Given the number of times the subject has come up in the comments, it might be a good idea to add this info to your pinned comment. To use the Korg FM2 with the Arturia Keystep 37 you are going to need a type A (and be sure you are buying a type A and not a B) 3.5mm TRS jack to 5 pin MIDI female adapter cable. The wiring has to be as follows: MIDI pin 5 to TRS tip MIDI pin 4 to TRS ring MIDI pin 2 to TRS sleeve MIDI pins 1 & 3 unconnected. If pins 4 & 5 are reversed you then have a type B which will not work with Korg!
Thank you for this detailed video! I love the keystep as well. Its such a good keyboard when you make music with Eurorack Modulars Synths. btw I totally LOVE your video editing, lighting and graphics as well. They are inspirational, so gorgeous! I hope to create video's that have such a high quality as yours.
I think it is fair to say the sound of the Volca FM can be better than the Electron. the Volca has two more carriers, and I think 6 sounds better than 4 when it comes to FM synths.
One thing that I forgot to mention is that the Volca FM 2 is velocity sensitive through a midi controller (like the Keystep 37). My Music ►hyperfollow.com/lkmusic
The volca FM is more raw than the Digitone: Closer to an old Yamaha soundcard (loosely sounding like old DOS adventure games). Obviously it's apples and oranges, depends what you're after. Both are great machines.
How to stop the play button on the Keystep from simultaneously triggering the sequence on the FM2? Basically 2 sequences will start at the same time and it becomes really difficult to use them both together. My guess is you figured out a work around or you never had this issue?
Hi liam! Thank you for amazing video about key step 37 , recently I buy volcano sample 2 and buy a arterial key step 37, but seems like my volca didn't have a global function to control it from key step 37, can you help me? About an week I'm searching about it and I can't fix it
You need a Type "A" midi to TRS Adapter for midi in/out of volca fm2. There is a type "B" as used by other manufacturers, but they won't work. Basically the 2 wires are swapped over, I made my own, or can buy off fleabay, korg don't include one in the box... Bit tight.
@@muzikman2008 Yes. The adapters I got with my Arturia Microfreak are type "B". Most annoying as I've been thinking about getting the Korg FM2. I cannot understand why Korg didn't just either keep the 5 pin standard connector or, at least, provide the adapters.
I just got a Keylab 49 and have the original Volca FM….do you just have the FM synced to your Keystep by a MIDI cable and then audio out from the FM into your interface?? And then obviously USB from your Keystep into your computer I’m assuming. I’m currently doing that to control the FM with my Keylab but it seems like you have more control over your FM with the Keystep than I do with my Keylab.. Are you just controlling the FM with your Keystep and recording into a DAW to record and play back sequences? Or is this completely DAWless and you’re just using a combination of the sequencer on the FM and the Keystep sequencer without any DAW in the combination? I’m so fascinated by hardware synths lately and am gonna be picking up either a Volca Drum Beats or Keys soon but can’t decide but for now I’m just interested in seeing if I can do what you’re doing on your Keystep with Keylab, FM and DAW. After watching your video I’m seriously considering either returning my Keylab and getting a Keystep or at least saving up for a Keystep as well in the near future lol. Also that’s a dope reverb effect box you have added in there, what is it? Sorry for the novel of a comment.
I won't be able to get to everything in this comment but if you're interested you can book an online lesson with me just because thee's a lot of information here: www.liamkillen.com/book-a-lesson Cheers ! :-)
Could you show how to connected your Arturia keyboard to the FM 2? I have the MIDI Out (DIN) on my Arturia Keystep connected to the MIDI In (1/8" stereo phono) of the FM 2 and I'm not getting any sounds from the FM 2. There's nothing indicating that it's receiving MIDI data from the Keystep.
There's a really good chance that you're not using the correct 5 pin midi to 8th inch midi adaptor - there's more than one kind and it's the most annoying fkn problem in the synth world.
What's up with the arpeggiator? I read somewhere that it doesn't work through MIDI...if that's the case, could you still play arps with a MIDI keyboard connected to it as long as that keyboard has an arp function??
I'm actually considering getting rid of the polyend play because I have the Oxi One - and i'm def going to include reasons why in a video - but it doesn't look like it'll be a dedicated comparison.
Hey @liamkillen great video! Could you share the cable you used to connect to the volca fm2? I have keystep 37 and just bought the volca fm2 and plugged a midi 5 pin > 3.5 mm into the volca and it doesnt register midi :(
Some cool ideas here. I have several Volcas (but not the FM) so this could be an interesting addition to my setup. I currently use an Arturia KSP and a Conductive Labs NDLR as my MIDI sequencers. I think this would work particularly well with the NDLR's Pad part (it supports polyphony).
