Volca FM - Cuckoo Mega Tutorial + Patch Base iPad app

Support my videos here: / cuckoomusic
Where to buy, US: shrsl.com/3j6rv
Where to buy, EU: thmn.to/thopro...
My recommended gear list: cuckoos.link/re...
The Korg Volca FM is Korg's latest installment in the Volca series. It's a wonderful sounding little FM synthesiser, with a quick sequencer, and full in depth FM editing capabilities.
Here's a lengthy tutorial where I'm taking you through the sounds, the sequencer, quick editing, in depth editing, playing it with an external MIDI keyboard, and also editing with a compatible iPad software called Patch Base.
Since FM synthesis by nature is somewhat technical, please be patient and take your time to understand it. Once you grasp the concept, I don't think it's "difficult", but it requires you to keep a lot of information in your head at once. And even though youre getting good with it, it still requires time and precision.
I think it sounds absolutely wonderful. And anything that sounds wonderful is, in my opinion, worth learning.
Cheers
CUCKOO
Volca FM: www.korg.com/us...
Patch Base iPad app: coffeeshopped....
QuNexus keyboard: www.keithmcmil...

[@inthefade]

Here are timestamps for navigating the sections of the video, in case you are looking for specific information: 1:28 Hardware 2:15 Basic functionality 4:25 "Quick editing" a sound 6:22 Factory presets *discusses chorus effect and more* 14:00 Chorus effect. 16:29 Arpeggiator 19:52 Clear, and make a sequence 24:52 Motion sequence 26:59 Transpose note/ octave 27:40 Motion sequence (cont'd) 28:25 Saving a pattern 29:49 Building several patterns 32:27 Playing a range of patterns 35:28 Active step 38:01 External MIDI keyboard 43:39 Preparing to edit a sound 44:16 Editing a sound: Intro 46:51 Editing a sound 1:04:43 *personal note: really effing great sound design and complex use of FM synthesis here!* 1:06:15 Saving a patch *dangerous problem with program knob* 1:07:53 Exporting a patch 1:10:15 Using the Patch Base iPad app 1:22:33 Untitled *Summary and thoughts on the Volca FM* 1:23:40 Untitled *Patreon donation information* Please leave notes as replies if there are bits of info hidden in sections you wouldn't expect (like the chorus effect in section #4) or corrections if I got the time off by more than 1-2 seconds ;)

[@inthefade]

no prob!

[@pathingmusic]

Your notes got me to watch this instead of passing it over. Cuckoo's FM Synthesis walk through is really cool and worth the watch. Thanks to you and and Cuckoo!

[@paweldun]

god bless you.

[@jbpeconic]

Thanks! I would add 14:00 Chorus effect.

[@glenndavis8273]

Fly at 1:14:50 !!!

[@nbtd1959]

This man should be a teacher, he's very thorough and easy to understand. Great job dude!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Danny!

[@nevercanyoucant]

your chill is infectious bro

[@kiyotemajick4906]

is a teacher!

[@neonblack211]

he is a teacher ! im learning right now

[@rossdixonellis]

Just love that he mentioned Thunderforce and played Vampire Killer... I know this is like 4 years too late. Love your channel!

[@truecuckoo]

Never too late 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Thanks for making this and for not jumping around from topic to topic. I got lost in reddit forums trying to learn about the Volca FM and there was just so much negativity and hate that it made it impossible to navigate. I appreciate that you kept your creativity throughout the video. Cheers bud

[@14rs]

Not only do I love his accent and hair. I love his enthusiasm. He is just so devoted to doing these reviews. Thank you for the entertainment

[@Tjoppy]

Simple but original and genius way of using a little mirror haha! Cheers.

[@Finkardop]

Tjoppy I thought it was edited in.... genius.

[@zachariahpoltergeist4516]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bob Ross of synths.

[@sodaverde]

Let's create a happy little sequence, with a little bit of an LFO... that's a squirrel, now. Come, little LFO squirrel, come-

[@truecuckoo]

+Jorge Hernández Jiménez-Smith 😂

[@omninuss6847]

Jorge Hernández Jiménez-Smith hahaha true. The opening scenery was so cAlming too 😁

[@analogskies7063]

Priceless!

