DynaSample XPression User manual

Owner’s Manual
Software-Version 1.2.06

DynaSample
Ingo Scherzinger
Pforzheimer Str. 87
D-75242 Neuhausen
GERMANY
Phone +49 (700) DYNASAMPLE
Email [email protected]
Internet www.dynasample.com
Owner’s Manual Version 1.2 Rev.4
(last update August 2014)
Owner’s Manual
XPression

Table of Contents
I.) License Agreement & Warranty p. 1
1) Rights of Use
2) Safety Instructions
3) Warranty
4)
II.) Design and Architecture of XPression p. 3
1) General Information about Sound Production
2) Setting up the Cable Connections
3) General Operating Instructions
4) Bank (Factory / User)
5) Preset
6) Store Preset
7) User Interface
III.) Inputs and Outputs p. 7
1) Front
2) Remote Control Unit
3) Rear
IV.) Factory / User Preset Banks p. 8
1) Select Bank
2) Renaming of User Banks
3) Copy and Restore User Banks
4) Copy User Banks to an external USB Drive
V.) Play p. 9
1) General
2) Parameter
VI.) Edit p. 11
1) General
2) Parameter
3) Store
4) Discard Changes
VII.) Store p. 23
VIII.) Global Settings p. 24
1) General
2) Enter Global Settings Mode
3) Parameter
IX.) Demo p. 31
X.) Utility p. 32
XI.) Special Features p. 36
Pitchbend Program and Bank Change for the Akai EWI-USB
XII.) Trouble-Shooting p. 37
XIII.) MIDI - Implementation p. 38
XIV.) Index of Sounds – Factory Banks p. 39

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I.) License Agreement & Warranty
Congratulations on purchasing our MIDI / USB sound module XPression!
We hope you will have much musical enjoyment with this excellent product from DynaSample!
In order to avoid problems or inconveniences that could affect your artistic and musical creativity we kindly ask
you to carefully read the following license agreement and safety instructions.
By using the instrument you explicitly accept these terms. In case you do not agree with the following terms
please do not play the instrument and contact DynaSample immediately.
1) Rights of Use:
The user has the right to use the instrument for private or commercial purposes and perform in public or publish
the results of these performances in any way without restrictions.
The license of the sound library is connected to the hardware unit and not to the user. I.e. the user has the right
to sell the instrument and the license will stay valid for the instrument with the next owner. Once the license fee
for the library has been paid in full it will stay permanently on the instrument. In case of a defect of the hardware
the license can be transferred to another unit if the defective unit is returned to DynaSample.
The user does not have the right to copy single notes or instruments as samples either by recording audio or
copying sound files from the memory for the use with other software or hardware instruments unless authorized
by DynaSample. Violations will be prosecuted by law.
Parts of the software are subject to the GNU GPL license. Please contact DynaSample for further information or
get information on the internet about the license of Pd-extended and Truecrypt.
If the user has a time limited license agreement the license will expire after the time specified and he will have to
make a payment - as specified at the time of purchase - to renew the license until he has acquired a permanent
license. The conditions are subject to change and are valid as of the time of purchase throughout the full time
needed to acquire the full license.
Any attempt to manipulate the license will make the license void for this licensing period and the license for this
time period will have to be purchased anew. The last specified licence payment will make the license permanent.
2) Safety Instructions:
Only use the included AC adapter. Other power supplies might cause problems or damage the unit.
Do not attempt to use the unit at temperatures lower than 0°C (32°F) or higher than 40°C (105°F) to avoid
damage from moisture or overheating.
Protect the unit thoroughly against liquids, humidity or condensation that might occur when experiencing large
temperature changes.
The vents on top and on the side of the housing need to be uncovered at all times. Covering them can lead to
overheating and will void the warranty.
Always place the unit in a dry place with sufficient air for cooling and avoid placing it directly in the sun. Do not
place it next to heating appliances or similar.
Do never open the unit. Opening can impact the functionality and lead to damages. There is also a risk of injuries
by touching any of the electrical parts.
Do never manipulate the AC adapter in any way. There is a serious risk of an electrical shock!
Transport the unit carefully and only in its original case to avoid damage.
To avoid damaging the amplifiers and speakers as well as injuring your ears turn on XPression first. Then switch
on your amplification system and slowly raise the volume without sudden volume jumps that could hurt your or
other people’s ears.
When finished turn off the amplifier first and then XPression.
Self-inflicted errors caused by disregarding the above mentioned safety instructions can lead to the loss of the
warranty. Breaking the warranty seal will void the warranty in any case.
The use of this unit is at your own risk!
All service needs to be handled by DynaSample or an authorized service center.
3) Limited Warranty:
DynaSample grants a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase for all parts and the software / library as long as
the defect has not been caused by improper handling, mechanical damage or intentionally. For verification of the
warranty it is necessary to present either the original sales invoice or having the unit registered with the serial
number plus name and full address. A damaged or broken warranty seal will render the warranty void.

