Here are timestamps for navigating the sections of the video, in case you are looking for specific information: 1:28 Hardware 2:15 Basic functionality 4:25 "Quick editing" a sound 6:22 Factory presets *discusses chorus effect and more* 14:00 Chorus effect. 16:29 Arpeggiator 19:52 Clear, and make a sequence 24:52 Motion sequence 26:59 Transpose note/ octave 27:40 Motion sequence (cont'd) 28:25 Saving a pattern 29:49 Building several patterns 32:27 Playing a range of patterns 35:28 Active step 38:01 External MIDI keyboard 43:39 Preparing to edit a sound 44:16 Editing a sound: Intro 46:51 Editing a sound 1:04:43 *personal note: really effing great sound design and complex use of FM synthesis here!* 1:06:15 Saving a patch *dangerous problem with program knob* 1:07:53 Exporting a patch 1:10:15 Using the Patch Base iPad app 1:22:33 Untitled *Summary and thoughts on the Volca FM* 1:23:40 Untitled *Patreon donation information* Please leave notes as replies if there are bits of info hidden in sections you wouldn't expect (like the chorus effect in section #4) or corrections if I got the time off by more than 1-2 seconds ;)

This man should be a teacher, he's very thorough and easy to understand. Great job dude!

Ladies and gentlemen, the Bob Ross of synths.

Just love that he mentioned Thunderforce and played Vampire Killer... I know this is like 4 years too late. Love your channel!

Not only do I love his accent and hair. I love his enthusiasm. He is just so devoted to doing these reviews. Thank you for the entertainment

Simple but original and genius way of using a little mirror haha! Cheers.

Your soul is too kind for this earth

Cuckoo is the Bob Ross of music gear tutorials. I could listen to his voice for hours. Great video!!

This bloke has an incredible teaching manner. What an amazing vid. Thank you.

Hey man am 19 and am soon gonna buy this Synth with my internship money that I saved up and let's just say this tutorial has made so fucking excited for this, thanks a lot

This video is 3 years old, but it still sells volca fm :) I got volca modular for birthday last Saturday, and now I want to expand my set. After re-watching this tutorial (I already saw it 3 years ago) I finally understood that my next volca should be fm :)

Thanks for making this and for not jumping around from topic to topic. I got lost in reddit forums trying to learn about the Volca FM and there was just so much negativity and hate that it made it impossible to navigate. I appreciate that you kept your creativity throughout the video. Cheers bud

It's 2023 and I just found this channel and immediately order my Volca FM after doubt being friendly use at first. Mr. Cuckoo Sir, you definitely have a new subscriber and fan. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent. Cheers!

I know you posted this all the way back in 2016, but I just wanted to thank you for making this video! I just got a FM and despite hours of learning about FM synthesis, was feeling a little lost and discouraged. Your video was so helpful and enjoyable to watch, thank you from your latest subscriber!

My Volca FM just arrived! now having a lovey relaxing morning with a coffee and watching this tutorial. You're a great teacher and I can see why you're also called the Bob Ross of synths

I know this vid is almost a year old, but I just bought a Volca FM as a fun addition to my setup and this tutorial helped me getting started in a good way! So thank you very much :D

I'm flabergasted at the depth inside this relatively inexpensive synth. Thanks for the exhaustive tutorial, it just made the buy list!

A small cheap DX-7 like synth, that appears to be more fun to program...with a sequencer with parameter locks. We've never had it better. Fantastic tutorial as well!

THX Cuckoo! Have buyed the Volca FM only because of this video! You are my favorite YTer in making and playing with electronical instruments

This is the definitive Volca FM Tutorial. Absolutely wonderful, thank you!

Did anyone else notice he showed both hands before whipping the volca out? Freaked me out. Magic.

Thanks, I was afraid of pressing that EDIT button on the Volca FM until you came around. Great explanation. Never thought it would be so simple. The trick is to have that card around.

I had to pause after 30 mins. Too much to take in. You are a genius and I bow to you, Cuckoo. I need a cuppa.

Amazing tutorial. My DX7 recently died. I was considering getting one of these and running it through my AN1x and your fantastic tutorial has shown me the value and power of the Volca FM. So I will get one for sure now.

This is a very in depth look at the FM. I learned a lot about the Volca FM from watching this. Thanks for making this.

Wonderful. I heard that Castlevania theme around the 11 minute mark while scrolling through presets. Keep 'em coming. Cheers.

you do excellent work with an authentic enthusiasm that is infectious....korg and elektron and the others ought to be giving you free gear because of the work you do! I have purchased an arturia keystep, volca fm and a pocket operator PO-12 based on various youtube videos but particularly your tutorials..these companies owe you...

Cuckoo man, love yo channel. I got my Volca FM2 yesterday. Still up playing with it after 24+ hours.. it sounds like 'Angels'.. ❤❤❤

You explain the Volca FM wayyy better then the manual!! Thx

Just watched the FM introduction, then this, and it’s the best damn learning experience I’ve got from KZfaq. This is coming from a teacher and daily tutorial-watcher.

