Kawai Stage Piano MP8 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Stage Piano
MP8

2
Important Safety Instructions
When using the headphones, do not
listen for long periods of
time at high volume levels.
Doing so may result in hearing problems.
Do not insert or disconnect the power
cord plug with wet hands. Doing so may cause electric shock.
The product should be connected to
an AC outlet of the specified
voltage.
●If you are going to use an AC power cord,
make sure that its has the correct plug shape
and conforms to the specified power voltage.
●Failure to do so may result in fire.
WARNING
denotes that care should be taken.
The example instructs the user to take care not to allow fingers to be trapped.
denotes a prohibited operation.
The example instructs that disassembly of the product is prohibited.
denotes an operation that should be carried out.
The example instructs the user to remove the power cord plug from the AC outlet.
Examples of Picture Symbols
120V 240V230V
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in death
or serious injury if the product is handled incorrectly.
Read all the instructions before using the product.
WARNING - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed,
including the following.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lighting flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the leterature accompanying the
product.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Do not disassemble, repair or modify
the product. Doing so may result in product breakdown,electric
shock or short-circuit.

3
Failure to do so may cause breakdown of this
product and other devices.
●Doing so may cause the product to generate
noise.
●If the product generates noise, move the
product sufficiently away from the electrical
appliance or connect it to another AC outlet.
Failure to do so may damage them, resulting in
fire, electric shock or short-circuit.
Entry of water, needles or hair pins may result
in breakdown or short-circuit.
The product shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, shall be placed on the product.
When connecting the AC power cord
and other cords, take care
not to get them tangled.
Do not place the product near electrical
appliances such as TVs and
radios.
Take care not to allow any foreign
matter to enter the product.
Before connecting cords, make sure
that the power to this product
and other devices is turned
OFF.
CAUTION
OFF
Using the product in such areas may result in
product breakdown.
Use the product only in moderate climates (not
in tropical climates).
Do not use the product in the following areas.
● Areas, such as those near windows, where the product is
exposed to direct sunlight
● Extremely hot areas, such as near a heater
● Extremely cold areas, such as outside
● Extremely humid areas
● Areas where a large amount of sand or dust is present
● Areas where the product is exposed to excessive
vibrations
Indicates a potential hazard that could result in injury
or damage to the product or other
The product is not completely disconnected from the
power supply even when the power switch is turned
off. If the product will not be used for a long time,
unplug the AC power cord from the AC outlet.
●Failure to do so may cause fire in case of
lightning.
●Failure to do so may over-heat the product,
resulting in fire.
When disconnecting the AC power cord's
plug, always hold the plug
and pull it to remove it.
●Pulling the AC power cord itself may damage
the cord, causing a fire, electric shock or
short-circuit.
Please lift up the product when moving it.
Please note that the product is heavy and must
be carried by more than two persons.
Dropping the product may result in breakdown.
Do not drag the product on the floor.
Take care not to drop the product.
●Doing so may cause the product to become
deformed or fall over, resulting in breakdown
or injury.
Do not stand on the product or exert
excessive force.
●Doing so may result in discoloration or deformation
of the product.
●When cleaning the product, put a soft cloth in
lukewarm water, squeeze it well, then wipe the
product.
Do not wipe the product with benzene
or thinner.
The product should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation. Ensure a minimum distance of 5cm around the product for sufficient ventilation.
Ensure that the ventilation is not impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items,
such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains, etc.

4
Notes on Repair
Should an abnormality occur in the product, immediately turn the power OFF, disconnect the
power cord plug, and then contact the shop from which the product was purchased.
The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
● The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
● Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product.
● The product has been exposed to rain.
● The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance.
● The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Declaration of Conformity according to FCC Part 15
Responsible Party: Kawai America Corporation
Address: 2055 East University Drive, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
Telephone: [phone]
declares that the product: Stage Piano MP8
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interferenc, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: 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.
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 different electrical circuit from the receiver.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Canadian Radio Interference Regulations
This instrument complies with the limits for a class B digital apparatus, pursuant to the Radio Interference
Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1374.
Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles on the product.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least
resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having
an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet
that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER - Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly
grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the product - if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician.

