Maybe I’m thinking too traditionally, but I felt like I was cheating by just changing the algorithm. I was attempting to dig deeper into Edit mode. As I said maybe I need to think differently to subtractive synthesis, trying to sculpt a sound.
Hi!
Maybe someone here could help? Does the Volca FM respond to program change messages? Read somewhere that it didn’t at some stage, now I’m wondering if this is still true… Would very much like to be able to change patches remotely, if I were to get me one of these.
Not that I know of.
But you can at least change the algorithm.
Other CCs control
- decay for modulators
- decay for carriers
- release for modulators
- release for carriers
- LFO speed and depth
- arp style and division
This with velocity and octave gives already quite some control from e.g. an OT
Maybe @cuckoo could say more ?
Hi!doesn't look like it. then again, it won't listen to note velocity either. however, the memory slots (patterns) store reference to program number, and you can sysex a whole patch in anyway. really depends on your workflow. it's a fantastic box.
Maybe someone here could help? Does the Volca FM respond to program change messages? Read somewhere that it didn't at some stage, now I'm wondering if this is still true.. Would very much like to be able to change patches remotely, if I were to get me one of these.
@eesn the thing is you can’t sysex a patch while playing, on the fly.
But as you can CC the velocity and the algorithm, you can get some drastic changes in the sound with this alone.
Yeah… Apart from the modular, I feel like patch memory is pretty important for what I do, otherwise playing stuff live becomes less about playing, more about admin 
Will have to mull it over, but yeah, seems like a shame – wonderful box in every other way.
@eesn the thing is you can't sysex a patch while playing, on the fly.But as you can CC the velocity and the algorithm, you can get some drastic changes in the sound with this alone.
it makes a pause between the changes, right? or do you mean it won’t deal with sysex and clock at the same time?
the internal memory bank + patterns kind of bridge that program-change gap though? and for in between the notes the algorithm and step parameters radically alter the timbre
Volcas are all about playing, trust me ^^
There are not that many parameters to deal with on the front panel.
@cuckoo advises to use the iPad app to control patch editing, I think he’s right.
Should get myself such app.
But the idea is to store one patch per memory.
Then you can choose a patch for a song, and still have a broad palette of sounds by changing all the parameters available by CC (those are the ones accessible from the front panel btw).
[I love the following video, let me drop it again]
What I like is using OT to control the Volca FM, so that I can reproduce happy accident and edit what’s happening on the Volca.
But most of the time I end sampling the phrase for further use.
I’m probably going to get one… as a birthday present for a friend.