Alesis Q20 manuale d’uso

A L ES I S Q 20 U s e r M anua l[...]

Q20 Reference Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis Q20 Professional 20-Bit Master Effects Processor. To take full advantage of of the Q20Õs fuctions, and to enjoy long and trouble free use, please read this userÕs manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the variou[...]

2 Q20 Reference Manual[...]

Contents Q20 Reference Manual 3 C ONTENTS 1: Setting Up ................................................................................ 7 Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................................7 AC Power Hookup .................................................................................[...]

Contents 4 Q20 Reference Manual Multiband EQs ...........................................................................................3 4 5 Band Graphic EQ .....................................................................................3 4 Resonator ............................................................................................[...]

Contents Q20 Reference Manual 5 4: Making Your Own Programs ................................................ 5 5 Getting Started ......................................................................................................5 5 Programming A Single Block ...................................................................................5 6 T[...]

Contents 6 Q20 Reference Manual Effect Parameters ...................................................................................................8 1 Equalization ..............................................................................................8 1 Pitch ................................................................................[...]

Contents Q20 Reference Manual 7[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 7 C HAPTER 1 S ETTING U P Unpacking and Inspection Your Q20 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 Q20 for servicing. The shipping carton should con[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 8 Q20 Reference Manual Audio Connections The connections between the Q20 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 a dif[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 9 Interfacing Directly with Instruments When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. The Q20 has two balanced inputs and two balanced outputs. These provide three different (analog) audio hoo[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 10 Q20 Reference Manual Interfacing to a Mixing Console The Q20 handles mono or stereo sends at all system levels. The input circuitry of the Q20 can easily handle +4 dBu levels (+17.5 dBu peaks), while having enough input and output gain to interface with the lower -10 dBV signal levels of many recording systems. The Q20 may[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 11 Setting the Effect/Dry Balance No matter where you connect the output of the Q20 into the mixer, you are in control of the balance between the mixerÕs channel inputs (the uneffected signal being routed to the aux sends and the Mix) and the effect returns coming from the Q20. The effect returns general[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 12 Q20 Reference Manual Mono In - Stereo Out. If you only want to feed the Q20 a mono input, but wish to connect both of its outputs back to the mixer, you will need three audio cables. Connect a cable from an effect send to the [L] INPUT of the Q20, another cable from the [L] OUTPUT of the Q20 to an effect return or other mi[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 13 Using Inserts By using individual channel inserts, you can dedicate the Q20 to a specific channel (or pair of channels) on the mixer. The Insert connections on the back of the mixer provide a way of ÒinsertingÓ external processing equipment into the signal path. The insert occurs after the input ampl[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 14 Q20 Reference Manual Stereo. In the case where a stereo instrument, such as a keyboard or sampler, is connected to two separate channels of a mixing console, you will need two 1/4" TRS cables, one for each channel. The connection is made in a similar fashion as described above. Left Input Left Output Left Insert Right[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 15 When to use Balanced Connectors There are three options for connecting analog audio to the Q20: 1/4Ó unbalanced, 1/4Ó balanced (TRS) and XLR balanced. If your source and destination use balanced connectors, you should try to stay balanced throughout the chain. Balanced cables have a higher signal lev[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 16 Q20 Reference Manual MIDI MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows music-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. The MIDI connections on the Q20 provide five different functions: ¥ To recall programs using MIDI program change messages ¥ To control various parameters inside the Q20 in realt[...]

Setting Up - Chapter 1 Q20 Reference Manual 17 Footswitches On the rear panel you will find two footswitch jacks labeled [ADVANCE] and [BYPASS]. Any momentary single-pole/single-throw footswitch, normally open or normally closed, will work for the two footswitch functions. These should be plugged in prior to power-up so that the Q20 can configure i[...]

Chapter 1 - Setting Up 18 Q20 Reference Manual Tap Tempo Either footswitch jack can be used to provide a tap tempo source for setting delay time, provided the selected Program uses one of the two available tap tempo delay types. This requires that you have defined an Effect Block as one of the two Tap Tempo delay types, and that the desired footswi[...]

Your First Session with the Q20 - Chapter 2 Q20 Reference Manual 19 C HAPTER 2 Y OUR F IRST S ESSION W ITH T HE Q20 Powering Up After making your connections, turn on the systemÕs power using this procedure: ➀ Before turning on the Q20Õs power, check the following items: ¥ Have all connections been made correctly? ¥ Are the volume controls of[...]

