Alesis 7-51-0193-F User Manual

USB MIDI Controller and Stereo Audio Interface

Quick Start Owner’s Manual

BOX CONTENTS

• PHOTON X 25 USB AUDIO/MIDI CONTROLLER

• USB CABLE

• QUICK START OWNER’S MANUAL

•

Manual de inicio rápido para el usuario

CONTENIDO DE LA CAJA

• CONTROLADOR USB DE AUDIO/MIDI PHOTON X25

• CABLE USB

• MANUAL DE INICIO RÁPIDO DEL USUARIO

Manuel d’utilisation du propriétaire

CONTENU DE LA BOÎTE

• CONTRÔLEUR MIDI/AUDIO USB PHOTON X 25

• CABLE USB

• GUIDE D’UTILISATION SIMPLIFIÉ

• CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Schnellbedienungsanleitung

INHALT DER VERPACKUNG

• PHOTON X 25 USB AUDIO/MIDI CONTROLLER

• USB-KABLE

• SCHNELLBEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

• WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

Manuale rapido di utilizzazione

CONTENUTO DELLA CONFEZIONE

• PHOTON X 25 USB AUDIO/MIDI CONTROLLER

• CAVO USB

• MANUALE RAPIDO DI UTILIZZAZIONE

• IMPORTANTI ISTRUZIONI DI SICUREZZA

This page intentionally left blank.

PHOTON X 25 QUICK START

OWNER’S MANUAL

(ENGLISH)

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Alesis Photon X 25 MIDI controller and 24-bit stereo audio interface! The Photon X 25 combines portability with a host of cutting-edge features:

MIDI

• 25 full-size, velocity sensitive keys with easily accessible octave shift buttons.

• Alesis AXYZ dome for revolutionary three-dimensional MIDI control.

• Premium pitch and modulation wheels with backlighting.

• 10 high-resolution 360º knobs. Three layers yield the equivalent of thirty knobs per preset.

• 10 buttons, each programmable for on/off or momentary (trigger) operation.

• Simultaneously active USB and 5-pin MIDI connections.

• Pre-programmed setups. You can easily design your own custom setups, too.

AUDIO

• 24-bit stereo audio input and output via USB. Adjustable sample rate up to 48 kHz.

• Adjustable input and output gain.

• Main stereo outputs plus headphone output.

Product Registration

Please go to http://www.alesis.com to register your new Photon X 25. Registration helps you by ensuring that we can keep you up to date on any lastminute product issues. If you want, Alesis can also send you information on other products that might interest you.

Registration helps us, too. When you let us know the types of music products you use and dream about, you help us bring you cutting-edge products like the Photon X 25.

Minimum Computer Requirements

The Photon X 25 requires either Windows XP or Mac OS X, along with an available USB 1.1 or higher connection. Earlier operating systems are not supported.

Any MIDI application in which MIDI inputs can be configured should be compatible with the Photon X 25. Very basic MIDI programs will not allow you to take advantage of the Photon X 25’s wheels, buttons and knobs.

Connection Diagram

This page intentionally left blank.

Rear-Panel Connections

External Adapter Jack

the Photon X 25 through either the USB connection or four “C”-size batteries. (Use a 6VDC, negative tip, 1000mA device.)

Power Source Selector

from either four “C”-size batteries or the external power adapter. (If both an AC adapter and batteries are present, the AC adapter will be used rather than the batteries.)

Leave this switch in the OUT position in order to power the Photon X 25 from a computer’s USB connection or to turn off the unit when USB power is not present.

Note: When using a laptop computer, consider using batteries to prolong the laptop’s operating time between charges.

Load “C”-size batteries on the bottom of the Photon X 25.

USB Connector

1.1 or higher connector on your computer.

Plug the Photon X 25 directly into your computer, rather than using a USB hub or other intermediate device. Such devices can interfere with the Photon X 25’s MIDI and audio timing signals.

MIDI IN Connector

of an external MIDI controller to the MIDI IN of the Photon X 25.

If you connect an external MIDI device to the Photon X 25 in this way, your computer will recognize the external device as a second MIDI IN controller.

– Plug in the AC adapter if you don’t want to power

– Press this switch IN to power the Photon X 25

– Plug a standard USB cable into this outlet and into a USB

– Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the OUTPUT

MIDI OUT Connector

OUT of the Photon X 25 to the INPUT of an external MIDI device.

The operation of the MIDI OUT port changes depending on whether or not a USB cable is connected to the Photon.

● USB cable connected: MIDI data from your computer is passed to the MIDI OUT port.

Note: When a USB cable is connected, you should activate “MIDI echo” in your sequencer if you want the Photon to control another MIDI device.

● USB cable not connected: Whatever you play on the Photon is sent to the MIDI OUT port.

Note: If you have another device connected to the Photon’s MIDI IN port, that device’s MIDI information will be ignored.

