Alesis QS8.2 manual

Reference Manual[...]

This page intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%[...]

Table Of Contents 1 Introduction ........................................................ 5 Important Safety Instructions ........................ 7 Chapter 1: Connections ..................................... 11 Chapter 2: First Session .................................... 13 Playing the Demos ......................................................[...]

Table Of Contents 2 Setting the Behavior o f the MIDI Out Port ......................................32 Resetting the A - D Controllers ..............................................................32 Setting the A - D Controller MIDI Mode ............................................32 Chapter 7: Editing Programs ........................... 33 QS C[...]

Table of Contents 3 Configuration 2: 2 REVERBS ..............................................................73 Configuration 3: LEZLIE+REVERB ...............................................74 Configuration 4: 1 REVERB+EQ ......................................................75 Configuration 5: OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE .....................................[...]

[...]

Introduction 5 Welcome! Congratulatio ns on your purchase o f an Alesis QS6.2/QS8.2 64 - Voice Expandable Synthesizer! It ’ s a powerful instrument and we ’re sure you will find it exciting to use! Those o f you who are familiar with the enormously - popular QS - line of synthesizers may be wondering, " What has changed in the new QS6.2 an[...]

Introduction 6 Unpacking and Inspection The shipping carton for your QS should contain the following items: • QS synthesizer • Sustain pedal • AC power cable • This instruction manual Please log on to the Alesis website at ww w .alesis.com to register your new QS syn thesizer. This will help us give you the best support we possibly can. How[...]

Important Safety Instructions 7 Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the lite rature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user o f uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks[...]

Important Safety Instructions 8 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’[...]

Important Safety Instructions 9 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Siche rheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benu tzer der nicht isolierten Spannung[...]

Important Safety Instructions 10 CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at: http://ww w .alesis.c om FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 o f the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, i[...]

1 Connections 11 Connecting AC Power Before making any power connections, make sure the QS ’ s po wer switch is turned off. 1. Plug the female end o f the power cable into the QS ’ s power socket. 2. Plug the male (plug) end into a properly grounded power outlet. Making Audio Connections There are several ways to hook up your QS synthesizer aud[...]

1 Connections 12 Connection Diagram[...]

2 First Session 13 Pla ying the Demos The QS has five built - in demo sequ ences . To play a demo, hold down [MIX] and press a number button from [0] through [4]. Playback will start with the specified demo and continue through the remaining demos. To stop the demo, press [MIX]. Pla ying Programs The so unds in your QS are called Programs . Program[...]

2 First Session 14 Pla ying Split and Layered Programs (Mix es) A Mix is a combination o f up to 16 Programs, allowing you to play more than one sound at the same time. The Programs may be split or layered across the keyboard, or distributed among MIDI channels for multitimbral sequencin g. Press th e [MIX] button. The display should look something[...]

First Session 2 15 Selecting B anks A Bank is a collection o f 128 Programs and 100 Mixes. There are five internal Banks available in the QS, and more can be accessed i f you put a card into the [PCMCIA EX PANSION CARD] slot. The internal Banks are: USER PRESET1 PRESET2 P RESET3 GenMIDI To explore different Banks, use the [< BANK] and [BANK >[...]

2 First Session 16 Storing and Copying It is easy to store and copy Programs and Mixes. To do this: 1) Press [STORE]. The display will look something lik e this: 2) Pick a USER Bank destination using the numbered buttons, the [VALUE] buttons or the [CONTROLLER D] slider. 3) I f you want the Program or Mix to be stored on an SRAM card in the [PCMCIA[...]

3 Overview 17 The Front Panel Controls From left to right, we have: [PITCH] Bend Wheel – for bending pitch during performance. [MODULATION] Wheel – for adding vibrato and tremolo during performance. [VOLUME] Slider – sets the output level. [CONTROLLER A - D]/[EDIT VALUE] Sliders – for adjusting parameters during performance or Edit mode. [P[...]

3 Overview 18 The Play Modes W e’ve already introduced you to these modes in the last chapter. This is where you’ll normally be when you’re playing your QS. Program Mode In this mode, you can play the QS ’ s various Programs one at a time. You’ll probably be in this mode most o f the time. The QS contains 512 Preset and 128 User Programs.[...]

