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Since the earliest days of recording, engineers have relied on analog hardware to shape sound, from tube-driven preamps to punchy FET compressors. Over time, digital workflows brought new levels of flexibility, but often at the expense of the color and character of classic analog gear. But what if you could have the best of both worlds?
Developed by Karno in collaboration with more than 150 audio professionals, SEPIA is a digitally controlled modular hardware platform that combines the unmistakable sound of vintage hardware with the flexibility and recallability of modern software. SEPIA isn't an emulation; it's a new format that allows manufacturers to house their original circuits in a compact, digitally controlled module.
In this Buyer’s Guide, we’ll break down how the SEPIA system works, explore its key features, and take a look at the growing ecosystem of modules from some of the most trusted names in audio.
What Is SEPIA?
At its core, SEPIA is a digitally controlled analog hardware platform comprised of a host unit that provides power, routing, and connectivity, along with individual modules that house the actual circuits from your favorite preamps, EQs, dynamics processors, and effects. Rather than emulating analog circuits digitally, it maintains a completely analog signal path while adding comprehensive digital control over every parameter. This means you get the transformers, tubes, optical elements, and FETs found in classic analog designs, but with the recall, automation, and routing flexibility of a digital system. The platform uses a revolutionary bridging technology that connects digital control to analog components without compromising the audio path. When you adjust a parameter via software, you're manipulating the actual analog circuit, not a digital representation of it. Each module can be used as a traditional insert, integrated into console signal paths, or configured as a stagebox for direct microphone and instrument input. Plus, with SEPIA’s digitally controlled analog routing matrix, you can route audio between modules in any order you choose, or even split modules in half, routing audio between specific stages of a circuit.
How Does SEPIA Work?
The foundation of any SEPIA system is its host unit, which contains what Karno calls the "Mainframe”—an intelligent routing matrix combined with Universal Elements (UEs) that provide the analog infrastructure each module needs to function. Rather than requiring each module to contain every component needed for operation, modules can share certain analog stages through the host's infrastructure. This allows for much more compact module designs while maintaining full analog performance. SEPIA's digital control system supports all major protocols, including HUI, EUCON, MIDI, and OSC, making it compatible with virtually any DAW, console, or control surface. The system provides software applications for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, plus plugin versions that integrate directly into your DAW.
SEPIA L6 Rack
The current flagship host is the L6, a single-rack-unit device that accommodates six modules and provides 8x8 I/O in your choice of analog or digital formats.SEPIA L6 Racks
- Karno SEPIA L6 Rack-Mount Host with Analog I/O
- Karno SEPIA L6 Rack-Mount Host with Dante I/O
- Karno SEPIA L6 Rack-Mount Host with MADI I/O
SEPIA Modules
A SEPIA Module could be anything from mic preamps, EQs, dynamics processors, effects, vacuum tube designs, DSP, and more. Brought to you by your favorite brands, SEPIA modules house original components and designs, giving you authentic sound in a modular, compact, and durable form factor.
API 312 SEPIA Module
One of the most revered microphone preamps in recording history, the API 312 has been the foundation of countless hit records since its introduction in the 1970s. The API 312 SEPIA Module delivers the unmistakable punch, warmth, and headroom that made the original famous. Built around Saul Walker’s legendary 2520 op-amp design and proprietary API transformers, this module brings classic analog character to a digitally controlled workflow.
Universal Audio 1176 SEPIA Module
One of the most iconic FET compressors of all time, the 1176 has shaped the sound of countless records since its release in the late 1960s. The Universal Audio 1176 SEPIA Module brings the lightning-fast attack, rich harmonic character, and unmistakable punch of the original hardware to the SEPIA platform. With meticulously recreated gain-reduction circuitry and digital control, this module delivers aggressive dynamics control or smooth levelling with ease. It is a go-to choice for vocals, drums, bass, and more.
Serpent Audio SB4001 SEPIA Stereo Bus Compressor Module
Serpent's beloved SB4001 stereo bus compressor features quad VCAs, 6 ratios, 10 attack times, high-pass/boost/slope sidechain filters, wet/dry blend control, and external (Key) input. It features classic stepped release settings, classic and alternate auto release, variable release control, as well as “Grind” Mode, a proprietary valve-style harmonic drive adding vintage color.
HLabs EQ169DC SEPIA Module
Inspired by the legendary Studer 169 mixing desk, the EQ169DC is a classic, yet very musical 3-band EQ with the original ±15dB high and low shelves and a semi-parametric (150-7,000Hz) "Presence" band.
HLabs PRE169DC SEPIA Module
Inspired by the legendary Studer 169 mixing console, the PRE169DC's input stage is a near-perfect replication of the original Studer design and its fairly transparent sound with massive gain range. To add more fatness, we put a (BIG) Carnhill transformer in the output section, the same you can find in Neve 51-series console, all housed in a single-width module housing.
J-Type CLASSIC EQ
Designed by the people behind the legendary CADAC J-series console, J-TYPE is establishing a new classic for the modern era. Consisting of a 3-band, fully parametric EQ and a High-Pass Filter, the J-TYPE Classic EQ is perfect for all instruments and voices.
J-Type CLASSIC PRE
The J-TYPE CLASSIC PRE is a premium microphone preamplifier designed by the team behind the legendary CADAC J-Series consoles. Bringing the theatrical warmth missing from so many modern preamps, the CLASSIC PRE will allow theatre sound designers and live sound engineers to access this legendary sound once again.
Langstrath MB12 SEPIA Module
Introducing the MB12, inspired by the strict British Broadcast specifications of the 70s, combined with Langstrath Audio’s Satellite-design-derived digital precision control of analog signals. Deploying high-quality Lundahl transformers for both the input and the output, switchable slope high-pass and low-pass filters, the MB12 is equipped with all it needs to become a modern classic.
Langstrath EC24 SEPIA Module
The EC24 delivers 4 stages of hierarchical dynamic control in a single SEPIA module. Featuring an expander, precision compressor, selectable vintage-style compressor, and limiter, the EC24 enables the engineer to achieve anything from vital problem-solving to extreme creativity.
Drawmer DS101 SEPIA Module
The industry-standard high-end noise-gate comes to SEPIA! The DS101 is a sophisticated noise gate incorporating a number of features pioneered by Drawmer, which are invaluable to the sound engineer and not found on conventional noise gates, such as variable high and lowpass filters for "frequency conscious gating." The very fast attack of the DS101 means that it can open in a matter of microseconds, thus preserving the natural attack of whatever sound is being gated, and the comprehensive envelope controls mean that the gain can be changed at whatever rate best suits the material being processed.
