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Average Price: $126

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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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

What type of synthesis does the Korg Karma use?

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.

How many keys does the Korg Karma have and what is their action type?

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.

What is the polyphony count of the Korg Karma?

The Korg Karma offers 62 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering of sounds and intricate musical compositions without note dropouts.

Can the Korg Karma be integrated into a MIDI setup?

Yes, the Korg Karma includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI setup for expanded musical possibilities.

What are some standout features of the Korg Karma?

The Korg Karma is known for its unique KARMA technology, which generates complex phrases and patterns, enhancing creativity in music production and live performances.

hamsterdunce

hamsterdunce

Korg Karma - Demo

Video thumbnail for Korg Karma - Demo by hamsterdunce

Korg Karma - Demo

hamsterdunce

hamsterdunce

Video thumbnail for KORG KARMA - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - DEMO - TEST SOUNDS by Tiago Mallen #korg #karma #korgkarma by Tiago Mallen

KORG KARMA - (FACTORY SOUNDS) - DEMO - TEST SOUNDS by Tiago Mallen #korg #karma #korgkarma

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Korg Karma - Beautiful Ambient Programs Performed by Chronos by LFOstore

Korg Karma - Beautiful Ambient Programs Performed by Chronos

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Korg KARMA workstation demo by Dan Bennett

Korg KARMA workstation demo

Dan Bennett

Dan Bennett

Video thumbnail for KORG KARMA Promo 2001 by Karma-Lab

KORG KARMA Promo 2001

Karma-Lab

Karma-Lab

Video thumbnail for KORG KARMA | No Talking by MeX by Synth Cloud

KORG KARMA | No Talking by MeX

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for Rediscovering the Korg Karma: A Unique and Powerful Workstation by Ian Dixon

Rediscovering the Korg Karma: A Unique and Powerful Workstation

Ian Dixon

Ian Dixon

Video thumbnail for Korg Karma in 2024 - what is it? by Amateur Music Studio

Korg Karma in 2024 - what is it?

Amateur Music Studio

Amateur Music Studio

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

  • Users mention the Karma's software was originally prone to crashes and challenging to use effectively.

    Source
  • Owners note the Karma as more of an "expensive gadget" rather than a practical synth, especially when compared to the Korg 01W-fd.

    Source
  • The Karma's arpeggiator is difficult to program, often frustrating users without computer-based editors.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners view the Karma as a more accessible option compared to the Triton, sharing similar sounds but at a lower price point.

    Source
  • The Karma's features are integrated into Korg's later models with improved sound quality, making those alternatives more appealing.

    Source
  • The keybed of the Karma feels less satisfying compared to Korg's earlier Trinity and Triton series.

    Source
  • The HI engine, shared with Triton, excels in strings and choirs but falters with synth filters, leading to aliasing issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The built-in sequencer is praised for its simplicity, allowing users to compose complete songs with ease.

    Source
  • The Karma became popular in Turkish pop and Balkan turbofolk due to its arranger-type synth capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners note Karma's orchestral presets are impressive for live playing but challenging for electronic music loops.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Karma engine, developed by Stephen Kay, can be edited with software from Karma Labs LLC to create custom performances.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The EXB-PCM05 Vintage Archives expansion card is recommended for adding Mellotron sounds to the Karma.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Karma has a 62-voice polyphony, making it capable of crafting intricate soundscapes with its effects engine and built-in sequencer.

    Source
  • Karma lacks sampling and requires external software for editing GEs, making it less user-friendly for loop and pattern creation.

    Source
  • The Karma can support the EXB-MOSS expansion card, adding a 6-voice VA synthesizer and physical modeling from the Korg Z1 engine.

    Source
  • The Karma engine offers algorithmic improvisation over scales, not just simple chord memory, which adds depth to chord progressions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners find $450 suspiciously low, as recent prices were around $600-$700.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg KARMA

soundonsound.com

The Korg Karma dazzles with its innovative KARMA technology, providing a unique and versatile music generation system that outshines traditional arpeggiators. While it inherits the Triton's synthesis and effects prowess, it surpasses with real-time generative capabilities, making it an inspiring tool for creative musicians. However, sacrifices like the absence of sampling functions, a touchscreen, and reduced audio outputs are notable. The complexity of understanding Generated Effects might deter some, but the Karma offers a rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its depths. At a more affordable price than the Triton, it stands as a compelling choice.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
B

every sound has his own "karma"

a friend of mine recommended it to me, and it was great. A very unique arpeggiator way of thinking, a lot of particularly Korg sounds. The expansions sound great .

soheilmonfared

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

Add artist
See how Phil Collins uses Korg Karma

Phil Collins

Singer, Drummer

Genesis

...
Verified via Futurestyle

I just got the Triton a couple of years ago, and I now have the Karma"

See how Rick Wakeman uses Korg Karma

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Rwcc

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.

See how Herbie Hancock uses Korg Karma

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

The Headhunters

...
Verified via KORG Global

Herbie mentions having used the Karma in this promotional interview with Korg on their official site.

See how Tuomas Holopainen uses Korg Karma

Tuomas Holopainen

Keyboardist

Nightwish

...
Verified via YouTube

On this video you can see Tuomas play his Karma with Kotiteollisuus.

See how Michael Cretu uses Korg Karma

Michael Cretu

Singer, Composer

Enigma

...
Verified via New Age Music Guide

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!

See how Darude uses Korg Karma

Darude

Music Producer

...
Verified via Darude

According to the official gear list on Darude's Website (Click on the studio tab), it says he owns the korg karma.

See how Mark Kelly uses Korg Karma

Mark Kelly

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Marillion

...
Verified via Marillion

As listed among his equipment on this website , Mark Kelly uses Korg Karma

See how Adam Holzman uses Korg Karma

Adam Holzman

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Adam Holzman & Brave New World

...
Verified via Adamholzman

On his website Adam Holzman lists the gear he uses, including this one.

See how Christopher Franke uses Korg Karma

Christopher Franke

Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Christopherfranke

Christopher Franke lists the Korg Karma synthesizer on his official equipment page, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Mark Farina uses Korg Karma

Mark Farina

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

There is a karma in his studio.

See how Glenn McClelland uses Korg Karma

Glenn McClelland

Keyboardist

Ween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 22:56 in the dvd of "Ween Live in Chicago” McClelland can be seen playing the Korg Karma keyboard during the piano part of "Even If You Don't."

See how Geoff Nicholls uses Korg Karma

Geoff Nicholls

Guitarist, Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Black-sabbath

As seen using a Korg Karma and Triton Extreme.

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

Show yours
marq_andrew_speck

marq_andrew_speck

Gear IQ 99

dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

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