Chapter 2 - Your First Session with the Q20 20 Q20 Reference Manual The Value/Enter Knob Located just to the right of the custom LCD display, the [VALUE/ENTER] knob is used to select Programs and adjust parameter values that appear in the display. However, it is not just a knob, it is also a button. Depending on what parameter you are editing, the [...]

Your First Session with the Q20 - Chapter 2 Q20 Reference Manual 21 Auditioning Internal Programs You can audition the Programs in the Q20 by using the [VALUE/ENTER] knob or the front panel buttons, whenever the Q20 is in Program mode (the [PROGRAM] buttonÕs LED will be lit). To select a Program using the [VALUE/ENTER] knob: ➀ Press [PROGRAM]. T[...]

Chapter 2 - Your First Session with the Q20 22 Q20 Reference Manual Example Programs The following are descriptions of the three example Programs in the Preset bank. 96: “VerbOfMyDreams” This Program is fairly simple in design, using only 3 Blocks to provide EQ, Delay and Reverb. It is designed for a mono audio source to be connected to the [R][...]

Your First Session with the Q20 - Chapter 2 Q20 Reference Manual 23 Adjusting Effects Levels Although we may not want to get started editing Programs just yet (thatÕs left for Chapter 4), it is usually necessary to have immediate control over the output levels of each Effect Block, as well as the amount of direct level going from the inputs to the[...]

Chapter 2 - Your First Session with the Q20 24 Q20 Reference Manual ➇ Use the [< BLOCK >] buttons to select other Blocks, and adjust their levels, as described above. Mix parameters affect the Program and are only temporary unless the Program is stored into memory before a another Program is recalled. See later in this Chapter for more abou[...]

Your First Session with the Q20 - Chapter 2 Q20 Reference Manual 25 Storing Edited Programs Once you are satisfied with the changes you have made to a Program, or are creating a new Program from scratch, you will need to store your edited Program back into memory. The Q20 will store the currently selected Program in memory (which is retained when t[...]

