Retroaktiv DW-8P User manual

retroaktiv
USER GUIDE AND REFERENCE

RETROAKTIV DW-8P OWNER’S MANUAL
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FEATURES
Real time control of all tone
parameters
The DW-8P is a full-featured MIDI controller
for programming Korg EX-8000, DW-8000, and
DW-6000 synthesizers. DW-8P can control 2
synthesizers at once, allowing fast switching
between synths, and ability to smoothly
crossfade and layer the two synths.
Flexible MIDI matrix for
controlling multiple parameters
simultaneously
Three assignable control matrixes allow users
to control up to 5 parameters simultaneously,
using the CTRL A and B sliders, an expression
pedal, or incoming mod wheel, aeouch and
breath controller messages. Give complex
animation to your sounds by sweeping a filter
down while increasing the DCO LFO modulation.
The possibilities are endless!
CC mode transmits and
decodes CC messages for easy
DAW integration
In CC mode, the DW-8P will transmit SYSEX to
the synth whenever a slider is moved, and it
will simultaneously send a MIDI CC message
that can be recorded with a DAW. Playing the
recorded CC back into the DW-8P will translate
the data back into SYSEX and transmit to the
synth.
Random tone generator creates
beautiful, musical tones at the
press of a button
The RANDOM TONE GENERATOR on the DW-8P is a
poweul tone creation tool featuring the ability to
randomize all of the tone parameters in a musical
way, or to generate completely random tones. Using
the category select, generate pads, electric piano,
analog, choir, percussion, bass, bells/metal, digital
synths and more. Each section of the synth can be
“masked” so the randomizer will not change that
section when it generates a new tone. Like the
filter set where it is? Mask the VCF and it won’t get
changed!
Route incoming mod wheel and
aftertouch messages to any 5 tone
parameters each
Create amazingly expressive sounds using an
external midi controller by using the on-board
assignable controls to respond to incoming mod
wheel and aeouch messages. Mod wheel and
aeouch can be routed to up to 5 tone parameters
each.
Case is angled for tabletop use and
can be rack-mounted
The DW-8P has 4 adjustable rubber feet for firmly
siing on a desk or table without slipping. The case
is angled forward for ergonomic editing. A recessed
compament for the jacks and power cable makes
it easy to mount the unit in a rack and easily access
the jacks and power buon.

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12 3
1 ) MIDI In & MIDI Out Jacks
Allows for MIDI connections to and from
the controller. Incoming MIDI messages are
received from a controller keyboard and are
read and relayed to the synthesizer via the MIDI
OUT po. Controller data from the DW-8P is
merged with incoming MIDI data and sent to the
synthesizer.
2 ) Expression Pedal Jack
For connection of a variable expression pedal
for use with the ASSIGN P function on the
DW-8P. Roland, Moog, and Kurzweil expression
pedals have been found to work well with the
DW-8P.
3 ) DC Power Jack & Switch
For use with a 9V-12V DC power adapter with the
positive connection on the center pin. The DW-
8P consumes 35mA.
Getting Started
To begin using the DW-8P connect the DC power adapter to the DC power jack and use the ON/
OFF buon in the rear of the unit to turn on. When power is applied, the DW-8P splash logo will be
displayed on the OLED display. The version of the operating system will also be displayed on this
screen.

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BASIC CONNECTIONS
DW-8P has a “so MIDI THRU”, meaning that it will pass any data seen at the MIDI IN to the MIDI OUT (With
exceptions. See section about MIDI MAP) To communicate with the synthesizer plug the MIDI OUT of the
DW-8P into the MIDI IN of the synth. This will allow the DW-8P to transmit controller data to the synthesizer.
If using an external MIDI controller, plug the MIDI OUT of the external controller into the MIDI IN of the DW-8P.
This will merge the output of the external controller with the data from the DW-8P, eliminating the need for a
MIDI MERGE when using a controller keyboard and the DW-8P to play the synth.
MIDI Controller or DAW DW-8P
DW-8P data merged with note data
Note data (This MIDI data can be note, CC, sysex, or program change messages)
If you’re sending dense streams of controller data (using a 5 layer ASSIGN, sending to 2 DW/EXs, for example)
consider upgrading to a dedicated hardware merger to merge your keyboard data with the DW-8P output
stream. The DW-8P’s hardware buffers are only so large, and you can overwhelm it if you’re sending in lots of
data. Don’t forget, the DW-8P needs to read and parse every byte of MIDI data it receives, so sending the DW-
8P lots of unnecessary data (Like data from MIDI channels other than the one being used to control the DW/
EX) will fill the queue faster.
Depending on what the setup is, the ideal DW-8P connection will vary. A device that can filter MIDI data by
type (Note, CC, pitch wheel, etc) is very useful, as is the ability to split and merge data. A complex setup where
the DW-8P is integrated with a DAW is going to require more planning than a simple MIDI IN/OUT setup.
USING DW-8P WITH DW-6000
If using the DW-8P to program a DW-6000, there are some sysex implementation notes that users must be
aware of. The EX and DW8000 both have one parameter offset ID per parameter. This means that to change
an individual tone parameter, the DW-8P needs to send a handshake that lists the offset ID (“This is the
parameter being changed”) and the new parameter value. The DW-6000 however, uses shared parameter IDs
(For a list of the shared parameter IDs, refer to pages 46 and 47 of the DW-6000 user’s manual), which means
that changing a single tone parameter will result in 2 tone parameters (The parameters that share the ID)
being changed on the DW-6000, which is annoying. To deal with this problem, the DW-8P can download the
current DW-6000 sound (The one currently being heard from the synth), and can then change only a single
parameter. To use this feature, the MIDI OUT of the DW-6000 needs to be connected to the MIDI IN of the
DW-8P, and the MIDI OUT of the DW-8P should be connected to the MIDI IN of the DW-6000. When using this
configuration, pressing SHIFT+LEFT will send the DW-6000 a request for the current sound. The DW-6000 will
then send the DW-8P the current sound, and a success message will be displayed on the DW-8P. Now that the

