Retroaktiv PG-2K User manual

All rights reserved. 2022 Retroaktiv LLC.
Colorado, USA.
SYNTHESIZER PROGRAMMER

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
2
FEATURESFEATURES
Controls any stock JX-3P or MKS-30
synthesizer, as well as any Kiwi-3P,
Kiwi-30, Kiwi-3P Matrix, or CC modified
JX-3P/MKS-30. Can independently
control any combination of 2 of these
synths.
Control 2 units independently, or as a
single 12-voice polyphonic synthesiz-
er, using Multi-Unit Poly Mode.
On-board 32k of memory for storing
PATCH, SEQ, PATTERN, ASSIGN, and
SETUPs on the controller. Can be ex-
panded to 160k with optional plug and
play memory card upgrade..
Flexible “ASSIGN” MIDI matrix allows
multiple parameters to be controlled
independently in real-time, using
aeouch, mod wheel or any CC, an
expression pedal, or the ASSIGN slider-
son the PG-2K front panel.
Chord mode for playing any combina-
tion of notes using a single key.
All GLOBAL, TONE, and MATRIX fea-
tures on Kiwi modified units can be
accessed using menus on the PG-
2K. This means no more searching
through panel buons to edit!
Intelligent patch generator creates new
tones and patches at the push of a but-
ton. Choose from basses, pads, polysynths,
bells, strings, brass and more. Patch gen-
erator works with all models.
CC to PG-200 protocol translation allows
for DAWs and sequencers to record and
playback parameter changes on stock
MKS-30 and JX-3P units.
Each ASSIGN, PATCH, and SETUP can be
changed using program and bank change
messages. Independent control of all ob-
jects on all layers.
PG-2K allows users to store and name
custom CC maps, allowing users to create
their own custom control maps for other
gear using the PG-2K 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 PG-2K

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
3
FRONT PANEL & JACKSFRONT PANEL & JACKS
OLED DISPLAYOLED DISPLAY
OLED display presents information about the
operation being peormed. This can display the
current value being editied, or a menu.
SHIFT BUTTONSHIFT BUTTON
The [SHIFT] buon is held to peorm any of the front
panel actions labeled in blue.
ENCODER & ENCODER BUTTONENCODER & ENCODER BUTTON
The encoder is the black knob located directly
below the OLED screen. This can be turned to edit
parameters on the screen. Press and hold the
encoder down to peorm any of the panel actions
labeled in red. Holding this while moving a slider will
display the slider parameter’s current value without
editing it. (PEEK mode)
PG-200 JACK & POWERPG-200 JACK & POWER
PG-2K is powered by the JX-3P or MKS-30 via the
PG-200 jack, using the included 6 pin DIN cable. The
synth can still receive MIDI from the PG-2K when the
DIN cable is plugged into the PG-200 jack.
MENU NAVIGATION BUTTONSMENU NAVIGATION BUTTONS
The menu navigation buons are used to select
editor pages in the PG-2K. 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.
Special functions are accessed by pressing a buon
while holding [SHIFT] or [ENCODER].
MIDI JACKSMIDI JACKS
PG-2K has 1 MIDI IN jack and 1 MIDI OUT jack. Note
and controller data received at the MIDI IN jack can
be passed to the MIDI OUT jack using Midi Echo (So
Thru), selected in the PG-2K MIDI Menu.
CAUTION: Do not plug a PG-200 6P DIN cable into
PG-2K while the JX/MKS is powered. This can blow
the fuse on the programmer, as it can lead to a
condition where only one power rail is connected.
THE SYNTH SHOULD BE POWERED OFF WHEN
CONNECTING PG-200 CABLE!

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
4
CONNECTIONS & GETTING STARTEDCONNECTIONS & GETTING STARTED
POWERING THE PG-2KPOWERING THE PG-2K
PG-2K is powered by the PG-200 po on the JX-3P or MKS-30 synth. To begin using the PG-2k, the programmer
must be conected to the synthesizer with the included 6-pin DIN cable.
BEFORE PLUGGING PG-200 CABLE INTO SYNTH OR PG-2K, MAKE SURE THAT SYNTH IS POWERED OFF.
Connect PG-200 po on the PG-2K to the PG-200 po on the synthesizer usingthe 6-pin cable included with
PG-2K. Turn the synthesizer on. A splash screen will appear on the PG-2K showing the PG-2K logo as well as
the current firmware version. Check the PG-2K listing on the Retroaktiv website (www.retroaktivsynthesizers.
com) for the latest firmware. If there is a more recent version of firmware than what is displayed when
booting the PG-2K unit, we recommend upgrading the firmware before beginning to work with the PG-2K.
DO NOT INSTALL KIWI FIRMWARE UPDATES WITH THE PG-2K CONNECTED TO THE SYNTH!
