Table of Contents
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DISCLAIMER
It is the intent of the author to provide simplified SysEx messages for RealTime parameters which can be modified while jamming with the Korg KARMA, this is not an exhaustive list of all functions nor a complete list of every Sysex message which exist to create, save, dump presets etc…
This wiki article is focused on the cataloging of SysEx message's generated directly from the KARMA WS and in an attempt to use in reverse. This article may often reference an open-source custom built interface for translating midi CC#'s to SysEx messages using certain midi controllers, but is not meant to endorse any single solution nor product. There are a number of great online references for going further if you are not already familiar with assigning cc controllers to SysEx messages listed in this article… PEACE
Intro
Ok, so you have a midi controller and have successfully assigned a few CC parameters to your controller to interact with your KARMA Workstation. And you have also used the assignments available within the KARMA MW software. Assiging Midi CC to KARMA RTC with MW And now, you want to go further with KARMA Realtime Controls and external control of the KARMA WS. This guide can help you to understand this ins and outs of using an external midi controller and hopefully provide a few inspirational ideas to the conjuring of musical magic. SysEx may seem, at first glance for many, an obscure secret code of machine language which is reserved for witches and warlocks looking to cast spells of synth magic. It is… let this guide be your initiation into casting spells of KARMIC delight. This is an unofficial guide to a variety of SysEx messages which, in general, enable and provide direct access to the KORG KARMA Workstation functions and parameters as well as the KARMA-LAB RealTime Controls parameters. The KARMA-LAB MW software remains the BEST method of fine tuning and the ONLY means of creating GE’s and other proprietary functionalities of the KARMA platform. While it is not required, it is highly recommended that a sorcerer's apprentice be familiar with general SysEx message structure and be aquatinted with using the original KORG KARMA workstation prior to diving into the mystical realm of setting up any external controller or software to send messages. What is it and how to find a SYSEX message |
Get the Message Right
You might wonder, why use SysEx at all? Why not just use the Midi SysEx implementation charts? The above SysEx message is the instruction which tells the Korg WS in Combi Play mode to turn the KARMA function off. Going forward in this guide you will encounter a couple of symbols and other reference markings. Placed within the SysEx Message, these will denote important aspects or values of parameter variables such as in the example below: |
From Here to There
Initially, I simply wanted to have better control over the mixing levels of the eight timbres of a Combi while jamming in the studio. This was initially achieved with basic CC assignments. But of course one solution led to other “what if’s”…
While many midi controllers have specific means of assigning midi CC#, very few provide for direct SysEx assignments. There are several open source platforms or commercial hardware/software which bridge the gap. I have chosen to build an open-source interface to translate CC# messages to call and modulate KARMA SysEx messages and strings. |
Ctrlr on GitHub Ctrlr Free for use Solutions: Snoize SysEx Librarian Midi Monitor also from Snoize Windows: Midi-Ox Comercial Solutions: Midi Solutions Event Processor Bome MidiTranslator |
1.0 Basic Controls
The parameters listed in this Basic Controls section are workstation global settings. And generally mimic the buttons and knobs directly available at all times on-board. |
1.1 Scenario: Switching Modes
The table below provides the messages which will switch your KARMA WS into the various modes. This guide does not currently go into depth of any SysEx message which may be available in Seq. / S.Play / Global / Disk modes. |
Name | Message |
Combi Play | F0 42 30 5D 4E 00 F7 |
Combi Menu (edit) | F0 42 30 5D 4E 01 F7 |
Prog Play | F0 42 30 5D 4E 02 F7 |
Prog Menu (edit) | F0 42 30 5D 4E 03 F7 |
Seq | F0 42 30 5D 4E 04 F7 |
S.Play | F0 42 30 5D 4E 05 F7 |
Global | F0 42 30 5D 4E 07 F7 |
Disk | F0 42 30 5D 4E 08 F7 |
Tip: When using SysEx to switch to the Menu(edit) mode of a Combi or Prog the screen of the WS will show the last visited menu page, but in fact, all parameters are now available for modification thru further SysEx messages. Switching back to Play mode whether with the onboard button or SysEx, returns the WS station to that Combi or Prog Play mode. |
1.2 Scenario: Prog. Volume - Pan - Tempo
The volume and tempo message is the same as if using the on-board Volume slider and Tempo knob. There is no Pan knob available directly on-board, but the Pan and or Volume can also be assigned to one of the RT Knob B 1-4 knobs or by using CC# directly from an external controller. |
Name | Message | Notes |
Master Vol | F0 7F 0g 04 01 MS LS F7 | 0g = global channel |
Volume | B0 07 xx | similar to using CC#7 |
Pan | B0 0A xx | similar to using CC#10 |
Tempo | F0 42 30 5D 41 02 00 01 00 00 MS LS F7 | 00 28 - minimum 40 |
01 70 - maximum 240 |
Tips:
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1.3 Scenario: Prog. RTC Knob A-B 1- 4
These are the messages which will change the parameter values of RT Knob A 1-4 the LPF Cutoff, Resonance/HPF, EG-Intensity, EG-Release. And also the RT Knobs B 1-4, which must first be set thru either the on-board Prog 2.2 Ed-Ctrl assignment menu or thru the KARMA MW software. |
Knob A 1-4 | Name | Message |
LPF Cutoff | B0 4A xx | |
Resonance/HPF | B0 47 xx | |
EG-Intensity | B0 4F xx | |
EG-Release | B0 48 xx |
Knob B 1-4 | Name | Message |
Default | Mod 1 | B0 11 xx |
Default | Mod 2 | B0 13 xx |
Default | Mod 3 | B0 14 xx |
Default | Mod 4 | B0 15 xx |
Tips:
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1.4 Scenario: Prog. Performance Editor
The following SysEx messages will control the parameters from the P.Edit tab Prog:1.1, whether initiated directly on the WS or thru SysEx, changes only register with a note on, they do not affect a held note. As an example, set the Octave setting to -3 play and hold a middle C, increase the Octave setting to +3 and play another C note one or two octaves below.
