KORG Volca Modular - West Coast semi-modular analog synthesizer with 8 modules, 50 patch points, and a 16-step sequencer

KORG Volca Modular - West Coast semi-modular analog synthesizer with 8 modules, 50 patch points, and a 16-step sequencer

The KORG volca modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer that brings West Coast synthesis to a compact and portable format. It integrates 8 internally interconnected modules (for wireless sound from the first minute) and 50 connection points to create your own routes using the 20 included pin cables . Its engine is based on triangular oscillators with wavefolder , function generators, dual Low-Pass Gate and a reverb -type SPACE OUT effect, giving rise to organic, percussive tones and experimental textures with enormous expressiveness. The 16-step sequencer allows you to automate parameters ( Motion Sequence ), chain up to 256 steps and offers Bounce and Stochastic modes along with Active Step , Accent , Choke and Randomize functions. It includes microtuning and 14 scale types to explore alternative tunings. With built-in speaker , headphone output , Sync In/Out and two-channel TRS CV-IN , it runs on 6 AA batteries or KA-350 adapter (optional), and comes with a modular reference sheet and sync cable.

Main features

• West Coast Architecture : 8 independent modules (SOURCE, FUNCTIONS, WOGGLE, SPLIT, DUAL LPG , UTILITY, SPACE OUT , SEQUENCES) with 50 patch points and internal normalizations visible on the panel.
• Complex sound source : 2 VCOs (triangle) in carrier/modulator relationship, wave folder and modulation to generate harmonics typical of this style.
• Double Low-Pass Gate : A combination of filter and VCA that varies brightness and volume naturally.
• 16-step volca sequencer with Motion Sequence , Pattern Chain (up to 256 steps ) and note/step/microtuning Randomize .
• Playback modes : Bounce (back and forth through steps) and Stochastic (advance with controlled random movement).
• Scales and microtuning : 14 selectable scales + per-note microtuning; choice of base key.
• Connections : Two-channel TRS CV-IN (left ±5 V; right 1 V/Oct 0–6 V with internal conversion), Sync In/Out (5 V/pulse 15 ms; max. 20 V on input), 3.5 mm headphones .
• True portability : built-in speaker , power supply by 6×AA (approx. 10h ) or KA-350 adapter, and 20 pin cables + Sync cable included.
• Compact format : 193 × 115 × 39 mm ; 377 g (without batteries).

Product benefits

• Modular creativity without barriers : direct and visual patching, with compatible audio/control signals between modules for unconventional results.
• Distinctive sound : wavefolding, function generators and low-pass gates for metallic percussion, elastic bass and organic drones.
• Fast flow for live and studio : Automate, chain long patterns, and transform phrases with Bounce/Stochastic and Randomize .
• Integrate your setup : synchronize with other KORG machines via Sync , external control via CV-IN (incl. 1 V/Oct ) or via DAW using CV converters.

Use cases

• Live experimental : generative variations with microtuning, WOGGLE and stochastic sequences.
• Sound Design : Create metallic “bongo” percussion patches, plucks with LPG, and spatial textures with SPACE OUT .
• Portable Jams : Battery, speaker, and 20 cables in the box; ready to connect to other Volcas .

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it polyphonic? No. It's monophonic (1 voice), with a single-part sequencer.
• Can I use it without patch cables? Yes. It has internal routing ; external cables override those connections to customize the flow.
• What does the CV-IN look like? TRS input: left channel accepts ±5 V (internally scaled) and right channel expects 1 V/Oct 0–6 V.

Description for projects

Semi-modular analog synthesizer ( West Coast ); 8 modules ( SOURCE, FUNCTIONS ×2, WOGGLE, SPLIT, DUAL LPG , UTILITY, SPACE OUT , SEQUENCES); 50 patch points ; 16-step sequencer with Motion , Pattern Chain up to 256 steps , Randomize and Bounce/Stochastic modes ; 14 scales and microtuning; connectivity: 3.5 mm headphones , Sync In (max. 20 V), Sync Out (5 V/15 ms), CV-IN TRS 2 channels ( L. ±5 V; R. 1 V/Oct 0–6 V); built-in speaker ; power supply 6×AA (≈10 h) or KA-350 (optional); including 6 AA batteries (verification), Sync cable , 20-pin cables and reference sheet ; Dimensions 193 × 115 × 39 mm ; weight 377 g (without batteries).