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Korg KARMA 61-Key Music Workstation
Seven Years in the Making
At Korg they're always dreaming up innovative ways to make keyboards more expressive, more powerful, more musical, and when we first learned about a brand new technology called KARMA, they knew they'd found one. Seven years after assembling a global team of skilled engineers, programmers, and musicians, the Karma Music Workstation brings new music-making possibilities to life.
To start, its synth and effects engines are identical to Triton's so you know how great it sounds. It's also compatible with Triton sound data and supports the same user-installable PCM and MOSS expansion options so your sound palette can grow. Plus, the Karma Music Workstation provides the same feature-packed 16-track sequencer that has made the Korg Triton the leader in music workstations. So what makes this new keyboard so special?
It's KARMA, Korg's revolutionary technology that generates amazing phrases, grooves, and other musical effects that can be altered and randomized in real-time. With a bank of knobs and switches, you control elements like rhythmic complexity, harmony, melodic repeat, phrasing, panning...even the synth's sound and effects.
KARMA gives you the power to play impossible, interweaving cascades of notes, techno arpeggios and effects, dense rhythmic and melodic textures, natural-sounding glissandos, intricate fingerpicking and guitar strumming, swooping portamento, and pitch bend moves to name but a few. The only limiting factor is your imagination.
Karma like this only comes around once every 7 years. Fortunately for you, the wait is over.
Korg's Finest Tone Generator Φ The HI Synthesis System
The 62-voice karma music workstation features the same world-renowned HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system as the Triton Music Workstation/Sampler. It includes 425 high-quality PCM multi-samples and 413 drum samples covering a wide range of musical needs 32 Mbytes in all. And an array of editable parameters let you tweak every sonic detail.
The effects section provides 102 effect algorithms, and you can use 5 insert effects, 2 master effects, and a 3-band equalizer simultaneously. Effect routing is very flexible, enabling you to send sound through any combination of effects and on to any of the 4 outputs.
Alternate Modulation and Effect Dynamic Modulation are also provided, letting you modulate parameters such as pitch, filter, amp, EG, and LFO. Delay time and LFO can also be synchronized to MIDI clock or tempo. You can even sync the sounds or effects with the tempo of the KARMA function or the sequencer playback.
Korg's Superior Programs and Combinations
The Karma Music Workstation contains a rich assortment of sounds created by Korg's legendary voicing team, acclaimed by professional musicians around the world. There are 640 user programs (384 preloaded), plus 256 programs and 9 drum programs compatible with GM level 2 in ROM. Drum programs can select from 64 user drum kits (16 preloaded) and the 9 GM drum kits.
A Combination lets you use up to 8 programs set up as splits and layers, and you have immediate access to as many as 768 user combinations (384 preloaded). KARMA settings have been made for all preloaded sounds, so you can simply select a sound and play phrases immediately.
Install Option Boards to Add PCM Sounds or a DSP Tone Generator
In addition to the internal PCM sounds, the Karma Music Workstation can accommodate the same optional EXB-PCM Series PCM Expansion Boards available for the Triton. Each board adds 16 Mbytes of PCM data plus programs and combinations that use this data, further broadening your sound palette.
You can also install an EXB-MOSS DSP Synthesizer Board to add KORG's popular MOSS (Multi-Oscillator Synthesis System) DSP synth engine. It has 13 types of oscillators that make it possible to use virtually any type of synthesis method with KARMA. And with dedicated Banks for each option, you have plenty of room to expand your sound choices with no confusion.
16-Track Sequencer + KARMA Functionality = Enhanced Music Production
The Karma Music Workstation contains a 16-track sequencer with a capacity of up to 200,000 notes and 200 songs (up to 999 measures for each song). Phrases generated by the KARMA function can be recorded directly, and you can add manually played and step-recorded phrases to create a song quickly and easily.
The RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) function lets you play back a phrase by pressing a single key, and 150 drum and percussion patterns are provided. Many other convenient functions help you produce songs efficiently, such as Template songs, which allow you to call up a pre-arranged group of instruments and effects, and a Track Play Loop function that lets you specify looped measures independently for each track. A Cue List function lets you assemble your final song from up to 99 different sequences for easy arranging.
Songs you create can be saved in SMF (Standard MIDI File) format or in a KORG Triton compatible format so that data can be exchanged with other devices.
