Tips and tricks

Using the RPG-8 for modulation

You can use the RPG-8 as a modulation source, much like an LFO. The RPG-8 can generate stepped modulation that is both synchronized to tempo and controlled by note input. In this and in following examples we assume you already have a RPG-8 connected to an instrument device.

With the RPG-8 selected in the rack, create a Spider CV Merger/Splitter.

The RPG-8 Note and Gate CV outputs are auto-routed to the Spider Split A and B inputs, and the Spider first split Note and Gate outputs are connected to the instrument device (as they were before creating the Spider).

You now have 2 (and 1 Inverted) additional Note and Gate CV outputs via the Spider.

Try using the Note CV split outputs to modulate other parameters in the instrument device, e.g. filter frequency.

The filter frequency will then track the notes generated by the Arpeggiator.

You can of course also connect the Note CV out to various parameters in any device, not just the device connected to the RPG-8.

You can connect the Spider split CV/Gate outputs to the corresponding Sequencer Control CV inputs to another instrument device so that the RPG-8 controls two (or more) devices. (This can of course also be done by connecting the RPG-8 to a Combinator device.)

Triggering arpeggios

On the back panel there is a “Start of Arpeggio Trig In” CV connector. This restarts the arpeggio figure from step 1 when this input receives a gate trigger. You could use this in the following way:

One or more Redrum channels Gate out can reset the step pattern to create rhythmic patterns in sync.

You could use the Matrix in the same way - each positive Gate signal will restart the arpeggio figure.

Note that no arpeggio will be generated unless a Gate trigger is received when something is plugged in to the “Start of Arpeggio Trig In” CV connector.

Triggering samples

The Gate CV output can be used to trigger samples, either in Redrum or Kong or in the NN-19 or NN-XT Sampler.

Connect the RPG-8 Gate CV out to the Gate (Sequencer Control) in on the NN-19/NN-XT or to one of the individual Gate Channel inputs of Kong or Redrum.

Gate values will now trigger the sample on each step with Gate values above “0”.

Using the RPG-8 as a MIDI to CV converter

You can also use the RPG-8 as a stand-alone MIDI to CV converter without generating arpeggios. In this mode (Arpeggiator Off) you can play instrument devices just like as if MIDI input was directly connected to the target device.

The main benefit of this mode is that you can use note pitch and velocity to control parameters, not only in the target device but in any device.