KORG VOLCA-FM2 Digital FM Synthesizer Owner’s Manual

KORG VOLCA-FM2 Digital FM Synthesizer

Precautions

Location

• Using the unit in the following locations can result in a malfunction.
• In direct sunlight
• Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
• Excessively dusty or dirty locations
• Locations of excessive vibration
• Close to magnetic fields

Power supply
Please connect the designated AC adapter to an AC outlet of the correct voltage. Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage other than that for which your unit is intended.

Interference with other electrical devices
Radios and televisions placed nearby may experience reception interference. Operate this unit at a suitable distance from radios and televisions.

Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive force to the switches or controls.

Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners such as benzene or thinner, or cleaning compounds or flammable polishes.

Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for later reference.

Keeping foreign matter out of your equipment
Never set any container with liquid in it near this equipment. If liquid gets into the equipment, it could cause a breakdown, fire, or electrical shock.
Be careful not to let metal objects get into the equipment. If something does slip into the equipment, unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet. Then contact your nearest Korg dealer or the store where the equipment was purchased

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for USA)
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

If items such as cables are included with this equipment, you must use those included items.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

SUPPLIER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY (for USA)

Responsible Party: KORG USA INC.
Address : 316 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, MELVILLE, NY
Telephone : 1-631-390-6500
Equipment Type : DIGITAL FM SYNTHESIZER
Model : volca-fm2
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice regarding disposal (EU only)

you must dispose of it in the correct manner to avoid harm to human health or damage to the environment. Contact your local administrative body for details on the correct disposal method. If the battery contains heavy metals in excess of the regulated amount, a chemical symbol is displayed below the symbol on the battery or battery package

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CONSUMERS
This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you reside.

WARNING: Use of this product in any country other than that for which it is intended could be dangerous and could invalidate the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Korg volca fm DIGITAL FM SYNTHESIZER. This digital synthesizer uses a 6-voice, 6-operator FM (Frequency Modulation) sound engine.
In addition to the basic FM sound parameters, there are also a number of volcafm-specific parameters that provide further sound-editing capabilities. Sound files
(SYS-EX/SYX) created on the Yamaha DX7 can be converted and loaded into the volca fm. Sounds created on the volca fm can be exported and shared with another volca fm.
In addition, the volca fm also includes a built-in step sequencer, motion sequencer, and an arpeggiator—plus various voice modes—that can all add movement, depth, and expression to your volca fm sounds.

FM (Frequency Modulation) is based on synthesis elements known as operators.
The volca fm sound engine uses six operators. Operators can function as either modulators or carriers; modulating operators apply modulation to audio-source carrier operators to create sound. The way that these modulating and carrier operators interact is called an algorithm; the volca fm provides 32 distinct FM algorithms.
In the EDIT mode, the parameters required for the FM sound source, such as the LFO waveform and speed as well as the EG level and rate, can be set for each operator.

TRANSPOSE slider
This slider raises or lowers the pitch in units of octaves or semitones.

VELOCITY slider
In PLAY mode, this slider controls the global velocity. In EDIT mode, this slider
functions as the VALUE slider for editing the FM synthesis parameters.

OCTAVE ,/ OPERATOR +, – buttons
In PLAY mode, these buttons change the octave range of the keyboard. In EDIT mode, these buttons select the operator to edit. By selecting “A” (All), you can edit parameters that apply to all operators.

SAVE/EXPORT button
When not in EDIT mode, this button saves the FM sound engine parameters.
Press the SAVE/EXPORT button, and then use the PROGRAM knob to select the save location for the program. Press the SAVE/EXPORT button again to begin saving. To cancel the save operation, press the EDIT button before pressing the SAVE/EXPORT button.
Exporting
You can connect the volca fm’s SYNC OUT jack to the SYNC IN jack of another volca fm unit, and export (transmit) FM sound programs and sequences to the other volca fm unit.
In EDIT mode, press the SAVE/EXPORT button so that the button blinks, and then use the PROGRAM knob to select the item to be exported. After selecting the item to be exported, press the SAVE/EXPORT button again to export it. The SAVE/EXPORT button lights up while the export operation is being performed. The SAVE/EXPORT button blinks again when the operation is finished.

Items to be exported
Crnt PGM (currently selected program), ALL PGM (all 64 programs), Crnt SEQ (current sequence), ALL SEQ (all 16 sequences), CLOnE (all previously listed items)

EDIT button
Use this button to toggle between the EDIT and PLAY modes. EDIT mode is the mode for specifying settings for FM synthesis parameters and exporting.