Great demo! I'm assuming you can run from the headphone out, into other effects. I'm using more modular stuff, but this looks like a good standalone synth for a relative newbie. Thanks!
Hey, guys. I'm wondering if anyone else has had trouble getting their Keystep 37 to control their FM2. Been trying all weekend, and cant seem to figure out what ive been doing wrong.
@@LiamKillenI'm about to get a keystep 37 for my volca fm2, could you tell me if there is one particular midi cable I can buy to make it work? I'm brand new to this stuff and can't find an answer online on what exact cable I need. Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi friend, I'm using a type A midi 5din to TRS to connect my arturia and my Volca FM2, but if I play on the Arturia it doesn't work, if i use another keyboard as a controller to control the FM, it works with the same cable, Im uaing MIDI CH1 on both, so any ideas?
@@LiamKillen super excited about the mixer however worried that noise may be an issue. My experience with TE instruments is that they are endearing and noisy
Wow, that program / patch randomizer is a dope feature! Owning the 1st gen Volca FM, I found it super frustrating to really do sound design with it since it involves a heck lot of menu diving. Which in my eyes is only reasonable if you're already a more or less experienced FM synthesist, knowing which of the multitude of parameters you have to tweak to achieve what you're imagining. Tweaking the parameters on a computer and transferring the DX7 patches to the Volca is a more practical approach, but at the end, it's a hardware synth, so I don't see the point of being reliant on a computer. Then I can just use a DAW and VSTs... Having said that, currently I'm quite hooked by the idea of instead going for a Liven XFM somewhen in the future. Although that device also has quite a complex interface, I suppose it might be a bit more intuitive in the long run due to the edit mode overlay they provide for a synthesis deep dive. + the morphing functionality and the ability of parameters being modulators and carriers at the same time is kind of intriguing. We'll see...
Hey this is random, but apparently you shouldn't link videos near the beginning of your video, because it makes people click off your video early, and then the UA-cam algorhythym thinks that people aren't finishing your video, so they don't recommend it. Maybe just link vids at the end? Good luck!
Given the number of times the subject has come up in the comments, it might be a good idea to add this info to your pinned comment.
To use the Korg FM2 with the Arturia Keystep 37 you are going to need a type A (and be sure you are buying a type A and not a B) 3.5mm TRS jack to 5 pin MIDI female adapter cable. The wiring has to be as follows:
MIDI pin 5 to TRS tip
MIDI pin 4 to TRS ring
MIDI pin 2 to TRS sleeve
MIDI pins 1 & 3 unconnected.
If pins 4 & 5 are reversed you then have a type B which will not work with Korg!
it's been pinned.
Thank you for this detailed video! I love the keystep as well. Its such a good keyboard when you make music with Eurorack Modulars Synths. btw I totally LOVE your video editing, lighting and graphics as well. They are inspirational, so gorgeous! I hope to create video's that have such a high quality as yours.
I appreciate you watching! Thank you ! :-)
Just received mine today! I ordered it last Nov.!
finally! lol
@@LiamKillen yes! You know, if you had another e in your last name we’d have the same last name. Couple of leprechauns!
It took almost 10 months to get my pre-order in but it's finally coming and I'm so excited
Oh wow- sucks hat you had to go through that and also excited that you're finally getting it! :-)
I'm sold! This thing is awesome!
Love the video! Sent it to friends!
Thanks for sharing! 😊
I think it is fair to say the sound of the Volca FM can be better than the Electron. the Volca has two more carriers, and I think 6 sounds better than 4 when it comes to FM synths.
Truuuuutthhhhh!!!!
Fantastic .. just love your creative spirit .. cheers !
Forever and always!
One thing that I forgot to mention is that the Volca FM 2 is velocity sensitive through a midi controller (like the Keystep 37).
My Music ►hyperfollow.com/lkmusic
But still no mod whell and no Sustain 😔
@@aounms You can put a sustain pedal into the Keystep m8
@@t55a2 😉
@@aounms Sorted sir
Nice Sounds Inspiring Jam!!!! Thanks For The Video 👍🔊
🍻
The volca FM is more raw than the Digitone: Closer to an old Yamaha soundcard (loosely sounding like old DOS adventure games). Obviously it's apples and oranges, depends what you're after. Both are great machines.
Oh yeah, they're both great- there's a but of cross over there.
