Alesis 4 User Manual (English)

Other manuals for Alesis 4

Questions and Answers:

V
veronica95Jul 30, 2025
What to do if no audio is heard from my Alesis Recording Equipment?
- R
  Raven StephensJul 30, 2025
  If you're not hearing any audio, there are a couple of potential reasons: 1. The Bypass function might be on with Dry Defeat activated. To resolve this, press the [UTIL] button, then press [EDIT] until Page 1 is selected, and then press [D] to turn off Dry Defeat. 2. The Bypass function might be on, and the effect's MIX parameter is set to 0%. In this case, use [EDIT] to locate the effect's MIX parameter and set it to 100%. If you're using more than one effect in the Configuration, adjust the MIX parameter for each effect.
M
Megan AdamsAug 5, 2025
How to fix Alesis Recording Equipment display not lighting up?
- Z
  Zachary RileyAug 6, 2025
  If the display doesn't light up when you turn on the power switch, the cause is likely due to no power. To fix this, check that the power cable is plugged in properly.
H
Hayley BuchananAug 11, 2025
Why my Alesis Recording Equipment does not respond to MIDI program changes?
- P
  Peter RodriguezAug 11, 2025
  If your device isn't responding to MIDI program changes or modulation control, it's likely that the MIDI channel is set to a different number than the controlling device. To resolve this, go to UTILity page 3 and turn the [VALUE] knob to adjust the MIDI channel.
K
Kristine NixonAug 17, 2025
Why can't I adjust the input level of Ch. 2 on my Alesis Recording Equipment?
- S
  Sarah SmithAug 17, 2025
  If you cannot adjust the input level of Ch. 2, the cause is that Cascade mode is turned on. To turn it off, go to UTILity page 2 and press [D].
J
Jeffrey EdwardsAug 25, 2025
What to do if Alesis Recording Equipment does not respond to front panel controls?
- J
  jaredriversAug 25, 2025
  If the unit isn't responding to the front panel controls, it may be due to an unknown software conflict, cosmic rays, or static electricity. Try these steps: 1. Disconnect the MIDI input. 2. Power down and then power up the unit again. 3. If that doesn't work, try re-initialization.

Alesis 4 Specifications

General

Phantom Power	Yes
Connectivity	USB
Inputs	4
Sample Rate	48 kHz
Compatibility	Mac

Summary

Introduction and Conventions

How To Use This Manual

Explains the structure and usage of the manual.

Manual Conventions

Details formatting and symbols used in the manual.

Front and Rear Panel Overview

Front Panel Controls

Explains the LCD display, buttons, and indicators on the front panel.

Rear Panel Connections

Details power, footswitch, MIDI, and audio connections on the rear.

Chapter 1: Your First Session

Unpacking, Inspection, and Powering Up

Guide to unboxing, checking contents, and initial power-on steps.

Setting and Adjusting Levels

Crucial steps for optimal signal-to-noise ratio and automatic input gain.

Understanding the LCD Display

Explanation of the MidiVerb 4's display sections and information.

Auditioning, Switching, and Bypassing Programs

How to select, switch, and bypass programs using the unit.

Editing Effect Parameters and Using Online Help

Step-by-step guide to modifying effect settings and using the help feature.

Detailed Parameter Editing and Special Cases

Further steps for editing parameters and handling specific scenarios.

Adjusting Mix Levels and Dry Defeat

Balancing dry/wet signals and disabling the dry signal globally.

Comparing and Restoring Program Settings

How to compare edits and revert to original program settings.

Storing Edited Programs

Saving custom programs to memory and naming them.

Bypassing Effects Options

Methods to bypass effects using front panel or footswitch.

Chapter 2: Connections

AC Power and Protection

Connecting power and using line conditioners for surge protection.

Audio Connection Best Practices and Input Wiring

Guidelines for audio cables, avoiding interference, and input jack behavior.

Instrument and Mixer Audio Hookups

Various ways to connect instruments and mixers using mono/stereo outputs.

Mixing Console Interfacing and Aux Sends

Connecting to consoles via inserts and using aux sends for effects.

Using Mixer Inserts and Dual Mono Connections

Connecting via inserts and setting up dual mono configurations.

Stereo Connections and Main Outputs

Connecting stereo sources and using main outputs for overall mix effects.