Sustain Pedal Input

any manufacturer’s sustain pedal: when you turn on the Photon X 25, it will automatically calibrate itself to the pedal.

Expression Pedal

pedal such as the Roland EV-5 pedal.

Stereo Audio Inputs

connect external audio equipment like mixers and synthesizers. You can adjust the incoming signal’s gain using the INPUT control on the top of the Photon X

25.

Note: You can choose whether or not to send the audio input signal directly to the audio outputs (including the headphone output) in the GLOBAL menu.

Stereo Audio Outputs

connect the Photon X 25 to a mixer or powered monitor speakers to listen to the incoming audio sent from your computer.

Headphone Output

10.

incoming audio.

– Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the MIDI

MIDI data from the Photon

– Connect a keyboard sustain pedal (not included). Use

– Plug in an optional continuous-controller expression

– Use balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) ¼” cables to

– Connect a pair of stereo headphones to listen to the

USB data from the computer

Top Panel Controls

Keyboard

Octave Up/Down Buttons

buttons. Press them both at the same time to reset the keyboard range.

Pitch Wheel

Modulation Wheel

wheel, its most common use is for modulation control.

AXYZ Dome

three-way MIDI control. Side-to-side, top-to-bottom, and distance-from dome movements are all tracked.

AXYZ Dome activation button

AXYZ Dome operation.

Display

Configuration buttons

more using the configuration buttons. See below for additional detail.

VALUE/ENTER Encoder

various parameters and values. Press VALUE/ENTER to toggle between parameter and value assignments and to accept your entries.

10.

Audio Input Level

11.

Audio Output Level

audio outputs.

12.

MIDI Control Knobs

are suitable for transmitting standard 7-bit (0-127) MIDI commands.

13.

MIDI Control Buttons

mode or momentary (trigger) mode.

– A full-size, 25-note, velocity-sensitive keyboard.

– Transpose the keyboard in octaves using these

– Control pitch bend with this backlit wheel.

– While you can control any parameter using this backlit

– The AXYZ dome responds to your hand position to provide

– Press this button to enable or disable

– The LCD display shows current status information.

– Call up and save presets, set global parameters and

– Twirl the VALUE/ENTER encoder to select

– Adjust the gain of incoming audio here.

– Adjust the level sent to the headphones and main

– Ten high-resolution, endless knobs. These knobs

– Ten buttons can operate in either toggle (on/off)

14.

Layer Button

Photon X 25’s three independent knob layers. The lights above the LAYER button indicate which one of the three available layers is currently active.

Knob assignments can be made on each layer for a total of 30 knob assignments per preset.

Both Windows XP and Mac OS X see the Photon as a plug-and play MIDI and Audio controller. Simply plug the Photon into your computer using a USB cable and allow the operating system to install it automatically.

Depending on your operating system, the Photon X 25 may be identified by your MIDI and Audio software applications as either a “Photon” controller or a “USB Audio Device.” No need to worry: the Photon will work regardless of its designation.

The Photon is not compatible with earlier versions of Windows or Mac OS.

Check http://www.Alesis.com for driver updates and up-to-date information on operating system compatibility.

– Press the LAYER button repeatedly to cycle through the

Plug-and-Play Connection to a Computer

Operation:

1. Using the Keyboard with your MIDI software

Start off simply. Once you’re plugged in and powered up, go to your sound module or software application and set the incoming MIDI channel.

If you’re using software, you will probably need to configure it to use the Photon or “USB” device. Look for the MIDI device setup menu in your application and ensure that the Photon is designated as an active MIDI device before proceeding.

On the Photon, press EDIT PRESET. Then, press the PAGE RIGHT button to see the Common MIDI setting. This is the channel on which the Photon X 25 will send it’s MIDI information. Turn the VALUE/ENTER encoder to change this setting if needed.

Play the keyboard. Your sound module or software should respond to the Photon X 25’s MIDI data. If not, refer to the troubleshooting instructions later in this guide.

Experiment with the Photon X 25’s OCTAVE buttons and pitch and modulation wheels. Since the two wheels are mapped to MIDI’s standard pitch and modulation commands, they should work for you in most cases right off the bat.

2. Using the Knobs with the Supplied Controller Templates

If one of the supplied template sets matches your MIDI software, lift the plastic template covers with your fingernail, position the templates, and then replace the covers.

Press the RECALL PRESET button and turn the clear cursor knob to reach the program number indicated on the templates. Press the cursor knob to enter this program. You should now be able to control the software according to the templates.

Press the LAYER button to cycle through the three knob layers. Each layer is independent (though a knob can be assigned to the same controller value on two or three of the layers).

The row-selection lights on the top and bottom always move together. It’s not possible to select, say, Layer 1 on the top row of knobs and Layer 2 on the bottom row.

3. Audio Recording and Playback

To record, connect the OUTPUT from an audio device to the AUDIO IN jacks of the Photon X 25. Use balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) ¼” cables. In your audio software, enable input from the Photon X 25.