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Copyright © 2012 DynaSample - All rights reserved.
Product features, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
FCC Compliance Statement (U.S.A.):
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Compliance Statement:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
European Compliance Statement:
CE mark for European Harmonized Standards:
The attached CE mark of AC mains operated appliances indicates that this product conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC),
CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).
Important Notice to Consumers:
This product has been manufactured according to strict specifications and voltage requirements that are applicable in the
country in which it is intended that this product should be used. If you have purchased this product via the internet, through
mail order, and/or via a telephone sale, you must verify that this product is intended to be used in the country in which you
reside.
WARNING: Use of this product in any country other than that for which it is intended could be dangerous and could invalidate
the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty. Please also retain your receipt as proof of purchase otherwise your product may
be disqualified from the manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty.
Das CE-Zeichen für die Europäische Gemeinschaft:
Das CE-Zeichen auf unseren netzgespeisten Geräten zeigt an, dass dieses Gerät gemäß der EMC-Richtlinie (89/336/ EWG),
der CE-Richtlinie (93/68/EWG) und der Niederspannungsstromrichtlinie (73/23/EWG) der EU arbeitet.
Wichtiger Hinweis für Konsumenten:
Dieses Produkt wurde unter strenger Beachtung von Spezifikationen und Spannungsanforderungen hergestellt, die im
Bestimmungsland gelten. Falls Sie dieses Produkt über das Internet, per Postversand und/oder mit telefonischer Bestellung
gekauft haben, müssen Sie bestätigen, dass dieses Produkt für Ihr Wohngebiet ausgelegt ist.
WARNUNG: Verwendung dieses Produkts in einem anderen Land als dem, für das es bestimmt ist, verwendet wird, kann
gefährlich sein und die Garantie des Herstellers oder Importeurs hinfällig lassen werden. Bitte bewahren Sie die Quittung als
Kaufbeleg auf, da andernfalls das Produkt von der Garantie des Herstellers oder Importeurs ausgeschlossen werden kann.
This symbol indicates that in EU countries, this product must be collected separately from other household waste, as defined
in each region. Products bearing this symbol must not be discarded together with household waste.
Dieses Symbol bedeutet, dass dieses Produkt in EU-Ländern getrennt vom Hausmüll gesammelt werden muss gemäß den
regionalen Bestimmungen. Mit diesem Symbol gekennzeichnete Produkte dürfen nicht zusammen mit dem Hausmüll entsorgt
werden.
Akai Professional, EWI-USB, EWI4000s, Yamaha WX5, WX7, WX11, Softwind Synthophone and Casio DH-100 or other
trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Special thanks to „Cembalobau Merzdorf“ for their kind support!

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II.) Design and Architecture of XPression
1) General Information about Sound Production
- Features
Eight Voice Sample Engine & Virtual Analogue Synthesizer
XPression can play Samples and the integrated analogue synthesizer at the same time.
Two MIDI plus two USB-MIDI Inputs
allow a flexible setup with several MIDI controllers plus additional connections with the
VSTi plugin to integrate seamlessly into your DAW.
TDB (True Dynamic Behavior)
True Dynamic Behavior describes the technique that XPression uses to emulate the
behavior of real instruments. XPression uses manipulations that are very similar to the way
the air column inside a tube of a real instrument is vibrating. This approach guaranties a
vivid dynamic and natural sound spectrum. However – as opposed to physical modelling –
samples are used as a sound base. This is why the instrument is not only behaving very
“realistic” – it also sounds very “realistic”.
Voice Control
Voice Control allows extremely intuitive dynamic control by using a microphone.
The most natural way to achieve musical phrasings is the human voice. XPression
captures these phrasings with a microphone and translates the information internally to
MIDI data to control dynamics and sound. The captured data can control the internal
sounds and also outputs CC messages for use with a sequencer as well.
A „Pitch to MIDI“ converter allows directly singing into an internal synthesizers. By using a
neck contact microphone it is even possible to use acoustic instruments like a trumpet or a
saxophone to operate the internal Voice Synthesizer or – with certain restrictions –
sampled instruments.
Dynamic Vibrato
Many wind players create vibrato by changes of the air stream. This technique is usually
called “diaphragm” or “throat” vibrato. XPression recognizes this type of vibrato and creates
a musical sounding vibrato that does not cause any intonation artifacts.
Keysplit
The keysplit function allows keysplits and dual layers even if your MIDI controller does not
provide such features.
Chord-Mapper
XPression’s Chord-Mapper offers the unique possibility to execute polyphonic playing on a
monophonic instrument like a MIDI windcontroller. To achieve this task chords with
individual voices can be assigned to each single note. Depending on the mode you are
using chords can be assigned over the full range or repeat every octave or they could use
just one single chord that will be shifted parallel through the entire range.
Karaoke Audio Playback Engine
For each preset a audio file can be assigned that will start automatically after a certain
amount of notes being played. This way there is no need for an external unit to provide
backing tracks. No extra action – other than selecting the preset - is required to start the
backing tracks.

