Volca fm vs. DX7

[@e8root]

This comparison would sound much closer on Volca FM Mk2 because of velocity over MIDI support added in second revision. Mk1 owners can also have velocity with unofficial firmware. I got unofficial firmware 1.09 on my Mk1 and velocity works flawlessly (Minilogue OG as MIDI keyboard). Unofficial firmware also improves compatibility with sysex patches and fixes some LFO bugs which might make some patches sound different or even wrong. Still there is some sonic difference between Volca FM and Dexed and I presume DX7 too - without real DX7 and testing it myself its really had to say but FM and DX7 do feel slightly different. That said I wouldn't conclude DX7 sounds better or that Volca sounds better - they just sound very slightly different.

[@shatteredsquare]

the entirety of the 80s in a $200 video tape sized box, can't beat it with a stick

[@fracek72]

You should bypass the effects section on both instruments. Volca has only a simple chorus and I can hear lots of reverb, delays and what not on DX7. It's nearly impossible to compare the sounds.

[@ranzee]

Hi paul, many thanks for stopping by and your feedback. There are parts where no effects are used at all. There are also parts where FX is used to recreate the tone of the 80's original. Where FX is used, it is used on both, so this shouldn't be a problem. For example: 2:31 Marimba Volca FM NO FX 2:50 Marimba DX7 NO FX. However, the first part 2:12 of Marimba playing the original 80's song - a delay FX was used. Ultimately this isn't a scientific test - just a quick look at the two - and a bit of fun. I hope you can enjoy it this way.

[@fracek72]

When you play "One more night" the sounds are very different, but sure, still fun to listen to. I was very curious cause DX7 was a dream synth of my youth ;)

[@BevisFriend2010]

I thought that too. A fairer comparison would also have seen the Volca FM with a Retro-Kits RK-002 MIDI Processing lead with the Volca FM firmware upgrade in the Orange connector.

[@TheXxPSYCHO]

@@BevisFriend2010 with a rusteeez-8007 it would sound even better

[@bobandy6412]

Sure, the DX7 sounds better overall and has more voices, so if you're playing at home with plenty of space or in the studio, it's the better option. But if you're playing gigs and you've got your drum machine, your analog, your sampler, etc, no one has the space for a DX7 too! The FM has surprisingly great sound and deep functions for incredible versatility, and can fit in your coat pocket. So convenient! I have a feeling that they'll be looked back on as a classic from this era 36 years from now, just as the DX7 is today.

[@ranzee]

Hi Sean. Thanks for the comments. I can see your reasoning fits in well with that. I have both - so I'm not likely to take out the DX7ii anywhere - although it does have a nice flight case :)

[@fredlupin]

I agree with you too, but, i m considering to replace my Nord Electro with a DX7 for the unique EP - i really dislike the Nords sounds, Triton Extreme is too fragile, Yamaha S80 is to heavy...and i wouldnt buy a Motif or montage just to use A couple of sounds...Probably the best would be a TX7 + Volca kind of duo...

[@r.mattcoker4184]

DX7 Bass 1 first bassline: Beginning of "Bizarre Love Triangle," by New Order

[@HazeAnderson]

I think the sad truth for DX7 enthusiasts is that the Volca FM approximates the DX7 well enough to reasonably fill any need for FM synthesis, albeit at a compromise. The problem with this demonstration is you are not hearing the synths mixed in with the other musical instruments, a process that sometimes involves EQing out the very frequencies that make the DX7 sound richer. For $200 (including the RK002) I have a portable 3 voice DX7 that can be controlled with my MIDI controller of choice. I don't want to lug a DX7 around. Compromises. :)

[@ranzee]

Hi Haze Anderson! Hands down the Volca FM is Korg's best Volca. I love the others, but they all have crazy stupid limitations. This one is full featured. Glad you got the RK002. I'd like to try one out. My DX7ii sits packed away most of the time - so you're probably right about it being big and cumbersome :)

[@NoizeSex]

Seeing as I just bought an original mint DX7 for $300, I can't say it can. This video is awesome as it compares the two but sadly, it is comparing a DX7 II-FD to a Volca FM. This is a 16bit version of the DX7 being compared to a 16bit version of the DX7. The original was 12bit and really truly does sound different. While the Volca FM is decent (especially if compared to the 4-operator Reface DX), it's far too crisp to give you that true feel. Now, a volca FM through let's say a Korg ES-1 decimator effect, you might get a bit closer. Personally, for the extra $100, I'd rather have a full board that feels amazing and not have to squeeze fingers into tiny places to making any changes or anything, not to mention the teeny-tiny-eye-strain-o vision.

[@0liveroliver]

I have both, I use the DX7ii for the studio and the volca FM for live. The DX is another level for sound quality but the volca isn’t bad at all for a cheap run around. The volca fm and Roland boutiques have literally saved my life touring!

[@rolandknaap4537]

everybody is saying that you can buy a dx7 for 200 to 300 dollars, but at least in my country prices are 500 dollars and up.........

[@funkmachine6420]

How are you coping with 3 voice polyphony though?

[@Scyber_Official]

What's the white synth on the top right at the beginning of the video?

[@ranzee]

Hi Scyber_Sounds ... it's the Roland JD-XI limited edition White. They also did a Red edition too. Thanks for watching :)

[@Sven.Bornemark]

This is a little confusing. As Korgi Polymer noted, the E. Piano sounds much duller in the Volca. When playing the bass sound, it also sound duller until you increase the Velocity slider. Still, when you play a bass line on the DX7, I can clearly hear that some notes get a little brighter due to harder velocity, just as it should be. When the same thing is played back on the Volca, all notes are equally loud. This leads me to a question: Does the Volca respond dynamically to incoming velocity, or does the slider only increase velocity to a higher, FIXED value?