If your software allows it, adjust the sample rate. The Photon X 25 will “slave” to this setting (so long as it is not out of the Photon X 25’s range).

Adjust the gain of the incoming audio signal using the Photon X 25’s INPUT knob. Send the loudest signal you can to your recording application before your application indicates clipping.

For playback, connect a pair of headphones to the Photon X 25’s HEADPHONE OUT jack and/or connect your audio playback device’s IN jacks to the Photon X 25’s AUDIO

OUT jacks. Adjust the level using the OUTPUT knob.

CAUTION: To protect both your hearing and your

equipment, turn the OUTPUT down to its lowest setting before connecting gear and before turning on the unit.

Maximizing Your Gain Staging

For the best recorded sound, adjust each of your audio devices for maximum fidelity with minimum noise.

Start by turning UP keyboards, sound modules and mixer channels to between fifty and seventy-five percent of maximum.

If you hear distortion, first turn DOWN the preamp trim controls on your mixer (if you’re using one). Then, turn DOWN the Photon’s OUTPUT knob.

Listen for audible improvements as you adjust your devices’ volume controls relative to one another.

A little time spent experimenting with these settings can yield big improvements in sound quality.

24-bit audio output to 16-bit recording programs

The Photon X 25 always sends audio to the computer at 24 bits (high resolution). Some recording programs will only record the 16 most significant bits (compact disc resolution), ignoring the eight additional bits sent by the Photon X 25. This is not a problem.

4. Editing and Storing Configurations

GLOBAL BUTTON

(Editing the Global settings)

Global settings are in effect at all times, in all presets.

Press the GLOBAL button to access these settings. Then use the PAGE buttons to cycle through the options. Any changes you make are stored immediately. When you are finished, press RECALL PRESET to exit this mode and return to normal operation.

a. LCD CONTRAST.

b. KEYBOARD CURVE.

Exponential, or Always-at-Maximum velocity curve.

c. SEMITONE TRANSPOSITION.

semitones to +11 semitones. You can also use the keyboard to set this value. 0 (no transposition) is equal to middle C.

d. DIRECT MONITOR.

the audio that you send into the Photon X 25 directly, without requiring the audio to pass through the USB cable to the computer and back beforehand.

Direct Monitoring is ideal if you want to listen to your recorded signal with the lowest possible latency. However, if you turn Direct Monitoring on and also monitor your signal through your computer, you will likely hear a bit of echo due to the computer interface’s higher latency.

Use VALUE/ENTER to select “enabled” or “disabled”

e. SEND SYSEX.

configurations by sending them to an external device (such as your computer). Send either one preset or all of them.

Use VALUE to adjust the screen’s contrast.

Use VALUE to select the Linear, Logarithmic,

Use VALUE to cycle from -11

This function allows you to hear

Store your Photon X 25’s preset

What is Latency? “Latency” is the delay between the moment when audio is generated and the moment when you actually hear it. Higher latency means a longer delay.

Generally, you want to keep latency as low as possible while still allowing your equipment to operate without glitches.

RECALL SETUPS BUTTON

(Loading presets)

Presets are snapshots of the Photon X 25’s settings for its three layers of knobs and buttons, its pitch and mod wheels, and its AXYZ dome. 20 different preset locations are available.

Recalling setups

Press RECALL PRESET. Turn VALUE/ENTER to cycle through the presets. Press VALUE/ENTER to make a preset active.

Copying presets from one location to another

Press RECALL PRESET. Then, press the PAGE RIGHT button. The lower half of the screen will read “copy to ….” Twirl the VALUE/ENTER encoder to select the destination location. Press VALUE/ENTER to copy the preset.

EDIT PRESET BUTTON

(Naming presets; assigning MIDI channels and controllers)

Press the EDIT PRESET button to access the settings for the current preset.

Assigning the MIDI Channel Each preset is associated to a MIDI channel. You can assign any controller to a different MIDI channel if you want, but there is still a “common” MIDI channel for the preset.

Once you’ve pressed EDIT PRESET – and before you’ve touched any other buttons or controllers – press the PAGE RIGHT button to access the Common

MIDI setting. Turn the VALUE/ENTER encoder to change the setting.

Naming the Preset Press PAGE RIGHT again to change the name of the preset. Press VALUE/ENTER to begin editing. Then, use the PAGE buttons to cycle through the characters; turn VALUE/ENTER to change the characters.

With the Recall Setup button illuminated, move any controller to see its midi control assignment within the most recently active preset.

Assigning Knobs Use the LAYER button to choose the layer you want to edit. Press EDIT PRESET then wiggle a knob to select that knob for editing.

● Press the PAGE RIGHT button.

● Turn VALUE/ENTER to change the MIDI continuous control (CC)

number associated to the knob.