Overview 3 19 The Edit Modes The Edit Modes are used to change the QS ’ s sounds and v arious parameters. Many people are perfectly happy using their QS without ever editing a sound. However, i f you like to tweak and create your own sounds, you’ll be using these modes. Program Edit Mode In this mode, you can change the settings that make up a [...]

3 Overview 20 Global and Store Modes Global Mode I n this mode, you can set various aspects o f the QS that don’t change whenever a new Program or Mix is selected (for example, the keyboard sensitivity). Press the [EDIT] button, then the [BANK >] button (with [GLOBAL] written under it) to get into this mod e. Store Mode This mode is for storin[...]

4 Expansion Cards 21 PCMCI A Expansion Cards I f you want more Sounds (samples), Programs, Mixes, or Sequences, all you have to do is insert the appropriate card into the QS ’ s [PCMCIA EX PANSION SLOT]. There are three kinds o f expansion cards that you can use: • QCards are a series o f excellent ROM (read - only memory) cards developed by Al[...]

4 Expansion Cards 22 To play back a card sequence: 1) Insert the card containing sequence data into the [PCMCIA EX PANSION SLOT]. 2) Press the [SEQ SELECT] button. The display will look like this: 3) Use the [00] through [40] buttons to pick the tens digit o f the sequence number. 4) Finall y , use the [ 0] through [9] buttons to play a specific se[...]

Expansion Cards 4 23 4 ) Use the [CONTROLLER D] slider or the [ VALUE] buttons to select the bank on the card you wish to load (A1 – A4, etc.). 5 ) Press [STORE] to transfer the data from the card into the QS. Loading a Program or Mix from a Card To load a sin gle Mix or Program from a card into the User Bank, first select the Mix or Program, the[...]

[...]

5 MIDI 25 What is MIDI? MIDI stands for Music Instrument Digital Interface. It allows music instruments to communicate with each other. You can use MIDI to: • Record what you play on your QS synthesizer into a sequencer or computer. • Play back sequences from a sequencer or computer on your QS. • Store and recall Programs and Mixes on a compu[...]

5 MIDI 26 • Slave . With this setu p , you can use another keyboard to play the sounds on your QS. Connect a MIDI cable from the controller ’ s MIDI OUT jack to the QS ’s [MIDI IN] jack. • Slave with pass - through . This setup allows MIDI signals to pass through the QS so they may reach multiple units. This allows one MIDI device to contro[...]

MIDI 5 27 Using Your QS With a MIDI Sequencer A sequencer is a device that records and plays back note messages. A sequencer can take the form o f a stand - alone hardware device, or a computer with a MIDI interface and sequencing software. Using a MIDI sequencer, you can record what you play on your QS, and then play it back later. You can also ob[...]

5 MIDI 28 4 ) Set up your receiving device to accept a MIDI sysex dump. 5.) Press [STORE] to transmit the data from the QS. While transmitting the data, the display will read “SENDING OUT MIDI DATA.....”. To send a single Program via MIDI: 1 ) Follow steps 1 and 2 in the instructions above. 2 ) Press [ PA GE >]seven times to select the prope[...]

6 Global Parameters 29 What are the Global Parameters? Certain basic parameters affect your entire QS. Because they affect eve rything, they are called the Global Parameters . Entering Global Mode 1) Press [EDIT]. 2) Press the [BANK >] button (with [GLOBAL] written beneath it). The display will look like this: To exit Global Mode, press [MIX] or[...]

6 Global Parameters 30 W EIGHT gives the keyboard the widest possible dynamic velocity range for weighted keyboards (like the QS8.2 ’s). PLASTC has a narrower dynamic velocity range associated with synth keyboards (like the QS6.2 ’ s). Notes played gently will be louder than they wo uld be i f you had selected WEIGH T. MAXMUM means that every n[...]

Global Parameters 6 31 MIDI devices. You’ll need to set your sequencer to echo back the MIDI data that is being recorded. Turning on General MIDI Button: [EDIT] [GLOBAL] Page: 7 Parameter: Genrl MIDI (ON, OFF) This setting allows your QS to play any o f the thousands o f General MIDI (“GM” for short) sequences that are available from the Inte[...]