[@ranzee]

Hi Sven. Thanks so much for your question. The Volca doesn't respond to velocity via MIDI. The slider will allow you to change the velocity value up and down between 0 and 127. I find it difficult to play this in a live scenario. You could potentially get the E. Piano to sound similar - but there would still be subtle differences between the two synths. There are 3rd party tools that can implement velocity via MIDI. Example: RetroKits make a passive MIDI cable (RK002) which has a chip inside that powers off the low voltage of MIDI itself - more info here: www.retrokits.com/rk002/. I've ordered one - but it hasn't arrived yet. Also, I hope you appreciate, that I'm by no means being scientific in this video. It really is just a bit of fun and I don't have any formal experience doing this.

[@Sven.Bornemark]

Okay, so it plays at a fixed velocity. Good to know. And also good to know about the RetroKits device. I'll be really interested in learning how it works, once you get it. Please report back. Playing DX7 sounds without the proper velocity range makes Volca pretty useless for me. What a strange shortcut from a respected company like Korg. ranzee, your video is fine! I appreciate you efforts very much and so do many others, I'm sure. :-)

[@ranzee]

Yeah, I think Korg made a bad decision with that - hopefully there'll be a firmware update ... also - thanks!

[@garyabbot4659]

Pointless comparison unless you've got the velocity sensitive midi cable for volca fm. Glider ain't the same in expression. And sometimes when putting patches into the volca, some settings can be changed or not on. Dx7 does sounds better, but you've got to compare price.

[@boimesa8190]

@@ranzee has there been a firmware update?

[@elmeromero6559]

great video but cannot decir between the MICROKORG S n this KORG VOLCA FM ..which is more versatile to desing sounds??.. any advice?? thank you =)

[@ranzee]

The MicroKorg doesn't have an FM sound engine. Korg have some great synths now - if you like the "FM" sound - check out the OPSix.

[@alexey7459]

The Strings 2 Patch actually sounded really cool on the Volca Beats and was probably one of my favorite patches. Awesome video! :-)

[@ranzee]

Hi FatAlPlayz! Thanks for the kind words! I think Yamaha were really trying for an analog sound on the Strings 2 patch.

[@alexey7459]

+ranzee av No problem! The DX7 strings weren't that analog sounding, but the DX7II strings sounded fat and more analog because of the great dual layering function and overall better sound!

[@EnochDark]

Even if there is some sacrifice in sound I must say that the lack of push button menu diving is refreshing. I do miss the full size keys of the DX but I'm tighter on space now than I was 20 years ago so... Honestly I'm just happy the Volca is brown like my old.

[@ranzee]

Hi Enoch, thanks for stopping by! I'm loving the Volca FM - it is so much fun. The small form factor is a great thing.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Miss the keys?? The volca has MIDI

[@mootbooxle]

Nice comparison! This answered some questions I've had about the Volca FM. I wonder if the DAC in the Volca is more like an original DX7 or the MkII version like yours? That makes a huge difference! I miss my DX7-II. I have an original version with E! now. I mostly just miss the backlight! The other thing is how different the Volca sounds! That surprised me. Very different timbre with the same patches.

[@ranzee]

Hey Moot :) It can be a little deceiving - the Volca doesn't respond to velocity (without 3rd party intervention), and the DX7 does. The patches could just be sounding different because of the velocity setting not being exact. This is near impossible to do in a demo situation, as you can imagine. The D/A converter in the DX7ii is much nicer than in the original DX7 - and in a mix, you really wouldn't tell. I haven't heard much about what Korg have used for the D/A - a lot of the components in the Volcas are surface mount - and tiny. Perhaps a tear-down is in order? In most cases, I did make sure I wasn't layering voices - so that the patches sounded as close to an original DX7 as possible (with exception to the D/A). Actually, one thing that I find quite pleasing about the Volca FM is the Chorus - it is almost like they've modeled it off the Chorus that Kenny Loggins used ;) Thanks for stopping by mate!

[@mootbooxle]

ranzee av Nice video man! And yes, that chorus is lovely! I only just learned about this velocity limitation...even with the Retrokits cable, tis a shame! I hope Korg addresses this eventually.

[@boptillyouflop]

The Volca's emu core is closer to the Dexed VST (you should hear the difference with the Dx7 on the whistle or Guitar 2 patch), and runs on a small ARM embedded CPU. The emulation isn't really close enough for the DAC to make a difference I'd say.

[@ranzee]

boptillyouflop Hey, thanks for the comment. I'm not familiar with Dexed so much - I've used it to transfer some sysex - but that's about it. Great tip!

[@RinaldoJonathan]

korg have trolled us with brASS.

[@ranzee]

Hi Rinaldo! Sometimes when I play I think I'm plucking notes from the same place! ;)

[@ChillySkatin]

lol what the fuck

[@jetset808]

I have a tx7.. but i never used it .. i think i'm going to have to set it up .. i still want a volca fm for when i do backpacking trips in the woods.. .. can you make patches on the volca and save them to the tx7?

[@ranzee]

Hi jetset808! Thanks for the cool question. AFAIK you can interchange patches on the TX7 with the DX7, so therefore you should be fine with the Volca FM - as it is basically a DX7 engine. Give it a try and let me know - :)

[@gooneybird808]

Ok so I've heard the fm on its own and it sounds cheap but at the same time it has a sequencer that can record knob movement...you can save presets and have a delay and a few other cool features. I feel like I can get a more beefy sounds with a little processing or maybe just a preamp? Correct me if I'm wrong

[@ranzee]

Hi gooneybird808, anything is possible! They are definitely good value for money - and they certainly sound great :) Thanks for watching!

