DCO-106 supports MPE, short for "MIDI Polyphonic Expression." It's a specialized MIDI protocol enabling multidimensional controllers for controlling multiple parameters of individual notes. MPE specifies the MIDI messages used for three dimensions of control, regardless of how a particular controller physically expresses them. MIDI channel 1 is used as a master channel for global pitch bend, aftertouch, etc.; MPE utilizes MIDI channels 2-15 for the remaining controller data.
To enable MPE mode, click the MPE icon in the top tool bar (next to the MIDI assignment button). If you don't see the MPE button in the tool bar, you'll need to enable MPE in settings by clicking the Settings gear (next to the magnifying glass), clicking Interface, then checking the Enable MPE Mode box at the bottom. Exit the Settings menu by clicking the X at the top right.
MPE Control Tab
With MPE mode enabled, the MPE icon will be visible in the top tool bar, next to the MIDI button. Click the MPE button to reveal the MPE configuration tab.
Do not enable MPE mode if you're not using an appropriate MPE controller - DCO-106 won't play correctly with a standard controller while in MPE mode. And don't run by the pool, you'll put an eye out!
Pitch Bend check box and Range controls- At the top of the tab is a checkbox which enables pitch bend; to its right is the pitch bend range control. Its default setting is 48 semitones (four octaves). For best results you will need to match this number with your MPE controller's pitch bend setting (most MPE controllers default to 48 semitones).
IMPORTANT: If MPE mode is enabled, you must use a MPE controller set to ”Lower Mode” to achieve full MIDI control. If you're using a non-MPE MIDI Controller, or the QWERTY Musical Typing keyboard, only one mono voice will trigger.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT THING: MPE control does not work if the arpeggiator is engaged. This is because arpeggiators essentially place DCO-106 into "mono" keyboard mode.
Show/Hide Button - Clicking the Show button in the MPE panel highlights all of the available MPE mappable control sliders for the DCO-106 with blue overlays. Click the Hide button to hide them. To map a control slider, right-click or [OPTION]+click (Windows)/ [CONT]+click (Mac) the slider you wish to map. This reveals the controller mapping menu. Select MPE Assign.
Options are:
X (Pitch)
Y (Timbre)
Z (Pressure)
Note: Some MPE controllers such as the Roli Seaboard may have as many as five dimensions of expression. DCO-106 utilizes the three standard dimensions: Pitch, Channel Pressure, and Timbre. Also, not all MPE controllers are equipped with a master/global pitch bender.
Once mapped, the Name and Parameter will be visible in the MPE tab. A yellow square indicator (X,Y,Z) also appears atop each of the mapped controls.
MPE Tab Columns
Name- Displays the name of the parameter being controlled.
Parameter- Displays and allows selection of the three controller types: X (Pitch), Y (Timbre), and Z (Pressure).
Absolute- Sets the Amt/Range of the controller to absolute or relative control.
Bipolar- Enables bipolar controller, i.e. the ability to add and subtract the parameter amount, as opposed to positive only.
Amount/Range- Sets the intensity of control range. If set to Absolute mode, two knobs appear for min/max settings.
Curve- These allow the customization of how controller data affect the movement of DCO-106's onscreen controls, ranging from exponential to linear to logarithmic curves.
MPE Tab Column Configuration Right-Click Menus
Right-clicking anywhere in the top row (Name, Type, Value, etc.) displays the column configuration menu.
Auto-size This Column- Automatically resizes so that all text in this column is visible.
Auto-size All Columns- Automatically resizes all columns simultaneously so that all text visible.
Column View Filters- Clicking any of these will hide or show the respective columns.
MPE Tab Parameters Right-Click
Right-clicking on an assigned parameter opens the menu above.
Remove- Deletes the selected MPE controller parameter.
Remove All- Deletes all MPE controller assignments for the patch. DCO-106 displays a warning dialog prior to deletion in order to thwart potential disasters.
MPE Mappable Parameters
Below are all mappable DCO-106 MPE parameters. Note that only polyphonic parameters (i.e. parameters that independently affect individual notes) can be mapped with MPE.
DCO LFO Amount
DCO PW Amount
DCO SUB OSC Level
DCO NOISE Level
HPF Frequency
VCF Frequency
VCF Resonance Amount
VCF Envelope Amount
VCF LFO Amount
VCF Keyboard Amount
VCF Velocity Amount
Attack Time
Decay Time
Sustain Level
Release Time
VCA Level
VCA LFO Amount
VCA Velocity Amount
Popular MPE Controller Devices
Following is a list of popular MPE controllers as of 2021. We're sure your persistent Sweetwater rep is just dying to sell you one (and call 26 times to see, "...how those guitar picks were workin' out for ya?")
Roli - Seaboard
Sensel - Morph
Expressive E - Osmose
Haken Audio - Continuum Fingerboard
Roger Linn Designs - Linnstrument
Artiphon - Instrument 1
