Q) How do I set-up the starting parameters of the Pa2X - i.e., which Sounds are selected, and how they are configured, when turning the instrument on?

A) Set the desired parameters, then save them in Performance 1-1 (page menu > Write Performance). Performance 1-1 will be automatically selected when turning the instrument on.

Q) How do I keep my start-up settings unchanged, even after choosing different Performances and STSs?

A) Press GLOBAL, then choose the General Controls menu item. Go to the Lock page, and lock all the options you like. These parameters will not change when choosing a different Performance or STS
To save these locks for the next time you turn your Pa2X on, choose the Write Global-Global Setup command from the page menu.

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Q) When loading a new version of the Operating System and Musical Resources, should I load all subsequent versions starting from version 1.0?

A) No, just load the latest version. By loading the new Operating System and Musical Resources, you also load all the features added with all the previous updates.

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Q) Can I use a pen or pencil on the touch screen?

A) Yes, you can, provided you do not write on it or scratch its surface. The best solution could be a pencil's rubber side.

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Q) I connected a condenser or back-electret type microphone to the Pa2X, and cannot hear any sound from it. What's wrong?

A) Condenser and back-electret microphones usually need external ±12~48V phantom power to work. Pa2X include a internal phantom power circuitry, to be activated manually in Global -> Audio Setup -> Audio In tab.

As an additional hint, please remember that studio condenser microphones are not very well suited for live exhibitions, due to their excessive sensitivity to surrounding noises and side-addressed sound sources. We suggest you only use high-quality, hypercarioid or tight-cardioid dynamic microphones live.

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Q) How can I set a global split point different than C4?

A) The split point is memorized into each Performance or STS, by means of the Write Performance or Write Single Touch Setting page menu command. When choosing a different Performance or STS, a different split point might be selected (unless the Split Point Lock is turned on).
If you like to always keep a split point different than C4, here is how to set a global split point (using the Expert interface):

1. Go to the main page of the Style Play or Song Play mode.
2. Choose Performance 1 of Bank 1, that you will use to store the default settings.
3. Press the Split tab to see the Split Point panel.
4. Select your desired global split point.
5. Close the lock icon next to the Split Point parameter (Split Point Lock).
6. Select the Write Performance command from the page menu, then choose Performance 1 of Bank 1 as the target location.
7. Press GLOBAL to go to the Global mode, then choose the Write Global-Global Setup command from the page menu to save the Split Point Lock status into the Global Setup in memory.
8. When you turn the Pa2X off, then on again, the global split point will be automatically selected - and will not change, any Performance or STS should you choose.

Q) How do you keep the Lower muted, even when you select a different Style?

A) You can assign the Lower track to an unused audio output. Go to Global > Audio Outputs > Style/Kbd, and assign the Lower track to the Out 1 or Out 2 output (depending on which one is not connected to an external sound reproduction system).

Q) What is the difference between "Chord + Lower" and "Fixed Arr. + Lower" (under Style Play > Preferences > Style Preferences > Memory Mode)?

A) When the MEMORY LED is turned off, "Chord + Lower" stops the Lower and resets the Arrangement Chord, while "Fixed Arr. + Lower" stops the Lower but does not reset the Arrangement Chord.

Q) Can I create my own custom banks of Factory Styles?

A) You can! If you wish so, you can customize all your banks.

First of all, you'll unprotect the Factory data in memory.

• Go to Disk > Preferences, and uncheck the Factory Style and Pad Protect checkbox.

Then, you will make a backup of you memory data. Instead of using the Backup Resource procedure, you'll create a new SET folder, containing ordinary data to be later loaded one by one (and not a backup archive).

1. Go to the Disk > Save page.
2. Select the ALL folder, and press Open.
3. Select the STYLE folder, then press Open to access the banks. Each bank corresponds to one of the buttons of the STYLE section. For example, BANK01.STY is the first button, when the upper row of names is selected.
4. Select the first bank, then press Save To.
5. In the new window that appears, choose a location into your hard disk, then press New SET, to create a SET folder where to save your data. Assign a name to the new folder (for example, MYBKP.SET), then confirm.
6. Press Save to save the selected bank, then confirm it being saved into the new SET folder (ex., MYBKP.SET).
7. Repeat the above for all the other banks.