[@oDJOldskull]

I hear "One more night" and I quickly hit LIKE! :) Just a tiny question... Do I understand well that you can basically send patches/samples directly to the internal memory of your volca fm? What will happen to the default sounds once you do that? Is it semi-permanent in a way that once you turn off your device, the sounds will be still available somewhere when you turn on your device or am I wrong? I think that I'll purchase the volca fm very soon. Decided that it will be more suitable for me compared to volca keys. Would be glad to get some things sorted out. Cheers mate.

[@ranzee]

Hi oDJOldskull! It has been a long time since I did this video! But off the top of my head, I think you're correct in your assumption about it going to a temporary patch memory. There's some good unofficial firmware progression on the Volca FM since I filmed this - and it may make it more attractive to get. There's videos on my channel detailing this.

[@oDJOldskull]

@@ranzee Superb! Can't wait then :) . However, my friend is selling a Korg Monologue and now I'm all like "Which one should I get" :) Obviously price tag is one thing, space is another but the features the monologue gives to the hands of an amateur... simply amazing.

[@klaasj7808]

were is the dx7 in this video? dont see it.

[@darthsynthious244]

Thanks for posting this video. I am happy I got the volca. They sound very close to me.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great vid, very interesting, it's close, the famous bass patch sounded thinner on the korg. is it the same number operators, what's the poly on the korg?

[@ranzee]

Hey Woody! 3 voices only! But apparently you can chain them - using a 3rd party device - to increase the voice count.

[@Josh_GS__]

ranzee av but that super bass sound of the dx7 wasnt even close in volca

[@ranzee]

Hi Joselchino :) Yep, the DX7 has a bigger bottom end.

[@MediaMusik777]

Axel f ,New Order, but where is the fretless bass in top gun theme song?

[@oostenmusic]

Can anyone tell me why my DX7 is reading 4.6 volts? and the tuning adjustment doesnt work either

[@malatia7575]

But volca has only 3 notes polyphony, not much you can do with that right?

[@ranzee]

Hi Manfred :) You'll be surprised what you can do with 3 voices! Don't forget that these things only cost $160 USD ...

[@shatteredsquare]

a lot of the sound variation in this video is directly tied to the volca velocity, 3:42 if the Volca velocity was up just a little higher the timbre would be a lot brighter right there, it's very sensitive.

[@ranzee]

If you use the new unofficial firmware all the velocity problems have been fixed :)

[@elijahlucian]

during noodle time i found that the harmonics started sounding better. I think it just needs to be tweaked more to get closer to that upper harmonic content that the DX7 has. either that or it might have been different gain staging??

[@ranzee]

Hi Elijah :) Nothing that elaborate - the setup used a MX-1 mixer :) The same settings for all of the vid. My ears probably aren't as tuned as yours - but I do think its due to the D/A's being different.

[@misteremagic]

Getting two Volca FM chained , you get 6 voices ?

[@ranzee]

Hi PAQ, you could using the Retrokits cable.

[@janregular]

Can you use a sustain pedal with volca?

[@ranzee]

hi janregular - I believe you can via a MIDI controller.

[@covox7074]

which synth is that in the back from the start of the video, the white with red lights?

[@ranzee]

Hi cOmmander Keen :) That is the Roland JD-XI :)

[@NordiusOfficial]

Bass 1 - Highway to Dangerzone.

[@ranzee]

Hey NeoXe5 :) Thanks for watching! You're correct!

[@stuCameraman1]

At 2min 07 - sounds like the Axel F....Bridge of the song?

[@ranzee]

Yes! Well done :)

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

That Marimba patch sounds very very like the one in the Axel F tune , hmm wonder if a dx7 was used on that particular sound ?

[@ranzee]

Hi Adamski Ajull - according to my research it was used by Harold Faltemeyer :) Thanks for stopping by!

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Btw does the volca fm have split or detune ?

[@ranzee]

Hi Adamski, a keyboard split can't be done afaik without 3rd party tools. you can detune using the parameter edits, FM synthesis is a bit different to subtractive, but it is possible.

[@Korgi_Polymer]

The E. Piano sounds pretty dead on the Volca, however in other aspects it sounds quite sharp!

[@ranzee]

Hi Korgi, thanks for stopping by! You can spruce it up by adjusting the velocity slider - it can sound almost 100% accurate with the Retrokits cable.

[@TransistorBased]

It's just disappointing unless you really plan on running it into a PC to do post-FX.

[@BevisFriend2010]

With an Rk002 Smart MIDI cable, it makes far more MIDI parameters accessible. More polyphony too. Works especially well with the FM & Sample.

[@ranzee]

Hi Simon, there's a new firmware (unofficial) that enables better patch transfer from dexed and also a velocity fix - no need for 3rd party hardware - and it's free! Details in my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHWiJmgntx6i8k

[@TheXxPSYCHO]

No one wants your cable

[@davidcogan3437]

Tune at 3:11??!!

[@ranzee]

Hey David, that's One more night - Phil Collins ... mentioned a few years ago, probably in the depths of these comments somewhere :)

[@davidcogan3437]

@@ranzee Just found it after. Love the melody; song surprisingly dire

[@synesthetica]

You should match the velocities on both synths. We can't really compare Volca which has a fixed velocity set with a slider with a DX7 being played dynamically with a velocity sensitive keyboard.