JX-3P/MKS-30 PROGRAMMER PORT
PG-2K
6-PIN DIN CABLE
(NO MIDI NEEDED FOR STOCK UNITS)
MIDI IN
FROM DAW OR MIDI CONTROLLER OUT
(IF USING A JX-3P AS A MIDI SOURCE,
DO NOT CONNECT.)
PG-2K splash screen. Firmware version displayed beneath logo.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
5
SETTING UP COMMUNICATION WITH THE SYNTHSETTING UP COMMUNICATION WITH THE SYNTH
Before you can begin creating sounds on the PG-2K, you must set up the communication protocol you wish to
use with your synthesizer. To set up communications, press the [MIDI] buon on the PG-2K. The MIDI: Unit 1
Seings page should appear on the OLED. Here is where all of the communication seings are selected, which
tell the PG-2K how to talk with the synth you are using.
Unit 1: This sets the make and model of the synth to be controlled. Options available are:
JX-3P/MKS-30: Use this seing if you are controlling a stock JX-3P or MKS-30 synthesizer, using PG-200 protocol.
In this case, only the 6P DIN connection between PG-2K and the synth is needed to edit sounds.
Kiwi-3P: Use this seing if you are controlling a Kiwi-3P. This seing uses MIDI CCs to communicate with the
synthesizer. A MIDI connection from PG-2K to the synth is needed to edit sounds.
Kiwi-3P Matrix: Use this seing if you are controlling a Kiwi-3P Matrix. This seing uses MIDI CCs to
communicate with the synthesizer. A MIDI connection from PG-2K to the synth is needed to edit sounds.
Kiwi-30: Use this seing if you are controlling a Kiwi-30. This seing uses MIDI CCs to communicate with the
synthesizer. A MIDI connection from PG-2K to the synth is needed to edit sounds.
Tauntek: Use this seing if using an MKS-30 that has Tauntek firmware, which enables CCs to be received by
the MKS-30. A MIDI connection from PG-2K to the synth is needed to edit sounds.
If using a MIDI communication protocol, we recommend staing out with Input Chan and Output Chan on
the PG-2K set to channel 1. The synthesizer should be set to receive MIDI on channel 1. The midi seings
parameters will be discussed in fuher detail in the MIDI Menu setion of this manual. Here, we are simply
geing set up so a sound can be edited using the PG-2K. If the Unit 1 and Output Chan seings are both
correct, moving a slider on PG-2K should be editing the sound you hear on the synth.
The PG-2K MIDI: Unit 1 Seings menu seing shown below contains example seings for geing staed. Use
the connection diagram shown on the previous page, and select the model of synth the PG-2K is controlling.
If using a stock JX-3P or MKS-30, no MIDI connections are necessary. If using a synth that suppos MIDI, set
the synth to receive control data on channel 1, and send note data to the PG-2K on channel 1.
Basic MIDI menu seings on the PG-2K

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
6
MULTI-UNIT OPERATIONMULTI-UNIT OPERATION
Basic MIDI configuration for 2 Unit Operation
PG-2K can control 2 MKS-30/JX-3P units independently, or as a single 12-voice synthesizer. Users can play the 2
synths as a “STACK”, where the two synths are layered, similar to the UPPER & LOWER tone architecture found
on synths like MKS-80 and MKS-70/Super JX. The two synths can also be daisy chained by using PG-2K’s Multi-
Unit Poly Mode, which turns the 2 synths into a single 12-voice synth, effectively doubling the polyphony of an
Alpha JX-3P. The figure below shows the most basic connection scheme for multi-unit operation.
PROGRAMMER PORT
PG-2K
6-PIN DIN CABLE
(NO MIDI NEEDED FOR STOCK UNITS)
JX-3P/MKS-30
MIDI IN
FROM DAW OR MIDI CONTROLLER OUT
(IF USING A JX-3P AS A MIDI SOURCE,
DO NOT CONNECT.)
JX-3P/MKS-30
MIDI IN
MIDI THRU
SET TO MIDI CHANNEL 1
SET TO MIDI CHANNEL 2

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
7
To play two units in stack mode, Unit 1 and Unit 2 output channels should be different, and Unit 1 and Unit 2
input channels should be set to the same channel. This means that both synths will receive note data from
the same source, but each synth is set to receive on a different channel, so controller data intended for each
synth does not get sent to the wrong unit.
USING TWO UNITS IN ‘STACK’ MODEUSING TWO UNITS IN ‘STACK’ MODE
USING TWO UNITS IN MULTI-UNIT POLY MODEUSING TWO UNITS IN MULTI-UNIT POLY MODE
When in Multi-Unit Poly Mode, the 2 units become a single 12-voice synthesizer. This means rather than
stacking two 6-voice synths over each other, we load the same sound onto both, and use them as a 12-voice
synthesizer. The Unit 1 and Unit 2 MIDI: Seings are the same as in STACK mode, however MULTI-UNIT POLY
MODE must be set to ON.
