- Sections of the synth<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Getting sound out<\/strong><\/a>
- Basic sound<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Patching a sound<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Using the sequencer<\/strong><\/a>
- Recording a sequence<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Saving and loading sequences<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Syncing multiple synths<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Navigating the Volca Modular<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Volca Modular is a modular analog synthesizer that allows you to change the sound using patch cables and record sequences. The initial setup is easy. Put the batteries in, turn it on, then start playing. You can also use a 9V power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- If you want to use a power supply with a Volca, you must use the Korg Volca power supply<\/a>. Using a generic power supply may result in damage to the unit.<\/li>
- Volca modules come with six nickel-hybrid AA\u2019s. If you switch to alkaline batteries, you will need to change the battery mode. To do this, press and hold the FUNC <\/strong>button and power the unit on. Next, press the M2 <\/strong>key to switch to alkaline (bt.AL). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Sections of the synth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Volca Modular has four primary sections; Power and Tempo<\/em>, Synth Modulation<\/em>, Input & Output<\/em>, and Step Sequencer<\/em>. You can also access different functions by holding down the FUNC<\/strong> button then pressing a button. Refer to the User Guide<\/strong> for the complete list of functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Volca Modular User Guide<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power and tempo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The power and tempo section is where you turn the synth on and off, connect a 9V power supply, and adjust a sequence’s tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Synth Modulation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is where you change different characteristics of the synth using the control knobs and patch cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Input & Output<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Input & Output section is where you connect external hardware to control or sync with the Volca Mod.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step Sequencer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Step Sequencer section is where you will record and save patterns. Each button also functions as the keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Volca](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/Volca-Mod-Diagram.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSections of the Volca Mod. Click to enlarge.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Getting sound out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As soon as you turn the Volca Modular on, you can play a Triangle Wave<\/a>. You will need to use the knobs and patch cables in the Synth Modulation section to alter the tone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting a basic sound out of the Volca Modular is easy. Just turn the unit on, press the keys in the Step Sequencer section, and adjust the knobs in the Synth Modulation section. Follow these steps to get the sound out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Press a key and turn the left Cutoff<\/strong><\/a> knob up until you hear a tone.<\/li>
- Turn the Fold<\/strong> knob to adjust the wave folder (more commonly known as wave shape) to change the overall tone. Turn the Mod<\/strong> knob to change the harmonics of the sound.<\/li>
- Adjust the Attack<\/strong><\/a>, Shape<\/strong>, Release<\/strong><\/a>, and Release Time<\/a><\/strong> to change each stage of the note.<\/li>
- Adjust the AMOUNT<\/strong> knob to change the level of the reverb.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Does it sound out of tune?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Volca Modular uses analog circuitry, so the tuning can change depending on conditions such as heat. To adjust the tuning, hold the FUNC<\/strong> button while rotating the RATIO<\/strong> knob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patching a sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Patching<\/a> allows you to send the source signal to control different sound modulations. Use the patch cables to connect the SOURCE input or output to a function\u2019s input or output. The input sections are outlined, and the outputs are solid. Let\u2019s use an example and use patch cables to create a basic LFO<\/a> Modulator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- In the SOURCE<\/strong> section, connect a patch cable from the MOD<\/strong> input to the +<\/strong> output in the TIME<\/strong> section.<\/li>
- Connect a patch cable from the last output (gate output) in the TIME<\/strong> section to the first input (gate input) in the SHAPE<\/strong> section.<\/li>
- Adjust the TIME<\/strong> knob to change the pulse\u2019s speed.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Be careful!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Connect a patch cable from the last output (gate output) in the TIME<\/strong> section to the first input (gate input) in the SHAPE<\/strong> section.<\/li>
- Turn the Fold<\/strong> knob to adjust the wave folder (more commonly known as wave shape) to change the overall tone. Turn the Mod<\/strong> knob to change the harmonics of the sound.<\/li>
- Volca modules come with six nickel-hybrid AA\u2019s. If you switch to alkaline batteries, you will need to change the battery mode. To do this, press and hold the FUNC <\/strong>button and power the unit on. Next, press the M2 <\/strong>key to switch to alkaline (bt.AL). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Saving and loading sequences<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Patching a sound<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Getting sound out<\/strong><\/a>
![\"Basic-Volca-LFO-patch\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2021\/12\/Basic-Volca-LFO-patch-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n