[@ranzee]

Hi Rok, I think this video was a fairly early one of mine - I probably should have done a lot of things to perfect it :) Thanks for watching. Hopefully my newer content is improved :)

[@synesthetica]

@@ranzee You could play both with the same keyboard and a velocity filter in between, so DX7 would play at the same velocity as the Volca. And I think the most important thing to judge when comparing DX7 clones to the real thing is the heft and 3D-ness of sound. Most emulations can't get there. DX7 sounds very physical, very tangible and has weight to it.

[@Goth108]

Why did you use different FX on them??

[@ranzee]

Hi Goth108. Thanks for stopping by. The question has already been answered in the comments :)

[@HrafnNordhri]

ok so you put the sounds over to the volca from the DX7? Do I need a DX7 to get the sounds?

[@ranzee]

Hi Hrafn, thanks for the question! You can download these DX7 patches from the Internet (and many more) - there's plenty of sites which provide them freely - and some that also do charge for the service (I wont link them here - as I'm not going to single out anyone unfairly to the others). You can then use programs like Sysex Librarian (Mac) or MIDI OX (PC) to transfer them to your volca :) Good luck :)

[@HrafnNordhri]

+ranzee av thanks very much for your swift response.

[@okidot]

Thats very cool - my earlier comment I was asking about that, as it seemed like thats what you were doing, but I thought my imagination might have been dolling it up a bit lol

[@gavinpeters9531]

Honestly I'd be more interested in seeing someone try to program a patch that sounds the same on the volca FM - just because the parameters don't map perfectly to the dx7, doesn't mean its not capable of making a similar sound.

[@ranzee]

Hi gavin! So we can do this from scratch, using the parameter controls - However, it does have the same algorithms - so I'm guessing the SYSEX dump vs programming by hand isn't going to render anything of distinction. I think the subtleties lie in the D/A circuit differences, and the obvious lack of velocity (which has been discussed at length in these comments). Thanks for watching :)

[@fakshen1973]

Phil Collins "One More Night" ... recognized that one. :)

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

great job Mr.!

[@chemosis8259]

i have a dx 9 that sounds better than my dx 7 i used to own or my tx81z but why??? theres something about the dx 9 that the other yamaha fms are missing. maybe the dac is a little different??

[@ranzee]

Hi chemosis! I think so. A lot of comments even on this video people stating there's a difference between the DX7 and DX7II sound due to the DAC. Thanks for watching :)

[@djangofett4879]

If they fix the issue with it not recognizing velocity from a keyboard, I'll buy it. I'm sure they'll fix that pretty soon after launch.

[@ranzee]

Heya Dan :) I'm sure they will - and it can also be done with your DAW, that Retrokits cable or MidiPal/MidiBro/MidiGal device.

[@holladaymark]

its been done in m4l already if you've got ableton :)

[@ALTARBEATZ]

Got to love what KORG does.. Thanx 4 the footage..

[@ranzee]

Hi ALTAR! Thanks :)

[@arsphoenix1822]

The first one is Jan Hammer, yeah?

[@ranzee]

Hi Ars! Thanks for the question. No, it isn't - but you have the right genre and era - just a different artist ;)

[@arsphoenix1822]

Jean Michel Jarre?

[@ranzee]

Hi Ars! Unfortunately no - it has been answered already - it is Harold Faltermeyer and the song is Axel F :)

[@BetamaxFlippy]

Well the volca fm is capable enough to reproduce almost perfectly the dx7 patches but truth be told the real thing has a much more organic behaviour while playing.

[@annother3350]

You need the unnoficial Volca firmware update to unleash velocity control

[@otherreality]

i will get an fm when and if velocity is fixed, then it would be great esp. at that price

[@ranzee]

Hi Alex - no noise from Korg about this being fixed yet ... you might want to consider Retrokit's cable instead ;)

[@otherreality]

This is sad. I might consider that cable, since I own a volca sample (i guess its the same cable but you reinstall new firmware). I'm not entirely sure yet though, it really is mind boggling how the could miss such an important thing

[@scottscheetz]

@3:04 One More Night by Phil Collins. Nice comparison. It seems like the DX7 has a fatter sound. The Korg sounds thin in comparison. Very cool that you can transfer patches. I didn't know about that. I'll have to give that a try on my DX7.

[@ranzee]

Correct! Thanks - the sysex transfer is so easy. You can download patches and also use MIDI-OX (Win) or Sysex Librarian (Mac). So long as they're DX7/ii patches - it will work :)

[@scottscheetz]

Very cool. Thanks for the info!

[@krowus3833]

I have a question. When you are in the menu and the volume parameter means something other than the volume (let's assume it's feedback) Is it going to change the feedback feedback by giving automation to the volume knob ???

[@ranzee]

Hi Antoni, I'm not sure - are you referring to the Volca FM?

[@krowus3833]

oh, I'm sorry. Yes, I mean volca fm

[@MrBoxxed]

And the Yamaha Reface DX?!!

[@ranzee]

Hi, and thanks for your question :) I don't own a Reface DX (I thought they were overpriced). Although I have played one in the store, and they are OK. They are a little different in specs to the Volca FM with only 4 operators and 12 algorithms (as opposed to 6 operators and 32 algorithms in the Volca FM which is the same as the original DX7). However the Reface DX does have more polyphony with 8 vs 3 on the Volca. I've seen a few DX7 vs Reface DX videos on KZbin - so you could do a search and watch them? Were you thinking of getting one?