PG-2K MIDI: Seings Unit 2 - Multi-Unit Poly Mode
Since Multi-Unit Poly Mode (M.U.P.M.) is essentially turning two 6-voice synths into a single 12-voice synth, it
is recommended that both synths be the same model. This means that if using 2 MKS-30s, they should either
both be stock units, or they should both be Kiwi-30/Kiwi-30 Matrix units. This is because the envelope and LFO
times, as well as many other time-based controls vary considerably from model to model. If using a stock
MKS-30 with a KIWI-30 in M.U.P.M., every other note will have a drastically longer or shoer envelope time than
the one before.
If using “stock” MKS-30/JX-3P units in M.U.P.M., it is recommended that they both be able to receive MIDI and
CC to PG-200, as the PG-2K has only one PG-200 po, and it cannot be shared by the units. For example, two
MKS-30 units with Tauntek CC firmware will work as one synth in M.U.P.M., whereas two stock units would not.
It is critical that OMNI be turned OFF on both synths in M.U.P.M. If OMNI mode is enabled, then both synths will
respond to every note being played.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
8
MENUS AND NAVIGATIONMENUS AND NAVIGATION
The PG-2K will boot up and display the MAIN menu screen. The diagram below shows the contents displayed
on the MAIN screen.
PG-2K Navigation Console
PG-2K MAIN Screen
The MAIN screen displays the following information:
1 - Current active parameter name and value
2 - Unit: The box in the lower le corner of the screen displays the unit currently being controlled by the MPG.
3 - Oct: The center box on the boom of the MAIN screen shows the current octave transposition seing.
4 - MIDI Input Monitor - Displays channel of incoming MIDI activity received at PG-2K MIDI IN po.
To return to the MAIN screen at any time, press the [MAIN] buon in the navigation console. Pressing MAIN
repeatedly will cycle between editing the MAIN, AUX, or BOTH synths. SHIFT + MAIN will also toggle the layer.
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.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
9
THE “SHIFT” BUTTONTHE “SHIFT” BUTTON
The SHIFT buon is used to access or edit a second function. To use the second function of a slider or buon,
press and hold the SHIFT buon while actuating the target buon, or moving the target switch. The second
function of buons is labeled on the front panel in blue, to indicate that pressing the buon while SHIFT is
held, will edit the second function.
SECOND FUNCTION CHARTSSECOND FUNCTION CHARTS
PATTERN CLOCKARP RANGEARP CLOCK
ARP MODE
VCF PATTERN PATTERN LEVEL VCA PATTERN
KEY MODE
SEQ CLOCK SEQ MODE
KIWI-3P SECOND FUNCTIONSKIWI-3P SECOND FUNCTIONS
• SHIFT + LFO MODE BUTTON= Arpeggiator Sta/Stop
• SHIFT + LFO EDIT BUTTON= Sequencer Sta/Stop
• SHIFT + CHORUS BUTTON = Paern Generator Sta/Stop
• SHIFT + ENV EDIT BUTTON = Matrix Editor
• SHIFT + ENV MODE BUTTON = Global Menu
• SHIFT + ENV SEL BUTTON = Patch Paern Enable
• SHIFT + GLIDE SLIDER = Key Mode
• SHIFT + DETUNE SLIDER = Detune Mode
• SHIFT + LFO RATE SLIDER = Arpeggiator Clock Source
• SHIFT + LFO DELAY SLIDER= Arpeggiator Range
• SHIFT + LFO WAVE SELECT = Arpeggiator Mode
• SHIFT + LFO RATE SLIDER = Arpeggiator Clock Source
• SHIFT + ATTACK SLIDER = Sequencer Clock Source
• SHIFT + DECAY SLIDER = Sequencer Mode
• SHIFT + CHORUS SLIDER = Paern Clock Source
• SHIFT + CUTOFF SLIDER = Paern To VCF Enable
• SHIFT + VOLUME SLIDER = Paern To VCA Enable
• SHIFT + RESONANCE SLIDER = Paern Level

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
10
ARP RANGEARP CLOCK
ARP MODE
MIX ENV SOURCE
VCA DYN
KEY MODE
SEQ CLOCK SEQ MODE
DCO1 ENV DYN DCO2 ENV DYN
DCO1 PULSE WIDTH DCO1 PWM DEPTH
DCO1 PWM SOURCE
DCO2 PULSE WIDTH DCO2 PWM DEPTH
DCO2 PWM SOURCE
MIX ENV DEPTH MIX ENV DYN
VCF DYN
UNISON DETUNE
KIWI-30 & KIWI-3P MATRIX SECOND FUNCTIONSKIWI-30 & KIWI-3P MATRIX SECOND FUNCTIONS
NOTE: Sliders associated with pulse width functions are not available on KIWI-30 units. All other second
functions are identical on KIWI-30 and Kiwi-3P Matrix units. Note: Mix Env Dyn, Mix Env Depth, and Mix Env Sel
do not appear to be implemented on the Kiwi-30 or Matrix. If they do become active, we’ll suppo them as
indicated here.
