sequencer, performance control system and usb interface.
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.
sequencer:
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.
remix with patterns and scenes!
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.
performance powerhouse:
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.
midi switching / routing system:
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!
keyboard split:
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.
arpeggiator:
a good arpeggiator has been the holy grail electronic performers for decades. carbon has a powerful internal arpeggiator which supports all the standard arp types plus loads more. each of the six tracks in
carbon has a separate arp so you can make serious harmonic madness!
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 arp programming allows you time to change chords
without losing a step.
usb midi host:
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.
usb to midi and cv interface:
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.
specifications and features:
pattern-based sequencer, performance control system and usb interface
beautiful color lcd screen shows everything in real-time
six rotary encoders and nineteen buttons offer fast intuitive control
six tracks with two assignable outputs per track
up to 64 steps per track
polyphonic tracks store chords and cc data (6 events per step)
playback start and end points are uniquely configurable for each track
gate pattern function offers quick remixes each track
multiple track select allows adjusting multiple track parameters at the same time
tap tempo and fractional bpm setting for perfect timing adjustment
high resolution internal clock source never drifts or jitters
swing control with automatic handling of tracks with different time divisions
flexible midi and cv routing allows huge control possibilities
bias tracks allow transposing of other tracks for oldschool sequencer tricks
six scenes offer fast parameter changes during live performance
live mode allows live performance from a keyboard
keyboard transpose mode allows transposition during playback
internal 2mb flash memory offers storage for 64 songs - upload and download from pc or mac (software required - tbd)
keyboard split and live multi-select modes allow fast and flexible live midi routing
powerful arpeggiator on every track can be used live or with sequence playback
rock-solid midi / analog clock source can be the heartbeat of your studio
rear panel connections / controls:
analog clock and reset outputs (0v/+5v)
four cv outputs (-5v to +5v - 1v/octave digitally calibrated)
four gate outputs (0v/+5v)
two midi output ports (separately assignable)
midi input port
usb host port - provides up to 500ma to power usb controllers
usb device port - connects to pc or mac for use as a midi interface and controller
power switch
dc input jack
power input: 24vdc @ 250ma (500ma regulated supply required / supplies)
dimensions: approx. 7.75" w x 8" d x 3" h (height measured as rear height of enclosure)
operating temperature: 15c to 30c (59f to 86f)
storage temperature: -10c to 45c (14f to 113f)
universal input power supply (100-240v) included
designed and made in canada using high quality parts
warranty: 1 year
