Retroaktiv MPG-8X User manual

retroaktiv
USER GUIDE AND REFERENCE
All rights reserved. 2021 Retroaktiv LLC.
Colorado, USA.

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FEATURESFEATURES
Independent control of all parameters
on all layers of MKS-80 synthesizers.
Control 2 MKS-80s independently, or
as a single 16-voice polyphonic syn-
thesizer. (8-Voice in DUAL key mode)
On-board memory for storing tones,
patches, and setups on the controller.
Flexible MIDI matrix allows multiple
parameters to be controlled inde-
pendently in real-time, using af-
teouch, mod wheel or any CC, an
expression pedal, or the two ASSIGN
sliders on the MPG-8X front panel.
Chord mode for playing any combina-
tion of notes using a single key.
Store any PATCH with the push of
a buon. MPG-8X eliminates the
“shared-tones” system of saving
sounds on the MKS-80. Each MPG-8X
PATCH is stored with its own TONES.
Intelligent patch generator creates new
tones and patches at the push of a buon.
Choose from Basses, pads, bells, strings
and more.
CC to sysex translation allows for DAWs
and sequencers to record and playback
parameter changes on MPG-8X in
realtime. Each of the 4 layers on the con-
troller can be controlled independently by
CCs.
Each TONE, ASSIGN, PATCH, and SETUP
can be changed using program and bank
change messages. Independent control of
all layers.
MPG-8X allows users to store and name
custom CC maps, allowing users to create
their own custom control maps for other
gear using the MPG-8X panel.
Receive or transmit banks, individual
patches, or a full memory backup of all
stored user objects. Sysex utility allows
users to quickly load, store, and back up all
of their favorite soundbanks.
MIDI bootloader allows users to use sysex
files to update their MPG-8X allowing for
more new features to be added in the
future.

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FRONT PANELFRONT PANEL
OLED DISPLAYOLED DISPLAY
Large white OLED display presents information about
the operation being peormed.
STORAGE & OBJECT TYPESTORAGE & OBJECT TYPE
Use these buons to select, store and load user
PATCH, TONE, ASSIGN, and SETUP objects.
LAYERLAYER
Use these buons to select which MKS-80 unit (UNIT
1 or UNIT 2) is being edited. Pressing both buons at
once will select both units.
EDIT SELEDIT SEL
Use these buons to select which layers of an MKS-
80 patch are being edited. Pressing both buons at
once selects both layers. When Key Mode is set to
WHOLE, only the UPPER layer will be available. LOWER
layers can be selected when Key Mode is set to DUAL
or SPLIT 1 & 2.
MENU NAVIGATION BUTTONSMENU NAVIGATION BUTTONS
The menu navigation buons are used to select
editor pages in the MPG-8X. The [LEFT] and [RIGHT]
buons are used to move the cursor in the menu
pages.
The [ENTER] buon is used to execute a variety of
operations within a menu.
[MIDI], [PATCHGEN], [MAIN], and [ASSIGN] buons
are used to navigate to their respective menu
pages.
JACKS & POWERJACKS & POWER
The labels for the power switch, power entry po,
expression pedal jack, and MIDI jacks are located
along the top of the MPG-8X front panel. The
associated jacks and power switch are located in
the recessed compament on the rear of the MPG-
8X.
ENCODER/SHIFTENCODER/SHIFT
The black encoder knob located directly under
the OLED is used to modify values of the currently
selected parameter. If you hold down the encoder
[SHIFT], parameter values will change by larger
increments.

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QUICK STARTQUICK START
To begin using your MPG-8X, it’s impoant to understand the basic connections and setup requirements. The
most basic setup is to send the MIDI OUT from your DAW or MIDI controller, to the MIDI IN of the MPG-8X. The
MIDI OUT of the MPG-8X is connected to the MIDI IN of the MKS-80. The default state of the MPG-8X is for
MIDI ECHO to be enabled. This means that MIDI data received by the 8X on its MIDI IN will be immediately
processed and passed OUT to the MKS-80. The figure below shows the most common setup configuration of
the MPG-8X in a rig.
MKS-80
MIDI IN
MIDI CONTROLLER OR DAW
To begin making sound, let’s sta by creating a basic setup. Press the [MIDI] buon on MPG-8X and set the
MPG-8X MIDI seings as shown below, and set the MKS-80 to receive on channel 1 (By pressing [MIDI CHANNEL]
+ [BANK 1] on the MKS-80 panel) . Set your MIDI controller to send on channel 1. The MKS-80 should be
receiving data from the controller when a slider is moved, as well as when a key is pressed on your controller.
Basic MIDI menu seings on the MPG-8X
Basic MIDI configuration

