First Day with the Volca FM 2

I unbox, demo, and do some light sound design and beatmaking with the Korg Volca FM 2.
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00:00 Intro
00:27 Unboxing
01:41 Day One: Sound Demo
10:52 Day Two: Beatmaking with the Circuit Tracks
23:50 Outro
Get my $5 sample pack: gumroad.com/l/gabeoneshots
Get my $3.50 MicroFreak patch pack: gum.co/GabeMicroFreak
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My current favorite music production gear:
MPC One: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Circuit Tracks: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Circuit Rhythm: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Roland MC-101: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Arturia MicroFreak: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
ATH M40 headphones: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Edited by Coastland Creative: www.coastlandcreative.com
Note that some of the above links are affiliate links, which give me a commission (at NO extra cost to you!) if you use them to buy something.
Social media:
Twitter: Twitter.com/GabeMillerMusic
Website: GabeMillerMusic.com
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Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/GabeMillerMusic1
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[@markmiller2920]

I believe Korg uses type A trs midi connectors; where Novation uses type B.

[@svencharleer]

Type A indeed. Arturia likes type B as well

[@miklosnagy5451]

yes, ive just done a split and resolder mid cable swapping left and right positives to avoid the two adapters and midi cable

[@Imetalman2000]

I hate the TRS format. Just make one type. Why do manufacturers do this to us. It’s like they don’t want my money.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@Imetalman2000 well said. Do they not realise , the easier more convenient their products. The more we are likely to buy.

[@elecblush]

Recently came across a neat trick to make a A-B converter. If you have a TRS-RCA male and a TRS-RCA female cable, you can hook them together with the right left channels crossed. This will then in effect bia A/B converter cable.

[@carbonvibes]

Great video Gabe, epic sounds 🔥👏🏻

[@benfarr409]

Just ordered Both. So stoked

[@djelectricsounds]

Excellent video! Loving the sound of that little volca! Contemplating to get one to add to my roland dominated setup!

[@donaldevans348]

This video is Great! You make some very cool videos, Gabe!

[@EthrealSlumber-fr9xi]

holy crap Gabe! thats amazing on the second part.. it sounds so analog

[@timdanyo898]

The random patch generator is really useful and fun with the complex FM synthesis. It's creates great starting points for patches!

[@dannymolns3573]

Does it create an entirely random patch? Or is it just basing it off the current patch that's loaded? Thanks!

[@neonblack211]

I think its based off the loaded patch, and actual completely random FM patch on this engine I think would be pretty out of control lol@@dannymolns3573

[@infn8loopmusic]

Thanks for this cool demo! Finally a new mini synth to give us another two rich and powerful FM channels that stand up to the circuit tracks. 😈

[@seehearplay]

That song at 18 mins or so is sooo good. Ordering a Circuit Tracks today! Eventually build it out with some Volcas.

[@issmodissmo1485]

Nice video. The Fm2 is pretty cool

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

Great little preview as ever. Korg seem to go from strength to strength in my book. They don’t forget about musicians out there on a budget. Much like the way you demonstrate, in most of your videos, that getting a good sound isn’t always about having expensive gear.

[@luminousbrilliance1711]

Heya Gabe-I have been chasing these around for a couple years to complement my OG Circuit and My Microfreak. Ehhh-but it is FM synthesis-which goes to crap if you spin knobs and Dials. To conclude: I want one! Oh well, thank you for your acumen when dialing in frequencies when making custom patches-you are bar none the best EDM Composer producer publishing content wherever. Good to see you Man! Thanks again! :-)

[@DickTracy420]

Dope I’m definitely sold on one of these and the volca drum. I want to get the kick and Keyes later as well but the fm2 and the drums are must haves for me right now

[@reazallykhan8614]

I’ve got the mk1 and because I love fm sounds and 80s music so much … it’s a must for me to cop the mk2 too

[@monsirto]

This, the Sample and the Drum are the best Volcas IMO. I sold mine with no regrets but had a ball with a good number of them a few years ago ; ]

[@AepoK-]

Présentation très intéressante ;) merci a toi pour le partage !

[@thethrillofnoskill4521]

Keen to see a circuit tracks volca keys and FM2 jam

[@skarryprankhunter]

Nice video! I also suggest you the Volca Drum, a mini drum synthesizer!

[@jonathanmcgregor6297]

Sweet the midnight t shirt!

[@dankeplace]

This is short-listed for me, I had forgotten all about it till your vid. I think it's perfect for leads or some backing stuff. Fact it is a powerhouse for such little asking seems to be a trend these days. So many affordable little boxes now that sound great, proving you don't need to spend a ton to get some good sounds.

[@randynovick7972]

Golly I want one of these.

