OPZ <-> Korg Volca Modular : creating new sounds for opz

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#1

Hi all, let give me your welcome here with my new OPZ , I’ll appreciate.
My question: I’d like to create new sounds (samples) to upload to my OPZ using the West Coast Style Semi-Modular Synth by Korg, named Volca Modular.
I’ve hacked the Korg Modular exctracting MIDI RX / TX / 3.3V / GND from the main board in order to send/receive MIDI with my OPZ.
I’ve not the OPLAB (not yet).
Have you any idea about how to connect OPZ and MIDI interface 3.3V of Korg Volca Modular ?
May be using the USB/MIDI IN or USB/MIDI OUT cable ?
Or is it mandatory using CV / SYNCH / GATE signals through the OPLab ?
Is the OPLab only 5Volts ? Korg is 3.3V only.
Thanks a lot for helping me understanding…
C

#2

if u have a class compliant usb to midi din interface
u can just plug that into the usb port and it transmits/receives midi that way also
(with a USB-C to USB-A adapter)

i had success w/ the iconnect mio but there are plenty of class compliant interfaces out there

#3

Thank you <> for your reply.
Let me ask a further question:
Volca Modular do not have a MIDI connector on the front panel, the 4 pins “MIDI RX, TX, 3.3V, GND” are shown on the main board and I’ve them available now externally.
I’ve the MIDI IN / OUT <-> USB cable, as you suggested.
But do you you think I need to connect directly my cables from the Volca Modular or do I need some components in between?
On the web it’s not so clear this sort of customization.
Can you help me?
Thanks a lot

#4

u could directly connect them
or u could get a MIDI DIN port and solder the wires to the port in the correct fashion

then u could hook it up with a midi cable

u could also hook up a TRS jack instead of a MIDI DIN port

theres tons of tutorials out there showing the MIDI OUTPUT mod
that should help u get an idea

1 Like
#5

It works, thanks.
To step-up input to Volca Modular (only 3.3V) it’s required a little circuit with a 6n139 octocoupler IC.

#6

nice glad u got on! didn’t realize that the volca modular lacks the one midi port that all the other volcas have

#7

Yes! It’s working as expected as MIDI OUT, too (with the step up circuit):

  • I can run the opz sequencer using the tracks I need (Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead, Chord, Arp), using the Lead on Channel 1 to run the Volca whose 16 step further sequencer run sychronized using synthetized sounds, as a second Melodic Lead or as a Multi-Percussion.
  • I can generate sounds using Volca Modular Synth sampling them to OPZ …
    That’s was I wanted.
    Of course I can play OPZ using Volca Modular Sequencer or keyboard because 3.3V is detected by the OPZ as MIDI IN.
    Yes, Volca Modular has MIDI 4 pins hidden inside on the main board ready to connect outside, with voltage levels adjustments.