Alesis S4 manuel d'utilisation

A L ES I S QuadraSynth S4 QuadraSynth Reference M a nu a l[...]

QuadraSynth Reference Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis QuadraSynth 64 Voice / 76 Key Master Keyboard or S4 QuadraSynth 64 Voice Sound Module. To take full advantage of the QuadraSynthÕs functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this userÕs manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divide[...]

2 QuadraSynth Reference Manual[...]

Contents QuadraSynth Reference Manual 3 C ONTENTS 1: Setting Up ..................................................................................7 Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................................7 A C P o w e r ..........................................................................[...]

Contents 4 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Parameter Editing .......................................................................................3 1 Editing Program Parameters ........................................................................3 2 Edit 4 and Edit 1 Modes ..........................................................................[...]

Contents QuadraSynth Reference Manual 5 Filter LFO ...................................................................................................6 9 Amp LFO ...................................................................................................7 0 Pitch Envelope ......................................................................[...]

Contents 6 QuadraSynth Reference Manual APPENDIX A: Trouble-Shooting ..................................................11 5 Trouble-Shooting Index ........................................................................................... 1 1 5 Re-initializing .........................................................................................[...]

Setting Up QuadraSynth Reference Manual 7 C HAPTER 1 S ETTING U P Unpacking and Inspection Your QuadraSynth was packed carefully at the factory, and the shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the QuadraSynth for servicing. Upon receiving the[...]

Setting Up 8 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the QuadraSynth into an ungrounded outlet, or ÒliftingÓ the unit off ground with a three-to-two wire adapter, can create a hazardous condition. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the QuadraSynth or any associa[...]

Setting Up QuadraSynth Reference Manual 9 About Audio Cables The connections between the QuadraSynth and your studio are your musicÕs lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they do make [...]

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Your First Session with the QuadraSynth QuadraSynth Reference Manual 11 C HAPTER 2 Y OUR F IRST S ESSION W ITH T HE Q UADRA S YNTH Powering Up After making your connections, turn on the systemÕs power using this procedure: ➀ Before turning on the QuadraSynthÕs power , check the following items: ¥ Have all connections been made correctly? ¥ Ar[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 12 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Adjusting the Display Contrast Occasionally, the characters in the LCD display may be difficult to read, depending on the viewing angle and existing lighting conditions. In such a situation, adjust the contrast of the LCD display using the following procedure. ➀ Press [GLOBAL[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth QuadraSynth Reference Manual 13 Playing the QuadraSynth The QuadraSynth is shipped from the factory with a full bank of 128 Preset Programs (sounds) and 128 User Programs. Additionally, there are 100 Preset Mixes and 100 User Mixes, 128 Preset Effects Patches, and 128 User Effects Patches. Program Mode and Mi[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 14 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Auditioning Internal Programs ➀ Press the [PROGRAM] button. You can now play the QuadraSynth keyboard; the Program will be whatever was selected when last in Program mode (Program number 00 Ñ 127). ➁ Select a Program in any of three ways: ¥ Rotate Quad Knob [1] . ¥ Press[...]

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Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 16 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Selecting the MIDI Channel While in Program Mode, the QuadraSynth can transmit and receive information on any single MIDI channel of the 16 available channels. The currently selected channel appears at the top left of the display. MIDI CHAN PROG 1 EFFECT "QuadraTime" [...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth QuadraSynth Reference Manual 17 Auditioning Mix Mode Mix Mode a llo ws you to a ssi gn a Pro gra m t o e ach of the 16 MIDI channels. This makes it easy to create multitimbral setups for use with an external MIDI sequencer. Additionally, a MIX can be used to ÒlayerÓ sounds together, or ÒsplitÓ the keyboar[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 18 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Editing a Mix In this section, we will assign Programs to and set volume levels for the 16 MIDI channels in a Mix, for playing back tracks from a MIDI sequencer. However, there is much more about a Mix that may be edited. Refer to Chapter 5 for more about Mix editing. ➀ Press[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth QuadraSynth Reference Manual 19 Auditioning Effects Each Program and Mix uses one of the 256 Effects Patches to enhance the sound. You select which Effect you wish to use from Program Edit or Mix Edit mode. While the Program remembers which Effect Patch to use, and how much sound to send to it (and to which o[...]

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 20 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Setting the Effects Level Each Program can use up to four sounds, for either layering or splitting the keyboard. Each of these sounds has its own effects , as well as effects bus assignment. Many of the Programs in the QuadraSynth use only one or two sound layers, while others [...]

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Connections QuadraSynth Reference Manual 23 C HAPTER 3 C ONNECTIONS Basic MIDI Hookup MIDI i s a n internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. See the MIDI Supplement in Appendix B if you are not familiar with how MIDI works. The MIDI connections provide three different functions. To[...]

