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F.A.Q., Frequently Asked Questions
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General Questions:
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1) What!? Is this stuff free ??
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Yes...and No :-)... The KarmaFX software is Donationware and Shareware:
The KarmaFX Plugin pack is Donationware.
This means that the software is fully functional without any restrictions of any kind.
However, if you find these plugins useful please consider donating a small fee (e.g. 10$ or so) to support future development.
The KarmaFX Synth Modular was previously Donationware too (while in Beta), but is now Shareware.
This means that there is a downloadable DEMO version of the synth, with limited save and update capabilities,
which you can use to try out the synth. If you like it and want to continue using it, you should buy the
fully functional registered version (which also comes with a comprehensive User's manual).
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2) Wow, where did this stuff come from ? Another Planet ?
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No :-) Development of KarmaFX Synth was started back in 1998.
At that time it wasn't just a synth, but a standalone application for making music and included
a sequencer and a tracker, among other things.
The inspiration for this work came partly from Propellerheads Rebirth and later the release of Jeskola Buzz.
However, as KarmaFX consists of just one programmer, the project grew too big, and it was decided to convert the synth into a
plugin; first for Buzz, and later as VST.
It was bascially finished in the v0.85 state back in 1999, but was unfortunatly never released.
That is, until 2004, where - after many requests - an attempt was made to try and finish it...improving the sound, updating the graphics,
and fixing those last annoying bugs.
The KarmaFX effect plugins (Filter, Deelay and Reverb) are simply spin-off projects of the Synth.
That is, they are separate easy-to-use effects that use the same code as the Synth but with an extra twist.
To check out some shots and some sounds from the old version of the synth click here.
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3) Hey, is there a forum to ask questions, discuss issues, share patches, report bugs, etc. ?
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4) Where can I find the documentation for the plugins ?
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The KarmaFX Plugin Pack includes a 15 page User's Manual in PDF format.
A User's Manual for the KarmaFX Synth Modular is included with the Registered version of the Synth.
If you have any questions feel free to contact KarmaFX by email or consult the KarmaFX forum
or the KVR forums.
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5) I really like simplicity of the Filter and Deelay, but the Synth is simply overkill in my opinion. Will you still do small, easy-to-use plugins ?
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Yes. I myself prefer small, simple and easy-to-use VSTs when working in the studio.
Plugins that simply get the job done without too much knob tweaking or fancy GUIs that hurt your eyes.
So yes, you can expect more plugins in that genre.
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6) Is there a Mac version of the plugins ready soon...?
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No. I'm sorry to say that there are no plans for Mac versions of any of the plugins at this time.
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KarmaFX Synth Specific Questions:
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1) How do I load patches ?
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Either:
1) Right click on the background in the synth and select "Load Patch".
2) Use the control panel's up and down arrows to browse through patches.
3) Click on the "Load Patch" button in the control panel.
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2) How do I load a sample into the "Sampler" ?
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Click on the "Load Sample" button just below the waveform window or right click on the background in the Sampler module, e.g. on the area just below the waveform display and select "Load Sample...".
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3) How do I connect one module to another ?
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There are two ways:
1) Hold Ctrl - then left click on the source module's titlebar (a cross will appear).
Then click the target module that you wish to route the signal to.
2) Alternatively, right click on the target module's titlebar.
Select "Input" and choose the name of the source module.
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4) How do I route a module to modulate a knob or slider ?
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Again there are two ways:
1) Hold Ctrl - click on the source module's titlebar (a cross will appear).
Then click a the knob or slider in the module that you wish to modulate.
2) Alternatively, right click on the knob or slider you wish to modulate.
Select "Input" and choose the name of the source module.
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5) Help. When I reload the synth in my host, all my patch changes have disappeared !?
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Patch saving is disabled in the DEMO version.
If you want to save your work we suggest that you buy the registered version.
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6) I have a suggestion for a new feature !
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Well, I have a long list of planned features, but, by all means, please send requests by email.
If the ideas are really good, chances are they will be put into the synth sooner or later.
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7) Next to the wave display you can choose between Time/Frequency and Modulation. What does the "Modulation" button do ?
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The modulation display is there to show modulation of specific knobs or sliders.
After selecting it, you need to left click on a modulated knob or slider and the display will show
the modulation signal.
Alternatively you can also right click on a knob or slider and select "Show Mod.". This will
animate the knob/slider and show its actual value. However, doing this on a lot of knobs will make your head spin! :-)
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8) Modules (e.g. Filters) loose their routings (connections) when switching module type. Why is that ?
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Filters have the same set of knobs (e.g. cutoff, resonance...) but in the general case modules have their
own unique set of knobs/sliders. That is why routings are not retained when switching.
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9) How does the synth handle MIDI signals ? I don't understand how the "controller" changes the pitch of the oscillators ?
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Each module can read MIDI events. The synth has 8 internal midi busses (one for each controller instance).
In addition controllers can write or alter MIDI events.
A controller's main job is also to produce a frequency signal.
This signal is never shown in the GUI but passed on to all modules whose output is fed into that controller.
Filters use this signal for keyboard tracking while oscillators use it to change pitch.
In polyphonic mode, there is a frequency signal for each voice and
the controller determines which MIDI events should go to which voice and modifies each event appropriatly.
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10) Can I get a version that doesn't time out ?
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The Registered version does not time out.
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