I have read several posts in the past the explained that Karma is not
really an arranger, although it has some similar functions.
However, I am wondering if with the new OS software available now for
the Karma itself, as well with with the announced software that will
run standalone on a computer in the future, one can get very novel
arranger-type accompaniment by using the Midi file->Karma feature.
Namely, one would convert a style of an arranger keyboard to a midi
file (one can easily do this by just playing the style only and
recording it to a midi file) and then import the Midi file to Karma
and create a GE from the Midi file. This would give an arrangement
similar to what the arranger keyboard had stored as a static style,
but now, since it is a GE, would allow it to develop and change in
time. This is the dream of many arranger players -- to have arranger
like features that change dynamically and algorithmically in time.

Can this indeed be done? Has anyone tried and does it work?

Sam Safran

I believe we still need the Karma MW to create your fully own Ges from scratch. but again the OS2 is a jam!

That's a great question Sam and one I have a particularly keen interest in knowing myself. If you happen to have posted this q elsewhere and get an answer, please share it with us. I'm very interested in the possibilities of a potential arranger / algo hybrid.

To that point, I've used some elements of the PA80 styles, along with pieces of other midifiles, including my own real time playing, to make arpeggios on the Motif with varying degrees of success. I don't know why some come out better than others, but even the techs at Yamaha that post at Motifator don't seem to totally have the inner workings of the arp mastered. Others have used styles to create patterns or phrases in the pattern sequencer.

The Motif's arpegiattor is sophisticated for an arpeggiator, and the phrases are also useful, but neither are the same as the GEs of Karma, which function more like an arp with algo functions.

What is the Karam MW if I might ask ?( I've played around for hrs on the karma but don't own one )