Korg KARMA 2 User Manual

About this manual .................................. 2

Conventions in this manual ............................... 2

Introduction...................................... 3

Main features of version 2.0 ................... 3

KARMA function .............................................. 3

Sequencer mode .............................................. 4

Global mode ................................................... 4

Disk mode ....................................................... 4

Installing the system................................ 4

Installing the software into the KARMA Music

Workstation ..................................................... 5

KARMA function............................... 6

GE Select ................................................ 6

KARMA Time Sig.

Select by Category ..................................6

K.RTC

(KARMA RealTime Controls) ....................... 7

TxFltr (TxFilter) .................................................... 7

Freeze Randomize .................................. 7

6.2–3: Parm3 (Parameter3) .............................. 7

Random Capture.....................................9

Random FF/REW .................................. 10

RT Parameter

Auto Assign KARMA RT Name............... 11

AutoName w/GEchg.............................12

(KARMA Time Signature)...... 6

(RealTime Parameter) ............... 11

Auto Song Setup function ......................21

Other enhancements .............................21

Utility menu ................................................... 21

Improvements ................................................ 21

Global mode .................................. 22

User GE Memory Protect ....................... 22

MIDI Clock ............................................ 22

(Realtime Command) .................................... 22

S/S Out P/C

(Start/Stop Out P/C) .................. 22

Dump User GE ......................................23

Foot SW Assign .................................... 23

Foot Pedal Assign ................................. 23

Disk mode...................................... 24

1.1–1: Load .......................................... 24

Load .PCG .................................................... 24

Load .SNG .................................................... 24

Additional Load functions ............................... 24

1.1–2: Save .......................................... 25

Utility menu ................................................... 25

Changes and additions to the Save function ..... 25

Other enhancements .............................25

Data compatibility ................................ 25

Parameters that can be loaded/saved to disk in

version 2.0, but not in version 1.0 ................... 26

Copy/Swap KARMA Scene ................... 12

GE Parameter .......................................13

GE (Generated Effect) Group .......................... 13

Phase Group ................................................. 13

Rhythm Group ............................................... 15

Duration Group ............................................. 15

CCs Group .................................................... 16

Drum Group .................................................. 17

Sequencer mode ............................ 18

SEQ 5.3: Tone Adjust ............................ 18

5.3–1: TA1..8 (Tone Adjust1 T01–08).............. 18

5.3–2: TA1..16 (Tone Adjust1 T09–16)............ 18

5.3–3: TA2..8 (Tone Adjust2 T01–08).............. 18

5.3–4: TA2..16 (Tone Adjust2 T09–16)............ 18

5.3–5: TA3..8 (Tone Adjust3 T01–08).............. 18

5.3–6: TA3..16 (Tone Adjust3 T09–16)............ 18

Copy From Comb (Copy from Combination) .. 20 Copy From Prog

Quantize - Swing Parameter ................. 21

(Copy from Program) .......... 20

Other functions .............................. 27

Tap Tempo Control ................................ 27

Copy From Program

(Combination mode - Copy from Program).......... 27

MIDI .....................................................28

About system exclusive messages .................... 28

Program mode ..................................... 28

About this manual

This manual explains the new functions that have been added in KARMA Music Workstation system version 2.0, and the improvements that have been made from version

1.0.

• “Introduction” provides an overview of the major new functions of version 2.0, and explains how to update your system.

• “KARMA functionality” explains the new functionality that has been added to the KARMA function in Program, Combination, Sequencer, and Song Play modes.

• “Sequencer mode,” “Global mode,” and “Disk mode” explain the new functions and improvements for each of these modes.

• “Other functions” explains added functions and improvements that were not covered in the above sections.

Conventions in this manual

PG: “Parameter Guide” is abbreviated as PG.

BG: “Basic Guide” is abbreviated as BG.

GE: “GE Guide” is abbreviated as GE.

Other conventions are the same as used in the “Parameter Guide,” “Basic Guide,” and “GE Guide.”

* KARMA™ (Kay Algorithmic Realtime Music Architec-

ture) Technology has been licensed from Stephen Kay, and is protected by U.S. Patents 5,486,647, 6,084,171, 6,087,578, 6,103,964, 6,121,532, 6,121,533, and 6,326,538. Other patents pending.