5
WELCOME TO THE MP8
Thank you for purchasing the KAWAI MP8. The MP8 Stage Piano features
256 Internal Sounds of the highest quality. The MP8 can also be used as a
MIDI master controller. On stage, at home, or in the studio, the MP8 has
been designed to offer quick and easy access to many sophisticated features.
BASIC FEATURES of the MP8
4 ASSIGNABLE ZONES
The MP8 keyboard can be divided into 4 zones. Each zone can be set to
INT, EXT or BOTH individually. INT (Internal) is to play any of the 256
internal sounds. EXT (External) is to play external MIDI devices. BOTH is
to play internal sounds and external MIDI devices at the same time. Each
zone can be played individually, or multiple zones can be freely split, layered
and velocity switched to create stunning and personalized performances.
ACOUSTIC TOUCH KEYBOARD
The MP8’s “AWA Grand Pro” wooden keyboard provides excellent feel
and control like that found in an acoustic piano.
256 INTERNAL SOUNDS, 256 SETUPS
The MP8 offers not only acoustic piano and electric piano sounds, but also
other sounds such as organ, brass, pads and so on. All the settings of these
sounds, together with the settings to control the external devices, can be
stored into 256 setups.
REVERB AND EFFECTS
The MP8 offers 7 high quality REVERB types, and 20 different EFFECT
types to improve acoustical realism and enhance tonal quality.
CONTROL KNOBS
The MP8 has 4 multi-function CONTROL KNOBS, which offer real time
control of the EFFECTS, EQ, TONE MODIFY and MIDI-CONTROL
CHANGE messages.

6
WELCOME TO THE MP8.....5
1. NAMES AND FUNCTIONS.....8
1.1 FRONT PANEL.....8
1.2 HEADPHONE JACK.....10
1.3 REAR PANEL.....10
2. Basic Operations.....12
2.1 Getting Ready.....12
2.2 Selecting a Sound.....12
2.3 Layer.....14
2.4 Split.....14
2.5 Piano Only.....15
2.6 Metronome.....15
2.7 Transpose.....15
2.8 Using the MP8 as a MIDI controller.....16
2.9 Selecting a SETUP.....17
3. SW Button.....18
3.1 Panel Lock.....18
3.2 Touch Curve.....18
3.3 Rotary Slow/Fast.....19
3.4 EQ Bypass On/Off.....19
3.5 Wheel Lock.....18
3.6 Foot Switch Lock.....20
3.7 Expression Pedal Lock.....20
3.8 External Sequencer Start/Stop.....21
4. EFX/REVERB.....22
4.1 EFX.....22
4.2 REVERB.....23
5. Control Knobs.....24
5.1 EFFECT.....24
5.2 EQ (EQUALIZER).....25
5.3 TONE MODIFY.....25
5.4 MIDI CC# (Control Change).....26
6. MENU.....30
6.1 Editing Procedure and Parameters.....31
6.2 Edit Parameters.....31
6.2.1 Zone Mode.....31
6.2.2 Sound (Int only).....31
6.2.3 Voicing (Int Piano only).....31
6.2.4 Damper Effect (Int Piano only).....32
6.2.5 String resonance (Int Piano only).....32
6.2.6 TX Ch (Ext only).....32
6.2.7 TX Prg # (Ext only).....32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.2.8 Prg # (Ext only).....32
6.2.9 TX Bank (Ext only).....33
6.2.10 Bank MSB/LSB (Ext only).....33
6.2.11 Key Range Hi/Lo .....33
6.2.12 Velocity Switch.....34
6.2.13 Velocity Switch Value.....34
6.2.14 Velocity Compression.....34
6.2.15 Velocity Offset.....35
6.2.16 Zone Transpose.....35
6.2.17 Transmitting Volume (Ext only).....35
6.2.18 Volume.....35
6.2.19 Transmitting Control Change.....35
6.2.20 Pan.....35
6.2.21 Fine Tune.....36
6.2.22 Damper.....36
6.2.23 Foot Switch.....36
6.2.24 Expression Pedal.....36
6.2.25 Modulation.....36
6.2.26 Bender.....36
6.2.27 Transmitting Bender Range (Ext only).....36
6.2.28 Bender Range.....37
6.2.29 Solo.....37
6.2.30 Solo Mode.....37
6.3 Common Parameters.....37
6.3.1 Stretch Tuning.....37
6.3.2 Temperament.....38
6.3.3 Key of Temperament.....38
6.3.4 Tuning C-B.....38
6.3.5 FSW Control Cahnge Number.....39
6.3.6 EXP Control Change Number.....39
6.3.7 Master Volume.....39
7. STORE.....40
7.1 Storing the settings as a SETUP.....40
8. SYSTEM.....41
8.1 System Menu.....41
8.2 System Parameters.....41
8.2.1 System Channel.....42
8.2.2 Initial SW .....42
8.2.3 Touch .....42
8.2.4 System Tuning.....43
8.2.5 Volume Slider Action.....43
8.2.6 Local Control.....43
8.2.7 Multi-Timbral Mode.....44
8.2.8 Receive Channel.....44
8.2.9 LCD Contrast.....44
8.2.10 LED Brightness.....44
8.2.11 Out Mode.....44
8.2.12 Foot Switch Mode .....45
8.3 System Dump.....45
8.3.1 Dump Current.....45
8.3.2 Dump All.....45