At this point, you'll start loading data from the saved backup, to create you custom banks in memory.

1. Go to the Disk > Load page.
2. Select the backup folder (called, in the example above, MYBKP.SET) and press Open.
3. Select the STYLE folder, then press Open to access the banks.
4. Select the bank containing one of the Styles you want to load into a Factory location, and press Open to see the Styles it contains.
5. Select the desired Style, and press Load. A dialog box appears, asking you to select one of the available locations in memory. Select the target location, and press OK to load the Style.

Now you can rename your Styles.

1. With the Styles still unprotected, select the first Style to be renamed, and press RECORD. Choose the Record/Edit Current Style option.
2. Choose the Page menu > Write Style command, and edit the Style name.
3. Save the Style into the original location, proposed as default option.

Q) I feel uncomfortable in having to select Styles with the touch-screen. Is there any alternative?

A) Create a custom bank of Styles in one of the User or Favorite banks, then assign the Style Up function to a footswitch.

Q) I want to modify a Factory Style. Is this possible?

A) Yes! Look at the relevant FAQ under the Disk section.

Q) How can I control the volume of the keyboard tracks, after having chosen a different Performance, Style or STS?

A) You can use a Volume/Expression pedal (optional Korg EXP-2 or XVP-10) to control only the keyboard tracks.

1. Go to the Global > Controller > Pedal/Switch page.
2. Assign to the pedal the Keyboard Expression function.
3. Choose "Write Global-Global Setup" from the page menu, to save this setting into memory.

This will let you control the level (Expression parameter) of keyboard tracks by means of the Expression pedal, relative to the accompaniment tracks.

As an alternative, you can use one of the Assignable Sliders to control the keyboard tracks:

• When the Slider Mode button is set to "Assignable A", the Expression function is already assigned to the first slider.
• You can go to Global > General Controls > Lock to lock this assignment, so that it will not change when choosing different Performances, Styles or STSs.

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Q) What happens if I create a User Style pointing to User Sounds, and then load a different set of User Sounds to the same locations?

A) The User Style will point to the newly loaded User Sounds. If the Sounds are different than the ones you used when programming the new Style, the Style will sound different.

When saving User Styles pointing to User Sounds, it is preferable to execute a Save All operation, to save both the User Styles and the User Sounds to a single folder.

Later, you will be able to execute a Load All operation, to load all User data with a single operation. The original User locations will be used for the loaded data.

Please, refer to the Disk chapter in the User's Manual, for more information on the Load All ("Loading all the User data") and Save All operations ("Saving the full memory content").

Q) How can I change the Time Signature of a Style, after the Style has been recorded?

A) You can't. You can only change the Time Signature (Meter parameter) before starting to record the Style, when the Chord Variation is still empty.

Q) How can I assign a different Sound or DrumKit to all (or several) Style Elements?

A) You can do it in three ways. We'll make an example with a DrumKit.

First option, by using the Style Record mode (this one allows you to have different Sounds for each Style Element):

1. Before entering the Style Record mode, go to the main page of the Style Play mode, and press TRACK SELECT to see the Style tracks. Be sure the Original Style Sounds parameter is checked, otherwise check it, and write the Style Performance into the SSD memory (page menu > Write Current Style Performance).
2. Enter Style Record mode.
3. Press MENU, and go to Style Element Track Control section.
4. Select the Sound/Expression page.
5. Select the Drum track.
6. Press the DRUM & PERCUSSION button, to open the Sound Select window.
7. Press DISPLAY HOLD to turn on its LED.
8. Select INTRO 1 on the control panel, and select one of the DrumKits in the Sound Select window.
9. Select INTRO 2 on the control panel, and select one of the DrumKits in the Sound Select window.
10. Go on this way with all the other Style Elements (Variation, Fill, Ending...).
11. Write the Style to the SSD memory (page menu > Write Style).

