Alesis DG8 User Manual

REFERENCE

MANUAL

Spring 1999

Your shipping carton should contain the following items:

1.DG8 piano

2.Sustain pedal

3.Music stand

4.AC power cable

5.Warranty Registration card

6.Reference Manual

7.QuickStart Guide

If anything is missing, please contact your dealer or Alesis immediately.

Optional accessories available from your Alesis reseller:

Alesis GS-1 Digital Piano stand w/3-pedal assembly for sustain, sostenuto and soft pedal functions

Alesis QCardTM sound-expansion card library

NOTE: Completing and returning the Warranty Registration card is important.

ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION

Alesis Corporation

1633 26th Street

Santa Monica, CA 90404

USA

Telephone: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747)

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Website: http://www.alesis.com

DG8TM Reference Manual Revision 1.0

by David M. Bertovic

© Copyright 1999, Alesis Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “DG8”, “QS8.1”, QSR”, “NanoSynth”, “DMPro”, “QCard” and “SoundBridge” are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc.

4	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

	Contents
CONTENTS
Alesis Contact Information ..........................................................................	4
Important Safety Instructions ......................................................................	7
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) ...........................................................................	9
Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden
Sicherheitshinweise: (German)......................................................................................................	11
Instructions to the User...................................................................................................................	12
CE Declaration of Conformity.......................................................................................................	13
Introduction................................................................................................	15
Typographic Conventions...............................................................................................	16
Getting Started ...........................................................................................	17
What You’ll Need ............................................................................................................................	17
Using the DG8 with Other Equipment .........................................................................	17
Unpack It ...........................................................................................................................................	17
Set It Up .............................................................................................................................................	17
Attaching the Music Stand..............................................................................................	18
Setting up the DG8 in a Home .......................................................................................	19
Hook It Up ........................................................................................................................................	19
Power ..................................................................................................................................	19
Sustain Pedal......................................................................................................................	19
The DG8 as a Stand-alone Instrument ..........................................................................	19
The DG8 in a Music System............................................................................................	20
Turn It On and Play It.....................................................................................................................	23
How the Sounds are Organized.....................................................................................	23
How the Sounds are Selected .........................................................................................	25
Using the Controls............................................................................................................	27
Playing the DG8 ..........................................................................................	31
Overview ...........................................................................................................................................	31
How the Sounds are Organized....................................................................................................	31
Using the Display and Sound Selection Buttons ........................................................	33
Selecting Internal Sounds................................................................................................	35
Using the External Card Sounds....................................................................................	40
DG8 Sound Chart..............................................................................................................	43
Front Panel Controls .......................................................................................................................	44
Tune.....................................................................................................................................	44
Transpose ...........................................................................................................................	44
Effects..................................................................................................................................	45
Graphic EQ.........................................................................................................................	45
MIDI Functions ................................................................................................................................	46
Pedals .................................................................................................................................................	48
Background........................................................................................................................	48
Sustain.................................................................................................................................	48
Sostenuto ............................................................................................................................	49
Soft Pedal............................................................................................................................	49
Pedal Connections ............................................................................................................	49
Audio Inputs and Outputs.............................................................................................................	51
Initializing the DG8 .........................................................................................................................	52
Factory Defaults ................................................................................................................	52
Power-Up Resetting .........................................................................................................	52

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	5

Contents

MIDI Functions............................................................................................	53
MIDI Basics .......................................................................................................................................	53
MIDI Hardware................................................................................................................................	54
MIDI Messages.................................................................................................................................	54
Channel Messages: Voice Messages..............................................................................	54
Channel Messages: Mode Messages .............................................................................	57
MIDI and the DG8 ..........................................................................................................................	58
Channel Messages ............................................................................................................	58
Glossary......................................................................................................	61
DG8 Terms ........................................................................................................................................	61
MIDI Terms.......................................................................................................................................	62
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................	63
Cleaning and Maintenance ............................................................................................................	65
Specifications..............................................................................................	67
MIDI Implementation Chart..........................................................................................................	67
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................	68
Warranty ....................................................................................................	69
Index ..........................................................................................................	71

6	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS PRODUCT

This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.