Note: The Triton arpeggiator function cannot be reproduced on the KARMA Music Workstation.
The Song Play mode allows you to play back SMF files directly from floppy disk. You can perform on the keyboard along with the playback, or use the KARMA function in sync with the playback tempo.
4-Channel Audio Output
In addition to the L/MONO and R main stereo audio outputs, you can use 2 independent audio outputs for a total of 4 channels of audio output. Oscillators, drums, timbres/tracks, and the signals from the insert effects can be freely routed to any output.
KARMA. The New Music-Generation Technology that Takes Music Production into a New Dimension
The KARMA Variable Performance Modeler featured on the Karma Music Workstation is a completely unique function that lets you generate music in a whole new way. Based on the notes and chords that you play, KARMA will automatically generate and mold phrases and patterns. Now you can instantly create sophisticated phrases and musical changes that would have required lengthy arranging and step input if done manually.
Since the KARMA function lets you control numerous musical elements such as rhythm, duration, harmony, scale, ad-lib/humanize, random variation, and tone, it can produce phrases and patterns far beyond the current range provided by conventional arpeggiators or static pattern playback functions.
For example, you can create spectacular cascades of intricate interweaving notes, techno arpeggios and effects, dense rhythmic and melodic textures, natural sounding glissandos for acoustic instrument programs, guitar strumming and finger-picking simulations, random effects, auto-accompaniment effects, gliding and swooping portamento and pitch bend effects, and new sound design possibilities.
GEs Bring KARMA to Life
The basis of the phrase or pattern is a Generated Effect (GE) and the KARMA Module Parameters that control that GE. One KARMA module can be used in Program mode. Four KARMA modules can be used in Combination/Sequencer/Song Play modes, so that separate modules can generate independent phrases to play different sounds such as drums, bass, guitar, and piano to create a full ensemble using the KARMA function.
The GE that is the basis of the phrase or pattern controls how note data from the keyboard is developed as well as how rhythm, chord structure, velocity, and more are controlled. With approximately 400 parameters in a single GE, the KARMA function can control virtually any type of tonal or phrase change. These parameters include elements like harmony, scale, ad-lib/humanize, rhythm randomization and complexity, phrase variation, tone, pan, effects, pitch bend, volume, velocity, duration, MIDI control changes, chord control, Melodic Repeat (MIDI delay/repeat), and pitch change.
Up to 16 of these parameters are available for real-time control over a GE, and can be adjusted by operating the real-time Control knobs and switches while you play. The KARMA Music Workstation provides over 1,000 different GEs organized into 17 categories, and new GEs can be loaded as they are made available. By simply selecting a GE you can create music in many different genres, using a variety of instruments and performance techniques.
KARMA Puts You in Control
With KARMA, every aspect of a musical phrase has been separated into independently controllable attributes. Each of these attributes is controlled by a separate group of parameters, which can be individually varied or changed in groups in real-time as the music is being generated; or changed all at once with the selection of a program or combination. While the Karma Music Workstation generates phrases, you can tweak the onboard controllers so your performance will never sound "canned" or static.
You can use the 8 knobs and 2 switches to vary different combinations of the RT (Real-time) Parameters that have been optimized for each GE by Korg's sound programmers. The 2 scenes available allow you to save 2 settings of these controllers for instant recall. You can also manipulate parameters with MIDI control messages. There has never been a system that provides this level of interaction and variability, and the results that can be achieved will inspire you to new levels of creativity.
KARMA Options (not included)
EXB-PCM PCM Expansion Boards (see page 12 for details):
EXB-PCM01: Pianos/Classic Keyboards
EXB-PCM02: Studio Essential
EXB-PCM03: Future Loop Construction
EXB-PCM04: Dance Extreme
EXB-PCM05: Vintage Archives
EXB-MOSS DSP Synthesizer Board
Expression/Volume pedal: XVP-1 EXP/VOL Pedal
Foot Controller: EXP-2 Foot Controller
Pedal Switch: PS-1 Pedal Switch
Damper Pedal: DS-1H Damper Pedal
*KARMA (Kay Algorithmic Realtime Music Architecture) is a trademark and patented technology licensed from Stephen Kay, Karma Lab LLC.