Second option, by using the Copy Sounds command of Style Record mode (this copies all sounds, not just the DrumKit):

1. Before entering the Style Record mode, go to the main page of the Style Play mode, and press TRACK SELECT to see the Style tracks. Be sure the Original Style Sounds parameter is checked, otherwise check it, and write the Style Performance into the SSD memory (page menu > Write Current Style Performance).
2. Enter Style Record mode.
3. Press MENU, and go to Style Element Track Control section.
4. Select the Sound/Expression page.
5. Select the Drum track.
6. Press the DRUM & PERCUSSION button, to open the Sound Select window, and select a Drum Kit.
7. Select the Copy Sounds command from the page menu.
8. While in the dialog box, select All as the target.
9. When done, write the Style to the SSD memory (page menu > Write Style).

A third option does not require you edit the Style, but doesn't allow different Sounds or Drum Kits in different Style Elements (Variation, Fill, Ending...):

1. While in the main page of the Style Play mode, press TRACK SELECT to see separate Style tracks.
2. Uncheck the Original Style Sounds option.
3. Select the Drum track.
4. Press the DRUM & PERCUSSION button, to open the Sound Select window, and select a Drum Kit.
5. Write the Style Performance (page menu > Write Style Performance)

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Q) On the Pa2X, I cannot see the lyrics of a Standard MIDI File that I could regularly see on the i30. Why?

A) Some Standard MIDI Files contain lyrics in two different formats. Pa2X only reads a single format at a time, due to problems (double display) encountered with some Standard MIDI Files.

Q) I cannot see Lyrics when playing an MP3 file. Why?

A) There are some thing to be considered.
- First of all, check if the MP3 really includes Lyrics. Not all MP3 files do include Lyrics data, even if you can hear a singer singing words.
- If the MP3 contains Lyrics, they might be in a format unknown to the Korg Pa. Keep in mind that there are several 'MP3 with Lyrics' formats, and the one in the MP3 might not be compatible with your Pa.
- If there are no Lyrics in the MP3 file, or the included Lyrics are not compatible with the Korg Pa, you can still use an external application to add them to your MP3 files. Some examples are the free WinAmp plug-in "lyr3edit", or the stand-alone shareware application "Lyrioke Maker" (both for PC). Note: This software is not supported or endorsed by Korg.

Q) How can I use a metronome sound different than the standard one?

A) You must devote a track to the new metronome sound.

1. While in Song Play mode, press MENU and go to the Track Controls > Mode page.
2. Choose a track to be devoted to the metronome sound, and set its Type to Drum.
   Note: This setting is reset when choosing a different Song. If you like to make it permanent, edit the Song in Sequencer mode.
3. Press EXIT to return to the main page of the Song Play mode.
4. Assign to the chosen track a Sound to be used as the metronome sound.
   Note: This setting is reset when choosing a different Song. If you like to make it permanent, edit the Song in Sequencer mode.
5. If you want the metronome sound to come out from a separate output, press GLOBAL to go to the Global mode. Go to the Audio Outputs > Player1 page, and choose a separate output for the track devoted to the metronome. If you like to preserve this setting, choose the Write Global-Global Setup from the page menu.

Q) I wish to export to Pa2X a song made on an external sequencer, in which I used more than 16 tracks. Is it possible?

A) You can, by linking both Players on the Pa2X. In this case, you can have a 32-track song.

However, please keep in mind that, when exporting the midifile from the external sequencer, you must export it as two separate 16-track midifiles, each one containing different tracks.

This is due to the MIDI standard's limit to 16 MIDI channels. When exporting a song from a computer to the Pa2X (or any other musical instrument) you must convert it to the SMF (Standard MIDI File) format, therefore to a 16-track song. So, you must split any song using more than 16 tracks/channels.

You can also check if you can pre-mix the song on just 16 tracks on the external sequencer. Sometimes, more that 16 tracks are used, but only 16 MIDI channels are effectively in use. For example, you might have used separate tracks for different string parts (violins, basses), but the same MIDI channel for all string sections has been used. In this case, you can mix two tracks in just a single MIDI channel when preparing the song for export.

