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.

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In many MIDI setups, a DAW is used to record and playback MIDI data. This can sometimes cause a MIDI
feedback loop, where the DW-8P is sending data, CC for example, and receiving this same data at the MIDI
IN of the DW-8P. For example, if the DW-8P is connected to the EX/DW as shown in figure xxx, under normal
circumstances, when a note gets played from the DW keyboard, it is sent to the DW-8P, where it gets sent right
back to the DW. This will cause erratic behavior because there is now a feedback loop.
The mapping function solves the problem just mentioned using a simple solution. The DW/EX 8000 synths
will only receive sysex on the channel the synth is set to receive on (MIDI CHANNEL parameter). If the DW/
EX channel is set to channel 3, but it receives a sysex message on channel 4, the synth is going to ignore the
message. When the EX/DW is in OMNI MODE (Parameter 86 = 1 on DW/EX8K and parameter 83 = 1 on DW6K)
note and CC data will be recognized by the synth on all channels. If OMNI mode is set to 0, then the synth will
only respond to incoming MIDI data on the synth’s MIDI channel. The MAPPING feature takes advantage of this.
When MAPPING is activated, the DW-8P will only accept incoming note and CC data on the MAIN or AUX MIDI
channels (Set in MIDI PAGE 1). If valid note or CC data is received on the MAIN or AUX channel, then the DW-8P
will change the channel of that data to the MAIN or AUX MAP CH, and then send it. When the mapped note/cc
data goes through the feedback loop, it gets filtered by the DW-8P because it does not match the MAIN or AUX
channel. If the synth is not in OMNI mode, it will not respond to the mapped note/cc data, thus breaking the
feedback loop.
MAIN MAP CHANNEL : Anything on the MAIN or AUX channels (From MIDI MENU pg 1) will be sent out of the
DW8P on the corresponding MIDI MAP CH. When mapping is turned on, the DW8P will ignore any data coming
in on any channel other than the MAIN and AUX channel (Set in MIDI PAGE 1). When the DW sends the data
out mapped to the MAP CH, when it re-enters the DW’s MIDI IN< the data will be rejected (Because it doesn’t
match the MAIN or AUX MIDI IN channels. This is how a feedback loop is prevented. The synth must not be in
OMNI mode for this to work.
AUX MAP ENABLE : Enables MIDI MAPPING of incoming note and controller data.
AUX MAP CHANNEL : Same as MAIN MAP CHANNEL.
AUX MAP ENABLE : Same as MAIN MAP ENABLE.

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MAIN MENU
The MAIN MENU will display the currently selected DW/EX parameter and its current value. Since every
parameter on the DW/EX has differing numbers of steps, each slider’s CC value (0-127) is displayed in the
lower right corner. This is useful if layering a user map with the DW/EX control suace. In the le corner of
the MAIN screen, the word RGV (Ramp Generator Velocity) is displayed. When highlighted, this means that
the ramp generator is currently responding to the velocity of incoming notes. (See Ramp Generator Velocity
Control section)
Pressing MAIN while in any other menu will jump to the MAIN screen. If already on MAIN screen, then pressing
main will navigate to the DW/EX seings menus, which allow users to select programs, change the KEY MODE,
and toggle VCF BEND. (Pressing SHIFT+RIGHT in any menu will also toggle through the KEY MODE options. )
The active synth channel (not MIDI channel) will be displayed on the MAIN menu. (MAIN, AUX, BOTH) Pressing
SHIFT+MAIN in any menu will toggle between MAIN/AUX/BOTH.
When in the MAIN menu, the function of the VOLUME SLIDER can be toggled to function as a volume control,
or as a crossfade between the MAIN and AUX synth. To toggle this, go to MAIN MENU and move the volume
slider so that MAIN VOLUME is displayed. Press ENTER. Now the screen will display CROSSFADE when the slider
is moved.

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The DW-8P features a poweul feature called an ASSIGN.
There are 3 separate ASSIGNs in the DW-8P: ASSIGN A, ASSIGN
B, and ASSIGN P. Each assign is a control matrix that allows
users to control up to 5 DW/EX parameters using the CTRL A,
CTRL B sliders, an expression pedal, a mod wheel, aeouch,
or a breath controller.
Pressing the ASSIGN buon will navigate to the ASSIGN
menu. The currently selected ASSIGN (A, B, or P) will be
displayed on the screen. Each press on the ASSIGN buon
will navigate to another ASSIGN. Each ASSIGN can have up
to 5 layers. Each layer of an ASSIGN contains the following
seings:
LAYER NUMBER - The top line of the ASSIGN menu displays
the current assign, as well as how many layers there are in
that ASSIGN, and which of those layers is currently being
displayed. For example, ASSIGN A LYR 1 OF 5 means that
ASSIGN A is currently selected, and it has 5 layers. Layer 1
seings are being currently displayed.
PARAMETER: Each layer of an ASSIGN must have a parameter
assigned to it. For example, selecting VCF CUTOFF as the
parameter when in ASSIGN A will make the VCF CUTOFF value
change when CTRL A is moved.
MIN & MAX: Use these seings to set the range of the
currently selected parameter in the current layer.
INVERT: Turn INVERT on to inve the current ASSIGN LYR
If any slider other than VOLUME is selected when in the main menu, pressing ENTER will enter the USER CC MAP
MENU and display that slider’s USER MAP CC #. To exit the USER CC MAP MENU press MAIN.
THE ASSIGN MENUS