[@MrBoxxed]

+ranzee av thanks for that additional info. I've been considering a Reface DX and CS... But perhaps a Minilogue and VolcaFM is also worth considering. Cheers

[@zerix01]

+MrBoxxed Whatever choice you make just know the Minilogue is such a good synth. I have some synths that are by all measurable means better than the Minilogue but the Minilogue still manages to land on great and unique sounds that I wouldn't know where to start in recreating them on the other gear. It is also a lot of fun to play with. Everything is so immediate.

[@ranzee]

Hey zerix01 :) Thanks for stopping by! Indeed, the Minilogue is awesome. I'm going to do a video on it next I think ...

[@MrBoxxed]

+zerix01 cheers I've actually ordered a minilogue 😀 I think I'll follow korg here and go Volca FM also (later).

[@Esidar]

That's interesting... I think DX7 sounds better because DX7 seems to have less bits per sample. You can hear it especially at 7:00. PianoBell from DX7 has some grain due to 12bit samples while PianoBell from VolcaFM sounds much smoother (more Sine-like). It gives DX7 sound more live and power.

[@lownrgy]

he is using 16bit, 2nd generation DX7 which sounds better than original

[@lownrgy]

generally speaking, 16bit era of digital synths is hugely underrated. I think it's because consumer level technology from that era is absolutely horrible, somehow people mix these two. they think anything 16-bit is just crappy. truth is some of 12-bits gear sounds absolutely shit and most of 16-bit gear sounds just fine and professional

[@speedtribejp]

Compare it to the Yamaha DX200 Groovebox

[@ranzee]

hi speedtribejp, I don't have a dx200 :)

[@grimlyghost]

i wish i have more space for huge synths like the dx7. The alternative is the dx 100 which is pretty expensive nowadays.

[@ranzee]

Hehe Grimly Ghost that's the reason why we see all these tiny volcas and boutiques being released today. The challenge isn't where to store it, it's how often you'd use it. That's for watching!

[@grimlyghost]

Yes, but i´m not buying these little toys. I like something like the ELEKTRON kits, the old electribes, microkorg etc.

[@ranzee]

Grimly Ghost same. I'm really liking Elektron gear (I've got an A4), and quite a few Electribes. I've been seriously considering an Octatrack !

[@TransistorBased]

It's not that big..

[@okidot]

Well the volca defo sounds bad compared to the DX7! Similar timbre, but totally different harmonic content. Sounds like most soft synths. Also the video is a bit confusing - did you load the patches from the dx7 on to the volca to compare? That was implied but not very clear thanks.

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Great video demo.

[@ranzee]

Hi Adamski, thanks very much for watching :)

[@w33blord66]

DX7 beats the Volca FM for sure; however, I'm curious if the plain could be evened with some clever EQ work and a quality chorus pedal. Regardless, for 140 bucks, the FM really exceeds expectations.

[@ranzee]

The D/A is where the difference is at ...

[@butsukete1806]

@@ranzee Is it? Because I can put a pretty good DAC on a minidexed pi.

[@joseramonmtz]

The volca is a nice attempt, but honestly, the DX7 being made by Yamaha and the Volca by Korg, there's bound to be differences in sound. DX7 sounds fuller, Volca sounds thin to me, but I sure wouldn't mind having one. It's the same principal when installing DX7 sysex files to the Korg Kronos, of course it's going to sound better when loaded to Montage.

[@rumshutt3r]

bass 1 was bizarre love triangle by new order.

[@ranzee]

Hey Sam !! Indeed it is :)

[@rumshutt3r]

ranzee av :))

[@rhythmdroid]

and I heard Highway to the Dangerzone in there, too!

[@ranzee]

hi RythmDroid! A few people have got in first - but happy to see you guys identify them :)

[@TransistorBased]

Bass 1 was everything

[@claytonlevibrown]

if your plan is to play the midi into the fm to use the sequencer why did you overwrite all the patches on the volca fm? it's midi so it's not utilizing the audio function anyway except from the main source of audio on the dx7.

[@ranzee]

Hi Clayton. There was audio from both so that it could be compared - the MIDI side wasn't really relevant.

[@claytonlevibrown]

oh I thought at the start of the video you transferred the banks from the dx7 to the volca fm.

[@ranzee]

Hi Clayton, I did transfer the banks from the dx7 at the start of the video. I'll explain: I'm not showing how you can use a DX7 via MIDI as a "MIDI Controller" - I'm showing how the DX7 sounds compared to the Volca FM. Both instruments need to have the exact same patches (sounds) in order for this comparison to work. The beauty of the Volca FM - is that it accepts the same Sysex data format as the DX7. So the start of the video shows how I transfer the patches from the DX7 to the Volca FM - in order for them to both have the same sounds. The video should show when I switch the audio between the two synths - over a few "famous" examples. By all means, it wasn't meant to be scientific - just a bit of fun :)

[@claytonlevibrown]

yeah i'm not a moron I know why you did all that and I think your video was boring and I made my comment after like two minutes

[@SoundChilde]

Neat comparison demo! Love that bit of Jarre's Equinoxe you played on the strings :)

[@ranzee]

Hi Sound Childe :) Thanks :)

[@Tymosxior]

So volca is better?

[@ranzee]

Hi Tymosxior, within the 260 comments (and growing) - I'll think you'll find there's a mixed opinion. Listing Pros and Cons might be a good start for you to decide what is best for you. You'll know if your decision is based on features, budget, sound, ease of use, form factor etc. As you can see saying something is better is subjective to an individual's situation. Hope this helps - and by all means discuss with us what your thoughts are.