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DW-8P knows the contents of the shared parameter IDs, it can send data bytes that will only change one of
the parameters on the shared ID. Use SHIFT+LEFT to download the program from the DW-6000 whenever a
new program is selected.
If creating a program from scratch on the DW-8P, it is recommended that the MANUAL, SCRATCH PATCH, or
PATCHGEN function be used as a staing point, so that the DW-8P always knows what sound the DW-6000
is playing. The shared parameter ID issue is the reason that most universal programmers do a poor job of
controlling the DW6000.
MENU NAVIGATION
The DW-8P will sta at the MAIN menu screen when booted up. The MAIN screen displays the current
active parameter (the parameter currently being edited) and which synth (MAIN, AUX, or BOTH) is being
edited. Menus can be selected by using the buons to the le of the display. On menu pages that feature the
cursor, move the cursor using the LEFT and RIGHT buons. To change a parameter value in a menu, use the
black rotary encoder dial. Push the encoder in to use the SHIFT function. The SHIFT function is used to toggle a
buon’s second function. For example, holding SHIFT and pressing the RIGHT buon will toggle the KEY ASSIGN
(POLY1, POLY2, UNISON 1 and UNISON 2) on the synth.
DW-8P has several different menu options. To access a menu, use the navigation buons on the front panel.
The LEFT and RIGHT buons are used to navigate the cursor (current menu parameter is highlighted) when in
a menu other than the MAIN menu.
Use these buons to access the following menus and functions.
ENCODER (SHIFT) - Use the ENCODER to change the value of any highlighted menu value. Pressing the
ENCODER = SHIFT.
MIDI - Display MIDI SETTINGS

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PATCHGEN - Opens random patch generator, manual, and scratch patch generator.
MAIN - Returns to MAIN screen and selects the program menu for each connected DW/EX synth.
ENTER - The ENTER buon is a general purpose buon that has different functions, depending on the page
that you’re current;y in. If on the MAIN screen, use ENTER to check the CC assignment of any slider on the DW-
8P. (Excluding MASTER VOLUME, CTRL A, CTRL B)
LEFT & RIGHT BUTTONS - Use these to navigate the cursor position on the MENU pages.
ASSIGN - Opens the assignable control matrix
RAMPGEN - Use this buon to select which oscillator(s) are affected by the ramp generator. The RAMP
GENERATOR function on the synth can now be controlled using velocity, using a new feature added to the DW-
8P.
CHORUS - If the DW-8P is controlling a DW-6000, this buon functions as an ON/OFF toggle for the CHORUS
function. If using an EX-8000 or DW-8000, this buon will activate the currently selected internal effect
(Stored in the DW-8P).
When holding a buon down on the DW-8P, the buon will repeat aer a ceain amount of time has elapsed.
This buon repeat rate can be set and stored in the MIDI MENU under the BUTTON REPEAT seing. Pressing
a buon rapidly will retrigger the buon each time it is pressed. The buon repeat rate only affects what
happens when a buon is held down.
Many buons on the DW-8P have a dual function. This dual function is usually indicated beneath the buon
and will be labeled in blue text. On the following pages is a cha showing what the buon double functions
are, and which menus the double functions are active in.

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BUTTON COMBINATION CHART
In any menu:
SHIFT + SHIFT+MAIN - Switches between MAIN and AUX synth channels
SHIFT + SHIFT+MIDI - MIDI Panic (All notes & controllers off)
SHIFT + RG VEL - Opens RAMP GENERATOR velocity control menu. Pressing this
when in the velocity control menu will enable velocity control. Pressing again will
turn velocity control off.
SHIFT+FX PRESET - Opens FX preset menu (For use with EX-8000 and DW-8000 only)
In MAIN menu:
SHIFT + SHIFT+LEFT - Request current sound from DW/EX synth. INVALID SYSEX message will
be displayed if no answer is received from the synth, or if the next incoming MIDI
message is not hex F0.