Chapter 2 - Your First Session with the Q20 26 Q20 Reference Manual Bypassing Effects At any time you can bypass all effects at once, thereby allowing the direct signal to pass through the Q20 unchanged. This can be done in two ways: ¥ by pressing the [BYPASS] button on the front panel; or, ¥ by connecting a footswitch to the [BYPASS] jack and pr[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 27 C HAPTER 3 O VERVIEW The Architecture of the Q20 The Q20 provides eight Effect Blocks per Program, each of which can serve as either EQ, Pitch, Delay or Reverb. The display shows these Blocks from first to last, between the L/R IN (left and right inputs) and the L/R OUT (outputs). The display also illust[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 28 Q20 Reference Manual ROUTING. Once a Block is defined, you must select its input source and route its outputs either to another BlockÕs input or to the L OUT or R OUT. This is done in Routing Page 1. Once an input source is selected, you can adjust its level feeding to the BlockÕs input using Routing Page 2. If you decide [...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 29 Quick Route A new feature has been added to greatly simplify the task of creating Programs, especially a 1-Block Program. When a new Effect Block is created (by changing its Block Function from OFF to either EQ, Pitch, Delay or Reverb, and pressing the [VALUE/ENTER] button), the display will read the fol[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 30 Q20 Reference Manual processing within the block itself (for example, a boost in EQ or feedback in a chorus or delay). Output clipping can be controlled using the Master Effects Level parameter in the [MIX] function. The OUTPUT LEVEL control is analog, and cannot lower the distortion caused when the output of multiple blocks[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 31 DSP. The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chip inside the Q20 is what processes all signals in the digital domain and creates all of the effects (sometimes with the assistance of the microprocessor). The DSP chip has a limit to how many instructions (per sample) it can handle. Some effects take up a large [...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 32 Q20 Reference Manual Equalization Equalization, or EQ, provides the ability to control the timbre, or coloration, of an audio signal by changing the frequency response of a Q20 audio path. Filters and EQ can be used to compensate for frequency deficiencies in microphones and other sound equipment. The EQ family of functions [...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 33 Shelving EQs Lowpass Shelf and Highpass Shelf A shelving EQ can boost or cut frequencies in its pass band, while allowing the frequencies outside its pass band to go through it. The shelving EQs of the Q20 provide gains from -14dB to +14dB in 0.1dB increments. Shelving filters are well suited for applica[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 34 Q20 Reference Manual Multiband EQs 2 Band Sweep Shelf EQ, 3 Band Parametric EQ, and 4 Band Parametric EQ Multiband EQs can be used to flexibly and accurately tailor the tonality of a signal. The 3 band and 4 band parametric EQs in the Q20 can be used to boost and cut multiple bands, with the added flexibility of controlling [...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 35 Resonator A resonator is a special filter whose response is so sharp that it actually imparts a pitch to any signal going through it. By tuning the resonator to your instrument and balancing their relative amplitudes you can accentuate different harmonics in a guitar tone, for instance. This can be very [...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 36 Q20 Reference Manual Overdrive Two new distortion effect types finish out the set of EQ effects: Soft Overdrive and Hard Overdrive. The Soft Overdrive has less gain and provides slightly less distortion than the Hard Overdrive. Also, there will still be a slight bit of distortion when using the Soft setting if the signal fee[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 37 Triggered Panning with Doppler This EQ Type creates the effect of audio moving back and forth between the left and right outputs. The ÒtriggeredÓ part means that the effect only occurs when triggered by one of a variety of sources, including: Audio (Left, Right or Both), Advance Footswitch or Bypass Fo[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 38 Q20 Reference Manual Trigger Source Trigger Source (Parameter mode, Page 4) determines what will trigger the Panning effect. This can be set to: Audio Left, Audio Right, Audio L & R, Advance Footswitch or Bypass Footswitch. ¥ When set to AUDIO LEFT, AUDIO RIGHT or AUDIO L & R, the Panning effect will be triggered wh[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 39 Pitch Effects The Pitch effects alter the pitch of a signal in various ways to produce ÒlayeredÓ timbres that are more complex than