[@LuchsLater]

Oh please make a video with Gaz from SonicLab...

[@Spenjbob101]

Your soul is too kind for this earth

[@aattoaatto1192]

I agree, I just fell upon his videos accidentally last week and his vibe is A1. His Instagram is awesome!

[@dannynysus]

I cheerfully disagree. Souls like his are precisely what Earth needs more of

[@cougarman8]

Cuckoo is the Bob Ross of music gear tutorials. I could listen to his voice for hours. Great video!!

[@gugster3080]

Mort Chud *beautiful face* and im glad you didn't have profile pic of yourself

[@cnonymous]

@@MortChud perish

[@tonny5835]

It's 2023 and I just found this channel and immediately order my Volca FM after doubt being friendly use at first. Mr. Cuckoo Sir, you definitely have a new subscriber and fan. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent. Cheers!

[@funkfreeze]

This bloke has an incredible teaching manner. What an amazing vid. Thank you.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you. So happy you liked it. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jamesh.7633]

I know you posted this all the way back in 2016, but I just wanted to thank you for making this video! I just got a FM and despite hours of learning about FM synthesis, was feeling a little lost and discouraged. Your video was so helpful and enjoyable to watch, thank you from your latest subscriber!

[@truecuckoo]

That’s great to hear James! Keep it up. FM synthesis is definitely here to stay.

[@Rouxghost]

My Volca FM just arrived! now having a lovey relaxing morning with a coffee and watching this tutorial. You're a great teacher and I can see why you're also called the Bob Ross of synths

[@jeevespreston]

I'm flabergasted at the depth inside this relatively inexpensive synth. Thanks for the exhaustive tutorial, it just made the buy list!

[@inthefade]

With some delay, reverb, or other effects, this thing can be a real monster. Wonderful if you want marimba or bell sounds in a live performance without a sampler or laptop.

[@SPAZZOID100]

3 voices

[@dudeguybro8304]

jeevespreston Price?

[@fender1000100]

Amazing tutorial. My DX7 recently died. I was considering getting one of these and running it through my AN1x and your fantastic tutorial has shown me the value and power of the Volca FM. So I will get one for sure now.

[@truecuckoo]

+PROJECT DX cool. Yeah it's very good. And as a DX7 user I'm sure you will be making sounds faster than everyone else!

[@fender1000100]

cuckoomusic Yes my man. Check my channel if you have a chance to see what I was able to do with both DX7 models. And thats another thing alot of people are overlooking about the miracle Korg have given us. THE UNISON FUNCTION. When you add that to an FM BASS or strings and chorus. FM becomes as fat and powerful as analogue. I will let you know when I start uploading demos of the VOLCA FM from March. Just the drum sounds FM is capable of are amazing. Thats why ive been an FM addict since 1991.

[@Porco1984]

I know this vid is almost a year old, but I just bought a Volca FM as a fun addition to my setup and this tutorial helped me getting started in a good way! So thank you very much :D

[@megus_music]

This video is 3 years old, but it still sells volca fm :) I got volca modular for birthday last Saturday, and now I want to expand my set. After re-watching this tutorial (I already saw it 3 years ago) I finally understood that my next volca should be fm :)

[@truecuckoo]

The FM is special 😍 thank you 🙏🏼

[@Phristan-the-wolvenking]

Amen 👐👐👐

[@fecheverria]

Thanks, I was afraid of pressing that EDIT button on the Volca FM until you came around. Great explanation. Never thought it would be so simple. The trick is to have that card around.

[@comradecat1859]

Hey man am 19 and am soon gonna buy this Synth with my internship money that I saved up and let's just say this tutorial has made so fucking excited for this, thanks a lot

[@Koettnylle]

This is a great demo, but what i dig the most is the sound effect you make when presenting the volca fm

[@truecuckoo]

Ha ha.. I can send you a sample of that *schhhw dyshh!*

[@nectariosm]

A small cheap DX-7 like synth, that appears to be more fun to program...with a sequencer with parameter locks. We've never had it better. Fantastic tutorial as well!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks, mate! It is an amazing little machine! Love it. And yes, I think it's fun to program too.