This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT:

1. Read these instructions.

2.Keep these instructions.

3.Heed all warnings.

4.Follow all instructions.

5.Do not use this apparatus near water.

6.Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a dangerous condition.

7.Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug on the AC power adapter. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. The wide blade is provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	7

Important Safety Instructions

12.Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious personal injury and serious damage to the product. Use only with cart, stand, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. The combination of the product and stand should be moved carefully. Quick movements, excessive force on uneven surfaces may overturn the combination which may damage the product and stand combination. Follow the manufacturers instructions when installing the product and use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

13.Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14.Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15.This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a wellventilated area.

16.This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

8	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

(FRENCH)

SYMBOLES UTILISÉS DANS CE PRODUIT

Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit.

Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques.

VEUILLEZ SUIVRE CES PRÉCAUTIONS LORS DE

L’UTILISATION DE L’APPAREIL:

1.Lisez ces instructions.

2.Gardez ces instructions.

3.Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.

4.Suivez toutes les instructions.

5.N’utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l’eau.

6.Ne nettoyez qu’avec un chiffon humide. Ne pas vaporiser de liquide nettoyant sur l’appareil, cela pourrait abîmer les contrôles de la face avant ou engendrer des conditions dangeureuses.

7.Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur.

8.Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don’t les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.

9.Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant, demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise.

10.Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil.

11.N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.

12.N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support.

13.Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé pendant longtemps.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	9

Important Safety Instructions

14.Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé.

15.Cet appareil produit de la chaleur en fonctionnement normal.

16.Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte permanente de l’ouïe. Ne l’utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste.

10	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

BEIM BENUTZEN DIESES PRODUKTES BEACHTEN

SIE BITTE DIE FOLGENDEN SICHERHEITSHINWEISE:

(GERMAN)

1.Lesen Sie die Hinweise.

2.Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung.

3.Beachten Sie alle Warnungen.

4.Beachten Sie alle Hinweise.

5.Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung.

6.Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Sprühen Sie keine flüssiger Reiniger auf die Oberfläche, dies könnte zur Beschädigung der Vorderseite führen und auch weitere Schäden verursachen.

7.Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers.

8.Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf.

9.Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird.

10.Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.

11.Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audiound Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen.

12.Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose.

13.Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist.

14.Bei normalem Betrieb des Gerätes kommt es zu Wärmeentwicklungen.

15.Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	11

Important Safety Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE USER

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a class B computing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with nonapproved equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

12	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name:	Alesis Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address:	1633 26th Street
	Santa Monica, CA 90404
declares, that the product:	USA
Product Name:	DG8
Model Type:	Digital Grand Piano
conforms to the following Standards:
EMC:	EN55103: 1997 Class B
Safety:	EN 60065
European Contact:	Sound Technology
	17 Letchworth Point, Letchworth,
	Hertfordshire, SG6 1ND, England.
	Phone: [phone]
	Fax: [phone]

June, 1999

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	13

Important Safety Instructions

14	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

In the years since electronic musical instruments made their debut in the early 1970s, the quest for a transportable piano that had the sound and feel of a true acoustic instrument seemed to elude every manufacturer. They tried everything, including a rather ingenious re-design of the grand piano that you could take apart into two pieces when travelling. The trade-off? It was still bulky, rather expensive, and because it had strings (just like a real piano) it needed to be tuned periodically. If you moved it often, you had to tune it often.

Even as digital sampling technology began to mature in the early 1990s and piano products started popping up all over, something always seemed to be missing: the sound was thin or the keys didn’t feel right or the pedals didn’t respond like you’d expect or... well, you get the point.

But no matter how big my music rig gets – no matter how many gadgets and boxes and toys I accumulate – the one sound that I have always insisted upon is a great piano. The Alesis DG8 is a great piano. And more.

