Korg Forums

[StephenKay]

Courtesy of Korg:

OASYS System Version 1.3

Korg is pleased to announce the release of system version 1.3 for Korg's flagship OASYS synthesizer, delivering a further evolution of the sound-creating and performance potential of this acclaimed instrument.

In addition to new features and enhancements, version 1.3 includes a new version of KARMA (2.1), and makes available two more optional expansions: the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer, and the EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion sample library.

Click here to go to the Online OASYS Virtual GUI, with 1.3 and MOD-7.

Main features

• The new EXi MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer takes a classic form of synthesis into new and uncharted territories. A demo version is included in OASYS system version 1.3.
  
• KARMA 2.1 adds support for User GEs, selectable quantization for Scene changes and Module triggering, enhancements to the Note Map feature, and many other new functions.
  
• The optional new EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion Sample Library, available separately, provides over 700 Mbytes of expressive, natural-sounding brass and woodwind instruments.
  
• EXs expansion sample sets can now be loaded and unloaded immediately, without restarting the OASYS.
  
• Each EXi in a dual Program can be transposed separately for greater sonic flexibility.
  
• All Step Sequencers now provide separate "smoothing" parameters for attack and decay, allowing you to create more complex tonal changes.
  
• User Sampling RAM capacity has been expanded when using the EXs-1 and EXs-2 PCM data thanks to a new lossless compression of those samples.
  
• Other improvements and enhancements have been made to the operation and functionality.

MOD-7 - The next-generation VPM synthesizer, delivering both classic and forward-looking sonic possibilities.

OASYS version 1.3 adds the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM synthesizer, a new EXi instrument that creates highly expressive and cutting-edge digital synthesis sounds. The MOD-7 is a powerful, semi-modular synthesizer, combining Variable Phase Modulation (VPM), waveshaping, ring modulation, PCM sample playback, and subtractive synthesis. VPM refers to Korg’s patented contributions to Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis, as made famous on classic Korg instruments such as the Prophecy and the Z1 — and the MOD-7 takes this technology to a completely new level.

OASYS software version 1.3 includes a demo version of the MOD-7, which is fully functional except for a periodic fading in and out. Purchasing an authorization code from the Korg Usernet (www.korguser.net) removes this restriction.

• MOD-7 Overview

The MOD-7 includes six newly-designed VPM oscillators, plus a PCM oscillator, noise generator, audio input, two multi-mode filters, three 2-in/1-out mixers, and a 6-input main mixer—with a patch panel that lets you freely connect them all together, to create sounds in flexible and sophisticated ways. Exceptionally versatile, the MOD-7 produces everything from classic FM keyboards and bells to rhythmic soundscapes, from cut-through-the-mix synth basses to sparkling, epic pads - an incredible palette of sounds that can be used in a broad range of styles.

• Each of the six VPM oscillators can be used as a sine, triangle, square, saw, or waveshaping oscillator for FM or ring modulation, or as a waveshaper or ring modulator for other signals—either from elsewhere in the MOD-7, or from the audio input. You can choose from 101 types of waveshaping, and modulate the waveshaper's drive and offset.
  
• Korg's proprietary HD-1 class ultra-low-aliasing PCM oscillator includes four-way velocity switching for richly expressive sounds, and naturally supports user samples in addition to ROM and EXs. The MOD-7 then provides “vast” sample-mangling capabilities with incredible flexibility and power. Use samples as FM modulators, and create incredibly rich processing environments combining multiple stages of filtering, waveshaping, and ring modulation, patched together however you’d like.
  Other features include:
  
• Dual multi-mode resonant filters, including the multi-filters introduced on the AL-1.
  
• Noise generator with a dedicated filter and saturation.
  
• External audio input.
  
• Each voice includes four LFOs, ten retriggerable EGs, nine key-tracking generators, eight AMS mixers, and a per-voice step sequencer.
  
• All standard EXi functionality is also supported, including the Common LFO, Common Step Sequencer, Key Tracking 1 & 2, KARMA, EQ, and effects.
  
• You can layer the MOD-7 with any other EXi (AL-1, CX-3, STR-1 or optional MS-20EX and PolysixEX), or layer two MOD-7s together for a total of twelve VPM oscillators.
  
• Up to 52 notes of polyphony.
  
• 79 different template algorithms are provided, including all of the classic 6-operator FM synthesizer algorithms. These algorithms can then be modified as desired using patch cables.
  
• The MOD-7 can also load vintage DX-7 sounds, thousands of which are available on the internet. Once loaded, you can bring these sounds up to date using all of the MOD-7’s unique features, layer them with other EXi, and process them with KARMA and the OASYS effects.

KARMA 2.1 is even more flexible and easier to use

KARMA 2.1 provided in OASYS version 1.3 supports User GE memory locations, allows you to select the timing (quantization) for Scene changes and Module triggering, enhances the functionality of the Note Map feature, and many other new functions.

- User GEs, and creation and editing of GE data

In addition to the 2,048 internal preset GEs (Generated Effects) that generate phrases and patterns within a KARMA module, the OASYS now supports User GEs, with 12 banks of 128 User GEs each (for a total of 1,536).The preloaded Programs of the new MOD-7 include more than ninety newly created GEs.

With the optional KARMA OASYS Software (dedicated software for the OASYS)* you can create new GEs or edit the factory GEs on your computer, using all of the more than four hundred internal parameters, and transfer them to the User GE memory locations of the OASYS via sysex or the new .KGE file format. *KARMA OASYS Software can be purchased from www.karma-lab.com.