Connections 24 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Typical Application 1: MIDI Keyboard/Master Controller for Live Use Most live applications use the QuadraSynth to generate sounds, with (possibly) the MIDI output driving other MIDI devices, such as a QuadraSynth S4 rack unit, QuadraVerb Plus, and other keyboards and sound modules, etc. MIDI OUT MIDI IN M[...]

Connections QuadraSynth Reference Manual 25 If you have a master controller or QuadraSynth which can send on multiple MIDI channels, you may want to set ÒMix Group ChannelÓ to off. To create layers or stacks, your controller must send multiple MIDI messages to the S4 simultaneously. This offers you the added control of changing the sound from the[...]

Connections 26 QuadraSynth Reference Manual MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI IN COMPUTER MIDI INTERFACE If you are driving other MIDI gear (such as an expander module or MIDI-responsive signal processor), youÕll usually drive these from the sequencer if it has additional MIDI outputs. However, you can also use the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI THRU connector [...]

Connections QuadraSynth Reference Manual 27 ¥ Or, the keyboard only sends on one MIDI channel, but you change the channel on the QuadraSynth for each separate track on the sequencer (CH SOLO). In OUT 1 Ñ OUT 16 mode, you will not hear the QuadraSynth unless your sequencer echoes the MIDI data back to the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI IN. This is a way of v[...]

Connections 28 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Digital Audio/Optical Hookup The QuadraSynth can send digital audio directly into ADAT , which provides better fidelity than using the analog inputs and outputs. The digital I/O connector follows a proprietary Alesis format that carries all four audio outputs on a single fiber optic cable. Either pair of [...]

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Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 31 C HAPTER 4 O VERVIEW Basic Architecture The QuadraSynth contains digitized acoustic and electronic samples , organized into 16 banks of sound groups. The banks are: Piano Waves Woodwind Voice Or g an Bass Strin g Sound FX Ke y board Guitar Ensemble Drums S y nth Brass Ethnic Percussion Several functions (fil[...]

Overview 32 QuadraSynth Reference Manual and by comparison, many synths sound static. Being able to layer up to four sounds allows for creating large ensembles (e.g., brass section consisting of alto & tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone) or extremely realistic versions of single instruments. When creating layered Programs, keep polyphony in mind.[...]

Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 33 ¥ select which Effect Patch will be used by the Program, set the effect level for each sound layer, and set which of the four effect sends each layer will use for signal processing (such as reverb, delay, and chorusÑor any combination of these). Mix Edit Mode Mix Edit mode lets you change the parameters of[...]

Overview 34 QuadraSynth Reference Manual The User Interface: Display, Functions, Pages, and Parameters The key to the QuadraSynth user interface is the combination of the Display and four Quad Knobs/Buttons [1] Ñ [4] located toward the right of the front panel. The Display constantly informs you of the QuadraSynthÕs status. About the Display MIDI[...]

Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 35 ¥ Page number strip. Some functions have too many options to fit on a single screen. These functions use multiple screens, with each screen considered a page . This strip shows which page is selected by underlining the page number. The PAGE [ ¬ ] and [ ® ] buttons allow you to select a page. ¥ Name strip[...]

Overview 36 QuadraSynth Reference Manual [SELECT] button switches between three groups of functionsÑone for editing the MixÕs parameters (Mix Edit mode), one for editing the Programs in the Mix (Program Edit mode), and the last for editing the associated Effect (Effects Edit mode) . ➂ Use the FUNCTION [ ¬ ] and [ ® ] buttons to select a funct[...]

Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 37 ➁ Select a Program using either Quad Knob [1], the VALUE [ ¯ ] and [ - ] buttons, or the MIX/PROGRAM SELECT [1]Ñ[0] buttons. The currently selected Program will appear in the upper right of the display. ➂ Press the [SELECT ] button. Pressing this button toggles between Program Edit mode and Effects Edi[...]

Overview 38 QuadraSynth Reference Manual while above each bargraph are the words ÒSND1 SND2 SND3 SND4.Ó If a sound is disabled, the display will show the soundÕs name in lower case (Òsnd1Ó means that sound 1 is disabled). If a sound is in Drum mode, the soundÕs name will read ÒdrmX,Ó where X is the sound number (1Ñ4). Notice that the assig[...]

Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 39 Preset Memory and User Memory The QuadraSynth has two internal memory banks for Mixes, Programs and Effects Patches: and . The Preset bank is kept in ROM (Read Only Memory), and therefore cannot be altered. However, the User bank is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). Anytime you want to keep an edited ver[...]

Overview 40 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Store a Program ➀ While in either Program mode or Program Edit mode, after making your edits press the [STORE] button. ➁ Select the memory location to which you want to store the Program using Quad Knob [1] or the VALUE [ ¯ ] and [ - ] buttons. DonÕt use the MIX/PROGRAM SELECT [1]Ñ[0] buttons. Doing s[...]

