SEQ issues - "flat" sounds, Karma and Effects not

[BreathofGrace]

I use my M3 mostly for writing/recording. I'm running into some problems in SEQ which may be caused by a defect, mispressed switch, or simply my inexperience.

(1) In Sequencer mode, the sounds are plunky and thin. All the preset sounds are shallow and heavily trimmed in SEQ. They sound lifeless, especially the pianos and winds. Why are all the effects stripped away in SEQ? Is this normal? Can I somehow access and work with the preset Program sounds (effects included) from SEQ?

(2) I can effectively alter the EQ, Trim, and RealTime controls in SEQ, but I cannot utilize the IFX or MFX controls. I can access the IFX Setup page and manually apply effects, but it makes no difference in the sound. Same with MFX. TFX is the only FX that works. Why don't these controls work in SEQ? How can I use them? Is there a hidden switch inhibiting them from working?

(3) KARMA does not work in SEQ. If I press the KARMA switch, the pads will utilize KARMA, but all sound disappears from the keys. Why is this happening? How can I use KARMA normally in SEQ mode?

I am not even close to being familiar with many of the technical functions on the M3 thus far, so if you have instructions or advice I would really appreciate hearing them in language a simple musician can understand.

I'm getting very lost in SEQ, which isn't good. I need and would appreciate as much help as possible.

[think]

Hi, you should use the shortcut which copies the current Program or Combination into a Song, and puts the M3 in record-ready mode:
1. Hold down the ENTER and press the SEQUENCER REC/WRITE. The dialog box will open and ask “Are you sure?”
2. Press OK. You will automatically enter Sequencer mode, and will be in the record-ready state.

[Synthoid]

I'm getting very lost in SEQ, which isn't good. I need and would appreciate as much help as possible.

The previous poster offered good advice, however, with all the questions you are asking, you definitely need to read the manuals.

You'll learn more that way, especially if you have the manual side-by-side when working with the M3. If you don't have a copy of the manuals, they can be downloaded from the Korg website (select DOCUMENTATION tab):

http://korg.com/SearchResults.aspx?sp=M3

[BreathofGrace]

Thank you both. I have been working with the manuals alongside my M3 since I received it; however, I have found no insight regarding the KARMA and Effects problems I am having. I'm also finding that the manuals often describe processes in a technical way that assumes the reader already understands meaning and function of the different switches. I don't, and while I've learned a lot (and am continuing to learn) from the manuals, I'm finding certain things lacking in explanations that I can understand. I'm a very visual/hands on learner, and sometimes I'm forced to ask for simple explanations that I can visualize. Thankfully, such discussions are what forums like this are for.

"Think", thank you! I had seen that solution before, but each time it was referenced I was warned that it "destroys the preset Program sound". I hesitated because of this, and because of Korg's emphasis on the ability to edit sounds in SEQ mode without always switching back to Program. Does it destroy the sound permanently, or just until you turn the keyboard off and back on again? I'd rather not permanently lose the preset sounds.

I'm still curious if anyone has some insight regarding the KARMA and FX behavior in SEQ mode. I can't find an explanation in the manuals for their issues.

Thank you!

[HardSync]

If you use the Auto Song Setup (ENTER + Rec -- hold down the ENTER button first!), then it only copies the program or combi into the Sequencer. It doesn't change the original.

Any changes you make to a sound while in SEQ mode (for instance via Tone Adjust or any of the timbre pages) do not affect the original programs or combis.

As for the thin sounds, it sounds like you need to route your timbres properly in the IFX setup screen. They are probably set to L/R, with send values to the MFX set at 0. If you want to use insert effects, then you need to route the timbres through them. See page 266 of the Parameter Guide.

As for KARMA, well that's another issue entirely and would take a really long time to explain. If you use the Auto Song Setup, then it should work fine. If you're creating a song from scratch, then you'll have tons of work to do. But you can copy in the Karma settings from other combis or programs using the command menu.

[HardSync]

Visual instructions:

It's for the M50, but it's the same for the M3.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yCK5RgoO7TE" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[m3styles]

I'm still curious if anyone has some insight regarding the KARMA and FX behavior in SEQ mode. I can't find an explanation in the manuals for their issues.

Thank you!

Hi, you will also find a lot of info on wiki pages on Karma Lab. Highly recommended.