● At this point, the knob is assigned and ready to use—You can push the RECALL PRESET button to return to the main menu and start twiddling the knob. However, you can access additional MIDI options by pressing the PAGE RIGHT button. These options include:

- The MIDI channel of the knob. The default setting is Comn which sends out the CC information on the common channel (see below) but you can set the knob to send MIDI out on a channel from 1 to 16.

- The Common MIDI channel. All of the knobs set to Comn will be sent on this channel.

- The name of your preset. Use the PAGE LEFT and PAGE RIGHT buttons to move the cursor forward and back and the

VALUE/ENTER knob to select letters, numbers, and spaces.

Assigning Buttons Push EDIT PRESET and press a button you want to assign.

● Press the PAGE RIGHT button.

● Turn VALUE/ENTER to change the function of

the button (you can choose between CC controllers, MMC commands, or program/bank changes)

● Turn VALUE/ENTER to change the button’s MIDI control number (or MMC command, or program/bank change setting depending on what function you’ve assigned to this button).

● Press PAGE RIGHT once again to select the MIDI Channel for this button. All buttons set to Comn will send out MIDI information on the Common MIDI channel (see

“Toggle” and “Momentary” button types

In Toggle mode, every button press sends changes a MIDI option from “off” to “on” (or from “on” or “off”).

In Momentary mode, pressing a button sends an “on” command. Once you release the button, an “off” command is immediately

below).

● Press PAGE RIGHT to change the button’s type. Turn VALUE/ENTER to select toggle or momentary. (See the sidebar for an

explination of the difference)

● Press PAGE RIGHT once again to access the Common MIDI setting. All buttons set to “Comn” will be sent on this channel.

● Finally, press PAGE RIGHT to name your preset. See the section above for more on how to name your patches.

Assigning the AXYZ dome

Press the EDIT PRESET button and turn the VALUE/ENTER knob until you see X Ctrl, Y Ctrl, or Z Ctrl. For each of these settings, you can press PAGE RIGHT button and assign a different MIDI CC number to each of the three axis (left/right, near/far, and up/down). You can send out AXYZ dome data on a specific channel by pressing PAGE RIGHT and changing the channel from Comn to a specific channel from 1 to 16 (see above section for more on this).

Another Way to Assign the Controllers

You can also access and then assign controllers by first pressing EDIT PRESET and then turning the VALUE/ENTER encoder. The display will cycle through all of the available controllers.

When you see the controller you want to edit, press PAGE RIGHT. You can then assign the controller’s parameters as listed above.

MIDI SEND BUTTON

(Sending Program, Bank, and Reset MIDI commands)

Press MIDI SEND to send MIDI program change, bank change, and reset commands.

Sending Program Change commands Press VALUE/ENTER. The display will read Program Number. Twirl VALUE/ENTER to find the program change number you want to send. Press VALUE/ENTER to send the program change message.

Sending Bank Change and Program Change commands Turn VALUE/ENTER one click, so the display reads

Program + Bank. Press VALUE/ENTER and then twirl it to set the bank number.

Select your MSB and press VALUE/ENTER. Twirl a second time to set the LSB number and press VALUE/ENTER. Finally, twirl again to set the program number and press VALUE/ENTER to send the program change.

Sending the MIDI Reset command Turn VALUE/ENTER two clicks, so the display reads Reset All?

Press VALUE/ENTER two times to send the reset all command.

About SysEx Transfers:

When performing large SysEx transfers from Windows to the Photon, you may need to increase the buffer size on your Windows software to ensure a correct transfer.

Selecting a buffer size equal to or larger than the SysEx file virtually assures that the transfer will occur without errors.

MIDI PANIC (ALL NOTES OFF)

If your sequencer or hardware device gets “stuck” and stops responding to MIDI commands, press both PAGE buttons at the same time. This operation sends the MIDI Panic (all notes off) command, which is designed to solve these sorts of MIDI problems.

Default Photon X25 Presets

Your Photon 25 / Photon X25 comes pre-configured for several popular sequencing programs and virtual instruments. To start using the Photon 25 / Photon X25 with any of the programs listed below, simply recall the preset on the keyboard, insert the paper template into the placeholder, and go!

Preset # Program

1. Cubase LE *

2. B4

3. Pro 53

4. FM7 **

5. ReMix

6. Dr:Rex

7. Malstrom

8. NN-19

9. Subtractor

10. Lounge Lizard

11. Digital Performer

12. Sonar

13. Live 14-20. Default ***

* Cubase LE requires you to load the “Photon 25 Cubase Remote.xml” file before you can use your Photon 25 / Photon X25. Consult the Cubase LE manual (located on the Cubase CD) for more on this.

** FM7 requires you to load “Photon25.f7c” or “PhotonX25.f7c” before you can use your Photon 25 / Photon X25 with FM7. Please see the FM7 manual for more on this.