Overview QuadraSynth Reference Manual 41 To Audition Programs Before Storing To look for an available memory location to permanently store your Program or Effects Patch data, you can always go from Program mode to Mix mode, or vice versa, without losing your changes. ThatÕs because Program mode has a Program edit buffer and an Effects edit buffer,[...]

Overview 42 QuadraSynth Reference Manual To audition Programs before overwriting them with STORE Éwhen editing a Program in Mix mode: ➀ While in Mix Program Edit mode, press [PROGRAM]. This selects Program mode, but retains your changes to the Program in Mix Edit. ➁ Turn Quad Knob [3] to the right so that ÒPROGRAM TYPE: USERÓ appears on the [...]

Mix Mode QuadraSynth Reference Manual 43 C HAPTER 5 M IX M ODE What Mix Mode Does Mix Mode i s one of the most powerful features of the QuadraSynth. While in Program Mode you can play only one Program at a time, in Mix Mode you can play up to 16 Programs at once, either from the keyboard (as layers or splits) or from an external sequencer (via 16 M[...]

Mix Mode 44 QuadraSynth Reference Manual use. Each channel may be enabled or disabled, without changing any of its parameter settings. When a channel is disabled, its number will not appear in the upper left display, except when it is selected for editing. You can set levels, effect levels and bus assignments, pitch transposition, keyboard ranges ([...]

Mix Mode QuadraSynth Reference Manual 45 Program Assign for each MIDI Channel The first function of Mix Edit is Program Assign. Program Number (000 to 127) This determines the Program Number (000Ñ127) for the selected MIDI channel. Program Type (Preset or User) This determines whether the selected Program is from the Preset bank or User bank. Enab[...]

Mix Mode 46 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Octave (-2 to +2 octaves) This sets the ProgramÕs pitch in (12 semitones) steps from -2 (transposed down 2 octaves) to +2 (transposed up two octaves). Semitone (-12 to +12 semitones) Sets the oscillator pitch in steps, from -12 (transposed down one octave) to +12 (transposed up one octave). Setting the Rang[...]

Mix Mode QuadraSynth Reference Manual 47 Range (Page 2) MIDI In (On or Off) This determines whether or not the selected channel will respond to incoming messages on the same channel. MIDI Out (On or Off) This determines whether or not the selected channel will transmit MIDI messages. This has no effect on the S4 module; it only applies to the Quadr[...]

Mix Mode 48 QuadraSynth Reference Manual (1, 2, 3, 4, or PROG) Quad Knob [2] determines which effect bus the selected channel will be routed to. When set to PROG, the effect bus assignment will be that stored by the channelÕs Program. 1, 2, 3 or 4 overrides the ProgramÕs bus assignment, sending all sound layers of the Program to the chosen bus. E[...]

Mix Mode QuadraSynth Reference Manual 49 Polyphony in Mix Mode The QuadraSynth has 64-note polyphony . In Mix Mode, if you have all 16 MIDI channels assigned to the same keyboard range, and each channel's Program has only one active Program Sound, youÕll have 4-note polyphony as you play the keyboard (but a really thick layer...). This is ext[...]

Mix Mode 50 QuadraSynth Reference Manual CH SOLO. In this mode, the only sounds coming from the QuadraSynth, and the only MIDI Out messages, will come from the layer or range of the underlined MIDI channel in the display. This allows you to isolate individual channels in a Mix. So, if you play in a range of the keyboard that is active on MIDI CH 1,[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 51 C HAPTER 6 E DITING P ROGRAMS Overview Synthesizer programming is the art and science of shaping sounds in a particular way by altering the parameters of various modules. Like music itself, learning synth programming is an ongoing process. Although this manual presents information about synthesizer p[...]

Editing Programs 52 QuadraSynth Reference Manual How the QuadraSynth Generates Sound The QuadraSynth uses custom integrated circuits, developed by the Alesis engineering team specifically for the QuadraSynth. These resemble the types of chips used in computers and other digital devices. In fact, you can think of the QuadraSynth as a special-purpose[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 53 ¥ When layers of a Program are designed to be used together, and the individual layers by themselves wouldn't be used alone (for example, the percussion layer of the organ sound). Use Mix Mode: ¥ When you want to layer more than four voices. In Mix Mode, it is possible (though not advisable) t[...]

Editing Programs 54 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Note that the waveforms in the QuadraSynth are different from those found in samplers or many sample-playback units. Because the QuadraSynth has its own filter module and amplitude module for each voice, the pure waveforms are relatively bright--as bright as the original instrument can be--and have a[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 55 About Modulation modifies some aspect of a sound over time. Since oscillators make static sounds (unlike acoustic instruments, whose timbre and dynamics changeÑoften radicallyÑ over the duration of a note), modulation is the key to making rich and expressive sounds. The vibrato of a flute, the expr[...]

