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Alesis MidiVerb 4 User Manual

Alesis MidiVerb 4
69 pages
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ALESIS
MidiVerb 4
Reference Manual

Questions and Answers:

Alesis MidiVerb 4 Specifications

General IconGeneral
MIDI I/OIn, Out/Thru
Sample Rate48 kHz
Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
A/D Resolution18-bit
D/A Resolution18-bit
Form Factor1U Rackmount
Effect TypesReverb, Delay, Chorus, Flange
Dimensions19" x 1.75"
Power Supply9VAC
Number of Programs200 (100 Factory, 100 User)
Display2-digit LED

Summary

Introduction

How To Use This Manual

Explains the manual's structure and how to navigate its sections for efficient use.

Conventions

Details the symbols, formatting, and terminology used throughout the manual for clarity.

Your First Session with the MidiVerb 4

Unpacking and Inspection

Guides users on checking the contents of the package and initial setup steps for the device.

Basic Connections

Provides fundamental audio connection methods for getting the MidiVerb 4 operational with other audio equipment.

Powering Up

Outlines the correct procedure for turning on the MidiVerb 4 system and initial checks.

Setting Levels

Explains how to properly adjust input and output levels for optimal signal-to-noise ratio and to prevent distortion.

Automatic Input Level Settings

Describes the automatic function for setting input levels based on the incoming audio signal.

What's in the Display?

Details the different sections of the MidiVerb 4's display and their meanings during operation.

Auditioning Internal Programs

Guides users on how to select and listen to the pre-programmed effects within the unit.

Switching Between Preset and User Banks

Explains the process of toggling between the factory presets and user-saved programs.

Bypass Program/Preset 00

Describes Preset 00 as a bypass function, allowing users to hear the dry signal for reference.

Changing Effect Settings

Details how to enter edit mode and modify individual effect parameters within a selected program.

Using Online Help

Introduces the built-in help system for understanding parameter functions directly from the display.

Special Cases

Addresses specific editing scenarios, such as adjusting delay time parameters in detail.

Adjusting Effects Mix Levels

Explains how to balance the original signal with the effected signal using the Mix parameter for each effect.

Dry Defeat

Describes the function to globally remove the direct (dry) signal from the unit's output.

Comparing an Edited Program to its Original Settings

Shows how to temporarily revert to original settings to compare edits made to a program.

Restoring an Edited Program to its Original Settings

Provides steps to discard changes and revert an edited program to its last saved state.

Storing Edited Programs

Guides users on how to save modified programs into the User bank for later recall.

Bypassing Effects

Explains methods to bypass all effects, allowing only the dry signal to pass through the unit.

Connections

AC Power Hookup

Details the proper connection of the power adapter to the unit and an AC outlet for safe operation.

Line Conditioners and Protectors

Discusses methods to protect the unit from voltage fluctuations and line noise for enhanced reliability.

Audio Connections

Provides guidelines for using high-quality cables and proper routing for optimal audio signal integrity.

Typical Applications

Outlines common ways the MidiVerb 4 can be integrated into various studio setups and signal chains.

Input Jack Wiring

Explains the normalled connection between the left and right input jacks and how it affects signal routing.

Interfacing Directly with Instruments

Describes how to connect instruments directly to the MidiVerb 4 for processing.

Interfacing to a Mixing Console

Details various methods for connecting the MidiVerb 4 to a mixing console for effects processing.

Using the Aux Sends

Explains how to use a mixer's auxiliary sends to route signals to the MidiVerb 4 for effects processing.

Mono In - Stereo Out

Describes connecting a mono input with stereo outputs for wider sound processing.

Stereo In - Stereo Out

Details connecting a stereo source to the unit for stereo effects processing.

Dual Mono

Explains how to process two separate mono signals independently through the unit.

Using Inserts

Describes how to use mixer insert points to integrate the MidiVerb 4 into individual channel signal paths.

Using Main Outputs

Explains how to connect the unit's main outputs to effect the entire mix or route to amplifiers.

Avoiding Ground Loops

Offers practical advice and techniques to minimize hum and buzz caused by ground loops in audio systems.

MIDI

Introduces MIDI functionality and its applications for controlling the MidiVerb 4.