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Optimized for MIDI Wind Controllers
XPression is suited very well for the use with MIDI wind controllers. All necessary settings
can be set automatically for each MIDI input and special preset banks have been optimized
for the use with these instruments.
Akai EWI-USB Editor / Pitchbend Program Change
XPression can edit all parameters of the AKAI EWI-USB. Even though the EWI-USB has
no program change buttons it is possible to receive MIDI program changes with XPression
from the EWI-USB.
Complete MIDI Controller Redirecting
Unfortunately not all keyboards or windcontroller can send any CC message that is needed
at the moment. This is why XPression offers the ability to globally redirect any incoming CC
message, aftertouch or pitchbend into another CC message. In addition to this it is possible
to define and store up to six individual remappings including range mapping per preset.
10 User Preset Banks
To store edited presets there are 10 [User] banks available each containing 128 presets.
These banks can be archived via USB and / or exchanged with other users.
VSTi - Mixer
For full integration to a computer studio environment there is a VSTi plugin (Windows only)
which allows preset selection and gives direct access to the mix parameters. For Mac users
there is a “Reaktor Ensemble” (Reaktor 5.5 or higher required).
There is a separate manual for this plugin.
- Voice Architekture / MIDI Channel Assignement
To allow XPressions complex polyphonic and multitimbral playing styles the MIDI channels 1-8
have been assigned to specific functions. The assignment of these channels repeats identically
on channel 9-16.
Channel 01 (09): Control channel for backing tracks, keysplits and Chord-Mapper
Channel 02 (10): Second keysplit- / layer channel
Channel 03-08 (11-16): Chord-Mapper channels 1-6
If no layer or Chord-Mapper preset is used XPression behaves (e.g. with a sequencer) on all 16
channels like any other sound module in multi mode.

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2) Setting up the Cable Connections
- First you need to connect the remote unit with the main unit by connecting the included sub-d cable
at the rear side of XPression.
- Connect the MIDI out of your keyboard or other MIDI controller with one of the MIDI in jacks on the
front or rear panel of XPression. Alternatively you can also connect a USB keyboard or an Akai
EWI-USB to one of the front USB connectors. The USB keyboard needs to work with standard USB
MIDI drivers. Otherwise it is not possible for XPression to recognize this unit.
!!! Attention (!): The USB controller has to be connected before starting up. In case it gets connected
later it will have to be registered first. To do so move the joystick to the left [◄] or right [►] and
navigate back to the main page a few seconds after connecting the external USB unit.
- Connect the Audio out 1 jacks with a proper cable using ¼ inch unbalanced phone plugs to your
amplifier or mixing desk. The nominal level is -10 dB. Alternatively you could use a suited RCA
cable to connect the digital SPDIF output to a corresponding SPDIF input of your amplification
system.
!!! Attention (!): The SPDIF output will have to be activated in [Utility] beforehand!
- You can also connect a pair of headphones to the green 1/8 inch stereo jack at the front panel of
the unit.
- Connect the included AC adapter with the jack on the rear side of XPression. Then connect the AC
cable to the wall socket and turn the unit on by pressing the power switch on the right side of the
front panel. The power LED will light up and the display will show a start up message.
- XPression is now loading the software and the samples. This can take some time. When loading
has finished the display will say „READY“ and change to the main display page showing the preset
names and numbers as well as some additional information.
- To switch the unit off press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
It is recommended to always disconnect the AC adapter from the wall outlet if the unit is not in use.
3) General Operating Instructions
On the remote control unit of XPression there a four function keys or soft keys as well as a joystick on
the left side and a control dial on the right side.
The four function keys are assigned as preset memory buttons while on the main display page. When
in any of the edit modes these buttons serve to jump directly to the corresponding functions shown in
the display. When pressed once more the value of most parameters can be toggled between the
current value and the default value. Furthermore - in [Edit] mode by pressing and holding - these
buttons can be used to copy single parameters to a range of other presets within a preset bank or to
restore the respective parameters from the original factory presets.
☺Hint: By pressing one of the function keys while still on the title of the menu you can jump quickly to the
parameters without having to wait any longer.
With the joystick on the left side of the remote control unit you can move to the left [◄] or right [►] to
select different menu options. Moving up [▲] or down [▼] lets you change the current value. Holding
lets you move quickly through the values.
The joystick also has the function of the [OK] (= [ENTER]) and [Escape] button. Pressing it quickly
means [OK]. Pressing and holding it for one second triggers [Escape]. Like this the current action
gets either confirmed or aborted. Pressing and holding the joystick for 3 seconds will cause a REST.
This will cut off stuck notes and take you back to the main display page. It also resets some internal
parameters that might be causing some unexpected behaviours.
On the main display page joystick up [▲] or down [▼] will select „external“ MIDI program changes
internally. The preset name will be flashing and does not get selected until confirmation with [OK].
[Escape] will cancel the operation. The external MIDI program number can be seen on line 4 of the
display on the left side.
The control dial on the right side will select the internal preset (without simulating an external MIDI
program change). Pressing the dial shortly will assign this preset to the current external MIDI program
number if a Preset Map has been activated in the [Global] menu.
When pressing the dial longer than one second the current MIDI channel can be changed while
keeping the dial pressed down.

