KARMA Vs. TR

John_J · Post by **John_J** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:28 am

Hi, everyone!
Any thoughts on this?
I have a friend living near me wanting to sell me his KARMA.
I am also considering buying a new TR.
Can anyone help me decide with pros and cons? Thanks!

Teh Mick · Post by **Teh Mick** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 4:57 pm

KARMA without hesistation, before first it had the KARMA architecture which is more flexible and powerful than Triton Arp. The Korg Karma has also 5 IFX and 2 MFX when the TR has 1 IFX and 2 MFX. The only downside for the Karma is that it lack sampling support and use floppy disk.

bsr2002 · Post by **bsr2002** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:03 am

Another vote for KARMA

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 1:42 pm

I have both, and the Karma is definitely the better of the two, for several reasons, besides the ones already mentioned, Expansion boards, and MOSS can be added to Karma.
You cannot go wrong with the Burgundy Beast, even if the KARMA feature doesn't interest you, the sound set, and versatility make it a great board.
+1 for KARMA!!!!

nitecrawler · Post by **nitecrawler** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:35 pm

Count me in on the Karma side of the opinions as well. it is a great inspirational instrument. I would recommend that you pick up sounds from Karma-labs (reincarnation as well as Ozzy's two) as well as EJ2's sound banks for the Karma. They really show off the Karma well.
My 2 cents

Regards,
Nitecrawler

4NDRW · Post by **4NDRW** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 8:45 pm

i have a karma... but i'd try get one of the tritons or the TR/micro-x/x-50

i might be selling mine soon after getting a micro-x

i dont find the karma function very useful... the presets seem to just generate jingles, the controls are all over the place, and you can't edit the karma generated effects on the board without purchasing seperate expensive software. its a nice idea, but i dont think it was implemented very well.
from what ive read, karma v2 in the m3 and oasys sounds alot more usable.

dont get my wrong, it sounds great and is fun to use
but i would have preferred a sampler, so a triton or tritonrack would have suited my needs more.

the micro-x is great. it strips away many of the features i didn't use much, into a cheap, portable package and is easier to integrate into a computer setup with its vst plugin editor
it also has alot more modern electronic sounds.
and has the same triton sound engine (with only 1 insert fx)
so i should be able to move most of my favourite patches over.

the point comes and goes with this post..... it's some stupid hour of the morning.

Gargamel314 · Post by **Gargamel314** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:17 am

Apples and Oranges... wow that's a tough choice. There are some pretty big differences -

Karma Pros:
KARMA function (big pro if you intend on using it in sequencing and live performances, but useless if all you want to do is play straight from the keyboard)
more insert effects (five total simultaneously)
card slots for PCM sample ROM cards (practically a must for this instrument)
cooler looking
lots of controller knobs.

Cons:
uses 3.5" floppy disk drive to save data.
absolutely no option for sampling
no USB compatibility - MIDI in/out/thru only

Korg TR Pros:
USB compatibility
More on-board sample data (32 MB more than the Karma)
Sampling-capable if you buy the option
USB-compatible
More realistic piano sound.
Saves data onto SmartMedia cards
Custom samples can be loaded if you purchase the appropriate sample RAM cards.

Cons:
no KARMA ability unless you buy PC software ("KARMA Triton" software) and use for sequencing.
only one insert effect, sort of defeats the purpose of having insert effects
no card slot

Here's the link to the original promotional video for the KARMA, it's not easy to find... and check out the TR also at www.korg.com too

Xenomorph · Post by **Xenomorph** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 3:09 pm

If I had to choose, I'd go with the Karma. Thank goodness I have both

BasariStudios · Post by **BasariStudios** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:37 am

I dont know why people NO SAMPLING take it as CONS.
The synth wasnt intended for that and thats all to it.
nd in no way TR can be compared to Karma, it makes no sense and its funny.

bsr2002 · Post by **bsr2002** » Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:02 am

[quote="Gargamel314"]
Saves data onto SmartMedia cards
Custom samples can be loaded if you purchase the appropriate sample RAM cards.

[/quote]

Uses SD Cards

Jerry Lankenau · Post by **Jerry Lankenau** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:35 pm

KARMA is absolutely the best option
you just have to add the exb moss
and two expantion exb cards (concert piano and orchestra, preffered)
and you will get a very powerfull synth

very usefull on stage
and it as very cool look

sincerely

A proud KARMA owner

DeacondDesperado · Post by **DeacondDesperado** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 9:07 pm

I've had my TR for awhile, and while I love it and the options it offers I've been aspiring to move up to the KARMA (most likely via an eBay purchase) for awhile.

I use mine for live performances, and in this it simply can't be beat.

bmstylee · Post by **bmstylee** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:07 am

from just playing with mine that i got recently i like the red board. but one of each is a good idea too.

karmathanever · Post by **karmathanever** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:54 am

Definitely go KARMA

Had mine for quite a long time - still blows me away. The Combi collections available from Karma-labs are outstanding - check them out too - there are lots of MP3 samples on the website ( http://www.karma-lab.com )

Cheers

Pete

vectorsynth · Post by **vectorsynth** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:39 am

another go for the karma ... as an alternate preload I use
"classic light studio" from the download area, 4 banks with sounds from Triton LE and and Studio in it. Of course no Triton arpeggiator.
I don't miss my TR at all ...