KIWI-30 Second Functions:
• SHIFT + LFO MODE BUTTON= Arpeggiator Sta/Stop
• SHIFT + LFO EDIT BUTTON= Sequencer Sta/Stop
• SHIFT + ENV EDIT BUTTON = Matrix Editor
• SHIFT + ENV MODE BUTTON = Global Menu
• SHIFT + GLIDE SLIDER = Key Mode
• SHIFT + LFO RATE SLIDER = Arpeggiator Clock Source
• SHIFT + LFO DELAY SLIDER= Arpeggiator Range
• SHIFT + LFO WAVE SELECT = Arpeggiator Mode
• SHIFT + LFO RATE SLIDER = Arpeggiator Clock Source
• SHIFT + ATTACK SLIDER = Sequencer Clock Source
• SHIFT + CUTOFF SLIDER = VCF Env Dynamics
• SHIFT + VOLUME SLIDER = VCA Dynamics
• SHIFT + DCO-1 ENV SLIDER = DCO-1 Env Dynamics
• SHIFT + DCO-2 ENV SLIDER = DCO-2 Env Dynamics
• SHIFT + OSC MIX SLIDER = Mix Env Select
• SHIFT + VCF ENV SLIDER = Mix Env Mod Depth
• SHIFT + VCF ENV SLIDER = Mix Env Dynamics
Kiwi-30 Matrix Second Functions:
• ALL functions of KIWI-30, plus the following:
• SHIFT + DCO-1 WAVE SELECT = DCO-1 Pulse Width
• SHIFT + DCO-2 WAVE SELECT = DCO-2 Pulse Width
• SHIFT + DCO-1 RANGE = DCO-1 Pulse Width Mod Depth
• SHIFT + DCO-2 WAVE SELECT = DCO-2 Pulse Width Mod Depth
• SHIFT + DCO-1 COARSE = DCO-1 Pulse Width Mod Source
• SHIFT + DCO-2 WAVE SELECT = DCO-2 Pulse Width Mod Source

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
11
MANUAL MODEMANUAL MODE
To send the current slider and buon seings on the front panel to the synth, go to the MAIN menu by
pressing [MAIN]. Now press [SHIFT] + [VCF ENV SELECT]. A dialog box will pop up, reading “Sending all control
positions”.
INIT PATCHINIT PATCH
Press [SHIFT] + [VCF LFO SEL] to generate a blank “init patch”. This is a useful tool when creating a brand-new
sound from scratch.
THE ENCODER BUTTONTHE ENCODER BUTTON
The rotary encoder on the PG-2K also acts as a buon, which if held down, will peorm a second function. The
encoder has the following functions when held down:
PEEK ModePEEK Mode: Moving a slider while holding the [ENCODER] buon will display the current value of the slider
on the PG-2K display, without actually editing the slider value. If the slider has a second function, turning
the encoder to the le or the right while holding down, will display the values of the primary and secondaty
function of the slider.
INC/DEC By 8INC/DEC By 8: If the [ENCODER] is held while turning the encoder to edit a value, the edited value will
change by +/- 10.
PEEK HOLDPEEK HOLD: Currently disabled.
PEEK and PEEK HOLD functions. Hold [ENCODER] to PEEK. Hold [SHIFT] + [ENCODER] for PEEK HOLD.
USING ENCODER TO SCROLL FASTERUSING ENCODER TO SCROLL FASTER
Holding the [ENCODER] buon while turning the encoder will scroll through parameter values more quickly.
Holding the arrow buons down in a menu will also scroll quickly.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
12
EDITING USING PG-2KEDITING USING PG-2K
PG-2K was designed to provide the most intuitive, hands-on programming experience possible for owners
of Kiwi-3P, Kiwi-30, Kiwi-Matrix, and stock JX-3P/MKS-30 synths. Some basic explanations of the PG-2K user
inteace will get you programming your synths quickly. The OLED screen on the PG-2K provides detailed
information about any parameters being edited from the front panel. Waveforms, envelope shapes, and other
details are displayed on the MAIN screen any time a parameter is edited.
WHY 0 - 255?WHY 0 - 255?