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4) Bank (Factory / User)
XPression ships with several [Factory] banks and 10 [User] banks (0-9) containing 128 presets (or
patches) each. The [Factory] banks cannot be overwritten. However, the [User] banks can freely be
changed in any way desired.
For each MIDI channel an individual Preset Bank can be assigned. Banks can be selected from MIDI
with CC 0 (bank select).
A value of 0-9 has to be sent for the [User] banks. The [Factory] banks are starting at 64 – going up.
5) Preset
Each of the 128 available presets per bank can play a sample and / or a virtual analogue layer. On
top of it you can assign an external preset from another MIDI sound module and – if desired – mix to
the internal sound generator by connecting it to the line input of XPression.
To each preset you can assign a sound file (.wav, .aif, .mp3) and a Chord-Mapper preset.
Within each preset you can reassign a number of MIDI CCs for assigning the same controls of your
instrument to different functions of XPression.
You will find more information about this in chapter VI.) Edit Mode.
6) Store Preset
Edited presets can be stored to [User] banks while in [Edit] mode by pressing [OK]. You can select a
new preset number to store to - if needed - and confirm. The changed preset can then be recalled at
any later time by selected the previously stored preset. To copy a preset to a new location from the
main page move the joystick to the right until [Store] appears. Confirm with [OK] and proceed as
explained above to crate a copy of the current preset on another location.
Edited presets can be renamed as explained in chapter VI.) Edit Mode.
Storing to the [Factory] banks is not possible.
7) User Interface
The user interface consists out of
a) the Main page - this is where you select presets and see the most important information
b) the Play pages - here you can assign sound files (.wav, .aif, .mp3) to the presets
c) the Edit pages where sounds are edited and stored
d) the Global pages where general settings for the entire instrument are made
e) the Utility pages - where you can find additional tweaks and information about XPression
There are also functions for selecting Preset Banks, copying Preset Banks as well as the Demo
page to hear some audio examples.
You can reach these pages by moving the joystick to the right [►] or left [◄]. Functions are activated
with [OK] by shortly pressing onto the joystick. Pressing and holding the joystick for longer that one
second will send [ESCAPE] which will always take you back to the main page.
8) Alternative User Interfaces
There is also a possibility to use the “Key Remote” (see [Global] Key Remote) or a number pad of a
USB QWERTY keyboard to get around the user interface. Note that the number pad has to be
connected before starting up.

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III.) Inputs and Outputs
Front:
The USB 1+2 connectors can be used as USB-MIDI for the Akai EWI-USB or a USB keyboard with USB standard
MIDI drivers.
Remote Control Unit:
The pedal jacks carry +5V at the tip of a ¼ in stereo phone jack.
The ring provides the signal and the sleeve is connected to ground.
Most pedals ranging from 4 - 50 kilo ohm should work. Optimal values are approximately 10 k.
The footswitches 1+2 are set up as a stereo phone jack. The tip represents footswitch 1, the ring footswitch 2.
Ground is connected to the sleeve. It is possible to connect a mono footswitch to operate only the first footswitch.
The footswitches 3-6 are connected with the included breakout cable. These need mono ¼ inch phone
connectors.
Rear:
On XPression’s rear panel you will find all other connectors as described above.
The audio inputs and outputs are unbalanced and calibrated to a level of -10 dB.
Please note that there is no more VGA output on the current models starting with serial number DSXP-015.