Very informative and appealing. Thanks.
Glad to help!
Hey! You can send MIDI clock from keystep to volca to be in sync 😊
I can’t remember if I did that lol
How to stop the play button on the Keystep from simultaneously triggering the sequence on the FM2?
Basically 2 sequences will start at the same time and it becomes really difficult to use them both together. My guess is you figured out a work around or you never had this issue?
From my understanding it would be a matter of switching up which unit is the brain.
Top Video, like usally.😊
Is the Keystep the first choice for a Midi Keyboard for a synthesizer or what could be an alternative?
Yeah the KeyStep is pretty standard because it's great!
Notation Launchkey mk3 is also a decent controller for hardware synths
Thanks for the great video! I just ordered a Keystep 37. Who makes the desk stand holding your Volca FM2?
Mirai Berlin! (On insta)
Amazing, i may need to get an FM 2 now 👏 when you record in the melodies, does it quantize the notes?
It does! Yeah it’s pretty awesome
@@LiamKillen that's a game-changer 💪
Ahh, nice! Instant @KateNV style vibes.
My guy
Hi liam! Thank you for amazing video about key step 37 , recently I buy volcano sample 2 and buy a arterial key step 37, but seems like my volca didn't have a global function to control it from key step 37, can you help me? About an week I'm searching about it and I can't fix it
Hit shift and try choosing different channels on the KeyStep 37- if i'm understanding correctly, this might help you out.
I have a basic Arturia Keystep and I want to use it to play my Volca FM2. I connected them by MIDI and no dice. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure that you're using the right 5 pin to 8th inch adaptor- and also make sure that your keystep is set to the right midi channel.
Hi how do you connect midikeyboard to volca fm ? Does it need something else apart of these 2. Or directly connect if directly which cable do you use?
5 pin midi with the adaptor is all ya need
You need a Type "A" midi to TRS Adapter for midi in/out of volca fm2. There is a type "B" as used by other manufacturers, but they won't work. Basically the 2 wires are swapped over, I made my own, or can buy off fleabay, korg don't include one in the box... Bit tight.
@@muzikman2008 Yes. The adapters I got with my Arturia Microfreak are type "B". Most annoying as I've been thinking about getting the Korg FM2. I cannot understand why Korg didn't just either keep the 5 pin standard connector or, at least, provide the adapters.
Can i use Arturia whitout computer ?
Thanks
It’s a controller so it controls your synths or software
Of course you can. I use it to play my IK Multimedia UNO, my Behringer K-2 and my Behringer Neutron.
Does the Program Random create random presets?
I believe that yes it does.
Like how you build the pattern up 🐥 nice work dude
🍻
I just got a Keylab 49 and have the original Volca FM….do you just have the FM synced to your Keystep by a MIDI cable and then audio out from the FM into your interface?? And then obviously USB from your Keystep into your computer I’m assuming.
I’m currently doing that to control the FM with my Keylab but it seems like you have more control over your FM with the Keystep than I do with my Keylab..
Are you just controlling the FM with your Keystep and recording into a DAW to record and play back sequences? Or is this completely DAWless and you’re just using a combination of the sequencer on the FM and the Keystep sequencer without any DAW in the combination?
I’m so fascinated by hardware synths lately and am gonna be picking up either a Volca Drum Beats or Keys soon but can’t decide but for now I’m just interested in seeing if I can do what you’re doing on your Keystep with Keylab, FM and DAW.
After watching your video I’m seriously considering either returning my Keylab and getting a Keystep or at least saving up for a Keystep as well in the near future lol.
Also that’s a dope reverb effect box you have added in there, what is it?
Sorry for the novel of a comment.
I won't be able to get to everything in this comment but if you're interested you can book an online lesson with me just because thee's a lot of information here: www.liamkillen.com/book-a-lesson
Cheers ! :-)
Could you show how to connected your Arturia keyboard to the FM 2? I have the MIDI Out (DIN) on my Arturia Keystep connected to the MIDI In (1/8" stereo phono) of the FM 2 and I'm not getting any sounds from the FM 2. There's nothing indicating that it's receiving MIDI data from the Keystep.
There's a really good chance that you're not using the correct 5 pin midi to 8th inch midi adaptor - there's more than one kind and it's the most annoying fkn problem in the synth world.
You need the type A TRS to 5 pin midi adapter.
Where do i find the jack to midi cable?
I’m assuming you mean with the fm2? You need a 5 pin -> 8th inch adaptor.
What is that volca stand you're using?