the original signal. Although some of these effects can sound similar to one another depending on the parameter settings, each is achieved differently and can be quite dra[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 40 Q20 Reference Manual Quad Chorus Quad Chorus modulates four delayed signals, each with its phase offset by 90 ° . Each of the four signals has a separate Predelay parameter, allowing you to change the ÒrhythmÓ of the phasing. Mono Flanging Flanging is similar to chorusing , but modulates the delayed signal over a much sho[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 41 Stereo Flanging In the case of the Stereo Flange, the signal is split into three parts with a dry signal and a separate Delay section for both left and right channels with one channel flanging up while the other channel flanges down. Once again, this causes the effect to become more pronounced and dramat[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 42 Q20 Reference Manual Pitch Shifter This effect type shifts the pitch of the input signal by a fixed amount. This creates a thickening effect similar to the difference between a 12-string and 6-string guitar. DETUNE DRY SIGNAL EFFECTED SIGNAL DRY SIGNAL Pitch Detune This effects detunes the pitch of the input signal by + or -[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 43 Sweeping Mode The Sweeping Mode parameter (Parameter mode, Page 3) determines whether the Flanger effect will occur only once, or continuously. ¥ When set to ONE CYCLE ONLY, the Flanger effect (when triggered) will cycle once, and then stop until it is triggered again. ¥ When set to CONTINUOUS, the Fla[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 44 Q20 Reference Manual Delay Delay provides a discrete repetition of a signal. By adding feedback within the effect, the delayed signal can repeat many times, with each successive decay softer than its predecessor. Each Delay type allows you to adjust delay time in milli- seconds, but also displays the equivalent tempo in BPM [...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 45 Sampling Once a Block is de-fined as a Delay function, you can select the Sampler effect type. The Sampler has one mono input and one mono output. Two Sampler Blocks can be used in a single Program to provide stereo sampling (one for the Left channel, the other for the Right). Note: In the case where a P[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 46 Q20 Reference Manual If you attempt to trigger sample playback when no audio has been sampled, the display will temporarily read: SAMPLE BUFFER IS EMPTY Rec The Rec parameter (also found on Page 1 of Parameter Mode), determines how recording of audio shall begin. This can be set to either 1 SHOT or GATED. No matter which of [...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 47 Start and End Pointers The Start and End parameters (Parameter Mode, Page 3) serve as ÒpointersÓ which determine the section of recorded audio the Sample Buffer will play back when triggered. If you have recorded audio with the Rec parameter set to 1 SHOT (see above), you may end up with some Òempty s[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 48 Q20 Reference Manual Rec Trigger The Rec Trigger parameter (Parameter Mode, Page 5) determines what will trigger the recording of audio into the Sample Buffer. ¥ When set to ENTER, recording will only be triggered by pressing the [VALUE/ENTER] button while the Rec parameter is selected. However, even when another trigger ty[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 49 Reverberation Reverb is made up of a large number of distinct echoes, called reflections. In a natural acoustic space, each reflectionÕs amplitude and brightness decays over time. This decaying action is influenced by the room size, the location of the sound source in the room, the hardness of the walls[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 50 Q20 Reference Manual Plate 2 A richer version of Plate 1 which uses more processing power for more density and a smoother decay. Chamber 2 This is similar to Chamber 1, but uses more DSP for a thicker sound. The high end in particular has a glassy decay which sounds excellent on synthesizers and pianos, but try it on vocals,[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 51 Reverb Parameters Most of the reverb effects in the Q20 operate under the same set of control parameters, which are listed and described in this section. However, reverbs which use more DSP provide parameters which take advantage of their extra processing power; parameters which are not found in the othe[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 52 Q20 Reference Manual Input High Frequency Roll Off This is a lowpass filter that can be set between 200Hz and 20kHz, and attenuates all frequencies above this value by 6dB per octave. Predelay All the reverb effects also have pre-delay parameters. Predelay slightly delays the reverb itself up to 250 ms, so that the dry signa[...]

