KORG VOLCA FM 2 – is it right for you? 6 voice FM synthesizer under $200

I just love your chord choices so much man.

Opsix is 4x the price so not really comparable

Is really like to see some hardware solutions for the sustain pedal

Maybe retrokits could provide something similar to the volca sample mod?

I loved the fm work flow
It was soo inspiring learning a new synth that wasn't the original subtractive synth layout and really had fun experimenting this way having sooo many more control settings and infinite combinations/variables when designing a sound. I really enjoy reading and tinkering so maybe someone else just wants to plug and play which you can with the presets and change a lot of the basic control settings to make it a little more unique to your liking

There is something about Volca FM's sound that is I would say unique to its rendering of DX7 patches. Neither Dexed nor DX7 seems to have the same softness to the sound. I also like that it is possible to easily change algorithm and change attack and decay of both carriers and modulators separately making each preset set really much larger and tuning most important aspects much quicker. From MK2 I like 6 voices and randomizer also looks fun. Mk2 also does velocity over MIDI making it with 6 voices serious alternative to DX7 or using VSTs like Dexed. Mk1 can also do velocity with unofficial firmware. I would recommend either (provided Mk1 is adequately cheaper) and getting some nice reverb DSP (eg. NTS-1) as such combo provides endless hours of fun ambient music.

Wonderful review! Is there portamento slide available on this device?

I think I have the Original 😏 it should Hook up toy Keyboard but I haven't had any luck 🤞

please release the beat you made

Almost a year after it's still almost impossible to find this synth for purchase

Most people just used the presets on their DX7s

🤔🤨🤣

For a newbie and who only got a budget for a Volca, is FM2 a viable tool? You mentioned it was hard to program.

Good tuto. I would have like a part about midi implementation and possibilities to modulate the sound with source like Mod Wheel / Velocity

Great demo of the new Volca FM2.
I also loved the jam in the beginning.
I have one on the way, and expect it next week 😀

so cant you just update the fm with firmware or do you need to buy a new one?

Fantastic sweater!!!! Very Latvian!

Nice mini review, thanks Bo. My FM2 is on its way ;) A couple of things to add to your review perhaps - check out DEXED or SynthMata for editing the FM, patches can be transferred using the audio in (I believe, but it sounds weird), and the TRS-MIDI adaptor required is a Type A. Hope this helps, it's what I've picked up from other reviews. Can't wait to add an FM synth to my Minibrute 2S :)

Very good review! Got myself the first edition a couple of weeks ago and while I'm having a lot of fun with it, this video got me craving for more (Volca) FM. 😎

Why can't they just put USB on the volcas why is it such a big deal seems like a major missed opportunity

I hope someone here can answer my question: do modulation/carrier knobs apply to EVERY modulation/carrier operator as a group at the same time OR by diving into the menu and selecting each single operator you can edit attack and decay of each operator by using those same knobs? I don’t know if I’m being clear enough I apologize if not

last year i was thinking that i never buy a volca (after i give keys and sample 1 away.)
but this fm 2 is worth the money. so i restart in the volca universe again :-)

The product review is very clear and serves to get a precise idea of ​​the product. It is interesting for those on a tight budget and want great sounds, for the rest it takes small fingers and a great desire to understand. Great review I follow you with interest.

This video was over three months ago and the Volca FM 2 is still not available, way to go Korg. It makes the video pretty much useless. Great video though, done very well.

i'm thinking of getting one of these and sequencing it from an electribe 2 any thoughts ? also can you save your own patches ?

Do you know how it does with sysex? The original only responded to korg sysex but the pajen update allowed for Yamaha sysex. This one?

Damnit... I bough the 3-voice version back in february :´(

this one is so good it makes me wish I hadnt bought the first FM

Since I'm pretty much going to use it as a DX7 in a module, it's an easy purchase for me. Probably take advantage of that randomizer, too, though.

yet again you are reviewing something that is useful to me lmao. Also, nice jumper

Can you export the sysex that the random generates?

Is there polyphony or chords?

i sold my old volca fm and got a microfreak.

Does anyone think it’s likely that we’ll see a Volca keys with more voices? A 6 voice Volca keys would be sick

Great video Bo!

6 voices seems like Korg is still being cheap-o when compared to other small FM synths like PreenFM 3, XFM2, and MiniDexed which offer many more voices, options, and possibilities... and can all be built for under $200. Why did Korg cut corners and not make it 12+ voice? At their scale, the difference would have probably been $5 worth of components, at most.

Is anyone able to really utilize and manipulise fm to match their sound goal

Oh did you check out atamone music

OMG I wanna buy a S49 and a Maschine now! :P

The arpeggiator and increased polyphony has me sold. All the other new features are just a bonus.

The Opsix and this unit sound like great options. I’ll stick with the Reface DX Since I don’t use FM enough to justify a new FM synth.

I own a Digitone and I have Arturias software version of the DX7; should I consider purchasing
this?

I don't understand the repeated comments about how hard it is to edit sounds and the lack of a librarian. Dexed is free and performs both functions. The simplified parameter control on the Volca is actually a clever way of reducing the complexity inherent to FM down to a few useful knobs. I used the DX-7 when it came out. The Volca FM is simpler, likely sounds better, and is amazing value for money. Even the original version was the best Volca by far.

Thanks for the video!.. do you know if sustain and after touch works from and external kboard?

I’m buying it. Decided.

Bo, you forgot one "who is it for?" target audience.... those who want a battery powered small device that fits in a bag and can go anywhere. Good review.