Specifying global parameter settings

Setting the MIDI channel

1. While holding down the MEMORY button,turn the volca fm on.
2. Keyboard buttons 1 to 16 correspond to the MIDI channels 1 to 16. Press the button that corresponds to the desired channel, and the LED below the keyboard button will light up.

Other parameters

1. While holding down FUNC button, turn on the volca fm.
2. Use the keyboard buttons 1–9 to set your preferences for any or all of the global parameters. (Refer to the table.)
3. When you have finished, press the  (REC) button. Your settings will be saved, and the volca fm will restart. To cancel without making changes, press the  (PLAY) button.

SyncStp 2
9| Metronome function| *On (only when recording)| MtrnoM On| Off| MtronM OF

Arranged as in a traditional keyboard, these buttons are used to play the volca fm.

MEMORY buttons

The volca fm is equipped with 16 memory locations that are used to save sequences. To load a sequence, press the MEMORY button, and then press one of the 1 through 16 buttons. Hold down the FUNC button and press the MEMORY (WRITE) button to enter the save-ready condition. In this condition, press one of the 1–16 buttons to save the currently selected program number and sequence in the button that you pressed.

CHAIN function

Multiple saved sequences can be linked together to create a longer and more interesting performance. Hold down the MEMORY button, and using the 1–16 buttons in which sequences have been saved, specify the range of sequences that you want to play; the sequences in that range will play back consecutively.

FUNC (function) button

To access various volca fm functions, hold down the FUNC button and press the appropriate keyboard button. The LED below the key will light to confirm your selection.

VOICE MODE

• FUNC + MONO: Operates as a mono
• FUNC + UNISON: Multiple voices will sound

Effects

• FUNC + CHORUS: This applies a chorus Use FUNC + ARP TYPE to adjust the level of the chorus effect.
• FUNC + REVERB: This applies a reverb Use FUNC + ARP DIV to adjust the level of the reverb effect.

ARP ON/OFF

• FUNC + ARP ON/OFF: This turns arpeggiator on/off.

Randomizing the program (PROGRAM RANDOM)

• FUNC + PROGRAM RANDOM: This randomly changes the sounds used by the selected

You may hear sounds like noise. Please use care with sound levels on monitoring equipment

Tempo settings

FUNC + 1/1, 1/2, 1/4: The volca fm tempo can be set to one-half, one- quarter, or equal to the value of the incoming MIDI clock, the SYNC IN clock rate, or the current tempo knob setting

FUNC + WARP ACT.STEP: If there are fewer than 16 active steps, they are compensated to occupy the same playback time as 16 steps.
Transpose setting

FUNC + TRANSPS NOTE: Switches the operation of the TRANSPOSE slider to semitone units

MOTION SEQUENCE
This function records knob or slider operations that are performed while a sequence is being recorded. Once the sequence has made a full cycle from the step where an operation was performed, record is automatically deactivated.

FUNC + ON/OFF: This turns motion sequencing on/off.
FUNC + SMOOTH: If this is turned on, the parameters change smoothly during each step according to the motion value recorded at the beginning of each step. If this is turned off, the parameters change abruptly at the beginning of each step.

TIP Some parameters won’t play back smoothly.
FUNC + CLEAR: All recorded knob adjustments will be erased.

TIP Motion Sequence can record operations of TRANSPOSE, VELOCITY and all clear knobs except TEMPO.

CLEAR (erasing data)
FUNC + ACT.STP: All values in the active step will be deleted
FUNC + ALL: All sequence data will be erased.
FUNC +  (REC/ERASE) during playback: Use the keyboard buttons to remove individual sounds.

ACTIVE STEP mode: FUNC button +  (PLAY) button
Using the ACTIVE STEP mode, each step of the current sequence can be individually turned on or off; disabled (off) steps will be skipped during playback and recording .
While holding down the FUNC button, press the  button (ACTIVE STEP) to enter active step mode.Each step of the current sequence can be turned on/off. Steps that are turned off are disabled and will be skipped during playback and recording. The LEDs below the keyboard buttons representing the active steps will light up. When you’ve finished, press the FUNC button to exit active step mode.

(Power) button

Press this button to turn the volca fm on. To turn the volca fm off, hold this button for approximately one second.

Auto power-off
The power-off function will automatically turn the volca fm off after roughly four hours have passed with no sound being produced. The auto power-off function can be disabled using the global parameters. (See global parameters.)