Overview - Chapter 3 Q20 Reference Manual 53 Gating Of all the different reverb types, only two types do not provide gating parameters (ÒReverseÓ and ÒNonlinearÓ). Gating is the process which abruptly cuts off the reverbÕs decay for a more ÒchoppyÓ sound. This effect was very popular on drums in the 80s because it makes them sound HUGE. It i[...]

Chapter 3 - Overview 54 Q20 Reference Manual[...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 55 C HAPTER 4 M AKING Y OUR O WN P ROGRAMS Getting Started Because the Q20Õs custom LCD display clearly shows the audio routings between each of the 8 possible Effect Blocks, creating and modifying your own patches is extremely easy and flexible. There are 300 possible Program locations ava[...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 56 Q20 Reference Manual Programming A Single Block Type A Block can provide Equalization, Pitch, Delay, Reverberation or be turned OFF. A program can contain up to eight Blocks, which can be in almost any combination or order within the confines of available DSP memory. The BlockÕs Type determines not only what[...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 57 Routing Routing is the Function used to connect audio between the L/R IN and the Effect Blocks and the L/R OUT. We must route audio to both the inputs and outputs of our EQ Block in order to hear its effect. Routing is always done by selecting the destination (where you want the audio to [...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 58 Q20 Reference Manual You should set the level to accommodate the headroom the effect will need. For example, even if the front panel input levels are below clipping, if you boost an EQ band, it can distort the internal processor of the Q20. The -6.0 dB setting will accommodate most blocks, but if there is cli[...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 59 We have now connected the output of the EQ to our Right output. Having connected both an input and output to our EQ Block, we can now hear the effect and change the parameters. Parameter Now we will choose the desired parameters for our EQ. ➀ Press the [PARAMETER] button The [PARAMETER][...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 60 Q20 Reference Manual Set the Q to a small number to effect the specific frequency you selected, or to a larger number to affect a wider range of frequencies centered around the selected frequency. Continue editing the remaining EQ parameters in a similar manner. Mix Once we have setup our EQ Block the way we [...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 61 Programming Multiple Blocks When you start adding more Blocks, the same principles apply as described in the previous section. However, the routing options begin to increase, since, as you add more Blocks, the number of input sources increases. LetÕs take our simple 1 Block Program and a[...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 62 Q20 Reference Manual Deleting Unnecessary Routings Now that weÕve added our new Blocks, we want to reroute the signals so that the EQ output no longer directly feeds the L/R OUT, but instead goes into the Delay Block, and then into the Reverb Block. Then weÕll route the Reverb Block to the L/R OUT so we can[...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 63 ➆ Turn the [VALUE/ENTER] knob until the display looks like this: ADD ROUTE FROM: D LY 2 MIX ➇ Press [VALUE/ENTER] to select the route. The display will flash until the [VALUE/ENTER] button is pressed. At the same time, the Òpatch cordÓ connecting the Delay to the Reverb will appear.[...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 64 Q20 Reference Manual Moving, swapping and copying blocks Block Move A third page is included in Type mode which allows you to move a defined Block to another position. If you defined Block #1 as a Delay, and later decide to first have the input signal routed through an EQ, you can move the Delay Block to make[...]

