Alesis ModFX Smashup manual

Re fe rence Manual[...]

This pa ge intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100 % © 2002 Alesis. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. All trademarks are property of their respective holders. 7-51-0121-A 8/2002[...]

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

Table Of Contents 2 Line conditioners and spike protectors ......................................................40 Care and Maintenance ................................................................ 41 Cleaning ............................................................................................................41 Refer all servicing to Al[...]

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

Introduction 4 About the Smashup Your new Smashup is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a deluxe compressor with the ability to model several different types of compression. Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to ar range and [...]

Introduction 5 Smashup Ke y Featu res • Digital emulation of six different kinds of analo g compression • Adjustable threshold, attack, release, and output le vel • Look Ahead feature anticipates upcoming peaks for compression before they’re processed • Sizzle feature keeps clarity and punch e ven with e xt reme compression settings • U[...]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Quick Start Guide 15 If y ou can’t w ait to get sta rted The Alesis Smashup is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other in-line signal processors (like EQs and compressors) in most respects. If y ou're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to sta[...]

1 Quick Start Guide 16 A quick overview of the controls Si z zle Add s “ p u n c h” an d “ a ir” t o the s i g n al , e sp ec ia l ly u s e fu l for b as s s ou n ds . I t p ut s a h i g h- pa s s f ilt e r be for e the c o m pr es s or ’s de t e cto r, a n d a d d s a b it o f H F EQ on th e o u t pu t. Th r es h o ld se ts the le v e l [...]

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

2 Connections 18 Connecting audio The Smashup will work in many different applications, whether y ou are connecting an inst rument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. But since the Smashup is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. In-line connection If you’re connecting a[...]

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

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

Connections 2 21 Connecting to equipment with XLR inpu ts and outputs: If you are connecting the Smashup to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, y ou will need to convert this signal to a 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make su re that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4” adapter or cable. Watch out for high leve[...]

2 Connections 22 Using the ModLink The Smashup can be connected to other effect bo xes in the ModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-free connection between two ModFX units that t ransfers digital audio and word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of the unit is the ModLink IN port. The 9-pin female connector on the right[...]

3 Using the Smashup 23 This section defines compression, and e xplains the functions of the Smashup’s cont rols in greater detail. What is a compressor? Most types of signal processors, such as re verbs, phaser/flangers, and equalizers, make an obvious change in the sound. But a compressor's action is much more subtle; when used properly, ma[...]

3 Using the Smashup 24 What the cont rols do Let's go back to the "engineer with his hand on a fader and eyes on the meter" analogy. The top panel cont rols simply tell the "engineer" what rules he should follow. [THRESHOLD] tells him how high the input level can rise before he has to start pulling do wn the fader: if it&ap[...]

Using the Smashup 3 25 Ho w the Smashup goes be yond “just comp ression” Ha ving explained what the controls are designed to do, y ou should be aware that the Smashup’s digital compression algorithms do much more than just control levels. Just as a tube guitar amp sounds different from a solid-state po wer amp, the most popular compressors so[...]

3 Using the Smashup 26 Operational advice Gain structu re Ext reme settings will lead to e xt reme results. If y ou turn the threshold do wn all the way, the Smashup will do what it's being told to do: tu rn the level way do wn. If you then try to compensate by cranking the [OUTPUT] cont rol to its maximum, y ou'll amplify the noise of yo[...]

Using the Smashup 3 27 Description of Controls Th reshold The [THRESHOLD] knob sets the le vel where compression will begin. As long as the input signal level is belo w the Threshold level, the Smashup will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses the Threshold, the Smashup will be gin compressing (tu rning down the level). Graph of [...]

3 Using the Smashup 28 At tack The [A TT ACK] knob controls the amount of time before compression starts. The range of this cont rol is generally in the range from 0.1 (full counter-clockwise) to 300 milliseconds; but this may vary depending on the [TYPE] setting. [A TT ACK] has no effect when the [LOOK AHEA D] switch is enga ged. Long attacks are [...]

Using the Smashup 3 29 Ou tput The [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the Smashup’s output. The Output cont rol is useful for making up level that was lost du ring compression, or matching the input le vel of a mixer or recorder. The unity gain setting of the [OUTPUT] knob (the level where input le vel = output level when [THRESHOLD] is set to t[...]

