Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular Synthesizer

The Korg Volca Modular is a micro-modular analog synthesizer with 8 individual modules designed to harness the power of West Coast synthesis to create a wide pallete of sounds and textures, making it well suited for musicians and producers working in the studio or performing live on stage. The machine utilizes a semi-modular approach, so no patch cables are required to make sound. However, the true spirit of this synthesizer lies in the 50 patch points, allowing the user to freely experiment with the signal flow of CV or audio signals.

The Volca Modular utilizes a single part for programming the eight modules in the engine including Source, Functions, Woggle, Split, Dual LPG, Utility, Space Out, and Sequence. The onboard step-sequencer allows the user to manually input up to 16 steps per pattern, but also can be used for real-time recording. The pattern chaining function can chain up to 16 sequences to construct patterns with up to 256 steps. Use the motion sequence function to record knob movements during real-time recording and reproduce them during playback. Additional features and functions include Randomize, which generates accidental ideas, while two added playback modes, Bounce and Stochastic, makes a round trip through the steps or gradually proceeds while randomly moving forward and backward. Also included are advanced musical scales, keys, and micro-tunings. Choose from 14 types of scales including equal temperament. Since you can also specify the tonic key from which these scales start, you can play these scales in any key.

The Volca Modular can be synchronized with other Volcas and Electribes via the Sync I/O. Additionally, the machine features a single TRS-mini CV input, allowing for two CV inputs to control the pitch and other functions from an outside source. The Korg Volca Modular is powered by an optional power supply or via the included six AA batteries and ships with a set of 20 pin cables for patching.

• Source:
  • Consists of a triangle VCO carrier and a modulator
  • Complex overtones generated by FM modulation
  • Sent through a wavefolder circuit to add additional overtones
  • Produces a distinctive sound
  • Determines the basic character of sound
• Functions:
  • Two function (envelope) generators
  • ADH generator with attack, hold, and release
  • Rise and fall generator (slope generator)
    • Applies time varying change to the sound
    • Patch the end trigger out into the trigger in as a loop, making it usable as a VCO or LFO
• Woggle:
  • Random signal generator
    • Contains sample & hold circuit that uses pink noise as its source
    • Two outputs for either stepped or smooth random noise
• Split:
  • Single input to two outputs.
  • Can be used in the reverse, combining two control or audio signals into one
• Dual LPG:
  • Two low-pass gate circuits
  • Typical of the West Coast style of synthesis
  • Each LPG circuit packages a filter with an amp, allowing the brightness and volume of the sound to vary together
• Utility:
  • Mixing scaling module
  • Combines two signals in various ways
  • Mix audio and control signals
  • Invert or attenuate signals
• Space Out:
  • Stereo module that applies a reverb-like effect to the audio signal
• Sequence:
  • Connects to the internal sequencer
  • Set the tempo and select different rhythm divisions to output via the gate counter
    

• Analog synthesis engine
• 3-note polyphony
• Structure
  • 1 parts
    • 2 oscillators (VCO - triangle core)
    • 2 envelope generators (EG)
    • 2 low-pass gates (LPG)
    • Digital effect
  • Sequencer
    • Number of parts: 1
    • Number of steps: 16
    • Number of recording patterns: 16
    • Pattern-chaining function can chain up to 256 steps
  • Motion Sequencer
    • Record knob movements during real-time recording and reproduce them during playback
  • Additional Functions
    • Randomize: Specify randomization for notes, active steps, and micro tuning
    • Bounce: Sequence mode, which makes a round-trip through the steps
    • Stochastic: Sequence mode, which gradually proceeds while randomly moving forward and backward
    • Musically advanced scales, keys, and microtunings
      • Choose from 14 scales including equal temperament
      • Specify the tonic key from which these scales start
      • Play scales in any key
  • Power
    • Optional power adapter available
    • Includes 6 x AA batteries
  • Connectors:
    • 3.5mm sync I/O
    • 3.5mm TRS CV input
    • 50 x pin cable patch points
    • Includes 20 x pin cable for patching
    • Includes sync cable