Stock JX-3P and stock MKS-30 synths communicate using PG-200 language instead of MIDI. Where MIDI uses
values ranging from 0-127 (7-bit), PG-200 uses values ranging from 0-255 (8-bit). The PG-2K will always display
the 0-255 values when editing parameters.
THE MOD SOURCE BUTTONS AND BIPOLAR ENVELOPE SLIDERSTHE MOD SOURCE BUTTONS AND BIPOLAR ENVELOPE SLIDERS
The PG-2K uses LED buons to indicate which modulation source is selected for each section of the synth.
When no source is selected on a mod select switch (All LEDs OFF), the modulation amount associated
with that buon is 0. Each mod selects buon can be OFF (No Mod) - SOURCE 1 - SOURCE 2 - SOURCE
3 (If available). If ENV 3 or LFO 3 is selected, both LEDs on the mod select buon will be ONIf ENV 3 or LFO 3 is selected, both LEDs on the mod select buon will be ON. (Env/LFO 3
only available on Kiwi-30 & Kiwi-3P MATRIX) We’ve combined the envelope amount and envelope polarity
parameters on each synth, into a single bipolar slider.
THE EDIT SELECT BUTTONS AND LFO3/ENV3THE EDIT SELECT BUTTONS AND LFO3/ENV3
The LFO and ENVELOPE sections of the PG-2K suppo editing of multiple instances of each. Pressing the
EDIT buon will toggle which LFO or ENV is being edited. If using a Kiwi-30 or Kiwi 3P Matrix (Which have 3
envelopes and 3 LFOs) ENV3 and LFO3 will be indicated by both LEDs being lit on the EDIT buon.
KIWI-30 & KIWI 3P MATRIX EDITINGKIWI-30 & KIWI 3P MATRIX EDITING
Kiwi 30 and Kiwi 3P Matrix models have more parameters that can be edited, than there are sliders and
buons on the PG-2K front panel. It is still simple to access and edit any of those parameters without menu
diving, by pressing and holding [SHIFT] while moving the slider that has the desired “second parameter
control” assigned to it. For a full diagram, showing all second functions, refer to pages 10-11 in this manual.For a full diagram, showing all second functions, refer to pages 10-11 in this manual.
Some second parameters, such as KEY MODE, ANALOG FEEL, etc. require keying notes to hear the edits being
made. This is hard to do if one hand is using [SHIFT], and the other hand is moving the slider. For these
parameters, the second function will remain active without holding [SHIFT], until the [SHIFT] buon is pressed
again.
SPECIAL FUNCTION MENUSSPECIAL FUNCTION MENUS
Special function menu pages are labeled in blue on the PG-2K front panel. Pressing [SHIFT] + the associated
buon will jump to the special menu. Special menus are only available for Kiwi synths, as these parameters
are not available on stock units. The following special menus are available:
Sequencer MenuSequencer Menu - [SHIFT + LFO EDIT]
Paern Generator MenuPaern Generator Menu - [SHIFT + CHORUS MODE]
Apreggiator MenuApreggiator Menu - [SHIFT + LFO MODE]
Global Parameters MenuGlobal Parameters Menu - [SHIFT + ENV EDIT] (Currently disabled)
Modulation Matrix MenuModulation Matrix Menu - [SHIFT + ENV MODE]

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
13
NOTES FOR USE WITH STOCK UNITSNOTES FOR USE WITH STOCK UNITS
To edit a stock JX-3P or stock MKS-30 unit, the PG-200 cable must be used to communicate with the synth.
The stock units do not use MIDI CC or sysex messages to communicate. You will notice that when using the
PG2K to control stock synths, some parameters on the PG2K do nothing. This is because stock units only
suppo parameters that were found on the original PG-200 controller.
STOCK JX-3P VS STOCK MKS-30STOCK JX-3P VS STOCK MKS-30
Although the MKS-30 and JX-3P both understand PG-200 protocol, there is a slight difference between the two
units. The MKS-30 has an extra pin called “BUSY”, which allows the MKS-30 to tell PG-2K when it’s ready for
another bit to be transmied, which allows the MKS-30 to receive data 3 times faster than JX-3P can. JX-3P
does not have an active BUSY pin, therefore the data reception rate for stock 3P will be slower than MKS-30.
THE PATCH GENERATORTHE PATCH GENERATOR
When using the PATCH GENERATOR with stock units, no “subcategories” are used. This is because for stock
units, there is an entirely different patch generator than the patch generator used on the Kiwi modded units.
Because the differences between the two types of units is so vast, we took a separate approach to the patch
generator algorithms based on the synth being used.
CC TO PG-200 TRANSLATIONCC TO PG-200 TRANSLATION
PG-2K can send CCs which when recorded and played back into the PG-2K, the PG-2K will translate those
messages into PG-200 messages. This allows slider movements to be recorded and played back. Of course,
the stock JX-3P will only allow either MIDI note data or PG-200 data to be received at one time unless modded.