Editing Programs 56 QuadraSynth Reference Manual (for pitch, filter, and amp) in each Program Sound. An envelope generator has different effects on different modules. Example: The Amp Envelope creates level changes. Amplitude that decays over time creates percussive effects (plucked strings, drums, etc.). Amplitude that increases over time gives th[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 57 Any one or all of the four sounds in a Program can be put in . The Drum Mode parameter is found in the Misc. Function (see last section of this chapter). Note that Drum Mode isnÕt the only way to hear drums or percussion from a Program. In Standard mode, if you select a kit (such as ÒRock Kit 1Ó) [...]

Editing Programs 58 QuadraSynth Reference Manual If you enable Drum Mode for a sound while in Edit 4 mode, the QuadraSynth will automatically switch to Edit 1 mode for that layer. Program Edit Functions Assign Voice To edit a Program you must select Program Edit mode, Press [SELECT] from Program Mode. "Editing: Program " will appear in th[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 59 Wave Pure Sine, 10% Pulse, 15% Pulse, 20% Pulse, 25% Pulse, 33% Pulse, 50% Pulse, Velo Pulse, Mini Saw, Saw Fltr 1, Saw Fltr 2, Saw Fltr 3, Saw Fltr 4, Saw Fltr 5, Saw Fltr 6, Saw Fltr 7, Velo Saw, MiniS q uare, S q r Fltr 1, S q r Fltr 2, S q r Fltr 3, S q r Fltr 4, S q r Fltr 5, S q r Fltr 6, Velo [...]

Editing Programs 60 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Effect Level The QuadraSynth isnÕt just a synthesizer; it also has a built-in effects system and mixer, with four effect buses and sends. This section lets you feed the sound to one of the effect buses for processing. For more on effect buses, see Chapter 6. (00 to 99) Determines how much of the sou[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 61 Sets the oscillator pitch in cents, from -99 (transposed down 99/100 of a semitone) to +99 (transposed up 99/100 of a semitone). Detune Type (Normal or Equal) With Normal selected, the percentage of detuning remains the same over the entire range of the keyboard, so the effects of detuning sound the [...]

Editing Programs 62 QuadraSynth Reference Manual TIME 0 +99 -99 TIME 0 +99 -99 Positive Envelope Negative Envelope Pitch (Page 3) About portamento: When you play a key and then a second key, normally the sound jumps instantly from one pitch to another. Portamento provides a sweeping glide from one note to another over a variable amount of time. A g[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 63 Filter (Page 1) Frequency (00 to 99) This sets the filter's initial cutoff frequency. Lower values give a duller sound since this removes more harmonics; higher values let through more harmonics, which gives a brighter sound. Tip: Signals with complex harmonic structures are most affected by the[...]

Editing Programs 64 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Determines how moving the pitch bend wheel affects the filter cutoff frequency. Example: With positive settings, bending pitch up raises the filter cutoff frequency and bending pitch down lowers the filter cutoff frequency. With negative settings, bending pitch up lowers the filter cutoff frequency a[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 65 (13 choices) This selects how the sound will respond to the dynamics of your playing the keyboard. A LINEAR curve is the norm, whereby the increase in level is equal to the increase in velocity; the velocity values increase as you play harder. Many of the Velocity Curves make up sets to be used by 2,[...]

Editing Programs 66 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Amplitude LFO Depth (-99 to +99) At +00, the has no effect. Higher positive values increase the amount of LFO modulation. Negative values give the same apparent effect, but with reversed LFO phase (i.e., if the amplitude would normally be increasing with depth set to a positive number, the amplitude [...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 67 (00 to 99) This determines how many voices can overlap on the same pitch. Example: If you hold the sustain pedal down and play the same note over and over, Sound Overlap determines how many voices are available for that note, and thus how many voices will overlap (play simultaneously). In the old day[...]

Editing Programs 68 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Mod About General Purpose Although there are several dedicated modulators in the QuadraSynth (e.g., the pitch can always be modulated by the pitch LFO and pitch envelope), sophisticated synthesizer programming demands the ability to use as many modulation sources as possible to modulate as many modul[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 69 ¥Ê Aftertouch Pressing on the keys after theyÕre down generates this control signal. Aftertouch is also called channel pressure, and represents an average of all keys being pressed. This affects any keys that are held down. The harder you press on the keys, the greater the degree of modulation. ¥[...]

Editing Programs 70 QuadraSynth Reference Manual ¥Ê MIDI continuous controllers (A, B, C, D) Four incoming MIDI controllers can be recognized by the QuadraSynth and used as modulation sources. These controllers are assigned as A, B, C and D within Global Mode (see Chapter 8). ¥Ê Tracking Generator This accepts the output of a signal processed b[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 71 Pitch LFO (Page 1) The Pitch LFO is most often used to apply vibrato to a sound. The following Pitch LFO variables will make a difference in the sound only if the PITCH LFO DEPTH (on Page 2 of the PITCH function) is set to a value other than 0, or, if the Pitch LFO is a source in the MOD function. Wa[...]