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IV.) Factory / User Preset Banks
1) Select Bank
Move the joystick to the left three times to go to the bank select page [BnkNo]. Press the joystick for
[OK]. Select the MIDI channel on the left part of the display and assign a preset bank to that channel
on the right side with the control dial or the joystick [▲] or [▼].
It is also possible to change all MIDI channels at once.
Move the cursor to the left with the joystick [◄] or press one of the two function keys on the left side
to select another MIDI channel and continue with other channels if desired.
Leave the bank select page with [OK] or [Escape].
☺Hint: Shortcut is button 1 and 2. Escape by pression onto the dial.
2) Renaming of User Banks
By moving the joystick to the right while on the bank select page you can reach another page that
allows you to rename this User Bank. Use the joystick to navigate and the dial on the right hand to
change characters.
[OK] takes you back to the bank select page. [Escape] brings you back to the main page. All edits will
be stored in any case.
3) Copy and Restore User Banks
[User] banks can be copied to other locations or be “reset” from the factory banks at any time.
- First select the target bank that you want to copy to or restore.
- Move the joystick to the left four times until you reach Bank Copy [BkCp] and press [OK].
- You will see a selection whether to make an internal reset or copy / restore to or from USB.
- Choose internal Reset.
- You will be warned that the current bank will be overwritten followed by: „ Press [OK] to continue“.
- Confirm with [OK].
- Use the joystick [▲] or [▼] to select the source bank to copy from.
- follow the directions on the displays or abort with [Escape].
☺Hint: It’s a good idea to make a safety copy of your own edited bank onto another bank!
4) Copy User Banks to an external USB Drive
This provides the possibility to store a complete preset bank onto an external USB drive. You can
select both the source and target bank to copy from or to.
- connect a USB drive to one of the available USB ports.
- Make sure that a [User] bank is active.
- Move the joystick to the left until you reach Bank-Copy [BkCp]. Press the joystick for [OK].
- You will see a selection whether to make an internal reset or copy / restore to or from USB.
- Choose “Backup to USB”.
- follow the onscreen instructions or abort with [Escape].
With the same method you can restore previously save preset banks to XPression when selecting
“Copy from USB”.
☺IMPORTANT: - The USB drive has to be formatted with FAT32.
- These files can be copied to almost any computer for backup or email transfer.

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V.) Play
1) General
XPression offers the possibility of automatic sound file playback by assigning an audio file to a preset
on channel one. The backing track can be started automatically with the first note played after preset
selection or any later note that has been assigned accordingly.
Start / Stop can also be received from MIDI realtime commands [250] and [252]. It can be selected as
well from MIDI CC 120 that might have been assigned beforehand to a footswitch.
If a sound file is assigned to a preset and activated the name of it will be shown in the third line of the
display together with the abbreviation of it’s status.
You can reach the settings by moving the joystick to the right until [Play] appears and press [OK] to
activate Playback Edit Mode.
!!! IMPORTANT (!): Playback can be stopped anytime with [Escape] !
2) Parameter
Karaoke Playback Selection - Select Sound File
Select a sound file with the dial to assign it to the current preset.
!!! Attention (!): Please reselect the sound file before editing and check the status or else there
could be errors.
Volume
Sets the volume gain in dB.
This parameter will be stored with the sound file and be recalled when the file is used elsewhere.
Status
Decides whether the assigned sound file is active or not.
- disabled no sound file is played – the currently selected sound file will be reset
- no autoplay the sound file gets started only with MIDI start / stop commands
- autoplay plays the sound file when the note number that is set up in [Start] is reached
- PgUp-Stop plays the sound file then executes a program up command and stops
- PgUp-Cont plays the sound file then executes a program up command and continues to
play the assigned sound file for this preset if activated
Start
Sets the note count to start playback of the assigned sound file if set to “autoplay”.
Backing Tracks – internal or USB
It is possible to select whether the backing tracks are coming from the internal flash drive or
from an external USB drive that can be connected to any available USB port.
After connecting an external drive you need to reselect “USB backing tracks”
NO backing tracks - turns the function completely off.
INTernal backing tracks - uses the soundfiles stored inside the internal flash memory.
USB backing tracks - plays the backing tracks that are stored on an external USB drive.
Karaoke EQ Settings
A two band equalizer for treble and bass can be activated to optimize the frequency response.
This parameter will be stored with the sound file and be recalled when the file is used
elsewhere.

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Copy Files from USB to XPression
With this function you can copy audio files of the formats MP3, WAV or AIF from an external
USB drive into XPression’s internal memory.
The files need to be located in the following folder:
xpression/karaoke/soundfiles/
The folder „xpression“ needs to be on the top level of the USB drive and not inside another
folder.
!!! IMPORTANT (!):
- Only MP3s with the format MP3 Layer III will work.
- NO blank spaces or special characters like Umlaut are allowed in the name.
Please replace all spaces with underscores “ _ “ before transfering.
- Similar names have to have a difference within the first 12 characters.
Follow the onscreen instructions!
Sound file Player Output
Selects the stereo output for the sound files.
!!! Attention (!):If the digital SPDIF-Out is activated all analogue stereo outputs carry the same signal.

