Videos Publications

KarmaFX Synth Modular 2 User's Manual

Manual / KarmaFX, 2020

KarmaFX Synth Modular 2 is an advanced simulated analog modular synthesizer that can be used in the studio either as an instrument or as an effect. It delivers superb sound quality and offers powerful modular flexibility while still being very easy to use. Like a true modular, the Synth consists of modules that can process audio and control signals and be patched into other modules. This offers far more versatility than a fixed path synthesizer that only allows you to adjust predefined knobs.

This 120 page manual covers how the Synthesizer works. It describes the functionality of every available module in detail. After reading this, you should be able to roll your own patches with ease. A basic understanding of fundamental sound synthesis is recommended but not required. Section 1 is an introduction. Section 2 is a brief overview of the Synth's features and its System Requirements. It also contains a detailed rundown over the most important new feature introduced in version 2. Section 3 shows you how to install KarmaFX Synth Modular in your favorite Host. Section 4 introduces the general concepts of modular synthesis. Section 5 and 6 describes the user interface and how to operate the Synth. Finally, section 7 is a reference that lets you dive into the details of every available module.

Only PREVIEW is available. FULL Manual is included when purchasing the product.

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KarmaFX Plugin Pack User's Manual

Manual / KarmaFX, 2020

This document is the User's Manual for the KarmaFX Plugin Pack. The plugin pack contains the VST effect plugins: KarmaFX Filter, KarmaFX Deelay, KarmaFX Equalizer, and KarmaFX Reverb The manual features an installation guide plus in-depth techical information and instructions on how to operate each of the plugins.

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MIDI Polyphonic Expression Setup in KarmaFX Synth 2.01

Quick Guide / KarmaFX, 2021

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is a MIDI mode that enables adjustment of pitchbend, and other types of expressive control, continuously for each individual note. It works by assigning each note to its own MIDI channel, so MIDI messages can be applied to each note individually. Support for MPE was added in KarmaFX Synth Modular 2.01. This document is a quick guide on how to setup and troubleshoot MPE inside the synth.

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Practical Linear And Exponential Frequency Modulation For Digital Music Synthesis

Technical Paper by Kasper Nielsen / KarmaFX, Published at DAFX 2020

This paper explores Frequency Modulation (FM) for use in music synthesis. We take an in-depth look at Linear FM, Linear-Through-Zero FM, Phase Modulation (PM) and Exponential FM, and discuss their pros and cons for sound synthesis in a digital system. In the process we derive some useful formulas and discuss their implementation details. In particular we derive analytic expressions for DC correcting Exponential FM, and make it match the modulation depth of Linear FM. Finally, we review practical antialiasing solutions.

Winner of the Best Independent Paper Award eDAFx 2020.

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A Collection of Float Tricks

Technical Document by Kasper Nielsen / KarmaFX, 2008

This document is a collection of functions and information for doing fast floating point calculations. Mainly Intel CPU/FPU specific but in many cases apply to other platforms as well. Some of them were made by me, but most have been found on the Internet, in papers, or given to me by generous contributors.

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Digital Filters For Music Synthesis

Technical Document by Kasper Nielsen / KarmaFX, Department of Digital Signal Processing, IMM, DTU, 2000

The goal of this paper is to explore the use of digital filters for music synthesis, in particular subtractive synthesis. An introduction to filters and their use in synthesizers is presented. The related signal processing theory for low order digital IIR filters is described, and simple filters are designed directly in the digital domain. A set of guidelines related to the control and implementation of a filter is discussed, and possible design method for extending and transforming filters are explored. Several digital IIR filters based on analog prototype filters are explained, and the filters advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The covered analog filters are the Sallen & Key filter, the Butterworth filter and the State Variable Filter. Issues related to the implementation of digital filtering is described, and the filters' behavior when implemented, is tested and compared. The State Variable Filter is found to have properties, with regard to both functionality and speed, that in relation to computer music synthesis makes this filter very advantageous.

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