Making Your Own Programs - Chapter 4 Q20 Reference Manual 65 Block Copy & Paste It is also possible to duplicate a single effect block, including all of its parameter settings, into any other User Program. This feature is called Block Copy & Paste, and it is found in Type mode, Page 4. The concept is simple: first you select a Block with th[...]

Chapter 4 - Making Your Own Programs 66 Q20 Reference Manual Changing Effect Types If you already have defined a Block and assigned its routings, you can still change its Function and Effect Type. Usually, this doesnÕt disturb anything else. However, if the Block was defined as a mono effect and you change it to a stereo effect, the Q20 will make [...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 67 C HAPTER 5 D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS Front Panel Input Level Left and Right : These concentric knobs (one within the other) control the incoming level of our analog signal, and the relative balance between the two input channels. This Ògain-stagingÓ allows us to maintain a superior signa[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 68 Q20 Reference Manual Note: This illustration shows all display flags and routes (Òpatch cordsÓ) turned on at once. Actual displays show only some of these at any time. DIG. IN. Illuminates if the INPUT AUDIO SOURCE is switched to OPTICAL DATA in the Global functions. MIDI. Illuminates if MIDI signals are pre[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 69 Deferred. The desired value is selected by turning the [VALUE/ENTER] knob, but the new value will only take effect after the [VALUE/ENTER] button has been pressed. The newly selected value will flash in the display until it is selected in this manner. If you change the parameter back to it[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 70 Q20 Reference Manual Store Once you have created a new Program you can press [STORE] to store it. The [STORE buttonÕs LED will light. You can now dial in a Program number from the User bank, using the [VALUE/ENTER] knob, that you want to store it into (you cannot store a Program into the Preset bank, since th[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 71 Bypass Each time the [BYPASS] button is pressed, Bypass mode is toggled on and off. When Bypass mode is engaged, its LED will light. This bypasses the effects chain allowing you to make an instant comparison between the effected signal and the clean signal. Bypass mode can also be enabled [...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 72 Q20 Reference Manual Type Use the [TYPE] button to define the type of effect in the selected Block. Once a Block has been chosen and the [TYPE] button is pressed, we can dial through with the [VALUE/ENTER] knob to choose the function of that Block from EQUALIZATION, PITCH, DELAY, REVERBERATION or OFF. Once the[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 73 Routing In order for us to hear our signal through the Q20 it must be routed from input to output. Also in order for us to hear our effects, the signal must be routed through the Blocks that contain our chosen effects. Pressing the [ROUTING] button selects Routing Page 1. This is where you[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 74 Q20 Reference Manual Global When the [GLOBAL] button is pressed, its LED will light. The [GLOBAL] button gives us access to the following settings which affect the entire instrument: Page 1: Adjust Display Contrast: 1Ð10. This controls the contrast of the LCD display. The value range is 1Ð10, and the default[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 75 Page 6: Dig In/Out Channels. When using the Alesis Optical DIGITAL [IN] connector, (Input Audio Source must be set to ÒOPTICAL DATAÓ, see above), this page allows you to select which of the 8 channels on the optical buss will be routed to the L and R IN. Both inputs can be set to receive[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 76 Q20 Reference Manual Name Selecting this button allows us to name, edit a name or rename a Program. Names can contain up to 14 Characters and are selected by turning the [VALUE/ENTER] knob. The cursor is positioned by using the [< PAGE >] buttons. Or, you can press the [VALUE/ENTER] button to advance the[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 77 Page 3: Program Table. The Program Table allows you to intercept incoming program change messages and have them recall specific Programs (in either the Preset bank or the User bank) which may not be the same number value as the program change message received. There are 128 different possi[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 78 Q20 Reference Manual Modulation The Q20 allows you to set up to 8 modulation routings which can control almost any parameter within a Program in realtime. This is especially useful for live applications, where the performer can actually interact or automate the changes in one or more effects. When the [MODULAT[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 79 Rear Panel Power This is a standard IEC-spec power jack for the internal universal power supply. This supply works with almost any power source worldwide, from 90-265VAC, 50- 60Hz. The Q20 comes with a line cord suitable for the destination to which the keyboard is shipped. The AC cord sup[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 80 Q20 Reference Manual Digital In - ADAT Digital Audio In This is an EIAJ fiber optic jack which connects to the ADAT optical interface for receiving two of any eight digital audio channels. See Chapter 7 for more information. Digital Out - ADAT Digital Audio Out This is an EIAJ fiber optic jack which connects t[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 81 Effect Parameters The following charts are designed to act as a Òroad mapÓ to assist you in locating parameters and their value ranges. All of the following parameters may be found by first selecting the appropriate effect type, pressing the [PARAMETER] button, and using the [< PAGE &[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 82 Q20 Reference Manual Pitch Pitch Type Parameters Page# Mono Chorus S p ee d : 0 - 9 9 , D e pt h : 0-99, Feedback: 0-99 1 Chorus PreDelay: 0-100mS 2 Chorus Shape: Sine/Square 3 Stereo Chorus Speed: 0-99, Depth: 0-99, Feedback: 0-99 1 PreDelay Chorus 1: 0-100mS, 2: 0-100mS 2 Chorus Shape: Sine/Square 3 Quad Cho[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 83 Delay Delay Type Parameters Page # Mono Delay Delay Time: 0.1-5000mS, Beat Count: 1/2, 1/4., 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8., 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/32 (. = dotted, T = triplet) 1 Feedback: 0-99 2 Stereo Delay Left Delay: 0.1-5000mS, Beat Count: 1/2, 1/4., 1/4, 1/4T, 1/8., 1/8, 1/8T, 1/16, 1/32 1 Left Feedbac[...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 84 Q20 Reference Manual Reverberation Reverb Type Parameters Page # Mono Room Decay: 0-99, Damping Hi: 0-99, Lo: 0-99 1 Reverb Density: 0-99, Diffusion: 0-99 2 High Frequency Roll Off: 200Hz-20,000Hz 3 Predelay: 1-250mS, Mix: <99-<50>-99> 4 Gate Trig: Off/Left/Right/L&R, Hold: 10-500 mS 5 Gate Rel[...]

