Alesis MidiVerb 4 manual

A L ES I S MidiVerb 4 Reference M a nu a l[...]

MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis MidiVerb 4 Multi Effects Processor. To take full advantage of the MidiVerb 4’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the variou[...]

2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual[...]

Contents MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 3 C ONTENTS Your First Session with the MidiVerb 4 ...................................... 7 Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................................7 Basic Connections .........................................................................................[...]

Contents 4 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Low Pass Filter ........................................................................................... 31 Pre-delay .................................................................................................... 31 Pre-delay Mix ........................................................................[...]

Contents MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 5 MIDI Out/Thru .......................................................................................... 49 Input (Left/Ch.1 & Right/Ch.2) ................................................................... 50 Output (Left/Ch.1 & Right/Ch.2) .............................................................[...]

Contents 6 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual VALUE BYPASS ADV ANCED 18 BIT FULL Y INTEGRATED EXTENDED RANGE SIGNAL PROCESSING FRONT P ANEL REAR P ANEL Power Footswitch Left/CH 1 Output Right/CH 2 Output Bypass Value Program Utilities Store Input Output Power Edit A B CD MIDI In MIDI Out/Thru Left/CH 1 Input Right/CH 2 Input[...]

Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 7 C HAPTER 1 Y OUR F IRST S ESSION WITH THE M IDI V ERB 4 Unpacking and Inspection Your MidiVerb 4 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 t[...]

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 8 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual After making your connections, turn on the system’s power using this procedure: ➀ Before turning on the MidiVerb 4’s power, check the following items: • Have all connections been made correctly? • Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned dow[...]

Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 9 What’s in the Display? When the MidiVerb 4 is first turned on, the display will look something like this: L R PRESET 0 1 L r g H a l l C O N C E R T H A L L 4 5 1 3 2 The MidiVerb 4’s display is divided into 5 sections: ➀ Program Number . MidiVerb 4 Programs ar[...]

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 10 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Auditioning Internal Programs The MidiVerb 4 comes with 128 Programs in a Preset bank, plus another 128 Programs in the User bank. These Programs represent the wide range of applications for which the MidiVerb 4 is suited. To audition the internal effect Programs: ?[...]

Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 11 Changing Effect Settings When you dial up a Program, its Configuration is shown in the display to the right of the Program’s name. RoomVerb REAL ROOM The Configuration will either be a single reverb type effect (as in the example above), or a combination of two or[...]

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 12 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual To edit effect parameters: ➀ Press the [ PROG ] button. The [ PROG ] button will light. ➁ Press the [ PAGE ] button to enter Edit mode. This selects the first page of effect parameters, if you are editing the Program for the first time. There are usually two or [...]

Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 13 Adjusting Effects Mix Levels Whether a Program contains a single effect or two or three effects, you can adjust each effect’s mix to obtain a desirable balance between the original, uneffected signal and each effect’s output. The Mix parameter (or “wet/dry mix[...]

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 14 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Comparing an Edited Program to its Original Settings The left side of the display always indicates the currently selected Program. If the [ PROG ] button is pressed once, the currently selected Program’s name and the Configuration being used both appear in the upp[...]

Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 15 Storing Edited Programs Once you are satisfied with the changes you have made to an edited Program, or are creating a new Program from scratch, you will need to store your edited Program back into memory. The MidiVerb 4 will store the currently selected Program in n[...]

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 16 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Bypassing Effects At any time you can bypass the effects, thereby allowing the direct signal to pass through the MidiVerb 4 unchanged. This can be done in two ways: • by simultaneously pressing both the [ PROG ] and [ UTIL ] buttons on the front panel; or, • by [...]

Connections – Chapter 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 17 C HAPTER 2 C ONNECTIONS AC Power Hookup The MidiVerb 4 comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the MidiVerb 4 off, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into MidiVerb 4’s [ POWER ] socket and the male[...]

Chapter 2 – Connections 18 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual • Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield (degrading performance), or reduce the cable’s reliability. • Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sha[...]

Connections – Chapter 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 19 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 MidiVerb 4 has two 1/4” unbalanced inputs and two 1/4” unbalanced outputs. These provide three different (analog) audio hooku[...]

Chapter 2 – Connections 20 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Interfacing to a Mixing Console The MidiVerb 4 handles mono or stereo sends at all system levels. The input circuitry of the MidiVerb 4 can easily handle +4 dBu levels (+20 dBu peaks), while having enough input and output gain to interface with the low -10 dBV signal levels of budget recordin[...]