*** The MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) assignments for the “Default” banks were carefully chosen so that they do not cause conflicts with most common MIDI CC assignments. If you plan to make your software “learn” MIDI assignments, the “Default” banks should be your best bet.

Reference:

List of Common MIDI Controller Values

Use this table for reference as you configure the Photon.

Controller Description Range of Values

1 Modulation Wheel 0 through 127 2 Breath Controller 0 through 127 4 Foot Controller 0 through 127 5 Portamento Time 0 through 127 7 Master Volume 0 through 127

8 Balance 0 through 127 10 Pan 0 through 127 11 Channel Volume 0 through 127 64 Sustain Pedal 0-63= off. 64-127= on. 65 Portamento Pedal 0-63= off. 64-127= on. 66 Sostenuto Pedal 0-63= off. 64-127= on. 67 Soft Pedal 0-63= off. 64-127= on. 67 Hold 2 Pedal 0-63= off. 64-127= on. 91 External Effects 0 through 127 92 Tremolo Depth 0 through 127 93 Chorus Depth 0 through 127 94 Detune Depth 0 through 127 95 Phaser Depth 0 through 127

123 All Notes Off 0 126 Monophonic Mode On 1=on 127 Polyphonic Mode On 0=on

Troubleshooting:

Symptom Cause Solution

The display does not light up.

No power. If you are using USB power, check that the

USB power switch on the back of the Photon is OUT. If you are using batteries or an AC adapter, check to see that the batteries are not drained or that the adapter is plugged in to a live power outlet and that the power switch is IN.

MIDI: No sound from target device.

Problems caused by

Software application

Photon’s MIDI

Sound source’s notes

Photon USB not

properly connected.

use of a USB hub.

not set up to receive MIDI data from Photon controller.

not receiving MIDI data.

channel not the same as application’s incoming MIDI channel.

out of range of Photon’s keyboard.

Check your computer’s USB connections to confirm that the Photon is recognized and installed. Turn you computer off and then on again if necessary. (Choose “shut down” rather than “restart” to ensure that the USB devices are properly reset.)

Try unplugging the Photon from any USB hubs and connecting directly to the computer.

Ensure that the Photon or “USB” MIDI device is listed as an active MIDI source in your application.

Many software applications have MIDI IN and OUT indicators. Play some keys and look for the MIDI IN light to indicate activity.

Be sure that the Photon is sending on the channel that the target device expects.

Try using a piano sound as you’re first getting connected. Drums and basses and some other instruments may have a limited MIDI note range or other idiosyncrasies. Use “easier” instruments like pianos when you’re setting up the Photon for the first time.

Sound source not

active or volume set to 0.

MIDI Echo not

enabled in sequencer software.

An external MIDI

IN device is present.

Photon’s 5-pin

MIDI OUT not connected to sound source’s MIDI IN.

Notes sustain continuously.

Sustain pedal was

plugged in after power was turned on.

Try using an instrument that has a virtual keyboard built in. Will the instrument sound when you use that virtual keyboard? If not, the problem may be with the software synthesizer, not the Photon connection.

If the Photon is both (a) connected to a computer via USB and (b) connected to an external sound source via MIDI OUT, be sure that a computer sequencer program is active and that it is set to “MIDI Echo.”

If you are using the 5-pin MIDI OUT port to connect to another MIDI device and another device is connected to the Photon’s MIDI IN, the MIDI OUT port only sends information from the MIDI IN device, not the Photon.

Ensure that any 5-pin cables are connected to the proper inputs and outputs.

Turn the unit’s power off, wait a moment, and then turn it on again.

Sustain pedal works in reverse.

Stuck notes due to

incomplete MIDI data.

Sustain pedal was

plugged in after power was turned on.

Turn the unit’s power off, wait a moment, and then turn it on again.

)

AXYZ dome not operational.

AXYZ dome’s

AUDIO: Computer does not “hear” the Photon.

Audio recording

The unit causes interference with nearby radios and televisions.

AXYZ activation

button not pressed in.

MIDI control assignments not made.

USB connection not

made.

program not set up to use the Photon.

Improperly shielded

USB cabling.

Press the button next to the AXYZ dome to activate its use.

Press EDIT PRESET to assign AXYZ controller values.

erify that the USB cable is plugged in and the Photon (or “USB audio Device” as an audio device in your operating system’s device manager.

erify that your audio recording program is set to record from the Photon.

Windows: Verify that your audio recording program is set up to use WDM audio, not ASIO audio.

Be sure that your USB cable is properly shielded using a choke or ferrite to minimize radio frequency emissions from the Photon.

is recognized

Specifications

Keyboard: 25-note, full-size, full-travel, velocity-sensitive keys.

MIDI Controllers: AXYZ three-way controller. Octave Up/Down

buttons. Ten programmable buttons. Ten endless (360º) knobs, with three independent layers. Fullsize Pitch and Modulation wheels with variable lighting.