The DG8 sounds like a piano and feels like a piano. Its 88-key, fully-weighted, hammer-action keyboard is an advanced design that provides the response you’d expect from, well, a real piano. Complementing its piano realism are four pedal inputs: sustain/sostenuto and soft pedal expression plus an AUX jack for volume/modulation. Factor in the DG8’s 64-voice polyphony, and you have an instrument that faithfully reproduces all the nuances of a fine acoustic piano.

But we wouldn’t be satisfied with just a standard piano. We’ve tailored our selection of pianos to be ideally suited for classical, jazz, rock and pop, and included an entire suite of electric pianos, pipe and electric organs, synthesizers, strings, choirs, basses, clavinets, vibes and harpsichord. In addition to its 88 preset programs, the DG8’s 24MB of sound ROM is expandable to 32MB via a PCMCIA expansion card slot, ideally suited for any Alesis QCardTM expansion module.

The DG8’s velocity-sensitive keyboard can be layered and split, of course. The split point can be set to any point on the keyboard you want, and the Transpose feature puts the DG8 into any key.

And to further enhance the DG8’s sound capability, the Alesis QS Parallel Matrix EffectsTM provide reverb and chorus on nearly all internal Keyboard Programs (the electric organ programs substitute a rotary speaker effect for chorus). Add to that a 5-band analog graphic equalizer and a built-in 100-watt-per-channel, discrete stereo bi-amped amplifier and speakers, and the DG8 is a fully-integrated powerhouse instrument.

We’ve just touched on the some of the highlights of this product; there’s much more to be explored. After you’ve read through this brief document, and experienced the sound and feel of the DG8, I’m confident that you will be every bit as excited about it as I am.

Dave Bertovic

Spring 1999

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	15

Introduction

TYPOGRAPHIC CONVENTIONS

In this manual, we attempt to make the reading as easy as possible by using fonts and symbols that are easy to identify. The following list describes the conventions we use in the manual for special or important information.

Slider, button and back panel labels are in SMALL BOLD CAPITALS.

Words or phrases that appear in the display are printed using type that resembles the display characters.

A new or important term is in italics followed by its definition or contextual meaning.

Paragraphs in italics provide additional information on a topic that might be helpful in understanding certain important concepts.

Tip: A hint or special example called a Tip is set off from the main text by a box with a light-gray fill.

Important instructions or emphasis on a word or phrase are printed in boldface type.

When something extremely important appears in the manual, an icon like the one on the left will appear in the left margin. This indicates that this information is vital when operating the DG8.

16	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Chapter 1: Getting Started

CHAPTER 1

GETTING STARTED

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

The DG8 is a completely self-contained instrument that needs nothing more than a standard AC electrical outlet and a stand to put it on. Before placing the DG8 on a stand, see the topic Set It Up at the bottom of this page for specifics.

USING THE DG8 WITH OTHER EQUIPMENT

If you plan to use the DG8 with other equipment, such as other MIDI devices, a sound system or in recording environment, you’ll need:

1.Standard MIDI cables that connect your DG8 to other MIDI devices in your system. See the topic Hook It Up on page 19 for more information.

2.A standard AC outlet where you can plug the unit in.

3.A basic working knowledge of MIDI. If you’re new to all of this, read our brief MIDI tutorial in Chapter 3.

4.Audio cables to connect your DG8 to a sound system.

UNPACK IT

The DG8 is packaged in a cardboard container with molded styrofoam inserts. After you remove your DG8, its AC power cord, the Warranty card and this manual, we suggest you keep all packing materials in a safe place. You’ll need the box and styrofoam in case the unit needs to be transported or shipped.

SET IT UP

You can place the DG8 just about anywhere that’s convenient. For tips on setting up the DG8 in your home, see the topic on page 19.

Before placing the DG8 on a stand, be certain that is capable of securely holding an object that weighs 80 lbs. (36.3kg). Also take in to consideration how aggressive a player you are: the harder you pound the keys, the stronger a stand you’ll need. If the stand collapses under the DG8’s weight (or your playing), the unit could suffer permanent damage, and you could be injured. Don’t take chances; take the time right now to make sure that your stand is adequate.