Avoiding Ground Loops and Noise Issues

Tips for preventing hum, buzzes, and radio interference.

MIDI Connectivity and Footswitch Setup

Connecting MIDI devices and configuring footswitch functions.

Footswitch Mode Explanations

Details on Advance, Bypass, and Control modes for the footswitch.

Chapter 3: Overview of Effects

Understanding Configurations and Single Effects

Explains effect arrangements and single effect types.

Double and Dual Mono Configurations

Details on configurations using two effects, parallel or independent.

Multi Chain Configurations

Explains configurations with multiple effects connected in series.

Reverb Effect Types and Examples

Detailed descriptions of various reverb algorithms like Concert Hall and Plate Reverb.

Reverb Parameters: Decay, Density, and Diffusion

Parameters controlling reverb characteristics like decay time, density, and echo thickness.

Advanced Reverb Parameters: Gating and Damping

Parameters like Frequency Damping, Swirl, and Gating for reverb shaping.

Delay Effect Types and Features

Overview of different delay algorithms: Mono, Stereo, Ping Pong, MultiTap, BPM.

Delay Synchronization and Tap Tempo

Syncing BPM Mono Delay via MIDI clock and adjusting delay with tap tempo.

Pitch and Chorus Effect Types

Explains pitch shifting and chorus effects, including Stereo Chorus.

Quad Chorus and Mono Chorus Effects

Details on Quad Chorus and mono Chorus effect variations.

Stereo Flange Effect Explained

How the Stereo Flange effect works and its parameters for creating flange sounds.

Flange, Lezlie, and Pitch Shifter Effects

Details on mono Flange, Lezlie simulation, and Stereo Pitch Shifter effects.

Auto Pan Effect and Its Direction

Explains the Auto Pan effect and its direction parameter for panning.

Chapter 4: Editing Programs

Selecting and Copying Effect Configurations

How to choose and copy configurations to create new programs.

Editing Effect Parameters: Navigating and Modifying

Step-by-step guide to modifying effect parameters using the display.

Navigating Edit Pages and Parameter Selection

Using buttons to move between pages and select parameters for editing.

Using Online Help and Special Cases

Utilizing built-in help and handling specific parameter types like Delay Time.

Naming Programs During Storage

How to name programs when saving them, including character selection.

Chapter 5: Description of Controls

Front Panel: LCD Display Overview

Detailed explanation of the display's sections and information.

LCD Display in Edit Mode

How the display changes when editing programs, showing parameters and indicators.

Front Panel Button Functions

Explains Bypass LED, VALUE Knob, PROG, EDIT/PAGE, and A/B/C/D buttons.

Utility Button Functions and Pages

Details the functions accessed via the UTIL button across its various pages.

STORE, Input/Output, and Auto Level Controls

Explains STORE, INPUT/OUTPUT buttons and the Auto Level function.

Rear Panel Layout and Connections

Details the layout and function of rear panel jacks.

Effect Parameters Overview and Charts

Introduction to the effect parameter charts and their usage.

Chapter 6: MIDI Applications

MIDI Functions: Channel and Thru Settings

Introduces MIDI capabilities and how to set MIDI channel and enable MIDI Thru.

Receiving MIDI Program Changes and Program Tables

How to recall programs via MIDI and map program changes using tables.

Sysex Storage and Transfer Operations

Sending and receiving program data via System Exclusive dumps.

Realtime Modulation Control Setup

Using MIDI controllers for real-time parameter control.

Defining Modulation Sources and Parameters

Selecting MIDI sources and understanding modulation parameters.

Setting Modulation Amplitude and Controlling Delay

Adjusting modulation strength and syncing delay via MIDI clock.

Controlling Delay Time with MIDI Clock

Detailed explanation of syncing BPM Mono Delay to external MIDI clock.

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Index and Common Issues

Table of common problems, causes, and solutions.

Re-initializing, Software Version, and Maintenance

Steps to reset the unit, check software, and perform cleaning.

Service, Repair, and Contact Information

Guidelines for contacting Alesis for service and obtaining repairs.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Specifications

Electrical, Input, Conversion, and Output Specs

Details on frequency response, levels, impedance, and converters.

Front Panel Control Summary

List of front panel controls and their functions.

Rear Panel and Processing/Memory Specs

Details on rear panel connections and processing/memory capabilities.

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