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.