Alesis ModFX Faze manual

Re fe rence Manual[...]

This pa ge intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100 % Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. 7-51-0118-A 8/2002[...]

Table of Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................... 3 Welcome! .........................................................................................................3 About the Faze ................................................................................ 4 Important features of your Faze [...]

Table Of Contents 2 Line conditioners and spike protectors ......................................................42 Care and Maintenance ................................................................ 4 3 Cleaning ............................................................................................................43 Refer all servicing to A[...]

Introduction 3 Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Faze a part of y our studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you ha ve achie ved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality st[...]

Introduction 4 About the Faze Your new Faze is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a high- quality stereo phase shifter. Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to ar range and connect to each other. With a uniform, friendly, uncom[...]

Introduction 5 Faze Ke y Featu res • Digital emulation of classic stereo phaser effects, with five different modulation sources • Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs • Tempo synchronization keeps phasing effect in time with the music • Tap Tempo makes it easy to set the [...]

Introduction 6 How to Use This Manual A little technical kno wledge will help you get the most out of y ou r gear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Faze. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having[...]

Safety Instructions/Notices 7 Important Safety Instructions (English) Sa fe ty sy mbols used in this p roduct This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance inst ructions in the literatu re accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous elect ric sho[...]

Important Safety Instructions 8 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufactu rer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make su re that inju ry or dama ge will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a ca[...]

Important Safety Instructions 9 CE Declaration Of Conformity See ou r website at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This de vice may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, incl[...]

Important Safety Instructions 10 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Sy mboles utilisés dans ce p roduit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateu r qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe a vec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à[...]

Important Safety Instructions 11 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le const ructeur. 12. N’utilisez qu’a vec un stand, ou table conçus pou r l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent su r des appareils et leu r supp[...]

Important Safety Instructions 12 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Sy mbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatu r gibt, die diese Maßeinheit be gleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannu[...]

Important Safety Instructions 13 11. Benutzen Sie nu r das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinst rumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu verm[...]

Important Safety Instructions 14 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

1 Quick Start Guide 15 If y ou can’t wait to get sta rted The Alesis Faze is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other effects units in most respects. If y ou're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the Faze right away. If y ou have [...]

1 Quick Start Guide 16 A quick overview o f the controls TY PE The TY PE s witch s ele cts the ti m br e o f ph a sin g e f f e c t, a nd h o w t he l e ft c h a n ne l a nd th e r i g h t c h an ne l o f th e Faz e r el at e t o ea c h ot he r , as sh own b y t h e LED s n ex t to th e s w it c h. S e e pa ge 3 1. RE G E N ( r e ge n e r ati o n) [...]

2 Connections 17 Unpacking and Inspection Your Faze was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit du ring shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely e vent that you need to retu rn the Faze for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • Faze with the same ser[...]

2 Connections 18 Connecting audio The Faze will work in many different applications, whether y ou are connecting an inst rument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. But since the Faze is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. Mono In, Mono o r Stereo Ou t If you’re connect[...]

Connections 2 19 Connecting to the Channel Inserts o f a mixing console: Most recording consoles ha ve a jack near the mic and line inputs labeled "Insert". This is typically a TRS jack with the send and retu rn on the same jack. To use the Faze as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included). This cable splits the TRS i[...]

2 Connections 20 Connecting to the Main Ou tputs o f a mixing console: In addition to channel inserts, most mixing consoles have main insert jacks near the main outputs. You can use insert cables to connect the Faze to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels. Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of the [...]

Connections 2 21 Connecting to the inse rts on an instrume nt amplifie r : The insert send on a guitar or bass amp is usually labeled "effects send and retu rn" or "insert send and return". This allows you to preamplify your instrument before phasing it and sending it to the power amp. Most guitar amps are single channel, so con[...]

2 Connections 22 Connecting to equipment with XLR inpu ts and outputs: If you are connecting the Faze to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, y ou will need to convert this signal to a 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make su re that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4” adapter or cable. Watch out for high levels,[...]

Connections 2 23 Using the ModLink The Faze can be connected to other effect boxes in the ModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-free connection between two ModFX units that t ransfers digital audio and word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of the unit is the ModLink IN port. The 9-pin female connector on the right sid[...]

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3 Using the Faze 25 This section defines phasing, and e xplains the functions of the Faze’s cont rols in greater detail. The technical information in the ne xt few pages will help you get the most out of y ou r gear...it’s really pretty simple. About phase shifting Phase shifters have been among the most popular signal processors since their in[...]

3 Using the Faze 26 What is Tempo Sync ? Phase shifting has a regular cycle over time. Sometimes, y ou’ll want the rate of phasing to match the beat of y ou r music instead of being random. For example, y ou can set the rate so that the phasing effect completes each cycle once per measu re, or to a vibrato-like effect that happens in sixteenth no[...]

Using the Faze 3 27 Description of Controls Rate The [RA TE] knob changes the phasing modulation speed. When the mod sou rce is set to ENVELOPE it affects the attack and release time of the envelope. In all other modes it affects the LFO (lo w frequency oscillator) speed. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), tu rning the [RATE] knob alt[...]

3 Using the Faze 28 Cente r The [CENTER] knob changes the center frequency of the Faze’s main filter notch. Its effect varies depending on the mode, [DEPTH] and [RATE], but in frequency terms, when the [CENTER] knob is at the 12 o’clock position, you’ll hear the frequency of the phase shift oscillate up and do wn from the center frequency. Wh[...]

Using the Faze 3 29 Modulation Select Switch The up/do wn rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the p haser. The LEDs ne xt to the switch light up to indicate the cu rrent mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below. The rocker switch also selects TEMPO SYNC mode, as explained earlier.[...]

