

Enjoy anywhere

With its compact size, battery operation, and built-in speaker, it’s easy to take the volca anywhere and perform any time.