6 Global Parameters 32 ON makes the QS send and respond to MIDI Program Changes. In Program Mode it will send and receive Program Changes over the currently selected MIDI channel. In Mix Mode, Program Changes are received ov er all active MIDI channels, but sent only from those displayed channels that have had MIDI OUT enabled. With this setting, i[...]

7 Editing Programs 33 QS Composite Synthesis™ The QS generates sound through the use o f QS Composite Synthesis™. The basis o f this technology is the playback and processing o f audio samples . A sample is a digital recording o f a sound. The sound could be a sine wave, a grand piano, or even a full orchestra. The QS processes these samples by[...]

7 Editing Programs 34 The following diagram shows the signal flow for each Sound: Modulation In synthesizer programming, modulation refers to modifying some asp ect o f a sound over time. Modulation is the key to making rich and expressive sounds. The vibrato o f a flute, the expression pedal o f an organ, and the wah pedal on a guitar are all exam[...]

Editing Programs 7 35 Each envelope gen erator has the standard attack, deca y , sustain, and release parameters found on most synthesizers, along with dela y , sustain deca y , and different triggering options. More on this later. The Effects Section The QS features a complete digital effects section with four input buses, simultaneous multiple ef[...]

7 Editing Programs 36 The Voice Function [40 VOICE] Hit the [40] button to choose the sample that forms the basis o f your Sou nd. Use the [ PA GE] buttons to select parameters within this function to edit. Turning Sounds On and Off Button: [EDIT] [40 VOICE] Page: 1 Parameter: Snd Enable (ON or OFF) This enables or disables the selected sound. W he[...]

Editing Programs 7 37 Group Sample Piano GrndPianoL, GrndPianoR, DarkPno1 L, DarkPno1 R, DarkPno2 L, DarkPno2 R, DarkPno3 L, DarkPno3 R, BritePno1L, BritePno1R, BritePno2L, BritePno2R, BritePno3L, BritePno3R, 4::VibesWave, NoHammer R, SoftPia noL, SoftPianoR, VeloPianoL, VeloPianoR, TapPiano L, TapPiano R, E Spinet 1, E Spinet 2, Toy Pno L, Toy Pno[...]

7 Editing Programs 38 Percus Agogo, Bongo, Cabasa, Castanet, Chimes 1, Chimes 2, Chimes 3, Clap Rap, Clap Tek, Clave 1, Clave 2, Conga Hit1, Conga Hit2, CongaSlap1, CongaSlap2, Rap Conga, Rap Rim, Co wbell, RapCowbell, Cuica, Djembe Hi, Djembe Low, Drumstix, FingerSnap, GuiroLong1, GuiroLong2, GuiroShort, Maracas, SmbaWhstl1, SmbaWhstl2, ShortWhstl[...]

Editing Programs 7 39 In the QS8.2, selecting MAIN routes the Sound to the main outputs; OFF shuts of f the path. A setting o f AUX will also shut of f the path. (This is pr ovided for backward compatibility with older QS8 models). Setting the FX Send Level Button: [EDIT] [50 LEVEL] Page: 4 Parameter: FX Level (00 to 99) This determines how much th[...]

7 Editing Programs 40 With EQU selected, the absolute amount o f detuning remains the same over the entire keyboard, so any detuning seems less pronounced as you play higher up on the keyboard. Setting the Pitch Wheel Bend Amount Button: [EDIT] [60 PITCH] Page: 4 Parameter: PWHL>PITCH (0 to 12 semitones) This sets the amount o f pitch bend when [...]

Editing Programs 7 41 Setting the Portamento Mode Button: [EDIT] [60 PITCH] Page: 8 Parameter: Prtamento (EXPON, LNEAR, 1 - SPD) Po rtamento provides a glide in pitch from one note to the next. An example o f this is a steel guitar, where a note sli des from one pitch to another. This parameter determines the sweep ’ s cu rve. With EXPON selected[...]