Editing Programs 72 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Mono . All voicesÕ LFOs are in sync with each other. If you hold a chord and then play new notes on top of the chord, all voicesÕ LFOs will be moving in the same direction and at the same speed. Because of this, modulating the LFO Speed using a voice-specific source (such as velocity or one of the [...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 73 Filter LFO (Page 1) The Filter LFO is most often used to apply tremolo-like or "wah-wah" effects to a sound. The following Filter LFO variables will affect the sound only if the FILTER LFO DEPTH (on Page 2 of the FILTER function) is set to a value other than 0 , or, if Filter LFO is a sourc[...]

Editing Programs 74 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Mod Wheel (-99 to 99) This parameter sets how much the Mod Wheel will increase or decrease the Filter LFOÕs Level. A positive value raises the level when the Mod Wheel is moved up, and lowers the level when moved down. Negative settings of this parameter will decrease the output level of the FLFO as[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 75 Amp LFO (Page 2) Level (00 to 99) This is the base output level of the Amp LFO. If you want to have a constant value of tremolo, even without using the Mod Wheel or Aftertouch, set LEVEL above 00. The Mod Wheel and Aftertouch will add or subtract from this base level. Example: If Level is set to 10 a[...]

Editing Programs 76 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Decay & Sustain (00 to 99) As soon as the attack portion of the envelope finishes (when the level reaches maximum), the envelope will decay (decrease in level). The level it reaches is set by the Sustain control; how long it takes to get there is set by the Decay control. In the special case wher[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 77 Pitch Envelope (Page 3) Time Tracking (On or Off) This determines whether or not keyboard position will affect the cycle speed of the envelope. When turned on, playing toward the higher end of the keyboard will result in a faster envelope cycle; playing toward the lower end of the keyboard will resul[...]

Editing Programs 78 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Attack (00 to 99) This is the amount of time the envelope will take until it reaches its maximum output level. Setting the Attack to 0 will give a sharp edge to the sound (if the Delay is also set to 0 in FENV Page 2--see below); a setting of 99 will result in a much slower attack, taking many second[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 79 Trigger (Normal, Freerun, Reset, Reset-Freerun) The Trigger mode determines how the envelope will function. You may select either Freerun or Reset, or both (Reset-Freerun) or neither (Normal). When set to Normal, the envelope will always start at its current level (i.e., if another note had been play[...]

Editing Programs 80 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Amp Envelope (Page 1) The Amp Envelope is crucial for all sounds because it sets the basic characteristics of the note--whether it attacks quickly or slowly, sustains or decays. Some Programs may leave the Amp Envelope in a sustaining mode, and provide attack and decay using the Filter Envelope; the [...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 81 Sustain Decay (00 to 99) This is the amount of time that the envelope will take during the sustain stage to bring the level down to 0. If this is set to 99, the envelope will remain at the Sustain level until the note is released. When set to 0, the envelopeÕs level will immediately jump down to 0 u[...]

Editing Programs 82 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Tracking Generator The Tracking Generator is used to scale a modulation source. For example, normally you could modulate the Amp (volume) of a sound using velocity; the harder you play, the louder the sound gets. The amount of change in volume is equal to the change in velocity; this is called linear[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 83 Input In Page 1 of the TRACK function, Quad Knob [1] selects the input of the Tracking Generator: ¥ Note Number ¥ Velocity ¥ Release Velocity ¥ Aftertouch ¥ Poly Pressure ¥ Mod Wheel ¥ Pitch Wheel ¥ MIDI Volume ¥ Sustain Pedal ¥ Pedal 1 ¥ Pedal 2 ¥ PLFO ¥ FLFO ¥ ALFO ¥ PENV ¥ FENV ¥ [...]

Editing Programs 84 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Programming Drum Sounds To program a sound in Drum Mode, you must first enable Drum Mode for that particular sound in the Misc. Function (see previous section). Quad Knob [4] is always used to select a Drum (1Ñ10), regardless of which Function or Page is selected (except Effect, Name and Misc.). For[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 85 Effects Level The function determines how much of the selected drum is being routed to the effects processor, and on which bus. Quad Knob [1] adjusts the Effect Send level (00 to 99), and Quad Knob [2] selects the Effects Bus (1, 2, 3 or 4). Use Quad Knob [4] to select the drum (1Ñ10) you wish to ed[...]

Editing Programs 86 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Note (000 to 127/C-2 to G8) Each drum can be assigned to a single note which will trigger the drum sound when played. Quad Knob [1] specifies the note assignment of the selected drum (000 to 127/C-2 to G8). You can also set the note assignment by holding Quad Switch [1] and tapping the key on the key[...]

Editing Programs QuadraSynth Reference Manual 87 Copying Sounds While editing a Program, it is helpful to be able to copy a sound to another sound in either the same Program or a different Program, especially if you are building a split or layered Program. This can be done very easily from within the Store function. To copy a sound to another sound[...]

