Korg volca fm2 DIGITAL FM SYNTHESIZER

Thank you for purchasing the Korg volca fm2 DIGITAL FM SYNTHESIZER. This digital synthesizer uses a 6-voice, 6-operator FM (Frequency Modulation) sound engine. It offers basic FM sound parameters along with volca fm-specific parameters for advanced sound editing. Sounds created on a Yamaha DX7 can be converted and loaded into the volca fm, and sounds created on the volca fm can be exported and shared. The volca fm also features a built-in step sequencer, motion sequencer, arpeggiator, and various voice modes to add movement, depth, and expression to your sounds.

FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis is based on operators, which can function as modulators or carriers. The volca fm sound engine uses six operators, and 32 distinct FM algorithms are provided. In EDIT mode, parameters for the FM sound source, such as LFO waveform and speed, and EG level and rate, can be set for each operator.

Controls and Functions

TRANSPOSE Slider: Adjusts the pitch in octaves or semitones.

VELOCITY Slider: Controls global velocity in PLAY mode. In EDIT mode, it functions as the VALUE slider for editing FM synthesis parameters.

OCTAVE , / OPERATOR +, – Buttons: Change the keyboard's octave range in PLAY mode. Select the operator to edit in EDIT mode. Selecting 'A' (All) allows editing parameters for all operators.

SAVE/EXPORT Button: Saves FM sound engine parameters when not in EDIT mode. Press to save, then use the PROGRAM knob to select the save location. Press again to save. Press EDIT before SAVE/EXPORT to cancel.

Exporting: Connect the SYNC OUT jack to another volca fm's SYNC IN jack to export FM sound programs and sequences. In EDIT mode, press SAVE/EXPORT (it will blink), select the item to export with the PROGRAM knob, and press SAVE/EXPORT again to export. The button lights up during export and blinks when finished.

Items to Export: Crnt PGM, ALL PGM, Crnt SEQ, ALL SEQ, CLONE.

EDIT Button: Toggles between EDIT and PLAY modes for specifying FM synthesis parameters and exporting.

Power Button: Turns the volca fm on or off (hold for approx. one second to turn off).

Auto Power-Off: The unit automatically turns off after approximately four hours of inactivity. This function can be disabled via global parameters.

DC 9V Jack: Connect the AC adapter here. Use only the specified AC adapter.

DISPLAY: Shows the value of the selected knob, button, or function.

PROGRAM Knob: Selects programs in normal mode; selects FM synthesis parameters in EDIT mode.

ALGRTM Knob: Selects the operator algorithm for the FM sound engine.

MODULATOR Controls:

ATTACK: Controls the EG attack for the selected MODULATOR operator.
DECAY: Controls the EG decay for the selected MODULATOR operator.

CARRIER Controls:

ATTACK: Controls the EG attack for the selected CARRIER operator.
DECAY: Controls the EG decay for the selected CARRIER operator.

LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator):

RATE: Sets the LFO speed for FM sound source parameters.
P.DEPTH: Sets the depth of the LFO applied to the pitch of FM sound source parameters.

Keyboard Buttons: Used for playing the volca fm.

MEMORY Buttons: Save and load sequences. Hold FUNC and press MEMORY (WRITE) to enter save-ready mode.

CHAIN Function: Links multiple saved sequences for longer performances.

FUNC (Function) Button: Accesses various functions by holding FUNC and pressing a keyboard button.

VOICE MODE: FUNC + MONO (mono synth), FUNC + UNISON (multiple voices).
Effects: FUNC + CHORUS (chorus effect, level adjusted with FUNC + ARP TYPE), FUNC + REVERB (reverb effect, level adjusted with FUNC + ARP DIV).
ARP ON/OFF: FUNC + ARP ON/OFF toggles the arpeggiator.
PROGRAM RANDOM: FUNC + PROGRAM RANDOM randomly changes sounds.
Tempo Settings: FUNC + 1/1, 1/2, 1/4 set tempo relative to MIDI clock or SYNC IN. FUNC + WARP ACT.STEP compensates for sequences with fewer than 16 active steps.
Transpose Setting: FUNC + TRANSPS NOTE switches TRANSPOSE slider to semitone units.

MOTION SEQUENCE: Records knob and slider operations during sequence recording. FUNC + ON/OFF toggles motion sequencing. FUNC + SMOOTH enables smooth parameter changes between steps. FUNC + CLEAR erases recorded knob adjustments.

CLEAR (Erasing Data): FUNC + ACT.STP clears active step values. FUNC + ALL erases all sequence data. FUNC + (REC/ERASE) during playback removes individual sounds.

ACTIVE STEP Mode: FUNC + PLAY button allows individual steps to be turned on/off, skipping disabled steps during playback and recording.

Restoring Factory Defaults: Hold FUNC and MEMORY, then power on. Press REC to restore and start, or PLAY to cancel.

VOLUME Knob: Master volume control.

PLAY Button: Starts sequence playback. Press again to stop.

REC Button: Records keyboard performance as a sequence. Press while stopped to enter record-ready mode, then press PLAY to start recording. Can also start by playing the keyboard.

Global Parameter Settings

Setting the MIDI Channel: Hold MEMORY, then turn on the unit. Press keyboard buttons 1-16 to select MIDI channels 1-16.

Other Parameters: Hold FUNC, then turn on the unit. Use keyboard buttons 1-9 to set global parameters (refer to table). Press REC to save and restart, or PLAY to cancel.