[@SPAZZOID100]

3 voices. DX7 had 16!!!!

[@darkeye79]

Can't wait for Xmas, the missus is making me wait for mine 😂

[@grayfear2833]

I agree with the last guy KORG ought to sponsor you or something. I also like the way you used the mirror very cool

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

THX Cuckoo! Have buyed the Volca FM only because of this video! You are my favorite YTer in making and playing with electronical instruments

[@truecuckoo]

Hey there!! Thanks mate! Lovely to hear that. ❤️

[@elder3237]

watching this over my lunch breaks and taking notes. this is a fantastic walk through and much appreciated. i like how when you're going over the presets, you play melodies that very much suit the sound. some of those softer flows you had were beautiful. cheers.

[@geoff966]

This is the definitive Volca FM Tutorial. Absolutely wonderful, thank you!

[@BrianKupferschmid]

This is a very in depth look at the FM. I learned a lot about the Volca FM from watching this. Thanks for making this.

[@TheHexCube]

Cuckoo man, love yo channel. I got my Volca FM2 yesterday. Still up playing with it after 24+ hours.. it sounds like 'Angels'.. ❤❤❤

[@NatLifeSounds]

Did you tested it with Patchbase already? Can you save your patches through Patch base on Mac/iPad?

[@TheHexCube]

@@NatLifeSounds No brother; not tested with Patchbase yet. Sorry I can't help you further with this at the moment. I wish you well in your pursuits. Enjoy the process. 👍 🫂

[@jesseanderson3835]

Wonderful. I heard that Castlevania theme around the 11 minute mark while scrolling through presets. Keep 'em coming. Cheers.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Jesse!

[@dillipphunbar7924]

you do excellent work with an authentic enthusiasm that is infectious....korg and elektron and the others ought to be giving you free gear because of the work you do! I have purchased an arturia keystep, volca fm and a pocket operator PO-12 based on various youtube videos but particularly your tutorials..these companies owe you...

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much for your kind words mate!! ❤️

[@stockholm1752]

I had to pause after 30 mins. Too much to take in. You are a genius and I bow to you, Cuckoo. I need a cuppa.

[@CraftWon]

I wonder how many people order these because it’s small enough for the wife not to notice it. Well played korg. Well played. You understand.

[@shapetwist]

it's jus a toy lol

[@RANDOMLOOPGENERATOR]

Definitely the best Volca FM tutorial I've seen, I will most definitely be purchasing one of these soon. I get fed up with people complaining about how hard programming FM synthesis is, I had a DX100 for years and absolutely loved the work flow. The fact this is so much cheaper and so much more in depth than the reface DX is astounding to me, Yamaha really dropped the ball there!

[@truecuckoo]

Yeah thanks! The Reface DX has a screen and touch controls and stuff. I get that it has to cost more. But I think it should have supported DX7 files after all...

[@Oljekrisen]

How do you translate the dx7 frequency tune and fine-tune values into the volca numbers? Same goes to dx7 note values, I have made my own note naming in my scrapbook but I don't understand the frequency naming, and I haven't got a dx7 sadly :(

[@GraemeMarkNI]

I really responded to the glasspad, organ, and blowing patches. Very beautiful.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks!

[@Dachef313232]

You explain the Volca FM wayyy better then the manual!! Thx

[@korsmakolnikov]

Guy, when you get into ian hammer like simulated echo... Wow. It's a piece of cake! Best tutorial on volca fm ever.

[@lawrencevaughan5373]

This is by far the most helpful video I've seen on this. Even without watching your FM synthesis video. I Have a better understanding of how to edit and create patches using this volca now. Thank you for making this video. It's really helpful.

[@truecuckoo]

+Lawrence Vaughan thank you! I'm so glad to hear this. I was a bit nervous about making this video, because I knew it was gonna be a lot of menu diving, which is generally speaking not fantastic video and tutorial material. But it had to be done :)

[@lawrencevaughan5373]

+cuckoomusic pleased you did. I actually understand it now. Korg could take note, their manuals are shambolic, your video has literally saved me from hours of confusion and frustration.