Other enhancements and improvements include:

• Quantized/Delayed Scene Changes
  
• Adjustable Quantize Window for each Module
  
• GE RTC Model information shown in the GE Select dialogs
  
• Copy function added for Note Maps
  
• Note Map Display shortcut and enhancements
  
• Improvements to the KARMA GE Page
  
• Improvements in timing of Scene Changes

For a complete description see What's New In KARMA 2.1


Improved handling of of EXs sample data

You can now load or unload EXs expansion samples in OASYS memory without restarting, a great time-saver! EXs-1 and 2 are now loaded into RAM using a new, lossless compression technique. This yields a modest reduction in size: EXs-1 now uses 284 MB instead of 313 MB, and EXs-2 uses 464 MB instead of 503 MB. With 2 GB installed and both EXs loaded, this increases the available user sampling RAM by about 68 MB.

Other improvements

• In the EXi Common "Program Basic" page, you can now transpose EXi 1 and 2 independently.
  
• All Step Sequencers now provide separate smoothing controls for attack and decay. This makes it easy to create envelopes that produce smooth and complex tonal changes.
  
• In Sequencer mode, a play button has been added to MIDI Event Edit, allowing you to play back the currently-edited measure while keeping the dialog box open.

New EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds collection available

This large Expansion sample library (over 700 MB!) features a wide variety of natural-sounding brass and Woodwinds instruments, perfect for many styles of popular music. Many instruments have been newly sampled, including the trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, flute, sax, and clarinet. The instrument selection provides plenty of variety beyond the basics, with both piccolo and alto flute, piccolo trumpet and cornet, bass clarinet, and so on. Each sound has been sampled from instruments made by top-ranking manufacturers, keeping in mind the sounds and playing techniques of famous musicians.

For each instrument long samples were taken at a great number of points, giving you extremely nuanced and realistic sounds. Individually played notes can be richly expressive, thanks to the included samples of idiomatic dynamics, trills, falls, growls, and staccato articulations. Sophisticated programming lets you use controllers to vary these articulations, for easy performance of natural-sounding wind instrument phrases that would be difficult to produce by simply playing back the basic sample data.

The EXs-3 library can be loaded by all users in a demo mode, with the same periodic fading in/out as EXi demo instruments. Purchasing an authorization code will unlock the full sonic functionality.

OASYS software version 1.3 is expected to be available in October 2007, as a free download from www.korguser.net.

• Authorization codes for the MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer are expected to be available for purchase at the same time, also at www.korguser.net.
  
• Authorization codes for the EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds sample collection are expected to be available at www.korguser.net in mid-November 2007.
  
• An EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds installer CD (a functionally-limited demo that can be unlocked by purchasing an authorization code) will be sent free of charge to customers who complete the user registration. If you have not already registered, we urge you to take this opportunity to register at www.korguser.net.

Pricing/Availability

OS 1.3 Update - Free - Available October 1st.
MOD-7 Waveshaping VPM Synth - $249.00 - Available October 1st.
KARMA Oasys Software - $169.00 - Available October 15th.
EXs-3 Brass & Woodwinds Expansion Sample Library - $149.00 - Available mid-November.
_________________
Stephen Kay - KARMA Developer • Karma-Lab - karma-lab.com

[MartinHines]

When will pricing on all of these items be announced?

[ski]

[ski]

Another thing which I believe is quite noteworthy is that MOD-7 has 8 AMS Mixers ("modmixers") which provides a ton of complex modulation capability.

[StephenKay]

[jerrythek]

Thanks SK for providing some info while I was riding home from work (see, it pays to work at home sometimes!).

We'll have MP3's posted later tonight and more tomorrow as well. I also see that some of our windows are not opening fully - time to beat that webmaster.



I'd like to thank all you OASYS owners/fans for your patience. We have been working very hard and are excited to be able to share all this new "stuff" with all of you.

We'll be around to answer questions.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Francois]

Bravo. Oasys owners will rejoice.

[danatkorg]

[XVampireX]

So we'll be able to see this new tech in action soon?
_________________
Buy me a Korg Oasys 88, please

[Daz]

Awesome ... great job Korg and Karma Lab

[Mordheim]

Fantastic news! October 1st can't roll around soon enough to suit ME!

[billysynth1]

Thnkyou Korg and Stephen Kay.


Billy
_________________
Yamaha C1 Grand Piano.
Korg Oasys 88, Jupiter 80
Kronos 88, V Synth GT
I am a student of classical piano...I am not a classical pianist.

[EJ2]

What an investment the OASYS is .... and continues to be ..... All together now ..... YEAH KORG
_________________
Cheers,
Jim (aka EJ2) Karma-Lab Associate Combi Developer

CATALYST v 2 Blast of Inspiration for KRONOS & OASYS: http://www.karma-lab.com/sounds/catalyst2.html
CATALYST v 1 Combi Explosion for KRONOS, OASYS, M3, & K-M50: http://www.karma-lab.com/sounds/catalyst1.html
CHEMISTRY 3, a Groove Injection for Your Karma: http://www.karma-lab.com/sounds/chem3.html
SoundCloud MP3 Demoshttps://soundcloud.com/ej2-sc

[MartinHines]

And to think I was trying to cut down on my gear purchases. Now all of a sudden I have:
-- Komplete 5 & Kore 2 upgrades
-- RealStrat crossgrade
-- MOD-7
-- EXs3
-- Karma OASYS
-- Sonar 7

My new goal is to "not purchase any brand new products that don't relate to existing items I already own (i.e. any type of upgrade or crossgrade doesn't count)"

[Daz]

LOL, Martin ... I can totally empathize with you there