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