[@hrolf]

Just watched the FM introduction, then this, and it’s the best damn learning experience I’ve got from KZbin. This is coming from a teacher and daily tutorial-watcher.

[@n3xt1nl1n3]

Did anyone else notice he showed both hands before whipping the volca out? Freaked me out. Magic.

[@truecuckoo]

Ha ha.. yeah stuff just appears as I start shooting the videos. It's weird! :D

[@darrenjackson6207]

Good video mate ! I appreciate that you are playing the volca FM because I am using this as a stand alone keyboard along with the Volca sample and the Tascam mini 8trk studio.

[@chrisshick9480]

When you boot up your volka the lights will display your current battery life! Awesome tutorial!

[@BrianFromBoise]

So I bought your MicroKorg patch download. Installed it on mine. Just a few weeks ago, I got one of these Korg FM synths, and now you’re adding incredible value to it. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s appreciated! 👍👍

[@BrianFromBoise]

And by the way, those two make a great team.

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks a lot mate! these are great synths that deserve to have longs lives :)

[@stefan1024]

Just revisited this video because I couldn't figure out how to make a tremolo on the volca FM and remembered that you did kind of the same with your "pseudo echo". When I found the part I saw that you had the same problems figuring it out I had LOL. Anyway, without your videos I guess I wouldn't have understood how FM works at all. Meanwhile I have 3 old realtime editable Yamaha Portasound synths (PSS-380, PSS-680 and PSR-36) fool around with plus a TX7, which I don't even get connected to some editing software (guess I need to update the OS or so). What I want to say is: thank you for your great videos! You rule!

[@truecuckoo]

Wow, thank you so much for taking your time to write these kind words. It really means a lot to me! Seeing that my efforts are being put to good use by great people like yourself! So thank you! FM seems mysterious and a bit alien at first. But once you get a proper introduction, it's just so much fun!!

[@robinandrews5613]

Great video. I think the more common (correct?) pronunciation of "synthesis" is with the vowel in "the" sounding like the word "the".

[@truecuckoo]

Check my merch for a certain Synteasis merch ❤️

[@urbanundergroundmusic5322]

This was one of the most entertaining vids I've seen in a long while! That's saying a lot considering it's a tutorial of an FM synth! Really enjoyed - thanks for taking time to sort things out for us so well in regards to the Volca FM!

[@truecuckoo]

+Urban Underground Music cool, mate! I'm glad to hear that :) thanks a lot!

[@PlayEngage]

My first time getting the hang of FM synthesis and Cuckoo made me understand it, although I don't have a Volca FM, it is very informative to just go along and watch how you explain how this works.

[@TheDyingPlant]

I love the sound effects you maked when pulling out the volca 😂 You have an amazing energy about you

[@simonecasadei3457]

You are Amazing. You can explain everything in a perfect way. And I 'm not english, so I have some language difficulties, but you can make all clear and interesting. Thank you very much

[@juergenbernhard5442]

Finally I'm understanding the basics of my VST synths too. Thanks so much.

[@merlijnhooikaas2897]

Thank you for teaching me my way around my first synth :D. I wanted a bit of a challenge but damn this has to be one of the most in depth and best tutorials

[@Phristan-the-wolvenking]

Riight this is my first synth to it's such and adventure 😉!

[@Mr.B_HAM]

Look at you playing that funky bassline on that small instrument...impressive!! You have been one my most watched and inspirational teachers. You should change your name from True Cuckoo to True Genius. 😎👍

[@Deadsouls73]

It's 4 am and here i am watching videos about a synth im semi interested in eating breakfast tacos from whataburger. In another world on planet Texas. Cuckoo your vids give my life purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@truecuckoo]

Glad to hear that Freddy! Cheers! Hand me some tacos ;-)

[@daweidaniel4]

I'm late to the party, but both this video and your one on FM/PM modulation were super informative. My Volca FM should arrive tomorrow and with all the possibility you've demonstrated, I'm super excited!

[@truecuckoo]

+David Daniel very cool to hear this mate! Good luck with the Volca!