Got it from mirai Berlin (on insta)
Love this bro
Thank you!
What's up with the arpeggiator? I read somewhere that it doesn't work through MIDI...if that's the case, could you still play arps with a MIDI keyboard connected to it as long as that keyboard has an arp function??
Hmm I actually haven’t tried that yet so I’m not sure- but yeah if your midi keyboard has an arpeggiator that’ll translate into the volca
Compare the Oxi One and Polyend Play (+) 🙏🏼
I'm actually considering getting rid of the polyend play because I have the Oxi One - and i'm def going to include reasons why in a video - but it doesn't look like it'll be a dedicated comparison.
@@LiamKillen Cool. Seems to be a common theme.
Cool man !
🍻
Hey @liamkillen great video! Could you share the cable you used to connect to the volca fm2? I have keystep 37 and just bought the volca fm2 and plugged a midi 5 pin > 3.5 mm into the volca and it doesnt register midi :(
It was probably a Candy Cord from MyVolts - they're the best.
You need a type A (TRS to 5 pin midi) connector.
"3 days later" love it!
😏
Some cool ideas here. I have several Volcas (but not the FM) so this could be an interesting addition to my setup. I currently use an Arturia KSP and a Conductive Labs NDLR as my MIDI sequencers. I think this would work particularly well with the NDLR's Pad part (it supports polyphony).
You’re onto something, the highlight for me is how awesome these presets are
Great demo! I'm assuming you can run from the headphone out, into other effects. I'm using more modular stuff, but this looks like a good standalone synth for a relative newbie. Thanks!
Of course you can! Have fun 😊
Hey, guys. I'm wondering if anyone else has had trouble getting their Keystep 37 to control their FM2. Been trying all weekend, and cant seem to figure out what ive been doing wrong.
Make sure that your 5 pin midi adapter is the correct one- there's two different types and only ones works (super annoying i know).
@@LiamKillenI'm about to get a keystep 37 for my volca fm2, could you tell me if there is one particular midi cable I can buy to make it work? I'm brand new to this stuff and can't find an answer online on what exact cable I need. Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi friend, I'm using a type A midi 5din to TRS to connect my arturia and my Volca FM2, but if I play on the Arturia it doesn't work, if i use another keyboard as a controller to control the FM, it works with the same cable, Im uaing MIDI CH1 on both, so any ideas?
Make sure you got the right trs adaptor- there are different kinds. It’s fkn annoying
Does the original FM chain patterns?
I'm not sure - i've never tried it. I'd imagine that it does though.
I added a post about KQdixie, did you take it down or did youTube? Can't offer or talk about competing products to your sponsors?
Def not me who took it down- are you sure you hit "send" ? Also i'm not sponsored by any specific gear companies. I do comparison videos all the time.
Did you see what TE just dropped today???? Are you getting one?
I’m losing my mind over it. Working on it!!
@@LiamKillen super excited about the mixer however worried that noise may be an issue. My experience with TE instruments is that they are endearing and noisy
Very nice
Thank you! :-)
Wow, that program / patch randomizer is a dope feature! Owning the 1st gen Volca FM, I found it super frustrating to really do sound design with it since it involves a heck lot of menu diving. Which in my eyes is only reasonable if you're already a more or less experienced FM synthesist, knowing which of the multitude of parameters you have to tweak to achieve what you're imagining.
Tweaking the parameters on a computer and transferring the DX7 patches to the Volca is a more practical approach, but at the end, it's a hardware synth, so I don't see the point of being reliant on a computer. Then I can just use a DAW and VSTs...
Having said that, currently I'm quite hooked by the idea of instead going for a Liven XFM somewhen in the future. Although that device also has quite a complex interface, I suppose it might be a bit more intuitive in the long run due to the edit mode overlay they provide for a synthesis deep dive. + the morphing functionality and the ability of parameters being modulators and carriers at the same time is kind of intriguing. We'll see...
I find it to be so necessary- I will never sound design with this thing lol
Where's portemento? Where's the swing setting? Why can't arpeggios be sent via MIDI out? Why can't patch files be sent via MIDI-out?
I suggest checking out the manual 😉
This Volca FM 2 has me thinking of selling my reface DX
😏
8:56 anybody else hear Dry Bones
haha love it.
Hey this is random, but apparently you shouldn't link videos near the beginning of your video, because it makes people click off your video early, and then the UA-cam algorhythym thinks that people aren't finishing your video, so they don't recommend it. Maybe just link vids at the end? Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestion! In General people who are interested will watch the video anyway.