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Average Price: $126
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$500
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Description
Dive into the realm of endless musical possibilities with the Korg Karma, your ultimate companion for music production. This powerhouse synthesizer is not just a tool but a partner in your creative journey, offering a vast array of sounds and sequences that cater to every whim. Its 256 ROM programs and 64 drum sets ensure that you're never short on inspiration, whether you're crafting tracks in the studio or performing live. The Korg Karma doesn't just play sounds; it breathes life into your musical vision with its programmable user presets and MIDI control, making every performance uniquely yours. Plus, with its 16-track sequencer, layering sounds and textures becomes an intuitive process, allowing for complex compositions that captivate and enchant. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a budding producer, the Korg Karma is the synthesis of versatility, creativity, and control, all wrapped up in one sleek package.
Key Features:
- 256 ROM programs for an extensive sound palette
- 64 drum sets, offering a wide range of rhythmic possibilities
- Programmable user presets for personalized sound crafting
- MIDI control for seamless integration with other gear
- 16-track sequencer for complex compositions
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Karma |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 62 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Karma use?
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The Korg Karma utilizes digital synthesis, specifically based on the HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system, which provides a wide array of sounds and effects suitable for various music genres.
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How many keys does the Korg Karma have and what is their action type?
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The Korg Karma features a 61-key full-size keyboard with synth action, providing a responsive and versatile playing experience suitable for both live performances and studio work.
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What is the polyphony count of the Korg Karma?
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The Korg Karma offers 62 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering of sounds and intricate musical compositions without note dropouts.
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Can the Korg Karma be integrated into a MIDI setup?
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Yes, the Korg Karma includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI setup for expanded musical possibilities.
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What are some standout features of the Korg Karma?
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The Korg Karma is known for its unique KARMA technology, which generates complex phrases and patterns, enhancing creativity in music production and live performances.
Videos
hamsterdunce
Korg Karma - Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Karma.
User experience
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Users mention the Karma's software was originally prone to crashes and challenging to use effectively.
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Owners note the Karma as more of an "expensive gadget" rather than a practical synth, especially when compared to the Korg 01W-fd.
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The Karma's arpeggiator is difficult to program, often frustrating users without computer-based editors.
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Comparisons
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Owners view the Karma as a more accessible option compared to the Triton, sharing similar sounds but at a lower price point.
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The Karma's features are integrated into Korg's later models with improved sound quality, making those alternatives more appealing.
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The keybed of the Karma feels less satisfying compared to Korg's earlier Trinity and Triton series.
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The HI engine, shared with Triton, excels in strings and choirs but falters with synth filters, leading to aliasing issues.
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Use cases and applications
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The built-in sequencer is praised for its simplicity, allowing users to compose complete songs with ease.
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The Karma became popular in Turkish pop and Balkan turbofolk due to its arranger-type synth capabilities.
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Owners note Karma's orchestral presets are impressive for live playing but challenging for electronic music loops.
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Software and compatibility
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The Karma engine, developed by Stephen Kay, can be edited with software from Karma Labs LLC to create custom performances.
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Mods and upgrades
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The EXB-PCM05 Vintage Archives expansion card is recommended for adding Mellotron sounds to the Karma.
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Features and functionality
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The Karma has a 62-voice polyphony, making it capable of crafting intricate soundscapes with its effects engine and built-in sequencer.
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Karma lacks sampling and requires external software for editing GEs, making it less user-friendly for loop and pattern creation.
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The Karma can support the EXB-MOSS expansion card, adding a 6-voice VA synthesizer and physical modeling from the Korg Z1 engine.
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The Karma engine offers algorithmic improvisation over scales, not just simple chord memory, which adds depth to chord progressions.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
348
All in One!
One of my favorite Synth/Workstations of all time! i bought it in Sep,2017 its awesome... pads and bass are amazing + also Chord Triggers are so cool !
Artist usage
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Rick Wakeman includes the Korg Karma, known for its distinctive red design, among his collection of keyboards, as noted on the RWCC website under YES Equipment.
Herbie mentions having used the Karma in this promotional interview with Korg on their official site.
A studio is nothing without equipment. In A.R.T. Studio the following top shelf music gear (and some personal favorites of Michael) were available:
Custom built AMEK Digital mixing console Audio Frame Workstation and Waveframe 1000 (old at the time, very important for the Enigma sound) Custom built studio controller by Quested Acoustics Protools system hardware Emagic Logic Audio Platinum software. Sample cell (Software sampler) Steinberg’s Halion External Midi modules and hardware: Lexicon 480 and 960 (reverb) Yamaha REV1, REV7 and REV9, Eventide Reverb Dynacord DRP20. MIDIMoog, PPG System, Korg M1, C-Lab Notator Takamine 6 and 12 String Guitars Tom Anderson Electric Guitars Otari DTR-900 Akai 900 Linn 9000 Prophet 2002 X-Pander EMS Vocoder DX-7 Roland MKS-80 «Super Jupiter», Roland V-Synth, Korg OASYS Korg Karma And, of course, a PC-based Studio Sampler. This is, after all, sample heavy music!
According to the official gear list on Darude's Website (Click on the studio tab), it says he owns the korg karma.
Christopher Franke lists the Korg Karma synthesizer on his official equipment page, highlighting its role in his setup.
Album Usage
The Korg Karma has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Karma, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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