When both midifiles are loaded to the Players, keep the Shift button pressed and press one of the Play buttons to start both Players at the same time.

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Q) After recording a song, how can I convert it to a Standard MIDI File?

A) Pa2X natively saves its Songs (and Backing Sequences) as Standard MIDI Files (format 0). No conversion is needed. However, when making songs to be later exchanged with other instruments, please remember the following:

• Pa2X directly records in SMF format. Any SMF reader should be able to read it. Be sure the file's extension is correct (usually ".mid").
• Track 10 shall be reserved to Drums. When saving a Backing Sequence, track 11 is also reserved to Drum/Percussions.
• Only General MIDI-compliant Sounds do sound the same on different instruments; Korg's own Sounds will be replaced by different Sounds. The Sound map in the User's manual also shows GM-compliant Sounds.

Q) How do I change the Song's Tempo during recording?

A) Make sure the Record option is assigned to the Tempo parameter, in the right side of the Song Record mode. All Tempo changes will be recorded in the Song's Master Track, and automatically performed when playing back the Song. Please remember Tempo recording is always in overdub mode.

When in playback, the Auto option must be assigned to the Tempo parameter.

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Q) How can use an Insert effect? I only see Master effects in the Pa2X.

A) Pa2X's FX architecture is GM compliant and conceived so that you have up to four Master effects, but you can use FX 2 (Sound mode) or FX B and D (Style Play, Song Play and Sequencer modes) as Insert effects. Here is how to program them.

1. Press the MENU button, and select the Effects section.
2. Assign the Insert effect to the FX 2 (Sound mode) or FX B or D (all other modes) processor. Assign its input a "Send" value of 127. Set the "Wet/Dry" parameter to Wet. Uncheck the "Send to Master" option (Sound mode) or uncheck the "Dry" checkbox (all other modes).
3. Set a value different than 0 for the "2 to 1", "B to A" or "D to C" parameter.
4. Set the "Send" value for FX 1, A or C a value of 0, to avoid the dry signal enters the FX processor twice.
5. Write the Sound, STS or Performance to memory.

Q) How can I assign Rotary Speaker's speed control to a pedal or switch?

A) You must assign the "Rotary Spkr Fast/Slow" function to one of the following controls:

• footswitch (Global > Menu > Controllers > Pedal/Switch)
• EC5 (Global > Menu > Controllers > EC5)
• Assignable Switch (Style Play > Menu > Pad/Switch > Assignable Switch)

Then you must save the above settings into one of the available memory locations:

• in case of a footswitch or EC5, into the Global (Page Menu > Write Global-Global Setup)
• in case of Assignable Switches, into a Performance (Page Menu > Write Performance) or in an STS (Page Menu > Write STS)

You should better save into a footswitch or EC5 pedal to maintain the same settings even when selecting a different Style, STS or Performance. You should use an Assignable Switch if you prefer to link your settings to a specific Performance or STS.

Q) How can I assign Rotary Speaker's speed control to the joystick?

A) You must assign the "40: Rotary Speaker" effect to the FX 2 (Sound mode) or FX B and D (all other modes) processor, then assign the JS+Y or JS-Y modulation source to the effect:

1. Press the MENU button, and select the Effects section.
2. See above how to assign the "40: Rotary Speaker" effect as an Insert effect.
3. Go to the FX 2, FX B or FX D page, and assign the "JS+Y" or "JS-Y" option to the "Speed Switch - Src" parameter, depending on whether you prefer to move the joystick forward or backward. Assign Slow or Fast to the "Speed Switch" parameter to decide the starting speed.
4. Write the Sound, STS or Performance to memory.
   
   
   

Q) Is there a way to synchronize the internal effects of the Pa2X with the tempo values?

A) Yes, it is. Go to the Effects section, and choose the edit page of the effect to be sync'd (for example, if you assigned a BPM Delay to FX D, select the "FX D" page).