7 Editing Programs 42 p ositive modulation won’t have any affect, since the filter is already “maxed - out”. Turning On Filter Keyboard Tracking Button: [EDIT] [70 FILTER] Page: 2 Parameter: Kbd Track (ON or OFF) This sets how the filter frequency tracks across the keyboard. When OFF , the filter frequency remains constant across the keyboard[...]

Editing Programs 7 43 Setting the Filter Envelope Amount Button: [EDIT] [70 FILTER] Page: 7 Parameter: F - ENV>FILT ( - 99 to +99) This sets how much the Filter Envelope affects the filter frequenc y . Higher values increase the effect o f the Filter Envelope. Negative values turn the envelope upside - down. The Amp/Range Function [80 AMP/RANGE][...]

7 Editing Programs 44 Setting the Amplitude LFO Amount Button: [ED IT] [80 AMP/RANGE] Page: 3 Parameter: A - LFO>AMP ( - 99 to +99) This sets how much the Amplitude LFO affects the level. Higher values increase the amount o f amplitude LFO modulation. Negative values flip the LFO phase. Setting the Lower Keyboard Limit Button: [EDIT] [80 AMP/RAN[...]

Editing Programs 7 45 The Amplitude Envelope Function [ 110 AMP ENVELOPE] The Amplitude Envelo pe (button [110]) determines the volume o f the note over time. For example, it determines whether the note fades in slowly or starts abruptl y . Unlike the Pitch and Filter Envelopes, the Amp Envelope is always fully active. See below for the envelope pa[...]

7 Editing Programs 46 This sets the amount o f time the envelope will take to get from its current level t o zero after the note is released. The higher the value, the longer it will take. When set to HOLD , the Pitch Envelope will remain where it is after the note is released. Setting the Envelope Delay Time Buttons: [EDIT] [90] - [110] Page: 5 Pa[...]

Editing Programs 7 47 Activating Envelope Key Tracking Buttons: [EDIT] [90] - [110] Page: 8 Parameter: Time T rack (ON or OFF) This determines whether keyboard position affects the speed o f the envelope. When ON , playing toward the higher e nd o f the keyboard will result in a faster envelope cycle. This only affects the deca y , sustain decay an[...]

7 Editing Programs 48 Copying Sound Layers [STORE] While editing a Program, it is helpful to be able to copy a Sound layer to another Sound in either the same Program or a differen t Program, especially i f you are building a split or layered Program. Here ’ s how: 1 ) From Program Edit mode, press [STORE]. 2 ) Press [ PA GE >] once to select [...]

8 Modulations 49 The Mod Routes As we mentioned in the previous chapter, modulation refers to modifying some aspect o f a sound. For example, sound volume is shaped (or modulated) by the Amplitude Envelope. A Mod Rout e refers to a modulation source and the destination that it is modulatin g. In the previous chapter, we’ve already covered some o [...]

8 Modulations 50 Editing the Mod Routes The Mod Routes are part o f each Program, just like any other p rogram parameter (like Filter Frequency for example). Hit [EDIT] from Program mode to begin editin g. Selecting a Mod Route [0 - 5 MOD] In Program Edit Mode, use the [0] - [5] buttons to select one o f the six mod routes to edit. All modulators w[...]

Modulations 8 51 • PEDAL 2: Although there is no Pedal 2 jack on the QS, it is available as a modulation source via MIDI co ntroller messages. The Pedal 2 modulation source defaults to MIDI Controller #4 (Standard Foot Controller). It is possible to assign it to a different controller number i f you wish on Global Mode, page 13. • PLFO/FLFO/ALF[...]

8 Modulations 52 Setting the Mod Level Buttons: [EDIT] [0 - 5 MOD] Page: 3 Parameter: Level ( - 99 to +99) This sets the modulation level. At zero, the modulation source has no effect on the d estination (it is disabled). Higher positive values increase the amount o f modulation in the positive direction. Negative values increase the amount o f mod[...]

Modulations 8 53 Selecting the LFO Waveform Buttons: [EDIT] [6 - 8] Page: 1 Parameter: Wave (8 choices) The waveform determines the shape o f the LF O . Note that the two Sawtooth waves, the Square and the Random+ waves are unipolar (positive - going only) and the rest are bipolar (positive and negative going): SINE TRIANGLE SQUARE UP SA W DOWN SA [...]