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Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 89 C HAPTER 7 E DITING E FFECTS About Signal Processing The built-in effects processor of the QuadraSynth is similar to that of the Alesis QuadraVerb, capable of generating multiple, fully digital effects simultaneously. The QuadraSynth effects processor has four inputs, or effect sends. You might think [...]

Editing Effects 90 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Selecting an Effects Patch To select an Effects Patch from either the User bank or the Preset bank, you must be in either Program Edit mode (if currently using Program mode) or Mix Edit mode (if using Mix mode), by pressing the [SELECT] button until the correct display appears. Use the FUNCTION [ ¬ ][...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 91 While routing sounds into the effects processor, the word ÒCLIPÓ will temporarily appear in the display if the input to the effects is being overloaded. If this should occur, try reducing the Input Levels for each of the effects devices in the current configuration, and (if necessary) reduce the Eff[...]

Editing Effects 92 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Once an Effects Patch has been altered, the display will show the word ÒEDITEDÓ next to the Effects Patch number. This indicates that the current Effects Patch in the edit buffer is different from what is stored in memory. While in Effects Edit mode, press [STORE] at any time to go to Store mode. St[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 93 Here is a run-down of the various Configurations: Configuration #1: 4-Sends, 1 Reverb PITCH 1 FX SEND 1 FX SEND 2 AUX LEFT AUX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT AUX LEFT AUX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT DELAY 1 1 REVERB FX SEND 3 FX SEND 4 PITCH 2 DELAY 2 AMP AMP PITCH 3 DELAY 3 AMP DELAY 4 AMP 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2[...]

Editing Effects 94 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Think of the diagram as a "road map" showing all possible paths from the starting points (FX SEND 1 through 4) to the ultimate destinations (MAIN LEFT and MAIN RIGHT at the top of the page). The dotted lines indicate the divisions between different functional blocks, and the solid lines indi[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 95 Configuration #2: 4-Sends, 2 Reverb FX SEND 1 FX SEND 2 AUX LEFT AUX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT AUX LEFT AUX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT DELAY REVERB FX SEND 3 AMP MIX 1 REVERB 1 REVERB 2 DELAY 1 PITCH 1 AMP PITCH AMP PITCH 3 PITCH REVERB AMP REVERB 3 FX SEND 4 REVERB 4 AMP MIX 3 Delay 1 Pitch 1 Reverb[...]

Editing Effects 96 QuadraSynth Reference Manual This differs from Configuration #1 in many ways. In this Configuration, there is only one Delay effect, two Pitch effects and two Reverb effects. Effect send 1 is routed through the mono Delay, then a stereo Pitch effect, and finally a stereo Reverb effect. Send 2 has no effects of its own, but can be[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 97 Configuration #3: 4-Sends, 1 Lezlie LEZLIE FX SEND 1 FX SEND 2 A UX LEFT A UX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT A UX LEFT A UX RIGHT MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT DELA Y 1 1 REVERB FX SEND 3 FX SEND 4 PITCH 2 DELA Y 2 AMP AMP PITCH 3 DELA Y 3 AMP DELA Y 4 AMP 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. BAL. 2 3 1 2 3 1 [...]

Editing Effects 98 QuadraSynth Reference Manual This is similar to Configuration 1, except it provides a ÒLezlieÓ effect on send 1, which emulates a rotating speaker effect commonly heard with organ sounds. This is followed by a Delay effect before going to the single stereo Reverb effect. Sends 2 and 3 have Pitch modules preceding Delay modules,[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 99 Reverb can be thought of as a great number of distinct echoes, called reflections, that occur so fast that our ear hears them blurred together as one. In nature, different sized spaces give distinctly different sounding reverbs, depending on the size and shape of the space, and the texture of surfaces[...]

Editing Effects 100 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Input level Quad Knob [4] controls the overall Input Level going into the Reverb. Chorus Input Level If Configuration #2 is selected (refer to block diagram of Configuration #2, earlier in this chapter), the first page of the Reverb function will look like this: PROG EFFECT PRESET EDITING: EFFECT PIT[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 101 If Configuration #2 is selected and you press [EDIT 1] to advance to effect send 2 while the Reverb function is selected, the display will look like this: PROG EFFECT PRESET EDITING: EFFECT PITCH MOD NAME CONFIG REVERB DELAY MIX PAGE: 1 SEND 2 INPUT: 00 SEND2-IN PRESET MIDI CHAN MIX PRESET 1234567891[...]

Editing Effects 102 QuadraSynth Reference Manual automatically decreases the volume once the signal falls below a certain level) across the output of the reverb thereby causing the initial attack of the reverb to sound very big, but the tail of the reverb to be cut off very quickly. Although this effect is not found in nature, it works great for mo[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 103 Reverb (Page 4) Diffusion Reverb can be thought of as a great number of distinct echoes, called reflections, that occur so fast that our ear hears them blurred together as one. Diffusion is the space between these echoes. On some Reverb programs, you may actually hear the multiple echoes repeating wh[...]

