crunchyfrog
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Subject: Karma FAQ
Compiled by crunchyfrog
To suggest additional questions/answers/information for this FAQ, please reply to this thread. FAQ suggestions posted in this thread will be deleted after they have been incorporated into the FAQ.
Acknowledgments
Aside from compiling and editing, my contributions to this FAQ are meager at best. The following Riovolution.com forum-dwellers did 99.99% of the intellectual heavy-lifting:
Agent M, our revered and feared Site Admin (RIP);
UK Rio Engineer, phrenzy, peter, and eman, four of several Rio employees who frequent(ed) the Riovolution forums;
Rory, who is not a Rio employee (but he plays one on TV);
twifkak, keeper of the dreaded Sigfile of Infamy;
And of course, abe5688, ACraigL, arspy87, BroccoliKarma, cbiffle, CheshireCat, clevershark, creosote, deslock, dewey1973, Edgan, Edvard_Grieg, FuRy2K, Gg, ImagoX, jbp641, Joey, LordAthens, LycoLoco, mahughesnh, MyDayStrong, Nudel, OneOfTheBetaTesters, Paddler57, rdonr, rodbac, rtilghman, rubennyc, ScottC, shell2600, Smeghead, tim451, and xavier who took the time to submit questions, answers, and additional information to this FAQ. If I've left someone off the list, please let me know.
General Karma Questions
I just got a Karma! Now what?
First, you do the happy Karma dance. Second, be sure to update your firmware and get the latest version of Rio Music Manager (RMM)... see below for linkage. More questions? Finish reading the FAQ. Still more questions? Search the forums. Still more questions? Post them in the appropriate Karma forum.
Is there a 40 GB Karma? StoreX has a listing for it. And what's this I hear about a Karma 2?
There is no official 40GB Karma. And since Rio is now defunct, there will be no Karma 2, or Chroma, or whatever. Rio's intellectual property now belongs to SigmaTel, which makes players and player guts for other companies. The hope is that one day, we'll see another company release a very Karma-esque player based on a SigmaTel reference design. If any new information becomes available, you will definitely see it here. And in the meantime, if you really want a 40 GB Karma, you're going to have to do it yourself.
Where can I buy a Karma?
There are still new ones floating around the internet, and used/refurb ones available on ebay, etc. Google is your friend. Caveat emptor.
Where can I find the latest software and firmware for Karma?
Karma Firmware 1.68: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/Kar…
Rio Music Manager 2.96: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/rmm…
Can I upgrade the firmware with my Karma sitting in its dock?
Yes, you can.
Will Karma play files I purchase through download music service sites?
Karma plays WMA DRM (Digital Rights Management) files, purchased from sites such as Napster, Musicmatch, Buymusic.com and Puretracks.com (Canada). The Karma does not play tracks purchased through Apple's iTunes music service as Apple does not share its DRM solution. Make sure you've played the DRM'd file at least once in Windows Media Player while connected to the internet, as the file needs to be initialized and confirmed before loading onto the Karma.
Can I use Karma with Linux or my Mac?
Yes. RMMLite supports Linux and OSX. It is developed by resident Java god, Mike Schrag. You may connect to it via your ethernet hook-up on your Karma docking station. Currently, you can transfer files but cannot do firmware upgrades via ethernet. RMMLite resides on a webserver on your Karma, included with each new firmware update. More info may be found at https://rmml.dev.java.net/
When my Karma hard drive is empty, it reads as 18.5GB free, not 20GB. Why?
The 18.5 GB reading is correct. The player is advertised as having 20GB in base-10 math (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes), which Rio notes on its website. Windows reads the size in base-2 math (1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). However, this doesn't mean you're getting less space. Calculating in base-10 is an industry standard, common to nearly all desktop hard drives, all MP3 player hard drives and even floppy disks.
Can Karma work as an external hard drive to Windows via Plug and Play?
Sadly, no. You need to install the included Rio Taxi software to transfer non-music files to and from your Karma.
Can I use the U.S. version of the Karma in Europe?
The AC adapter that comes with the Karma is 110-240V 50/60Hz auto-ranging, so it will work fine in Europe. All you need is an adapter to change the U.S.-style plug into a European-style plug.
How do I access the docklight pulsing features in firmware revision 1.25 and above?
Main Menu => Settings => Dock <br>
Settings are: Static, Pulse with timecode, pulse while charging, pulse to music.
Can I use the line-out and USB ports on the dock without powering the dock via DC?
Yes, but you'll take a significant hit on battery life.
Can I use the Karma to play music or transfer files while it is plugged in and charging, without affecting the charge?
Yes. The DC power provides for charging the battery as well as powering the Karma itself.
What is the audio quality of Karma?
Power per Channel: 55mW/ch @ 16 ohms. 30mW/ch @ 32 ohms
Dynamic Range: A-weight >96dB
Signal/Noise Ratio: A-Weight >95 dB
THD + Noise: <0.01% up to 10kHz, rising to <0.04% at 20kHz
Frequency Response: 20-20khz +-0.3dB
Tests based on MP3 160bit files.