8 Modulations 54 MONO . All voices’ LFOs will be in sync with each other. POLY . Each voice ’ s LFO is independent. I f you hold a chord, some voices’ LFOs will be moving in one direction while others move in the other direction. I f the LFO Speed is being modulate d (by one o f the envelopes, for example), the LFOs o f each voice may be runn[...]

Modulations 8 55 It might be helpful to think o f the Tracking Generator as a fifth page available to the Mod function. When you choose it as your source on the first page o f a Mod (let's say button [0], or Mod 1), you then need to go select the TG's input on button [9], page 1. In effect, the T G's input is its "Mod source&quo[...]

8 Modulations 56 Selecting the Tracking Generator Input Button: [EDIT] [9 TRACK GEN] Page: 1 Parameter: Input (see below) Select the input o f the Tracking Generator from the following sources: • Note Number • Mod Wheel • Pedal 2 • Filter Envelope • Velocit y • Pitch Wheel • Pitch LFO • Amp Envelope • Release Velocity • MIDI Vol[...]

9 Editing Drum Kits 57 Drum Mode Drum Mode allows you to construct your own drum kits within a Program. Any one or all o f the four Sound layers in a Program can be put into Drum Mode. In Drum Mode, you can select 10 drum samples per Sound a nd individually control their pitch, level, panning, effects routings, and placement on the keyboard. You ca[...]

9 Editing Dr um Kits 58 Here is a chart listing the various drum samples in their respective groups. Group Voice Kick FloppyKik1, FloppyKik 2, FloppyKikV, MasterKik1, MasterKik2, MasterKikV, MetalKick1, MetalKick2, MetalKickV, GrooveKik1, GrooveKik2, GrooveKikV, Sharp Kick, Tek Kick 1, Tek Kick 2, Tek Kick V, AnalogKik1, AnalogKik2, AnalogKik3, Ana[...]

Editing Drum Kits 9 59 The Level Function [50 LEVEL] Each Sound layer lets you create 10 Drums in Dru m Mode. The Level function (button [50]) allows you to control the volume, pan position, output assignment and effects send level for each Drum. Setting the Drum Volume Button: [EDIT] [50 LEVEL] Page: 1 Parameter: Volume (00 to 99) This sets the vo[...]

9 Editing Dr um Kits 60 The Pitch Function [60 PITCH] The Pitch (button [60]) function lets you transpose the selected Drum up or down o ne octave, and lets you modulate the Drum ’ s pitch with velocit y . Tuning the Drum Sound Button: [EDIT] [60 PITCH] Page: 1 Parameter: Tune ( - 12.00 to +12.00 semitones) This sets the tuning o f the selected D[...]

Editing Drum Kits 9 61 Choosing the Base Note for the Drum Sound Button: [EDIT] [80 AMP/RANGE] Page: 2 Parameter: Note (C2 000 t o G8 127) This sets which note will trigger the Drum sound when played. You can also set the note assignment by holding [80] and tapping a key on the keyboard (while in this page). Setting the Note Range for the Drum Soun[...]

[...]

10 Editing Mixes 63 What is a Mix? Mix Mode allows you to play up to 16 different Programs at once from the keyboard or an external sequencer. With Mix Mode, you can do the following: • Layer different Programs so they can be played simultaneously from the keyboard. For example, you can stack a piano on top o f a string sound. • Split the keybo[...]

10 Editing Mixes 64 Once in Mix Edit Mode, use the [0] - [9] and [00] - [50] buttons to select a Mix channel to edit. Use the [60] – [120] buttons to select an Edit Function (Level, Pitch, Effect, etc.) The Mix Edit functions and channels are written in blue above or below each numbered button, on the line labeled [MIX]. I f a Function Group has [...]

Editing Mixes 10 65 Setting the Mix Channel Effects Send Level Button: [EDIT] [60 LEVEL] Page: 5 Parameter: FX Level (00 to 99, or PROG) This determines the amount o f signal from the selected channel that will be sent to the effects. When set to PROG , the effect level will defer to the Program ’ s Effect Level settings. Selecting the Mix Channe[...]