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It is easiest to explain how the ASSIGNS
work by using an example. Let’s say that
you would like to use the CTRL A slider to
sweep the VCF CUTOFF between 0 and 40,
while simultaneously sweeping the VCF
RESONANCE from 31 to 15. Normally, this
would require one hand sweeping the
CUTOFF slider up, while the other hand is
sweeping the RESONANCE slider down. By
assigning each of these parameters to a
single ASSIGN, this can be done with one
hand, or can be automated with a single
CC lane on a DAW.
To create an assign that does what was just mentioned, select ASSIGN A. The seings in layer 1 would be as
follows: LYR 1 of 2 VCF CUTOFF MIN:0 MAX:40 INVERT: OFF The seings in layer 2 would be: LYR 2 of 2 RESONANCE
MIN: 15 MAX:31 INVERT: ON These seings can be entered manually using the cursor to navigate and the
encoder to dial in the values, or a shocut can be used. To automatically fill in all parameters of an ASSIGN
layer, hold SHIFT while moving the parameter to be assigned to the current layer. Moving the slider through
the desired range will automatically enter the MIN and MAX seings. The INVERT seing will be entered when
the SHIFT buon is released. If the final value of the slider is higher than the staing value, then inve will be
OFF. If the final value is less than the staing value, INVERT will be ON. Using this method, it is possible to set up
a 5 layer ASSIGN in a few seconds. The ASSIGNs correspond to the CTRL A, CTRL B, and EXP PEDAL and moving
one of these 3 controllers will always control the associated ASSIGN. It is also possible to assign incoming MOD
WHEEL, BREATH CONTROL, and AFTERTOUCH MIDI messages to the ASSIGNs. This allows any DW/EX parameter
to be controlled by these. ASSIGN A will allow incoming MOD WHEEL or BREATH messages to be routed to it.
ASSIGN B will allow incoming channel AFTERTOUCH messages to be routed to it. This allows for great flexibility
when using a controller keyboard with your DW/EX. Notice that in the ASSIGN menus, the box in the lower le
of the screen will display NO MOD. This means that no incoming messages are being routed to this assign. To
route incoming BREATH, MOD WHL, or AFTERTOUCH messages to an ASSIGN, press SHIFT + PATCHGEN when in
the ASSIGN MENU. This will cycle between NO MOD and the available modulation routings available. Each of
the 3 ASSIGNs has a USER PRESET and a DEFAULT PRESET. To store the USER PRESET, navigate to the ASSIGN
you’d like to save, then press SHIFT+ASSIGN (STORE). To recall this ASSIGN, navigate to the ASSIGN (A, B, or P)
you’d like to recall, then press SHIFT+CHORUS ON/OFF (LOAD). If the DEFAULT is currently loaded, then the USER
PRESET will be recalled. If the current ASSIGN is on a USER PRESET, then the DEFAULT will be recalled.
A memory card upgrade is planned for the DW-8P, which will allow users to save as many ASSIGN setups as
they wish.