A stock MKS-30 can receive the note data and PG-200 data simultaneously, which makes it ideal for using the
PG-2K CC Translate function with.
STORING SOUNDS IN PG-200 FORMATSTORING SOUNDS IN PG-200 FORMAT
PG-2K will automatically store your sounds in PG-200 format if you’re using a stock unit. Once stored on PG-2K,
your sounds and sound banks cab be expoed as sysex files, eliminating the need for using WAV and tapes for
backing up sound banks. Unfounately the 3P has no way to expo sounds in PG-200 format. Once a sound is
created and stored on PG-2K it can be sent to the synth using PG-200 protocol, or sent to a DAW using sysex.
SEQUENCERSEQUENCER
The PG-2K sequencer will not work with stock JX-3P, as the stock unit does not have suppo for MIDI or PG-200.
STACK MODE AND MULTI-UNIT POLY MODESTACK MODE AND MULTI-UNIT POLY MODE
STACK mode can be used with any combination of suppoed synths. If using 2 stock units, at least one will
need to be modded to repond to CCs (There is only one PG-200 po, and that suppos just one synth). If using
the multi-unit feature on PG-2K (Turns 2 synths into a single synth with double the polyhony), we recommend
that both synths be the same (MKS-30 and JX-3P would be considered “the same” here). The differences
across all of the KIWI units make using different ones together not ideal. For example 50% VCF cutoff on Kiwi-
3P is different from the same seing on Kiwi-3P Matrix. This will affect how seamless the 2 units sound when
in multi-unit mode.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
14
PG-2K MEMORY STORAGEPG-2K MEMORY STORAGE
PG-2K has 32k of on-board storage, which can store banks of PATCH, SETUP, ASSIGN, and SEQUENCE objects.
PG-2K uses its own file librarian system, allowing it to store banks of JX-3P, MKS-30, Kiwi-3P, Kiwi-30, and Kiwi-
Matrix sounds, and allow these to be recalled on any model. To do this, we created a “universal” patch format,we created a “universal” patch format,
which stores patch data in such a way that it can be used to store and recall any format, including the originalwhich stores patch data in such a way that it can be used to store and recall any format, including the original
PG-200 format.PG-200 format.
Stock PG-2K can store 2 banks of 64 Tones, and 1 bank each of 16 ASSIGN, USER CC MAP and SETUP objects. IfStock PG-2K can store 2 banks of 64 Tones, and 1 bank each of 16 ASSIGN, USER CC MAP and SETUP objects. If
PG-2K has a memory expansion card installed, it can hold 8 banks of 64 TONE, and 2 banks each of 64 ASSIGN,PG-2K has a memory expansion card installed, it can hold 8 banks of 64 TONE, and 2 banks each of 64 ASSIGN,
USER CC MAP and SETUP objects.USER CC MAP and SETUP objects.
The PG-2K contains 64 factory presets, programmed by Espen Kra. These presets were programmed on
Kiwi-3P, and will work best with that synthesizer. Make a note that if translating between Kiwi and stock soundif translating between Kiwi and stock sound
banks, the translation may not result in a carbon copy of the original sound, since those two models have verybanks, the translation may not result in a carbon copy of the original sound, since those two models have very
different parameter sets.different parameter sets.
PG-2K can conve sounds made for stock units into sysex files, which allows users to back up JX-3P and
MKS-30 sounds without using the old-fashioned tape backup method, which is a hassle, and oen unreliable.
PATCH objects include all original PG-200 TONE parameters as well as all Kiwi TONE parameters, for all KIWI
models. Below is a diagram showing what PATCH, SETUP, and ASSIGN objects consist of.
PAT C H
UNIT 1
PAT C H
UNIT 2
PAT C H
SETUP STRUCTURESETUP STRUCTURE
A SETUP is a “snapshot” of all of the current seings on all layers in the controller. Use this object type to
store a “stacked” multi-unit patch, or a patch with an ASSIGN aached. A bank of 64 setups on the PG-2K
contains 128 patches and 7 assigns. SETUP consists of the following:
• Unit 1 PATCH seings
• Unit 2 PATCH seings
• Any User CC MAP being used
• Current ASSIGN seings (Assign A, Exp Pedal, Aeouch, and CC Assigns 1-3)

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
15
PATCH STRUCTUREPATCH STRUCTURE
A PATCH is a “snapshot” of either the UNIT 1 or UNIT 2 LAYER in the controller. All tone parameters are saved
in a PATCH. The PG-2K is capable of storing patches intelligently, in the format of the synth they were created
on. Patch structure will vary depending on which model of synthesizer the PG-2K is controlling.