You might also want to consider the optional Alesis GS-1 Digital Piano stand. This attractive accessory is ideal for the home or studio where the DG8 has a permanent place of residence.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	17

Chapter 1: Getting Started

ATTACHING THE MUSIC STAND

The DG8 is shipped with a music stand that attaches easily to the top of the instrument:

1.Remove the music stand from its plastic wrapping and extend the braces away from the front of the stand approximately 5 - 6 inches. The braces swing out from the front of the stand on a pair of hinges.

2.Insert the ends of the braces into the two mounting holes located along the rear edge of the DG8’s top.

3.You can adjust the angle of the stand once it is in place. Grip the front of the stand at the bottom corners and gently pull towards you or push away from you to adjust the angle.

PUSH or PULL THE

STAND FROM HERE

18	DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Chapter 1: Getting Started

SETTING UP THE DG8 IN A HOME

Placement of your DG8 in the room can have a great effect on its overall tonal balance. Placing the DG8 is like placing loudspeakers in a room – placing the unit right up against a wall will accentuate the bass and if the wall has thick draperies, they will also cut the treble producing a dark, boomy sound.

The most accurate sound is usually achieved when the DG8 is placed on an appropriate stand and positioned out and away from highly reflective or highly absorptive wall surfaces. But when the DG8 must be situated close to a wall, as in a home, here are some recommendations:

•If the wall is hard and smooth (a “reflective” surface), try positioning the keyboard at least 6” away. Too close and the tweeter frequencies will bounce back at you and cause a blurred and “splashy” high frequency effect. Also in this position, the wall may give a “boomy” character to the lower octaves. This is called bass coupling where bass sounds get a boost from the nearby wall.

•If the nearby wall is curtained or otherwise presents a highly absorptive environment, the DG8 should be positioned out at least 12”. As mentioned earlier, thick draperies will cut treble and the result will be a dark, muffled sound.

HOOK IT UP

POWER

Use the AC power cord (or equivalent) that is included with the DG8. Make sure that the unit is turned off before you plug the power cord into the rear panel receptacle and the wall outlet. The unit has a universal power supply that should work with local AC power in most countries. If in doubt, check with your power company before plugging it in. In the U.S., the DG8 must be plugged into a standard 117 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz outlet.

SUSTAIN PEDAL

Before powering on the DG8, plug the included sustain pedal into the SUSTAIN/SOST jack on the back panel.

THE DG8 AS A STAND-ALONE INSTRUMENT

After you’ve set up the DG8 and plugged it into an AC outlet, you can go right ahead and dig in. If you plan to play the DG8 by itself, skip ahead to the topic Turn It On and Play It on page 23.

If you plan to use the DG8 with other MIDI instruments and devices in a music system, use the examples on the next few pages to connect it to your rig.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	19

MIDI IN

Chapter 1: Getting Started

THE DG8 IN A MUSIC SYSTEM

If you plan to use the DG8 with other MIDI instruments and devices in a music system, you’ll need to integrate it into your system. Here’s a list of items you’re likely to need:

1.standard MIDI cables: refer to the following examples for possible connection schemes.

2.a basic working knowledge of MIDI. If you’re new to all of this, read our brief MIDI tutorial in Chapter 3.

3.two 2-conductor (unbalanced) audio cables if you plan to route the DG8’s audio to your sound system or audio mixer.

As a Master: If you intend to use the DG8 as the master controller in your MIDI rig, plug a standard MIDI cable into the DG8’s MIDI OUT port. The other end of this cable should plug into the of the first slave in the system. If there are several MIDI instruments in your setup, connect MIDI THRU from the first slave to the MIDI IN of the second device and so forth to create a “chain”.

		64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE	VALUE	EDIT MODE		PLAY MODE		POWER
				CURSOR	EDIT	MIX	PROG
								A
				MIDI CH	STORE	DOWN	UP	B
PHONES	VOLUME	MIDI CHANNEL				BANK SELECT		PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS

20

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Chapter 1: Getting Started

As a Slave: If you plan to control the DG8 from another MIDI device, you’ll need a MIDI cable connected to its MIDI IN port.