7
8.4 System Rest.....46
8.4.1 Reset One SETUP.....46
8.4.2 Reset All.....46
8.5 System EFX/REVERB.....46
8.5.1 Save EFX/REVERB.....46
8.5.2 Reset EFX/REVERB.....47
9. OTHER.....48
9.1 MIDI IN.....48
9.2 SETUP Program Number Table.....48
9.3 SOUND Program Number List.....49
9.4 Notes about USB.....55
Specifications.....56
MP4 MIDI Implementation.....58
1. Recognized Data.....59
1.1 Channel Voice Message.....59
1.2 Channel Mode Message.....61
1.3 System Realtime Message.....62
2. Transmitted Data.....62
2.1 Channel Voice Message.....62
2.2 Channel Mode Message.....64
2.3 System Realtime Message.....65
3. Exclusive Data.....65
3.1 Universal Realtime Exclusive Message.....65
3.2 MP4 Dump Message.....65
3.3 Setup Data Format.....65
4. Control Change Number (CC#) Table.....68
MIDI Implementation Chart

8
1. NAMES AND FUNCTIONS
1.1 FRONT PANEL
[FADER SECTION]
1. VOLUME Fader
The VOLUME fader controls the master volume level of the MP8.
2. ZONE SELECT buttons
The ZONE SELECT buttons are used to select one of the four ones for editing.
Only one one can be selected at a time. The front panel setting represents the
current one status.
3. ON/OFF buttons
The ON/OFF buttons are used to turn ones ON/OFF. When the button is lit, the
one is active. Normally the button color is red, but when a one is not using the full
keyboard range the color will be green to indicate it.
4. FADERS (zone volume level control)
Each fader controls the volume level of a designated one. When multiple ones are
active, these faders can be used as an audio mixer.
[CONTROL KNOBS SECTION]
The four CONTROL KNOBS are multi-function real time controllers. The different
functions can be selected using the four buttons to the left side of the CONTROL
KNOBS. When a function is active, its button is lit. Touching any of these knobs
will instantly change the display to the current knob function and value.
5. EFFECT button
When this button is lit, the CONTROL KNOBS will adjust the REVERB time,
REVERB depth, EFX rate and EFX depth.
6. EQ button
When this button is lit, the CONTROL KNOBS will adjust the 4-band graphic
equali er.
7. TONE MODIFY button
When this button is lit, the CONTROL KNOBS will adjust the CUTOFF, ATTACK,
DECAY and RELEASE Levels for the selected one.
8. MIDI CC# button
When this button is lit, MIDI control changes are sent from the MP4 to the MIDI
device specified by the selected one. Some control changes can also be used with
the internal sounds.
[WHEEL CONTROLLERS]
9. PITCH BEND
This control wheel smoothly bends the pitch Up or Down from its current value.
10. MODULATION
This control wheel controls the modulation (vibrato) depth. Moving the wheel forward
increases the vibrato depth.
9 10

