Korg Volca Modular (2019–)
A monophonic semi-modular analog synthesizer using West Coast-style synthesis, released in 2019 and still in production.
Overview
The Korg Volca Modular is a micro modular synthesizer made by Korg. It came out in 2019 and is still in production. It's a semi-modular analog synth built from eight integrated modules, aimed at hands-on West Coast-style additive synthesis. Unlike the other Volca models, it has no MIDI input. Sound design happens through its 50 patch points instead. Korg marketed it as an accessible way into modular synthesis, and it ships with a suite of music software from iZotope, including Ozone Elements. One description called it "the strangest Volca to date," for its esoteric approach and compact body.
Specifications
| Production years | 2019–present |
| Manufacturer | Korg |
| Product type | Micro modular synthesizer |
| Synthesis type | West-coast style additive |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Oscillator | Complex oscillator |
| Modules | Eight modules |
| Patch points | 50 patch points |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 193 × 115 × 39 mm / 7.61 × 4.54 × 1.54 in (Korg.co.uk); 17.78 × 10.16 × 2.54 cm / 7.61 × 4.54 × 1.54 in (DJ TechTools) |
| Weight | 360 g / 12.70 oz (excluding batteries) (Owner’s Manual); 2.2 lb / 0.998 kg (DJ TechTools) |
| Included items | Six AA batteries |
| Included software | iZotope Ozone Elements and other music software |
| MIDI | No MIDI input |
| Original price | £140 (approx.) |
Design
The Volca Modular is a semi-modular analog synthesizer in a compact body. It needs no external case or power supply. It has eight modules with patch points, so you can rewire the signal flow. It's built for West Coast modular synthesis, which means complex oscillator behavior and mathematical sound generation rather than traditional subtractive synthesis.
Context
Released in 2019, the Volca Modular brought West Coast-style modular synthesis to Korg’s affordable Volca line. Its synthesis method and its lack of MIDI input set it apart from the other models. Korg positioned it as an experimental instrument, one that makes modular concepts accessible to beginners and appeals to sound designers interested in unconventional textures.
Market
The Volca Modular has been listed at prices from $139.00 to $169.99. No common issues or failure patterns have been documented in available sources.
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