EasyManua.ls Logo

Alesis QuadraSynth User Manual

Alesis QuadraSynth
134 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
ALESIS
QuadraSynth
S4 QuadraSynth
Reference Manual

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Alesis QuadraSynth

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Alesis QuadraSynth and is the answer not in the manual?

Alesis QuadraSynth Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeDigital Synthesizer
Polyphony64 voices
Timbrality16 parts
OscillatorsSample-based
EffectsReverb, chorus, delay, EQ
AftertouchYes
Velocity SensitivityYes
MIDIIn, Out, Thru
FiltersDigital filters
OutputsStereo

Summary

Introduction

How To Use This Manual

Outlines the manual's structure and how to navigate its sections.

Setting Up

Unpacking and Inspection

Details the process of unpacking the QuadraSynth and checking for damage.

AC Power Hookup

Explains how to connect the QuadraSynth to an AC power source.

Line Conditioners and Protectors

Discusses methods to protect the QuadraSynth from voltage variations and interference.

Basic Audio Hookup

Explains how to connect the QuadraSynth to amplifiers or headphones.

Your First Session with the QuadraSynth

Powering Up

Guides the user through the initial power-on sequence and checks.

The Quad Knobs

Introduces the four Quad Knobs and their function in parameter adjustment.

Adjusting the Display Contrast

Describes how to adjust the LCD display contrast for readability.

Playing the Demo Sequence

Explains how to activate and stop the built-in demo sequence.

Playing the QuadraSynth

Introduces the concept of Program Mode and Mix Mode.

Program Mode and Mix Mode

Explains the two primary operational modes of the QuadraSynth.

Auditioning Internal Programs

Details how to select and play internal sound programs.

Auditioning Programs on the S4 Sound Module

Explains how to audition programs using an external MIDI controller.

Selecting the MIDI Channel

Describes how to choose the MIDI channel for transmission and reception.

Realtime Performance Functions

Explains controls like Velocity, Aftertouch, and Wheels for sound alteration.

Auditioning Mix Mode

Guides on how to select and listen to different Mix setups.

Editing a Mix

Details the process of assigning programs and setting levels within a Mix.

Auditioning Effects

Explains how to select and audition preset effects patches.

Setting the Effects Level

Describes how to adjust the send level of sounds to the effects processor.

Connections

Basic MIDI Hookup

Explains the fundamental MIDI connections for data transfer.

Typical Application 1: MIDI Keyboard/Master Controller for Live Use

Illustrates using the QuadraSynth as a master controller for live performance.

Using the S4 in Live Performance

Discusses how the S4 module responds to a MIDI controller in live settings.

Typical Application 2: Using the QuadraSynth with an External Sequencer

Details connecting the QuadraSynth to a sequencer for multitimbral playback.

About the Keyboard Mode

Explains how the keyboard mode affects MIDI transmission in Mix mode.

Using the S4 with a Sequencer

Provides settings for the S4 when used with a sequencer.

Pedal and Footswitch Hookup

Explains how to connect sustain and expression pedals.

Digital Audio/Optical Hookup

Describes connecting the QuadraSynth digitally to ADAT or AI-1.

Recording Digital Audio

Details routing and volume control for digital audio output.

48 kHz Clock In

Explains the synchronization of digital clock signals.

Overview

Basic Architecture

Describes the QuadraSynth's sound groups, samples, sounds, programs, and effects patches.

QuadraSynth Polyphony

Explains the 64-voice polyphony and its impact on layering.

Modes

Introduces Program, Mix, Program Edit, Mix Edit, Effects Edit, Global Edit, Store, and Compare modes.

Program Mode

Explains playing individual programs one at a time.

Mix Mode

Describes layering, splitting, and multitimbral use of programs.

Program Edit Mode

Details editing individual program parameters and creating new programs.

Mix Edit Mode

Explains how to edit Mixes, including program assignments and levels.

Effects Edit Mode

Describes setting up digital signal processing effects.

Global Edit Mode

Covers parameters affecting the entire instrument.

Store Mode

Explains saving programs, mixes, and effects.

Compare Mode

Details comparing edited versions with originals.

The User Interface: Display, Functions, Pages, and Parameters

Explains the display layout, Quad Knobs, and buttons.