* KARMA™ is a registered trademark, and the KARMA

Logo, KARMA MW™, Generated Effect™ (GE), Melodic Repeat™, Direct Index™, Manual Advance™, SmartScan™, Freeze Randomize™, Random Capture™ and Random FF/REW™ are trademarks of Stephen Kay, Karma Lab LLC, www.karma-lab.com. This manual copyright © 1994-2002 by KORG Inc. and Stephen Kay. All rights reserved.

* Screen shots from the KARMA software that appear

*Macintosh is registered trademark of Apple Computer,

Inc.

*Windows is registered trademark of Microsoft Corpora-

tion.

*Company names, product names, and names of formats

etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1994-2002 by Stephen Kay,

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Introduction

use any desired phrase that was generated by the KARMA

Main features of version 2.0

System version 2.0 adds numerous new features to the KARMA music workstation.

function, giving you total control and predictability over what is happening.

3. Time Signature Control

You now have realtime control over the time signature of the phrases generated by a KARMA module. For example,

KARMA function

a 4/4 phrase can be instantly changed to a 3/4 phrase. Multiple grooves in a combination such as drums, bass,

1. Extended GE support

In addition to the 1,190 preset GEs (Generated Effects) used to generate phrases and patterns within a KARMA module, system version 2.0 gives you 320 user GE memories (32 x

guitar riffs, and lead phrases can be controlled simultaneously. This new function is an ideal way to develop variations or exciting performance twists from your phrases.

10 banks).

Planned future products in the EXB-PCM 04/05 will include new programs and combinations created especially for the KARMA music workstation, as well as newly created GE data. This GE data can be loaded into the internal user GE memory of the KARMA music workstation to give you even broader possibilities for music production and performance.

By using KARMA MW* (dedicated software for the KARMA Music Workstation), you can edit and create your own GEs on your computer. You can edit any of the more than 400 internal parameters that make up a GE, so you can create original user GE data, plus template data such as Rhythm Patterns, CC Patterns, and Drum Patterns that can be utilized by your custom GEs. The GE data you create can be loaded via floppy disk or MIDI dump into the 320 memories (32 x 10 banks) of the KARMA music workstation.

The KARMA MW software also lets you convert SMF (Standard MIDI File) data into a GE. You can quickly convert short sections of MIDI performance data into user GEs, and then immediately use the KARMA Realtime Controls to freely randomize and modify the phrases. This functionality is tightly integrated for efficient use. The Karma workstation can respond to a MIDI request from KARMA MW by converting sequence data you created in

Sequencer mode into SMF data, and then transmitting it

4. Tap Tempo Control

The front panel [TIMBRE/TRACK] key can now be used as a tap tempo controller. You can press the key at the desired tempo to adjust the playback tempo of the KARMA function in realtime. This can control not only the KARMA function, but the sequencer and SMF playback tempo as well. A foot switch can also be used to control tap tempo.

5. KARMA Tx Filter “Notes”

This feature applies filtering to only the note data that is being generated by a KARMA module, allowing other MIDI data such as CC modulation and pitch bend to still be generated. Since the note phrase generated by the KARMA module will not sound, you can use this to make the KARMA module generate control data such as pan, filter cutoff, or resonance that will apply modulation to the phrases or chords you play manually on the keyboard.

6. K.RTC (KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS) value display function

When you operate the KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS knobs and switches in the KARMA RTC page of each mode, the values of the parameters you are controlling will be displayed. This convenient function provides realtime visual indication of the GE parameter and RT

parameter values of the modules you are controlling. to KARMA MW as a MIDI dump. The data can then be converted by KARMA MW into a user GE and loaded back into the Karma workstation, letting you use the KARMA function to modify the phrase and transform it into countless unique variations.

*Produced by Karma Lab (http://www.karma-lab.com).

Macintosh and Windows versions are available. English version only.

For details on obtaining this software and user support, please contact the Korg distributor for your country.

7. Auto K.RTC Name function

Based on the GE parameters and RT parameters that are

being controlled, appropriate names (out of the 407 names

such as Rhythm Swing% and Rhythm Complexity) can be

automatically assigned for the KARMA REALTIME

CONTROLS knobs and switches. You can use this when

creating new KARMA function assignments, or changing

GE selections.