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VI.) Edit Mode
1) General
Even though all presets are set up carefully to sound and behave as close as possible to the original
instruments there might still arise the need to occasionally adjust the instruments according to your
own taste, the musical requirements or your own individual playing style.
This can be done in [Edit] mode. This mode can be entered by moving the joystick to the right [►]
twice. Press [OK] to activate it.
Navigation is done with the joystick [◄] (left) and [►] (right) so all sub menus can be accessed. The
function keys underneath the display allow activating the parameters directly.
The joystick [▲] (up) or [▼] (down) changes the values. Holding the joystick in any of the extreme
positions scrolls continuously through the values. The control dial on the right hand of the remote unit
can also be used to enter values.
Pressing a function key twice toggles between the current value and the default value.
Holding a function key for several seconds recalls a copy function that allows duplicating the current
parameter and its current value to a range of other presets within this user bank. This also allows
resetting the current parameter to the factory default value. During the upcoming dialog you can
specify whether you want to copy or restore and set the starting and ending preset to where you want
to copy / restore this parameter.
Edited presets can be stored to any user banks by pressing [OK] while in [Edit] mode. This way you
can come up with several variations of the same sound that can be stored to individual preset
locations.
You can leave [Edit] mode by pressing [OK] if you want to save your edits or by pressing [Escape] if
you want to abort without saving the changed preset.
XPression uses virtual controller numbers from 128 to 134 internally for aftertouch (128), Pitchbend
(129), microphone dynamic (130), normal internal dynamic (132), breath vibrato (133), bite or
aftertouch vibrato (134) and individual pitchbend up / down (135 / 136).
2) Parameter
Select Edit Channel
selects the channel to be edited.
While on the main page the Edit Channel can be selected by pressing the dial on the right and
holding it. Keep holding and select the desired channel.
Modwheel (CC1) Assignment
This assigns the function of the incoming MIDI controller 1 (CC1).
The range can be limited or expanded with “minimum” and “maximum”. The range can even be
expanded to twice the range that MIDI allows. In most cases this doesn’t make any sense,
though. Watch out for unexpected behavior when going over „127“.
When the modwheel is moved XPression will show the incoming value on the right side of the
display.
The bottom line will show a description of the assigned MIDI controller. A * means that
XPression is able to use this CC number.
The internal controller CC134 is used for direct vibrato with bite / lip control or aftertouch.
Aftertouch Assignment
assigns the function of incoming aftertouch including range.
Alternative Dynamic Controller
overwrites the standard dynamic controller that is assigned fort his MIDI input.
Controller Reassign – Copy or Replace
Decide here if you want the original CC message to be replaced or copied after transforming.

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MIDI Controller A – D Redirection
Here you can remap four midi controllers (before modulation and aftertouch assignment)
Source – sets the source controller.
Destination – sets the destination controller.
Minimum – sets the minimal value of the destination controller.
Maximum - sets the maximal value of the destination controller.
Sustain Pedal Assignment
Here you can assign a function to the sustain pedal (incoming MIDI CC64).
- Sustain corresponds to the normal hold pedal of a piano. The value is irrelevant.
- Portamento switches the portamento function on for as long as the pedal is pressed. A value
between 0 – 127 sets the relative duration of the glissando between the notes. “0” is off - “127”
equals the full value that is set up for the portamento time.
- Mono Retrigger repeats (only in monophonic mode) the same pitch even when playing
different midi notes. Use it to repeat notes quickly or to simulate alternative fingerings on a wind
instrument. The value is irrelevant.
- Mono-Poly switches the monophonic mode to polyphonic as long as sustain is pressed.
- Mono-Poly+Sustain allows polyphonic playing with sustain in a monophonic preset.
Vibrato (LFO )Settings
Amount – sets the stored LFO vibrato intensity.
Speed – is responsible for the speed of the vibrato.
Delay – makes the vibrato fade in within a certain amount of time.
Maximum – sets the maximal intensity of the vibrato.
Dynamic -> LFO Vibrato Amount and Vibrato -> Pitch
Lowers the LFO vibrato intensity at lower levels.
The value for Vibrato -> Pitch limits pitch modulation altogether. This is valid for both LFO and
Bite/Aftertouch vibrato.
Dynamic Vibrato Settings (Breath and Bite / Lip-Vibrato)
With the Dynamic Vibrato you can be create vibrato by variations of the incoming dynamic
controller. For wind instruments this is usually referred to throat or diaphragm vibrato. These
are the available parameters:
Maximum – sets the maximal intensity.
Gain – boosts low values (similar to a compressor with auto gain).
Overtones – sets the influence of vibrato to the sound (only for dynamics – not lip/bite).
Volume Compensation – compensates the volume when using dynamics/breath to achieve
more pitch and sound variations in relation to the level changes.
If Dynamic Vibrato is generally not used at all you could set this value to „0“ to save
computation time.
Dynamic / Breath vibrato uses the internal CC133. Bite vibrato CC134.
Direct Vibrato Source
This parameter configures the direct vibrato source to be used. Choices are dynamics / breath
or the internal MIDI controller 134 (bite / lip or aftertouch) or both. Using both might lead to
undesired results in some cases.

