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 QCard
NOTE: Completing and returning the Warranty Registration card is important.
TM
sound-expansion card library
ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION
Alesis Corporation
1633 26
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
Telephone: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747)
E-Mail: alecorp@alesis1.usa.com
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.
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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:
ERMAN)
(G
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 Audio- und 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 26
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
declares, that the product:
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: +44.1462.480000
Fax: +44.1462.480800
June, 1999
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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 QCard
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
TM
Effects
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
provide reverb and chorus on nearly all internal Keyboard Programs (the
TM
expansion module.
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
Words or phrases that appear in the display are
resembles the display characters
SMALL BOLD CAPITALS.
printed using type that
.
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
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
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
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.
Set It Up at the bottom of this page for specifics.
Chapter 1: Getting Started
CHAPTER 1
Hook It Up on page 19 for more information.
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
and Play It
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.
Turn It On
on page 23.
DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL 19
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 MIDI IN of
the first slave in the system. If there are several MIDI
instruments in your setup, connect
MIDI IN of the second device and so forth to create a
to the
MIDI THRU from the first slave
“chain”.
PHONES VOLUME
64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE
EDIT MODE
VALUE
MIDI CHANNEL
PLAY MODE
CURSOR
PROGMIXEDIT
DOWN UPSTOREMIDI CH
GLOBAL
COMPARE
BANK SELECT
PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS
POWER
A
B
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
if you plan to pass MIDI data from the master through the
THRU
MIDI
DG8 to other MIDI devices in your rig. Connect one end of a
MIDI cable to the DG8’s
cable to the
PHONES VOLUME
MIDI IN of the next device in the system.
64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE
MIDI CHANNEL
MIDI THRU. Plug the other end of the
PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS
POWER
A
B
EDIT MODE
VALUE
PLAY MODE
CURSOR
PROGMIXEDIT
DOWN UPSTOREMIDI CH
GLOBAL
COMPARE
BANK SELECT
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
same pair’s
MIDI OUT connects to the MIDI IN of the DG8. Consult
MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN of one of the pairs. The
the patcher’s Owner’s Manual to find out how it routes MIDI
data among the devices connected to it.
EDIT MODE
PHONES VOLUME
64 VOICE EXPANDABLE SYNTHESIZER MODULE
VALUE
MIDI CHANNEL
PLAY MODE
CURSOR
PROGMIXEDIT
DOWN UPSTOREMIDI CH
GLOBAL
COMPARE
BANK SELECT
PCMCIA EXPANSION CARDS
POWER
A
B
22 DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL
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
heading.
SOUND
1. AutoDemos
Press and hold the
mode. The display will prompt you to select one of three demonstration songs
to play by pressing the
listen to any demo in its entirety, or press the
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.
Pno1A:True Grand and display it under the PRIMARY
PLAY button, then press the TUNE button to enter Demo
PIANO 1, PIANO 2 or PIANO 3 Bank buttons. You can
Chapter 1: Getting Started
PLAY button to end a demo that
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
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