Master control section: Global, Recall Preset, Edit Preset, MIDI Send, and

Page Forward/Back buttons. 360º turn-and-push encoder. 2-line LCD display.

Audio interface: Stereo, 24-bit, sample-rate adjustable up to 48 kHz.

Separate input and output gain controls. Stereo ¼” TRS inputs and outputs. Stereo ¼” TRS headphone jack.

Power options: USB bus power, 4 “C”-size batteries, or

external adapter (6VDC, negative tip, 1000mA)

Dimensions: 18 “ x 10 “ x 3.75” / 45.5 cm x 25.5 cm x 9.5 cm

Weight (net): 5 lbs / 2.2 kg

PHOTON X 25 – MANUAL DE INICIO

RÁPIDO DEL USUARIO

(ESPAÑOL)

Introducción

¡Felicitaciones por su compra del Controlador MIDI Alesis Photon X 25 y la interfaz de audio estéreo de 24 bits! El Photon X 25 combina la portabilidad con un sinnúmero de funciones de vanguardia:

MIDI

• 25 teclas de tamaño grande, sensibles a la velocidad con botones de cambios de octavas fácilmente accesibles.

• Alesis El domo AXYZ de Alesis para un control MIDI tridimensional revolucionario.

• Ruedas de modulación y pitch de la más alta calidad con retroiluminación.

• 10 perillas de 360º de alta resolución. Tres capas producen el equivalente de treinta perillas por predeterminado.

• 10 botones, cada uno programable para encender/apagar(on/off) o para funcionamiento intermitente (disparo).

• USB y conexiones MIDI de 5 pines activos simultáneamente.

• Pre Ajustes predeterminados. Puede diseñar fácilmente sus propios ajustes.

AUDIO

• Entrada y salida de audio estéreo de 24 bits vía USB. Ritmo de muestreo ajustable hasta 48 kHz.

• Ganancia de entrada y salida ajustable.

• Salidas estéreo principales más salida para auriculares.

Registración del producto

Por favor visite http://www.alesis.com para registrar su nuevo Photon X 25. Registrarse le permite asegurarse de que lo podamos mantener al tanto de cualquier asunto de último momento relacionado con el producto. Si desea, Alesis también le puede enviar información de otros productos que le puedan interesar.

La registración nos ayuda a nosotros también. Cuando nos informa sobre los tipos de productos de música que usa y con los que sueña, nos ayuda a presentarle productos de vanguardia como Photon X 25.

Requisitos mínimos de computadora

Photon X 25 requiere Windows XP o Mac OS X y una conexión USB 1.1 o superior. No se soportan los sistemas operativos más antiguos.

Cualquier aplicación MIDI en que las entradas MIDI puedan configurarse debe ser compatible con el Photon X 25. Los programas MIDI muy básicos no le permitirán aprovechar la palanca de mando y los botones del Photon X 25.

Diagrama de conexión

Conexiones del panel trasero

Conector del adaptador extern

alimentar el Photon X 25 a través de la conexión USB o con cuatro pilas de tamaño “C”. (Use un aparato de 6 VCC, con punta negativa, de 1000mA).

Selector de fuente de alimentación

el Photon X 25 con cuatro pilas tamaño “C”, o un adaptador de alimentación externo opcional. Si cuenta tanto con un adaptador de corriente alterna como con pilas, se usará el adaptador en vez de las pilas.

Mantenga este interruptor sin presionar para alimentar el Photon X 25 desde una conexión USB de la computadora o para apagar la unidad cuando no haya alimentación del USB.

Notas: Cuando use una computadora portátil, considere usar pilas para alargar el tiempo de funcionamiento de la computadora entre cargas.

Cargue las pilas en la parte inferior del Photon X 25.

Conector USB

tomacorriente y en un conector USB 1.1 o superior de su computadora.

Enchufe el Photon X 25 directamente a su computadora, en vez de usar un hub USB u otro aparato intermediario. Tales dispositivos pueden interferir con las señales de sincronización MIDI y de audio del Photon X 25.

Conector MIDI IN

salida (OUTPUT) de un controlador MIDI externo a la entrada MIDI IN del Photon X 25.

Si usa un dispositivo externo en MIDI IN, su computadora lo reconocerá como un segundo controlador MIDI IN.

– Para enchufar un cable de USB estándar en este

– Use un cable MIDI de cinco pines para conectar la

– Enchufe el adaptador de CA si no desea

– Presione este interruptor para alimentar

Conector MIDI OUT

salida MIDI OUT del Photon X 25 a la entrada (INPUT) de un dispositivo MIDI externo.

El funcionamiento del puerto MIDI OUT cambia dependiendo de que haya o no un cable USB conectado al Photon.

● Cable USB conectado: Los datos MIDI de su computadora se envían al puerto MIDI OUT.

Nota: Cuando se conecta un cable USB, usted debe activar el “MIDI echo” en su secuenciador si desea que el Photon controle otro dispositivo MIDI.