DC 9V Jack
Connect the plug end of the optional AC adapter to this jack.
Only use the specified AC adapter. Using any AC adapter other than the specified model could damage the volca fm.

DISPLAY
The value of the selected knob, button, or function is shown in the screen.

Envelope Generator Controls
The envelopes [EG] control how fast an operator comes up to full level (Attack) and how
fast an operator dies down (Decay) after the key is pressed or released.

MODULATOR
ATTACK: This knob controls the EG attack for the selected MODULATOR operator.
DECAY: This knob controls the EG decay for the selected MODULATOR operator.

CARRIER
ATTACK: This knob controls the EG attack for the selected CARRIER operator.
DECAY: This knob controls the EG decay for the selected CARRIER operator

LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)
RATE: This knob sets the LFO speed of the FM sound source parameters.
P.DEPTH: This knob sets the depth of the LFO applied to the pitch of the FM sound source parameters.

PROGRAM
Normally, this knob selects the program. In EDIT mode, this knob selects the FM synthesis parameter.

ALGRTM
This knob selects the operator algorithm for the FM sound engine

MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
The MIDI IN connector can be used to control the sound engine of the volca fm from an external MIDI device, as well as to receive SYX (Yamaha DX7) sound data files. The MIDI OUT connector is used to control an external MIDI device from the volca fm.
This unit’s MIDI connectors are 3.5 mm TRS mini-phone jacks. Use a commercially available MIDI conversion cable (type A) to connect this unit to devices that use a 5-pin DIN MIDI connector.

SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks
These jacks allow you to synchronize your volca fm to Korg volca, monotribe or other equipment—including an analog sequencer or a DAW. The polarity of the SYNC jacks can be set using the global parameters.
SYNC OUT: a 5 V pulse of 15 ms is sent at the beginning of each step.
SYNC IN: If this jack is connected, the internal step-clock will be ignored, and the volca fm sequencer will advance according to the pulses received here.

(Headphone) jack
Connecting your headphones to this 1/8”stereo mini jack will mute the volca fm’s internal speaker and allow you to create music in private.

ARP (Arpeggiator)
The arpeggiator plays the individual notes held on the keyboard in a rhythmic pattern.
TYPE: Select one of the available arpeggiator patterns using this knob.
DIV: Use this knob to change the note timing resolution of the arpeggiator.

TEMPO
The tempo knob sets the playback tempo for the arpeggiator and sequencer

VOLUME

This is the master volume knob; use this to set the output level of volca fm.

(PLAY) button
Pressing this button will cause the current sequence to begin playing. The (PLAY) button will light up during playback. Press this button a second time to stop playback.

(REC) button
This records your performance on the keyboard buttons as a sequence. If you press this button while stopped, you’ll enter record-ready mode (the button will blink); when you then press the  (PLAY) button, recording will start (the button will light). You can also start recording by playing the keyboard when in record-ready mode. If you press the  (REC) button during playback, recording will start from the point at which you pressed the button

Installing the batteries

On the back panel, locate the battery compartment and slide off the cover. Insert the batteries—being sure to observe the correct polarity—and then replace the battery cover.
Turn the volca fm off before replacing the batteries.
Remove depleted batteries at once. Depleted batteries left in the battery
compartment may leak over time, and may cause malfunctions. Also, remove the batteries if you will not be using the volca fm for an extended period of time.
Do not mix partially used batteries with new ones, and do not mix batteries of differing types.

Battery level indicator
When the volca fm is turned on, the LEDs below the keyboard buttons indicate the remaining amount of battery power. If all LEDs are lit up, the batteries are completely full. Fewer lit LEDs mean that the battery level is correspondingly lower.

When using the AC adapter, the remaining battery level will not be indicated correctly.
TIP Either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries can be used. In order for the remaining battery level to be detected and indicated correctly, the type of batteries being used must be specified in the global parameters of the volca fm.

TIP If the batteries are running low during usage of the volca fm, the low battery warning “bAtt Lo” will appear in the display. If the batteries run down completely, the volca fm automatically turns off.

TIP It’s not possible to turn off the low battery warning; however, you will be able to continue using the volca fm until the batteries have run down completely.

About the MIDI implementation chart
The volca fm can be controlled via MIDI; simply connect the MIDI output of an external MIDI device to the MIDI IN jack of the volca fm. The MIDI messages that can be received by the volca fm are listed in its MIDI implementation chart. You can download the MIDI implementation chart for the volca fm from the Korg Web site.

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