Speaking of audio quality, I need help with the EQ settings.
You're in luck - our resident sound engineer, Flattop100, put together a EQ Tutorial just for you.
What is that weird rectangular looking slot next to the headphone jack?
That is the slot for a (non-existent) remote. See the Accessories section for more info.
Where is the serial number on my Karma?
On the bottom end, next to the usb input and the reset hole.
There's no option to turn off password in the Network setup. Any way to do it?
Yes. Just make the password blank. This will not disable network access, but you will no longer be asked for a password.
Can the Karma ignore the word "The" when alphabetizing artist names? I tried to do a search before asking, I swear! But come on, searching for a thread about the word "the"?
Yeah, seriously. You'll be happy to know that this issue is fixed in firmware 1.68. Be sure you have the most up-to-date firmware and RMM versions for this to work correctly. Note: All albums and tracks with "the" appear after all the tracks without it (e.g. "The Head on the Door" appears after "Houses of the Holy"). However, it does appear to handle artists correctly (e.g. "The Beatles" appear after "Bauhaus" and before "Blink-182").
What's this "direct jump" feature thingy?
It's a neat little trick the Karma learned in the 1.68 firmware. Read more about it here.
Can I work out/jog/etc. with my Karma?
The general consensus is "maybe, if you're careful." Unlike smaller capacity flash players, the Karma is not a solid state device - there are moving parts (in the hard drive) that could be damaged by excessive vibration. Therefore, hard drive players are not generally recommended for use during major physical activity. Adventurous users have found that putting the Karma in an armband case provides sufficient shock protection. However, many people prefer to keep a (relatively inexpensive) flash player in their gym bag instead of risking their (relatively expensive and virtually irreplaceable) Karma.
I hear faint clicking and whirring noises when my Karma starts up/loads a playlist/changes tracks/shuts down, but otherwise it seems to be fine. Is this normal?
Yes. The Karma is a hard drive player. You are hearing the sounds of a healthy, happy hard drive.
Can I copy the music files on my Karma back to my hard drive?
Yes. In RMM, highlight the files on the Karma that you want to copy, right-click, and select "save as."
I keep hearing about "gapless playback." Is that like crossfading? What’s the big deal?
Gapless is not the same as crossfading. Gapless playback means that there is no artificial gap added between two tracks where there should be none (think the second half of ”Abbey Road”). In crossfading, the end of one song overlaps slightly with the beginning of the next song (think of a DJ). Check out Nudel's great explanation (with examples) at http://www.pretentiousname.com/mp3players.
To suggest additional questions/answers/information for this FAQ, please reply to this thread. FAQ suggestions posted in this thread will be deleted after they have been incorporated into the FAQ.
Acknowledgments
Aside from compiling and editing, my contributions to this FAQ are meager at best. The following Riovolution.com forum-dwellers did 99.99% of the intellectual heavy-lifting:
Agent M, our revered and feared Site Admin (RIP);
UK Rio Engineer, phrenzy, peter, and eman, four of several Rio employees who frequent(ed) the Riovolution forums;
Rory, who is not a Rio employee (but he plays one on TV);
twifkak, keeper of the dreaded Sigfile of Infamy;
And of course, abe5688, ACraigL, arspy87, BroccoliKarma, cbiffle, CheshireCat, clevershark, creosote, deslock, dewey1973, Edgan, Edvard_Grieg, FuRy2K, Gg, ImagoX, jbp641, Joey, LordAthens, LycoLoco, mahughesnh, MyDayStrong, Nudel, OneOfTheBetaTesters, Paddler57, rdonr, rodbac, rtilghman, rubennyc, ScottC, shell2600, Smeghead, tim451, and xavier who took the time to submit questions, answers, and additional information to this FAQ. If I've left someone off the list, please let me know.
General Karma Questions
I just got a Karma! Now what?
First, you do the happy Karma dance. Second, be sure to update your firmware and get the latest version of Rio Music Manager (RMM)... see below for linkage. More questions? Finish reading the FAQ. Still more questions? Search the forums. Still more questions? Post them in the appropriate Karma forum.
Is there a 40 GB Karma? StoreX has a listing for it. And what's this I hear about a Karma 2?
There is no official 40GB Karma. And since Rio is now defunct, there will be no Karma 2, or Chroma, or whatever. Rio's intellectual property now belongs to SigmaTel, which makes players and player guts for other companies. The hope is that one day, we'll see another company release a very Karma-esque player based on a SigmaTel reference design. If any new information becomes available, you will definitely see it here. And in the meantime, if you really want a 40 GB Karma, you're going to have to do it yourself.
Where can I buy a Karma?
There are still new ones floating around the internet, and used/refurb ones available on ebay, etc. Google is your friend. Caveat emptor.
Where can I find the latest software and firmware for Karma?
Karma Firmware 1.68: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/Kar…
Rio Music Manager 2.96: http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/rmm…
Can I upgrade the firmware with my Karma sitting in its dock?
Yes, you can.
Will Karma play files I purchase through download music service sites?