9:55 this rhythm touched my heart

This is a great demo, but what i dig the most is the sound effect you make when presenting the volca fm

I agree with the last guy KORG ought to sponsor you or something. I also like the way you used the mirror very cool

It's 4 am and here i am watching videos about a synth im semi interested in eating breakfast tacos from whataburger. In another world on planet Texas. Cuckoo your vids give my life purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad I wasn't the only one getting a Genesis vibe from this

I wonder how many people order these because it’s small enough for the wife not to notice it. Well played korg. Well played. You understand.

Ha, loved you just sneaking some Castlevania melodies in there ;-) Great tutorial man, I'm also feeling the retro-game sentimentality in this, big time. Old Amiga games, Megadrive and even SNES stuff. And those glacial sounds......so much sentimental stuff in this unit, if you grew up in the 80s and 90s, and to able to use an Arpeggiator with it? Too good. Love it. Keep up the good work, Cuckoo, thanks mate.

watching this over my lunch breaks and taking notes. this is a fantastic walk through and much appreciated. i like how when you're going over the presets, you play melodies that very much suit the sound. some of those softer flows you had were beautiful. cheers.

Guy, when you get into ian hammer like simulated echo... Wow. It's a piece of cake! Best tutorial on volca fm ever.

I really responded to the glasspad, organ, and blowing patches. Very beautiful.

When you boot up your volka the lights will display your current battery life! Awesome tutorial!

Definitely the best Volca FM tutorial I've seen, I will most definitely be purchasing one of these soon. I get fed up with people complaining about how hard programming FM synthesis is, I had a DX100 for years and absolutely loved the work flow. The fact this is so much cheaper and so much more in depth than the reface DX is astounding to me, Yamaha really dropped the ball there!

Finally I'm understanding the basics of my VST synths too. Thanks so much.

This was one of the most entertaining vids I've seen in a long while! That's saying a lot considering it's a tutorial of an FM synth! Really enjoyed - thanks for taking time to sort things out for us so well in regards to the Volca FM!

The fact you mentioned Thunderforce made me subscribe!👍😂 And then you played Castlevania Theme! I love you!❤️

So I bought your MicroKorg patch download. Installed it on mine. Just a few weeks ago, I got one of these Korg FM synths, and now you’re adding incredible value to it. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s appreciated! 👍👍

I absolutely love it when you throw video game music (VGM) into your demos!

Just revisited this video because I couldn't figure out how to make a tremolo on the volca FM and remembered that you did kind of the same with your "pseudo echo". When I found the part I saw that you had the same problems figuring it out I had LOL. Anyway, without your videos I guess I wouldn't have understood how FM works at all. Meanwhile I have 3 old realtime editable Yamaha Portasound synths (PSS-380, PSS-680 and PSR-36) fool around with plus a TX7, which I don't even get connected to some editing software (guess I need to update the OS or so). What I want to say is: thank you for your great videos! You rule!

This is by far the most helpful video I've seen on this. Even without watching your FM synthesis video. I Have a better understanding of how to edit and create patches using this volca now. Thank you for making this video. It's really helpful.

i was searching volca keys tutorials and i just watched this by luck...nice video ..

This is the BEST explanation of the volca fm! Bar none.🙏

I thought this was the one volca I'd skip and save a little money as iv got extensive collection of synths in my daw.. but you sir lend credibility to every instrument you choose to show on your channel.. fm may be my next pc of hardware.

you are very calming and nice to listen to. and a lot more helpful than the owner's manual. thank you

You are Amazing. You can explain everything in a perfect way. And I 'm not english, so I have some language difficulties, but you can make all clear and interesting. Thank you very much

More than 1 hour about it !!? Yap ! I Want to see/hear about this, absolutly ! So ... Let's go guys !

Good video mate ! I appreciate that you are playing the volca FM because I am using this as a stand alone keyboard along with the Volca sample and the Tascam mini 8trk studio.

Look at you playing that funky bassline on that small instrument...impressive!! You have been one my most watched and inspirational teachers. You should change your name from True Cuckoo to True Genius. 😎👍

Thank you for teaching me my way around my first synth :D. I wanted a bit of a challenge but damn this has to be one of the most in depth and best tutorials

Can’t believe this was over 2 years already. Wow. Still a great video to learn along with.

“If I turn off that one, it’s all.. dead” said with such pragmatic melancholy 😂

I love the sound effects you maked when pulling out the volca 😂 You have an amazing energy about you

Thanks for the in-depth tutorial on the FM. It's brought me back to discovering the instrument with more detail and enjoyment.

i’m late as hell, but.. subbed. just got this lil bad boy as a birthday gift, your video cleared up the confusion i had. thank you! 5yrs later 😅 🔥

My first time getting the hang of FM synthesis and Cuckoo made me understand it, although I don't have a Volca FM, it is very informative to just go along and watch how you explain how this works.