Performances:
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Tip:
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1.5 Scenario: Combi. Mixing Volumes and Panning
This was my initial goal when exploring the SysEx messages of the KARMA WS. You may have seen several threads on the forum which also illustrate the use of midi CC#'s. The limited prototype interface, illustrated below, is available to download from this RealTime-Karma GitHub repository. Or if using another solution such as those listed in section From Here to There know the SysEx messages are the same regardless of which solution is best for your needs. |
Special Note: In the following SysEx messages; attention should be noted that the timbre channel is red(timbre) and the function in blue(vol / pan) where the actual variable is noted as xx. |
Vol | Timbre | Message |
1 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 00 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
2 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 01 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
3 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 02 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
4 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 03 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
5 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 04 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
6 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 05 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
7 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 06 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
8 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 07 00 02 00 xx F7 |
Pan | Timbre | Message |
1 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 00 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
2 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 01 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
3 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 02 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
4 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 03 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
5 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 04 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
6 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 05 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
7 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 06 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
8 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 07 00 01 00 xx F7 |
Tips:
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1.6 Scenario: Combi KARMA RTC Controls
These SysEx functions, along with those in the next section 1.7, really opened my eyes and ears to the depth of KARMA and the musical possibilities which I gravitate most to. The basic KARMA functions listed below, mimic the buttons and functions available directly on-board the WS. |
Name | Function | Message | Notes |
KARMA | Off | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 07 00 00 F7 | |
On | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 07 00 01 F7 | ||
Latch | Off | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 06 00 00 F7 | |
On | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 06 00 01 F7 | ||
Button 1 | Off | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 03 00 00 F7 | |
On | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 03 00 01 F7 | ||
Button 2 | Off | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 04 00 00 F7 | |
On | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 04 00 01 F7 | ||
Scene 1 | Toggle | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 05 00 00 F7 | |
Scene 2 | Toggle | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 05 00 01 F7 | |
KRTC | Knob 1 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 12 00 xx F7 | …1A 00 xx F7 / scene 2 |
Knob 2 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 13 00 xx F7 | …1B 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 3 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 14 00 xx F7 | …1C 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 4 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 15 00 xx F7 | …1D 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 5 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 16 00 xx F7 | …1E 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 6 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 17 00 xx F7 | …1F 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 7 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 18 00 xx F7 | …20 00 xx F7 / scene 2 | |
Knob 8 | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 08 00 19 00 xx F7 | …21 00 xx F7 / scene 2 |
Tip:
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1.7 Scenario: Combi KARMA Run - Solo - GE Select
Here you find some great SysEx messages which will enhance any automated workflow and live jamming. Unleash your KARMA to generate custom live "Breaks" is a great feeling and adds some real depth to any track. The following SysEx messages allows you to turn Karma functions on and off, solo a module and even change the assigned GE in realtime. |
GE RUN | Module | Message |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 09 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0A 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0B 00 02 00 xx F7 | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0C 00 02 00 xx F7 |
GE SOLO | Module | Message |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 09 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0A 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0B 00 01 00 xx F7 | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0C 00 01 00 xx F7 |