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USER CC MAPS
The DW-8P will allow users to transmit any CC message (0-127) from any of the 45 parameter sliders,
excluding CTRL A & B, and VOLUME. This is a useful feature that allows the DW-8P to send controller messages
to other hardware or soware synths. To create a layer that transmits the current USER CC MAP, select USR in
the MIDI PROTOCOL menu. To view or “peek” at a slider’s CC assignment, navigate to the MAIN MENU screen
and press ENTER.
This will display ASSIGNABLE CC as well as the controller number this slider is set to transmit when moved. To
change a slider’s CC assignment, press SHIFT and move the slider or use the ENCODER. Each slider can transmit
from either the currently selected layer channel (MAIN MIDI CH & AUX MIDI CH) or a user-selected channel.
Pressing SHIFT and moving the encoder will set the MIDI channel for each slider to transmit on. If using
the layer midi channel, select XX. To unmap a CC assignment from a slider, select the slider to be unrouted
and press PATCHGEN (CLEAR). Pressing SHIFT + PATCHGEN in CC MENU will clear all slider CC mappings. Use
the RIGHT & LEFT buons to select a USER CC MAP. To load a CC MAP, select the MAP, then press SHIFT+
ENTER(LOAD). To store a CC MAP, select the MAP location the new seing is to be stored in, then press SHIFT +
ASSIGN(LOAD). 8 user maps can be stored on DW-8P.
RAMP GENERATOR VELOCITY CONTROL
DW-8P adds a useful peormance feature to the DW/EX called RAMP GENERATOR VELOCITY CONTROL. The
ramp generator on the EX/DW is used to bend one or both oscillators toward zero whenever a key is pressed.
This creates a “dip” or a “scoop”, which can be used to detune the two oscillators over time. The DW-8P allows
this to be more nuanced and expressive by making it velocity controlled.
To enter the RGV menu, press SHIFT+RG VEL. When RG TIME or RGA (Ramp Gen Amount) is set to ON, then
those parameters will react to any incoming note’s velocity, as long as the velocity of the note is greater
than the RGA THRESH (Threshold) value. If a note’s velocity is below this value, then no ramp generator will
be applied to that note. Any note with a velocity greater or equal to the threshold value will have ramp gen
applied based on the RGT SENS (Ramp Gen Time Sensitivity) and RGA SENS (Ramp Gen Amount Sensitivity)

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values. This allows the ramp generator to be used to expressively apply detuning in real time.
When in the RGV menu, press shi + RG VEL to turn all RGV response ON. Use this buon combination again to
turn all RGV response OFF. When RGV response is ON, then RGV will be highlighted in the lower le corner of
the display in the MAIN menu.
FX PRESETS
This feature applies to DW-8000 and EX-8000 users only. To select an FX preset (CHORUS, FLANGE, DELAY,
CHORUS/DELAY), press SHIFT+FX PRESET. Now the FX Preset menu will be displayed. To select a preset, use the
data encoder dial. To enable or disable the selected effect, press CHORUS buon.
OSC 2 EXTRA INTERVALS
DW-8P adds the ability to select multiple “extra” tuning intervals for the OSC2 on the EX/DW. Intervals
available are:
Unison, min 2nd, maj 2nd, min 3rd, maj 3rd, pe 4th, pe 5th, + 1 oct, + oct and maj 3rd, hi-frequency 1, hi
frequency pedal tone, hi frequency 2, -1 step, -oct and 3rd, “super detune”.
Super detune function allows more detuning than the normal unison seing.
COMBINED PARAMETERS
For ease of use, the FENV AMT and FENV polarity parameters are combined. The same is true of the RAMP
GENERATOR amount and polarity. DELAY TIME and DELAY FACTOR are now combined. To change polarity of the
envelope or ramp gen, simply move the slider to above (+) or below (-) the center point (0).

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RANDOM TONE GENERATOR MENU
Pressing the PATCHGEN BUTTON once will open the RANDOM TONE GENERATOR. (RTG) The RTG is a poweul
sound creation tool that will enhance creativity and generate useful, expressive tones. The RTG can generate
a wide array of useful musical sounds, ranging from lush pads to metallic bells. By selecting the category of
sound to be generated, many different textures can be layered in a maer of seconds, allowing users to hear
what the EX/DW is capable of. The RTG has a masking feature which allows the user to “mask” sections of the
synthesizer that should not be randomized.
RTG menu contains the following
parameters:
TYPE - This allows the user to select
the type of random tone to be created.
Selecting ANY will randomly choose a
category and generate that type of tone.
There are multiple categories of tone types
that can be created:
BELL/MTL - Metallic tones, bells, glockenspiel, chimes, metallic klangs, digital chimes. These sounds have an
undamped decay.
E. PIANO - DX-style EP, analog pianos, clavichord, harpsichord. Piano-style damping.
PAD - Atmospheric pads.
VOCALS - This category is not meant to be a “choir” so of algorithm. It creates vocal phenomes using an
algorithm.
ANAL:OG - Classic analog synths.
DIGITAL - Classic digital sounds.
BASS - Acoustic basses, E bass, FM bass, synth bass.
E.P. DW6K - Piano category based on DW-6000 features. (DW6k patchgen categories still work with the other
EX/DW 8000)
BELL 6K - Bell/Mtl category based on DW-6000 features.
ANALOG 6K - Analog category based on DW-6000 features.
RANDOM - Completely random patch parameters. Chaos.