Description of Controls - Chapter 5 Q20 Reference Manual 85 Reverb Type Parameters Page # Hall 2 Decay: 0-99, Damping Hi: 0-99, Lo: 0-99 1 Reverb Density: 0-99, Diffusion: 0-99 2 High Frequency Roll Off: 200Hz-20,000Hz 3 Predelay: 1-250mS, Mix: <99-<50>-99> 4 Reflection Level: 0-99, Spread: 0-99 5 Reverberation Swirl: 0-99 6 Gate Trig: [...]

Chapter 5 - Description of Controls 86 Q20 Reference Manual Reverb Type Parameters Page # Spring Decay: 0-99, Damping Hi: 0-99, Lo: 0-99 1 Reverb Density: 0-99, Diffusion: 0-99 2 High Frequency Roll Off: 200Hz-20,000Hz 4 Predelay: 1-250mS, Mix: <99-<50>-99> 5 Gate Trig: Off/Left/Right/L&R, Hold: 10-500 mS 7 Gate Release Time: 0-500m[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 87 C HAPTER 6 A DVANCED A PPLICATIONS MIDI Functions The Q20 provides many MIDI functions, including being able to respond to program changes, sending and receiving Program information via SysEx dumps, and realtime control over various effect parameters via MIDI controllers. For more informatio[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 88 Q20 Reference Manual Selecting Banks via MIDI You can use MIDI Controller 0 messages to select one of the three Program Banks (Preset, User 0 or User 1). Controller 0 messages (like all controllers) can have a value between 0 and 127; however, a value of 0 will select the Preset Bank, a value of 1 will select th[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 89 ➄ Turn the [VALUE/ENTER] knob to select a program change number from 000Ð127 to be re-mapped. ➅ Press [PAGE >] to advance the cursor to the second field in the display. PROGRAM TABLE: 000 = User0- 0 0 ➆ Use the [VALUE/ENTER] knob to select a Q20 Program for the selected MIDI progra[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 90 Q20 Reference Manual If sending a single Program, the display will not change when the [VALUE/ENTER] button is pressed, since this effectively takes no time at all. ➈ When you send a SysEx dump back to the Q20, it will automatically go into receive mode (you do not have to do anything special). When this occur[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 91 Realtime Modulation Functions You can use various MIDI messages (such as note number, velocity, aftertouch, or pitch-bend, etc.) to control parameters in the Q20, such as delay time, room size, etc. This is accomplished by way of the Q20Õs MIDI Modulation Matrix. Modulation parameters are s[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 92 Q20 Reference Manual Choosing a Target Once you have selected a Modulator, you must then select the Target to be modulated. The Target is broken down into two parts: first, you choose one of the active Blocks in the current Program, then you choose a parameter within the Block. ➀ With [MODULATION] selected (it[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 93 T yp e Effect Tar g et 4 Band Parametric EQ Lowpass Frequency, Lowpass Gain Low BP Frequency, Low BP Gain Low BP Bandwidth High BP Frequency, High BP Gain High BP Bandwidth Highpass Frequency, Highpass Gain 5 Band Graphic EQ 63 Hz Band Gain, 250 Hz Band Gain 1KHz Band Gain, 4KHz Band Gain 16[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 94 Q20 Reference Manual T yp e Effect Tar g et Reverberation M o n o R o o m Room 1 Hall 1 Plate 1 Chamber 1 Spring Input Hi Rolloff Predelay Time, Predelay Mix Decay, Density, Diffusion Damping Low Damping High Gate Trigger On/Off, Gate Hold Time Gate Release Time, Gate Level Room 2 Hall 2 Plate 2 Chamber 2 Input [...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 95 Choosing a Source Once you have chosen a Modulator and a Target, it is time to select a Source. This is done in Modulation Page 2. If you have been following along so far, letÕs continue where we left off from the last set of steps: ➀ After selecting the Target Block and Parameter, press [...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 96 Q20 Reference Manual Local Generators The Q20 is equipped with two Local Generators which can be used as Modulation Sources. Each Local Generator can be set to either one of five types: Input Envelope, Peak Follower, Ramp, LFO or Footswitch. The first three allow different ways of having the audio signal at the [...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 97 Ramp. The Ramp Local Generator is similar to the Envelope Generator, except that it doesnÕt have a release stage. It lets you modulate a parameterÕs value by having it slowly move from a minimum to a maximum setting, or vice-versa depending on whether the modulation amplitude is set to a p[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 98 Q20 Reference Manual Editing the Local Generators To select the Input GeneratorsÕ types and edit their parameters: ➀ Press [MODULATION]. The [MODULATION] buttonÕs LED will light. ➁ Press [PAGE >] seven times (or until Modulation Page 4 is underlined). The display should look like this: GEN 1 TYPE: ENVEL[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 99 Each Local GeneratorÕs pages differ from page 5. Each Local Generator typeÕs parameters are explaned in the chart below: Generator T yp e Pa g e Dis p la y Descri p tion Envelope 5 Env Trigger Source: Left/Right/L&R Input which the Envelope looks at for Modulation cues 6 Env Attack Thr[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 100 Q20 Reference Manual Generator T yp e Pa g e Dis p la y Descri p tion Low Freq. Oscillator 5 LFO Cycle Time: 0.14- 35.14 Seconds This is the time it takes for the LFO to make one complete cycle Footswitch 5 Footswitch Source: Advance/Bypass This is the footswitch that is monitored for Modulation cues. This sett[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 101 Footswitch Controls Two footswitch jacks, [ADVANCE] and [BYPASS], are provided on the back panel of the Q20. Program Advance The [ADVANCE] jack allows the Q20Õs Programs to be advanced remotely from a footswitch. The Program numbers included can be selected by setting the Footswitch Range,[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 102 Q20 Reference Manual Block Bypass via MIDI It is possible to engage Block Bypass via MIDI controller messages which the Q20 receives at its MIDI IN connector. The following controllers can be used to bypass the following Blocks and Block types: Controller # Block(s) Bypassed 12 All EQs 13 All Choruses 14 All Fl[...]

Advanced Applications - Chapter 6 Q20 Reference Manual 103 MIDI Clock Control of Tap Tempo Delay If you are using a Program that uses either Tap Tempo Delay effects (Tap Tempo Mono Delay and/or Tap Tempo Ping Pong), you can control the delay time of the effect(s) via MIDI clock. This makes it possible to synchronize the delay time to the precise te[...]

