Korg KARMA User Manual
Getting Started Guide
Table Of Contents
Features and Benefits: 3
Loading the Factory Data 6
Listening to the Demo Songs 6
Selecting and Playing Programs and Combinations 6
KARMA basics:
Working with the KARMA Realtime Controls in Program and Combi Modes 7
A Selection of Programs and Combinations to Try 7
Working with more KARMA Functions:
Assigning New CHORD TRIGGERS 8
GE’s (Generated Effects) 8
Selecting and Assigning New GE’s by Category 9
Copying KARMA Modules and Control Settings 9
Combi Mode: Tour of KARMA Functions:
Working with a KARMA Combination 10
Tour the KARMA Tabs and Edit Pages 10
Editing Sounds and KARMA Functions in a Combination 11
Recording a Combi with KARMA functions to the Sequencer 12
KARMA Getting Started Guide 2
Korg Workstation Karma Music Workstation
Feature
1792 total sound locations!
768 Programs* (384 preloaded)
768 Combinations* (384 preloaded)
* with both PCM and MOSS expansions installed
Includes a 256 program GM level 2 soundset!
64 User drumkits available (16 preloaded)
plus 9 ROM GM level 2 drumkits
Compatible with TRITON Sounds*
*except for arpeggiator and KARMA GE data
32 MB PCM ROM
expandable to 64 MB with optional PCM expansion
boards
Hyper Integrated (HI) synth architecture
48 kHz playback
Multi-mode resonant filters
AMS modulation and more!
All sounds are in RAM* so you can tweak or replace
them to guarantee that you have the group of sounds
that you want.
Everyone is looking for a large variety of sounds and
the Karma Music Workstation delivers one the largest
selections of great Korg sounds ever!
*Except GM
The Karma Music Workstation can share sound data
with the TRITON series workstations.
This is a huge memory area, giving the user a full
gamut of imitative and synthetic wave data. Contains
425 multisamples and 413 drumsamples.
Karma’s Hyper Integrated (HI) synth engine combines
PCM ROM and optional MOSS synth engines with rich
filters, complex modulation routings and the most
versatile effects system in a synth today.
Benefit
62-note polyphony Increased polyphony helps when playing sustained
piano passages, when developing complex KARMAinfused Combinations, and of course when sequencing.
61-note synth action w/Velocity & Aftertouch Great feeling synth action!
Up to 7 effects at a time plus EQ!
5 Insert Effects with 102 effects
2 Master Effects with 89 effects
Includes 32 dual mono in/out chains!
3-band Master EQ
Dynamic effects
AMS and Dynamic Modulation Controllers
4-way joystick
4 assignable knobs
2 assignable switches
Assignable value slider, pedal and switch
KARMA offers the most versatile effects system of any
synth on the market. This means that your Sequences
and sounds can have many “custom” effects per sound,
so each instrument sounds right. The majority of the
effects can be used in any location (Insert or Master)
offering you the most flexibility possible.
KARMA's AMS modulation system takes full advantage
of these many controllers so you can add plenty of
nuance to your performances and recordings. The 4
Real-time control knobs offer two settings - preset and
programmable, so they function as 8 knobs!
3 KARMA Getting Started Guide
Feature Benefit
KARMA Variable Performance Modeler A totally new concept in music production and
performance.
Ø Multi-module MIDI generating
technology
Ø 1190 GE’s (Generated Effects) in
memory
Ø Create and control your music in a
whole new way
Ø Syncs to MIDI clock or internal
sequencer
This revolutionary technology generates amazing
phrases, grooves and other musical effects that can be
altered and randomized in real-time.
Each GE contains over 400 parameters, and up to 16 of
them are available for every Program or Combination,
for editing or assignment to the 10 KARMA Realtime
Controls.
Assign and control GE parameters such as harmony,
scale, humanize, randomization and complexity of
rhythm, MIDI control changes, chord control, and much
more! A far greater variety of parameters than any
previous music generating function (like arpeggiators or
phrase sequencers)!
For live performance, and when recorded to the internal,
or external sequencers, and even used in conjunction
with the RPPR and Song Play functions!
Ø Programs can use 1 GE For intricate melodic phrases, drum grooves and more.
Ø Combinations, Sequences and Song
Play mode can use up to 4 GE’s
Ø 8 assignable Real Time Control knobs
and 2 switches, plus 2 Scenes for every
Program, Combi and Sequence
For split, layer, velocity switch and per track assignment
of multiple GE phrases and patterns!
By operating the KARMA Realtime Control knobs and
switches, you have complete control over your
performance, in any mode!
16-track sequencer (same as the TRITON!)
Ø 200,000 event, 200 song memory
Ø 150 preset drum patterns (plus 100 user patterns)
Ø Extensive editing (bar/beat/tick resolution)
Ø SMF compatible (w/direct play from disk)
Ø 4 KARMA modules per Song
Ø Record all controller movements including
KARMA MIDI!
Ø Loopable tracks
Ø 32 Song Templates (16 Preset/16 User)
Ø 20 Cue Lists (100 Songs per Cue)
Ø Compatible with TRITON .SNG files
Innovative RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play and
Record) function
Each Song can hold an RPPR set
Up to 72 Patterns per set
Patterns can play manually, once, or loop endlessly
The KARMA function can be used in conjunction
with RPPR!
KARMA Getting Started Guide 4
A full-function sequencer with extensive recording,
editing and mixing capabilities. Combined with the
KARMA real-time control and awesome multi-effects
power, this is the perfect tool for “ready-to-master”
music!
Loopable tracks and the innovative Cue List let users
work the way they like, creating their music in short
segments to be chained together, as long linear
performances, or any method in-between.
Song Templates, preset patterns and the unique RPPR
function make it easy to get started writing a song.
RPPR lets you assign musical phrases to be triggered in
real-time from the keyboard. It's great for live
performance and as a musical way to play parts into the
sequencer. And the RPPR data goes out via MIDI so it
can be used to trigger other external MIDI gear as well!
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