KARMA Workstation Specifications System: HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system Modes: Combination Program Sequencer Song Play Global Disk Tone Generator: HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system Polyphony: 62 voices (62 oscillators) in single mode 31 voices (62 oscillators) in double mode Filters: 24 dB/oct LPF with resonance 12 dB/oct LPF + HPF Alternate modulation function Waveform Memory: 32 Mbyte PCM ROM (425 multi-samples 413 drum samples) Expandable via PCM ROM option (EXB-PCM Series is supported) Effect Section: 5 insert effects (stereo in/out) 2 master effects (mono in/stereo out) 1 master EQ (3-band stereo) all usable simultaneously 102 effect types (available for insert effects or master effects) Effect dynamic modulation function Combinations/Programs: 768 user memory combinations (384 preloads) 640 user memory programs (384 preloads) 768 user memory programs when the EXB-MOSS is installed 256 + 9 drum ROM programs (GM2 sound map compatible) Drum Kits: 64 user drum kits (16 presets) 9 ROM GM drum kits (GM2 sound map compatible) Karma Functions: Program mode: one KARMA module can be used Combination Sequencer Song Play modes: 4 Karma modules can be used simultaneously GE patterns (preset): over 1000 patterns Controllers (KARMA Realtime Controls): [ON/OFF] key [LATCH] key CHORD TRIGGER: [ASSIGN] key [1]...[4] key Karma Realtime Controls: knobs [1]...[8] switches [1]/[2] [SCENE] key Sequencer: 16 timbres 16 tracks + 1 master track Maximum capacity: 200 000 notes Resolution /192 200 songs 20 cue lists 150 preset patterns 100 user patterns (for each song) Supports Karma format Triton format and SMF (formats 0 and 1) RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) function (One set is available for each one song) Song Play: 16 timbres 16 tracks SMF (formats 0 and 1) supported Disk Mode: Load save utility Data filter function (save/load MIDI exclusive data) Keyboard: 61 keys Controllers: Joystick [SW1]/[SW2] keys Realtime Controls knobs [1][4] and [SELECT] key [VALUE] slider [TEMPO] knob Karma Realtime Controls User interface: Graphical user interface: 240 * 64 pixel LCD display Mode keys: [COMBI] [PROG] [SEQ] [S.PLAY] [GLOBAL] [DISK] Value controllers: [VALUE] slider VALUE [up] [down] keys [VALUE] dial numeric keys ([0]...[9] [] [./ HOLD] [ENTER] Cursor keys [up] [left] [down] [right] [MENU/PAGE +/] keys [EXIT] key [ENTER] key [COMPARE] key [F1]α[F8](T1/T9αT8/T16) key [TIMBRE/TRACK] key BANK keys: PROG BANK: [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] COMBI BANK: [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] SEQUENCER control keys: [PAUSE] [REW] [FF] [LOCATE] [REC/WRITE] [START/STOP] Audio outputs 1/4 in. Audio Output (Main) L/Mono R: 1/4 in. Audio Output (Individual) 1 2 Output Impedance: 1.1 [k] (L/Mono is 550 [ohms] for mono) Maximum Output Level: L/Mono R: +13.0 [dBu] (Individual) 1.2: +11.1 [dBu] Load impedance: 100 [k] or greater 1/4 in. Audio Output Headphone: Output impedance: 33 [ohms] Maximum output level: 45 [mW] Load impedance: 33 [ohms] Control inputs: Damper (half-damper supported) Assignable Switch/Pedal Other: MIDI In Out Thru 3.5 in. floppy disk drive AC power inlet switch Support for options: EXB-PCM Series PCM expansion board (16 Mbyte ROM) slots * 2 EXB-MOSS Dimensions (W x D x H): 1100 x 320 x 119 mm Weight: 10.0 kg Power consumption: 20 W Included Items AC/AC power supply 9VAC 3.0A Preloaded program disks KMFD-00P Options Expansion boards EXB-MOSS DSP Synthesizer Board EXB-PCM PCM Expansion Board EXB-PCM01: Pianos/Classic Keyboards EXB-PCM02: Studio Essentials EXB-PCM03: Future Loop Construction EXB-PCM04: Dance Extreme EXB-PCM05: Vintage Archives Expression/volume pedal: XVP-10 Foot controller: EXP-2 Damper pedal: DS-1H Pedal switch: PS-1 Other: MIDI cable
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KARMA Workstation
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