3 Using the Smashup 30 Type Select Switch The up/do wn [TYPE] rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the type of compression used by the Smashup. The LEDs ne xt to the switch light up to indicate the cu r rent Type. The Smashup contains six different compression styles. Some are modeled after the operation of classic analog compressor/[...]

Using the Smashup 3 31 De-Ess De-essing is commonly used to process voices where the “s” sound and other sibilants are too loud and dist racting. By telling the compressor to be e xt ra sensitive to a certain range of frequencies, the “s” sound can be almost completely remo ved from a voice. The ratio is 8:1 with a soft knee, but because th[...]

3 Using the Smashup 32 By pass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the output without any compression. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound of the sou rce without any effect from the Smashup. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the compressor is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by the foot switch. Since the Smashup is a d[...]

4 Sample Settings 33 While there’s nothing like disco vering new sounds for yoursel f, we thought it would be a good idea to pro vide some sample settings of the Smashup to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on yo ur Smashup so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.[...]

4 Sample Settings 34 Opto This du p lica tes the so un d o f o p ti c al co mp r es so rs u s ed in c l a ss ic r e co r di ng s ( an d tod ay ). This is eq u ally us ef ul o n v o c a ls a n d in s t r u m e n ts . F at Try th is o n a ny in s tr u me n t tha t ne e ds a st ro ng lo w e nd , e s p ec i a ll y b a s s e s a n d ki c k d r u ms . P [...]

Sample Settings 4 35 B lank F il l in y o u r ow n fa v o r ite s et ti ng s h er e . Pho toc op y th e n e x t pa g e if yo u ne e d mo r e s pa c e . Transparent This se tt ing wil l p r ov id e c o n s is te n t c o m p r e ss ion wi tho ut ca llin g a tte nti o n to it s elf . Note tha t [ A TT ACK] h a s n o e f fe c t, s inc e [ L O O K A HEA[...]

4 Sample Settings 36 Blank Set tings Templates[...]

5 Troubleshooting 37 Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating you r Smashup, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Sy mptoms Cause Solution No a udi o output s. No input audi o (SIGNA L LED d oesn ’t fla sh). Test with a known good in[...]

5 Troubleshooting 38 Sy mptoms Cause Solution AC hum Gro und lo op Place al l eq uip m ent in the stu d io on a co m m o n gro un d (see ne xt pa ge)[...]

Troubleshooting 5 39 Avoiding g round loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occu r. These sho w up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occu r if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different pat[...]

5 Troubleshooting 40 4. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. If the basic experiments don’t unco ver the sou rce of the problem, consult your dealer or technician t rained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the mixer at the center of the [...]

Troubleshooting 5 41 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Smashup’s metal and plastic su rfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non- abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409™ or Fantastik™. DO NOT SPRA Y THE CLEANER DIRECT LY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MA Y DESTROY THE LU BRIC ANTS USED I[...]

5 Troubleshooting 42 Obtaining repai r service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make su re y ou’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the Product Support department. Make sure y ou ha ve the unit’s serial number with y ou. Talk the problem o ver wit[...]

Specifications 43 Audio Inpu t Input Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Input Le vel: +10 dBV Nominal Level: -10 dBV Input Impedance: 470k Ω Input Converter Resolution: 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling Audio Ou tput Output Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Output Le vel: +9 dBV Output Impedance: 500 Ω Output Converter Resolution: [...]

6 Specifications 44 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

Index 45 amplifier, 20 Attack , 16, 24, 28 BYPASS , 16, 32 with foot switch, 32 cables, 21 Classic, 24, 30 clipping, 29 compression defined, 23 compression ratio, 30 defined, 24 De-Ess, 31 digital converters, 32, 43 digital signal processing, 4 DSP, 43 Fat, 31 feedback, 26 FOO T SWITCH , 16, 32 Ground Loop, 39 grounding, 7 guitar, 18 hard knee/soft[...]

Warranty / Contact Alesis 46 Alesis Limited Wa r ranty AL E SI S C ORP OR ATI ON ( "A LES I S" ) w ar r an ts th is prod uct to b e fr ee of def ect s in material an d w or kman sh i p f or a pe riod of on e ( 1 ) yea r f or pa rts an d for a p eri od of on e ( 1) year for l a bo r fr om the date of origi nal ret ail pu rc hase. This warr[...]

Warranty/Contact Information 47 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Studio Elect ronics Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: support@alesis.com Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Smashup Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Dan Tinen Copy right 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change wi[...]