Connections – Chapter 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 21 Mono In - Stereo Out. If you only want to feed the MidiVerb 4 a mono input, but wish to connect both of its outputs back to the mixer, you will need three 1/4" audio cables. Connect a mono cord from an effect send to the [ LEFT/CH.1 ] input of the MidiVerb 4, another mono cord from the [[...]

Chapter 2 – Connections 22 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Using Inserts By using individual channel inserts, you can dedicate the MidiVerb 4 to a specific channel (or pair of channels) on the mixer. The Insert connections on the back of the mixer provide a way of “inserting” external processing equipment into the signal path. The insert occurs a[...]

Connections – Chapter 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 23 Stereo. In the case where a stereo instrument (such as a keyboard or sampler) is con- nected 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. Using Main Outputs When you [...]

Chapter 2 – Connections 24 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Avoiding Ground Loops In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two [...]

Connections – Chapter 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 25 MIDI MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. The MIDI connections on the MidiVerb 4 provide four different functions: • To recall Programs using MIDI program change messag[...]

Chapter 2 – Connections 26 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Any momentary single-pole/single-throw footswitch, normally open or normally closed, will work for the three footswitch functions. This should be plugged in prior to power-up so that the MidiVerb 4 can configure itself for the type of footswitch being used. Advance. When the footswitch mode i[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 27 C HAPTER 3 O VERVIEW OF E FFECTS The Architecture of the MidiVerb 4 What is a Configuration? A Configuration is an arrangement of one or more effects. Each of the 256 internal Programs in the MidiVerb 4 use one Configuration. There are 32 different Configurations available, each of wh[...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 28 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Double Double Configurations consist of two “side-by-side” mono-in/stereo-out effects. These Configurations are identified by the presence of a “+” in their name. In each case, the Left/Ch. 1 input is routed to one effect, while the Right/Ch. 2 input is routed to the other. Th[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 29 Multi Chain The Multi Chain Configurations provide two or three stereo effects, which are connected in series; i.e. one feeding the next in the chain. These Configurations are identified by the presence of one or two “->” symbols in their name ( Example: “Chorus->Real Room[...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 30 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Reverb Effects Reverb is made up of a large number of distinct echoes, called reflections. In a natural acoustic space, each reflection’s 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[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 31 Reverb Parameters Most of the reverb effects in the MidiVerb 4 operate under the same set of control parameters, which are listed and described in this section. However, reverbs which use more processing power (i.e. the Single Configuration reverbs) provide more parameters which take [...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 32 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Note: The illustration above reflects a Density setting of 0. Frequency Damping – Low & High These two parameters allow you to control the equalization of the reverb’s decay separately for both the low and high frequencies. This means that you have control over the tonal shape[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 33 Delay Effects 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 of the Delay types allow you to adjust their delay time in milliseconds, however[...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 34 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Synchronizing to MIDI Clock It is possible to control the delay time of the BPM Mono Delay effect from an external MIDI clock source, such as a MIDI sequencer or drum machine. Any device which can output MIDI clock can be used to control this Configuration’s delay time. If the “Te[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 35 Pitch Effects The Pitch effects alter the pitch of a signal in various ways to produce “layered” 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 differentl[...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 36 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Stereo Flange First used in the 1960s, “flanging” was achieved by the use of two tape recorders that would record and play back the same program in synchronization. By slowing down one tape machine, and then letting it catch up with the other, different phase cancellations would o[...]

Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 37 Flange This is a mono, less processor intensive version of the Stereo Flange, used in the Multi Chain Configurations Flange->Realroom, Realroom->Flange and Flange->Dly- >Room; the Double Configuration Realroom+Flange; and the Dual Mono Configurations Flange:Flange and Flan[...]

Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects 38 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual The Direction parameter determines which direction the panning will start in when triggered (this has no effect if the Trigger parameter is turned off). You can adjust the attack threshold of this audio triggering function, and adjust the hold time (how long the Auto Pan will wait bef[...]

E diting Programs – Chapter 4 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 39 C HAPTER 4 E DITING P ROGRAMS Selecting A Configuration A Configuration is made up of one or more effects. Each of the internal Programs of the MidiVerb 4 use one Configuration. When you want to create your own Program, the first thing you must decide is which Configuration you wish to [...]

Chapter 4 – Editing Programs 40 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Editing Effect Parameters Editing Programs is only possible while in Program mode. This means that the [ PROG ] button must be lit. If the [ PROG ] button is not lit, press it now. From Program mode, you can edit the currently selected Program by pressing either [ EDIT/PAGE ] or any of t[...]

E diting Programs – Chapter 4 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 41 Moving Through Pages Once in Edit mode, there will usually be multiple pages available. The total number of pages depends on the Configuration that the selected Program uses, and will be indicated by the numbers appearing in the lower left corner of the display. The [ EDIT/PAGE ] button[...]

