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Alesis ANDROMEDA A6 User Manual

Alesis ANDROMEDA A6
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1 6 - V O I C E R E A L A N A L O G S Y N T H E S I Z E R
REFERENCE
MANUAL
For Software Version 1.40

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Alesis ANDROMEDA A6

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Alesis ANDROMEDA A6 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeAnalog
Synthesis TypeSubtractive
Polyphony16 Voices
ModulationExtensive modulation matrix
ArpeggiatorYes
Oscillators2 per voice
LFO2 per voice
Filter2 multi-mode filters per voice
EffectsChorus, Flanger, Delay, Reverb
Keyboard61-key, velocity-sensitive
MIDIIn, Out, Thru
OutputsStereo outputs, headphone output

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Instructions to the User (FCC Notice)

This section details compliance with FCC rules for digital devices and potential interference.

CE Declaration of Conformity

Information regarding the CE Declaration of Conformity for the product.

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

Guidance on the structure and intended use of the Andromeda A6 Reference Manual.

Key Terminology

Defines essential technical terms used throughout the manual for clarity.

Chapter 1: Getting Started

What You'll Need

Lists the basic requirements for setting up and using the Andromeda A6 synthesizer.

Audio Connections

Details on connecting the A6 to sound systems or headphones for audio output.

MIDI Connections

Explains how to connect the A6 to other MIDI devices for system integration.

Quick Start: Playing Your First Program

A guide to get the Andromeda A6 up and running quickly, including auto-tuning.

Selecting Programs

Instructions on how to select sounds (Programs) and mixes from the A6's memory.

Master Volume

Explains the function of the global MASTER VOLUME control for overall output.

Chapter 2: Playing the A6

A Brief Tour of the Front Panel

An overview of the Andromeda A6's front panel layout and controls.

Modes of Operation

Describes the three basic operating modes: Program, Mix, and Global.

Data Banks: How the A6’s Sounds Are Organized

Illustrates the memory organization of the A6 across Program, Mix, and Global modes.

Selecting Programs and Mixes

Details on selecting Programs and Mixes using direct-select buttons and the display.

Storing Edited Programs and Mixes

Procedure for saving edited Programs and Mixes to memory locations.

Setting Up Splits and Layers

Explains how to construct splits and layers using Mix Channels.

Using Global Mode

Describes Global mode and its parameters for master settings.

Master Controls

Details on MASTER VOLUME and MASTER TUNE controls.

The Keyboard and Keyboard Modes

Information on the A6's keyboard specifications and performance modes.

Performance Features

Explains KBD MODE controls like UNISON X, DETUNE, and POLY/MONO.

Portamento

Details the portamento function, its controls, and parameters.

The Performance Wheels and Ribbon Controller

Describes the function and programmability of pitch/mod wheels and ribbon controller.

Pedals and Footswitches

Explains the use and setup of pedals and footswitches connected to the A6.

The Clock Section

Covers the A6's clock function for global synchronization.

Sequencer

Details the A6's 16-step, 3-level programmable step sequencer.

Arpeggiator

Explains the A6's programmable arpeggiator function.

Chapter 3: Basics of Analog Synthesis

An Overview of Synthesis

Explains the fundamental concept of synthesizers and sound generation.

Analog and Digital Technologies

Compares analog and digital synthesis methods and their historical context.

A Little Theory: Waveforms

Introduces basic waveforms (sine, triangle, square, sawtooth) and their properties.

Fundamentals and Harmonics

Explains how harmonics contribute to sound timbre and character.

Sound Dynamics

Discusses how sound changes subtly over time, like in acoustic instruments.

Envelopes

Introduces envelopes as controls for shaping sound over time.

LFOs

Explains Low Frequency Oscillators and their use in modulation like vibrato.

Components of an Analog Synthesizer

Illustrates the basic signal flow and components of an analog synthesizer.

Chapter 4: Overview of the Andromeda A6

A Few Basic Concepts

Explains fundamental principles of the A6's function organization.

Program Mode

Details Program mode, where single sounds are played and edited.

Mix Mode

Describes Mix Mode for combining multiple Programs into layers or splits.

External Memory

Information on using PCMCIA SRAM cards for additional memory.

A6 Function List

A comprehensive list of the Andromeda A6's functions and features.

Audio Sources

Details the sound sources: Oscillators (VCOs) and Noise Generator.

Tone Modifiers

Explains the function of Filters (VCFs) and Ring Modulator.