8. Copy/Swap KARMA SCENE

You can now copy or swap (exchange) the SCENE 1/2

2. Freeze Randomize

You can now freeze (capture for playback) the infinitelyvarying phrases generated by KARMA’s Randomize features. The newly added “Start Seed” parameter lets you select which of over four billion random starting points KARMA will use to generate a new musical effect. Use the ”Freeze Loop Length” parameter to specify the measures at which Freeze will be turned on and off and the length of a repetitive loop. Use the “Random Capture” Utility Command to capture the state of the randomizations at any time, to put it under your control for triggering or looping. Thanks to this new functionality, you can capture and re-

settings of the KARMA function. This lets you make more

efficient use of the SCENE function which stores the state

of the KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS knobs and

switches.

9. GE parameters

KARMA Music Workstation system version 2.0 adds

several new GE parameters and GE parameter values.

Planned future products in the EXB-PCM 04/05 are

expected to include new programs, combinations, and GE

data designed for the KARMA music workstation that will

use these parameters.

Introduction

Sequencer mode

Global mode

1. “Tone Adjust” parameters

The “Tone Adjust” parameters let you make temporary adjustments to the sound of the Programs used by each track as an edit that is only used for the current song. For example, you can make the bass less bright or speed up the attack of the strings without returning to Program mode and editing the programs.

2. Support for MIDI system exclusive parameter changes

Individual track parameters and effect parameters in Sequencer mode now support MIDI system exclusive parameter changes. When you connect an external sequencer and use the KARMA workstation as a 16-track multi-timbral tone generator, these parameters can now be changed via MIDI, giving you total control for your mixing needs.

3. Auto song setup function

The program or combination settings of Program mode or Combination mode can be instantly set up for a song, so that you can begin recording simply by pressing the [START/STOP] key. This seamlessly integrates song

production with your performance on a program or combination, so that inspiration and ideas that occur to

you while using KARMA can be immediately turned into a song.

4. Swing quantize parameter

A swing quantize parameter has been added to the Quantize function that corrects the timing of performance data. For example, this makes it easy to add a subtle shuffle or hip-hop feel to a “square” 16-beat performance.

5. “Copy from Program”

You can easily copy Program settings (including effects and KARMA settings) to a Song or Combination, ensuring that the sound you liked in Program mode sounds the same way in these other modes.

6. MultiREC Standby option

A MultiREC Standby option has been added to the utility menu command “Copy From Combination.” This function automatically makes the proper settings for recording a complex KARMA-driven Combination in the sequencer as you copy it in.

1. MIDI clock “Auto” mode

With this new feature, the KARMA music workstation will automatically synchronize to the incoming clock if MIDI clock messages are being input from a connected external device, or to its own internal clock if no external clock messages are being received. You can use this to keep the KARMA in external sync mode while working with an external sequencer, yet still be able to start and play the KARMA function while the external sequencer is not running or sending MIDI clock.

2. MIDI “Realtime Command” filter

You can now filter MIDI Common messages and Realtime messages (Song Position Pointer, Start, Continue, Stop), so that the KARMA workstation can be used as a multitimbral sound source with an external sequencer more effectively.

3. Foot switch / foot pedal function

Controller functions of the KARMA music workstation can be assigned to a connected foot switch or foot pedal. For example, you could use a foot switch or foot pedal to control the KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS knobs, or to control the speed of the rotary effect that you previously controlled from the joystick.

4. “Start/Stop Out P/C” (Start/Stop Out Prog/Combi) parameter

You now have the option of transmitting a MIDI start message from MIDI OUT when you trigger the KARMA function, and a MIDI stop message when the KARMA function is turned off. This lets you make an external MIDI sequencer or rhythm/groove machine start playing at the moment that the KARMA function begins playing in Program or Combination mode.

Disk mode

1. Load/Save

GE data from an EXB-PCM 04/05 expansion board containing GE data for the KARMA Music Workstation (planned for future release) can be loaded into the internal user GE memory.

Installing the system

In order to upgrade your KARMA music workstation to system version 2.0, you must first install the “System Boot Disk for KARMA Music Workstation” system file into your KARMA music workstation and then load the GE data from the “GE Disk for KARMA Music Workstation.”