Footswitch

Describes the functions and setup of the rear-panel footswitch jack for hands-free control.

Overview of Effects

The Architecture of the MidiVerb 4

Explains the internal structure and signal flow concepts of the MidiVerb 4.

What is a Configuration?

Defines configurations as arrangements of effects and categorizes the types available in the unit.

Single Configuration

Describes configurations using a single effect algorithm for optimal quality and performance.

Double Configuration

Explains configurations using two 'side-by-side' mono-in/stereo-out effects, identified by a '+' symbol.

Dual Mono Configuration

Describes configurations using two mono-in/mono-out effects, one for each channel, identified by a ':' symbol.

Multi Chain Configuration

Details configurations that chain two or three stereo effects in series, identified by '->' symbols.

Reverb Effects

Introduces the concept of reverberation and lists the various reverb types available on the MidiVerb 4.

Concert Hall

Simulates the acoustics of a large concert hall, suitable for various instruments and vocals.

Real Room

Replicates the sound of a medium-sized studio room with rich sound and smooth decay.

Realroom & Room

Offers less processor-intensive versions of the Real Room effect for specific configurations.

Ambience

Simulates a very small room, adding subtle ambient character to sounds.

Plate Reverb

Recreates the sound of a classic plate reverb, known for its transparent tone on vocals and guitars.

Nonlinear

Offers reverb with forward or backward directionality, including gated and reverse sounds.

Reverb Parameters

Lists and describes the common control parameters for most reverb effects in the unit.

Decay

Controls the duration of the reverb tail before it fades out.

Low Pass Filter

Attenuates high frequencies above a set point, shaping the reverb's tonal character.

Pre-delay

Introduces a slight delay before the reverb onset, helping the dry signal stand out.

Pre-delay Mix

Balances the amount of pre-delay relative to the main reverb signal.

Density

Controls the character of the reverb's first reflection and the overall 'thickness' of the sound.

Diffusion

Determines the 'thickness' of the reverb by adding more reflections to the decay.

Frequency Damping – Low & High

Allows equalization of reverb decay for low and high frequencies to simulate room surfaces.

Reverberation Swirl

Smooths reverb decay at low values or creates a detuning effect at high values.

Gating

Abruptly cuts off reverb decay for a choppy sound, popular for drums.

Delay Effects

Introduces delay effects, explaining how they create repetitions and detailing available types.

Mono Delay

Provides single delay with adjustable time, feedback, and EQ for classic echo sounds.

Stereo Delay

Offers two independent delays with adjustable parameters for stereo echo effects.

Ping Pong Delay

Creates a bouncing stereo delay effect, panning echoes between left and right channels.

MultiTap Delay

Combines three delays with individual controls for creating complex rhythmic patterns.

BPM Mono Delay

A mono delay that synchronizes its time to an external MIDI clock or tap tempo.

Synchronizing to MIDI Clock

Explains how to sync the BPM Mono Delay effect to an external MIDI clock source.

Setting Delay Time Using Tap Tempo

Details methods for setting delay time by tapping a button or using the footswitch.

Pitch Effects

Covers effects that alter the pitch of a signal to create layered timbres and harmonies.

Stereo Chorus

Creates a shimmering, detuned sound by modulating pitch with an LFO for left and right channels.

Quad Chorus

Modulates four delayed signals with phase offsets for phasing and chorus effects.

Chorus

A mono version of the stereo chorus effect for less intensive processing.

Stereo Flange

Simulates the classic flanging effect, creating a 'jet airplane' sound by modulating delay times.

Flange

A mono version of the stereo flange effect, producing a swishing or tunneling sound.

Lezlie

Simulates a rotating speaker effect, often used with organs for complex timbral changes.

Stereo Pitch Shifter

Transposes pitch by fixed amounts, useful for harmonies, detuning, and special effects.

Pitch

A less processor-intensive version of the stereo pitch shifter.

Auto Pan

Alternates signal loudness between channels, creating a panning effect.

Editing Programs

Selecting A Configuration

Guides users on choosing an effect configuration and copying it to the User bank to begin editing.

Editing Effect Parameters

Details how to enter edit mode and modify individual effect parameters using the unit's controls.