Modulation Sources

Describes LFOs, Envelopes, and the Tracking Generator as modulation sources.

Audio Mixing

Explains the PRE FILTER MIX, POST FILTER MIX, and VOICE MIX modules.

Controllers

Details the keyboard, wheels, ribbon controller, and pedal/footswitch inputs.

Effects

Overview of the A6's analog distortion and digital effects systems.

Master Controls

Explanation of MASTER VOLUME, MASTER TUNE, and TRANSPOSE controls.

MIDI Overview

Introduction to the A6's comprehensive MIDI system and capabilities.

Chapter 5: Oscillators and Filters

Oscillators

Details the A6's Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) as primary sound sources.

Oscillator Parameter Descriptions

Summarizes the pages of parameters for OSC 1 and OSC 2.

VCO Modulation

Explains modulation of VCOs using ENV 1, OSC 2 FM, and NZEXT sources.

Filters

Describes the A6's two filters (FILTER 1 and FILTER 2) for harmonic control.

What Filters Do

Explains the function of filters in controlling sound brightness and timbre.

How Filters Are Designed

Details filter modes like Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Notch.

Slope

Defines filter slope as the rate of frequency filtering (dB per octave).

Resonance

Explains how the Resonance control raises harmonic amplitude near the cutoff frequency.

Key Track

Describes how keyboard tracking affects filter frequencies.

How Filters Work

Illustrates the signal flow through the A6's filter sections.

Filter Parameter Descriptions

Lists and describes parameters for Filter 1 and Filter 2.

Chapter 6: Modulation and Envelopes

Modulation Principles

Explains the concept of modulation as changing one sound aspect with another.

Envelopes

Introduces envelopes as crucial modulation sources for shaping sound.

Envelope Properties

Describes envelope shape, determined by level and time settings.

TIME Page Parameters

Details parameters for envelope stage duration (TIME) and slope (SHAPE).

SHAPE: Selecting the Stage Slope

Explains envelope slope options (Linear, Exponential, Logarithmic, S-Curve).

LEVEL Page Parameters

Sets the output level for each stage of the envelope.

TRIG and RETRIG Pages Parameters

Determines how envelopes are triggered and how they progress through stages.

Envelope Modes

Describes the seven envelope modes and their behavior.

How Modulation Triggering Works

Explains how modulation sources trigger envelopes based on level and polarity.

LOOP Page Parameters

Allows specification of looping behavior for envelope stages.

MOD Pages

Enables modulation of envelope parameters using various sources.

Envelope Examples

Provides examples of different envelope contours and functionalities.

Chapter 7: LFOs, S&H and Process

Low Frequency Oscillators

Introduces LFOs as sources for periodic and aperiodic modulation.

LFO Parameter Descriptions

Details parameters for LFOs, including Rate, Shape, and Polarity.

WAVE Page

Explains setting the LFO waveform shape and rate.

TRIG Page

Covers starting LFO oscillation using various trigger sources.

SYNC Page

Allows synchronization of LFO frequency with Master Clock or MIDI Clock.

MOD Page

Details LFO modulation of parameters like Frequency, Delay, and Amplitude.

Sample and Hold

Explains the Sample and Hold module as a mod source.

Process Module

Introduces the Tracking Generator and Engine Optimizer modules.

Tracking Generator (TGEN)

Describes the Tracking Generator for scaling modulation sources.

Tracking Generator Parameter Descriptions

Details the parameters for the 16-stage Tracking Generator.

Engine Optimizer

Explains how the Engine Optimizer improves patch response.

Chapter 8: Pre Filter, Post Filter and Voice Mixes

The Andromeda’s Mixing System

Overview of the A6's mixing system for creating sounds.

Pre Filter Mix Overview

Details the PRE FILTER MIX module's function and controls.

Pre Filter Mix Operation

Explains the operation of OSC, SUB OSC, RING MOD, and NOISE/EXTERNAL controls.

Signal Routing through the Filters

Illustrates how signals are routed through the A6's filters.

Post Filter Mix Overview

Details the POST FILTER MIX module's controls for filter outputs.

Voice Mix

Explains the final mixing stages and controls for MAIN/AUX outputs and panning.

Chapter 9: The A6 Modulation Matrix

Custom Modulations

Introduces the concept of custom modulation paths and the Modulation Matrix.

Mod Functions Overview

Explains the flexibility of the A6's Modulation Matrix.

Performance Control of Mods

Discusses options for controlling modulations constantly or via performance controllers.