The system software version is displayed in the lower right of the LCD when you turn on the power.

Installing the software into the KARMA Music Workstation

In order to upgrade to system version 2.0, you must install the following two types of data into the KARMA music workstation.

• System Boot Disk for KARMA Music Workstation This is the system update data. It is provided on three MSDOS format 2HD floppy disks.

• GE Disk for KARMA Music Workstation This is the data for updating the GE data. It is provided on two MS-DOS format 2HD floppy disks.

When you update the system, all the data in the internal memory of the KARMA music workstation will be initialized. If you want to keep the data that is currently in internal memory, you must use “Save All” or “Save PCG” to save it before you update the system. (☞BG p.40, PG p.153)

To update the system to version 2.0, you must first update the system, and then update the GE data.

For details on how to obtain the “System Boot Disk for KARMA Music Workstation” and “GE Disk for KARMA Music Workstation” disks, please contact your nearest Korg distributor.

Updating the system data

You will need to obtain the set of three MS-DOS format 2HD floppy disks “System Boot Disk for KARMA Music Workstation.”

1 Hold down the [ENTER] key and [LOCATE] key of the

KARMA music workstation, and turn on the power. The LCD screen will indicate “Please insert System 1 disk.”

2 Insert the “System Boot disk No.1” into the floppy disk

drive of the KARMA music workstation. The system will begin loading automatically, and the LCD screen will show the following messages. “Now loading...”

↓

“Now erasing ROM“

↓

“Checking the system’s check sum“

When “System Boot disk No.1” has finished loading, the LCD screen will show “Please change to System 2 disk.”

If a disk error is displayed during this process, remove the disk and turn off the power of the KARMA music workstation. Then load the system again, starting from step 1.

While the system is being loaded, do not touch the switches of the KARMA music workstation, and under no circumstances should you turn off the power.

5 Turn off the power of the KARMA music workstation,

and then update the GE data.

After updating the system, you must also update the GE data.

Updating the GE data

You must update the GE data after updating the system.

You will need to obtain the set of two MS-DOS format 2HD floppy disks “GE Disk for KARMA Music Workstation.”

1 Hold down the [ENTER] key and [LOCATE] key of the

KARMA music workstation, and turn on the power. The LCD screen will indicate “Please insert System 1 disk.”

2 Insert the disk marked “GE disk No.1” into the floppy

disk drive of the KARMA music workstation. The GE data will begin loading automatically, and the following messages will appear in the LCD screen. “Now loading...”

↓

“Now erasing ROM“

↓

“Checking the system’s check sum“

When “GE disk No.1” has been loaded, the LCD screen will indicate “Please change to System 2 disk.”

If a disk error is displayed during this process, remove the disk and turn off the power of the KARMA music workstation. Then load the data again, starting from step 1.

While the data is being loaded, do not touch the switches of the KARMA music workstation, and under no circumstances should you turn off the power.

3 Remove the disk, and insert “GE disk No.2.” Messages

will appear in the same way as for “GE disk No.1”. When the GE data has been updated successfully, the LCD screen will indicate “System was completed,” and the system will start up automatically.

4 Load the preloaded data or the data you backed up. For

details on how to load, refer to ☞BG p.93 Disk mode “Data loading procedure.”

Introduction

3 Remove the disk and insert “System Boot disk No.2”.

Messages will appear in the same way as for “System Boot disk No.1.” When loading is completed, the display will ask “Please change to System 3 disk.”

4 Remove the disk and insert “System Boot disk No.3”.

Messages will appear in the same way as for “System Boot disk No.1.” When the system has been updated successfully, the display will indicate “System was completed,” and the system will start up automatically.

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KARMA function

GE Select

In addition to the 1,190 preset GEs (Generated Effects) that generate phrases and patterns within each KARMA module, system version 2.0 gives you 320 rewritable user GE memories. In conjunction with this addition, you can now select user GEs in the “GE Select” fields of each mode.

KARMA Time Sig. (KARMA Time Signature)

A “KARMA Time Sig. (KARMA Time Signature)” parameter has been added to each mode.

“KARMA Time Sig.” appears in the following pages.

Program mode

“GE Select” appears in the following pages.