Chapter 4 – Editing Programs MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 43 Naming A Program The process of naming a Program is integrated into the Store function. Whenever you store a Program, you have the opportunity to change its name. This is done by using the [ A ], [ B ], [ C ] and [ D ] buttons while in Store mode. To change a Program’s name: ➀ Press [...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 43 C HAPTER 5 D ESCRIPTION OF C ONTROLS Front Panel LCD Display When the MidiVerb 4 is first turned on, the display will look something like this: L R PRESET 0 1 L r g H a l l C O N C E R T H A L L 4 5 1 3 2 The MidiVerb 4’s display is divided into 5 sections: ➀ Program Number . [...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls 44 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual way as the level meters on a standard tape recorder. The meters shown in this example are idle, indicating that there is no input signal activity. Normally, these are labeled as “ L ” and “ R ”. However, when the selected Program uses a Dual type Configuration (two mono ef[...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 45 BYPASS LED Indicator The [ BYPASS ] LED will be lit whenever Bypass mode is enabled. Bypass mode can be toggled on and off by simultaneously pressing the [ PROG ] and [ UTIL ] buttons, or by pressing a footswitch connected to the [ FOOTSWITCH ] jack (if the footswitch is switched [...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls 46 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual character of the Program’s name. The [ C/< ] and [ D/> ] buttons move the cursor left and right, respectively, through the eight character fields of the Program’s name. To move the cursor back to the Program location number, press [ B/ESC ]. UTILity Button When the [ UTI[...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 47 Page 4: Modulators. This is where you select the two MIDI modulation sources which will be used for all Programs to control their parameters. The parameters these control depend on the selected Program’s Configuration. For example, in all Reverb Configurations, Modulator X contr[...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls 48 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual To store an edited Program: ➀ Press [ STORE ]. The [ STORE ] button will flash, and the display will read: Store as X XX (nnnnnnnn)? …whereas XXX is a Program location number from 00—127 in the User bank, and nnnnnnnn is the Program’s name. ➁ Use the [ VALUE ] knob to se[...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 49 Rear Panel Power This is a plug for connecting the +9VAC power supply (supplied). The power supply is then connected to an AC outlet delivering a nominal 120VAC. The correct power supply must be used AT ALL TIMES. Any other power supply might create a fire risk and/or permanently [...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 50 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual These are 1/4" phone jacks which connect to sources such as the effects sends of mixing consoles. They may be used with nominal input levels from -10dBV (guitar level) to +4dBu. For mono applications, use the [ LEFT/CH.1 ] input. The [ LEFT/CH.1 ] input jack is normalled to t[...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 51 PLATE REVERB 1 Decay !59-6!2˙ LPF 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF PDly 000-75© PMx 000-100å 2 Dens 000-100å Diff 000-100å LDamp OFF , 059ƒ - 3^2 ∂ HDamp 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF 3 Gate OFF , 001-100å Hold 000-500© Rel 000-500© 4 Swirl 00-99 Mix 000-100å NONLINEAR 1 Time 100-600© LPF 0[...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 52 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual MULTI TAP DELAY 1 Time 1 000-250 © Lvl 1 00-99 Pan 1 -50-50 Fdbk 1 00-99å 2 Time 2 000-250 © Lvl 2 00-99 Pan 2 -50-50 Fdbk 2 00-99å 3 Time 3 000-250 © Lvl 3 00-99 Pan 3 -50-50 Fdbk 3 00-99å 4 MFdbk 000-100å LoCut OFF , 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF Mix 000-100å B[...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 53 STEREO FLANGE 1 Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ Depth 000-250 Fdbk -99-99å Thru0 OFF , On 2 Trig 0fffffffFF , L , r , Lr Attck 000-255 Rel 000-255 Mix 000-100å FLANGE: FLANGE 1 Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ Depth 000-250 Fdbk -99-99å Wave Sin , tri 2 Trig 0fffffffFF , L , r , Lr Attck 000-255 Thru0 OFF , On M[...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 54 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual DELAY} REALROOM 1 Tap --- 100ms 0-7 10ms 0-9 1ms 0-9 2 Fdbk 00-99å HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF DMix 000-100å 3 Decay !0-7%8˙ LPF 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF Dens 000-100å Diff 000-100å 4 Gate OFF , 001-100å Hold 000-500© Rel 000-500© RMix 000-100å CHORUS} REALROOM 1 Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ [...]