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MENUS AND NAVIGATIONMENUS AND NAVIGATION
The MPG-8X will boot up and display the MAIN menu screen. The diagram below shows the contents displayed
on the MAIN screen.
MPG-8X Navigation Console
1
2 3 4
MPG-8X MAIN Screen
The MAIN screen displays the following information:
1 - Current active parameter name and value
2 - Unit 1 Active Layers (U, L, or U+L if UPPER and LOWER layers are both selected)
3 - Unit 2 Active Layers (U, L, or U+L if UPPER and LOWER layers are both selected)
4 - MIDI Input Monitor - Displays channel of incoming MIDI activity received at MPG-8X MIDI IN po.
To return to the MAIN screen at any time, press the [MAIN] buon in the navigation console.
The encoder and arrow buons are used to navigate menus and change seings. The SHIFT function refers
to the switch on the encoder knob. To engage the SHIFT function (used for double-buon combos such as
SHIFT+MIDI buon = MIDI Panic), press and hold the encoder knob. To increment a value with the encoder,
simply turn the encoder knob. To increment or decrement by 8, hold the SHIFT buon in while turning the
encoder.
Use the [MIDI], [PATCHGEN], [ASSIGN], and [MAIN] buons to navigate to the different menu pages. To move
the cursor on a menu page, use the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] buons. To change the value of a highlighted menu
seing, use the [ENCODER} dial.

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THE MIDI MENUS AND FUNCTIONSTHE MIDI MENUS AND FUNCTIONS
MIDI:SETTINGSMIDI:SETTINGS
The MIDI Seings menu contains all of the parameters that determine which MIDI channels the MPG-8X
receives data on, and which channels outgoing data will be transmied on. This page is also where we
configure program change handling, as well as CC to sysex translation.
The MKS-80 receives on a single MIDI channel when in WHOLE, DUAL, or SPLIT 2 mode. When in SPLIT 2 mode,
the LOWER voice will respond on the MKS-80 MIDI input channel, and the UPPER voice will respond on the
MKS-80 MIDI input channel + 1. For example, if the MKS-80 is set to receive data on channel 1, then when in
SPLIT 2 mode, the LOWER voices will play on channel 1, and the UPPER voices will play on channel 2. For this
reason, the MPG-8X MIDI channels are displayed in the format 1(2), 2(3), 3(4), etc. The number in parentheses
indicates which channel the UPPER voice will respond to when SPLIT 2 mode is used.
There is a second reason that we use the 1(2) format for MIDI channel seings. The MPG-8X is capable of
translating incoming CC messages into sysex messages. Because we have 2 layers on each MKS-80, each
layer (UPPER & LOWER) has its own CC channel. For example, if the Unit 1 In channel seing is 1(2) and CC
translation is turned on, then incoming CCs on channel 1 will change parameters on the LOWER voices, while
incoming CC data on channel 2 will affect the UPPER voices.
Now that we’ve become familiar with the way the MPG-8X midi channels are referred to, let’s discuss the menu
seings in detail:
The MIDI:Seings Menu
Unit 1 Ch & Unit 2 Ch:Unit 1 Ch & Unit 2 Ch: (MPG-8X MIDI OUT CH) This sets the MIDI channels that the MPG-8X will transmit on.
The MKS-80 should be set to the same MIDI channels as the Unit 1 & 2 seing. All incoming note and controller
data received at the MPG-8X MIDI IN channels will be sent out of the MPG-8X on the Unit1 and Unit2 MIDI
channels. Note that the Unit 1 & 2 Output channels correspond to the channels each MKS-80 is set to receiveNote that the Unit 1 & 2 Output channels correspond to the channels each MKS-80 is set to receive
on. Unit 1 & 2 Out Channels do not need to match the Unit 1 & 2 Input channels. Data received at MPG-8Xon. Unit 1 & 2 Out Channels do not need to match the Unit 1 & 2 Input channels. Data received at MPG-8X
input channel will be mapped to the 8X MIDI OUT on the Unit 1 & 2 channels. By doing this mapping, we caninput channel will be mapped to the 8X MIDI OUT on the Unit 1 & 2 channels. By doing this mapping, we can
effectively break a MIDI feedback loop when using a DAW to record and translate data in real-time. MPG-8Xeffectively break a MIDI feedback loop when using a DAW to record and translate data in real-time. MPG-8X
will display a notification if a MIDI feedback loop occurs.will display a notification if a MIDI feedback loop occurs.
•• Unit 1 Ch (MPG-8X Unit 1 MIDI OUT channel):Unit 1 Ch (MPG-8X Unit 1 MIDI OUT channel): The channel that the unit 1 MKS-80 receives data and the
channel that MPG-8X will transmit unit 1 data on. ( 1(2) to 15(16) ) Set MKS-80 #1 to this channel.Set MKS-80 #1 to this channel.
•• Unit2Ch (MKS-80 #2 MIDI OUT channel):Unit2Ch (MKS-80 #2 MIDI OUT channel): The channel that the unit 2 MKS-80 receives data and the
channel that MPG-8X will transmit unit 2 data on. ( 1(2) to 15(16) ) Set MKS-80 #2 to this channel.Set MKS-80 #2 to this channel.
•