9
[EFFECT BUTTONS]
11. SW button
This button turns the assigned function ON or OFF. Many different functions can be
assigned to this switch for your convenience.
12. EFX button
This button turns the EFX ON or OFF for the selected one.
13. REVERB button
This button turns the REVERB ON or OFF for the selected one.
To change the function or type assigned to the above buttons, press and hold the
desired button to display the currently selected function or type, then use the VALUE
buttons to change it.
[MENU BUTTONS]
14. MENU buttons
The MENU buttons are used to enter the edit mode and scroll through all the various
parameters of the MP8. To change a parameter value, use the VALUE buttons.
Pressing both MENU buttons simultaneously will exit from the edit mode.
[DISPLAY]
15. DISPLAY
[VALUE BUTTONS]
16. VALUE buttons
The VALUE buttons are used to change the value of the current parameter as indicated
on the DISPLAY.
[SOUND SELECTION & SETUP SELECTION]
17. SOUND button
The SOUND button switches the MP8 to the SOUND mode. The PATCH buttons
will now select any of the 256 internal sounds.
18. SETUP button
The SETUP button switches the MP8 to the SETUP mode. The PATCH buttons will
now select any of the 256 SETUPs.
19. SOUND SELECT buttons
The SOUND SELECT buttons are organi ed in two rows of eight buttons and one
row of four ones. In SOUND mode the upper row of buttons is used to select a sound
category and the second & third raws of buttons is used to select the different internal
sounds within each category. In SETUP mode the upper row of buttons is used to
select a bank and the second & third raws of buttons is used to select the different
SETUPs within each bank.
[OTHERS]
20. STORE button
The STORE button is used to store the settings of the MP8.
21. SYSTEM button
The SYSTEM button is used to set the system parameters of the MP8.
22. TRANSPOSE button
The TRANSPOSE button is used to turn the TRANSPOSE function ON/OFF.

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1.2 HEADPHONE JACK
The headphone jack is located in front at the left end of the key slip. Use a headphone with
a standard stereo 1/4 inch phone jack.
1.3 REAR PANEL
1. OUTPUTS -FIXED-
R, L OUTPUTS
The R, L outputs are used to connect the MP8 to a musical instrument amplifier
using XLR Terminals. The R, L outputs can also be used to connect the MP8 to a PA
system or recording console. The (Master) VOLUME fader and the EQ settings DO
affect these outputs.
GROUNDLIFT SW
With this switch ON, a possible ground loop can be shut from an external machine
which is connected to your MP8 with XLR terminal. Usually, you may leave the
switch to its OFF position.
2. OUTPUTS -Normal-
R, L/MONO OUTPUTS
The R, L/MONO outputs are used to connect the MP8 to a musical instrument
amplifier using standard 1/4 inch phone jacks. The R, L/MONO outputs can also be
used to connect the MP8 to a PA system or recording console. The EQ settings DO
affect these outputs.
3. FOOT CONTROLLERS
EXP JACK
An expression pedal can be connected to this jack.
The expression pedal can be assigned to different MIDI control numbers or functions
in the Menu.
FSW JACK
A momentary footswitch can be connected to this jack. (EX: Kawai F-1) The
FootSwitch can be assigned to different MIDI control numbers or functions in the
Menu.
4. DAMPER / SOFT JACK
This jack is used to connect the Foot Pedal included with the MP8. (Kawai F-20)
The right pedal works as Damper pedal, and the left one works as Soft pedal. When
the Rotary EFX is in use, the Soft pedal changes function to a Fast/Slow Rotor switch.

11
5. MIDI JACKS
These jacks are used to connect the MP8 with external MIDI devices such as a MIDI
sound module or a MIDI sequencer.
6. USB JACK
This jack is used to connect the MP8 with a personal computer. See page 55 for
details.
7. POWER SWITCH
Turns the MP8 ON or OFF.
8. POWER RECEPTACLE
Connect the power cable, which is included in the MP8 package, to this receptacle.
Keyboard amplifier
PA equipments
(Ex. Mixer, Multi-track recorder)
Expression
( ptional)
Terminal B
Terminal A
MIDI devices
(Ex. External Sound module, External Sequencer,
Keyboards, Personal Computers)
Footswitch
( ptional)