ASSIGN STRUCTUREASSIGN STRUCTURE
An ASSIGN is a “snapshot” of all of the ASSIGN menus. An ASSIGN consists of the following ASSIGN Sources:
• CTRL A Slider
• Expression Pedal
• Aeouch
• CC Source 1
• CC Source 2
• CC Source 3
USER CC MAPSUSER CC MAPS
A CC MAP consists of all sliders EXCEPT CTRL A, VOLUME, and the buons. Each slider can be used in a CC MAP
to transmit a specified CC. Users can create their own CC maps for controlling other equipment with
PG-2K. There are 8 User CC maps available in PG-2K memory.
•
STORING AND RECALLING OBJECTSSTORING AND RECALLING OBJECTS
To store and name an object:To store and name an object:
• Press SHIFT + ASSIGN (STORE), and select thetype of object, and the location that it will be stored.
• Press ENTER, and the storage dialog will appear.
• Enter the new name of the object to be stored. When naming an object, [SHIFT]+ [RIGHT] will clear theSHIFT]+ [RIGHT] will clear the
current namecurrent name. Tapping the encoder buon will cycle through number, punctuation, upper and lower caseTapping the encoder buon will cycle through number, punctuation, upper and lower case
characters quickly. (A - a - ! - 1)characters quickly. (A - a - ! - 1)
• Press [STORE] or [ENTER]. A “Success!” message will be displayed, and the object is now stored in memory.
.
Naming an object

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
16
To load an ObjectTo load an Object
• Press SHIFT+RIGHT (LOAD), and a select the object type to be loaded.
• Use the arrow keys or the encoder to navigate through the BANK. To advance BANK, press the
SHIFT+RIGHT(LOAD) buon again.
• Press ENTER to load the selected object.
Select object type to LOAD
Select the object to LOAD
Select UNIT to LOAD object to
To delete an ObjectTo delete an Object
• Press [SHIFT] + [LEFT]
To delete a BankTo delete a Bank
• Press [ENCODER] + [LEFT]

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
17
THE MIDI MENUS AND FUNCTIONSTHE MIDI MENUS AND FUNCTIONS
MIDI: UNIT 1 SETTINGSMIDI: UNIT 1 SETTINGS
The MIDI Seings menu contains all of the parameters that determine which MIDI channels the PG-2K 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 MIDI:Seings Menu
Unit:Unit: This sets the type of synth being controlled by PG-2K. This must match the model of the unit being
controlled. The following synths are suppoed:
• JX-3P/MKS-30 (Stock units)
• Kiwi-3P
• Kiwi-30
• Kiwi-3P Matrix
• Tauntek MKS-30
• Organix CC
Input Channel:Input Channel: Sets the input pos that PG-2K will listen for incoming note and controller data on. If MIDI
Echo is turned on, then notes received at PG-2K MIDI IN on this channel will be passed to the synth via the PG-
2K MIDI OUT, on the Output channel.
Out Channel:Out Channel: Sets the output pos that PG-2K will transmit UNIT 1 controller data on. The Out ChOut Ch for the
determines which MIDI channel the PG-2K will transmit data received on Input channel, as well as any slider
data on UNIT 1. For example, if MIDI INPUT CH is set to CH1, and MIDI OUTPUT CH is set to CH2, then incoming
notes on CH1 will be transmied out to UNIT 1 on CH2. The synth on UNIT 1 must be set to receive on CH2 for
this to work. This scheme allows PG-2K to prevent feedback loops by reading incoming data on one channel,
but transmiing it on a different channel. When this data comes back to the PG-2K, it is not passed through
the unit again, because CH2 is not CH1. This effectively breaks any feedback loop when loop recording. This
may be confusing at first, but please make an effo to make sense of this, as this is a poweul tool when
recording slider movements and automating using CCs.
Translate:Translate: To translate incoming CC messages into PG-200 (for CC automation of stock JX-3P and
MKS-30), set this to SEND/TRANSLATE CC. When in TRANSLATE CC mode, incoming CCs on the INPUT CH will be
conveed into PG-200 messages and sent to the synth on the PG-200 PORT. (See the CC table at the end of
this manual for a reference. ) In this mode, moving a slider will produce only a CC, which can be recorded and
played back into the PG-2K to be translated into PG-200 protocol for the synth.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
18
MIDI Filters:MIDI Filters:
•• NoteNote - Filters incoming note data. Set to ON to pass notes and BLOCK to block notes.
•• CCCC - Filters incoming CC data.
•• PitchPitch - Filters incoming pitch bend data.
•• AeouchAeouch - Filters incoming aeouch data.
