There's no reason why the Karma algorythms couldn't control a good outboard synth/sampler just as well as the onboard expansions (which further reduces their questionable). The score is raised only by the Karma functions, because otherwise this is a pretty mediocre and thin sounding synth, with a good sequencer, and great built in effects to cover up it's shortcomings.

The keyboard itself is just awfull. The keys are way too light even for someone who likes a light keyboard (myself), and wiggle around sideways like they're ready to work loose. The aftertouch is thick, squishy, and CREAKS (audible and tactile) through it's wide range of travel (even though it is simply turning AT on/off without any usable value range through all that motion) until you finally get solid positive feedback at the very end of the AT travel. Like trying to dance with very cheap shoes, on a light plasticky carpet layed over a thick spongey pad that doesn't offer enough resistance before you hit a solid concrete floor....Not a pleasant feel, nor musical at all.

The Karma was rather expensive board for just a well layed out (average sounding) subtractive ROMpler (that needs extra ROM samples to compare against the competetition) with VERY mediocre filters, and an admittedly very fine sounding FX/routing scheme (as usual for Korg)...and of course a really neat bag of tricks up it's sleeve with the very challenging KARMA functions!

But...Unless Stephen Kay's technology get's locked up in patent courts (or something equally nuts) and there are only ever a handfull of Korg models that offer this Kay functionality to musicians, the Karma board (as the first incarnation of KARMA functions) is not by any stretch of the mind destined for greatness in its own right, nor is it an impressive synth or controller either....So this model is obviously not going to hold it's original inflated value...and it hasn't.

Once the distinctive Karma edge get's offered (fingers crossed)inside of more desirable hardware package...and more importantly in SOFTWARE form (if possible while rights are presumably held by KORG), the price will certainly bottom right on this particular peice of hardware, and it'll likely be a $4-500 peice of plasticky history.

I had some time to get into the GE's and all the sound design parameters, and found the interface very quick and easy.

I recently picked up some EXB expansions (vintage keys and future loop (we'll see about that one) and the MOSS, and WOWW!

MOSS is great! It's got so much sound in it. So many styles.

I've even begun using it and the GE's as arpeggiators for my modular synth.

Will probably try out the Karma MW stuff even though it's hard. Just think it would be a sick sort of sequencer.

Great synth!