Korg

the oscillator section, which makes
use of two triangle wave VCOs in a
carrier-modulator relationship to
achieve FM synthesis sounds. Two
rotaries control the relationship
between these two VCOs: Mod adjusts
the amount of modulation applied
while Ratio controls the pitch of the
modulator signal in relation to the
carrier. By default, the carrier pitch
tracks that keyboard/sequencer,
although there are patch inputs for
the carrier pitch, ratio and modulation
amount. The oscillator section also
features a wavefolder, which applies
an inversion to the shape of the
oscillator’s output signal, creating
additional, gritty harmonics. The
depth of this effect can be controlled
by a front panel rotary or patch input.
Following the pre-patched routing,
the oscillator signal is then fed into
one of two low-pass gates. These are
another common characteristic of
West Coast synth designs. They are,
in effect, a combination between a
non-resonant low-pass fi lter and a
modulating the main oscillator
output, or the carrier can be routed to
both LPGs simultaneously (without
needing splitting fi rst).
Modulation is provided by two
Functions, which are essentially
simple envelope generators. The fi rst
is an attack-hold-release envelope
with controls for the Attack and
Release time. The second is a two
stage rise-fall generator with a Shape
control that manipulates the ratio of
attack to decay time, and Time
control that determines the overall
length. Both Functions have positive
and inverted outputs, modulation
inputs for their controls, as well as
standard VCA, with a single control
that affects both the volume and
harmonic quality of the sound.
Having two of these onboard opens
up lots of possibilities, particularly
since the oscillator has separate
output patch points for both the
carrier and modulator signals. This
effectively means that the two triangle
VCOs can be routed and fi ltered
independently. It’s worth noting too
that, unlike some semi-modular
synths, patching from an output on
the Volca Modular doesn’t break the
internal routing, meaning that, for
example, the modulator can be
patched to an LPG whilst still
SEQUENCER UPGRADED
The Volca Modular’s sequencer boasts a number of upgrades compared to those found on
the rest of the range. Firstly, there’s a scale mode here, with 14 selectable scales plus a
micro-tuning function, which allows each note on the keyboard to be individually tuned
+/- 100 cents. There are several randomisation tools, which can be used to generate note
data, randomise micro-tunings or randomly assign which steps are currently active. There
are multiple sequencer directions too, with standard left-to-right playback accompanied by
bounce and stochastic modes, the latter of which offering semi-randomised playback
whereby the sequencer will jump back and forth through assigned sequencer steps.
There’s also a simple long/
short gate selector, for
adjusting the duration of all
sequencer steps.
Most common Volca
features make a return too.
Korg’s Motion Sequence
automation system allows
movement for all front
panel rotaries to be
recorded to the sequencer.
While, given its hands-on
analogue nature, the
Modular can’t save patch
presets, it does still allow
for 16 patterns to be saved
and recalled, including
Motion Sequence data.
THE ALTERNATIVES
THE ALTERNATIVES
Teenage
Engineering
Pocket Operator
400 £469
TE’s forthcoming DIY
modular synth is
more vanilla in its
elements, but
boasts Eurorack-
compatibility via its
3.5mm patch points.
teenageengineering.com
Pittsburgh
Modular
Micro volt 3900
£510
Slightly larger
and considerably
more expensive,
Pittsburgh’s desktop
semi-modular has
a similarly West
Coast feel and
a deceptively
powerful sequencer.
pittsburghmodular.com
Behringer Cra ve
$199
We’re yet to get our
hands on Behringer’s
forthcoming semi-
modular, but this
East Coast-style
synth offers a lot
of features for
under £200.
musictribe.com/brand/
behringer/home
This is a complicated
instrument that specialises
in experimental sounds
Reviews | Korg Volca Modular
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