[@OperatorGnosisRecords]

Ha, loved you just sneaking some Castlevania melodies in there ;-) Great tutorial man, I'm also feeling the retro-game sentimentality in this, big time. Old Amiga games, Megadrive and even SNES stuff. And those glacial sounds......so much sentimental stuff in this unit, if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, and to able to use an Arpeggiator with it? Too good. Love it. Keep up the good work, Cuckoo, thanks mate.

[@Evy-1988]

you are very calming and nice to listen to. and a lot more helpful than the owner's manual. thank you

[@Torusbreathflow]

Those little key skills are remarkable 😎

[@ropeswingify]

I thought this was the one volca I'd skip and save a little money as iv got extensive collection of synths in my daw.. but you sir lend credibility to every instrument you choose to show on your channel.. fm may be my next pc of hardware.

[@vr4ever645]

This is the BEST explanation of the volca fm! Bar none.🙏

[@SteamPoweredFox]

Glad I wasn't the only one getting a Genesis vibe from this

[@StevenMorris]

I absolutely love it when you throw video game music (VGM) into your demos!

[@truecuckoo]

+Steven Morris I'm glad to hear that :) Sometimes I feel like very old when I realise my vgm references are so old, ha ha.

[@TheHendels]

53:30 - nice theme, where is it from?

[@truecuckoo]

Przemysław Harendarz just random improvised doodling.

[@TheHendels]

still fantastic.

[@georgeray3492]

Super tutorial on FM and the Volca. Excellent job! Your explanation of operators, carriers and modulators is among the best I have seen; and I have been around the DX and FM since the 80's. I am looking forward to watching your other shows.

[@truecuckoo]

+George Ray thanks! More to come :)

[@claudesilverio677]

Thanks 4 the depht of your tutorial. Helped me a lot for the editing, because Fm Was a miracle, so much parameters and Sinewaves to play around. I used FM til now only on my ae modular.

[@KarzenX]

Can’t believe this was over 2 years already. Wow. Still a great video to learn along with.

[@vr4ever645]

The fact you mentioned Thunderforce made me subscribe!👍😂 And then you played Castlevania Theme! I love you!❤️

[@EricAndre615]

Thanks for the in-depth tutorial on the FM. It's brought me back to discovering the instrument with more detail and enjoyment.

[@am5790]

Great demo/tutorial. Learning a lot from this proper tutorial by the most engaging Mr. Cuckoo music. Thank you.

[@truecuckoo]

+Ammanuel Tekeste you're most welcome!

[@firstofabird]

9:55 this rhythm touched my heart

[@sonidodebolsillo]

You have made something hard to understand into something very easy and fun. Thank you! This tutorial saved me days of headaches.

[@PrimitiveBaroque]

Thank you for this. Just received my Volca FM, and Volca Drum is on its way.

[@jeremyreid4762]

Great video, nice seeing you walk through the edit menu and referencing the card while explaining everything.

[@the_musicalfreakshow]

I loved the feature of Vampire Killer at 10:46 !!! The sound fit the piece perfectly

[@Delphinixa]

Thank you, i just bought the Korg Volca FM and had trouble activating the Mod function for the Amp filter, not the pitch. And then to be able to do that to 3 or even 5 points within one sound really opened up many possibilities for me. I like the Edit layout structure of the Volca FM now even better after your tutorial.

[@benmcahren]

I just got a volca fm and beats, and this is by far the most helpful video I've seen here! Thanks a lot :)

[@truecuckoo]

+Ben McAhren oh cool Ben, really happy to hear thAt!

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

“If I turn off that one, it’s all.. dead” said with such pragmatic melancholy 😂

[@XenMedia69]

Thank you. You have unlocked the Volca FM for me after trying a number of tutorials. Great presentation. Very clear . Cheers !!

[@FraserVVideos]

Still such a helpful video! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait for my Volca FM to arrive

[@Kragatar]

I like your setup there with the mirror.