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Dynamic -> Sound Range
Minimal Dynamic
This limits the dynamic sound response on the bottom without affecting the volume range.
The default value is 0. Increasing this value will result in changing the sound and attack
behavior to correspond to a sound that is played at a higher volume.
The sound and feeling will become „harder“.
Maximal Dynamic
This limits the dynamic sound response on the top without affecting the volume range.
The default value is 127. Decreasing this value will result in changing the sound and attack
behavior to correspond to a sound that is played at a lower volume.
The sound and feeling will become „softer“.
Mono - Poly Settings
polyphonic – allows polyphonic playing.
monophonic + polyphonic – allows monophonic legato playing while allowing polyphonic
playing if several notes are pressed at the same time.
monophonic – is optimized for monophonic playing and allows the best legato playing as well
as many special pitch “tricks” as shown in the Pitchbend tutorial.
☺Hint: Pressing the sustain pedal (MIDI CC 64) allows polyphonic playing even if a monophonic mode
is activated.
Sample Filter Mix and Filter Resonance
Here you can adjust the mixing proportion between the filtered and unfiltered sound.
Minimal Dynamic Filter Mix
This sets the ratio between the filtered and unfiltered portion of the sound at minimal dynamic.
“0” means 100% filtered sound while “127” is completely unfiltered.
Maximal Dynamic Filter Mix
This sets the ratio between the filtered and unfiltered portion of the sound at maximal dynamic.
Minimal Dynamic Filter Q
This parameter sets the amount of filter resonance at minimal dynamic.
Maximal Dynamic Filter Q
This sets the filter resonance at maximal dynamic.
Sample Filter Range Dynamic / Envelope Settings
Offset – sets the lowest filter frequency.
Dynamic – controls the impact of the dynamic controller to the filter frequency.
Envelope – regulates the range of the envelope to be applied to the filter frequency.
Retrigger – affects the envelope retriggering behavior when playing legato.
Sample Filter Envelope
This controls a standard synthesizer envelope for the filter cutoff of the sample engine.
(The analogue synthesizer uses his own filter envelope)
Attack – time to reach the peak level of the envelope
Decay – time to reach the sustain level
Sustain – level to hold the note until the note off is received
Release – time after the note off for the envelope to drop back to the initial level
Dynamic -> Volume Range
This can compensate the dynamic curve from -12 dB to +12 dB in case it has changed by
editing certain sound parameters.
Brass Overtones
This adds overtones while playing forte (mainly for brass).
Overtone-Level – sets the volume.
Overtone-Tune – sets the frequency response.

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Pitchbend to Volume & Overtones
Sets the influence of the pitchbend to volume and additional overtones.
- uVol - sets the volume change for pitchbend up
- dVol - sets the volume change for pitchbend down
- uOvt - sets the overtones gain on pitchbend up
- dOvt - sets the overtones gain on pitchbend down
Overdrive Settings
This is an overdive / distortion module.
- mix - blends between the clean and distorted sound.
- drive - sets the drive of the distortion.
- LpF - this regulates the frequency of the lowpass filter of the distorded signal.
- treble - adds higher frequencies abve the lopass cutoff frequency.
Partial A + B Volume
With these parameters the levels of two individual overtones can be adjusted.
Partial A/B Number – selects the partial number of the overtone series.
Partial A/B Level – sets the volume of this overtone.
Doubling
This allows doubling of the instrument without the need of a second voice by introducing a
small delay and pitch modulation while setting the pan position to hard left / right.
Doubling – activates the function.
Minimum – sets the minimal delay in milliseconds.
Range – defines the time window in which a random delay will take place.
Volume Settings
The volume controller (MIDI CC7) stores the basic level of the instrument.
How much attenuation CC7 actually provides be set up in [Global] „Control 7 volume range
minimum“.
Volume-Trim can attenuate or amplify the volume of the preset from -48 to +12 dB. This is
independent of the CC7 setting.
☺Hint: Use this to correct levels after editing or to set an instrument to solo or background level. You might
want to copy the preset to two different locations for the latter.
Velocity Limit
Sets a velocity limit for the minimum and maximum velocity.
- vMin - sets the lowest possible velocity. Values are scaled between vMin and vMax.
- vMax - sets the highest possible velocity. Values are scaled between vMin and vMax.
- LegDamping - lowers the velocity on legato playing (mainly for guitars).
Dynamic Range & dynamic Attack Time
Dynamic Range – sets the impact of the dynamic controller to volume between 0 and 100%.
Dynamic Attack – extends the attack time of the volume envelope at minimal level in ms.
Sample Starting Point
Gives you the option of cutting off the attack and starting the sample at the loop starting point.