10 Editing Mixes 66 When set to ON , any Program Change message coming in over the MIDI channel selected for Effects will select a new Program and its associated Effect. Wh en set to OFF , Program Change messages will select new Programs but not change the current Effect settin g . This is the default settin g . Setting Which Program’s Effects Wi[...]

Editing Mixes 10 67 The Controller Function [100 CONTROLLERS] The Controller function (button [100]) lets you turn on and of f the various controllers that can affect the selected MIDI channel. Note that these are dependent on how each Channel has its KEYB OARD/MIDI parameters set (see t he previous section). Enabling MIDI for the Wheels Button: [E[...]

10 Editing Mixes 68 Setting the Lower Keyboard Limit (Split Point) Button: [EDIT] [110 RANGE] Page: 1 Parameter: LoLim (000 C2 to 127 G8) Sets the lowest note o f the Mix Channel ’ s keyboard range. Setting the Upper Keyboar d Limit (Split Point) Button: [EDIT] [110 RANGE] Page: 2 Parameter: HiLim (000 C2 to 127 G8) Sets the highest note o f the [...]

11 Editing Effects 69 QS Parallel Matrix Effects™ The QS synthesizer has a powerful built - in digital signal processor capable o f generating a variety o f effects, including rever b , dela y , chorus, flanging and overdrive. The effects processor has four paths call ed effect Sends. Each Send has its own group o f effects arranged in a particul[...]

11 Editing Effects 70 The display will look like this: What the Numbered Buttons Do The [00] – [30] buttons choose among the four Effect Sends, as indicated by the blue middle row o f labels above th em. You can change which Effect Send you are editing from any Effects Edit function. The [40] – [120] buttons select Effects Edit functions. I f y[...]

Editing Effects 11 71 Hearing the Effects Only Normall y , th e final output o f an Effect is mixed back in with the original Program or Mix, so that what you hear is a combination o f the tw o . In some cases, however, you may want to hear only the Effected sound. Here ’ s how to do that: 1) Go into Program Edit mode. 2) Assign the Output parame[...]

11 Editing Effects 72 Confi guration 1: 1 REVERB 1 REVERB is a general - purpose configuration with four Sends, each with a variety o f effects which all feed into a single Reverb. Sends 1 and 2 have a Pitch effect followed by a stereo Dela y . Send 3 ha s a mono Pitch effect followed by a mono Dela y . Send 4 has a mono Dela y. The output o f all [...]

Editing Effects 11 73 Configuration 2: 2 REVERBS This Configuration should be used when two different reverbs are needed. For example, you might need a gated reverb for drums and a regular reverb for everything else. Sen d 1 is routed through a mono Dela y , then a Chorus, then to the first Reverb. Send 2 is routed directly to the first Reverb. Sen[...]

11 Editing Effects 74 Configuration 3: LEZLIE+REVERB This Configuration is structurally similar to Configuration 1 (1 REVERB). The difference here is that the Pitch effect on Send 1 is a custom - designed ste reo “rotating speaker” effect, and it is followed by a mono Dela y . This is useful for organ sounds. LEZLIE FX SEND 1 FX SEND 2 MAIN LEF[...]

Editing Effects 11 75 Configuration 4: 1 REVERB+EQ This is another general - purpose Configuration with the bonus o f having a shelving EQ at the output. This Configuration is similar to Configuration 1 (1 REVERB), except that sends 3 and 4 have been removed, and there is a shelving EQ at the main outputs. This EQ affects all sounds coming out o f [...]

11 Editing Effects 76 Selecting a Send to Edit [00 - 30 SEND] After you choose a Configuration, the next step in editing is to pick one o f the four Sends to work on. The [00] - [30] buttons select which effects Send (1 - 4) you are editin g. You can change what Send you are editing any time from most o f the Effects Edit pages by pressing these bu[...]

Editing Effects 11 77 Setting the EQ High Shelf Boost Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [50 EQ] Page: 4 Parameter: Hi EQ Gn (0dB to +9dB) This determines how much boost will be applied to the high shelving EQ. The Mod Function [60 MOD] The Mod Function (button [60]) provides two modulation paths, allowing you to modulate two effects parameters at a time, eithe[...]