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Unit 1 In Ch & Unit 2 In Ch:Unit 1 In Ch & Unit 2 In Ch: (MPG-8X MIDI IN CH) Used to select which channels the MPG-8X will be receiving
note, CC, aeouch, and pitch bend data on. When MIDI Echo is enabled, data received by MPG-8X on UNITWhen MIDI Echo is enabled, data received by MPG-8X on UNIT
1 & 2 MIDI IN channels, that data will be sent back out of the 8X on the selected Unit1 and Unit2 MIDI OUT1 & 2 MIDI IN channels, that data will be sent back out of the 8X on the selected Unit1 and Unit2 MIDI OUT
channels.channels.
For example, if Unit 1 MIDI IN channels are set to 1(2), and Unit 1 MIDI OUT channels were set to 3(4), then
any note data received by MPG-8X on channel 1, would be passed back out of the 8X on channel 3. If this
data gets passed back to the controller on channel 3, which does not correspond to the channel that the 8X
is listening on (channel 1), and the data will be ignored. This mapping function allows you to break any MIDI
feedback loops in your setup.
•• Unit 1 In Ch (MPG-8X UNIT 1 MIDI IN CH):Unit 1 In Ch (MPG-8X UNIT 1 MIDI IN CH): Sets channel that MPG-8X will receive note/controller data on
for Unit 1. 1(2) to 15(16), where the number in parentheses indicates the 2nd MIDI channel when in SPLIT
2 mode.
•• Unit 2 In Ch (MPG-8X UNIT 2 MIDI IN CH):Unit 2 In Ch (MPG-8X UNIT 2 MIDI IN CH): Sets channel that MPG-8X will receive note/controller data on
for Unit 1. 1(2) to 15(16), where the number in parentheses indicates the 2nd MIDI channel when in SPLIT 2
mode.
Sysex:Sysex: Used to select whether the MPG-8X controls send sysex or CCs to be translated into sysex.
•• Send SysexSend Sysex - Sliders and buons will send sysex messages to the synth
•• Send/Translate CCSend/Translate CC - Sliders and buons will transmit CC messages when changed. When the MPG-8X
receives one of these sysex messages at the MIDI IN, it will translate the incoming CC into sysex data and
send the sysex to the synth.
MIDI Echo: On/Off.MIDI Echo: On/Off. When MIDI Echo is enabled, valid data received on Unit1InCh & Unit2InCh will be passed
THRU the MPG-8X back to the synth.
Prog Change Mode:Prog Change Mode: Internal/Echo/Internal + EchoInternal/Echo/Internal + Echo. This determines how incoming program change messages
are handled by MPG-8X.
•• InternalInternal - When a program change is received, it will be used to select an object stored in MPG-8X internal
memory.
•• EchoEcho - When a program change message is received, it will be transmied out to the MKS-80, and will not
select an MPG-8X object.
•• Internal + EchoInternal + Echo - When program change is received, it will select an object from MPG-8X internal memory,
athen the program change message will be sent to the MKS-80 as well.
Program Change:Program Change: When INTERNALINTERNAL program change is selected, each type of MPG-8X object can be recalledeach type of MPG-8X object can be recalled
using MIDI program changesusing MIDI program changes. Using this function, any tone, patch, assign or setup can be selected using MIDI
program change and bank change messages.
•• Patch U1Patch U1 - Sets MIDI channel that Unit 1 Patch program change messages will be selected on.
•• Patch U2Patch U2 - Sets MIDI channel that Unit 2 Patch program change messages will be selected on.
•• Tone U1 UpperTone U1 Upper - Sets MIDI channel that Unit 1 Upper Tone program change messages will be selected on.
•• Tone U1 LowerTone U1 Lower - Sets MIDI channel that Unit 1 Lower Tone program change messages will be selected on.
•• Tone U2 UpperTone U2 Upper - Sets MIDI channel that Unit 2 Upper Tone program change messages will be selected on.
•• Tone U2 LowerTone U2 Lower- Sets MIDI channel that Unit 2 LowerTone program change messages will be selected on.
•• AssignAssign - Sets MIDI channel that ASSIGN program change messages will be selected on.
•• SetupSetup - Sets MIDI channel that SETUP program change messages will be selected on.

