Originally announced in 2023, Karno’s innovative new SEPIA system offers a convenient way to integrate analogue processors into modern digital systems. While details of the system itself have been available for some time — you can check out our exclusive preview in SOS October 2023 to find out more — many people have been eagerly awaiting information on when the system will be released, and what modules it will offer.
The wait is now over, as Karno have announced the upcoming launch of the L6, the first of the platform’s host systems, along with the names of 14 partner companies who will be providing a total of 22 modules at launch.
The Host
The L6 is designed for professional users working in live music, theatre and recording studios. It is housed in a 1U rackmount chassis capable of hosting up to six modules, and offers eight channels of audio I/O, and will offer chaining and networking capabilities thanks to an upcoming SEPIA Patch release. As standard, the unit offers Ethernet and USB connectivity, and optional digital cards offering AES3, MADI and Dante will be available at launch, along with a DB25 option for those wishing to remain in the analogue domain. The rear of the enclosure has been optimised to assist heat dissipation, and there’s a redundant power supply unit for show security.
Karno’s AEQUOREA engine works behind the scenes to bridge the gap between the user and the module. Detailed GUIs for controlling each processor are stored directly within the module itself, and compatibility with a wide range of commonly used command protocols such as HUI, MIDI, EUCON and OSC help to ensure that the user experience remains consistent across all major digital platforms.
The Modules
At launch, processing modules will be available from the following brands:
- API
- Drawmer
- HLabs
- J-Type
- Langstrath Audio
- Locomo7ve Audio,
- Malcolm Toft
- Pope Audio
- Serpent Audio
- Smart Research
- SPL
- Thermionic Culture
- Useful Arts Audio
- XTA
A comprehensive list of the partner companies and their modules is available on the Karno website, with more due to be announced in the near future.
"We are proud to reveal the first wave of modules for the SEPIA platform. As much as SEPIA is our development, it’s really all about the modules, giving well-loved brands throughout the industry a platform to reach all markets and workflows, while the engineers gain access to hardware in a way they have never experienced before.” - Adam Pierce Director, Karno
Pricing & Availability
The L6 is available to pre-order now, with prices starting at $1990£1849, and will be shipping in the UK, USA, EU and Australia in August 2024, with worldwide availability to follow. More information about SEPIA can be found on the Karno website.