[@claytonlevibrown]

this shot would make a good album cover

[@aeonmunk6156]

Your voice is so relaxing. Felt like I was in a synth dream 😴

[@digitalninjatools5670]

My fm2 is in the post (will be here tomorrow) thank you SO much for taking the time to make such a detailed video :) :)

[@MaxCady969]

Your such a cool guy, you put a lot of passion into your tutorials and reviews, thumbs up bro

[@truecuckoo]

+Francesco Marzo (MrGuzzi) thanks mate! It's a passion for sure :) More coming :)

[@mev0759]

Thanks for taking the time to make this.... so many tutorials out there but rarely do people explain exactly what they're doing / what's going on in vid.. Even more excited to get my FM now !! 😎

[@remowo_]

i was searching volca keys tutorials and i just watched this by luck...nice video ..

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks mate!

[@dunk8157]

Pretty cool that you can edit it from the front panel, its like a little DX7 :)

[@renanbidault7302]

I rediscovered my synth, tthx a lot !

[@xflosensei4267]

i’m late as hell, but.. subbed. just got this lil bad boy as a birthday gift, your video cleared up the confusion i had. thank you! 5yrs later 😅 🔥

[@el_dani]

1:20:34 get the sunlight out of the studio - need more time with my synths :D thanks again Cuckoo for another very long and deep video!

[@concray]

i just loved at 1:26 when the audio channel of all channels does the "woosh pshh" as a mouth effect XD

[@concray]

and now i watched a couple more vids and realize this is a recurring occurence, love it

[@leadenmere]

I just got one of these and am playing with it while watching the video. What a lovely synth for the price.

[@kvn-mp3-yt]

Hey Cuckoo, love your Videos. Especially this one. Ordered myself a FM2, should be here soon. Awesome Tutorial/Demo. Im so excited to get started with my Volca. Thanks a ton. Subbed. Also you seem like a fun person to hang around with. best wishes.

[@KiloHurtsMusic]

if u want to load in old sysex patches to ur volca u can also do it through your PC using a vst plugin called dexed

[@truecuckoo]

+Kilohurts Music good stuff!

[@KiloHurtsMusic]

just bought my volca like a month ago. im having a blast with the little thing. thank u for all these helpful videos! :)

[@KiloHurtsMusic]

so u dl this free plugin and open in in ur daw. u connect ur volca thru midi and set up the midi out in the param tab in the plugin. then u p much right click on any preset in the cart tab and press "send program to dx7"

[@KiloHurtsMusic]

1 at a time to choose the ones u want to replace idk about a patch dump function but it might be there

[@typhonsdrummer]

I found this and your other awesome videos just looking for some Volca FM demos. Thank you so much for this! This tutorial is in depth and easy to understand. I might add very entertaining. The laser in my ear sound had me rolling.

[@DJ_TideWave]

Awesome tutorial! I have the Volca Bass and Volca Sample and today I bought the Volca FM second hand online! I can’t wait to dig into this awesome synth and sounds! 😊

[@snowishjacobrbuyakyeby9789]

You are so amazing for taking the time to show us all this in this amount of depth. Definitely buying this as I want to get into fm more. I didn't realize how in depth this synth was, it's so much easier to to program than I thought, even though I have more to learn. This is by far my favorite volca now, and way more fuller than the others.

[@brettmarshalltweaksource]

You are the man! Thank you for this great video. You have helped me to not only understand FM synthesis better, but also to make the most of my investment in this instrument.

[@truecuckoo]

Happy to hear that, friend! Keep it up!

[@seanspartan2023]

Thank you so much! I learned a lot about sequencing and creating pattern chains. It's makes putting whole songs together much easier, especially for playing live. Appreciate it!

[@philphilphil]

The mirror is brilliant.

[@PeruAvantgarde]

Thanks a lot Mr. Cuckoo!! Hope you can do another tutorial on the Volca Keys soon!! Cheers from Peru.

[@hostprods8059]

i just picked myself one up. thanks Cuckoo for really smoothly smoothing out the learning curve. excellent work.

[@dustmighte]

In case you were going nuts trying to figure where that riff at 10:50 is from -- it's Castlevania

[@owenthesoyboy]

Great info Cuckoo! Came back to watch it all again as there is so much in the VolcaFM that its easy to not use it all and miss some parts over time. Thanks a lot for the in depth video and nice pace to it all. Cheers