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MIDI SETTINGS WHEN USING 2 MKS-80 UNITSMIDI SETTINGS WHEN USING 2 MKS-80 UNITS
When using 2 MKS-80 units, it is very impoant to understand how to set the MIDI seing in the MPG-8X.
Notice how the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT channels of the MPG-8X include two numbers, such as 1(2), 2(3), etc. This
is done for three reasons, the first being that when a unit is in SPLIT 2 mode, the the UPPER voice will respond
on the MIDI channel that the MKS is set to receive on, and the LOWER voice will receive on that channel + 1.
This means that if using SPLIT 2 mode, and the MKS is set to receive on channel 1, then the UPPER tone will
respond on channel 1, and the lower tone will respond to channel 2. (Channel 1 + 1)
The second reason we display both numbers is that the MPG-8X is capable of tranlating CC messages into
sysex messages. This is so we can record fader and buon movements with a DAW or sequencer. Since each
MKS connected to the 8X has two tone layers (UPPER and LOWER), that means that to address each tone
independently with CCs, each layer must respond to CCs on different channels. So if UNIT 1 CH IN is set to 1(2),
this would mean that incoming CCs on channel 1 would change the UPPER tone on unit 1, and incoming CCs on
channel 2 would affect the LOWER tone.
The third reason we display the channel numbers this way is that the MPG-8X has a MIDI MAPPING function.
This means that the MPG-8X can listen for note and controller data on a MIDI channel, and then relay that data
to the MKS on a different channel.
For example, if Unit 1 Ch (The channel that MPG-8X will transmit MIDI data on, and the channel that MKS-80 #1
will receive on) is set to channel 3(4), and the Unit 1 In channel (The channel that MPG-8X is listening for note
and controller data on) is set to 1(2), then incoming notes on channel 1 will be sent to MKS-80 #1 on channel 3.
This may not make immediate sense at first, but there is a reason we allow this. MPG-8X will block incoming
MIDI data that is not on the UNIT 1 IN or UNIT 2 IN channels. If you are loop recording with a DAW, and the 8X
is set to receive on channel 1 and send on channel 1, then it is possible for the 8X MIDI OUT to receive its own
messages at the 8X MIDI IN. This will cause a midi feedback loop. However, by seing UNIT 1 IN to 1(2) and Unit
1 OUT to channel 3(4), when incoming data on channel 1 enters the 8X, it is then transmied to the synth on
channel 3. When the data comes back through the loop to the 8X on channel 3, it will be rejected, because
channel 3 is not the Unit 1 IN channel. This mapping breaks any feedback loop.
When using two MKS-80 synths with the MPG-8X, it is recommended that you set the UNIT 1 IN and UNIT 2 IN
channels to different channels. The same goes for the UNIT 1 and 2 OUT channels. This is because seing up
this way prevents feedback loops from occurring.
Example:
Unit 1 Ch (MIDI OUT) = 3(4)
Unit 1 In Ch (MIDI IN) = 1(2)
Unit 2 Ch (MIDI OUT) =5(6)
Unit 2 In Ch = 7(8)
In this case, MIDI data received on channel 1 will be sent on channel 3 to MKS-80 UNIT 1. Channel 3 is not an
input channel for UNIT 1 or 2, so this data will be ignored if it gets passed back to MPG-8X. MIDI data received
on channel 5 will be passed to MKS-80 UNIT 2 on channel 7. Channel 7 is not an input channel for UNIT 1 or 2,
and will be ignored if passed back to MPG-8X.
It is also necessary to understand that when using 2 units, each MKS should be set to receive on a different
MIDI channel. This is because if you load a patch on the 8X, and both units are set to receive on the same