Program mode

Combination mode

PROG 1.1-3a (☞PG p.5) PROG 6.1-1a (☞PG p.26)

COMBI 1.1-4a (☞PG p.47) COMBI 6.1-1a (☞PG p.57)

Sequencer mode SEQ 6.1-1a (☞PG p.103) Song Play mode S.PLAY 6.1-1a (☞PG p.122)

The display in Program mode

Combination mode

Sequencer mode SEQ 6.1-1a (☞PG p.103) Song Play mode S.PLAY 6.1-1a (☞PG p.122)

KARMA Time Sig. (KARMA Time Signature)

GE Select

[0000(PRE): Arp Model 01 Up/Dn…1190(U-A)…1509(U-J)]

Selects the GE. You can choose from 1190 preset GEs and 320 rewritable user GEs.

GE data can be loaded into the user GE memories from an EXB-PCM 04/05 board (planned for release) containing GE data for the KARMA music workstation, or from KARMA MW (dedicated Mac/PC software for the KARMA music workstation).

Preset GEs and user GEs are organized as follows. The bank is shown in parentheses ( ) following the GE number.

Specifies the time signature of the phrases or patterns generated by the KARMA modules. The initial time signature of the phrase or pattern is determined by the GE, but you can set this parameter to change the time signature.

GE/TS: The initial time signature specified by each KARMA module will be used.

1/4...16/16: Specify the desired time signature. In Combination, Sequencer, and Song Play modes, this will change the time signature for all four KARMA modules.

PROG 1.1-1a (☞PG p.2) PROG 6.1-1a (☞PG p.26)

COMBI 1.1-1a (☞PG p.43) COMBI 6.1-1a (☞PG p.57)

The display in Program mode

[GE/TS…16/16]

0000(PRE)–1189(PRE) 1190 preset GEs 1190(U-A)–1221(U-A) 1222(U-B)–1253(U-B) 1254(U-C)–1285(U-C) 1286(U-D)–1317(U-D) 1318(U-E)–1349(U-E) 320 user GEs (32 x ten banks) 1350(U-F)–1381(U-F) 1382(U-G)–1413(U-G) 1414(U-H)–1445(U-H) 1446(U-I)–1477(U-I) 1478(U-J)–1509(U-J)

System version 2.0 adds a GE category 16 [User] to the choices for “GE Select” in each mode (☞PG p.5) and when using the utility menu command “Select by Category: GE” that is available from the KARMA function edit page.

“Select by Category” appears in the utility menu for the following pages.

Program mode

Select by Category

PROG 1.1-3 (☞PG p.5) PROG 6.1-1–PROG 6.3-4 (☞PG p.26)

COMBI 1.1-4 (☞PG p.47)

Combination mode COMBI 6.1-1–COMBI 6.3-4 (☞PG p.57)

COMBI 6.4-6/7

Sequencer mode

Song Play mode

SEQ 6.1-1–SEQ6.3-4 (☞PG p.103) SEQ 6.4-6/7

S.PLAY 6.1-1–S.PLAY6.3-4 (☞PG p.122) S.PLAY 6.4-6/7

Select by Category

Lets you select a GE by category. The categories are 00 [Basic Arpeggio] – 15 [Perc. Pattern], and 16 [User]. For the

320 user GEs, a category of 16 [User] is specified by default.

If you have loaded GE data from an EXB-PCM 04/05 board (planned for release) or GE data that you created using KARMA MW (dedicated Mac/PC software for the KARMA music workstation), you can select GEs

according to the GE category assigned to each one.

K.RTC (KARMA RealTime Controls)

TxFltr (TxFilter)

System version 2.0 adds a value display function to the K.RTC (KARMA Realtime Controls) page of each mode.

K.RTC (KARMA Realtime Controls) appears in the following pages.

Program mode PROG 1.1-4 (☞PG p.6)

Combination mode COMBI 1.1-5 (☞PG p.48)

Sequencer mode SEQ 1.1-7 (☞PG p.77) Song Play mode S.PLAY 1.1-7 (☞PG p.118)

The display in Combination mode

K.RTC (KARMA Realtime Controls) value display function

When you operate the KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS knobs or switches, the number and value of the GE parameter or RT parameter you are controlling will be displayed. This lets you see which parameter is being controlled by the knob or switch, and how. After two seconds, this display will revert to the KARMA RTC Name display.