[@boxxgrooved]

Sounds like korg threw a low pass filter on the output of the Volca. Sounds flat compared to the DX7

[@ranzee]

Hi jiGGins :) Thanks for watching. All Volcas have a certain "sound" - which to my ears doesn't exude high quality ... hence the old saying: "you get what you pay for" ;)

[@cuttingedge1987]

I have both.... they both sound great but the yamaha sound warmer...and has more character...

[@ranzee]

Hi Cutting Edge. It might just be the DACs and the extra voices. Thanks for watching :)

[@cuttingedge1987]

yup =)

[@andrestrevino8119]

Seems like the Volca FM has a more metallic bass.

[@ranzee]

Hi Adres :) Yeah, it does have a slight cleaner sound. A lot of that will come down to age - my DX7ii is 30 years old.

[@andrestrevino8119]

Regardless both are amazing synthesizers. Good job comparing both of them too.

[@ranzee]

thanks :)

[@andrestrevino8119]

By the way are those the DX7 mark 1 presets?

[@DarkCityHamburg]

Thanx for your very nice work of comparison! I think, old DX7 sounds much better than new volca FM. Now I have to save money to get that old synthi. I really like old Equinoxe theme - I have to look for old LP in my cellar ;)

[@ranzee]

Hi Sapphia - thanks for checking my channel out :) I hope you find a DX7 - they are cool! :)

[@dev3575]

ranzee av Finding A dx7 in good condition without completely dead membrane buttons working sliders and decent looks is much tougher than it sounds . The ones in good Condition are around 600 bucks now.

[@ranzee]

Yep - that's why I got the DX7II - because of my dislike of the membrane. For the die-hards, the only major difference is the D/A - but really it is negligible in the mix. They are built better too. Better keyboard, voices, layering, UI, everything ...

[@fender1000100]

Dread Shade Thats right. I remember 10 years ago you couldnt give a DX7 away. Now theyre changing hands for 400 to 800 pounds in decent condith. I have an old MK1 the casing has damage on each side. But the internals work perfectly and the keybed is still one of the best ever.

[@sonicaids]

adding chorus and reverb to the Volca FM makes it so much better.

[@elijahlucian]

very cool comparison :) thank you! subbed!

[@ranzee]

Hi Elijah! Thanks for the sub and like :)

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

...conclusion??

[@ranzee]

Other than the velocity issues of the Volca (which can be solved with a Retrokits cable), they are very close. Once in the mix - it wouldn't be distinguishable. The Volca FM offers an excellent, affordable way to get that DX7 sound.

[@BasedFrequency]

DX7 and DX7II is pretty damn different :p DX7ii has two dx7 engines in it and has less nice thanks to a better DAC than the original DX7. People gotta stop tagging the 2 as the standard DX7

[@BasedFrequency]

Fantastic video tho don't want to take away from that!

[@ranzee]

Hi Louis-andré! The DAC improvements was to get rid of a noisy output that a lot of people complained about on the original DX7. Other than that - the architecture inside is essentially the same. The fact that you can dual/layer sounds, and it has new patches is where the differences lie. If you set patches the same and single mode - it would take some very good ears to tell the difference.

[@BasedFrequency]

aggred thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@DigitalFacts]

Nice comparison. Thanks. Kenny Loggins would have recognized it for sure. 😊

[@ranzee]

Hi DigitalFacts! Thanks for the nice comments. Kenny sure would :) Dangerzone was the song for anyone else reading these comments and was wondering what we are talking about ;) It featured in the movie Top Gun.

[@BRNTmodularmusic]

3:30 One.. more.. patch ... baby give me..

[@ranzee]

hi burningzone :) hehe, I see what you did there!

[@NathanHassall]

One thing to consider about this comparison is that the volca fm has the grit of the early dx7 model...you are using the newer and smoother sounding dx7 II

[@ranzee]

Hi Nathan, this has been discussed here before. The only audible difference between the DX7 and DX7II is the D/A converter. That means less hiss. So, I wouldn't call it smoother. You can use single layered patches on the DX7II and they are identical to the DX7.

[@NathanHassall]

A signal passing 16 bit DAC will never be identical to 12bit. This point has been proven. Go into any major forum and look at "comparisons between dx7 & dx7 II" you will notice the term "smoother" is used often....also the original dx7 is described as being "warmer" & "grittier" Don't take my word for it.. (I also own both and agree with the opinion)

[@ranzee]

Fair enough, we are all entitled to our opinions :) After having both the DX7 and DX7II, I'll stand by my decision to part with the DX7 - as I couldn't stand the hiss out of the DX7 - it was horrid.

[@NathanHassall]

I respect your opinion too! Either way the volca is excellent value and surprisingly deep in its tone capabilities despite the limited voices! I use mine very often! Great content man Cheers :)

[@maayaa77]

Phasers Are sick !

[@ranzee]

Hi Sterling77, indeed! Do you have a favorite?

[@maayaa77]

ranzee not yet, just ordered one :) already have an EMX and Koass Pad.

[@pierlaurenzi]

Top gun danger zone bass 🕊️

[@cam105]

They both sound good .

[@MarcCifuentes]

This is awesome!

[@ranzee]

thanks Marc :)

[@bisson2d3]

You dump the patches to the korg but you’re still playing the DX7 hence sounds might still be coming from the DX7

[@ranzee]

both instruments were output via separate channels - trust me ;) ... but heck, this video is getting ancient ;)

[@bullet0657]

New Order bass.

[@providief]

temple gong = clockwork orange!

