Retroaktiv MPG-50 MIDI Programmer for Roland Alpha Juno 1, 2, and MKS-50

Retroaktiv MPG-50 Walk-through (With talking) Published on May 12, 2019 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Retroaktiv MPG-50 is a fully featured MIDI programmer for the popular Roland Alpha Juno 1 and 2, and the MKS-50 rackmount synthesizer. The MPG-50 is a compact 370mm (14.5") x 149mm (6") x 40mm (1.5"). It features 37 sliders and knobs which control all of the features included on the original PG-300 plus more. The unit is housed in a high-quality rugged powder-coated metal enclosure. Optional powder-coated rack ears are available for an additional $25.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Retroaktiv Synthesizers PG-2K Patch Generator Demo - Strings Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Here's a short demo showing some of the sounds the PG-2K's Patch Generator can generate at the press of a button. Here, we're demo'ing the "strings" category. There are over 20 more categories to choose from, and they all generate musically useful patches. Having a Retroaktiv controller is like having an infinite number of new sounds for your synth."

You can find additional PG-2K demos here.

Retroaktiv PG-2K Patch Generator - Synth Bells Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Here's a short demo of the "synth bells" category on the Retroaktiv PG-2K's patch generator. Create infinite new sounds at the touch of a button. The patchgen algorithm in this clip generates bright, shimmery, synth bells, usually with some release. Each algorithm in our patch generator creates different styles of synth sounds. All of our controllers have an extensive patch generator like this."

Update:

Retroaktiv PG-2K Patch Generator - "Atonal/Bell Tree Category" Demo

video upload by

"Here's a clip of us demonstrating the PG-2K Patch Generator algorithm called "Atonal/Bell Tree/Chime", which was designed to create gongs, metallic sounds, hand bells, chimes, and other similar instruments. There are over 20 other algorithms on PG-2K, including pads, polysynths, brass, basses, strings and more. Retroaktiv controllers are more than just a bunch of knobs on a pretty enclosure."

Retroaktiv SSH Basic Functions Video

Published on May 2, 2018 Retroaktiv Synthesizers
Update: video - Re-Published on May 2, 2018

"This video gives a quick overview of the Retroaktiv SSH's SLOPE, SLEW, SYM/ASM, and RISE FALL functions."

You can find details on Retroaktiv's SSH eurorack module here.

How to load new firmware on Retroaktiv MIDI controllers

Published on Aug 15, 2019 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video shows how to load firmware onto Retroaktiv MIDI controllers using a MIDI file and a DAW. If using MPG-70 or DW-8P programmers, the only difference not shown in this video is that to enter the bootloader, you hold the encoder in while powering up. Everything else is the same.

For more info, visit www.retroaktivsynthesizers.com

Music is performed by Space Junk is Forever. Composed by Jordan Holt. Song: Space Junk is Forever Album: Space Junk is Forever I, available on iTunes and Spotify.
https://spacejunkisforever.bandcamp.com/"

Retroaktiv DW-8P Controller For EX-8000, DW-8000 & DW-6000

Published on Feb 11, 2020 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is part 1 of a 2 part video giving a walkthrough of the DW-8P controller. The first section of the video describes the basic parameters, controls, and MIDI setup options.

The second half of the video focuses primarily on the sound creation capabilities of the unit, such as the patch generator, and the optional MXB-1 memory card."

Retroaktiv DW-8P posts

Retroaktiv MPG-70 MKIII Patch Generator Demo - "Pads - General" Category (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"In this video we're hearing patches that are being generated by the Retroaktiv MPG-70's patch generator. The synth used here is a Vecoven Modded Roland MKS-70. We're demonstrating the 'Pads - General' category, which creates evolving, lush textured synth pads."

Retroaktiv MPG-70 Random Tone Generator & Assign

Published on Dec 9, 2018 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"In this video I'm using an MPG-70 to layer 3 randomly generated pads over, then I use the assignable controllers to animate the pad."

"MPG-70 is a 7U rackmountable/desktop controller for JX-10, JX-8P, and MKS-70 synthesizers. The MPG-70 features panel knobs and sliders to control all 44 original PG-800 parameters, plus all extra parameters added by the Vecoven firmware and PWM upgrades. (See www.Vecoven.com for more info about the upgrade) The MPG-70 can control 2 JX synths at a time, and users can control each synth individually, or simultaneously.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Retroaktiv MPG-50 - Using the MPG-50's Assignable Control System

Published on May 15, 2019 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"The MPG-50 is a dedicated controller for Roland Alpha Juno 1 & 2 and MKS-50 synthesizers. While the MPG-50 serves as a replacement for the PG-300 programmer, it has far more capability and functionality. In this video I am demonstrating the ASSIGN function of the MPG50, which allows users to assign up to 5 parameters simultaneously to sliders A and B, as well as an expression pedal. Incoming mod wheel, breath controller, or aftertouch can also be assigned and routed to any parameters on the synth.
Here I am using the mod wheel and aftertouch simultaneously to control 6 Juno parameters at once. This can make very complex sounds with the Juno, and the data can be played back to the MPG50 and replicated."