Display example

Module ID

Parameter No.

Parameter Value

System version 2.0 adds a “Notes” parameter to the KARMA TxFltr (TxFilter) page in each mode.

The “Notes” parameter appears in the following pages.

Program mode PROG 6.1-4a (☞PG p.28)

Combination mode COMBI 6.1-6a (☞PG p.60)

Sequencer mode SEQ 6.1-6a (☞PG p.107) Song Play mode S.PLAY 6.1-6a (☞PG p.125)

The display in Program mode

KARMA Function

Notes [Off, On]

Specifies whether the MIDI note-on/note-off messages generated by the KARMA module will be transmitted.

This setting lets you mute the note phrases generated by the KARMA module, and use only the control data generated from the KARMA module (e.g., pan, filter cutoff, resonance) to apply modulation to phrases or chords you yourself play on the keyboard.

Due to the addition of the “Notes” parameter, the other parameter names displayed in the screen have changed as follows. (Refer to the display above.)

GE Bend → Bend GE CC-A → CC-A GE CC-B → CC-B GE Env1 → Env1 GE Env2 → Env2 GE Env3 → Env3

Module ID [A…D, P]

Indicates which parameters what you are controlling from the KARMA REALTIME CONTROLS knob or switch.

A, B, C, D: Indicates the KARMA module that is being controlled. (In Program mode, this will always display A.) In this case, you are controlling a GE parameter.

P: Indicates that the knob or switch is controlling an RT parameter.

Parameter No. [01...16]

When “Module Name” is A–D (KARMA module), this area indicates the GE parameter number 01–16 that you are controlling (displayed in pages 6.3-1–4 ☞PG p.32). If “Module Name” is P, this area indicates the RT parameter number 01–08 (shown as 1–8 in pages 6.4-1–2) that you are controlling (displayed in pages 6.4-1–2 ☞PG p.34).

Parameter Value

This area indicates the value of the GE parameter or RT parameter you are controlling. The value will change as you turn the knob.

A knob or switch can have multiple parameters assigned to it. A maximum of three assigned parameters can be displayed here in the available space. If there are more, they will not be displayed, although they will still function when the control is activated.

Freeze Randomize

System version 2.0 adds a 6.2-3: Parm3 (Parameter 3) page and Freeze Randomize function following the 6.2-2: Parm2 page of each mode.

The Parm3 (Parameter 3) page is displayed after the following pages.

Program mode PROG 6.2-2 (☞PG p.31–32)

Combination mode COMBI 6.2-2 (☞PG p.61–62)

Sequencer mode SEQ 6.2-2 (☞PG p.108–109) Song Play mode S.PLAY 6.2-2 (☞PG p.126–127)

6.2–3: Parm3 (Parameter3)

You can freeze (capture) the endlessly varying phrases generated by KARMA’s randomize function. By using the “Random Capture” (☞p.9), “Start Seed” (6.2-3a), and “Freeze Loop Length” (6.2-2a) parameters in conjunction with the “Random FF/REW” function, you can loop a randomly changing phrase, or play the same phrase each time you trigger it. These capabilities are collectively called Freeze Randomize. You can also store a Program or Combination with these settings, so that it will always play the same randomized phrase or pattern when you first call it up.

Not all GEs have been programmed to utilize the KARMA function’s randomization capabilities. If no randomization has been programmed as part of the GE, changing these new parameters will appear to have no effect.

The display in Combination mode

6.2–3a

6.2–3a: Freeze Randomize

In modes where you can use more than one KARMA module (Combination, Sequencer, and Song Play modes), use the [ module for which you want to set the Freeze Randomize parameters.

]/[ ] keys to select the KARMA

Start Seed

[-2147483648…0: Random…+2147483647]

Specifies the seed that is used by the KARMA module to generate the random phrase.

“Seed” is the source data from which the randomiza- tions are created. “Start Seed” is the seed that will be used each time a trigger occurs.

The 6.4-6(7): Random 1(2) settings in Combination, Sequencer, and Song Play modes are valid regardless of the “Start Seed” setting. If you select the same GE and specify the same “Start Seed” value for KARMA modules A, B, C, and D, the phrase after being triggered will be the same, but the way in which it changes for each repetition will depend on the Random 1 (2) settings.