GE SELECT | Module | Message | Notes |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 09 00 00 MS LS F7 | 00 00 - 0B 65 = GE 0-1509 | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0A 00 00 MS LS F7 | 00 00 - 0B 65 = GE 0-1509 | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0B 00 00 MS LS F7 | 00 00 - 0B 65 = GE 0-1509 | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 00 00 0C 00 00 MS LS F7 | 00 00 - 0B 65 = GE 0-1509 |
Performance:
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Tip:
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2.0 Advanced Controls
The parameters listed in this Advanced Controls section are workstation Menu(edit) mode settings for either Combi's or Prog's. And generally require the workstation to be placed in Menu mode. Using SysEx, to engage the Menu(edit) mode, allows for all parameters to be modified without navigating thru the various WS tabs. |
2.1 Scenario: Prog. Edit Basic and Ctrl Parameters
[in progress]
These are the fundamental settings for creating Prog's. on the Korg KARMA WS, such as Oscillator mode between single and double, Voice Assignments, Scale Type and the basic building blocs including selecting the ROM for High and Low and micro tuning. Another important aspect of Performance is also the Knob B assignments as well as the SW 1/2 buttons. Please refer to the RTC Knob B Assign table in the available spreadsheet from Section 3 and these parameter assignments are also modifiable thru CC#'s. See the complete list of functions in the official Parameter Guide available here. |
SysEx Message Table in progress |
2.2 Scenario: Prog. Edit AMP 1, AMP 2, LFO
[in progress]
These are the fundamental settings for further creation of Prog's. on the Korg KARMA WS. Parameters such as Level Pan, Keyboard Tracking, AMP LFO 1, 2 Mod and the EG. The following SysEx messages will control the parameters from the PROG 5.1: ED-AMP1, ED-AMP2, ED-LFO menu. Whether initiated directly on the WS or thru SysEx, changes only register with a note on, they do not affect a held note. |
SysEx Message Table in progress |
2.3 Scenario: Combi Timbre Velocity Functions
[in progress]
2.4 Scenario: Combi KARMA Module Parameters
These parameter settings allow you to control some further aspects of how a module operates it Clock Advancing, Triggers, Delay Start etc… Note that the SysEx messages differ slightly when you enter into Menu(edit) mode as opposed to similar functions when called from Play mode. That said, you can play the WS while in Menu(edit) mode and have the added benefits of more controllable functions. This can create some truly funky results… See the SysEx spreadsheet in section 3.0 for the detailed messages. |
TRANSPOSE | Module | Message | Notes |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 13 MS LS F7 | 00 00=+00 / 7F 5c-00 24=-36 to +36 | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0B 00 13 MS LS F7 | 00 00=+00 / 7F 5c-00 24=-36 to +36 | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0C 00 13 MS LS F7 | 00 00=+00 / 7F 5c-00 24=-36 to +36 | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0D 00 13 MS LS F7 | 00 00=+00 / 7F 5c-00 24=-36 to +36 |
Tip:
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RANGE | Module | Message | Notes |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 14 MS LS F7 | 00-04=off, Lowest, Highest, C3-B3 1,2 | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0B 00 14 MS LS F7 | 00-04=off, Lowest, Highest, C3-B3 1,2 | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0C 00 14 MS LS F7 | 00-04=off, Lowest, Highest, C3-B3 1,2 | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0D 00 14 MS LS F7 | 00-04=off, Lowest, Highest, C3-B3 1,2 |
DELAY | Module | Message | Notes |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 16 00 xx F7 | 00=Off, 01=Fixed, 02-19=note value | |
F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 16 MS LS F7 | 00 00-27 08=0000-5000ms if Delay is Fixed | ||
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0B 00 16 00 xx F7 | 00=Off, 01=Fixed, 02-19=note value | |
F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0B 00 16 MS LS F7 | 00 00-27 08=0000-5000ms if Delay is Fixed | ||
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0C 00 16 00 xx F7 | 00=Off, 01=Fixed, 02-19=note value | |
F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0C 00 16 MS LS F7 | 00 00-27 08=0000-5000ms if Delay is Fixed | ||
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0D 00 16 00 xx F7 | 00=Off, 01=Fixed, 02-19=note value | |
F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0D 00 16 MS LS F7 | 00 00-27 08=0000-5000ms if Delay is Fixed |
TRIGGER NOTE | Module | Message | Notes |
A | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 25 00 xx F7 | 00-03=Any, AKR, !st, Dyn | |
B | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0B 00 25 00 xx F7 | 00-03=Any, AKR, !st, Dyn | |
C | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0C 00 25 00 xx F7 | 00-03=Any, AKR, !st, Dyn | |
D | F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0D 00 25 00 xx F7 | 00-03=Any, AKR, !st, Dyn |
2.5 Scenario: Combi KARMA GE RTP Modules A - D
[in progress]
3.0 Just give me the SYSEX already
New files available: STATUS: Combi Menu(edit) Mode Table:
Prog Menu(edit) Mode Table:
UPDATES: Deep Dive Needed: CORRECTIONS: REALTIME CONTROL Knob B 2 - (default assignment) Mod 2 B0 13 xx MODULE FORCE RANGE should read - F0 42 30 5D 41 01 00 0A 00 14 00 xx F7, for each module 0A, 0B, 0C, 0D |
4.0 Now if you read all that
[in progress]