Retroaktiv Angling Rackmount System Demonstration

video by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

Pretty cool. It's 5U.

Layering 2 JX-8P using Retroaktiv MPG-70 Controller

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"The MPG-70 is capable of layering any combo of JX8P, MKS-70 and Super JX synths, whether stock or Vecoven modded. You can layer the synths and store their exact state as a SETUP object in the MPG-70's internal memory. You can also set up complex modulation routings, such as making the mod wheel open the filter on JX 1, while closing the filter and increasing resonance on JX 2. You can use any CC, aftertouch, foiotpedal, or the two dedicated ASSIGN controls to modulate any combo of front panel slisers you wish."

Using MPG-70 Patch Generator With 4.x Vecoven Super JX

Published on Feb 12, 2020 Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is an unedited video snippet showing the MPG-70 generating a series of random patches. The MPG-70 has an intelligent patch generator that randomizes the tone parameters of the JX to make musical sounds. It's one of my favorite features of the controller. This video is just me noodling and auditioning sounds."

See the Retroaktiv label below for more.

Retroaktiv PG-800 MINI Assembled Desktop Controller

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

See this post for a demo.

"The PG-800 Mini is a compact controller for the Roland JX-8P, Super JX, and MKS-70 synthesizers. This unit comes fully assembled, tested, and ready to be plugged into a JX. Units are available in black gloss and matte black cases.

CLICK FOR MORE »

MPG 8X Patch Generator - Pads & Perc Bass Algorithm

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video demonstrates some of the sounds generated by the MPG-8X patch generator's 'Pads 1' category."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm


"Here's a demo of the Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm found in the MPG-8X patch generator. This is just a sample of the tones this algorithm will generate."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Perc Bass Algorithm


"Here we're using the MPG-8X Patch Generator to create 'perc bass' sounds using the "Perc Bass" algorithm. This alg is also good for generating organ percussion soinds."

MPG-70 Patch Generator Bass Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

MPG-70 Super JX Programmer - Patch Generator Demo - Bass (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

Reminder: New England Synth Fest is This Weekend!

"Saturday Saturday Saturday! New England Synth Fest, October 29, 12pm to 6pm, in Burlington, Mass (at the Microsoft Technology Center, 5 Wayside Road). SIX HOURS of live music, video art, vendors, exhibitors, lectures, workshops, a jam room, and a synthesizer petting zoo. FREE admission.

Live music from Luke Stark, ximena, Michael Bierylo, Wizard Peter, Natalie Hogue, Odie DeSmith, TotoRobyn, Mute City, NXOR, Aether Chroma, Virosa and Funkhouser, and Retribution Body. Live visualizations from Anagram, Diane Menyuk, Merritt Schwartz, Jame Coyne, Vidumami, and Allison Tanenhaus.

Lectures and talks from Piotr Rotkiewicz, Irwin Kwan, David Mash, Ralph Kinscheck, A. Campbell Payne, Tom Eaton, Ryan Page, Matthew Davidson, Christina Shivers, Deftly-D, and Samuel Holland (see the website for topics, schedule, and details).

There will be a "Jam Room" brought to you by Circuit Happy, using shared CV/MIDI clock on their Missing Link hardware. A DIY workshop by SynthCube (build your own Moffenzeef Jarmageddon, preregistration and kit purchase required). Exhibits from Stompbox Sonic, Alan R.Pearlman Foundation, Electronic Audio Experiments, Retroaktiv Synthesizers, Tall Dog Electronics, AND MORE. Check out the NESF website for more details."

PG-2K Patch Generator - "Release Pads" Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"PG-2K Patch Generator 'Release Pads' category. This algorithm generates pads that utilize a longer release time."

Update:

PG-2K Patch Generator - "Polyrez" Category


PG-2K Patch Generator - "Piano/Clavichord" Category

How to store your MPG-70 Sounds

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is a short clip showing how to store your user objects on MPG-70 controllers for Super JX, MKS-70, and JX-8P. We've eliminated the tedious JX file system that requires you to link every tone to a patch. Now you can save all of your objects in seconds."

PG2K Patch Generator - Vibrato Bells Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is a demo of the "Vibrato Bells" category in the PG-2K Patch Generator. This category generates chimes and bells that have a detuning or pit modulation element, such as vibrato."

Update:

PG-2K Patch Generator - Detuned Envelope Pads


"This algorithm generates pads that have a pitch envelope detuning effect incorporated. This could be a 'scooping' effect when keyed, or a more subtle slow envelope detuning of the DCOs. This demo give you a taste of the sounds this algorithm is good for."