[@ranzee]

Hey providief :) I did not know this, now I want to watch the movie again! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ColettaHughes]

The first tune sounds like David Lynch, but can't say for sure. I have the DX7 II FD and after watching this think I'll get the Volca fm to go along with it. I don't really like the Volca fm alone it's a bit too thin sounding, but it would make a great accompaniment for the DX.

[@ranzee]

Hi Coletta! Thanks for watching. Gosh, such an old video of mine - and hugely embarrassing! However, I still have the DX7-IIFD and my Volca FM! So more than happy to get geeky with discussions on how you are using them together! I run a live stream on Saturdays - and I think this is going to be a great topic for us to explore. 2PM UTC time if you can make it - no biggy if you can't, you can always catch the replay which is posted on my channel later.

[@RevJToad]

I heard Axel F.

[@fredlupin]

"One more time" phil collins 😉

[@LifeOnHoth]

marimba playing - I hear axel foley :)

[@ranzee]

Hi Life on Hoth :) Indeed it is ... I actually felt like doing a cover of the whole song - such a cool song! If only I had unlimited free time ;)

[@LifeOnHoth]

Yeah, the song is really cool, and represents one of the finest eras in synthesizer music for sure. I have done several covers myself, but the one thing that is pretty hard for me to hear, is how faltermeyer plays the bassline. It is simple, but also complex. But I never really sat down to try to listen to it an replicate it, not for real :). One day I might. Some years ago my nephew sat at the grand, just playing some stuff from some chords from some of the pop songs at the time that I don't even try to learn the titles for hehe (I'm not good at listening and learning popular music hehe). Then he played a fragment of axel foley main melody, and asked me if I knew that one. Doohh! :). I sat down at the grand and played the main melody and the bassline (the incorrect but good enough way I sorta learned how to play it) together, and it was so fun to see how his eyes almost fell out :P. So yeah, it's a good song. However - I have been meaning to ask you - the melodic / rythmic part in the beginning of the video (before you start playing with the marimba) - Exactly what synths did you use for it? I have owned a DX7 maaaany years ago, but never really played with it a lot (regretting many times I gave it away!!), it didn't really remind me of a DX7. What it instantly reminded me of tho, was the Korg Wavestation :).

[@mima85]

If you take a look on my profile, I have a couple of Axel F cover videos. Maybe they could be useful for you to figure out the bass line :-)

[@NigDub]

The volca sound a bit better to my ear

[@ranzee]

Hi Nigel - thanks for stopping by and making the time to comment. Really appreciate your contribution. I'm still probably leaning towards the DX7ii personally, just nice having all those voices :)

[@SPAZZOID100]

Sound very different

[@ranzee]

Hi James! Some patches do - you can fiddle around with the velocity and LFO to get them similar. The sonic difference may be attributed to the age of the DX7ii-FD - around 30 years old now! Its also a little noisy in the line out compared to the Volca FM. Some of you have better ears than me, and might be picking up on differences that I can't hear too!

[@SPAZZOID100]

ranzee av it's not the noise.

[@geoffk777]

The Volca sounds much thinner and flatter. The Electric Piano is especially disappointing. Is this a six-Op synth? You wouldn't know. I would just get Dexed, which sounds as good or better.

[@ranzee]

hi geoffk777 :) thanks for watching, and for your input!

[@fender1000100]

geoffk777 Nothing will ever faithfully capture the sound 100% from the original DX7. Those old warm creamy 12 bit dacs are lost in the 80s. But I think what Korg have achieved in such a small compact inexpensive unit is pretty special. They have put Yamaha to shame. Who REALLY should deliver to the world a genuine 21st century 6 op DX7 WITH AN ULTRA MODERN USABLE interface. Nothing would cause a bigger stir in the synth world than that.

[@StarvingBum]

I would buy this no matter what the price

[@WebMatros]

Dexed is what comes closest to the original DX7. Just because it's free doesn't mean it's less capable than f.e. FM8 from Native Instruments. There's a comparison video on KZbin where a guy compares Dexed vs the DX7 and they are SO close. Dexed even emulates the original 12 bit gritty sound of the DX7 (vs the D7II).

[@fender1000100]

WebMatros - Spread Your Wings Online Sorry it doesnt. Ive used both. Its good but lacks the punch and charactor of the real thing.

[@tomblaze2]

THose preses are dope

[@KUPHSER]

Cool video, but the dx7 owns

[@ranzee]

hiya KUPHSER :) yep - DX7 is still a beast! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ederst9759]

I was expecting more expression from the Volca. You've sold me... on the DX7II FD. (Now if I can just find the guy I sold mine too (with grey Matter E! card) and buy it back from him, I'm all set.) Wait. I have FM8, which loads all DX 4 Op and 6 Op patches and has up to 64 note polyphony, with effects and arpeggiator built in, for nearly the same price. I wish Korg and Yamaha would make some real product for a change. They could make a Super DX7 on a flash drive if they wanted, instead of building 'toys for tots'.

[@ranzee]

Hi Edwin :) lol - that's why I'm a hoarder ;) I'm always worried about the day I want my old bit of gear back! I agree with you - there could be much better velocity implementation on the Volca FM (cross fingers they might add it to a firmware update). A few people here have commented that the Reface DX is worth a look - not sure as I haven't really tried it ...

[@CKT1138]

5:00 - Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order

[@ranzee]

Hi CKT1138! You are correct :) This is how the album version starts :) A lot of people don't recognise it because they listen to the other version of Bizarre Love Triangle - which was published as a single and on the Substance album. There's still a few more to get ;)

[@EnochDark]

Followed by Top Gun... lol Kenny Loggins was one of my first concerts.