MIDI Buttons

Explains the dual purpose of MIDI buttons in Program and Mix modes.

Quad Knob Editing

Discusses immediate and pass-thru editing modes for Quad Knobs.

Parameter Editing

Outlines the general procedure for editing parameters.

Editing Program Parameters

Provides an example of editing program parameters.

Edit 4 and Edit 1 Modes

Explains two modes for editing program sound layers.

Resetting a Parameter Value

Describes how to reset a parameter to its default setting.

Comparing Edited and Stored Versions

Explains using the Compare function to view edits.

Preset Memory and User Memory

Differentiates between ROM preset memory and RAM user memory.

Storing

Details the process of storing data to memory.

Store a Program

Step-by-step guide to saving a program.

Store an Effect

Step-by-step guide to saving an effect patch.

Store a Mix

Step-by-step guide to saving a mix.

To Audition Programs Before Storing

Explains how to preview programs before saving them.

Mix Mode

What Mix Mode Does

Explains the capabilities of Mix Mode for layering and sequencing.

Mix Edit Mode

Details entering Mix Edit mode and assigning programs.

Understanding the Edit Buffers

Explains how edit buffers work for Mixes and Programs.

Program Assign for each MIDI Channel

Covers assigning programs to MIDI channels within a Mix.

Level Setting for Each Program

Explains setting volume, pan, and output for programs in a Mix.

Pitch

Describes transposing programs within a Mix.

Effects in Mix Mode

Explains how effects are handled in Mix Mode.

Effect Level

Details adjusting effect send levels and bus assignments for each channel.

Effect

Explains selecting or linking effect patches for a Mix.

Naming a Mix

Describes how to name a Mix.

Polyphony in Mix Mode

Discusses polyphony limits when using multiple channels in Mix Mode.

Using the QuadraSynth as a Master Keyboard

Explains using the QuadraSynth to control external synths.

Setting MIDI Out Channels for Mix in Global Mode (QuadraSynth Keyboard only)

Details setting keyboard output for Mix Mode using Global settings.

FRM MIX

Details the FRM MIX keyboard mode for zone-based MIDI output.

Editing Programs

Overview

Introduces synthesizer programming and sound shaping.

The “Normalized” Synth Voice

Explains the concept of normalized synth voice configurations.

How the QuadraSynth Generates Sound

Describes the QuadraSynth's custom ICs and sound generation process.

Program Sound Layers

Explains layering multiple sounds within a single program.

QuadraSynth Signal Flow

Illustrates the signal flow within a QuadraSynth Program.

Voice

Explains the oscillator and its modulation capabilities.

Lowpass Filter

Details the filter's function, cutoff, and modulation.

About Modulation

Introduces modulation sources and destinations for sound shaping.

(Low Frequency Oscillator)

Explains LFOs for cyclic modulation.

Envelopes

Describes envelope generators for time-varying modulation.

About Signal Processing

Explains the signal processing section and its effects.

Drum Mode

Introduces Drum Mode for assigning drum sounds.

Drum Mode

Details enabling Drum Mode and its limitations.

Program Edit Functions

Introduces the process of editing programs.

Assign Voice

Explains selecting samples for sounds within a program.

Group (16 options)

Describes the 16 sample groups available for selection.

Name

Explains selecting samples by name from a group.

Level

Details setting volume, pan, and output for each sound layer.

Effect Level

Explains adjusting effect send levels and bus assignments per sound.

Pitch

Covers semitone and detune adjustments for pitch.

Pitch (Page 2)

Details pitch range and aftertouch/LFO modulation depth.

Pitch (Page 3)

Explains portamento and its settings.

Filter (Page 1)

Details filter frequency, keyboard tracking, and velocity modulation.

Filter (Page 2)

Covers pitch bend, aftertouch, and LFO modulation of the filter.

(13 choices)

Explains velocity curves and their effect on sound response.

Amplitude LFO Depth (-99 to +99)

Details amplitude LFO depth for tremolo effects.

Range

Explains setting keyboard ranges for sound layers.

Sound Overlap (00 to 99)

Describes controlling voice overlap and polyphony.

Mod

Introduces general purpose modulation and its matrix.

Selecting the Modulator (1 to 6)

Explains selecting modulation sources.