12
2. Basic Operations
2.1 Getting Ready
Since the MP8 has no built-in speakers, you will need to connect a mixer,
keyboard amplifier or headphones in order to listen.
Turn the MP8 on, using the P WER SWITCH on the rear panel.
It is recommended to turn the MP8 on before turning on any amplifiers in
order to avoid switching noise.
What you need to know before starting:
Please read this part for a better understanding of the MP8 structure.
Basically there is no difference between S UND and SETUP mode. The
main difference is that SETUP is used to recall your stored SETUPs.
You can edit and make changes in both modes freely. The same parameters
are available in both modes.
If you edit in S UND mode, your settings get lost, after power off, if you
don’t store them as SETUP!
If you want to start from scratch use the S UND mode and press PIAN
NLY first.
If you want to modify a SETUP just select it and start editing and store later
it as SETUP.
If you notice when you select a sound that it sounds strange it’s probably
because some of the parameters like knobs etc. were edited. To get back to
the default settings for any sound simply use the PIAN NLY function
and reselect the sound.
2.2 Selecting a Sound
The MP8 always starts up in S UND mode when the power is turned N.
The S UND button will be lit to indicate S UND mode is active.
peration 1
Select the sound category by pressing a sound select button in the top row.
There are 3 rows of sound select buttons, the top row is for selecting a sound
category and the second and third rows are for selecting a variation.
For example, to select "60’s EP2", first press the E.PIAN in the top row
and the first sound in the E.PIAN category "Classic EP" is recalled. (If any
other variation was selected before, the last selected sound is recalled as
long as the power is on.)
peration 2
Select the first variation by pressing a sound select button in the second row.
Press one of the 1-8 buttons in the second row. If you press 3, the variation
3 "60’s EP" is recalled. (If any other variation was selected before, the last
selected sound is recalled as long as the power is on.)
peration 3
Select the second variation by pressing a sound select button in the third
row.

13
Press one of the A-D buttons in the second row. If you press B, a variation
sound "60’s EP2" is recalled.
Select the variations with the sound select buttons in the second and third
rows.
The display shows the currently selected sound name.
Note:
Internal sounds or Setups can be also selected using theVALUE buttons.
You should also listen to the preprogrammed Setups.
Setups are organized in 8 Banks with 32 Numbers each (total 256 Setups).
Press the SETUP button to change to SETUP mode and select a Setup by
pressing one of the Bank buttons in the upper row followed by a Number
button in the second and third row.
The display shows the currently selected Setup name.
In Sound mode, the “1” in the display indicates that the zone 1 is currently
selected.
When the multitimbre is off, the default settings of the zones are as follows.
It is recomended for simple MIDI transmit/receive use on stage etc.
Zone 1 Internal n (Plays internal sound)
Zone 2 Internal ff (Muted)
Zone 3 External n (Plays external device) The default TX channel is 1.
Zone 4 External ff (Muted)
When the multitimbre is on, the default settings of the zones are as follows.
It is recomended for recording/playback with PC or sequencer.
Zone 1 Both n (Plays internal sound & external device)
The default TX channel is 1
Zone 2 Both ff (Muted)
Zone 3 Both ff (Muted)
Zone 4 Both ff (Muted)
The zone mode for each zone is indicated by the INT/EXT LED beside the
faders. The zone status for each zone is indicated by the Z NE N/ FF
buttons. If the Z NE buttons is red, this zone is assigned to the entire
keyrange of the MP8. If the button is green, the key range for that zone is
less than the entire key range. You can check the key range setting by holding
the SELECT button for the zone for 1 second.
1 Concert Grand

14
B2 C3
ZONE 1 ZONE 2
2.3 Layer
Let’s try layering another sound. Turn the zone 2 on by pressing the Z NE
N/ FF button for zone 2. The Z NE SELECT button for zone 2 is
automatically selected and the display shows the sound name for zone 2.
Select the sound for zone 2 with the S UND SELECT buttons as shown in
the previous section.
Adjust the volume balance of zone 1 and 2 with the faders for each zone.
2.4 Split
Now let’s split the keyboard and play different sounds in upper and lower
sections.
Press and hold the Z NE SELECT button for zone 1. The display shows
the key range for zone 1 as follows.
While still holding down the Z NE SELECT button for zone 1, press the
lowest note on the keyboard. The display changes as follows.
While still holding down the Z NE SELECT button for zone 1, select the
highest note for zone 1, for example, B2 by pressing B2 key on the keyboard.
Repeat the same procedure for zone 2 while holding down the Z NE
SELECT button for zone 2 and set the key range from C3 to C7.
Now the keyboard is split as follows.
Note:
In this method, the key ranges for internal and external zones always
change together. If you want individual settings, use the Key Range Hi/
Lo parameter in MENU (see page 31).
2 String Pad
1Key IC-2 >G8
RangeEC-2 >G8
=IA-1 > ----
1KeyRange(Both)
1KeyRange(Both)
=IA-1 > B2
2KeyRange(Both)
=IC > C7

