Korg arguably kickstarted one thing of a synth revolution when it launched the Volca line. And the Volca FM has been a constant favourite within the collection. (It was additionally the primary “real” synth I ever acquired, so I’ve one thing of a gentle spot for it.) Now, some six 12 months later, the corporate is issuing an up to date mannequin, the Volca FM 2. Like the Volca Sample 2 it launched in 2020, this can be a principally incremental enchancment on the earlier mannequin, nevertheless it does deal with some ache factors. 

Let’s begin with what hasn’t modified — the core six operator, 32 algorithm synth engine. The Volca FM stays an unabashedly conventional tackle the Yamaha DX7. The kind issue can also be unchanged, and you’ll nonetheless energy it with six AA batteries. You additionally nonetheless get the identical 16-step sequencer with “motion sequencing”.

Physically the adjustments are refined. The show is now blue eight-segment LEDs as an alternative of purple. The five-pin MIDI DIN has been changed with a TRS MIDI jack, however that has additionally made room for MIDI out, incase you wish to management different gear with the Volca’s sequencer.

The huge adjustments although, are underneath the hood. For one the the Volca FM 2 is a six voice synth, as an alternative of a 3 voice one. That’s an enormous change and means that you can play greater, richer chords. And it now responds to velocity over MIDI, one thing you principally needed a hack to get earlier than. There’s additionally a reverb impact built-in, along with the refrain. Slightly reverb goes a good distance whenever you’re coping with a synth, particularly a digital one. So that is one other very welcome improve.

Lastly Korg has added a randomization characteristic. This means that you can rapidly create new and distinctive sounds, with out having to grasp the arcane artwork of FM synthesis. 

The Volca FM 2 is accessible to preorder at present for $170.