Editing Effects 104 QuadraSynth Reference Manual The Delay function is used to edit Delay parameters. Delay (Page 1) The QuadraSynthÕs effects processor has three different Delay types available. Note: Some delay modules only feature a mono Delay, and therefore the Delay Type parameter will be unavailable. Instead the parameters normally found on [...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 105 The Pitch function is used to edit Pitch parameters. Pitch (Page 1) The first page of the Pitch function will look different depending on the selected Configuration and which effect send you are editing. Normally, there will only be one parameter: Pitch Type. However, in the case of Configuration #2,[...]

Editing Effects 106 QuadraSynth Reference Manual LFO DETUNE DELAY DRY SIGNAL RIGHT CHORUSED OUTPUT FEEDBACK DETUNE FEEDBACK DRY SIGNAL DRY SIGNAL LEFT CHORUSED OUTPUT Mono Flange. First used in the 1960s, ÒFlangingÓ was achieved by the use of two tape recorders that would record and play back the same program in synchronization. By alternately sl[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 107 LFO DELAY DRY SIGNAL RIGHT FLANGED OUTPUT FEEDBACK DELAY FEEDBACK DRY SIGNAL DRY SIGNAL LEFT FLANGED OUTPUT Pitch Detune. As the name implies, Pitch Detune takes a part of the signal and detunes it either sharp or flat. When mixed back with the original dry signal, the popular Ò12 string guitarÓ ef[...]

Editing Effects 108 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Speed Quad Knob [2] is used to adjust the LFO Speed of all Pitch types, with the exception of Pitch Detune and Resonator. Depth Quad Knob [3] is used to adjust the LFO Depth of all Pitch types, with the exception of Pitch Detune and Resonator. The LFO Depth, which is the amount of pitch alteration, c[...]

Editing Effects QuadraSynth Reference Manual 109 Mod Source The Mod Source parameter selects the MIDI controller which will remotely cause a change (modulate) in one or two of the parameters in the effects processor. Nearly every MIDI controller can become a Mod Source (using controllers A-D, set in Global mode, page 3), with the most common contro[...]

Editing Effects 110 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Mix Not to be confused with an actual or Mix mode, the EffectÕs Mix function is where you can mix the various signal levels of all the effects to the Main Left and Right outputs of the QuadraSynth. Only effect modules that have access to the Main outputs will appear on the Mix page. There is a separ[...]

Global Settings QuadraSynth Reference Manual 111 C HAPTER 8 G LOBAL S ETTINGS Global Edit mode is where you will find several parameters which affect the entire instrument, such as overall master tuning, display contrast, controller settings, keyboard mode, edit mode and the 48 kHz input. Editing Global Parameters ➀ Press the [GLOBAL ] button. Th[...]

Global Settings 112 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Keyboard Sensitivity (QuadraSynth only) In Page 2 of Global Edit mode, Quad Knob [1] adjusts how sensitive the keyboardÕs velocity will be (00 to 99). When set to 0, the keyboard will not transmit any velocity, no matter how hard or soft the keys are played; all notes will be treated as having a vel[...]

Global Settings QuadraSynth Reference Manual 113 CH SOLO. In this mode, the only sounds coming from the QuadraSynth, and the only MIDI messages, will come from the layer or range of the underlined MIDI channel in the display. This allows you to isolate individual channels in a Mix. So, if you play in a range of the keyboard that is active on MIDI C[...]

Global Settings 114 QuadraSynth Reference Manual MIDI In Page 5 of Global Edit mode, Quad Knob [1] determines the MIDI Program Select mode (Off, On, Mix Select Channel 1Ñ16). When set to Off, the QuadraSynth will not respond to incoming MIDI program change messages, nor will it transmit program changes. When turned On, the QuadraSynth will respond[...]

Global Settings QuadraSynth Reference Manual 115 to record onto ADAT from the QuadraSynth, be sure to turn on the 48 kHz Clock Input function. For more on connecting the BNC-to-BNC cable, see page 25.[...]

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MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations QuadraSynth Reference Manual 117 C HAPTER 9 MIDI T RANSFER A ND S TORAGE O PERATIONS Saving to External Card The entire contents of the QuadraSynthÕs User memory (100 Mixes, 128 Programs, 128 Effects Patches) can be stored to an Alesis QuadraCard RAM card inserted into the Sound Card slot on the QuadraSynth. De[...]

MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations 118 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex As an alternative to storing data to a card, the QuadraSynth lets you transmit internal data via MIDI messages. This data can be sent to a storage device, such as the Alesis DataDisk, or recorded into a MIDI sequencer, or sent to another QuadraSynt[...]

MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations QuadraSynth Reference Manual 119 ➃ Press [STORE] to transmit the data out the MIDI Out connector. The procedure is similar for sending Mixes and Effects. Page 4 of the Store function allows you to send any one of the Mixes, and Effects are sent via Page 5. To be able to exactly duplicate a Program in the futur[...]

MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations 120 QuadraSynth Reference Manual[...]

APPENDIX A: Troubleshooting QuadraSynth Reference Manual 121 A PPENDIX A T ROUBLE -S HOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the QuadraSynth, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The display does n[...]

APPENDIX A: Troubleshooting 122 QuadraSynth Reference Manual Checking Software Version The current software version may be determined by holding [GLOBAL] and pressing [PROGRAM]. The QuadraSynth will indicate the current software version installed in the upper right display. Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth [...]

APPENDIX A: Troubleshooting QuadraSynth Reference Manual 123 return the unit. All units must be shipped prepaid and COD shipments will not be accepted. For prompt service, indicate the RA number on the shipping label. If you do not have the original packing, ship the QuadraSynth in a sturdy carton, with shock-absorbing materials such as styrofoam p[...]

APPENDIX A: Troubleshooting 124 QuadraSynth Reference Manual[...]

APPENDIX B: MIDI Supplement QuadraSynth Reference Manual 125 A PPENDIX B MIDI S UPPLEMENT MIDI Basics Most current electronic instruments and signal processors, including the QuadraSynth, contain an internal computer. Computers and music have been working together for decades, which is not surprising considering musicÕs mathematical basis (conside[...]

APPENDIX B: MIDI Supplement 126 QuadraSynth Reference Manual MIDI Message Basics The are two main types of MIDI messages. Channel messages, which are channel- specific, consist of Voice and Mode messages. System messages, which do not have a channel number and are received by all units in a system, include Common, Real Time, and Exclusive messages.[...]

APPENDIX B: MIDI Supplement QuadraSynth Reference Manual 127 Each type of controller is stamped with its own controller identification number. Not all controller numbers have been standardized for specific functions, but the following indicates the current list of assigned controllers. Numbers in parenthesis indicate the controller range. # Functio[...]

APPENDIX B: MIDI Supplement 128 QuadraSynth Reference Manual System Common Messages Intended for all units in a system, some of these MIDI messages are: Song Position Pointer. This indicates how many ÒMIDI beatsÓ (normally a 16th note) have elapsed since a piece started (up to 16,384 total beats). It is primarily used to allow different sequencer[...]

Index QuadraSynth UserÕs Manual 129 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1 Ñ 16 1 Ñ 16 each 1 Ñ 16 1 Ñ 16 each Memorized Mode Default Messages Altered Mode 3 X * * * * * * * * Mode 3 X Note Number True Voice 0 Ñ 127 * * * * * * * * 0 Ñ 127 0 Ñ 127 Velocity Note On Note Off O O O O A[...]

Index 130 QuadraSynth UserÕs Manual APPENDIX C: P ARAMETERS I NDEX Program Parameters Parameter Function Page Quad Knob Page in Manual Aftertouch Depth: Amp Am p 1 2 61 Aftertouch Depth: ALFO ALFO 2 3 71 Aftertouch Depth: Filter Filter 2 2 60 Aftertouch Depth: FLFO FLFO 2 3 70 Aftertouch Depth: Pitch Pitch 2 2 57 Aftertouch Depth: PLFO PLFO 2 3 68[...]

Index QuadraSynth UserÕs Manual 131 Parameter Function Page Quad Knob Page in Manual Mod. Wheel Level: ALFO ALFO 2 2 7 1 Mod. Wheel Level: FLFO FLFO 2 2 70 Modulation Destination Mod 1 2 66 Modulation: Gate Mode Mod 1 4 66 Modulation Level Mod 1 3 66 Modulation Source Mod 1 1 64 Name (Program) Name 1Ñ10 1 79 Output Level 1 3 56 P a n Level 1 2 5 [...]

Index 132 QuadraSynth UserÕs Manual Parameter Function Page Quad Knob Page in Manual Tuning: Type Pitch 1 4 57 Velocity Filter 1 4 59 Velocity Curve/Crossfade Am p 1 1 61 Voice Select: Group Assign Voice 1 1 54 Voice Select: Sound Name Assign Voice 1 3 54 Volume Level 1 1 55 Mix Parameters Parameter Function Page Quad Knob Page in Manual Effect (M[...]

Index QuadraSynth UserÕs Manual 133 INDEX 48 kHz CLOCK IN 25, 110 ADAT 25 Aftertouch 15 amp 61 filter 60 pitch 57 AI-1 25 COMPARE 29, 34 contrast 12, 107 copy a sound 83 demo 12 digital I/O 25 Drum Mode 53, 79 EDIT 4 30 edit buffer 34, 40 Effect Clip 87 Configuration 88, 92, 94 Delay 100 Mix 106 Modulation 104 Name 105 Patch 18 Pitch 101 Reverb 95[...]