Volca Modular MIDI Input Board

Update 2021-10-10:

I'll be shipping the kits in recycled paper (newspaper) bags instead of plastic bags from now on. In addition to that the kits will be wrapped in reused bubble wrap and then shipped in the regular shipping bags. I reused plastic bags before but right now I don't have any. Please be aware of this before you order.

Due to time constraints I can only ship kits and boards right now, no assembled boards. All orders will be shipped at most 7 days after purchase but usually every Monday.

Disclaimer

Your Volca may be damaged if the mod is installed incorrectly. I can take no responsibility in any harm to your synth.

Important Links

• Ordering from America? Order from Interstitial on Tindie instead

• Kit Soldering Guide

• Installation Guide: On GitHub by sensai7

• Usage Guide

• Source: sensai7

Required Tools

• soldering iron
• screwdriver
• wire stripper or knife if you want to shorten the cable
• optional: dremel or drill (wire can also be mounted through battery compartment)

Soldering is still required if you get the assembled version.

This is a mod that lets you control the Volca Modular synthesizer via MIDI. Soldering skills are required even if you get the assembled board. You will have to solder 4 rather small cables to the Volca's PCB and optionally drill a hole in the case. The mod's main technical function is to electrically isolate the two midi devices to prevent ground loops.

The board was designed by sensai7 who does not manufacture it anymore. The original board can also be found on tindie. I approached sensai7 and asked whether I could offer the boards again. I will likely do multiple runs and restock every now and then.

Behavior

Notes can be played via MIDI that are then quantized to the Volca's scale setting. Set it to chromatic and it will play notes found on a regular chromatic keyboard. If its set to a different scale it will play whatever note of the scale it is closest to. The internal clock also synchronizes to the MIDI clock. Sadly the volca does not respond to pitch-bend and portamento.

The sequencer can still be used The Volca's keyboard overrides MIDI and MIDI overrides the internal sequencer. Notes sent via midi can be recorded by the volca both in normal and step-record mode.

Assembly

Please refer to the guides linked at the top of the product description.

As an alternative to drilling a hole in the Volca's case, you can put the cables through one of the battery lid's clip openings in the bottom of the case. This way you won't be able to close the battery lid anymore but you also won't have to destroy the case. Batteries can still be installed and used.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Information about components and shipping

Please note that the color and appearance of all components may vary over time since I cannot get the parts from the same suppliers every time. I also try to order and buy locally to minimize shipping. That also means that some components might be new old stock. I also cannot guarantee that all components are RoHS compliant. My packaging often uses recycled bags, packaging material or paper in order to minimize impact on the environment.

Goodies

• This mod won the Micro MIDI Modification Award
• and it was featured on the Tindie blog