Another winner from Korg. These little Volca units are great fun, battery powered and portable. The modular is maybe the best yet, as it gives you a taste of East-Coast analogue synthesis at the lowest price on the market by far. The closest competitor would be the Make Noise O'Coast, which is over three times the cost (although still great value in itself). This little box is a great source of surprising creative stimulus. The only downside is limited connectivity to external modular gear because of the different voltages used. There's just a single input socket for CV, although this allows two channels of input with a splitter cable, so you can sequence the Volca from an external analogue source, using one channel for CV and the other for gate, but you can't ... MoreAnother winner from Korg. These little Volca units are great fun, battery powered and portable. The modular is maybe the best yet, as it gives you a taste of East-Coast analogue synthesis at the lowest price on the market by far. The closest competitor would be the Make Noise O'Coast, which is over three times the cost (although still great value in itself). This little box is a great source of surprising creative stimulus. The only downside is limited connectivity to external modular gear because of the different voltages used. There's just a single input socket for CV, although this allows two channels of input with a splitter cable, so you can sequence the Volca from an external analogue source, using one channel for CV and the other for gate, but you can't complain for the price. You can also use the standard Volca "Sync" input to sync to other Volca units or machines like Pocket Operators and Arturia controllers.

Great instrument. Sounds fantastic. Automation and 3x randomisation options along with the active step and step edit. Quite underrated I think - possibly due to the early YouTube videos making it sound a bit quacky- but that’s easily taken out by turning the attack to its most immediate. Stick it through some guitar effects and you’re away. Best 303 type emulator I have owned - and I’ve had plenty….. plus it’s inexpensive…. and they seem to hold their value.

An Exploration of Sound that only rewards the Curious Mind.

This machine will appear intimidating to the uninitiated in frequency modulation. The labelling seems complicated, but once you discover what each control does you realise it’s very intuitive. This device follows the traditions of the “West Coast” evolution of synthesis, a more adaptive approach to modulation, where a slightly different ethos of modulation evolved, and so the terminology is also different. One thing that surprised me was how often changes made by tweaking knobs effects the volume of the carrier, this style of synthesis seems to change the amplitude of the signal far more than usual? This is why some knobs have a bar that widens as an indicator above them, literally indicating volume change.Check out Woochia on YouTube, he has an excellent tutorial ... MoreThis machine will appear intimidating to the uninitiated in frequency modulation. The labelling seems complicated, but once you discover what each control does you realise it’s very intuitive. This device follows the traditions of the “West Coast” evolution of synthesis, a more adaptive approach to modulation, where a slightly different ethos of modulation evolved, and so the terminology is also different. One thing that surprised me was how often changes made by tweaking knobs effects the volume of the carrier, this style of synthesis seems to change the amplitude of the signal far more than usual? This is why some knobs have a bar that widens as an indicator above them, literally indicating volume change.Check out Woochia on YouTube, he has an excellent tutorial styled review that is far better than anyone else’s, if watching that encourages you to get the Volca Modular then after you have dabbled for a week or so go back to this video and the machine will make so much more sense.This Volca will reward the curious, it is semi-modular, meaning that you can get sounds out of this device as soon as you switch it on as the machine has default patches hard-wired within that make most of the panel active, but by jumping the audio and the control voltage between the modules you give life to the whole panel. You have the means to bypass, loop back, split, mix, sample and hold, trigger on timed pulses, and even create an LFO.With the keys below you have even more control, not just a ribbon keyboard, there is a 16 step sequencer, with 16 memory slots, that can enable you to create everything from rhythmic to generative patches.There is so much to tinker with here, that by the time you understand what it can do you will realise what more you could do with another one alongside it, there are many videos on YouTube where you can see two of these working in unison.This device has an Oscillator that generates a Triangle wave by default, it has no other wave shapes to choose from. Also it won’t take a Audio signal in, but can take a Control Volatge in from a similar device, e.g. EuroRack Module or similar Semi-Modular unit.

Cool little acid thing

Haven't used it much but it's well made and sounds good. Probably needs some effects or a pedal to make it sound really nice.Few things I mind a bit:-It takes like 15 seconds to start up. Kind of annoying for a simple synth.-I wish it would start up when the power is connected. All other devices I have start=up like this, or have a static switch, but the Volca's always require you to press a button.-I struggled a bit to get this thing to pick up MIDI notes. Between badly explained MIDI/Global settings, sometimes I just had to restart all devices to get it to pick up on MIDI...