11 Editing Effects 78 Setting the Mod Level Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [60 MOD] Pages: 3, 6 Parameter: Mod1 Level, Mod2 Level ( - 99 to 99) This determines the degree to which the Mod Destination will be modulated by the Source. The Lezlie Function [70 LEZLIE] This “rotating speaker” simulation is available in Configurations 3 and 5 onl y . In Confi[...]

Editing Effects 11 79 Turning On the Lezlie Motor Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [70 LEZLIE] Page: 1 or 4 Parameter: Motor (ON or OFF) This determines whether the Lezlie is operating or not. When turned ON , the rotating speaker effect sta rts up slowl y , just like the real thin g . When turned OFF , the effect dies down slowly until it reaches a complete [...]

11 Editing Effects 80 The Chorus effect is achieved by mixing a signal with a slightly delayed and detuned version o f itself. This detuning is modulated by an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator). STEREO CHORUS . In a Stereo Chorus , the signal is split into three parts: a dry signal and separate left and right detunings. When the left channel is detune[...]

Editing Effects 11 81 Setting the Flanger Feedback Ty pe Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [80 PIT CH] Page: 2 (Flanger only) Parameter: FlngShp (NORMAL or INVERT) This determines the phase o f the Flanger feedback signal. A setting o f INVERT will result in a more dramatic effect. Setting the Chorus/Flanger LFO Speed Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [80 PI TCH] Page: 3 [...]

11 Editing Effects 82 Setting the Resonator Decay Time Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [80 PITCH] Page: 2, 3 or 5 (Resonator only) Parameter: Resntr Decy (00 to 99) This adjusts the Reson ator Decay time. 00 is a fast decay and 99 is a longer deca y. Selecting the Pitch Effect Input 2 Source in OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [80 PITCH] Page: 2 (Confi[...]

Editing Effects 11 83 Selecting the Delay Inpu t 2 Source in OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [90 DELAY] Page: 2 (Config 5 only) Parameter: In2 (SEND1 - SEND4, OVERDRI V , PITCH IN) This selects the second input to the Delay effect in Configuration 5, (OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE). Setting the Delay In put Balance Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [90 DELAY] Page: [...]

11 Editing Effects 84 Selecting the Reverb Input 1 Source Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [100 REVERB] Page: 1 Parameter: In1 (PITCHout or DELA Yout) This selects the first input o f the Rever b , the output from either the pitch or delay effect. This parameter is not available in Config 2 (2 REVERBS). Selecting the Reverb Input 2 Source Button: [EDIT] [EDIT[...]

Editing Effects 11 85 Setting the Send 4 Reverb Input Level (2 REVERBS Only) Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [100 REVERB] Page: 1 (Config 2, Send 4 only) Parameter: RvbIn Send4 (00 to 99) This sets the level o f the signal from Send 4 into the Reverb in Send 3. This s etting is only available in Configuration 2 (2 REVERBS). Setting the Pitch Effect Output in[...]

11 Editing Effects 86 “air” is being moved when the drum is hit. This effect works great for drums, percussion, and any transient source. REVERSE. The Reve rse Reverb type is an inverted reverb in which the signal begins softly and grows louder until it is cut off, rather than loud to soft as normal. Setting the Reverb Predelay Time Button: [ED[...]

Editing Effects 11 87 Setting the Reverb Hi/Low Decay Time Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [100 REVERB] Page: 10 or 13 (12 i f Gated or Reverse type) Parameter: Density (00 to 99) This controls how the reflections o f the reverb will sound. When set to 00 , the individual reflections will be very distinct. When set to 99 , the reflections will be “smeared?[...]

11 Editing Effects 88 Setting the Overdrive Brightness Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [110 OVERDRIVE] Page: 3 Parameter: Ovrd Bright (00 to 99) This parameter sets the tone o f the Overdrive effect. Higher numbers result in a brighter sounding overdrive. Setting the Overdrive Mix Button: [EDIT] [EDIT] [110 OVERDRIVE] Page: 4 Parameter: Mix (CLN<99 to 99&[...]