Chapter 5 – Description of Controls MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 55 CHORUS}DLY} ROOM 1 Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ Depth 000-255 Fdbk 00-99å CMix 000-100å 2 Time 000-500 © Fdbk 00-99å HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF DMix 000-100å 3 Decay !0-7%8˙ LPF 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF Dens 000-100å Diff 000-100å 4 Gate OFF , 001-100å Hold 000-500© Rel 000-500© RMix 000-1[...]

Description of Controls – Chapter 5 56 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual REALROOM+ FLANGE 1 Decay !0-7%8˙ LPF 059ƒ-3^2 ∂ , OFF PDly 000-250© PMix 000-100å 2 Dens 000-100å Diff 000-100å Gate OFF , 000-500© RMix 000-100å 3 Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ Depth 000-250 Fdbk -99-99å Wave Sin , tri 4 Trig 0fffffffFF , L , r , Lr Attck 000-255 Rel 000-255 FMix 000[...]

Advanced Applications – Chapter 6 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 57 C HAPTER 6 MIDI A PPLICATIONS MIDI Functions The MidiVerb 4 provides many MIDI functions, including being able to respond to program changes, sending and receiving Program information via Sysex (System Exclusive) dumps, and realtime control over effect parameters via MIDI controller[...]

Chapter 6 – Advanced Applications 58 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Receiving Program Changes In order to recall programs on the MidiVerb 4 from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass controller, sequencer, etc.): ➀ Connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the MidiVerb 4’s [ MIDI IN ]. ➁ Press [ UTIL ], then press the [ ED[...]

Advanced Applications – Chapter 6 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 59 ➂ Turn the [ VALUE ] knob to select a MIDI program change number from 000–127 to be remapped. ➃ Press the [ D ] button to select the Program field. The Program field will flash to indicate it is selected for editing. ➄ Turn the [ VALUE ] knob to select a MidiVerb 4 Program f[...]

Chapter 6 – Advanced Applications 60 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Realtime Modulation Functions You can use various MIDI messages (such as note number, velocity, aftertouch, or pitch-bend, etc.) to simultaneously control up to two parameters in the MidiVerb 4, such as delay time, room size, etc. Modulation functions are “hard-wired” in each Co[...]

Advanced Applications – Chapter 6 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 61 The following is a chart describing which parameters of each Configuration are controlled by Modulators X and Y. Use this chart to determine what control possibilities exist for each Program. Configuration Mod X Mod Y CONCERT HALL Decay Wet/Dry Mix REAL ROOM Decay Wet/Dry Mix AMBIEN[...]

Chapter 6 – Advanced Applications 62 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Let’s say you want your keyboard’s modulation wheel (controller #1) to control how much reverb is heard. Since Mod Y is wired to the Wet/Dry Mix, you would first assign Mod Y to be 001 . Next, you set the amplitude for how much of the Mix parameter’s range you wish to be able [...]

Troubleshooting – Chapter 7 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 63 C HAPTER 7 T ROUBLESHOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the MidiVerb 4, 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 li[...]

Chapter 7 – Troubleshooting 64 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual The current software version may be determined by holding [ PROG ] and pressing [ EDIT ]. The display will briefly indicate the currently installed software version. Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the MidiVerb 4’s metal and plastic su[...]

Troubleshooting – Chapter 7 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 65 Los Angeles, CA 90016 Customers outside the USA: Contact your local Alesis dealer for warranty assistance. Do not return products to the factory unless you have been given specific instructions to do so. Note that the warranty is valid only in the country of origin.[...]

MIDI Implementation Chart 66 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual MIDI I MPLEMENTATION C HART Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed X * * * * * * * * 1 — 16 Mode Default Messages Altered X X * * * * * * * * Mode 3 X Note Number True Voice 0 — 127 * * * * * * * * 0 — 127 0 — 127 Velocity Note On Note Off X X O O After [...]

Specifications MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 67 S PECIFICATIONS Electrical Frequency Response: ±1dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz Dynamic Range: >90dB "A" wtg., 20 Hz-22kHz Distortion: <0.009% @ 1kHz, nominal level (-12 dBfs) <0.005% @ peak level Crosstalk: <90dB below full scale Input Number of Channels: 2 Format: 1/4" unbalanced N[...]

Specifications 68 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Rear Panel Input (Left/CH 1, Right/CH 2) 1/4" 2-conductor Output (Left/CH 1, Right/CH 2) 1/4" 2-conductor FOOTSWITCH 1/4" (accepts normally open or normally closed momentary footswitch, such as the Alesis PD) MIDI (In, Out/Thru) 5 pin DIN Power 9 Volt Power Transformer Processing and Memo[...]