Karma plays WMA DRM (Digital Rights Management) files, purchased from sites such as Napster, Musicmatch, Buymusic.com and Puretracks.com (Canada). The Karma does not play tracks purchased through Apple's iTunes music service as Apple does not share its DRM solution. Make sure you've played the DRM'd file at least once in Windows Media Player while connected to the internet, as the file needs to be initialized and confirmed before loading onto the Karma.
Can I use Karma with Linux or my Mac?
Yes. RMMLite supports Linux and OSX. It is developed by resident Java god, Mike Schrag. You may connect to it via your ethernet hook-up on your Karma docking station. Currently, you can transfer files but cannot do firmware upgrades via ethernet. RMMLite resides on a webserver on your Karma, included with each new firmware update. More info may be found at https://rmml.dev.java.net/
When my Karma hard drive is empty, it reads as 18.5GB free, not 20GB. Why?
The 18.5 GB reading is correct. The player is advertised as having 20GB in base-10 math (1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes), which Rio notes on its website. Windows reads the size in base-2 math (1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). However, this doesn't mean you're getting less space. Calculating in base-10 is an industry standard, common to nearly all desktop hard drives, all MP3 player hard drives and even floppy disks.
Can Karma work as an external hard drive to Windows via Plug and Play?
Sadly, no. You need to install the included Rio Taxi software to transfer non-music files to and from your Karma.
Can I use the U.S. version of the Karma in Europe?
The AC adapter that comes with the Karma is 110-240V 50/60Hz auto-ranging, so it will work fine in Europe. All you need is an adapter to change the U.S.-style plug into a European-style plug.
How do I access the docklight pulsing features in firmware revision 1.25 and above?
Main Menu => Settings => Dock <br>
Settings are: Static, Pulse with timecode, pulse while charging, pulse to music.
Can I use the line-out and USB ports on the dock without powering the dock via DC?
Yes, but you'll take a significant hit on battery life.
Can I use the Karma to play music or transfer files while it is plugged in and charging, without affecting the charge?
Yes. The DC power provides for charging the battery as well as powering the Karma itself.
What is the audio quality of Karma?
Power per Channel: 55mW/ch @ 16 ohms. 30mW/ch @ 32 ohms
Dynamic Range: A-weight >96dB
Signal/Noise Ratio: A-Weight >95 dB
THD + Noise: <0.01% up to 10kHz, rising to <0.04% at 20kHz
Frequency Response: 20-20khz +-0.3dB
Tests based on MP3 160bit files.
Speaking of audio quality, I need help with the EQ settings.
You're in luck - our resident sound engineer, Flattop100, put together a EQ Tutorial just for you.
What is that weird rectangular looking slot next to the headphone jack?
That is the slot for a (non-existent) remote. See the Accessories section for more info.
Where is the serial number on my Karma?
On the bottom end, next to the usb input and the reset hole.
There's no option to turn off password in the Network setup. Any way to do it?
Yes. Just make the password blank. This will not disable network access, but you will no longer be asked for a password.
Can the Karma ignore the word "The" when alphabetizing artist names? I tried to do a search before asking, I swear! But come on, searching for a thread about the word "the"?
Yeah, seriously. You'll be happy to know that this issue is fixed in firmware 1.68. Be sure you have the most up-to-date firmware and RMM versions for this to work correctly. Note: All albums and tracks with "the" appear after all the tracks without it (e.g. "The Head on the Door" appears after "Houses of the Holy"). However, it does appear to handle artists correctly (e.g. "The Beatles" appear after "Bauhaus" and before "Blink-182").
What's this "direct jump" feature thingy?
It's a neat little trick the Karma learned in the 1.68 firmware. Read more about it here.
Can I work out/jog/etc. with my Karma?
The general consensus is "maybe, if you're careful." Unlike smaller capacity flash players, the Karma is not a solid state device - there are moving parts (in the hard drive) that could be damaged by excessive vibration. Therefore, hard drive players are not generally recommended for use during major physical activity. Adventurous users have found that putting the Karma in an armband case provides sufficient shock protection. However, many people prefer to keep a (relatively inexpensive) flash player in their gym bag instead of risking their (relatively expensive and virtually irreplaceable) Karma.
I hear faint clicking and whirring noises when my Karma starts up/loads a playlist/changes tracks/shuts down, but otherwise it seems to be fine. Is this normal?
Yes. The Karma is a hard drive player. You are hearing the sounds of a healthy, happy hard drive.
Can I copy the music files on my Karma back to my hard drive?
Yes. In RMM, highlight the files on the Karma that you want to copy, right-click, and select "save as."
I keep hearing about "gapless playback." Is that like crossfading? What’s the big deal?
Gapless is not the same as crossfading. Gapless playback means that there is no artificial gap added between two tracks where there should be none (think the second half of ”Abbey Road”). In crossfading, the end of one song overlaps slightly with the beginning of the next song (think of a DJ). Check out Nudel's great explanation (with examples) at http://www.pretentiousname.com/mp3players.
...because I am not a Special Snowflake.
This post was edited 12 times, last on 2007-02-21, 05:45 by 