Global Parameters
Function	Parameter	Status	Display Indication
1. Auto Power-Off	Enabled	AutoP On	Disabled	AutoP OFF
2. Battery Type Selection	Nickel-metal hydride	bAtt nH	Alkaline	bAtt AL
3. Sync Out Polarity	Fall	SyncOt Lo	Rise	SyncOt HI
4. Sync In Polarity	Fall	SyncIn Lo	Rise	SyncIn HI
5. Tempo Range Settings	Full (56-240)	TEmPo FuL	Narrow (56-240)	TEmPo nAr
6. MIDI Clock Source	Auto	MdCLK Aut	Internal	MdCLK Int
7. MIDI ShortMessage	On	MdShrt On	Off	MdShrt OF
8. Sync Input/Output Unit	Once per step	SyncStp 1	Once every 2 steps	SyncStp 2
9. Metronome Function	On (during recording)	MtrnoM On	Off	MtronM OF

*: Factory default setting

Connections

MIDI (IN, OUT) Jacks: 3.5mm TRS mini-phone jacks. Use a Type A MIDI conversion cable for 5-pin DIN MIDI devices.

SYNC (IN, OUT) Jacks: Synchronize with other Korg volca units or equipment. SYNC OUT sends a 5V pulse. SYNC IN syncs the sequencer to incoming pulses.

(Headphone) Jack: 1/8" stereo mini jack. Mutes the internal speaker when headphones are connected.

Installing Batteries

Locate the battery compartment on the back panel, slide off the cover, insert batteries observing polarity, and replace the cover. Turn off the unit before changing batteries. Remove depleted batteries promptly to prevent leakage and malfunctions. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period. Do not mix battery types or partially used batteries with new ones.

Battery Level Indicator: LEDs below keyboard buttons indicate remaining battery power. LEDs do not indicate correctly when the AC adapter is connected. The battery type must be specified in global parameters for accurate indication.

Main Specifications

Keyboard: Multi-touch controller
Sound Generators: FM sound sources (6 operators, maximum 6 simultaneous notes)
Connectors: (Headphone) jack (3.5mm TRS mini-phone jack), SYNC IN jack (3.5mm TS mini-phone jack, 20V max input), SYNC OUT jack (3.5mm TS mini-phone jack, 5V output), MIDI IN/OUT connectors (3.5mm TRS mini-phone jacks)
Power Supply: 6 AA/LR6 alkaline or AA nickel-metal hydride batteries, DC 9V AC adapter
Battery Life: Approx. 8 hours (alkaline batteries)
Current Consumption: 160 mA
Dimensions (W×D×H): 193 x 115 x 40 mm / 7.60" x 4.53" x 1.57"
Weight: 370 g / 13.05 oz. (excluding batteries)
Included Items: Six AA alkaline batteries, Cable, Owner's Manual, Edit Parameter List
Accessories (sold separately): AC adapter (DC 9VC)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.

Precautions

Location: Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures/humidity, dusty/dirty areas, excessive vibration, and magnetic fields.
Power Supply: Use only the designated AC adapter and connect to the correct voltage outlet.
Interference: Operate at a suitable distance from radios and televisions to prevent reception interference.
Handling: Do not apply excessive force to switches or controls.
Care: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, solvents, or flammable polishes.
Foreign Matter: Keep liquids and metal objects away from the unit. If liquid enters, unplug the AC adapter and contact a Korg dealer.
Disposal (EU only): Dispose of the product, batteries, and packaging according to local regulations to prevent harm to health or the environment.
Important Notice to Consumers: Verify the product is intended for use in your country. Use in other countries may be dangerous and void the warranty. Retain your receipt as proof of purchase.
Trademarks: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Safety Precautions (Japanese text translated)

Read all safety instructions before use.
Follow all warnings and cautions to prevent injury or damage.
Warning: Ignoring warnings may lead to death or serious injury.
- Ensure the AC adapter plug is securely inserted into a 100V AC outlet and is free of dust.
- Keep the unit near an outlet for easy access to the AC adapter plug.
- Immediately turn off power and unplug the AC adapter if it is damaged, if foreign objects enter the unit, or if the unit malfunctions. Contact customer support for repairs.
- Do not disassemble or modify the unit.
- Do not perform any maintenance not described in the manual.
- Do not bend the AC adapter cord or place heavy objects on it, as this can cause electric shock or fire.
- Avoid prolonged use at high volumes to prevent hearing loss. Consult a doctor if you experience hearing loss or tinnitus.
- Do not insert foreign objects into the unit.
- Do not use or store in extremely hot locations (direct sunlight, near heaters, etc.), excessively vibrating locations, or dusty locations.
- Do not use or store in wet or damp locations like bathrooms or shower rooms.
- Do not place containers with liquids on the unit. Do not spill liquids on the unit.
- Do not operate with wet hands.
Caution: Ignoring cautions may lead to injury or physical damage.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Keep away from radios, TVs, and other electronic devices to prevent noise and malfunction.
- Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
- Always hold the plug when connecting/disconnecting the AC adapter.
- Remove batteries if not using for extended periods to prevent leakage.
- Store batteries out of reach of children.
- Unplug the AC adapter when not in use for extended periods.
- Do not use unauthorized AC adapters.
- Avoid daisy-chaining power cords. Connect to an outlet appropriate for the unit's power consumption.
- Do not expose batteries to excessive heat sources.
- Do not apply excessive force to switches or knobs, as this can cause malfunctions.
- Do not use solvents or flammable cleaners on the exterior.
- Do not place on unstable surfaces, as the unit may fall and cause injury or damage.
- Do not stand on or place heavy objects on the unit.

About the MIDI Implementation Chart

The volca fm can be controlled via MIDI by connecting an external MIDI device's output to the volca fm's MIDI IN jack. The MIDI messages receivable by the volca fm are listed in its MIDI implementation chart, available for download from the Korg website.

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