Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular Synthesizer is what is also known as an East Coast style Synthesizer.

Analog synthesizers in which a simple oscillator such as a saw wave or square wave is modified by a filter are referred to as "East Coast style" because of their origin from well-known American manufacturers. 

Synths of this style, as exemplified by theMS-20, have continued to evolve toward a goal of being used in many mainstream musical genres, thus being equipped with a keyboard for performance. 

Their sounds are notable for sharp filters and rich presence and can be heard in many well-known songs. 

Synthesizers of the "West Coast style" evolved in a uniquely different direction from such musical developments. 

Pursuing the freedom that is inherent to electronic musical instruments, these were based on oscillators such as FM modulation which generated numerous overtones and used random and complex control signals and low-pass gate circuits to vary tonal character and volume, so that slight movement of a knob might dramatically transform the sound. 

While their potential was acknowledged, the resulting sound and its changes were difficult to predict, causing these synths to be used in a more experimental capacity. 

For these reasons, hardware products of this style have been few in number. 

However, recent years have seen the popularity of modular synths such as Eurorack, as well as DAW plugin instruments that resurrect classic bygone synths of the past. This world-wide movement toward embracing interesting sounds has received renewed attention, spurring a new look at the sounds of this style. 

Starting from analog, and freely taking in all elements including FM and PCM, the volca series has also focused on this trend. And now, this distinctive "West Coast style" sound has been added to the KORG volca series. 

Sixteen-step sequencer that can automate parameters. While the volca modular is a semi-modular synth, it is equipped with a full-fledged 16-step sequencer providing a wide range of functions, letting you enjoy automatic performance even when used stand-alone. Using the 16 buttons familiar from the volca series, you can perform step input or use the buttons as a keyboard for real-time recording. The pattern chaining function plays back multiple sequence patterns in succession, allowing you to connect up to 16 sequences with up to 32, 64, or even 256 steps to create large-scale development. The motion sequence function records knob movements, letting you add time-varying change to the sound. You can create loops, or use this function live for strikingly original performances. Up to 16 sequence patterns and sounds can be saved in the unit. Also provided is an active step function which lets you play back while skipping the steps you specify. 

Randomize function that can generate accidental ideas The sequencer of the volca modular lets you specify randomization for notes, active steps, and micro tuning. Irregular phrases, rhythms, and scaling that would be unlikely to come to mind can be generated by applying randomness, letting the volca be a source of unknown ideas. Two new modes added for sequence playback Two new sequence modes have been added: bounce sequence mode which makes a round trip through the steps, and stochastic sequence mode which gradually proceeds while randomly moving forward and backward. Playing back a recorded sequence in a different form can add dramatic changes to your song or performance. 

Musically advanced scales, keys, and microtuning Although the volca modular is a West Coast style synthesizer, it also provides flexible support for music as a contemporary instrument. You can choose from 14 types of scale including equal temperament. Since you can also specify the tonic key from which these scales start, you can play these scales in any key. There's also a micro tuning function that lets you individually specify the pitch of each note.

You can pursue your own unique music by performing in an original tuning with the pitch of individual notes raised or lowered. Connectors that allow synchronized performance and external control With a sync jack that allows easy connection to a Korg groove machine, you can connect the volca modular to another volca series unit, a minilogue, monologue, or prologue, an electribe, or the SQ-1, and enjoy sessions with the sequencer synchronized to the playback. 

The CV IN jack for external control is a TRS mini stereo jack that lets youinput two signals. The left channel can input a ±5V signal and the right channel can input a signal of 1V/oct (0-+6V) signal which is internally converted to pitch CV within the volca modular. Of course, each of these two signals can also be patched to control a module. 

Features: 

keyboard: Multitouch Keyboard / Step key 

Synthesizer Type: Analog synthesis 

Maximum Polyphony: 1 

Structure: 2VCO (Triangle), 2 EG, 2 LPG, digital effect 

Sequencer: Number of parts: 1 Number of 

Steps: 16 (pattern chain is available) 

Number of Recording Patterns: 16 

Connectors: Audio Output Headphones (3.5mm stereo mini jack) Sync Sync In (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum input level: 20V Sync Out (3.5mm monaural mini jack, Maximum Output level: 5V) Control In CV-IN jack (TRS mini phone jack) 

Power Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours (using alkaline batteries) Power supply: AA alkaline battery ×6, AA nickel-metal hydride battery ×6 or AC adapter "KA-350"(optional) 

Others Included Items: AA alkaline battery ×6 (for verifying operation), Sync cable, Pin cable for patching 1 set, Module reference sheet

Dimensions: (W x D x H) /7.61 x 4.54 x 1.54 inches/ 193× 115 × 39 mm 

Weight: 377 g /0.83 lbs (Excluding batteries)