Ever since the K4815 Pattern Generator module was released to great praise in 2010
we have been planning a follow-up product that would take the Pattern Generator concept to a whole new level.
After five years of planning and exploration we are proud to present: CARBON
CARBON offers several distinct and powerful functions that will change the way you compose and perform.
// Shipping date: May-June 2016 //
Ever since the K4815 Pattern Generator module was released to great praise in 2010 we have been planning a follow-up product that would take the Pattern Generator concept to a whole new level. After five years of planning and exploration we are proud to present: CARBON
CARBON offers several distinct and powerful functions that will change the way you compose and perform.
CARBON is primarily designed as a pattern-based sequencer. It has six tracks which can each hold 64 steps. Steps can be generated randomly, edited interactively, or recorded from a MIDI keyboard one step at a time, or in realtime while the sequencer is running. Polyphony and CC recording is supported so each step can contain chords or other performance data.
The fun begins once you've got some notes playing back on a track. Choose a region to play back, say, the first 8 steps. The track will play those same 8 steps over and over. Now move to another track and record a new sequence. This sequence can be a different length, or play back at a different speed. It can even play backwards while the other sequence plays forwards.
CARBON Screenshots
The real power of CARBON is how variations of sequences can be made. By simply turning the PATTERN control, different steps in the sequence can be enabled and disabled. The patterns will surprise and inspire you by creating new rhythms and motifs with a simple twist of a knob. These are all based on your original sequence and can be changed at any time.
Adding in the concept of scenes lets you quickly switch between different parts of a song or different variations. Scenes can store the range of steps to play, the pattern, track mute state and a number of other parameters. Switching back and forth between scenes offers endless performance potential without ever missing a beat.
The best part of the CARBON sequencer is that all the recording and editing can be done in real-time without ever stopping the sequencer.
Do you fire up your DAW software in the studio to simply route MIDI signals from your keyboard controller to various instruments? Creating a session just to route MIDI is clunky and slow, and on stage requiring a computer can be a liability. The LIVE button allows live playing to any combination of outputs.
CARBON is a complete performance switching system allowing you to easily send your keyboard signal to MIDI and analog instruments. Two built-in MIDI outputs enable separate routing of clock and channel signals from each track. The analog section supports four CV/gate outputs plus reset and clock signals. Both monophonic and duo/polyphonic output types are supported. You can even send to multiple MIDI and analog instruments at the same time!
CARBON Live
Does your favourite keyboard controller lack a keyboard split function? It's never been easier to send MIDI where you want it. Send your left hand to one instrument and your right to another, or two others if you want. Quickly switch back to a single instrument across the entire keyboard at the touch of a button.
A good arpeggiator has been the holy grail of electronic performers for decades. CARBON has a powerful internal arpeggiator which supports all the standard arp types plus loads more. When the sequence is running the arp automatically syncs to the sequencer. When it's stopped the arp starts as soon as you press a key. Intelligent reload programming allows you time to change chords without losing a step.
Want to use a USB controller that lacks MIDI output ports? No problem! CARBON has a built-in USB host interface that will power your class-compliant MIDI device and allow you to use it to control CARBON or send MIDI or CV/gate signals to any device. You no longer need a computer or other dedicated box to use your favourite USB MIDI controller.
Need to use your computer for bigger compositions? Don't worry, you don't have to disconnect CARBON. When plugged into a PC or Mac, CARBON becomes a powerful MIDI and CV interface. Use the control surface to run your DAW software. The display can also be controlled via MIDI. (open spec - future software / plugins required)
All your instruments connected to the MIDI and analog CV ports can be used directly from your DAW software. The analog clock and reset outputs can also be used to drive analog clock-based gear from your DAW.
$699 USD Retail Price
Estimated ship date: April-June 2016
Because CARBON is still in the development stage, there are a lot of questions that we've been asked about specific details. Some are things we're working on, and others are ideas which we'll try to implement if it's possible. We'll use this page to keep you informed on certain developments
What can I do with the USB ports?
The USB ports allow a great deal of flexibility and expansion possibility with CARBON. The USB device port (the one that connects to a computer) can be used to synchronize CARBON with your sequencer, use CARBON as a MIDI / analog interface and control surface, and also to allow firmware updates to be loaded onto CARBON.
The USB host port is a powered port where you can plug a class-compliant USB MIDI device such as a keyboard or MIDI controller. CARBON will provide up to 500mA of current to power the device (if necessary) and will host up the device. Devices which require proprietary drivers or have hubs inside them will probably not work, but the vast majority of MIDI devices will work.
Here are a few scenarios for using the USB host port:
Why didn't you use banana jacks on CARBON?
Make no mistake: We love bananas! We'd love to see every analog synth use them for patching, but the simple fact is that it's not as popular as minijacks. When going between a device like CARBON and other studio gear it makes more sense to use a cable with a shield connection, and use the most common type. After all, we want as many people as possible to enjoy making music with CARBON.
Inter-track Modulation Capabilities
CARBON supports "bias" tracks which can be used to transpose one track from another. So imagine track 1 is playing a 16th note pattern and track 2 is playing whole notes. If track 1's bias track is set to track 2, it will be transposed once per bar by the track 2 sequence. Since a few tracks can use the same bias track, it's possible to program an automatically transposing sequence. A similar effect could be made by using the song mode. (more on that below)
Song Mode
Song mode allows a similar behaviour to bias tracks, but doesn't occupy a track, and also allows other parameters to be automatically changed as well. Song mode enables scenes switching to be automated. You could program Scene 1 to play for 16 beats, followed by Scene 4 for 32 beats. In each case, playback can be transposed up or down by a specific number of semitones. Song mode can be enabled and disabled with the touch of a button.
Polyphony
CARBON supports up to 6 MIDI events per step. This can include note and CC data. Each note length and velocity is separately recorded.
Recording and Editing Notes
Notes can be recorded either in step recording mode when the sequencer is stopped, or in real-time recording mode. In both cases single notes, chords and CCs can be entered. In real-time recording mode the length of notes is also recorded and can be any number of musical ticks. The start of a note is always quantized to the nearest step.
Track Lengths / Polyrhythms
CARBON does not have a concept of meter or time signature. The beat is the base quantity for all timing functions. Each track can be set to a step length related to the master tempo. For instance one track could play 1/16th notes where another is playing quarter notes. The length of each track can also be set independently of other tracks. Tracks loop over and over while playing.
Interfacing CARBON with DAW
Using CARBON with a DAW is primarily designed for clock syncing. Events can be sent from the DAW to CARBON to control various functions but CARBON is mainly intended to be used stand-alone.
Uploading and downloading song data could be done with some software (not planned yet) using SYSEX specifications that will be released around the time of CARBON release. We intend to publish the specs and source code of CARBON to enable other developers to implement these extended features.
Editing Gate Patterns
The internal gate patterns will be editable by using a special version of our KPatternEdit software. (coming soon) This software works on Windows and Linux. Unfortunately Java + MIDI does not work on OS X. If you have the desire to help port this please let us know. We do not have OS X any developers.
The best part of working on a crowdfunded project like CARBON is that we get to hear from our supporters and fans.
Tell us your thoughts about CARBON and join in the dialogue.