Modulation Source

Lists available modulation sources like velocity and aftertouch.

Mod Destination

Lists available parameters that can be modulated.

Modulation Level (-99 to +99)

Explains adjusting the amount of modulation.

Gate Mode (Off or On)

Describes gating modulator effects.

Pitch LFO (Page 1)

Explains using the Pitch LFO for vibrato.

Wave (7 choices)

Details selecting LFO waveforms.

Speed (00 to 99)

Explains adjusting LFO speed.

Delay (00 to 99)

Describes setting LFO delay time.

Trigger (Mono, Poly, Key Mono, Key Poly)

Explains LFO trigger modes.

Pitch LFO (Page 2)

Details pitch LFO level, mod wheel, and aftertouch modulation.

Filter LFO (Page 1)

Explains using the Filter LFO for wah-wah effects.

Mod Wheel (-99 to 99)

Details mod wheel modulation of filter LFO.

Aftertouch (-99 to 99)

Details aftertouch modulation of filter LFO.

Amp LFO (Page 1)

Explains using the Amp LFO for tremolo.

Mod Wheel (-99 to 99)

Details mod wheel modulation of amp LFO.

Aftertouch (-99 to 99)

Details aftertouch modulation of amp LFO.

Pitch Envelope (Page 1)

Introduces pitch envelope for dramatic pitch changes.

Attack (00 to 99)

Explains the attack time for pitch envelopes.

Decay & Sustain (00 to 99)

Details decay and sustain settings for pitch envelopes.

Release (00 to 99)

Explains release time for pitch envelopes.

Pitch Envelope (Page 2)

Covers delay and sustain decay for pitch envelopes.

Sustain Pedal (On or Off)

Explains sustain pedal effect on pitch envelopes.

Level (00 to 99)

Details envelope level.

Velocity Modulation (00 to 99)

Explains velocity modulation of envelope level.

Filter Envelope (Page 1)

Introduces filter envelopes for tonal changes.

Attack (00 to 99)

Explains attack time for filter envelopes.

Decay & Sustain (00 to 99)

Details decay and sustain for filter envelopes.

Release (00 to 99)

Explains release time for filter envelopes.

Amp Envelope (Page 1)

Introduces amp envelopes for sound characteristics.

Sustain Decay (00 to 99)

Details sustain decay for amp envelopes.

Trigger (Normal, Freerun, Reset, Reset-Freerun)

Explains trigger modes for envelopes.

Amp Envelope (Page 3)

Covers time tracking for amp envelopes.

Sustain Pedal (On or Off)

Explains sustain pedal effect on amp envelopes.

Tracking Generator

Explains scaling modulation sources.

Input

Selects tracking generator inputs.

Points 0 — 10 (00—100)

Adjusts tracking generator points.

Misc.

Enables/disables Drum Mode and Sound Enable.

Programming Drum Sounds

Details programming drum sounds.

Assign Voice

Explains selecting drum samples.

Group

Lists drum sample groups.

Level

Sets drum level, pan, and output.

Effects Level

Adjusts effect send levels for drums.

Pitch

Details pitch transposition and velocity modulation for drums.

Filter

Covers filter settings and velocity modulation for drums.

Amp

Explains velocity curves for drum response.

Note (000 to 127/C-2 to G8)

Assigns notes to trigger drum sounds.

Decay (0 to 99)

Adjusts drum sample decay time.

Mute Group (Off, 1, 2, or 3)

Explains mute groups for drum sounds.

Copying Sounds

Details copying sounds within programs.

Initializing Programs

Explains resetting programs to default settings.

Editing Effects

About Signal Processing

Introduces the QuadraSynth's effects processor and routing.

Selecting an Effects Patch

Guides on selecting effect patches from banks.

Editing Effects

Details entering Effects Edit mode.

Storing Effects Patches

Explains saving edited effect patches.

Configurations

Explains selecting effect configurations and their routings.

Configuration #1: 4-Sends, 1 Reverb

Details the routing and effects in Configuration #1.

Configuration #2: 4-Sends, 2 Reverb

Details the routing and effects in Configuration #2.

Configuration #3: 4-Sends, 1 Lezlie

Details the routing and effects in Configuration #3.

