KARMA 2: Understanding the RTC Models
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All of the 2048 preset GEs are categorized into 13 different Real-Time Control Model (RTC Model) Types, such as "DP1 - Drum/Perc," "BL1 - Bass/Lead," etc. These are not the same as the GE categories you see when selecting a specific GE for a KARMA module.

An RTC Model is a standardized "template" for the GE RTP parameters that defines:

  • Exactly which 32 GE parameters are visible in the keyboard for all GEs that share the same RTC Model. However, the actual values defined for each of these 32 parameters are not necessarily standardized across the GEs that share the same RTC Model.
  • Exactly how these 32 GE parameters are assigned to the 8 sliders and 8 switches inside its individual Module Control Layer: the A, B, C, and D layers. For example, among all GEs that share the same RTC Model, Slider 2 might always be Rhythm Complexity or a Rhythmic variation, Slider 3 might always affect Duration, Slider 4 might always affect Velocity, etc.
  • The Master Control Layer of a Combi/song does not have an RTC Model per se, but the developers of the preset combis in your keyboard tried to follow certain Master Layer Guidelines to standardize the sliders and switches in the Master layer as much as possible.

Benefits of RTC Model standardization

The benefit of this RTC Model standardization is that it makes it easier to become comfortable with KARMA programming. Once you've learned how to get cool effects out of one GE, you can apply that knowledge to other GEs that share the same RTC Model because they're all set up in similar fashion.

Similarly, certain sliders and switches in the Master layer of preset combis tend to perform similar functions based on the types of GEs used in that combi. For example, you can generally depend on Slider 1 controlling the overall swing feel of the KARMA-generated patterns in most combis.

How RTC Models are assigned to GEs

The RTC Model that is assigned to a GE is defined in the KARMA Software for your keyboard model. You cannot directly change the RTC model assigned to the preset GEs, but you can create new GEs in any of the RTC Model types, and load these new GEs into your keyboard.

How the Load GE Options work

When you assign a GE to a KARMA module, it can come in fully mapped and connected to all the sliders and switches of the Control Surface, thanks to the RTC Model. And depending how you set the Load GE Options at the top of certain pages, if you change to a GE of the same RTC Model type (for example, both GEs use the DP1 - Drum/Perc RTC Model), you can keep your current GE parameter settings and have them applied to the new GE. For example, you can set up some Repeat settings and Bend settings, then choose a new GE that uses the same RTC Model and the new GE will keep those Repeat and Bend settings.

  • On the Korg OASYS, Load GE Options is located in the Karma GE tab of page P0 Play, or in the GE Setup/Key Zones tab of the KARMA pages.
  • On the Korg M3, Load GE Options is located in the Karma GE tab of page P:0 Play, or in tabs Setup A through Setup D of page P7-1 KARMA1 GESetup

Details of each RTC Model

The following links take you to articles with more detail about the 13 RTC Models, plus the standard guidelines that have been used in configuring the sliders and switches in the Master Layer of the preset combis. There are also several reference links, including a table of all RTC Models on one page, for comparisons between them.

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