The Korg KARMA represents a revolutionary step forward in music workstation technology, building upon the proven foundation of the Triton while introducing groundbreaking interactive music generation capabilities. Named after its inventor Stephen Kay, KARMA stands for Kay Algorithmic Real-time Music Architecture - a sophisticated system that goes far beyond traditional arpeggiators and auto-accompaniment functions.

At its core, the KARMA combines the synthesis, multi-effects, and sequencing capabilities of the Triton with an entirely new performance-based interactive music generation system. The instrument features the same HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis engine found in the Triton, housed within a distinctive black and maroon metallic casing that's more compact and significantly lighter than its predecessor.

The KARMA Technology

The heart of the KARMA lies in its Generated Effects (GE) system - a collection of 1190 preset algorithmic engines that create infinitely variable and intelligently randomized grooves, phrases, and patterns. These Generated Effects can be thought of as sitting "on top of" traditional Programs, adding dynamic movement and interaction to static sounds.

The system offers four distinct types of Generated Effects:

Real-Time GEs apply time-based effects like sophisticated MIDI delay and auto-bending to played notes. Drum GEs use preset pitch patterns to generate rhythms with built-in spontaneity and randomness factors that mimic the flexibility of real musicians. Gated GEs apply rhythmic gating effects using MIDI controllers to "chop up" sustained sounds. Generated Riff GEs represent the most powerful category, creating processed note series from keyboard input with extensive parameter control over rhythm, duration, velocity, and note manipulation.

Performance Control

The KARMA excels as a live performance instrument through its comprehensive real-time control system. The KARMA Real-time Control (KRTC) section features eight knobs and two buttons that provide immediate access to up to 16 parameters per Generated Effect. Four Chord Trigger buttons can store complex chord sequences for instant recall, while dedicated On/Off and Latch functions allow seamless integration of generated effects with traditional playing.

A dedicated GE Tempo knob enables real-time tempo adjustment from 40 to 240 BPM, while Scene switching allows for instant parameter set changes during performance. The system also supports extensive MIDI controller assignment, including joystick, velocity, aftertouch, sustain pedal, and assignable footswitch control.

Design Changes from Triton

To achieve a more accessible price point (approximately 80% of the Triton's cost), Korg made several strategic compromises. The KARMA eliminates the Triton's sampling functions, onboard sample RAM, audio inputs, and SCSI expansion. The large touchscreen display is replaced with a traditional backlit LCD and function buttons, contributing to the instrument's reduced depth and 4kg weight reduction.

Missing features include the ribbon controller, To Host serial connection, and two of the four individual audio outputs. However, easy-access EXB PCM expansion slots on the front panel improve upon the Triton's design, allowing for simpler sound library swapping.

Sound Generation and Architecture

The KARMA utilizes the same sophisticated HI synthesis architecture as the Triton, featuring dual oscillators per voice with PCM sample playback, resonant filtering (configurable as 24dB/octave low-pass or series 12dB low-pass/high-pass), and comprehensive modulation capabilities including five-stage envelopes and dual LFOs.

The built-in effects architecture provides five Insert effects, two Master effects, and Master EQ, all with dynamic parameter modulation. Physical modeling synthesis can be added via the optional EXB MOSS expansion board, while two EXB PCM slots accommodate additional sample libraries.

Technical Specifications

Keyboard

• 61 unweighted keys with velocity sensitivity
• channel aftertouch

Sound Generation

• Polyphony: 62 voices (single mode), 31 voices (double mode), 68 notes maximum with EXB MOSS board
• Multitimbrality: 8 parts (Combination mode), 16 parts (Sequencer mode)
• Synthesis: HI (Hyper Integrated) sample-based subtractive synthesis
• Built-in ROM: 32MB waveform ROM (425 multisamples, 413 drum samples) at 48kHz
• Expansion: 2 EXB PCM slots (16MB each), EXB MOSS physical modeling slot
• Programs: 640 user-programmable (384 pre-loaded), 128 additional with MOSS, 256 GM2 compatible
• Combinations: 768 user-programmable memories (384 pre-loaded)
• Drum Kits: 64 user kits (16 pre-loaded), 9 GM2 ROM kits

KARMA System

• Generated Effects: 1190 presets across 16 categories
• GE Parameters: Over 400 total, 16 maximum editable per GE
• GE Types: Generated Riff, Generated Drum, Generated Gated, Real-time
• Parameter Groups: 14 groups including GE, Note Series, Phase, Rhythm, Duration, Index, Cluster, Velocity, CCs, Envelope, Repeat, Bend, Drum, Direct Index
• Simultaneous GEs: 1 (Program mode), up to 4 (Combination/Sequencer modes)

Effects System

• Insert Effects: 5 stereo in/out effects (102 available types)
• Master Effects: 2 mono in/stereo out effects (89 available types)
• Master EQ: 3-band stereo EQ
• Dynamic Modulation: Real-time parameter control available

Sequencer

• Tracks: 16 timbres/tracks plus 1 master track
• Capacity: 200,000 events maximum
• Resolution: 192 PPQ
• Songs: 200 maximum
• Formats: KARMA, Triton, SMF (Standard MIDI File)
• RPPR: Real-time Pattern Play/Record function
• Song Play Mode: 16 timbres, SMF formats 0/1 supported

Real-time Controls

Standard Controls

• Joystick controller
• 2 assignable switches
• 4 Real-time Control knobs with A/B select switch

KARMA-Specific Controls

• KARMA On/Off button
• Latch button
• 8 KARMA Real-time Control (KRTC) knobs
• 2 KRTC buttons
• 4 Chord Trigger buttons with Assign function
• KARMA Tempo knob (40-240 BPM)
• Scene 1/2 switching

Connectivity

Audio Outputs

• Main Left/Right outputs (rear panel)
• 2 auxiliary outputs (rear panel)
• Headphone output (front panel)

MIDI

• MIDI In, Out, Thru (rear panel)

Pedal Inputs

• Footswitch input
• Footpedal input
• Sustain pedal input

Storage & Display

• Disk Drive: 3.5" floppy with System Exclusive load/save
• Display: 240 x 64 pixel backlit LCD
• Interface: F1-F8 function buttons, cursor navigation buttons

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 1100mm (W) × 320mm (D) × 119mm (H)
• Weight: 10kg
• Case: Black and maroon metallic finish
• Power: Internal PSU with rear panel switch

Software Categories (Generated Effects, GE)

1. Basic Arpeggio (33 GEs)
2. Keyboard (140 GEs)
3. Bell/Mallet (60 GEs)
4. Acoustic Mono (22 GEs)
5. Acoustic Poly (146 GEs)
6. Ethnic (31 GEs)
7. Guitar (73 GEs)
8. Bass (83 GEs)
9. Synth Bass (44 GEs)
10. Synth Mono (42 GEs)
11. Synth Poly (126 GEs)
12. Pad Motion (77 GEs)
13. Sound Effects (33 GEs)
14. Gated (27 GEs)
15. Drum Pattern (231 GEs)
16. Percussion Pattern (22 GEs)

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