Korg Karma

[Evolution 2000]

Hi, Im new to the forum.

Well, Im investing in the Korg Karma. Ive saved up a bit already, I would like to ask a few questions to the people that own or have worked with the Karma extensively. Im into r&b, hip-hop, and a lil' bit of trip-hop. I need a workstation that will give me quality, alot of extensive programming/editing features. Im well aware of the new Karma technology, of course I wouldnt have invested in this if I didnt know what I was buying. If you've heard of Soleternity, I love his sounds. I want a sound like that, but I still would like to be able to explore other musical styles as well with the station Ill buy. I wont be selling the Karma, Ill be keeping it forever. Im also wondering about the PCM expansions, are they worth the cash?

Ill probably be using the Karma as a main sound source, running it into my PC. Im also investing in the Delta 44, Shure SM58 (2), & later on one of the Roland XV-3080 modules. Im also interested, in the Motif rack thats supposed to be released sometime soon, I have already heard great things about the Motif series.

Ill also be investing in a couple of acoustic instruments, I want to purchase a decent nylon string guitar, and also a steel string. Im also thinking about picking up an electric, but Im not completely sure about that yet. But, what I want to know. Is, if you have been able to work with the Korg Karma, does it fit your personal preference? If so, what is your style of music? Would it be a good buy for a first time buyer? Also, Ive heard alot about the Karmas sequencer, its supposedly one of the best around. Do you think that this is true? Or is it mediocre? (Due to the fact that I might be using Acid Pro 3 & Cubase if the Karma sequencing doesnt fit my favor).

Thanks in advance, Im 15, so please, no engineer talk. Please try to keep it at least a bit simple, so I can understand of what your trying to get across, to some extent anyways.

Evo

[Evolution 2000]

[James Argo]

Sorry to keep it that long... But yessss, it worth to be your "long live" main keyboard workstation. I don't have one, but work often with it, and it rocks. I have Korg N364, O5R/W, Trinity, and heading for Triton next year. I use KORG since 1991, and know how to deal with it, what the pro's and con's. KARMA is one of those I like to have. My oopinion is it's so general. You can't expect the sonic solid state quality it provide for every musical genre you made, but for general purpose, it rocks just great. Brass, synth and pad is the best on it's class, while the piano is the con's (too 'plastic' but that's okay if you're not into piano that much). Anyway, with expansion card available, you can expect better thing in future. So, go for it if you like.




No, I'm not working for KORG at all. None of my family ever even.

[IceQueen]

Hi,
I have a KORG KARMA, and I have used ProTools extensively with my MBox on my iBook G3, but I have yet to use the KARMA to its fullest capacity. I have a MIDI interface, but i don't know how to use it in COMBI mode so that I can operate different patches in protools.

Help...

thanks.

[bsr2002]

I have a KARMA, so far the only thing I've done with it is to tweek the patches. Since I play with various cover bands I haven't had time to really get into the sequencer. Like James I've used KORG since the 90's and still use my X3 as part of my rig. You can check out my completed rig here:

http://gearpage.gq.nu/

[timothyallan]

I wrote an entire album just using the Karmas internal sequencer and sounds (with a couple grooveboxes as well). The sound modules are worth it, but the one you should save for is the MOSS expansion.

Its pricey, but turns the Karma into an analogue synth as well, super phat if you know what you're doing.

The drum samples etc can be expanded too. The stock ones are pretty good, but there just isnt a lot of them.

If you use a bunch of the internal FX modules and record the output into a sequencer, you can make it pretty much sound like anything.


my 2c

Tim

[tedluk]

I don't know how I missed this thread!

I've owned a KARMA for a couple of years now and it's truly an amazing board. It is, without question, the deepest synth I have ever owned. If you're willing to spend the time learning it- and it does take some time- you will be rewarded with a wealth of material that you can use in most any genre.

I second Tim's suggestion about the MOSS board. It really expands what the KARMA is capable of. I'd also suggest getting one of the editor packages available from third parties. They make working with the board a lot easier.

Honestly, the MW software is so deep that everytime I open it, I'm lost in its sea of options, but what I love is that even with not understanding half of what I'm doing, I often get interesting results simply tweaking parameters almost randomly.

My only caveat with the board would be that the keyboard is a little flimsy feeling. I don't gig with it, and I've never had a problem, but I worry sometimes that I'm going to break a key when I start really pounding.

On the plus side, one of the coolest things is that you have direct access via the karma-lab.com user forums to Stephen Kay, the inventor of the KARMA function. And when I say direct, I mean DIRECT! If you post a question on the forums, you'll usually get an answer back from him within the hour and frequently in a few minutes. And, believe me, he knows the KARMA! lol

Ted

[Atterion]

Another vote for the MOSS board. The other expansion cards are good, but the MOSS board is the crown jewel of the KORG expansion cards. And you absolutely can't go wrong with the KARMA. It is kind of the Black Sheep of the KORG family, but it is the synth with the most personality. You can do all kinds of crazy stuff (i.e. play a pipe organ sound like you were strumming it like a guitar, all the while controlling crazy scale patterns and drums with the twist of some knobs). It can easily serve as the center-piece of your studio. I find it is best suited for coming up with dynamic evolving background parts to free jam with (much like an arranger keyboard). Rarely do I utulize anything but the raw sounds when I use it in the studio. But it is astounding as an instant back-up band when your all alone late at night, or just need something to play along with for inspiration, that won't bore the living crap out of you.