15
2.5 Piano Only
The Piano nly function lets you quickly return the MP8 sounds to the default
settings.
Press the PIAN button and the S UND SELECT button 1 simultaneously.
All the current settings (except for SYSTEM settings) will go back to original
and only Concert Grand sound can be played on the whole keyboard.
Note:
You may use this function also as a kind of Panic or Reset button. Also it is
a good starting point to create Setups from scratch.
2.6 Metronome
A metronome is available on the MP8.
Press the ST RE and SYSTEM buttons simultaneously to start the
metronome.
Press the ST RE or SYSTEM button to stop the metronome.
Changing the Tempo/Volume
The display will show as follows.
Use the VALUE buttons to change the tempo.
Use the MENU buttons to change the volume.
Note:
The metronome tempo is also used as MIDI clock tempo to control an
external sequencer. See page 20 for details.
2.7 Transpose
When the Transpose function is “ N” the MP8’s key can be raised or lowered
in half steps. The available range of transposition is 24 semitones, either up
or down.
While holding down the TRANSP SE button, press any key on the MP8
keyboard to select a new transposed key. Pressing the F key above middle C
for example will transpose the MP8 UP to the key of F (+5 half steps).
METRONOME
VOL= 5 =120

16
Connect the MIDI UT on the MP8 to the MIDI IN on an external MIDI
device with a MIDI cable.
Selecting the MIDI Channel
The MIDI Transmit Channel of the MP8 must be matched with the Receive
Channel of any MIDI devices connected to the MP8.
Select zone 3 by pressing the Z NE SELECT button 3. (Zone 3 is set to
external as default setting.)
Press the MENU-UP button until “TX Channel” (Transmit Channel) appears
on the display.
Use the VALUE buttons to choose a MIDI Transmit Channel from 1 to 16.
To exit from MENU, press both MENU UP and D WN buttons
simultaneously.
Any notes played on the keyboard or any movements of the Knobs, sliders,
etc. will be transmitted to any external MIDI devices connected to the MIDI
out of the MP8 on the selected MIDI channel.
Sending Program Change Number
The MP8 can send MIDI program change numbers from 1 to 256 and Bank
number LSB from 0 to 1 in S UND mode. Simply press the S UND
SELECT buttons and the corresponding program number will be transmitted.
See the program number table below.
3External
TX Channel = 1
MASTER TRANS
+12
The transpose amount can also be set using the VALUE buttons.
While holding the TRANSP SE button down, press the VALUE buttons to
change the transpose amount.
The display shows the current TRANSP SE amount when the TRANSP SE
button is held down. A value of “0” indicates no transposition.
2.8 Using the MP8 as a MIDI controller
The MP8 can control external devices via MIDI.
MIDI Connection

17
The transmitted program number is shown in the display.
You can also send program change numbers by using VALUE buttons.
Note:
Full program change numbers including bank numbers can be
transmitted by setting them in MENU and saving it as a SETUP. See
page 31 for details.
2.9 Selecting a SETUP
The MP8 offers 256 preset combinations of the panel settings called SETUPs.
To select a SETUP, press the SETUP button. Now the S UND SELECT
buttons are used to select a SETUP. Use a combination of the numbers in
the upper, second and third rows to select a desired SETUP. The display
will show the selected SETUP name.
To check the sound (internal) or program number (external) assigned to each
zone, press the Z NE SELECT button. The display briefly shows the
assigned sound name or program number, and then automatically returns to
the SETUP name in a few seconds.
If you hold a Z NE SELECT button for 2 seconds the display will show
you the key range information for that zone. You can also set the key range
using the same procedure that is used in Sound mode.
UPPER SECOND THIRD PROG#:MSB-LSB
1 1 A 001:000-000
1 1 B 002:000-000
1 1 C 003:000-000
1 1 D 004:000-000
1 2 A~D 005:000-000 ~ 008:000-000
1 3 A~D 009:000-000 ~ 012:000-000
1 4 A~D 013:000-000 ~ 016:000-000
1 5 A~D 017:000-000 ~ 020:000-000
1 6 A~D 021:000-000 ~ 024:000-000
1 7 A~D 025:000-000 ~ 028:000-000
1 8 A~D 029:000-000 ~ 032:000-000
2 1~8 A~D 033:000-000 ~ 064:000-000
3 1~8 A~D 065:000-000 ~ 096:000-000
4 1~8 A~D 097:000-000 ~ 128:000-000
5 1~8 A~D 001:000-001 ~ 032:000-001
6 1~8 A~D 033:000-001 ~ 064:000-001
7 1~8 A~D 065:000-001 ~ 096:000-001
8 1~8 A~D 097:000-001 ~ 128:000-001
3
001:000-000 01
GrandPno+Str1

