The Volca FM2 is a compact 6-voice, 6-operator FM synthesizer that recreates the Yamaha DX7 sound and loads DX7 SysEx patches. It doubles the original Volca FM's polyphony from 3 to 6 voices, adds effects, velocity over MIDI and expanded MIDI connectivity. The 16-step sequencer, arpeggiator, built-in speaker and battery power make it a self-contained portable FM box. It suits musicians who want classic FM tones and DX7 patch compatibility in a small, hands-on unit rather than a full-size synth.
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Owners rate it highly, praising the doubled polyphony and DX7 patch compatibility as the biggest upgrades over the first Volca FM. The main complaints center on the small interface and menu diving for deep editing.
The KORG volca fm2 is a 6-voice, 6-operator FM synthesizer with all 32 classic algorithms. It reproduces the sound engine of the Yamaha DX7 and is compatible with DX7 SYS-EX patches. It can also load files in the SYS-EX/SYX format.
It has a 16-step loop sequencer, a motion sequence function, an arpeggiator, a program randomizer, and Chorus and Reverb effects that can each be adjusted individually. Up to 16 sequence patterns can be stored in the internal memory. The pattern chain function joins up to 16 sequences into 32, 64 or up to 256 steps. The warp active step function lets a pattern with fewer than 16 active steps fill the same playback time as 16 steps.
The MODULATOR/CARRIER edit knobs map each movement to multiple parameters. Full parameter editing is available through the menu, and a Parameter List Guide comes with the unit. The synth is velocity sensitive via MIDI. It is compact and light, has a built-in speaker, and runs on batteries or an optional adapter.