Moving Through Pages

Explains how to navigate between different parameter pages within the edit mode.

Using the A/B/C/D Buttons

Describes how to use the A, B, C, and D buttons to select and edit specific parameters.

Using Online Help

Revisits the built-in help system for parameter descriptions during editing.

Special Cases

Addresses specific parameter editing behaviors, like adjusting delay time values.

Naming A Program

Details the process of naming a program during the store function, including character selection.

Description of Controls

LCD Display

Explains the different sections and information displayed on the unit's liquid crystal display.

BYPASS LED Indicator

Describes the function of the bypass LED, indicating when the unit is in bypass mode.

VALUE Knob

Explains the use of the value knob for adjusting parameters, scrolling programs, and editing values.

PROGram Button

Details the function of the program button for selecting program mode, scrolling programs, and toggling banks.

EDIT/PAGE Button

Describes how the edit/page button is used to enter edit mode and navigate through parameter pages.

A/B/C/D Buttons

Explains the function of the A/B/C/D buttons for parameter selection, editing, and program naming.

UTILity Button

Details the utility button's function for accessing and navigating through various utility pages and settings.

STORE Button

Explains the store button's role in saving edited programs and copying them to different locations.

INPUT and OUTPUT Buttons

Describes how to view and adjust input and output levels using these dedicated buttons.

Auto Level Function

Introduces the auto level function for automatically setting optimal input levels.

Power Connector

Details the connection of the power supply and the importance of using the correct adapter.

Footswitch Jack

Explains the functions of the footswitch jack for bypassing effects or advancing programs.

MIDI Ports

Describes the MIDI In and Out/Thru ports for MIDI data communication.

Audio Input Jacks

Describes the 1/4" input jacks for connecting audio sources to the unit.

Audio Output Jacks

Describes the 1/4" output jacks for connecting the processed audio to amplifiers or mixers.

Effect Parameters Chart

Introduces a chart that maps configuration parameters to specific pages and buttons for editing.

MIDI Applications

MIDI Functions

Outlines the various MIDI capabilities of the MidiVerb 4, including program changes and Sysex.

MIDI Channel

Explains how to set the MIDI channel for receiving program change and other MIDI messages.

MIDI Thru

Describes how to route MIDI data from the IN port to the OUT/THRU port for passing information to other devices.

Receiving Program Changes

Details how to recall programs on the MidiVerb 4 using external MIDI control devices.

Program Change Table

Explains how to remap incoming MIDI program change messages to specific MidiVerb 4 programs.

Sysex Storage

Guides users on sending and receiving program data via System Exclusive (Sysex) dumps.

Realtime Modulation Functions

Explains how to use MIDI messages to control effect parameters in real-time.

Defining the Modulation Sources

Details how to select MIDI messages (Modulators X and Y) and their amplitude to control parameters.

Modulation Parameters Index

Provides a chart showing which parameters are controlled by Modulators X and Y for each configuration.

Setting Modulation Amplitude

Explains how to set the strength and direction of modulation effects.

Controlling Delay Time via MIDI Clock

Describes how to sync the BPM Mono Delay's time to an external MIDI clock source.

Troubleshooting

Trouble-Shooting Index

Provides a table to help diagnose common problems and find solutions before contacting support.

Re-initializing

Explains how to reset the unit to default settings, including a warning about user data loss.

Checking the Software Version

Guides users on how to determine the currently installed software version of the MidiVerb 4.

Maintenance/Service

Covers cleaning procedures and provides instructions for obtaining professional repair services.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Lists the MIDI messages transmitted and recognized by the MidiVerb 4, along with their functions.

Specifications

Electrical

Details the electrical specifications, including frequency response, dynamic range, and distortion.

Input

Lists specifications related to the unit's audio inputs, such as channel count and impedance.

A/D - D/A Conversions

Provides details on the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion processes, including processor speed and bit depth.

Output

Lists specifications for the unit's audio outputs, including channel count and maximum level.

Front Panel Controls

Summarizes the controls and indicators found on the unit's front panel.

Rear Panel

Details the specifications of the connectors and ports on the unit's rear panel.

Processing and Memory

Lists specifications related to the unit's processing capabilities and memory, including program types and effect configurations.

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