#41

Nice @andrewhuang demo here. Sounds good.

In another video, he talks about only having one attenuator as being limiting. I hadn’t thought of that but I can imagine that would be true.

6 Likes
#42

Another option for quasi-midi sync is the Korg SyncKontrol app via Ableton Link. I spent about an hour trying to sync my OP-Z to the Roland TR-8s so I could use the trigger out to sync the V.Modular. Unfortunately, the Korg sync would not work with the TR-8s for some unknown reason. I’m currently working on using the OP-Z app to send midi to an iOS app with with Ableton Link. I think this will allow my to get them all synced up.

One cool thing about using SyncKontrol is that you can lower the tempo all the way to 20 bpm vs the default of 56 bpm on the V.Modular.

1 Like
#43

You could very easily just connect a pot with test leads tho to add as many attenuators as you like :slight_smile:

3 Likes
#44

I got one, it’s nice and I really like it. I got it as a portable toy but ended performing live with it, norns, stereo field and effects last saturday.

9 Likes
#45

True! I suppose you could even use a breadboard as a sort of breakout box.

4 Likes
#46

seems like the thing HAS midi, just not exposed…
(via mw on fb)

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#47

Might be like other volcas then, where people can make mods for midi

2 Likes
#48

From the symbols there:
MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, +3,3V, GRND

#49

hmm… is “+3.3V” a CV out?

#50

No, 3.3V is in the midi spec since 2014.

#51

I can’t ‘read’ the circuit board but is this currently connected to anything? Maybe the CV jack can take a Midi signal via 1/8” mini? If so I wonder why they wouldn’t advertise it.

#52

you should be able to directly connect minijack or midi socket and have midi in/out, at least that’s what I believe from my quick google search. edit: only true for midi out

the user interface of the volca modular seems already quite cramped. they probably wanted to emphasise the analog control aspect of it, while leaving this option for mods.

#53

Where did you gather that info? My uninformed guess says exactly the opposite!

#54

All the other Volcas have a MIDI input in the factory version, so the other mods are only for MIDI out. For a MIDI input you want an optocoupler between MIDI input and the rest of the device, to prevent ground loops (I’m not sure if this is already on the PCB, or not).

1 Like
#55

for example here: (but many search results, also on the korg forum)
http://www.marcushamblett.co.uk/volca-keys-midi-out-mod-step-by-step/2015/04/04/

and I just realise my comment was not precise enough, this is for midi out. midi in might need more work. I stand corrected, thanks!

#56

I think you’re not off the mark actually. But I’d like someone else to try this mod before making it myself :smiley:

#57

that’s the big question
would they really expose that danger?
maybe. maybe not. we will know better some day :slight_smile:

1 Like
#58

They’ve gone to the trouble of including MIDI input and output in the firmware, which is great. I just doubt whether they would have spent the money to include the optocoupler on every board for the 1% of people who want to mod their device. Even if missing, it wouldn’t be difficult or expensive for a DIY’er to add, though.

2 Likes
#59

I just got mine today, and it’s a fun, cool little synth.

But does anyone else have trouble with pitch tracking using external CV? As in, it’s (A) pretty bad, (B) unstable (admittedly in a cool-sounding way) at about 2 octaves above the root, and © the primary and modulator VCOs track differently from CV even though they’re nearly perfect with internal pitch control.

Since you can’t transpose the CV internally (0V is always the same frequency) that increases the demand for good tracking…

1 Like
#60

All of the above. So far I’ve sent it CV from about 5 different things. There’s also heavy slewing between notes.

1 Like