[@CKT1138]

+ranzee av oh really? I never really preferred that version, to me it took all the cool factor down a notch by oversimpifying the drum patterns

[@ranzee]

Hehe - yep Kenny Loggins was already picked up by DigitalFacts :)

[@ranzee]

I think it was because I got Substance before I got the Brotherhood album - and maybe the album version feels fresher to me? who knows ;)

[@syrupcore]

Seems wrong (right?) to point out that New Order and Kenny Loggins used the same preset bass sound. Your (possible) sins against humanity aside, thanks for this video. Nice work. ;)

[@ranzee]

Hi syrupcore :) hehe - I was thinking the same thing. It's hard to believe, but back in the 80's there wasn't a lot of "options" - the DX7 was quite revolutionary, and many musicians "just had to have that sound" in their songs. Now we are all "meh" ;) Thanks for stopping by, and the nice comments :)

[@jpromano_]

Somewhat similar but there is no comparison, the DX7II sounds way better.

[@ranzee]

Hi Telemann :) Thanks for taking time to watch and comment! I haven't played my DX7II for a while, you've just reminded me that I need to show it some love!

[@-processdrone-]

This just illustrates a long established truth. The Dx7 has just fantastic D to A converters that are fat & fulsome across the whole audio spectrum. The art of the Digital to Analogue converter was lost LAST CENTURY and it just makes me weep that no one can remember what a D to A is supposed to sound like any more. The volca has insignificant bass presence and no sparkle by comparison. Thank goodness I already have a DX7, nothing FM I've tried has matched it for decades. My DX7 can produce bass that makes all the furniture in the house rattle :-) There's no point pointing the finger at Korg, it's everyone that has lost this art of the D to A. A valuable video though, even though it's bad news I'm not about to shoot the messenger, so thank you.

[@ranzee]

Hi Processdrone :) Thanks for your comments. I think the DX7II has an even better D/A converter than the original. They fixed up some big time noise issues. Everytime I play my DX7II, it sounds amazing. Hard to believe it is 30 years old tech. Luckily, the Volca-FM serves the purpose for those looking for that sound - but it hasn't in any way tainted the value and respect on these original Yamaha's.

[@lownrgy]

it's strange why modern digital synths have duller sound while converters on interfaces have been hugely improved

[@stevenaustin4591]

wow, the dx7 has all the tone while the Volca is lacking quite a bit, less low end, not great highs either

[@PunguinYoga]

That's what I thought.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Volca has only 3 voices. Deal breaker for me.

[@ranzee]

James Reeno hey mate, no problems. I don't work for Korg either, but somehow I've got a feeling they're happy with the sales so far ;)

[@ironinquisitor3656]

Good thing we are now getting the Volca FM 2! ;)

[@membershipuuuf5352]

The Volca sounds like a 4-op synth (like the DX100). Not nearly the depth and timbre of the DX7

[@ranzee]

Hi Member UUUS, thanks for your feedback. There's definitely a difference - and there's been quite a few comments in the discussion here on that. However, the Volca-FM is actually a 6-Operator FM (PM) synth - and Korg claims it has complete compatibility with the DX7 with 32 algorithms also. What you're probably hearing is more a lack of voices. The problem with having only 3 voices is that the notes sound diluted compared to a 16-voice DX7, and there's more reasons than just pure voice count - such as envelope tails, restarting etc. I was chatting to a friend about the Volca FM sound output vs the DX7 - and there's a constant hiss that comes out of the DX7 - and some people have added in this "noise" back into their Volca-FM recordings to make it sound more authentic. I've also heard of people getting two Volca-FMs ... for the $'s it is quite reasonable to do this I guess. Anyway all food for thought ;) enjoy!

[@HotStrange]

Member UUUS nah. Volca is a 6 op synth.

[@phuturemusic]

i've discovered that basic sound is worth fine tuning, and i mean tuning a lot! example: u set wrong velocity, and the sound is ruined. i've managed to tweek my volca bass to sounds some moog would envy, beyond i thought it was just a toy so stick with your gear, push it to the limits, discover new sounds and modes, and you'll be surprised how much of power contains in those small boxes, and that it is about proffesionality more than gathering every synth ever made (call it jean michel jarre fever)

[@ranzee]

Hi Ilya, best thing said all day: play with your gear - it returns surprises everytime!

[@donalfinn7354]

Don't know if anyone has pointed it out yet, but that's not a REAL DX7 you have there, doesn't sound like one, has none of the "Mojo" you might as well be testing the Volca FM against FM8 or some other software. The O.G DX7 has 12 bit DAC's, Mono output, different Op Amps, what you have there is just software in a really basic computer, it aint no DX7

[@ranzee]

Hi Donal. You might want to read the comments below, this has already been discussed.

[@stefpir]

even fm8 is not perfect... try dexeed. 99% match!

[@josi.ambient]

Korg Volca FM its 3 voices polyfonic synth.. Yamaha DX7 its 32 voices polyfonic synt.. Must be diferent sound :) Look on size both synths..

[@ranzee]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LFOVCF]

I normally say....near as makes no difference, but the Korg just does quite cut it. It's more D-esque 7.

[@specialsnowfake6744]

dx7 easily better

[@ranzee]

hey Special Snowfake - sure is :)

[@Josh_GS__]

dx7 is a monster and volca is an ant

[@ranzee]

Hi @Joselchino - indeed :) Thanks for watching!

[@adamantiuscloudcat1799]

David won over Goliath

[@GullySyde28]

Phil Collins =)