Look for the BPM parameter. If it is there, the effect can be sync'd to the internal Tempo, or to the incoming MIDI Clock. If so, assign the MIDI value to the BPM parameter. The effect will be sync'd to the Tempo.

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Q) How can I create a new Drum Kit from multiple KSF, AIFF or WAVE files?

A) First, you must load all needed samples, and save them to the hard disk and internal memory. Then, you must assign the loaded samples to a Drum Kit.

1. Go to Sampling mode.
2. Load a sample (page menu > Load Sample). If needed, edit it.
3. Write the sample (page menu > Write Sample). While in the Write Sample dialog box, assign it to a percussive family. Assign it a name.
4. Repeat the above for the other samples.
5. Exit from Sampling. You will go to the Sound mode.
   At this point, samples have been saved into (1) a hidden PCM folder inside the hard disk (used by the Autoload at startup function) and (2) mirrored in the internal RAM memory.
6. While in Sound mode, select one of the "Empty" User DK locations. (You may also select an existing Factory DK, to start from existing data).
7. Press MENU, and go to the Drum Kit page.
8. Assign each of the newly loaded RAM samples to different zones of the keyboard. Please remember to select the RAM bank (instead of the ROM one) before selecting each of the samples, and that there are six velocity layers for each key.
9. Write the Drum Kit (page menu > Write Sound).

At this point, as seen above, you have samples in (1) a hidden PCM folder inside the hard disk and (2) mirrored in the internal RAM memory. You also have the Drum Kit's header (i.e., the Drum Kit's name and pointers) in the internal SSD memory.

This means that if you turn the instrument off, then on again, samples are deleted from the (volatile) RAM memory, while the Drum Kit's header is still in the (non-volatile) SSD memory.

When you select the Drum Kit, if samples have not been reloaded into the internal RAM memory, it may not actually sound. Samples are automatically reloaded it the Disk > Preferences > PCM Autoload option was selected before turning the Pa2X on.

It it wasn't, you may load them by pressing the Disk > Preferences > Load PCM button.

To move your new DrumKit to a different Pa2X:

1. Go to Disk > Save.
2. Select the ALL folder, and press Save To.
3. Create a new ".SET" folder, by pressing the New ".SET" button.
4. When the Save dialog box appears, check the "User Sound & DK" and the "PCM" options, to save the DrumKit header and PCM samples into the new SET folder.
5. Press OK, and select a target location.

The new DrumKit will be saved, together with its samples, into the newly created SET folder.

Q) Who sells sample CDs for my Pa2X?

A) Several companies make CDs for Korg instruments. Since you can read Triton Programs and Trinity Multisamples - with some minor limitations, due to the difference in the FX processors - you can have access to a vast library of new sounds.

Just some names (meaning no endorsement by Korg):

Q) Why Pa2X doesn't read all parameters from Akai disks, for example multiple layers?

A) Reading data from different instruments is not always possible, due to deep differences in data structure and basic sound architecture. Akai and Korg use different parameters for multiple layers, as well as for filters, envelopes and effects (just to name a few).

We do our best to achieve the best possible data conversion, but differences will always exist.

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Q) How can I make Harmony voices play in Song Play mode?

A) You must use one already programmed song or modify your accordingly.

1. If any go to Sequencer mode and record the notes or chords your vocal harmony parts will have to play. It is advisable to use a high-numbered track, say Track 16.
2. Save the Song, and go to the Song Play mode.
3. Press MENU, and select the Preferences section. Assign the Song Play > Preferences > Harmony Track parameter the "Ply 1+2 Track 16" option, corresponding to the track where the harmony part has been recorded.
4. Press EXIT to return to the main page of the Song Play mode, and press the Song's name to select the modified Song from disk.
5. Press the Mic tab, and select a suitable Voice Processor preset. Preferred presets for chord harmonizations are #11-20, for single-note harmonizations are #21-29.
6. Be sure to turn the Harmony block on.
7. Press PLAY/STOP to start the Song, and sing along with the Song. You'll hear the harmony parts following you, according to the notes/chords you recorded to Track 16.

