So Karo, you support M3, Kronos but no longer Oasys ? What?

franzlp · Post by **franzlp** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 3:04 am

I see today that the Karo Sounds site now includes a link to the new sound libraries for the Kronos as well as for the M3, but wait no OASYS?? Please this cannot be. So what happens when Kronos II comes out you'll shutdown the Kronos libraries too? Please be equitable. It doesn't matter that Korg doesn't produce the OASYS anymore but you have a public that still likes your product and want development for the OASYS. This is a turn off.

cello · Post by **cello** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:27 am

Totally agree with you - and I find Karo's actions very disappointing.

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 12:00 pm

It costs some time to make something portable for more models, but since he uses samples and the Oasys and Kronos are very similar it should not be a problem.

It took me less than a day to make PCG Tools supporting Oasys and a bit more for M50 and M3.

He might miss some sales when he stops one model.

RC-IA · Post by **RC-IA** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:22 pm

michelkeijzers wrote:It costs some time to make something portable for more models, but since he uses samples and the Oasys and Kronos are very similar it should not be a problem.

It took me less than a day to make PCG Tools supporting Oasys and a bit more for M50 and M3.

He might miss some sales when he stops one model.

What about a kronos to oasys pcg converter?

cello · Post by **cello** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:50 pm

RC-IA wrote:What about a kronos to oasys pcg converter?

Now there's a splendid suggestion! Any takers... ?

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 1:52 pm

I share your frustration on this point for sure (and even Korg have just announced a new STR-1/MOD-7 library exclusively for Kronos); but at least it looks like KARO continue to support all existing libraries for OASYS:

http://www.karo-sounds.com/web/9.html

From what i understand, they were considering dropping even these products (at least I believe they disappeared from their web site for some time).

Many of these libraries are exceptional - the Bosendorfer Piano for example - and there are plenty or libraries there across a range of genres.

In fairness to Karo - they are a relatively small company and it is IMO genuinely reasonable that they have to prioritise resources.

I'm actually designing several sound libraries for release (across some different synthesizers) at the professional level - and I can tell you - it's grueling work. On my own, and doing this part time, it will take me literally two to three more years to have the 2-3 sound sets I plan released - every i has to be dotted and every t crossed form the sound design, development, testing, documentation and all the business end of it. So KARO in fairness, with I believe just a handful of company members, surely must target the instruments selling the most?

Kevin.

markuk · Post by **markuk** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:05 pm

Kevin Nolan wrote:I share your frustration on this point for sure (and even Korg have just announced a new STR-1/MOD-7 library exclusively for Kronos); but at least it looks like KARO continue to support all existing libraries for OASYS:

http://www.karo-sounds.com/web/9.html

From what i understand, they were considering dropping even these products (at least I believe they disappeared from their web site for some time).

Many of these libraries are exceptional - the Bosendorfer Piano for example - and there are plenty or libraries there across a range of genres.

In fairness to Karo - they are a relatively small company and it is IMO genuinely reasonable that they have to prioritise resources.

I'm actually designing several sound libraries for release (across some different synthesizers) at the professional level - and I can tell you - it's grueling work. On my own, and doing this part time, it will take me literally two to three more years to have the 2-3 sound sets I plan released - every i has to be dotted and every t crossed form the sound design, development, testing, documentation and all the business end of it. So KARO in fairness, with I believe just a handful of company members, surely must target the instruments selling the most?

Kevin.

I was happy to see that all the Oasys libraries are still for sale until you click on any of the libraries you will see they are all discontinued

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:14 pm

You're right - bloody hell!

I wonder what the reason is. Could it be that they can't actually support all of those products at once (though you'd think sales of OASYS libraries are minimal and support equally so). Or perhaps a philosophical point - as in - since Korg have discontinued support for OASYS then so have they. But even that would be curios - there's a market (albeit niche) for programs for synthesizers back to the 90's. Very curious.

Kevin.

cello · Post by **cello** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:26 pm

Kevin Nolan wrote:You're right - bloody hell!

I wonder what the reason is. Could it be that they can't actually support all of those products at once (though you'd think sales of OASYS libraries are minimal and support equally so). Or perhaps a philosophical point - as in - since Korg have discontinued support for OASYS then so have they. But even that would be curios - there's a market (albeit niche) for programs for synthesizers back to the 90's. Very curious.

Kevin.

It is strange - particularly as the O libraries are built, tried and tested by existing customers (including me) and are download only. The only time Karo has to touch the O part of the website is to withdraw the funds!

There would porbably be extra income as well for karo too, now that all OASYS are unlocked so those who couldn't buy their libraries due to lack of unlock, don't have that problem any more.

I agree the O is a niche market (and the library work is considerable), but if the work is already done, why not just leave them available for purchase/download?

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:43 pm

cello - I agree. Very curious.

As an aside - I notice you have a JP80. Stunning. How do you find it (in intend getting one, and a Kronos, early 2012). The JP80 is very exciting to me.

And as another aside - I'm still in awe of that stunning OASYS piece you did some months back. I'm not patronising you here - honest! - your construction of sounds using multple programs made the OASYS sound stunning and was a real lesson on how to use it. Hope you're enjoying the JP80 - fabulous instrument IMO. Would be very interested in your thoughts on it.

Cheers,
Kevin.

cello · Post by **cello** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 4:45 pm

Hi Kevin - will send you a pm so that this thread doesn't go OT and get it closed/moved due to JP80 convo!

Thanks for the compliment Kevin - don't feel patronised at all, but do feel feel very flattered. More of that in the pm too.

franzlp · Post by **franzlp** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 6:01 pm

I doesn't make sense not to have the Karo sound sets for OASYS out there for sale. These were the go to guys for great sound sets. I am disappointed. There is no reason they could not develop in tandem with the Kronos libraries after all it was the OASYS that brought them the recognition. Shame.

Rohan_of_Arc · Post by **Rohan_of_Arc** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:15 am

I too cannot comprehend a single valid reason for this ridiculous decision.
There is no work to be done;the libraries are complete and ready for Oasys so why remove them?

They are only going to lose money. I had recently contemplated buying perhaps one of the piano packages (I had already bought the Mellotron pack previously).

Their decision makes no financial sense.

They are only some sound libraries for God's sake. Not a physical product.

"Excuse me Karo, I will give you close to £100 so that I can download some data from you".

"Sorry, we don't want your money, go away."

I don't know if swearing is allowed on here but for the first time I really want to do so!

Rohan_of_Arc · Post by **Rohan_of_Arc** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:32 am

Hmm, do you think this manufacturer tie-in has anything to do with it?
Found on Korg.co.uk in the small print at the bottom of the new kronos EXi page:

"KARO Sound Development is a German company that produces and sells sound libraries for the OASYS and the M3, and they plan to sell dedicated sound libraries for the Kronos as well. These too will be available for download purchase from Korg.com." (my italics)

Thoughts? A word from Dan would be good but....

TonyGen · Post by **TonyGen** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:50 am

Of course the more cynical people on this forum (who me ?) might consider that the less stuff that is available for the Oasys, the more likely Oasys users might jump ship and buy a Kronos

Oasys users have had their "goodwill" gesture from Korg. From now on it's just incentives to buy a Kronos or disincentives to remain with the Oasys.

It won't affect me. I'm happy with Oasys plus Cubase / Kontakt 4 and more VST's than you could shake a stick at