Thank you for this. Just received my Volca FM, and Volca Drum is on its way.

Your voice is so relaxing. Felt like I was in a synth dream 😴

Those little key skills are remarkable 😎

You have made something hard to understand into something very easy and fun. Thank you! This tutorial saved me days of headaches.

dude you rule so match with a mirror instead of video editing and have a double camera! Like a GANGSTA lol YOU ARE AMAZING!

Great demo/tutorial. Learning a lot from this proper tutorial by the most engaging Mr. Cuckoo music. Thank you.

I'm late to the party, but both this video and your one on FM/PM modulation were super informative. My Volca FM should arrive tomorrow and with all the possibility you've demonstrated, I'm super excited!

1:20:34 get the sunlight out of the studio - need more time with my synths :D thanks again Cuckoo for another very long and deep video!

Thanks for taking the time to make this.... so many tutorials out there but rarely do people explain exactly what they're doing / what's going on in vid.. Even more excited to get my FM now !! 😎

when he started bangin out the megaman theme i laughed my ass off. amazing video. totally getting one of these

I loved the feature of Vampire Killer at 10:46 !!! The sound fit the piece perfectly

Your such a cool guy, you put a lot of passion into your tutorials and reviews, thumbs up bro

Thank you. You have unlocked the Volca FM for me after trying a number of tutorials. Great presentation. Very clear . Cheers !!

Super tutorial on FM and the Volca. Excellent job! Your explanation of operators, carriers and modulators is among the best I have seen; and I have been around the DX and FM since the 80's. I am looking forward to watching your other shows.

I just got a volca fm and beats, and this is by far the most helpful video I've seen here! Thanks a lot :)

You are the man! Thank you for this great video. You have helped me to not only understand FM synthesis better, but also to make the most of my investment in this instrument.

Thanks 4 the depht of your tutorial. Helped me a lot for the editing, because Fm Was a miracle, so much parameters and Sinewaves to play around. I used FM til now only on my ae modular.

My fm2 is in the post (will be here tomorrow) thank you SO much for taking the time to make such a detailed video :) :)

i just loved at 1:26 when the audio channel of all channels does the "woosh pshh" as a mouth effect XD

Still such a helpful video! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait for my Volca FM to arrive

Great video. I think the more common (correct?) pronunciation of "synthesis" is with the vowel in "the" sounding like the word "the".

Just wanted to say thanks for this. You know what you're talking about, you're very watchable and have a great manner. I now know stuff about the Volca FM I would never have got from the (very limited) instruction sheet. So keep up the fantastic work - you're great.

Great video, nice seeing you walk through the edit menu and referencing the card while explaining everything.

I just got one of these and am playing with it while watching the video. What a lovely synth for the price.

this shot would make a good album cover

The other day I went to a guitar shop and asked what would be a good instrument to pick up if you're a grown adult with absolutely zero musical knowledge or talent who wants to learn to play something, and the guy recommended this. Would you agree that this particular device would be useful for someone like me who just wants to get their feet wet, or would I be wasting my money? To me it looks like an affordable little gadget that could be fun to fiddle with, regardless of how deep or not I choose to get into all the nuances. That said, I recognize that part of my enthusiasm is based on the fact that every demonstration I've seen has been by someone who knows what they're doing and that it's probably much harder than it looks. I also recognize that self-teaching as an adult with a job and other priorities is going to be an uphill battle. Still, though, if it turns out this is the gateway I need it could lead to a very fulfilling hobbyist experience. I'd like to know your thoughts, though. Thanks!

I love Korg Volcas! They run on batteries, have speaker, cheap/affordable and sound amazing for value compared to gear that costs twice as much.

so good video ! content is really good but how u give it to us is such a perfect way that i feel now like im in harmony with the universe . it calms me so down in a good way but also gives me a feeling like ,,yes!,, and the best is that u talkin bout fm synthesis :-) amazing at all . even at the end the patreon scene is so satisfying to listen to . really im happy now . thank u !

I rediscovered my synth, tthx a lot !

Great video. Your face camera reminds me of God looking down on his creations as you make your bleeps and bloops ❤️

In case you were going nuts trying to figure where that riff at 10:50 is from -- it's Castlevania

Cool idea with a mirror! =) Also nice video and demonstration. I`m totally amazed by the bass tones from this little magic box!

Bob Ross is the Coockoo of painting

Just picked up the fm.yeah its bringing back that 80s thing and it feels so nostalgic💕☺

The Keys is the one that still stands up today.

Hey Cuckoo, love your Videos. Especially this one. Ordered myself a FM2, should be here soon. Awesome Tutorial/Demo. Im so excited to get started with my Volca. Thanks a ton. Subbed. Also you seem like a fun person to hang around with. best wishes.