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SHIFT + SHIFT+RIGHT - Toggles KEY MODE on the DW/EX. (POLY1, UNSN 1, UNSN 2, POLY 2)
In PATCH GENERATOR menu:
SHIFT + SHIFT+ENTER This will generate a separate patch on the MAIN and AUX layers.
SHIFT + SHIFT+PATCHGEN - This will alternate between masking all patchgen parameters
and unmasking all patchgen parameters.
SHIFT + SHIFT+ASSIGN - This will generate a new random “seed” for generating random
numbers in the patch generator. Use this to vary the randomizer algorithm.
In ASSIGN A, B, P menu:
SHIFT + SHIFT+ASSIGN: Stores the current assign.
SHIFT + SHIFT+ENTER : Alternates between loading the default and the user ASSIGN for each
of the 3 ASSIGN slots in memory.
SHIFT + SHIFT+PATCHGEN : Selects the mod source to route to the current ASSIGN. (Mod
wheel, aeouch, and breath CCs can be used to control ASSIGNs A and B)

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In MIDI menu:
SHIFT + SHIFT+ASSIGN: Stores the current seings as the default on boot-up.
In RG VEL menu:
SHIFT+RG VEL - Pressing this when in the velocity control menu will enable velocity
control. Pressing again will turn velocity control off.
MIDI MENU
The MIDI MENU contains the seings used for communicating with the synth(s) you plan on programming
with the DW-8P. DW-8P uses MIDI to communicate with the DW/EX synth. There are 2 “channels” available on
the DW-8P, a MAIN, and an AUX channel. Note that the MAIN and AUX channels are not MIDI channels. They
are controller channels. The DW-8P can control 2 separateDW/EX synths from one unit. One synth is the MAIN
synth, and the other is the AUX synth. The DW-8P can control both synths individually or simultaneously, for
easy on-the-fly editing. Use the MAIN/AUX/BOTH toggle (SHIFT+MAIN) to control which synth the DW-8P is
sending control data to. Press SHIFT+ASSIGN to store your MIDI seings as defaults. ( This only needs to be
done once.)
The DW-8P uses SYSEX and CC data to communicate with the synthesizer. (All parameters except MASTER
VOLUME are sysex.) Whenever a slider on the DW-8P is moved, the new value is transmied to the synth. The
data will only be transmied to the synth receiving on the current controller channel. (MAIN, AUX, BOTH) When
seing up the DW-8P for the first time, the model (DW8K, EX8K, or DW6K) must be selected on the MAIN and
AUX channels. If only using one synth, only the MAIN channel must be configured. Make sure that the MAIN

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and AUX channels are set to different values. The DW-8P will not transmit sysex if both channels are set to the
same value.
MIDI MENU functions are as follows:
MAIN CHANNEL : Sets the MIDI channel of the MAIN synth channel. (1-16)
MAIN TRANSLATE : Selects which CC to SYSEX translate mode is used. (See CC Translate section)
MAIN UNIT TYPE : Use to select the model of synth used on the MAIN channel. Select DW8K for use with DW-
8000. Select EX8K for use with EX-8000, and select DW6K to use with a DW-6000. Since DW-6000 can only
read sysex on channel 1, DW6K option is only available on the MAIN channel. Select USR to use the currently
selected USER MIDI CC map.
AUX CHANNEL : Sets the MIDI channel of the MAIN synth channel. (1-16)
AUX TRANSLATE : Selects which CC to SYSEX translate mode is used. (Default is translate off)
AUX UNIT TYPE : See above
CC TO SYSEX TRANSLATE MODES
TheDW/EX synth parameters can only be changed using sysex, which can be an issue for people
recording controller data with their DAW. Many DAWs do not allow SYSEX message to be recorded. DW-8P
allows incoming CC messages (See table in last section of manual) to be translated into SYSEX messages for
the Juno, allowing users to record and playback slider movements. DW-8P has 3 CC to SYSEX translate modes:
CC+SYX : In this mode, incoming CCs are translated into SYX. When a slider is moved, the corresponding SYX
message as well as the CC message will be transmied from the DW-8P MIDI OUT. The synth will respond to
the SYX, and the DAW can record the CC. When this recorded CC is played back into the DW-8P, the corre-
sponding SYX message will be sent to the synth.
CC ONLY: In this mode, incoming CCs are translated into SYX, and when a slider is moved, only the coded CC
message will be sent (No sysex). This means that in order for a SYX message to be sent to the synth when
in this mode, a CC must be played back into the DW-8P. This mode is ideal for people recording slider move-
ments into their DAW and looping them back into the DW-8P.
SYSEX ONLY: In this mode, incoming CCs are translated into SYX, and when a slider is moved, only the corre-
sponding sysex is transmied. Use this mode if playing back a recorded CC track and not wanting the MPG to
transmit CC messages when a slider is moved.
MIDI MENU 2 - DATA FILTERING AND MAPPING
Page 2 of the MIDI menu contains the MIDI MAP parameters. The MIDI MAP function Requires a brief
explanation to fully understand how this function works.