Using the Modulation Matrix

Explains the concept of the Mod Matrix as a table of sources and destinations.

A Few Ground Rules

Provides essential guidelines for creating and managing modulation paths.

About Signal Flow in a Mod Path

Illustrates the signal flow of a modulation path with controls.

About Modulation Sources

Categorizes modulation sources (Voice, Program, Global, Clock/Gate).

Chapter 10: Using Effects

Introduction

Overview of the A6's analog distortion and digital effects systems.

Signal Flow

Describes how signals travel through the effects processors.

Basic Controls

Explains the EFFECTS ON/OFF, CONFIG, and MOD buttons.

Editing Digital Effects

Guide to selecting effect types and editing their parameters.

Tutorial: How to Edit a Reverb

Step-by-step guide to editing a reverb effect.

Digital Effects Architecture

Describes the organization of the A6's digital effects system.

Single

Details single effect configurations and examples.

Stereo

Explains stereo effect configurations and their parameters.

Dual Effects: Parallel

Describes parallel configurations of two discrete effects.

Dual Effects: Mono

Explains dual mono configurations with independent controls.

Multi Chain

Details multi-chain configurations where effects are connected in series.

Reverbs

Provides detailed descriptions of various reverb configurations.

Delays

Lists and describes the different delay configurations and parameters.

Pitch Effects

Explains pitch effects like Chorus, Flange, and Pitch Shifter.

Chapter 11: Mix Mode

What Is a Mix?

Defines Mix Mode and its capabilities for layering and splitting sounds.

Mix Channels vs. MIDI Channels

Clarifies the difference between Mix Channels and MIDI Channels.

Common Mix Settings for MIDI Sequencers

Provides steps for creating a custom multitimbral mix for MIDI sequencers.

Editing Programs from Mix Mode

Explains how to tweak individual Programs within a Mix.

Mix Solo

Describes how to solo a specific Mix Channel.

Effects in Mix Mode

Details how to set effect send levels and copy effects within Mix Mode.

Chapter 12: MIDI Functions

MIDI Basics

Provides a background on MIDI technology and its applications.

MIDI Hardware

Explains MIDI connections using ports like MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU.

MIDI Messages

Details Channel and System messages used in MIDI communication.

Channel Messages: Voice Messages

Explains messages like Note On/Off, Velocity, and Program Change.

Channel Messages: Mode Messages

Describes the four MIDI modes (Omni On/Off, Poly/Mono) affecting instrument response.

System Messages: Real-Time Messages

Covers real-time MIDI messages like Timing Clock, Start, Stop, and Active Sensing.

System Messages: Common Messages

Explains common system messages like Song Position Pointer and Tune Request.

System Messages: Exclusive Messages

Details System Exclusive messages for program and sample data transfer.

MIDI and the A6 Andromeda

Discusses the A6's MIDI functions, including multitimbral sequencing.

Setting MIDI Parameters in Global Mode

Explains how to set MIDI transmission and reception variables in Global mode.

MIDI Page Parameters

Details parameters for MIDI settings like Mix Select, Program Change, and CCs.

CC MAP Page Parameters

Maps MIDI Continuous Controllers to Andromeda's controllers.

PANEL Page Parameters

Sets response of top panel controls and MIDI NRPN data.

Appendix A: Glossary

Glossary

Defines technical terms used throughout the Andromeda A6 manual.

Appendix B: Table of Software Modulation Sources

Mod Sources

Lists and explains software modulation sources available in the A6.

Appendix C: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Provides guidance for resolving common operational problems with the A6.

The Auto-Tune Display

Explains the AUTO TUNE feature and its display.

Auto Tune Parameters

Details parameters for manual tuning and voice calibration.

How to Use the Tune Display

Guides users on interpreting the tune status display.

Upgrading the Operating System

Instructions for updating the A6's software via MIDI.

Power Up Modes

Summary of functions accessed by holding soft buttons during power-up.

Troubleshooting Chart

A table listing common symptoms, causes, and solutions for A6 problems.

Appendix D: Specifications

Specifications

Lists the technical specifications of the Andromeda A6 synthesizer.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Details the MIDI functions supported by the A6.

Appendix E: Warranty

Warranty

Provides warranty information and terms for the Andromeda A6.

Refer All Servicing to Alesis

Instructions on obtaining professional repair service for the unit.

Obtaining Repair Service

Steps for customers to follow when seeking repair service.

Index

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