● Cable USB sin conectar: Lo que toque en el Photon se envía al puerto MIDI OUT.

Nota: Si tiene otro dispositivo conectado al puerto de entrada del MIDI del Photon, se ignorará la información MIDI de ese dispositivo.

Entrada del pedal de sostenido

teclado (no incluido). Use un pedal de sostenido de cualquier fabricante: cuando enciende el Photon X 25, se calibrará automáticamente con el pedal.

Pedal de expresión

continuo opcional como el pedal Roland EV-5.

Entradas de audio estéreo

balanceados (TS) para conectar equipos de audio externos como mezcladores y sintetizadores. Puede ajustar la ganancia de la señal de entrada usando el control de entrada (INPUT) de la parte superior del Photon X 25.

Nota: Puede elegir si desea enviar las señales de entrada de audio directamente a las salidas de audio (incluida la salida de auriculares) en el menú GLOBAL.

Salidas de audio estéreo

balanceados (TS) para conectar el Photon X 25 a un mezclador o auriculares monitores para escuchar el audio entrante enviado desde su computadora.

Salida para auriculares

10.

escuchar al audio entrante.

– Use un cable MIDI de cinco pines para conectar la

– Para conectar un pedal de sostenido de

– Para enchufar un pedal de expresión de controlador

– Use cables de ¼” balanceados (TRS) o no

– Usan cables de ¼” balanceados (TRS) o no

– Conecte un par de auriculares estéreo para

Datos del USB de la computadora

Los datos MIDI del Photon

Controles del panel superior

Teclado

Botones de subir/bajar octavas

estos botones. Presione ambos botones al mismo tiempo para reinicializar el rango del teclado.

Rueda de pitch

Rueda de modulación

parámetro con esta rueda con retroiluminación, es más común usarla para el control de modulación.

Domo AXYZ

proporcionar un control MIDI de tres vías. Se controlan de derecha a izquierda, de arriba a abajo, y en distancia todos los movimientos del domo..

Botones Interruptores del domo AXYZ

desactivar el funcionamiento del domo AXYZ.

Display

Botones de configuración

predeterminadas, ajustar parámetros globales y más funciones usando los botones de configuración. Vea abajo para más detalles.

Codificador de VALUE/ENTER

para seleccionar diversos parámetros y valores. Presione VALUE/ENTER para cambiar entre las asignaciones de parámetros y valores y para aceptar sus entradas.

10.

entrada de audio.

11.

salidas de audio principal.

– Un teclado de tamaño completo, 25 notas y sensible a la velocidad.

– Transponga el teclado en octavas usando

– Controle el pitch bend con esta rueda con retroiluminación.

– Si bien usted no puede controlar cualquier

– El domo AXYZ responde a la posición de su mano para

– Presione este botón para activar o

– La pantalla LCD muestra la información del estado actual.

– Para llamar y guardar funciones

– Gire el codificador VALUE/ENTER

Nivel de entrada de audio

Nivel de salida de audio

– Ajuste con este control la ganancia de la

– Ajuste el nivel enviado a los auriculares y a las

12.

Perillas de control MIDI

perillas están fabricadas para transmitir comandos MIDI estándar de 7 bits (0-

127).

Botones de control MIDI

13.

modo (on/off) o en modo temporario (disparo).

Botón de capas

14.

a través de las tres capas independientes de botones del Photon X 25. Las luces de arriba del botón LAYER indican cuál de las tres capas disponibles está actualmente activa.

Se pueden asignar perillas para cada capa con un total de 30 asignaciones de perilla por preajuste.

– Presione el botón de capas LAYER varias veces para ciclar

Conexión plug-and-play a una computadora

Tanto Windows XP como Mac OS X reconocen al Photon como un controlador MIDI tipo plug-and-play. Simplemente enchufe el Photon a su computadora usando un cable USB y permita que el sistema operativo lo instale automáticamente.

Dependiendo de su sistema operativo, el Photon X 25 puede ser identificado por sus aplicaciones de software de audio y MIDI como un controlador “Photon” o un “dispositivo de Audio USB”. No debe preocuparse: El Photon funcionará sin importar su designación.

El Photon no es compatible con las versiones anteriores de Windows o de Mac OS.

Visite http://www.Alesis.com para buscar actualizaciones y la última información acerca de la compatibilidad de los sistemas operativos.

– Diez perillas sin fin de alta resolución. Estas

– Hay diez botones que pueden funcionar sea en

Funcionamiento:

1. Usando el teclado con su software MIDI

Comience por lo sencillo. Después de que el equipo esté enchufado y encendido, vaya a su módulo de sonido o aplicación de software y seleccione el canal MIDI de entrada.

Si está usando software, es posible que necesite configurarlo para usar el Photon o el dispositivo USB. Busque el menú de ajustes del dispositivo MIDI en su aplicación y asegúrese de que el Photon esté designado como un dispositivo activo antes de proceder.

