Karno raises curtain on SEPIA® "This is not emulation, this is the real deal: This new hardware platform gives Engineers and Creatives the products they want, in the format they need: Portable, flexible and seamlessly integrated." 20th September 2023: Karno today introduces SEPIA, a disruptive new entry into the professional audio market. Eagerly anticipated by leading sound engineers and creatives, based on patent pending technology developed exclusively by Karno, SEPIA puts the signal path of today’s finest outboard and effects units into a compact, modular, digitally controllable package optimised for live, theatre and modern studio workflows. SEPIA is neither an emulation nor a recreation. Palm-sized SEPIA Modules are created by original hardware manufacturers, incorporating core tonal elements of currently available hardware as well as reviving sought-after extinct designs. SEPIA Modules are accommodated in a Host unit, created by Karno, utilising the Mainframe which contains SEPIA’s Universal Elements (UEs). The Mainframe creates a patent-pending bridging signal flow between Modules and Hosts to recreate the full original circuit, giving engineers and creatives convenient access to their favourite hardware brands in a new, smaller form factor. With a fast-growing library of SEPIA Modules available from launch, SEPIA users will have access to microphone preamps, equalisers, dynamics processors and effects (including classic vacuum tube designs), as well as DSP units. On the Host side, several Host units are in development to suit all workflow requirements, regardless of channel count. Tackling the issue of bulky physical controls, as well as providing full parameter recall alongside a rich array of workflow focused features, is SEPIA’s control software, powered by the Karno’s newly developed AEQUOREA engine. From launch, Hosts and Modules can be controlled in three main ways: from a computer (Mac/Windows), tablet or phone (iOS/Android), via DAW Plug-In, and by accepting multiple industry standard control protocols including HUI, EUCON and OSC, with more to come. Alongside its control capabilities, the AEQUOREA engine is also capable of rendering brand specific, familiar GUI information seamlessly on all platforms. Deeper integration with selected console manufacturers is in development and will be announced shortly. With parameter control covered, routing is up next, the traditional kind as well as the previously impossible. SEPIA’s unique routing capabilities will allow users to create studio-quality channel strips, routing from the Analog Input then from Module to Module, providing the ultimate channel strip for some of the world’s biggest artists, as well as create totally new and unheard sonic characteristics by splitting Module circuits at a manufacturer-approved point and routing the audio between these stages. This allows for routing capabilities like leaving a Module after its input stage and weaving into the next Module to catch only its output stage. It’s creative freedom, but in the analog domain. Whilst feature rich, channel for channel SEPIA offers a far higher channel density at a lower cost than corresponding full-size processors. The user can gain back precious space, while rental companies can strengthen their outboard inventory to cater for large-scale projects. Each Module’s space-saving design is at least 60% smaller than that of the nearest modular option. For rental and production companies this substantially slashes the cost and carbon emissions of freighting gear from venue to venue on large-scale international tours. Additionally, the reduction of components needed for each SEPIA Module lowers material costs to Module manufacturers, whilst their designs benefit from all the platform has to offer including a programmable, Module-adjustable linear power supply and a novel heat dissipation system. “We have given over 120 engineers a sneak peek throughout the development of SEPIA and have been overwhelmed by the response. We knew it would be popular, but we thought we may have to convince a couple at least, and by developing the platform alongside these users, we know SEPIA delivers. We also have the world’s finest outboard manufacturers eager to bring their SEPIA offering to the market. The opportunity to broaden their audience to finally include live and theatre is just too big to pass up. In all, the SEPIA platform is truly living up to what we imagined it could be and we just cannot wait to watch as it grows above and beyond”. - Adam Pierce, Director. Module manufacturers will shortly begin to announce their participation in SEPIA and provide launch dates and specifications for their own Module designs. Following large scale testing and evaluation of SEPIA by some of the world’s biggest artists this winter, shipping of initial SEPIA Host units and Modules will start in 2024, with many more Modules rolling out during the year. There is no longer a reason to compromise, SEPIA is coming. Industry opinions on SEPIA “Being able to access analog studio preamps and processors on the road - and digitally control them will be massive! The potential for SEPIA to give me access those colors and textures in a way that is tour-able and fits my workflow is enormous.” – Vince Casamatta, FOH Engineer (Maroon 5). “SEPIA looks to bring a whole new set of possibilities to the world of Theatre Sound. The flexibility and its incredibly small footprint also cannot be overlooked.” - Phil Hurley, Owner (Stage Sound Services). “I’m super excited about the prospect of integrating even more colour and texture into my workflow with SEPIA’s analog Modules, whilst retaining a digital I/O path and full recall capability” - Paul Gatehouse, Theatre Sound Designer (Mary Poppins, SIX, Mandela). About Karno Karno is a disruptive technology company made up of experienced industry professionals and highly skilled engineers with a drive to deliver innovation within the creative industries. With the founding team based in the UK, alongside its Manufacturing and Research and development lab, Karno also have locations in Europe and the USA, with friends across the world providing a truly global presence. Karno is the recipient of an Innovate UK Smart Grant. For more information please visit: https://karno.com/ I'm curios about this thing.
"We knew it would be popular, but we thought we may have to convince a couple at least, and by developing the platform alongside these users, we know SEPIA delivers. " This looks like an audio version of Theranos.
Oh cool, a new rack format that accepts third-party modules and that is digitally controlled. Hmmm where have I seen that before..... Oh and physical controls is an option too.
What they don't tell is WHY "well known companies" ACCEPT to put their "patented gold" into a side product. Because digital emulations and clones are so close to the real analog/hardware deal they are already loosing sales for years. This is the last way to save real hardware from his doom : "price/sound quality" ratio When you hear that and see the price ... 100 bucks for a full sim It is the price of a Boss pedal. And it is only an example. SEPIA clients ? Rich well known "industry" (lol) ppl (like ppl they published) Others (like me) will simply look at it with envy ... and use emulations/clones
I like when the marketing says right off the bat, " So you look at this and say oh, it's just another compressor clone, but..." which is invariably exactly what the product is. Here we have "this is the real deal" to save you more time reading. Shouldn't their little prototype digital boxes actually have some sort of data on them when powered on? Not sure what this "Beach Club" link is about on their website, but their physical address listed has a decimal place in it, in a building surrounded by Solicitor's offices. It does not look like somewhere to do real product manufacturing. Maybe the Beach Club is where they will go with investor money. The people listed in this marketing are not "clients", they are paid to use their names for this charade, promised free units, or whatever.
finally: 600 series gotta add that one to the list of corporate speech words that makes you look like you're trying to sell people into a pyramid scheme. The trailer and website don't help either. Not saying it's fake but goddam it LOOKS sketchy af. I like the way all these "industry opinions" are basically like "Yes, i like this idea, haven't tried it but it's a cool idea"
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/karno-sepia "By the time you read this, large‑scale testing will have begun, with SEPIA units poised to join tours by Florence + The Machine, the 1975, Maroon 5, Avenged Sevenfold, Bloc Party and Daniel Caesar."
