Retroaktiv MPG-8 User manual

MANUAL VERSION 1.0 for MPG-8
OS 1.0

RETROAKTIV MPG-8 OWNER’S MANUAL
2
FEATURES:
• Real time controls of all 44 original
PG-800 parameters
• Page-2 mode allows real time access
to all additional tone parameters added
by Vecoven 3.x and 4.x PWM upgrades,
allowing access to a total of 88 param-
eters on the JX
• Suppos stock and Vecoven modded
JX-8P, Super JX and MKS-70 synths
• Scratch tone generator lets users
select from 3 different staer tones for
easy creation of new sounds
• Random tone generator creates
musically useful sounds at the press of
a buon
• Compact enclosure fits on top of JX-
8P and Super JX keyboards

RETROAKTIV MPG-8 OWNER’S MANUAL
3
GETTING STARTED:
The MPG-8 is powered directly from the synthesizer using the included DIN 6 ca-
ble. All communication with the synth is done through this cable as well. To connect
MPG-8 to the synth, plug the DIN 6 into the synth’s PG-800 po, and plug the cable into
the MPG-8. It is recommended that the power on the synthesizer be turned OFF when
connecting and disconnection the DIN 6 cable.
STOCK AND VECOVEN MODE:
The MPG-8 can control a stock JX or a JX modified with Vecoven firmware. If the
unit is configured to boot in STOCK MODE, the PAGE 2 LED will blink once. When the unit
is set to boot in VECOVEN MODE, the PAGE 2 LED will blink 4 times.
It is not recommended that you use Vecoven mode with a stock unit, as the unrecog-
nized parameter commands can cause erratic behavior in the stock JX. It is also im-
poant that Vecoven users be sure that they have updated their Vecoven firmware to
the latest version, as early Vecoven 3.X and 4.X firmware had a bug that caused erratic
behavior when the synth received unrecognized parameter commands. For Vecoven 4.x
users, be sure that your firmware is 4.15 and above for best results.
To toggle between STOCK MODE and VECOVEN MODE, power up the MPG-8 while holding
both buons down. The MPG-8 will blink the PAGE 2 LED 3 times when the MODE has
been toggled. This procedure gets saved each time the mode is toggled, and only needs
Power indicator LED and PAGE 2 indicator LED

RETROAKTIV MPG-8 OWNER’S MANUAL
4
MANUAL buon:
Tapping the manual buon once will transmit all of the 44 knob positions on the
current page (There are 2 pages of parameters if in Vecoven mode.).
Holding the MANUAL buon down will generate one of 3 “scratch tones”. When
the buon is held, the PAGE 2 LED will blink once to indicate that scratch tone 1
is selected, twice when scratch tone 2 is selected, and 3 times when scratch tone
3 is selected. Release the buon when the tone type of your choice is selected,
and the tone will be generated on the synth. The 3 scratch tones are as follows:
SCRATCH TONE 1 - Basic Dual Saw Tone
SCRATCH TONE 2 - Basic Oscillator Sync Tone
SCRATCH PATCH 3 - Basic Dual LFO PWM Tone (For Vecoven PWM users)
PAGE-2 BUTTON:
The Page 2 buon is used when toggling the front panel pots between the stock
JX parameters (Labeled in white) and the Vecoven 4.x parameters (Labeled in
yellow). The Page 2 LED lights indicating that the MPG-8 is transmiing page 2
parameters. When in Vecoven mode, there are 5 parameters not labeled on the
front panel:
MIX DCO-1 Knob = DCO-1 LFO Select
MIX DCO-2 Knob = DCO-2 LFO Select
CHORUS knob = VCA Aeouch Amount
VCF ENV DYN Knob = DCO Vibrato Aeouch Amount
VCF ENV SEL Knob = VCF Aeouch Amount
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS:

RETROAKTIV MPG-8 OWNER’S MANUAL
5
RANDOM TONE GENERATOR:
The MPG-8 has a random tone generator on-board, which can generate musically
useful sounds at the press of a buon. To use the randomizer, press and hold the
PAGE 2 buon until the PAGE 2 LED blinks once. Release the buon and the MPG-
8 will generate a new tone on the synthesizer. This is a fun way to discover new
sounds from the JX.to be done again when the mode is changed again.
MPG-8 is 20.5 cm x 11.5cm x 6 cm (From boom to the top of the knobs) in
height. The unit weight 2.1 lbs.
WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS:
2019 Retroaktiv LLC.
www.retroaktivsynthesizers.com