Description
Semi-modular analogue synth for entering the world of modular synthesis.With the invention of electronic musical instruments, the dream of creating previously unknown sounds was realized for the first time. The development of new, innovative music production means allowed these sound dreams to advance in unprecedented dimensions.The worldwide popularity of modular synthesizers is attracting new interest in the so-called “West coast style” synthesis, which differs from traditional standards.The compact housing of volca synth contains 8 modules and 50 patch points. When learning the basics of modular synthesizers, you can explore unexplored facets of analogue sounds with the functions of the volca product line.Analogue synth from eight individual moduleseight modulesThe semi-modular volca modular synthesizer consists of eight independant analogue synth modules, as well as digital effects and a sequencer. Each of the carefully selected modules is self-contained and complete. The modules are internally wired together, so that you can also generate sounds without connecting the supplied patch cables. The default routing appears in white lines on the control panel. Module connections via patch cables have priority over the internal connections and bypass them.SOURCE:This module consists of a VCO with a triangular carrier shaft and a modulator. The complex overtones generated by FM modulation go through a wave folder circuit that adds more overtones and produces a succinct sound. This module determines the basic sound character of the volca modular.FUNCTIONS:This section consists of two function (envelope curves) generators. In addition to an AHR generator with Attack, Hold and Release, there is a Rise Fall (Slope) Generator that changes the sound over time and can also be used as a VCO or LFO by returning End Trigger Out as a patched loop into Trigger in.WOGGLE:This random signal generator with sample & hold circuit uses pink noise as signal source. The two available outputs can be used to output random noise either in steps or smoothed.SPLIT:This module distributes one input to two outputs. It can also be used in reverse, combining two control or audio signals into one.DUAL LPG:This module consists of two low-pass gate circuits. As usual in typical West Coast synthesis, filters and amps are combined to allow you to vary the brightness and volume of the sound together.UTILITY:This mixing-scaling module combines two signals in different ways. It can mix audio and control signals and even invert and attenuate them.SPACE OUT:This stereo module processes the audio signal with a reverb-like effect.SEQUENCES:This module connects to her internal sequencer. You can adjust the tempo and select different rhythmic subdivisions that are output via the Gate Counter.West coast style merges in volca formatAnalogue synthesizers, where a sawtooth or square wave or other simple oscillator is modulated by a filter, are called "East coast style", as they were originally developed by well-known manufacturers based on the American east coast. Such synths, like the MS-20, were designed for use in popular music genres and were therefore equipped with a keyboard. Their sounds are characterized by sharp filters and dense presence. Therefore, they appear in many well-known songs.West coast style synthesizers developed in a completely different direction and explored the freedoms offered by electronic musical instruments. These synths were based on oscillators with FM modulation, which generated many overtones and varied the sound character and the volume with random, complex control signals and low-pass gate circuits, whereby a small control movement could already change the sound dramatically. Although one recognized the existing potential, the resulting sounds and changes remained so unpredictable that one could only use the synths in experimental areas.For this reason, only a few hardware products of this type have been available. In recent years, however, modular synths such as the Eurorack and DAW plug-in instruments, which bring the classical synthesizers of the past to life, have become more and more popular. The worldwide interest in surprising, unusual sounds has grown continuously and is now also directed toward this synth genre.The trend toward analogueue, incorporating elements such as FM and PCM, meets a strong ally with the volca modular and its typical West coast style sound.Patching for endless possibilitiesSince the modules of the volca are connected modularly with the enclosed patch cables, a wide range of combination possibilities is offered. A total of 50 patch points are available. The inputs and outputs are color coded and the signals are marked with symbols, so that one can immediately distinguish between audio, control, gate or trigger signals. Although signals should normally only be connected according to their use, the volca also offers hidden and "twisted" options, since the signal levels below the modules are universally compatible. In addition to 20 patch cables, the package includes a reference list that explains each patch point using basic examples.Volca Sequencer conjures up music from experimental sounds16-step sequencer with parameter automationAlthough the volca modular is a semi-modular synth, it still has a full-fledged 16-step sequencer with a wealth of functions that allow automated performance even when operating independantly.The 16 keys familiar from the volca series can be used for step input or as a keyboard for real-time recording. The pattern chaining function plays several sequence patterns in succession and allows up to 16 sequences with up to 32, 64 or even 256 steps to be connected to extended musical sequences.The motion sequence function can be used to record control movements and to change the sound over time. You can create loops or get spectacular performances in live situations. Up to 16 sequence patterns and sounds can be stored in the device.The Active Step function allows you to skip pre-selected steps during playback. You can skip the second half of the sequence to create a short loop, or play polyrhythms with alternative clock types, and build sequence patterns in real time to dynamically create performances.Randomize function for surprising ideasYou can use the Randomize function of the volca modular sequencer on notes, active steps and micro tuning. In this way, phrases, rhythms and scales are created that would normally not be invented. This opens up an inexhaustible source of unconventional ideas.Two new modes of sequence playbackTwo new sequence modes have been added: Bounce-Sequence mode makes a round trip through the steps, while Stochastic-Sequence mode randomly moves forward and backward. By playing a recorded sequence in a different form, you can change your songs and performances considerably.Complex scales, tone types and micro tuningAlthough a West coast style synthesizer from the house, the volca is also modular and can be used as a contemporary instrument. You can choose from 14 scale types, including the same-floating mood. Since you can also select the root of the scales freely, they can be played in any key.With the micro tuning function, the pitch of each note can be set separately. Thus, nothing stands in the way of composing your own music with individually raised or reduced emergency sound levels.Excellent playabilityConnections for synchronized performances and external controlThe Sync jack for connecting a Korg Groove Machine allows you to connect the volca modularly to other instruments such as minilogue, monologueue, prologueue, electribe2 or SQ-1 for a session and synchronize the sequencer for playback.Two signals can be fed in via the CV-IN connection for external control, which is set up as a mini stereo socket. The left channel accepts a ±5V signal and the right channel accepts a 1V/oct (0 – +6V) signal, which is converted internally in volca modular to a pitch CV. Of course, you can patch each of these two signals to a module for control.Flexible and can be used anywhereWith its integrated loudspeaker the compact, handy and battery-operated volca is modular easy to transport and is ready to play anywhere at any time.Free software bundleThe volca nubass comes with a wide range of music software, including iZotope's OZONE Elements program, which not only creates songs, but also lets you use AI masters, the Skoove software that can help you To expand your playing keyboard capabilities, as well as the DAW "Reason Lite" and various software instruments from Korg and other manufacturers. A different way of looking at it means that at the same time you are using your synthesizer for the first time, you already have a wide range of professional software tools to take your music to the next level.
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