Good one west coast starter

Okay, start with good side:- Versatile. Power from 6 AAA and small to travel. Range of sounds huge for small piece all-in-one modular system.- Easy to hook up with other volca units. Ofcourse, duh!- Sequencer. Typical volca seq, but have more function this time, at least that fit that modular approach.- Can be standalone unit. You are need only fx and recorder after that... (maybe only recorder)- Alot of pins.Some with cons:- Design. Not the coolest from Korg. On video looks much cooler!- No midi from the box. (sad sad thing, but you can mod your one if you lurk on internet for guide, I guess)- Those small pins... They are not always fit well.- Built factor. I by mistake put pins between case and pinhole from time to time.Overall, I would say that synth ... MoreOkay, start with good side:- Versatile. Power from 6 AAA and small to travel. Range of sounds huge for small piece all-in-one modular system.- Easy to hook up with other volca units. Ofcourse, duh!- Sequencer. Typical volca seq, but have more function this time, at least that fit that modular approach.- Can be standalone unit. You are need only fx and recorder after that... (maybe only recorder)- Alot of pins.Some with cons:- Design. Not the coolest from Korg. On video looks much cooler!- No midi from the box. (sad sad thing, but you can mod your one if you lurk on internet for guide, I guess)- Those small pins... They are not always fit well.- Built factor. I by mistake put pins between case and pinhole from time to time.Overall, I would say that synth is good one, just because that cool one, grab one and play it!

Maarten de Vries

The best Volca so far. The sounds you can make with this thing are off the scale and due to its semi modular design the options are virtually limitless.It took me a bit longer to get the hang off than my other Volca's but with practice and perseverence, and a bit of precise adjustment, the Volca Modular produces stuff that you would only expect from much more expensive modular synthesizers. I especially like the step divider facility on the clock module, which creates superb rythmic effects and the rise and fall function, which can be used as an LFO or even within the audible range. Also superb is the Space effect which indeed sounds remarkably similar to my old spring reverbs I used to use. Almost exactly in fact. Very impressive indeed. And the sequencer has ... MoreThe best Volca so far. The sounds you can make with this thing are off the scale and due to its semi modular design the options are virtually limitless.It took me a bit longer to get the hang off than my other Volca's but with practice and perseverence, and a bit of precise adjustment, the Volca Modular produces stuff that you would only expect from much more expensive modular synthesizers. I especially like the step divider facility on the clock module, which creates superb rythmic effects and the rise and fall function, which can be used as an LFO or even within the audible range. Also superb is the Space effect which indeed sounds remarkably similar to my old spring reverbs I used to use. Almost exactly in fact. Very impressive indeed. And the sequencer has great random features, which together with the Woggle utility allows you to create extremely convincing Buchla like West Coast synthesizers jams.And all for less than £200. Superb.

Modular on a budget

The Volca Modular offers a lot of versatility in a tiny, approachable package. It produces a range of pluck-y twang-y sounds and metallic tones with ease.Some tweaks to global parameters (expanding the clock BPM range) are recommended once the interface has been grasped.The manual is a bit thinly written, but there’s a wealth of material online (YouTube is good place to start). Using the headphone out is recommended over the internal speaker.The ability to run for hours on 6xAA batteries (it comes with a set) surprisingly useful but lack of an included AV power supply is a disappointment. If you plan on taking advantage of it’s portability, keep the box or get a case for it to protect the knobs, which protrude out a fair way from the face of the unit and seem ... MoreThe Volca Modular offers a lot of versatility in a tiny, approachable package. It produces a range of pluck-y twang-y sounds and metallic tones with ease.Some tweaks to global parameters (expanding the clock BPM range) are recommended once the interface has been grasped.The manual is a bit thinly written, but there’s a wealth of material online (YouTube is good place to start). Using the headphone out is recommended over the internal speaker.The ability to run for hours on 6xAA batteries (it comes with a set) surprisingly useful but lack of an included AV power supply is a disappointment. If you plan on taking advantage of it’s portability, keep the box or get a case for it to protect the knobs, which protrude out a fair way from the face of the unit and seem like a liability if left to bounce around in a backpack or satchel.The sequencer offers a few nice features; I really love stochastic mode. The reverb is a little unusual and sounds very harsh and metallic at high levels, which could be a problem for some.My partner reports that customer service was attentive and that it shipped quickly and safely.