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Each section of the EX/DW can be masked (protected from being randomized by the RTG) by selecting the
section, and turning MSK on. The MASK function is divided into the following subsections:
DCO1 - This affects DCO 1 section only.
DCO2 - affects DCO2 only.
PMOD - Affects PITCH and MIX sections.
VCF - Affects cutoff, resonance and key tracking.
FMOD - Affects filter MG amount, envelope amount.
FENV - Affects Filter envelope.
AENV - Affects Amp envelope.
FX - Affects chorus and digital delay sections.
MG - Affect modulation generator.
RAMP - Affects ramp generator.
Pressing ENTER while in the RTG menu will generate a random tone on the synth layer selected. Pressing
SHIFT+ENTER will generate a separate random tone on each synth layer, allowing users to quickly layer 2
random tones.
MANUAL MODE
Pressing ENTER while in this menu will transmit the value of all 45 parameters on the front panel.
SCRATCH PATCH GENERATOR
Generates a basic generic staing point for creating a new patch.

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CC TRANSLATE MODE
In the MIDI seings menu, users can set the communication preferences of the DW-8P. In the TRANSLATE
seing for the MAIN and AUX channel, OFF, CC2SX, CC ONLY or SYSEX ONLY can be selected. If a translate mode
is selected, then moving a slider on that channel will send a corresponding SYSEX or CC message to the synth.
The cha to the right shows the DW/EX parameters and their corresponding CC translation values. The DW-8P
will transmit on these CC controllers when TRANSLATE modes are enabled. It will translate these CC messages
into their corresponding SYSEX parameters when TRANSLATE is enabled.
Each CC geing translated can have a value between 0 and 127. DW-8P handles conveing the incoming CC
data into DW/EX format. This ensures easy CC integration with no fiddling and no risk of the synth receiving
“out of range” values, which freeze the synth.
DW/EX Parameter Midi CC Data Notes
OSC 1 Octave 1 8
OSC 1 Waveform 9
OSC 1 Level 10
Rampgen Time 11
Rampgen Amount 12 64 = 0, above 63 = +, below = -
OSC 2 Octave 13
OSC 2 Waveform 14
OSC 2 Level 15
OSC 2 Inteval 16
OSC 2 Detune 17
Noise Level 18
Cutoff 19
Resonance 20
Keyboard Tracking 21
VCF Env Amt 22 64 = 0, above 63 = +, below = -
FENV Attack 23
FENV Decay 24
FENV L3 25
FENV T3 26
FENV Sustain 27
FENV Release 28
FENV V Sens 29
AENV Attack 30
AENV Decay 31
AENV L3 32
AENV T3 33
AENV Sustain 34
AENV Release 35
AENV V Sens 36
MG Waveform Select 37
MG Frequency 38
MG Delay 39
OSC MG AMT 40
VCF MG Amt 41
Delay Time 43 Delay Time and Delay Factor are merged.
Delay Feedback 44
DMod Freq 45
DMod Amount 47
Delay Amount 48
Glide Time 49
AT Vibrato 50
AT Filter 51
AT VCA 52

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BOOTLOADER & OS UPDATES
The DW-8P has a MIDI bootloader that allows users to update their OS in the field using a MIDI sysex utility
such as MIDI OX. New OS files are available from Retroaktiv when updates are issued. To obtain an OS file,
contact Retroaktiv and request a copy of the latest SYSEX OS file.
HOW TO USE THE BOOTLOADER
To load a new OS onto the DW-8P , power up the DW-8P while holding the encoder buon down. The CHORUS
LED should blink once when the bootloader has been opened.
Now the .syx file can be sent to the DW-8P. If there is an error, the DW-8P CHORUS LED will blink to indicate
that there is an error. This means that the unit must be power cycled and the process restaed.
The most common cause of error is that the delay aer F7 seing in MIDI OX needs to be longer. Experiment
to find what delay time works on your system.
When the file has been successfully loaded, the CHORUS LED will be solidly lit.
BOOTLOADER ERROR CODES:
2 blinks: Didn’t receive 0xF0 at beginning of message. This indicates
a fundamental problem with the .syx file or MIDI communication. This means that a non-sysex message was
received, and the bootloader must be restaed. The bootloader expects to see an F0 command bookended
by an F7. If your DAW sends out active sensing messages, this will cause the bootloader to reject the incoming
file. Any stray MIDI data will cause the bootloader to abo and give an error message.
3 blinks: There was a problem parsing the dummy packets used as a
placeholder while the system is writing data to the EEPROM space.
4 blinks: Wrong product ID. Expected if a sysex file intended for a
product other than the connected programmer is used.
5 blinks: Error parsing sysex header. This is the most likely error to
occur if the MIDI connection is not reliable and the system is
receiving corrupted data.
6 blinks: Checksum failure. There was an error in one or more of the
bytes received during the sysex transfer.
7 blinks: Flash write failure. There was an error writing data to the
flash memory in the microcontroller.
8 blinks: Other error. The system received unexpected data or there
is a soware bug in the bootloader.