Q) I want to send the Voice Processor the same chords I play on the keyboard for the Style. How can I do?

A) For the Style Play mode, go to Global > Voice Processor Preset > Harmony > Harm. Note Input > Source, and assign the "Chord Scanning" option to the Source parameter.

If you like to do the same for the Song Play mode, do the following:

1. Go to Song Play > Menu > Preferences > Track Setting > Harmony Track, and assign the "Global" option to the Harmony Track parameter.
2. Go to Global > Voice Processor Preset > Harmony > Harm. Note Input > Source, and assign the "Chord Scanning" option to the Source parameter.

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Q) I tried to play on the Pa2X, with the Real Drum sounds loaded, a song made with the Pa80 and the Real Drum card: alas, no sound could be heard from track 10 (Drum). What's the matter?

A) Since the card does not exist on the Pa2X, Bank Select values assigned on the Pa80 (CC#32 = 68) are no longer available. After loading the song, you must replace the old Bank Select value (CC#32 = 68) with the new one (CC#32 = 64).

Q) I want to modify a Factory Style and save it in a different position. Is this possible?

A) Yes! Here is how to do:

1. Uncheck the Disk > Preferences > Factory Style Protect parameter.
2. Go to Disk > Save. Select the ALL folder and press Open. Select the STYLE folder and press Open. Select the bank containing the Style you are looking for and press Open. Select the Style you want to modify and press Save.
3. Save the Style in a new .SET folder.
4. Reload the Style in an empty User location in memory, or in a Factory location you want to overwrite.
5. Edit the Style patterns in Style Record mode, and the Style Performance in Style Play mode. Save the changes.
6. Check the Disk > Preferences > Factory Style Protect parameter again, to protect Factory Styles.

Q) When I load an i-Series or Pa80-60-50 Style, I cannot change the track's volume by using the sliders on the front panel. Is this possible?

A) Yes. Since no Slider Assignment can be loaded with older Styles, a new default one is created, with Slider Mode turned to OFF. Therefore, use the SLIDER MODE button to select Volume mode, and save this setting using a write Style Performance procedure.

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Q) My Pa2X refuses to see the Hard Disk (HD). What went wrong?

A) It may be physically damaged. When turning the Pa2X on, can you hear the drive spinning? If not, either it is broken, or it is not receiving power. If it is not receiving power there is a problem either in the hard disk or the Pa2X.

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Q) What DVD-CD drive can I connect to my Pa2X?

A) Any USB DVD-CD Player is compatible with Pa2X. You must connect it to one of the two available USB to Host connectors.

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Q) Which video card I need, and which kind of monitor can I connect to the Pa2X?

A) You need the Korg VIF4 optional card. It outputs a Composite signal, so you can connect a TV set, or a monitor with a Composite input.

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Q) In Quick Record mode, after I hit the Record button, I can no longer hear the Quarter Tone. Why?

A) The Quarter Tone function is a realtime one, that is not saved in a Performance. This is because this function is meant for "on-the-fly" change of scale notes. It is not meant as a replacement of a dedicated User Scale.

To have a scale containing Quarter Tones in Quick Record mode, you must choose it as the Sub Scale, assign it to a set of tracks, and save it into a Performance.

1. While in Style Play mode, go to the Main Page > Sub Scale tab, or to the Mixer/Tuning > Sub Scale edit page.
2. Assign to the Scale parameter the User scale, and use the keyboard diagram to edit each note of the scale.
3. Go to Preferences > Style Preferences > Scale Mode, and choose the set of tracks to apply the Sub Scale to.
4. Save the Performance (now containing the modified User scale).
5. Enter Quick Record mode with that Performance selected (or you can select it while in the Quick Record page).

Also, you can assign the Sub Scale to each track after recording, by going to the Sequencer Edit > Mixer/Tuning > Sub-Scale page.

The Quarter Tone function can also be selected "on-the-fly" by means of pedals, while in Quick Record mode.

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Q) Are hardware options user-installable?

A) Yes. You can install yourself all hardware options. Please read the installation instructions included with the expansion itself, or in the User's Manual.

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