Reverb (Page 1)

Details Reverb input sources and balance.

Input Level

Explains adjusting input levels for Reverb.

Chorus Input Level

Covers chorus input level in specific configurations.

Send Input Levels

Details signal levels for sends going into Reverb.

Reverb (Page 2)

Explains selecting Reverb types and their characteristics.

Reverb (Page 3)

Details Reverb Diffusion and Density parameters.

Delay (Page 1)

Introduces Delay types and parameters.

Pitch (Page 1)

Explains Pitch types like Chorus, Flange, and Detune.

Mono Chorus

Explains the Mono Chorus effect.

Stereo Chorus

Explains the Stereo Chorus effect.

Mono Flange

Explains the Mono Flange effect.

Stereo Flange

Explains the Stereo Flange effect.

Pitch Detune

Explains the Pitch Detune effect.

Resonator

Explains the Resonator effect.

Pitch (Page 2)

Details pitch parameters.

Waveform Shape

Explains waveform shape for pitch effects.

Mod

Introduces modulation of effects parameters.

Selecting the Modulator

Explains selecting modulation sources and destinations.

Mod Source

Lists available MIDI controllers for modulation.

Mod Destination

Lists available parameters for modulation.

Mod Level

Explains adjusting modulation amount.

Name

Describes naming effects patches.

Mix

Explains mixing effect outputs to main outputs.

Pitch Level

Details adjusting pitch output level.

Delay Level

Explains adjusting delay output level.

Reverb Level

Details adjusting reverb output level.

Global Settings

Editing Global Parameters

Guides on accessing and editing global parameters.

LCD Contrast

Explains adjusting the display contrast.

Master Pitch and Master Tuning

Covers global pitch transposition and tuning.

Keyboard Sensitivity (QuadraSynth only)

Details keyboard velocity sensitivity settings.

Keyboard Curve (QuadraSynth only)

Explains keyboard velocity curve options.

Keyboard Transpose (QuadraSynth only)

Covers keyboard transposition settings.

Keyboard Mode (QuadraSynth only)

Explains keyboard modes for Mix Mode.

FRM MIX

Details the FRM MIX keyboard mode.

CH SOLO

Explains the CH SOLO keyboard mode.

OUT 1 — OUT 16

Details the OUT 1-16 keyboard mode.

Mix Group Channel (S4 Sound Module only)

Explains the Mix Group Channel parameter for the S4.

Controller A — D Assignment

Details assigning MIDI controllers.

Pedal 1 and 2 Assignment

Explains assigning foot pedals.

MIDI

Covers MIDI program select modes and edit modes.

48 KHz Clock Input

Explains enabling the 48 kHz clock input.

MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations

Saving to External Card

Guides on saving data to a RAM card.

Loading from External Card

Guides on loading data from a RAM card.

Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex

Explains transmitting data via MIDI System Exclusive.

Appendix A: Troubleshooting

Trouble-Shooting Index

Provides a table of common symptoms, causes, and solutions.

Re-initializing

Explains how to reset the QuadraSynth to default settings.

Checking Software Version

How to check the current software version.

Maintenance/Service

Provides cleaning and general maintenance tips.

Warranty Information

Details the product warranty terms.

Refer All Servicing to Alesis

Advises against self-servicing and refers to qualified technicians.

Obtaining Repair Service

Guides on how to get the unit serviced.

Appendix B: MIDI Supplement

MIDI Basics

Introduces MIDI and its role in electronic instruments.

MIDI Hardware

Describes MIDI connectors (In, Out, Thru).

MIDI Message Basics

Explains the types of MIDI messages.

Channel Messages: Mode Messages

Details MIDI mode messages (Omni, Mono/Poly).

Channel Messages: Voice Messages

Explains MIDI voice messages affecting sound.

Note On

Corresponds to pressing a key.

Note Off

Corresponds to releasing a key.

Velocity

Relates to playing dynamics.

Pressure

Indicates key pressure after pressing.

Program Change

Changes synth patches via MIDI.

Pitch Bend

Bends a note's pitch.

Continuous Controller

Varies sounds with pedals or wheels.

System Common Messages

Explains system-wide MIDI messages.

MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART

Appendix C: Parameters Index

Related product manuals