0: Random: A different phrase will be generated each time the trigger occurs. Within the KARMA module, a different “Start Seed” value is specified randomly each time the trigger occurs. In system version 1.0, this is the setting that is always used.

Any value other than Random: The same phrase will be generated each time the trigger occurs. Different values for the Start Seed parameter will produce different phrases, but the same phrase will always be generated if the Start Seed value is the same.

How the “Start Seed” value affects the phrase

As an example, we will use the combination E-67: Modern Jazz [JS] to see how different “Start Seed” settings will affect the phrase.

1 In Combination mode, select E067: Modern Jazz [JS].

E067: Modern Jazz [JS] is a combination in which a sax solos over backing provided by drums, bass, and piano.

4 Use the [ ]/[ ] keys to select Module A,

and make sure that “Start Seed” is set to 0: Random. If “Start Seed” is not set to 0: Random, change the setting to 0: Random. Module A will generate a phrase for the sax of timbre 2.

5 Use the CHORD TRIGGER [1] key to trigger the GE

several times at a regular interval (one or two seconds). Pay attention to the sax phrase that begins immediately after each trigger. The sax will begin playing a different phrase each time the trigger occurs.

6 Change the “Start Seed” to any value other than 0:

Random. For this example, set it to +1.

7 In the same way as you did in step 5, use the CHORD

TRIGGER [1] key to trigger the GE several times, and pay attention to the sax phrase that begins immediately after each trigger. The sax will begin playing the same phrase each time the trigger occurs.

8 Change the “Start Seed” to a value other than +1, and

perform the same actions as you did in step 5. The sax will begin playing the same phrase each time the trigger occurs, but it will be a different phrase than when “Start Seed” was set to +1.

If you set “Start Seed” to 0: Random, and execute “Random Capture” (☞p.9) after triggering, the “Start Seed” value that was internally set within the module at the time of triggering will be specified here. While listening to the phrases that change randomly at each trigger, you can execute this when you hear a phrase that you want to reproduce. In conjunction with the “Freeze Loop Length” setting, you can also loop a phrase that you like. (☞p.10 Checking the Freeze Randomize function, and performing “Random Capture”using the “Random FF/REW” function)

Freeze Loop Length [Off, 1…32]

Specifies the number of measures in the phrases that are repeatedly generated by the KARMA module. After being triggered, the module will generate a phrase of the number of measures you specify here, and will then repeat that phrase. If you set this Off, the phrase will not be repeated.

The table below and the explanations that follow describe how various combinations of “Start Seed” and “Freeze Loop Length” settings will affect the phrase or control data that is randomly generated by the KARMA module each time triggering occurs, according to the GE settings you are using.

“Start Seed” “Freeze Loop Length”

(1) 0: Random Off (2) any value Off (3) 0: Random 1...32

(4) any value 1...32

2 Press the [MENU] key, and select the 6.2: Ed-KARMA

Mdl page. (For details on how to select a page, ☞PG p.1)

3 Press the [F3] key to select the Parm3 page.

(1) “Start Seed”: 0: Random, “Freeze Loop Length”: Off The phrase will change randomly each time triggering occurs. Each time the phrase repeats, it will change randomly. This is what happens in system version 1.0. For example, suppose there is a GE that, if you input C-D-E-F, will randomly vary the order of notes, and repeatedly play four notes in each measure. When you trigger this GE, it produces notes in a random order of (for example) C-D-E- F, C-C-D-F, F-D-C-E…. When you trigger this GE again, it produces a different random phrase of (for example) E-D-

C-C, C-C-D-D, C-D-C-E....

+ 21 hidden pages

Korg KARMA 2 User Manual

Table of Contents

About this manual

Conventions in this manual

Introduction

Main features of version 2.0

KARMA function

Sequencer mode

Global mode

Disk mode

Installing the system

Installing the software into the KARMA Music Workstation

KARMA function

GE Select

KARMA Time Sig. (KARMA Time Signature)

Select by Category

K.RTC (KARMA RealTime Controls)

TxFltr (TxFilter)

Freeze Randomize

6.2–3: Parm3 (Parameter3)