3 Using the Faze 30 Faze almost jitters as it t ries to follow the envelope of the incoming signal exactly. In this mode, TEMPO SYNC/T A P TEMPO featu res ha ve no effect. Uncertainty This mode generates a continually altering random waveform for the phase modulation, changing direction at various points du ring the cycle. Patte rn This mode random[...]

Using the Faze 3 31 TYPE Rocke r Switch The up/do wn rock er switch on the left side of the unit selects the type of phasing effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the cu rrent mode. The Type switch changes the stereo mode—in other words, ho w its left and right signal paths relate to each other—and the number of filters being[...]

3 Using the Faze 32 Async Ste reo In ASYNC (asynchronous) STEREO mode, the modulation of the left and right channels of the Faze are not synchronized. The left and right channels will have a similar rate, but “drift” from each other in a random way (e xcept in PATTERN mode). Liquid Metal This mode is unique to the Faze and takes phase shifting [...]

Using the Faze 3 33 Reset Mod Press this button to reset the phase of the phaser modulation source as follows: • In TRIANGLE mode, press [RESET MOD] to start the wa ve from the be ginning of its phase. The “starting point” of the phase shift is dete rmined by the setting of the [CENTER] control • In PA TTERN mode press this button to genera[...]

3 Using the Faze 34 Tap Tempo This button affects the speed of the effect whenever the [MODULATION] switch is set to a TEMPO SYNC mode. At any time y ou can tap this button along with the music to set a new tempo. The Tap Tempo light will flash at the cu r rent tempo. Tap Tempo technique For a reliable tempo setting, make se veral taps in a row at [...]

4 Sample Settings 35 While there’s nothing like disco vering new sounds for yoursel f, we thought it would be a good idea to pro vide some sample settings of the Faze to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on y ou r Faze so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs. Feel[...]

4 Sample Settings 36 P hreaky Faze This us e s th e U N CE R TA I NTY wav e w ith R EG EN s et to m ax i m um . Th e CO NT RARY S T ER EO ty p e m a k es t h i s e s p e c i a ll y e ff e c ti v e o n h e a dp h o n es . F aze Jumper Tap q ua r te r n ot es in to this p atch , a nd th e ph as e will j um p to diffe re nt le ve ls on ce p e r b e a [...]

Sample Settings 4 37 B lank F il l in y o u r o w n fa v or it e s et ti ng s h e r e . Pho toc op y t h e n e x t pa g e if yo u ne e d mo r e s pa c e . F aze Tracker Tap q ua r te r n ot es in to this p atch , a nd th e ph as e will j um p to diffe re nt le v e ls e a ch b e a t , in a r e c u rr in g P AT TERN . Tu r n th e [ RA TE ] c o n t r [...]

4 Sample Settings 38 Blank Set tings Templates[...]

5 Troubleshooting 39 Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating you r Faze, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Sy mptoms Cause Solution No a udi o output s. No input au dio( SIGNAL LED d oesn ’t fla sh). Test with a known good inp ut[...]

5 Troubleshooting 40 Sy mptoms Cause Solution AC hum Gro und lo op Place al l eq uip m ent in the stu d io on a co m m o n gro un d (s e e ne xt pa ge) Whistl es or ton es in out put [REG EN] set to o high Set [REGE N] to center p osition for no fe e dback Can ’t he a r phas ing e f fec t, ev e n w i t h [DEPT H] at max i mum [CE NT ER] se t to m[...]

Troubleshooting 5 41 Avoiding g round loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occu r. These sho w up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occu r if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different pat[...]

5 Troubleshooting 42 4. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. If the basic experiments don’t unco ver the sou rce of the problem, consult your dealer or technician t rained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the mixer at the center of the [...]

Troubleshooting 5 43 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Faze’s metal and plastic su rfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409™ or Fantastik™. DO NOT SPRA Y THE CLEANER DIRECT LY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MA Y DESTROY THE LU BRIC ANTS USED IN TH[...]

5 Troubleshooting 44 Obtaining repai r service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make su re you’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the Product Support department. Make sure y ou ha ve the unit’s serial number with y ou. Talk the problem o ver with[...]

Specifications 45 Audio Inpu t Input Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Input Le vel: +10 dBV Nominal Level: -10 dBV Input Impedance: 470k Ω Input Converter Resolution: 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling Audio Ou tput Output Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Output Le vel: +9 dBV Output Impedance: 500 Ω Output Converter Resolution: [...]

6 Specifications 46 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

Index 47 amplifier, 21 ASYNC STEREO mode, 32 audio input tempo set by, 34 BYPASS , 16 , 33 with foot switch, 33 cables, 22 CENTER , 16 , 28, 40 effect on RESET MOD, 33 CLASSIC mode, 31 CONTRARY STEREO mode, 28, 31 cont rols, 16 DEPTH , 16 , 27 interaction with CENTER, 28 digital converters, 33, 45 digital signal processing, 4 DSP, 45 DU AL MONO mod[...]

Warranty / Contact Alesis 48 Alesis Limited Wa r ranty AL E SI S C ORP OR ATI ON ( "A LES I S" ) w ar r an ts th is product to be fr ee of defect s in material an d w or kman sh i p fo r a pe rio d of on e (1 ) y ear f or pa r ts an d for a per iod of on e ( 1) year fo r l abor fr om the date of ori gi nal ret ail pu rc hase. Th i s war r[...]

Warranty/Contact Information 49 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: support@alesis.com Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Faze Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Dan Tinen Copy right 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. All t rad[...]