As explained in class, one of the exercises for the unit “Sonic Doing and Thinking” in this term is about borrowing some Korg Volca synthesisers from ORB and experiment with them. In this case I’ve selected to book in first instance the Volca Modular, although I currently own a Volca synth, Volca FM, and I had previously Sample, Keys, Bass and Drum so I consider myself quite experienced with this device.

The Korg Volca series are machines both analog and digital that normally replicate classic devices or synthesis models, as Volca FM is inspired on the classic Yamaha DX7 or Volca sample on an Akai MPC. All Volcas feature a mini-jack audio output and two other 3.5mm connections for click style sync tempo in and out, in order to synchronise them to other devices. They also normally have a PLAY and RECORD button, a MEMORY and a FUNC button, as well as a tactile mini keys piano keyboard.

Volca Modular is a mostly analogue semi-modular synth, inspired in the classic Buchla systems, a West Coast style brand os modular synthesisers. The Volca Modular features a similar structure than these classic machines; two oscillators, two function generators, two low pass gates and a couple more functions and effects, all of them with inputs and outputs which will allow us to generate our sounds in a modular synth way.

Here I’ve recorded some sequences that I’ve created, also using a effects pedal with the Volca Mod and some pads from my modular synth: