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Korg today announces next-gen Volca FM: compact DX7-inspired synth gets expanded polyphony, new MIDI features and more

Korg DX7-inspired Volca FM first launched six years ago. Now, like the Volca Sample before it, the FM is getting a second-generation update, and it brings with it a wide range of new features and enhancements.

The new Volca FM looks very similar to its predecessor but, there are some significant changes that enhance its capabilities considerably. Firstly, of these is expanded polyphony – up to six voices compared to the original’s three. The new Volca FM now responds to velocity via MIDI, as well, for a more expressive experience when used with an external controller.

Also on the MIDI front, Korg has added a MIDI output (via a TRS adapter) enabling the Volca FM’s sequencer to control external gear.

That 16-step sequencer has been enhancements, including a pattern randomisation tool for auto-generating ideas. This joins other sequencer functions including Warp Active Step – which alters the distribution of sequencer steps for interesting rhythmic ideas -and pattern chaining.

In addition, the second gen FM includes a new effect, with a digital shimmering reverb joining the existing chorus.

As with the original, the FM’s synth engine is based on the 32-algorithm design of Yamaha’s DX7 and can even import classic patches via SysEx. While the interface can be a little fiddly for deep parameter editing, the FM can make use of a free online editor for more advanced patch creation.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The next-gen volca fm is a powerful 6-voice, 6-Operator FM synthesizer with all 32 classic algorithms, a 16-step loop sequencer, effects and a powerful arpeggiator that perfectly reproduces the sound of the classic Yamaha DX7 and is completely compatible with SYS-EX patches for the DX7 as well.

Battery (included) or adapter (optional) operated with built-in speakers and a compact and light chassis, the volca fm is the ultimate portable FM solution for all musicians.

This new generation – with double the voices of its predecessor, additional effects, expanded MIDI connectivity, and intuitive interface – is poised to bring unprecedented possibilities to your setup, and revolutionize your studio with new musical ideas.”

Features:

• Now it is possible to play, sequence or arpeggiate up to 6 voices.
• The new volca fm is now velocity sensitive via MIDI, which coupled with its 6 voice polyphony, provides a much more expressive and nuanced playing experience than ever before.
• More Effects – volca fm includes a lush Reverb effect, in addition to the Chorus effect. Each of these two effects can be used and adjusted individually.
• External sequencing and connectivity – In addition to MIDI IN, the new volca fm also includes a MIDI OUT (IN/OUT 3.5 mm TRS), making it possible to use the volca internal sequencer to control other devices through MIDI.
• Powerful sequencer and functions – The internal sequencer offers looping up to 16 steps, allowing you to record your performance on the touch panel keyboard as you play. Up to 16 sequence patterns can be stored in the internal memory.
• volca fm also incorporates a motion sequence function, to record in real time the subtle nuances of your playing and knob movements.
• New program randomization and performance oriented functions – the new generation of volca fm includes a brand new program randomizer.
• 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 so you 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.
• 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.
• Full classic Sys-Ex compatibility – The volca fm perfectly the sound engine of the Yamaha DX7. Its six operators and 32 algorithms provide complete compatibility, and it can even load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format.
• Easy sound editing – The volca fm makes FM sound editing accessible with the MODULATOR/CARRIER edit knobs – the knob movements are mapped to multiple parameters for sound changes that are easy to understand. FM enthusiasts can also menu dive into full parameter edits.
• The new volca fm comes in a portable form factor that you can take anywhere. It runs on 6 AA batteries, has an integrated speaker and weighs only 360g/12.6oz (without batteries).
• SYNC IN-OUT and MIDI IN-OUT connections lets it integrate with your other gear.

Audio Demos:

Bundled software includes iZotope Ozone Elements, Reason Lite and various plugin synths from Korg and others.

The new Volca FM is available now price at $245. Find out more on the Korg website.

LFO Store has introduced Cinematica, a cinematic sound library for the Korg Prologue.

Created by sound designer Nick Klimenko, the sound library features 50 cinematic presets in a wide range of categories, including:

• Massive Basses
• Moving Leads
• Unusual modular Arpeggios
• Recreation of famous sounds of Jupiter & CS Series
• Beautiful cinematic strings – massive & wide
• Organic pads & low drones
• Bells & Plucks

You can preview Cinematica in the video embedded above. No external Oscillators & FX were used.

Cinematica is available now for $20.

Korg releases Wavestate and Opsix soft synths: hardware keyboards are now available as native plugins. The two digital synths were released in physical form in 2020.

Plugin reboots of contemporary keyboards are less common. Both are available in VST/AU/AAX and standalone formats for PC and Mac. And, they are fully compatible with their hardware counterparts, meaning that sounds can be exchanged seamlessly between the two platforms.

So, those who own both the hardware and software versions can create sounds on their desktop and then play them live without the need for a computer, or use the hardware’s physical knobs and sliders to program sounds and then transfer them into software for use in their DAW productions.

Wavestate Native

Inspired by Korg’s classic Wavestation, Wavestate Native is powered by Korg’s Wave Sequencing 2.0 engine. It uses multiple sound layers, each of which can contain a wave sequence of multiple PCM samples or a standard multisample patch, and can be stacked or split across the keyboard.

We described the Wavestate a faithful tribute to a ’90s classic, but one that also offers cutting-edge sound design tools for the 21st century.

The software version includes extensive realtime control and animated visualisation. The envelopes, LFOs and other modulation sources are all laid out in front of you, and modulation routings can be created by dragging and dropping.

Opsix Native

Opsix native has the exact same sound engine as Opsix. Opsix native takes the six-operator FM synth engine from the hardware and puts it on your desktop. This software version features a redesigned user interface that promises to make it easy to understand the workflow. You get oscilloscopes for each operator, and the theory is that you will get an understanding of how each sound is created, even those who have never used opsix before can understand the workflow.

The hardware Opsix has a unique sonic character, and manages to be both fun and accessible in a way that not all FM synths are. Hoping for more of the same from the software.

Both Opsix Native and Wavestate Native  are available now for the introductory prices of $149 each (normal prices, which will apply after 5 April, are $199 each). Owners of either of the hardware synths, meanwhile, can crossgrade for $50

Find out more on the Korg website.