18
3. SW Button
The SW button is a programmable realtime switch which can be assigned to
one of 8 different functions.
Press and hold the SW button. The display shows the currently assigned
function. Press the SW button again to exit without changing the function.
Use the VALUE buttons to change the function. The display will
automatically return to S UND or SETUP mode after you change the
function.
3.1 Panel Lock
You can lock the panel operation to avoid unnecessary changes to the settings
by accident.
When the SW button is lit Panel Lock is N.
Panel Lock n: All the operations except for keyboard, wheels, pedals and
SW button are locked. The display shows as follows while the panel is
locked.
Panel Lock ff: Panel Lock is canceled.
3.2 Touch Curve
You can temporary turn on/off the Touch Curve for example to play organ
sounds correctly.
When the SW button is lit the Touch Curve is N.
Touch Curve n: The display briefly shows the selected Touch Curve in the
SYSTEM and the Touch Curve becomes active. If the selected Touch Curve
in the SYSTEM is ff, the Normal Touch Curve becomes active.
Touch Curve ff: The display briefly shows as follows and the Touch Curve
becomes ff.
3.3 Rotary Slow/Fast
You can switch the speed of roter between slow and fast when the Rotary
effect is in use.
When the SW button is lit: The display briefly shows as follows and the
rotary speed changes to fast.
SW TYPE
1: Panel Lock
Panel Lock
>Press[SW]button
Touch Curve
Off

19
When the SW button is FF: The display briefly shows as follows and the
rotary speed changes to slow.
Note:
When the Rotary effect is not in use, the display briefly shows as follows.
3.4 EQ Bypass On/Off
You can temporary bypass the EQ by turning the SW button on.
When the SW button is lit the EQ Bypass is on.
EQ Bypass n: The display briefly shows as follows and the sound bypasses
the EQ.
EQ Bypass ff: The display briefly shows as follows and the EQ comes
back to active.
Note:
When the EQ Bypass is turned on and the EQ control knobs are used,
the display briefly shows as follows.
3.5 Wheel Lock
You can lock the bender wheel and modulation wheel to avoid unnecessary
movement by accident.
When the SW button is lit the Wheel Lock is on.
Wheel Lock n: The display briefly shows as follows and the wheels are
locked.
Rotary Speed
Slow
Rotary is
not selected.
EQ Bypass
On
EQ Bypass
Off
EQ Bypass
>Press[SW]button
Wheel Lock
On
Rotary Speed
Fast

20
Wheel Lock ff: The display briefly shows as follows and the wheels are
unlocked.
Note:
When the Wheel Lock is turned on and the wheels are used, the display
briefly shows as follows.
3.6 Foot Switch Lock
You can lock the assignable foot switch to avoid unnecessary movement by
accident.
First, connect a foot switch to the FSW jack on the rear panel of the MP8.
When the SW button is lit the Foot Switch Lock is on.
Foot Switch Lock n: The display briefly shows as follows and the assignable
foot switch is locked.
Foot Switch Lock ff: The display briefly shows as follows and the assignable
foot switch is unlocked.
Note:
When the FSW Lock is turned on and the foot switch is used, the display
briefly shows as follows.
3.7 Expression Pedal Lock
You can lock the expression pedal to avoid unnecessary movement by
accident.
First, connect an expression pedal to the EXP jack on the rear panel of the
MP8.
When the SW button is lit the Expression Pedal Lock is on
Expression Pedal Lock n: The display briefly shows as follows and the
expression pedal is locked.
Wheel Lock
Off
Wheel Lock
>Press[SW]button
FSW Lock
On
FSW Lock
Off
FSW Lock
>Press[SW]button