En el Photon, presione EDIT PRESET. Luego, presione el botón para mover la página a la derecha y ver el ajuste común de MIDI. Este es el canal en el cual el Photon X 25 enviará su información MIDI. Gire el codificador VALUE/ENTER para cambiar este ajuste si es necesario.

Toque el teclado. Su módulo de sonido o software debe responder a los datos MIDI del Photon X 25. De lo contrario, consulte las instrucciones de solución de problemas más adelante en este manual.

Experimente con los botones de OCTAVA del Photon X 25 y con las ruedas de pitch y de modulación. Ya que las dos ruedas está designadas al pitch estándar y los comandos de modulación MIDI, deben funcionar normalmente, en la mayoría de los casos, de inmediato.

2. Usando las perillas con las plantillas del controlador suministradas

Si uno de los juegos de plantillas suministradas coincide con su software MIDI, levante las tapas plásticas de las plantillas con la uña, coloque las plantillas y reponga las tapas.

Presione el botón RECALL PRESET y gire la perilla transparente del cursor para llegar al número de programa indicado en las plantillas. Presione la perilla del cursor para entrar a este programa Debe poder controlar el software según las plantillas.

Presione el botón LAYER cuando lo necesite para ciclar a través de las tres capas de perillas. Cada capa es independiente (aunque se puede asignar una perilla al mismo valor de controlador de dos o tres de las capas).

Las luces de selección de fila de la parte superior e inferior se mueven siempre juntas. No es posible seleccionar, por ejemplo, la capa 1 en la fila superior de perillas y la capa 2 en la fila inferior.

3. Grabación y reproducción de audio

Para grabar, conecte la salida OUTPUT de un dispositivo de audio a los conectores de entrada de audio AUDIO IN del Photon X 25. Use cables de ¼” balanceados (TRS) o no balanceados (TS). En su aplicación de audio, active la entrada del Photon X 25.

Si lo permite su software, ajuste la frecuencia de muestreo. El Photon X 25 se esclavizará a este ajuste (siempre que no esté fuera del rango del Photon X 25).

Ajuste la ganancia de la señal entrante de audio usando la perilla de entrada INPUT del Photon X 25. Envíe la señal más fuerte que pueda a su aplicación de grabación antes que su aplicación indique saturación (“clipping”).

Para reproducir, conecte un par de auriculares al conector de salida de auriculares HEADPHONE OUT del Photon X 25 y/o conecte los conectores de entrada (IN) de su dispositivo de reproducción de audio a los conectores de salida de audio AUDIO OUT del Photon X 25. Ajuste el nivel usando la perilla de salida OUTPUT.

PRECAUCIÓN: Para proteger tanto su audición como su equipo, disminuya la salida OUTPUT a su ajuste más bajo antes de conectar su equipo y antes de encender la unidad.

Cómo maximizar las etapas de ganancia

Para obtener el mejor sonido grabado, ajuste cada uno de sus dispositivos para una máxima fidelidad con ruido mínimo.

Comience por aumentar los teclados, los módulos de sonido y los canales del mezclador entre cincuenta y setenta y cinco por ciento del máximo.

Si escucha distorsión, debe primero bajar los controles de trim del preamplificador de su mezclador (si está usando uno). Luego, baje la perilla de salida (OUTPUT) del Photon.

Escuche si el sonido mejora mientras ajusta los controles de volumen de sus dispositivos relacionados entre sí.

Si dedica un poco de tiempo para experimentar con estos ajustes, obtendrá grandes mejoras en la calidad del sonido.

Programas de grabación de salida de audio de 24 bits a 16 bits

El Photon X 25 envía siempre el audio a la computadora a 24 bits (alta resolución). Algunos programas de grabación sólo grabarán los 16 bits más significativos (resolución de disco compacto), ignorando los ocho bits adicionales

5. Cómo editar y almacenar configuraciones

Los ajustes globales están siempre en vigencia, en todos los preajustes.

Presione el Botón marcado GLOBAL para acceder a estos ajustes. Luego use los botones PAGE para visualizar las opciones. Cualquier cambio que haga se almacenará de inmediato. Cuando termine, presione RECALL PRESET para salir de este modo y volver al funcionamiento normal.

a. LCD CONTRAST (Contraste de la pantalla LCD).

VALUE para ajustar el contraste de la pantalla.

b. KEYBOARD CURVE (Curva de velocidad).

seleccionar la curva de velocidad lineal, logarítmica, exponencial o siempre máxima.

c. SEMITONE TRANSPOSITION (Transposición de semitono).

VALUE para visualizar desde -11 semitonos hasta +11 semitonos. También puede usar el teclado para ajustar este valor. 0 (sin transposición) es equivalente al do central.

BOTÓN GLOBAL

(Cómo editar los ajustes globales)

Use el control

Use el control VALUE para

Use

+ 70 hidden pages