•
MIDI: UNIT 2 SETTINGSMIDI: UNIT 2 SETTINGS
Unit 2 Midi: Seings page is nearly identical to the Unit 1 MIDI: Seings page, however, Unit 2 can be configured
as a CC map, which allows the user to create a custom CC map on the PG-2K control suace, allowing them to
control other gear using CCs.
Editing of Unit 1 and Unit 2 simultaneously has been disallowed due to how different each of the Kiwi synths is
from the others. Many of the parameters on these synths have vastly different functions and response curves,
making simultaneous editing redundant.
If Unit 2 is set to OFF, then the PG-2K will not give users the option to choose which unit is being edited. If Unit
2 is set to MKS-30, JX-3P, or CC, then the user will have the option to choose which unit is being edited, by using
the MAIN buon (When on the MAIN screen).
If using a CC map for unit 2, please refer to the section in this manual called USER CC MAPS for information
about creating, storing, and loading USER CC MAP objects.
MIDI: GLOBAL SETTINGSMIDI: GLOBAL SETTINGS
The MIDI: Global Seings Page
Multi-unit Poly Mode:Multi-unit Poly Mode: When enabled, this function allows Unit 1 and Unit 2 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 PG-2K will send note data to the synths on the Unit 1 OUT channel and Unit 2 OUT channel.be ignored), and the PG-2K will send note data to the synths on the Unit 1 OUT channel and Unit 2 OUT channel.
For this mode to work, Unit 1 OUT and Unit 2 OUT must be set to different OUT channels.For this mode to work, Unit 1 OUT and Unit 2 OUT must be set to different OUT channels.
Multi-Unit Poly Mode mode is for setups that utilize two identical synthesizers. When enabled, this allows for a
12-voice synth. Note: This only works correctly for Kiwi modified or CC enabled matching units. Mixing a Kiwi-
3P and a Kiwi-30 for example, will not yeild satisfactory results, as the two synths have different envelope and
LFO curves. The units MUST be the same for this function to work properly.

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
19
When Multi-Unit Poly Mode is enabled, the PG-2K will consider the 2 connected Alpha JX-3Ps to be a single
12-voice polyphonic synth. For the 2 synths to act independently, they must each be set to receive on a
different MIDI channel. The Unit 1 input channel will be the only active MIDI IN channel when Multi-Unit Poly
Mode is enabled.
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 PG-2K 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. When 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 PG-2K 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 PG-2K will not “steal” voices. It will instead play the chords with any available voices.
Chord Mode Parameters
Program Change:Program Change: PG-2K can handle program change messages in a variety of ways. There are 4 different
Program Change Modes on PG-2K:
•• BlockBlock - When a program change is received, it will be blocked.
•• EchoEcho - When a program change is received, it will be passed on to the selected Output Po.
•• Echo + IntEcho + Int - When a program change is received, it will be passed on to the selected Output Po, and PG-
2K objects will respond to program changes.
•• InternalInternal - When a program change is received, PG-2K objects will respond to program changes.
When InternalInternal program change is selected, each type of MPG-8X object can be recalled using MIDI programeach type of MPG-8X object can be recalled using MIDI program
changeschanges. Using this function, any tone, tone, assign or setup can be selected using MIDI program change
and bank change messages. Each of the following object types can be recalled on PG-2K using MIDI program
change messages.
•• Tone U1Tone U1
•• Tone U2Tone U2
•• User CC MapUser CC Map
•• AssignAssign
•• SetupSetup

RETROAKTIV PG-2K USER MANUAL
20
The PG-2K can accept program change messages from any channel, and each object type and unit can
respond to them. When CHANNEL is set to OFF, this indicates that the object type will note be changed when a
program change message is received.
MIDI: SYSEX MENUMIDI: SYSEX MENU
The MIDI: SYSEX Menu is used to impo and expo sound banks, patches, and other object types.
The MIDI:Sysex Menu
The following operations are possible using the SYSEX utility.
• Send and receive a bank from Kiwi-3P, Kiwi-30 or Kiwi Matrix
• Send and receive Kiwi patches
• Send and receive bank in Retroaktiv PG-2K format. (Works across all synth models)
• Send and receive any PATCH, USER CC, SETUP, or ASSIGN in Retroaktiv format
• System backup of all stored object in internal and expansion memory
When impoing objects from the Kiwi modified synth, bidirectional communication with the synth is required.
The PG-2K will give instructions based on which model of synth the controller is impoing from. Below is an
example of bi-directional communication with the synth. (Take proper feedback precautions here.)
PROGRAMMER PORT
PG-2K
6-PIN DIN CABLE
(NO MIDI NEEDED FOR STOCK UNITS)
JX-3P/MKS-30
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
When using bidirectional communication to send and receive banks
from the synth, it is recommended that the PG-2K MIDI IN and OUT
channel be set to separate (non-identical) values, which will prevent a
feedback loop.