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Sample Volume Envelope ADSR
This takes care of the automatic level changes over time. Especially attack and release time
with a standard synthesizer ADSR envelope for the samples.
(The analogue synthesizer uses its own volume envelope.)
Attack – attack time from 0 to the maximal level of the envelope in milliseconds
Decay – decay time in milliseconds until the sustain level is reached
Sustain – level that is being sustained until the note is released
Release – time of the fade out back to 0 after the note has been released
Legato Note Transitions
This sets the alternative attack and release times for legato transitions when the preset is set to
a monophonic mode.
Legato-Attack – legato attack time in milliseconds
Legato Overlap Time –overlap time of the last note
Legato Pitch Time –portamento time for legato transitions
Legato Sample Start –starting point of new notes when played legato
Legato Portamento Time Key Follow
- BpLO - legato portamento time breakpoint lo - sets the lower key limit.
- mult - sets the multiplication factor of the lowest note (BpLO) of the portamento time.
- BpHi - legato portamento time breakpoint high - sets the upper key limit.
- Mult - sets the multiplication factor of the highest note (BpHI) of the portamento time.
Extra Attack Threshold
Here you can set the breakpoint between the low and high “extra attack envelope”.
Extra Attack Envelope
Allows setting an auxiliary envelope for the attacks sparately for lower and higher dynamics.
- vlHi - xtra attack level (upper dynamic range)
- tmHi - xtra attack time (upper dynamic)
- vlLo - xtra attack level (lower dynamic)
- tmLo - xtra attack time (lower dynamic)
MIDI Octave Shift
Sets the default octave offset from -3 to +3.
This parameter can be changed in realtime with CC88 (octave minus), CC89 (octave normal)
and CC90 (octave plus).
Mix Parameter Settings
Volume – sets the volume of the sample sound.
Panning – sets the stereo panning.
Transpose – transposes the instrument.
Variation – uses a sample offset which is not having an effect on all sounds.
Key Range
You can limit the note window. This is useful for creating keysplits.
Lo – sets the lower key limit.
Hi – sets the upper key limit.
TEST: shows the currently played note number for reference only.

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Pitchbend Range Settings
Limits the pitch bend range up or down individually in steps of 10 cents.
- down pitchbend range down
- up pitchbend range up
- crv pitchbend curve. Negative values produce a smooth curve around the center while
positive values produce a harder curve.
Smooth (-50) hard (50)
- KfCrv pitchbend range keyfollow curve. A negative value will cause the pitchbend range to
epand faster while a positiv value makes it expand slowly.
fast (-50) slow (50)
Pitchbend Range Keyfollow
Sets up the key window from the lowest to the highest note that gets affected by the pitchbend
range compression or expansion. Notes outside this window use the lowest or highest value.
- BpLO - pitchbend range breakpoint lo (sets the lower limit)
- mult - sets the multiplication factor of the lowest note (BpLO) for the pitchbend range.
- BpHI - pitchbend range breakpoint high (sets the upper limit)
- mult - sets the multiplication factor of the highest note (BpHI) for the pitchbend range.
Scale Detune
This allows a microtonal detune of individual notes inside a scale. The scales themselves have
to be edited in [Global] “Scale Detune Setup”.
Active – activates the microtonal tunings.
Bank – selects a factory or user tuning.
Preset – selects one of the 128 presets available in each bank.
Key – sets the root of the scale.
External MIDI Instrument Activation
It is possible to control an external midi sound generator from the first MIDI out. Its audio output
can be mixed to XPression’s internal sound by feeding it into the line input without latency.
Set up XPression here to use the internal, external or both sound sources.
External MIDI Instrument – Settings 1
The following parameters will be sent to the midi out when a program change is received:
Program – Patch selection. „NoPgm“ does not send any MIDI program change.
Volume – sends the volume as CC7 to the output. „Org“ does not send anything.
Pan – sends the panning as CC10. „Org“ does not send anything.
Transpose – shifts the note numbers of the outgoing MIDI notes.
External Instrument – Settings 2
Dynamic Controller – remaps the internal dynamic controller to CC2, 7, 11 or aftertouch.
Channel – sets the external MIDI channel.
Lo – limits the key window on the lower limit.
Hi - limits the key window on the upper limit.