[@coyote-wang]

yeah circuit tracks plus this and the volca keys would be a nice combination.

[@Pyroja]

Very nice! I preordered one of these from my local music shop, but... No idea when it will arrive :(

[@lundsweden]

I really enjoyed the MK1, this is pretty much more of the same, but six notes of polyphony (original had three). I always enjoyed the builtin keyboard, its definately fun to slide between notes! Tip: try moving the velocity slider around while a sequence is playing, sounds filter-ish but unique!

[@NullFX]

Get even dumber with it by making an arp and sliding the octave slider around to taste.

[@TheOriginalEUrban]

5:03 The little "weh" you hear at the beginning of "Du Hast". ;)

[@Tsumios]

I want this Volca FM only for it's display and other leds color! it's awesome and unusual. I'm already have first one, but this is way better, for sure ^_^

[@flrn84791]

There are (or were rather) 2 standards for MIDI TRS 😅 or maybe even 3... good that they finally settled on one!

[@peteivanitch7719]

Circuit tracks is totally mind-blowing coming from a guy who has no idea what the hell he was doing or buying at the time for the most part but just going on Instinct and Gabe's insights... It is a wonderful machine even as they become more in control of it instead of it controlling me hahaha

[@jaydeepalmer]

I love the volca fm, but my hands are always looking for that cutoff knob 😅 This synth is so deep, mine didn't have the parameter list so i always have to look at my phone to do some edit mode! I'm starting to figure out how some algorithms work and how some parameters affect the sound, but man it gets over my head! The randomiser looks really cool! I'd love to try the v2 sometime 😌

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah the velocity slider is the closest thing.

[@Kevtron9000]

Sounds so powerful. Stranger things vibes

[@humbie-j4i]

Very good job! That little thing is scary in the way it claims the space. I had it then sold it, but man, she's looking hotter now! Something with the hair or something....

[@Imetalman2000]

I love my OG Volca fm, and this one is cool, but I would’ve preferred the originals midi in 5 pin din vs the TRS in and outs.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

You have a winning formula. Haven’t dared watch any reviews for months. Because I want to buy them all. But I’m learning to window shop. Saying that this sounds lovely. Cheers

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Glad you're digging the videos! Hopefully you can incorporate some ideas, sounds, or techniques for gear you don't end up buying.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@GabeMillerMusic I got the Volca sample to see if it was for me. Then a tracks and eventually the freak. All my cables arrived today. I’m running them through the midi channels. Next. Payday next week . I’m getting the midi cables. It’s took me a. Year and a half I think. But luckily it’s all been worth it. I’m waiting until I get a good grip of what I own . Before any more purchases and going off the £100 discount for the used freak I’ll go used next time. I think like learning acoustic instruments it’s a year or so of serious practice every day.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@GabeMillerMusic I believe in giving feedback and wanted to let you know that you and Bo are the best .

[@middaymeds]

You interested in trying the Polyend Play? I just ordered one from zzounds, good company. Should be a pretty amazing master sequencer for anyone with a large synth setup.

[@Zetaphor]

Just paid for my preorder today from Sweetwater, can't wait to receive it. Seeing Benn Jordan and Loopops videos on it is what made me decide to get into music production. It made it appear accessible, since that time I've picked up Ableton and a Minilogue.

[@SonicVibe]

It looks dope I need polyphony though

[@rorz999]

Looks good for what it is, and I love the Tracker, but the Play seems way too pricey to me. I might wait to see if it goes down in price

[@iskariot3180]

aaah, midi trs type A versus type B, i know the struggle ^^

[@djjuno106]

I have a few volcas and this is the one I really want..,but can’t find it anywhere in U.K.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

You should also look at the Volca drum if you haven't already, it's SO much more than a drum machine

[@SonicVibe]

How so? Sound Design?

[@rorz999]

@@SonicVibe kind of, you create a kit of 6 FM sounds (each sound is made up of 2 layers). It can do things like classic sounding analog drum machines, weird metallic noises, techno bleeps. You can't do anything melodic but it's a cool little box that works well in techno, electro, industrial etc, even trap or house

[@smguy7]

I got one, too. I want to make music with an Opsix, Digitone and Volca FM2 - I'm going to call the project "FM Boots"

[@lwpweb]

on my volca bass the A Type Midi Adapter works. Drawback: nearly nowhere available. I had to wait for mine 3 weeks.

[@BananaJuice1984]

Nice first view. Sound are nice. Now i search for a video to transfer dx7 patches in the volca.

[@unclemick-synths]

It's such a pity they didn't include the features and fixes from the unofficial FM1 firmware. I quite like the FM1 but I'd really hoped for greater DX7 compatibility from the FM2.

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

great vid! considering this but can't decide....is there portamento slide availabe on this device? i never see anyone use it if so but if anyone would know, you would!

