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Basic data
Name
Korg Volca FM v1
Category
6) Digital / hybrid and special synthesizers
Type
DIGITAL_FM_SYNTHESIZER
Specimen
Unit
Inventory tag
STUDIO: KORG-VOLCA- FM-V1
Condition
OK
Physical parameters
Dimensions (mm)
—
Dimensions (inch)
—
Weight
—
Format
—
Material
—
Manufacturing (Period)
—
Manufacturer
—
Power
Voltage
6 × AA battery or 9V DC adapter
Current (typical)
Not stated
Current (max)
Not stated
Polarity
centerpositive
Connector
DC barrel (Korg KA-350) + battery compartment
AC/DC
DC
Internal/External
External
Note
Requirements according to Korg Update: AC adapter KA-350 or six AA batteries.
Warning: Check the polarity of the source before connecting! Improper power supply will damage the device.
Firmware and serial number
Serial number
FW version (current)
1.07
Check date
2026-03-07
Previous version
1.03 / 1.02
Bootloader
Not stated
Update Link
Backup File
.. / FW / volca _ fm _ update _ sys _ 1 _ 0107.wav;.. / FW / volca _ fm _ update _ sys _ 2 _ 0107.wav
Quick Summary
Korg Volca FM v1 (2018) is a 3-voice digital FM synth with 6 operators and 32 algorithms, compatible with Yamaha DX7 SysEx/SYX. It offers a 16-step sequencer, motion sequence, Warp Active Step, Pattern Chain, arpeggiator, chorus effect and MIDI/Sync connectivity.
Product Description
—
Features and functions
- 3-voice polyphonic FM synthesis (6 operators, 32 algorithms)
- Compatibility with Yamaha DX7 SysEx / SYX
- 16-step sequencer + motion sequence
- Warp Active Step + Pattern Chain (up to 16 floors)
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Built-in chorus effect
- MIDI IN (DIN 5-pin)
- SYNC IN / OUT (volca / electribe / SQ-1)
- Stereo audio output (3.5 mm)
- Built-in speaker
- Power supply 6x AA or DC 9V (KA-350)
Primary I/O (quick orientation)
| Domain | Inputs | Outputs | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDI | DIN MIDI In | — | Use as an external sound module from DAW / MIDI keyboard. |
| Sync | Sync In | Sync Out | Korg sync connection with volca / electribe devices. |
| Audio | — | Headphone / Line Out | Compact stereo output. |
Controls
FRONT / TOP (user control)
- Touch keyboard
- Algorithm / parameter controls
- 16-step sequencer controls
- Arpeggiator + motion security workflow
Service / hidden elements
- Verify the function of all encoders / buttons and the state of the battery compartment.
Connectors and connections
Connector matrix
| Interfaces | IN | OUT | Spec / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDI | DIN MIDI In | — | Use as an external sound module from DAW / MIDI keyboard. |
| Sync | Sync In | Sync Out | Korg sync connection with volca / electribe devices. |
| Audio | — | Headphone / Line Out | Compact stereo output. |
Latency and jitter
Clock sources
Internal + MIDI / Sync
Clock IN/OUT format
MIDI clock / analogue sync
Typical latency
Not stated
Jitter spec
Not stated
Buffer support
N/A
Impedance and signal levels
Line Level (dBu)
Not stated
Mic In level
N/A
Output Impedance
Not stated
Input Impedance
N/A
THD
Not stated
Frequency Range
Not stated
Other Specifications (from metadata.specifications)
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| specifications.synthesisis.type | Digital FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis |
| specifications.synthesisis.operators | 6 |
| specifications.synthesisis.allegithms | 32 |
| specifications.synthesisis.polyphons | 3 |
| specifications.synthesisis.allegithms _ detail | Corg / Yamaha- compatible FM routing algorithms |
| specifications.synthesisis.dx7 _ compatibility | Full SysEx / SYX patch compatibility with Yamaha DX7 |
| specifications.synthesisis.envelepe | 4-level DX7-style enterprise per operator |
| specifications.synthesisis.lfo.waveforms | Sin, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, Random |
| specifications.synthesisis.lfo.rate | 0.15 Hz - 50 Hz |
| specifications.synthesisis.lfo.destinations | Pitch, Amplitude |
| specifications.effectschorus | Onboard digital chorus effect |
| specifications.effectsreverb | Potentially available (check firmware) |
| specifications.sequencer.steps | 16 |
| specifications.sequencer.classes | Pattern chain support |
| specifications.sequencer.features | Real-time recording, motion sequence, warp active step |
| specifications.arpeggiator.modas | Up, Down, Up-Down, Random |
| specifications.arpeggiator.octave _ range | 1-3 octaves |
Additional technical details
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| No additional technical details | |
Typical routing
- DAW + volca sync: volca fm as an external FM module in hybrid setup.
• MIDI In connect from DAW / controller
• Sync In / Out use for lock with other volca units
• Audio Out lead to mix / audio interface
Connection instructions: The examples below show typical signal flows in practice. For specific details (jitter, buffering), see section above.
SW / drivers
| Component | Windows | macOS | Linux | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No specific driver data; use the Documentation/Links section. | ||||
Custom firmware details
Author
—
FW family
—
Custom FW targets
- No explicit custom FW targets in metadata.
Custom CC mapping
| CC | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No custom CC mapping. | |
Custom FW global settings
| Settings | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No custom global settings. | |
Custom FW extended menu
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| No extended menu details. | |
Documentation and manuals
Manufacturer / Links
- Official site of manufacturer
- eBay - search Korg Volca FM v1
- Aukro.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
- MusebnBazar.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
- MIDI.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
- Kytary.cz - search for Korg Volca FM v1
- Heureka.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
- Gear4music.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
- Muziker.cz - search Korg Volca FM v1
Service log
| Date | Event | Who | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| No records yet. | |||
Presets / User banks
Storage type
Number of banks
Current bank
Backup File
Export format
Note
Notes / service / modifications
- The Korg update page lists System Updater version 1.07 (2019-09-10) and release note: repair of MIDI Song Position Pointer.
- Updater package: volca _ fm _ updater _ 0107.zip; local WAV payload is stored in FW folder.
- The guitar page of the Volca FM v1 version lists as sold out / already out of active sales.
- The exact analog output levels are supplemented after measurement or service sheet.