You will also need a MIDI cable connected to the DG8’s MIDI THRU if you plan to pass MIDI data from the master through the DG8 to other MIDI devices in your rig. Connect one end of a MIDI cable to the DG8’s MIDI THRU. Plug the other end of the cable to the MIDI IN of the next device in the system.

		64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE	VALUE	EDIT MODE		PLAY MODE		POWER
				CURSOR	EDIT	MIX	PROG
								A
				MIDI CH	STORE	DOWN	UP	B
PHONES	VOLUME	MIDI CHANNEL				BANK SELECT		PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

21

Chapter 1: Getting Started

With a MIDI Patchbay: If you’re using a MIDI patchbay or “patcher” to connect all of your MIDI devices centrally, it’s likely that the patcher’s back panel will have a series of paired MIDI OUT and MIDI IN ports for each device in your rig (the DG8 being one of them).

Connect the DG8’s MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN of one of the pairs. The same pair’s MIDI OUT connects to the MIDI IN of the DG8. Consult the patcher’s Owner’s Manual to find out how it routes MIDI data among the devices connected to it.

		64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE	VALUE	EDIT MODE		PLAY MODE		POWER
				CURSOR	EDIT	MIX	PROG
								A
				MIDI CH	STORE	DOWN	UP	B
PHONES	VOLUME	MIDI CHANNEL				BANK SELECT		PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS

22

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

Chapter 1: Getting Started

TURN IT ON AND PLAY IT

Flip the power switch on the DG8’s rear panel. The front panel display will illuminate and, if this is the first time you’ve used the DG8, it will recall Keyboard Program Pno1A:True Grand and display it under the PRIMARY SOUND heading.

1.AutoDemos

Press and hold the PLAY button, then press the TUNE button to enter Demo mode. The display will prompt you to select one of three demonstration songs to play by pressing the PIANO 1, PIANO 2 or PIANO 3 Bank buttons. You can listen to any demo in its entirety, or press the PLAY button to end a demo that is playing.

HOW THE SOUNDS ARE ORGANIZED

2.Keyboard Banks

The Keyboard Banks contain the main polyphonic sound programs in the DG8’s internal memory.

Each of the 15 Keyboard Banks contains four Keyboard Programs. Thus, each Bank represents a sound category – a group of related sounds – and the name of the category is printed on each button.

The Keyboard Bank buttons are used in conjunction with the ▲ and ▼ arrows to access the Keyboard Programs in each Bank:

•Press a Keyboard Bank button to select a Keyboard category. The name of a Keyboard Program from the selected Bank will appear in the PRIMARY SOUND segment of the display.

•Use the ▲ arrow on the right side of the display to scroll forward through

the four Keyboard Programs in the Bank. If you continue to scroll forward with the ▲ arrow, when the last Program in the bank is reached, the display will “wrap” to the first Program.

•Use the ▼ arrow to scroll backward through the four Keyboard Programs in each Bank. If you continue to scroll backward with the ▼ arrow, when the first Program in the Bank is reached, the display will wrap to the last Program.

Keyboard Programs can be played by themselves, layered together (or layered with a Card Program) or split with a Bass or Card Program. See topics 4, 5 and 6 on the next few pages for information on these Play modes.

3.Bass Banks

Similar to the Keyboard Banks, the Bass Banks contain the main bass sound programs in the DG8’s internal memory. And, like the Keyboard Banks, each of the seven Bass Banks contains four Bass Programs. Each Bank represents a category of related bass sounds and the name of the category is printed on each button.

Note that the DG8’s internal Bass Programs are programmed without modulation – they will not respond to the modulation setting for the AUX pedal, nor modulation commands received over MIDI. Also, there is a minimal amount of Reverb and Chorus effects programmed into the Bass Programs.

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL	23