[@f3d3sacchi]

Hello! Thank you for your videos, always interesting! Little OT: Circuit Tracks sounds are factory patches?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Not in this case, they're mostly from the synthwave packs by A Force Truly Evil and Yves Big City (both on Isotonik).

[@f3d3sacchi]

@@GabeMillerMusic thank you!

[@f3d3sacchi]

After this video I bought both… 🤣 it’s all your fault!!! 😇

[@alwaysfucknlate]

In all honesty, what's better? The volca FM 2 or OPX-4? I was boutta get the opx cause of the price but this volca seems legit too🔥

[@Stevaside]

Could you please tell me which cable you ordered that worked? Pretty sure I'll be getting one & wanna make sure I don't order the wrong one

[@julioangelica2454]

Will patterns recorded on circuit tracks midi channel save patches selected on the volca or do the patches need to be set manually every time? Thanks

[@sarexsarex8497]

What would be your best live play instrument for triggering samples

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Maybe the Circuit Rhythm, Model:Cycles, of Volca Sample if you're going for something budget.

[@fuguroo]

How do you deal with the fact that the Volca audio outs are stereo but the Circuit Tracks inputs are mono? What sort of audio cable are you using to connect them together? TS, TRS, or TRS to TS?

[@sweetgoose64]

Not coming out till Sept :( Had to cancel my preorder. Love the sound though.

[@danielmann5427]

Zzounds says pre-order and receive it by July 29th

[@sweetgoose64]

@@danielmann5427 Gosh I hope so. I haven't cancelled yet - but I really need a lil external box for live play sooner than later...

[@rorz999]

You missed the first batch then, they are being shipped end of July

[@iamkeebz]

Can you post anything on the midi out capabilities? Does it allow midi thru?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'll have to look into that for the full review

[@benfarr409]

What midi cable combo wound up working. Cant get mine to work

[@mattcero1]

Gabe! Based on your video and DM back to me I plunked down for a Novation Circuit and love it, thanks. What budget product would recommend to MIDI pair with it such as one of these Korgs? Thanks Gabe!

[@peteivanitch7719]

Couldn't agree with this guy more.... I've been doing the exact same sing for the most part! Dude your videos are top-notch in my book I love your Insight and that you are + 2 the point and it's enjoyable to watch

[@mattcero1]

@@peteivanitch7719 He's got his sound nailed too with perfect compression. This kid's goin' places!

[@pianokeyjoe]

So.. I am trying to find a Volca FM2 for sale in the Continental USA, and I can not find ONE. ANybody know why?? I can find alot of other synths but not this one. The Opsix and Roland E-4 vocoder also suffered from this annoying issue of only finding these instruments being sold from JAPAN with prices all over the place and very very very insane high shipping prices! Does any one know where to find a FM2 in the USA?

[@tzodearf2596]

Did you finish that track and if so, what's it called? 'Cause the more you got into it, the longer I had to listen.

[@sarexsarex8497]

Not connected but I wonder if you could advise me. I am looking for a drum or beat machine under $400. Any ideas. Btw another great video

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It's hard to say without knowing what you want out of it, but the Model:Cycles or Roland T8 might be worth a look.

[@barrycooper9451]

Alesis SR-18. Nice punchy analogue. Contrasts nicely with my Volca Sample and Volca Kick.

[@silvertongues2]

Were the drums from the Volca?

[@e8root]

I was expecting to hear cheap sound that is like OPL2/OPL3 chip (or worse... think YM2612...) with these specific Yamahas unpleasant sound artifacts caused by lack of proper sine calculations and using low precision LUTs. Volca FM sounds nothing like that and I actually dig its sound a lot! Found not expensive second hand FM1 - will see how it pairs with Minilogue :)

[@lwpweb]

where does the delay effect comes out from?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

That's coming from the Circuit Tracks.

[@lwtest2851]

@@GabeMillerMusic thats it! The biggest drawback of all volcas is: they have no effects, limited display information, poor midi setting handling. This is what i learned since i recently added a volca bass in the chain to my roland boutiques.

[@Metallaio]

Is there any rumor about a volca keys 2?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Not that I know of

[@Metallaio]

@@GabeMillerMusic thx!

[@SonicVibe]

I want the hirotribe remake of the ms20

[@barrycooper9451]

The Voca Kick. It's an MS20.

[@SonicVibe]

@@barrycooper9451 sonicware is making a hirotribe based off the ms20 With the original designer been waiting on that device I think it’s gonna be $100

[@Jpetersson]

Korg should send you all of them!

[@gaelgarcia6082]

Does it have drum samples?

[@olivergroves2007]

First!

[@DickTracy420]

Is that bass coming from the fm on a different midi track?