Using Karma; Overview - What Is Karma; The Structure Of Karma - Korg kronos Operation Manual

Overview - What is KARMA?

KARMA stands for Kay Algorithmic Realtime Music
Architecture, named after its inventor, Stephen Kay.
KARMA generates MIDI data, using many different
algorithms seamlessly integrated to provide a powerful
"music generation engine." Based on the notes and chords
you play, KARMA creates phrases and patterns in real-time,
generating not just notes but MIDI control data as well. The
KARMA architecture allows the various algorithms to be
reconfigured and varied in realtime, as you play them.
For example, you can create the dynamic tempo changes that
occur within a harp glissando, the synchronized changes in
volume and tone that occur as part of a brass phrase, the
randomness within a drum phrase, the crescendo and

The structure of KARMA

KARMA consists of the following major parts.
KARMA modules
A KARMA module uses a GE (Generated Effect) to create a
phrase or pattern.
In Program mode, only one KARMA module (A) is used. In
Combination or Sequencer modes, four KARMA modules
(A, B, C, D) can be used. For example, each module might
be used to generate phrases and patterns for a separate
sound, such as drums, bass, guitar, and piano.
In Program mode, the KARMA module transmits and
receives all MIDI data on the Global MIDI channel
specified by "MIDI Channel."
In Combination and Sequencer modes, the MIDI data
from each KARMA module is transmitted and received
on the "Input Channel" and "Output Channel" specified
for each module.
GE (Generated Effect)
The phrases and patterns produced by a KARMA module
are created by a GE (Generated Effect).
MIDI IN

Using KARMA

diminuendo of a fill-in, changes in phrase or tone of a techno
groove, complex interweaving phrases that would be
impossible to play on a keyboard, guitar strumming and
finger-picking simulations with natural-sounding changes,
and backing grooves that follow your keyboard playing in
realtime – all under your control. KARMA lets you produce
phrases and patterns at a far more musical and flexible level
than conventional arpeggiators or pattern playback
functions.
On the KRONOS, KARMA is designed to work in close
conjunction with the numerous other functions, giving you
unbelievable performance power on stage or in the studio.
Based on note data from the keyboard, the GE uses various
internal parameters to control how the note data will be
developed, and how rhythm, chord structure, and velocity
etc. will be controlled to generate a phrase or pattern. MIDI
control changes and pitch bend data can also be generated in
synchronization with the phrase or pattern. As a capability
unique to the KRONOS, KARMA can generate MIDI
exclusive messages to control wave sequencing, which
switches between multisamples etc. of a program in
realtime. This lets you create phrases and patterns in which
the tone color and note pitches change independently.
The KRONOS provides a large number of GEs that can be
used for a variety of instruments, performance techniques,
and musical styles.
GE RTP – Real Time Parameters
A GE consists of over two hundred internal parameters. In
each GE, up to 32 of these internal parameters are pre-
selected as the most suitable parameters for use in
controlling the phrase or pattern. These parameters are called
the "GE realtime parameters."
KARMA function
GE
KARMA module
(Generated Effect)
parameters
Phrases or
patterns
MIDI OUT
Tone
generator
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