Not for me, maybe for you?

Hard to review this one based solely on merits because I think a lot of what made me dislike this is down to my individual taste. I simply didn't like the sound palette it offers. I can't quite put my finger on why, but something about it sounds sort of amusical. Even with the scales and tonics to choose from, the notes just sound kind of... off.I didn't like low pass gate, I didn't like the space out FX (the only fx available). I just didn't really mesh with this at all.It can be an interesting source for generative notes, and it can add strange ambiance and textures - so if you're into stuff purely for the weird noise you might find something here. For me it's a one star, but for someone else maybe it's a four or five.I highly recommend looking at videos of ... MoreHard to review this one based solely on merits because I think a lot of what made me dislike this is down to my individual taste. I simply didn't like the sound palette it offers. I can't quite put my finger on why, but something about it sounds sort of amusical. Even with the scales and tonics to choose from, the notes just sound kind of... off.I didn't like low pass gate, I didn't like the space out FX (the only fx available). I just didn't really mesh with this at all.It can be an interesting source for generative notes, and it can add strange ambiance and textures - so if you're into stuff purely for the weird noise you might find something here. For me it's a one star, but for someone else maybe it's a four or five.I highly recommend looking at videos of someone using it and seeing what its range is. You'll instantly know whether you like it or not. I recommend videos where it's not paired with anything or using external FX, but rather just by itself.

Wierd, yes. Also an affordable, industrial entry point to modular and to synthesis in general

You've probably heard that the Volca Modular is capable of producing plenty of bleeps and bloops. That's true. It's also a very good learning tool whose sound covers a wide band of the audio spectrum.I started using the VM with a patch called "Brain" that I pulled from a book by Tony Horgan. I was wowed by the low bass produced. Likewise, the unit makes clicks, helicopter noises, drill-like tones and a variety of other sounds moving on up through the middle and higher registers of the audible spectrum. It really covers a wide range.That said, the Volca Modular does have a certain tone or timbre that identifies it, and it isn't as varied as, say, the Volca FM. Because of that, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as your first Volca--there might be better places ... MoreYou've probably heard that the Volca Modular is capable of producing plenty of bleeps and bloops. That's true. It's also a very good learning tool whose sound covers a wide band of the audio spectrum.I started using the VM with a patch called "Brain" that I pulled from a book by Tony Horgan. I was wowed by the low bass produced. Likewise, the unit makes clicks, helicopter noises, drill-like tones and a variety of other sounds moving on up through the middle and higher registers of the audible spectrum. It really covers a wide range.That said, the Volca Modular does have a certain tone or timbre that identifies it, and it isn't as varied as, say, the Volca FM. Because of that, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this as your first Volca--there might be better places to start. But at the same time, if you dig it or find it intriguing, go for it. I must confess that there is a certain tactile satisfaction to plugging in and unplugging the tiny patch cables. Super fun!The other cool thing about the Volca Modular is the Space Out effect. It works well, to my ears, changing the sound significantly as you turn the dial. I suppose you could say that about all the controls on the VM: the dials produce significant changes in sound as you move them.The Volca Modular is a very good learning tool and I found myself looking several things up online to support my understanding of how it works. Very helpful.The Modular can be combined with other gear to create some really cool textures. I sampled then mangled it to create some mind-blowing layers.Because I am relatively new to synthesis (not so guitars and other instruments), the Volca Modular has been a cool learning device. Once you have the basic idea, it may work best in combination with other items in order to contextualize its sound.Last cool point: the Volca Modular will allow you to learn about scale modes, so if you didn't quite pick this up by reading old issues of Guitar Player magazine, or if you slept during that portion of your music theory class, you can brush up here. Enjoy!George GageThe Kitchen Combo

wonderbox

Korg have been a reliable frontrunner in keyboards and synthesisers for over 50 years of my music making world and I already own a Korg Minilogue XD which is an amazing instrument, so with lockdowns and all that’s been happening in the world the Korg Volca Modular is not only a good and useful sound making tool to have in one’s arsenal but to anyone not so familiar with the concept of voltage manipulated oscillators and how they work, this is also an educational little box of wonders….. and may I add, at a quite accessible price too!Let the learning curve begin !EnjoyMany thanksGruvSufi. ( musician/ composer)