A Fre quently Asked Questions 89 How do I split the keyboard? 1. Press the [MIX] b utton to get into Mix Mode. 2. Select a Mix that has a split, for example, Preset 1 #022 “PercNPedl”. 3. Press [ PA GE >] to select the first Mix channel. 4. Select the Program for the lower hal f o f the split using the numbered buttons. 5. Press [ PA GE >[...]

A Frequently Asked Questions 90 the MIDI portion o f this manual and consult the Sound Bridge online manual on how to burn a sequence into your card. Once you do this, you can play sequences by pressing the [SEQ SELECT] button and selecting a sequence numbe r. How do I load samples into the QS? To load samples, you will need a Flash card plu gged i[...]

B Sound Bridge 91 Using Sound Bridge™ to Create Your Own Sound Cards The Alesis website (ww w .alesis.com) contains a free program called Sound Bridge™ for the Mac and PC. Sound Bridge allows you to download your own sequences, Program Banks, and samples into a Flash card plugged into the Q S. All you need is a Flash card and a computer with a [...]

[...]

C MIDI Supplement 93 Sending and Receiving Bank Select Messages The QS will send and respond to MIDI Bank Select messages in the form o f MIDI Controller 0. The value o f Controller 0 determines which bank is to be recalled (User, Preset 1 – 3, GenMIDI, Card). The way the QS handles Bank Select messages depends on the MIDI Program Select mode (se[...]

C MIDI Supplement 94 parameter. Selection o f another Mix in the same bank will send a Program change command which m atches the Mix number. In Mix Program Select Mode (where you choose the Programs within the Mix), changing the Bank o f any Program within the Mix will not send a Bank Select command. Selecting a new Program within the Mix will not [...]

MIDI Supplement C 95 MIDI Controller Numbers Each type o f controller has its own MIDI controller number. Not all controller numbers have been standardized for specific functions, but the following indicates the current list o f assigned controllers. Numbers in parentheses indicate the controller range. # Function 0 Bank Select (0 - 127) 1 Modulati[...]

C MIDI Supplement 96 MIDI Implementation Chart Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channe l Default Changed 1 — 16 1 — 16 each 1 — 16 1 — 16 each Memorized Mode Default Messages Altered Mode 3 X * * * * * * * * Mode 3 X Note Number True Voice 0 — 127 * * * * * * * * 0 — 127 0 — 127 Velocity Note On Note Off O O O O After Tou[...]

D Troubleshooting 97 I f you experience problems while operating your Q S, please use the following table to check for possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer se rvice for assistance. Symptoms Cause Solution The display does not light up when the ON/OFF switch is turned on. N o power. Check that the power cable is plugged in[...]

D Troubleshooting 98 Recovering from a C rash I f your QS behaves erratically or “freezes” on you, the first thing to try is to switch between Mix and Program modes once. I f that doesn’t do anything, turn it off, wait for a moment, and then turn it on again. Make sure you turn of f any amplification first! I f your instrument still isn’t w[...]

Specifications 99 Sound Generation Method: QS Composite Synthesis™ 16 Bit Linear 48kHz Sample ROM with lowpass filter Polyphonic Voices: 64, each with sweepable lowpass filter, 3 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, programmable effects send and QS Modulation Matrix, dynamic voice allocation; 16 - part multitimbral Audio Section: Alesis 24 - bit Stereo D[...]

[...]

Index 101 1 Pitch keyboard mode, 41 1 Reverb configuration, 72 2 Reverbs configuration, 73 aftertouch, 15 filter depth, 42 LFO depth, 54 pitch bend amount, 40 volume increase, 43 amp LFO function, 52 amp/env function, 61 amp/range function, 43 amplifier, 33 amplitude LFO amount, 44 velocity curve, drum, 60 amplitude envelope function, 45 auditionin[...]

Index 102 out port behavior, 32 pass - through, 26 sequencing, 26 slave, 26 storing via, 27, 28 volume and panning, 94 mix function, 88 Mixes, 14, 63 changing Programs in, 14, 63 controllers, 67 edit buffers, 68 edit m ode, 63 effects, 65 effects selection, 66 enabling a channel, 64 level, 64 naming, 68 playing, 18 setting channel volume, 64 split [...]

Warranty / Contact Alesis 103 Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail pu[...]