Karma-Lab has released Catalyst Volume 1 – Creativity Xplosion! ($32), a fully KARMA-fied combi collection for the Korg M3 and Korg M50. The Korg M3 version can be loaded directly into the M3, or used with the optional KARMA M3 software; the M50 version requires the KARMA M50 software package, which provides all of the KARMA features of the M3 on the M50.
The first volume in their new Catalyst Series, this collection aims to catalyze your creativity with a burst of inspirational grooves suitable for live playing, jamming, film cues and song production. Programmed by Eric J. Sawyer and KARMA Developer Stephen Kay, the set represents hundreds of hours of work over the last year, yet is reasonably priced at only $1 per combi.
Catalyst Volume 1 was originally released for Korg’s mothership OASYS several months ago, and Eric and Stephen have made these KARMA-fied M3/M50 combis sound virtually identical to the OASYS versions – and if you know anything about the OASYS, that’s a good thing! In addition, the M3/M50’s Drum Track (while stored off by default) has been programmed to add an additional complimentary percussion or drum element in every combi.
Each combi is composed of a full 4 KARMA Modules and 8 fully-voiced scenes for maximum variability, featuring extensive real-time control via the KARMA Realtime Controls (8 sliders, 8 switches) and the other controllers (joystick, ribbon, vector joystick, 8 RT sliders/knobs, ribbon and 2 switches over joystick). Furthermore, each combi is fully and meticulously documented in the accompanying 69 page User¹s Guide. The set includes grooves and sonic textures in a wide variety of styles, ranging from a mixture of Hip-Hop, Dance, Trance & Techno categories to Ambient, Jazz, Classical, New-Age & World/Ethnic categories.
More information can be found on Karma-Lab’s Catalyst 1 page, including audio demos, combi list, and the complete User’s Guide: http://www.karma-lab.com/sounds/catalyst1.html