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channel, the data intended for UNIT 2 (Which gets sent aer the UNIT 1 data when a patch is loaded), will be
sent to UNIT 1 and UNIT 2, because they are both set to receive on the same channel. If you set both units to
the same MIDI channel, there will be unexpected behavior when using Multi-Unit Poly Mode (See MIDI Process
& Filter Menu for more about enabling this mode) and when loading SETUPS.
It is good practice to always have each MKS set to a different MIDI channel.
MIDI: PROCESS & FILTERMIDI: PROCESS & FILTER
The MIDI Filter/Process menu contains an array of MIDI data filters, as well as special MIDI functions. To
navigate to this menu page, press [MIDI] until the menu shown below is displayed on the OLED.
The MIDI:Filter & Process Menu
MIDI Filters:MIDI Filters:
•• NoteNote - Filters incoming note data
•• CCCC - Filters incoming CC data
•• PitchPitch - Filters incoming pitch bend data
•• AeouchAeouch - Filters incoming aeouch data
Multi-unit Poly Mode:Multi-unit Poly Mode:
On/OffOn/Off - When enabled, this function allows Unit 1 and Unit 2 MKS-80 to act as a single synthesizer, which
doubles polyphony. When enabled Note/CC/control data will be received on Unit 1 In Ch only (Unit 2 In Ch willWhen enabled Note/CC/control data will be received on Unit 1 In Ch only (Unit 2 In Ch will
be ignored), and the MPG-8X will send note data on the Unit1Ch and Unit2Ch. For this mode to work, Unit1Chbe ignored), and the MPG-8X will send note data on the Unit1Ch and Unit2Ch. For this mode to work, Unit1Ch
and Unit2Ch must be different channels.and Unit2Ch must be different channels.
Multi-Unit Poly Mode mode is for setups that utilize two MKS-80 synthesizer modules. When enabled, this
allows for a 16-voice MKS-80 (8-voice in DUAL mode).
It is impoant to understand that when Multi-Unit Poly Mode is enabled, the MPG-8X will consider the 2
connected MKS-80s to be a single 16-voice polyphonic synth. For this reason, when using this mode, UNIT 1
and UNIT 2 should bothe be selected. This will allow you to load the same patch on both units, so both units
have the same sound loaded.

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MULTI-UNIT POLY MODE CONNECTION DIAGRAMMULTI-UNIT POLY MODE CONNECTION DIAGRAM
MKS-80 #1 (UNIT 1)
MIDI IN
MIDI CONTROLLER OR DAW
MIDI OUT
MKS-80 #2 (UNIT 2)
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
MIDI THRU
Set Unit 1 and Unit 2 to separate MIDI channels.
Chord Mode:Chord Mode:
•• On/OffOn/Off - When enabled, playing a single note on the keyboard will play the selected chord.- When enabled, playing a single note on the keyboard will play the selected chord.
The MPG-8X CHORD MODE function allows users to input a chord, and then play it by keying a note. The chord
will be transposed anywhere on the keyboard where a new note is keyed. To access the CHORD MODE function,
navigate to the MIDI PROCESS/FILTER page in the MIDI menu. CHORD MODE functions are located at the
boom of this page. CHORD MODE can be enabled on UNIT 1, Unit 2, or BOTH units. Once enabled, a menu
dialog will appear, showing the notes in the current CHORD. (ChordNt) Each of the notes in the chord can
be entered manually, using the cursor and encoder, or the chord can be entered into the MPG-8X by holding
SHIFT and playing a chord into the unit. To clear the current chord, press SHIFT to delete the current chord
contents.
Chord Mode will allow 8 notes to be on at one time. Depending on the size of the chord and how many notes
being held, the MPG will not “steal” voices. It will instead play the chords with any available voices.
Note: Chord Mode creates a large amount of MIDI data, which must all be passed in sequence to the synth.Note: Chord Mode creates a large amount of MIDI data, which must all be passed in sequence to the synth.
If you are trying to play a lot of notes with a large chord, and simultaneously send slider data, there may beIf you are trying to play a lot of notes with a large chord, and simultaneously send slider data, there may be
timing issues, as all of the data cannot be passed to the synth quickly enough to prevent a delay.timing issues, as all of the data cannot be passed to the synth quickly enough to prevent a delay.
SHORTCUT: SHIFT + VCF ENV SEL will open CHORD MODE menu.SHORTCUT: SHIFT + VCF ENV SEL will open CHORD MODE menu.