Korg — Volca FM2

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Korg volca fm2 Manual PDF

Using Korg volca fm2 for Dense, Hyper-Complex Percussion & Polyrhythms in Eurorack Context

While the Korg volca fm2 is not a native Eurorack module, its compact design, sync capabilities, and extensive MIDI support make it very compatible as a polyrhythmic AI-driven percussion voice/controller in a modular setup. Here’s how you can get the most rhythmically intricate sequences and percussive textures with it:

1. Create Percussive FM Drum Voices

FM Synthesis is Ideal for Drums: FM excels at producing metallic, clicky, bell-like, and punchy percussive tones.
- Edit mode: Dive into the envelopes (EG ATTACK and DECAY) for each operator: - Use short attack and very fast decay for sharp transients (think: kick, snare, rimshot, claves). - Experiment with feedback in an algorithm for more aggressive, noisy snares and hats. - Assign operators as modulators for unusual overtones—great for clangorous or zappy percussion.

Velocity Slider & Motion Sequence: - Use motion sequencing to automate envelope, pitch, or algorithm changes step-by-step, resulting in evolving percussion hits.

2. Dense, Polyrhythmic Sequencing Techniques

Step Sequencer and Polyrhythm: - The volca fm2’s 16-step sequencer can run polyrhythms by chaining uneven-length patterns (e.g., sequence lengths of 5 and 7 steps for hemiola/complex cycles). - Use the CHAIN function: Hold MEMORY and select non-consecutive sequences for odd metrical groupings. - Active Step mode: Disable (skip) steps at strategic points to create polymetric loops (e.g., making a 12-step loop against a 16-step master clock).

Time Signature Manipulation: - FUNC + WARP ACT.STEP: Even if you have fewer than 16 steps, the sequencer will "stretch" the pattern across 16-step time, which can yield cross-rhythms. - Chain different length patterns for Euclidean/polyrhythmic cycles.

3. Complex Modulation & Parameter Locking (Motion Sequencing)

• Motion Sequence ON/OFF/SMOOTH:
• Use motion sequencing for rapid parameter jumps or gradual morphs (SMOOTH).
• Record LFO, Algorithm, Envelope, Velocity, and TRANSPOSE changes per step to sharply differentiate each hit.
• “Parameter lock” type behavior: use it for evolving timbres within a rhythm for rich, IDM-like or experimental textures.

4. Sync & Modular Integration

• SYNC OUT/IN: Clock Eurorack sequencers or drum modules from volca fm2 for tight integration.
• Use multi-channel triggers/gates in your modular to fire off the volca at unusual points.
• MIDI IN/OUT: Utilize an external sequencer (like Hermod, Torso, etc.) to send polyrhythmic sequences or clock-synced LFOs for deeper pattern complexity.

5. Live Unpredictability: Program Random, Chaining, and Effects

• FUNC + PROGRAM RANDOM: Randomizes the loaded program—use this for unpredictable per-step drum violence; lock to a pattern for semi-chaotic structures.
• Effect Section:
• Chorus: Smeared metallic hats/claps or blurring kick attacks—automate chorus level or combine with motion sequence for ghost notes or varied hit widths.
• Reverb: Smear snares, toms, or hats for big room percussion; automate reverb amount/freeze for dubby breaks.
• Algorithm Morphing: Switch algorithms per-step for wildly different attack tones and body.

6. Advanced Patterns: MIDI, Modular, and External Sync

• Use odd step patterns (lengths like 11, 13, 17, chained to 16 or 8) for tuplet-based polyrhythms.
• Active Step plus muting/unmuting steps on the fly = “live fills,” evolving glitch, or burst rhythms.
• Sending MIDI CC from Eurorack/CV-to-MIDI module: Modulate volca parameters with envelope followers, random generators, or LFOs from your rack.

Example: Building a Hyper-Rhythmic Drum Pattern

1. Program a snare ‘drum’ on Operator 2, tight attack/decay, algorithm favoring feedback/modulation.
2. Set step length to 7 steps, chain it with a 5-step “kick” pattern.
3. Active Step mode: Drop every 4th snare for odd syncopation.
4. Motion Sequence: Randomize velocity and reverb.
5. Sync OUT to modular, clocking a 5-step burst sequencer driving a hats module.
6. Chain a 13-step pattern for metallic FM blips, syncopated against the snare.

Repeat, combine, and mutate for ongoing generative, dense percussion storms.

For Further Exploration

• Korg volca fm2 Manual PDF

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