Chapter 6 - Advanced Applications 104 Q20 Reference Manual[...]

Digital Connections - Chapter 7 Q20 Reference Manual 105 CHAPTER 7 D IGITAL C ONNECTIONS Overview In addition to the analog inputs and outputs, the Q20 accepts and transmits audio on two digital protocols: ADAT Optical and S/PDIF. If your source and/or destination accept it, Ògoing digitalÓ is often the best way to connect the Q20. By using digit[...]

Chapter 7 - Digital Connections 106 Q20 Reference Manual Digital Clock Synchronization Before talking about digital clocks, itÕs important to understand the Òone clock theoryÓ. This simply states that when you synchronize multiple machines (in this case digital audio recorders, processors, mixers, etc.) there must be one master clock which they [...]

Digital Connections - Chapter 7 Q20 Reference Manual 107 Connections To a Single ADAT Connection between the Q20 and one or more ADATs is a simple task of creating a digital audio network that loops all the devices together. When using a single ADAT, simply connect two fiber optic cables between the devices to provide two- way communication. Q20 Op[...]

Chapter 7 - Digital Connections 108 Q20 Reference Manual To Two or More ADATs If using two or more ADATs, they must be connected together so that they are in sync with each other. This is accomplished by connecting each ADATÕs SYNC OUT connector to the SYNC IN connector of the next ADAT in the chain, as described in the ADAT Reference Manual. The [...]

Digital Connections - Chapter 7 Q20 Reference Manual 109 To Two or More ADATs With a BRC or AI-2 If your ADAT system has an Alesis BRC Master Remote Controller, the fiber optic cables that make up the digital buss need to be connected in the same order as the Sync cables. If your ADAT system uses the BRC or the Alesis AI-2 Synchronizer, the Q20Õs [...]

Chapter 7 - Digital Connections 110 Q20 Reference Manual ④ Press [<PAGE] until you reach Page 4. The display should read: INPUT AUDIO SOURCE: A NALOG DATA ⑤ Turn the [VALUE/ENTER] wheel to set the source to ÒS/PDIF DATAÓ. The ÒDIG INÓ pixel will light in the top left corner of the display and the ÒSAMPLE CLOCK SOURCEÓ (Page 5) will aut[...]

Digital Connections - Chapter 7 Q20 Reference Manual 111 Routings To specific ADAT tracks To route the Q20Õs digital outputs to specific ADAT tracks depends on which of the 8 channels of the buss you use. If you want to record in stereo onto tracks 1 and 2 of ADAT (or 9 and 10 on ADAT #2 in a chain), route the Q20Õs Left output to channel 1 and i[...]

Chapter 7 - Digital Connections 112 Q20 Reference Manual From ADAT through the Q20 back to ADAT When routing ADAT tracks to the Q20 to be recorded back to ADAT, how you go about it depends on whether or not you are using a BRC. If you have one or more ADATs with no BRC, then you simply connect the digital buss of the ADATs and Q20 in a loop (descri[...]

Digital Connections - Chapter 7 Q20 Reference Manual 113 From a QuadraSynth or QS-series synth through the Q20 back to ADAT The QuadraSynth/QS7/QS8/etc. provide their four audio outputs (Main Left/Right and Aux Left/Right) on the first four channels of the Alesis Optical digital buss. If you connect the QuadraSynth/QSÕs digital output to the digit[...]

Chapter 7 - Digital Connections 114 Q20 Reference Manual[...]

Troubleshooting - Chapter 8 Q20 Reference Manual 115 C HAPTER 8 T ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the Q20, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The display does not light when the ON/[...]

Chapter 8 - Troubleshooting 116 Q20 Reference Manual Symptom Cause Solution Unit does not respond to front panel controls. Unknown software conflict, cosmic rays, boogieman/men or static electricity. Disconnect MIDI input. Power down and power up. If this doesn't work, try reinitialization, then total reset (see later in this chapter). MIDI Pr[...]

Troubleshooting - Chapter 8 Q20 Reference Manual 117 Error Messages Although the digital signal processing power in the Q20 is powerful and features plenty of memory, the programmability of the unit makes it possible to come across various error messages when exceeding its limitations. This is the Q20Õs limit handling software kicking in. Dependin[...]

Chapter 8 - Troubleshooting 118 Q20 Reference Manual Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Q20Õs metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBR[...]