Alesis A6 User Manual

A6 OS Software Release Notes

BRS
4/22/02

Notes

1. These upgrades will not erase the user patches. Global settings will be reset however.

2. Do not turn off power to your A6 while it is burning the flash, or you will have to do the whole process
again.

3. Note that the version might show up as V140.xx format (i.e., missing a decimal point between the first and
second digits) in some units. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal.

V1.40.12

This update has one fix and two feature updates. (Beta testers with V1.40.11 software don’t need to load this
version – there are no new features or fixes).

Fix for envelope 2 normal mode

Envelope Normal Mode 2 should work as described in the manual now.

New envelope optimizer setting: Ultra Fast

There is a new Engine Optimizer setting of ULTRA fast. This is for extremely percussive
sounds. Note that there may be clicks and other artifacts when using this setting, so
use it only when required.

The Engine Optimizer can improve sounds with respect to how fast transitions occur. It can make fast envelope
sounds more snappy, or reduce artifacts in slow-envelope sounds. To use the Engine Optimizer, hit the PROCESS
button, select ENGINE OPTIMIZER with the soft knob, and hit soft button 1. You can select Engine Optimizer
settings for the Oscillator and Filter.

The Unixon X button will remember the number of Unison voices after toggling it.

When you turn off Unison X using the button, it will remember the number of unison
voices when you turn it back on using the button. If you turn it on right after
changing patches, it will default to 2.

V1.40.09

This is a minor revision for bug-fixes. There are no new features. If you are not having problems with your unit,
there is no need to download this version.

Fix For Knob Jitter

The primary new fix in this code is the elimination of knob jitter. When this happens, pages appear to jump
randomly on the display. This code fixes this problem.

Elimination of “Resetting Controls” Delay

This 1-second delay has been eliminated, making powerup slightly faster.

More Resilient Filter 2 Tuning

Filter 2 tuning was improved to eliminate certain types of Filter 2 tuning failures. No change was made to the sound
of Filter 2.

V1.40.02

Fix for loading mix banks directly into RAM card

This version fixes a bug in V1.40.01 which prevents the user from loading mix banks directly into a RAM card from
MIDI.

V1.40.01

MIDI NRPN Control of All Patch Parameters

You can now send and receive MIDI NRPN messages to control the A6 knobs and buttons (and all other patch and
mix parameters as well)! This is useful if you want to save your knob moves in a sequencer and play them back
later.

To enable this feature, go to the GLOBAL/PANEL page. Turn RXMODE to the ON position. Turn TXMODE to
either MIDI or LOCMIDI, depending on whether your sequencer is looping back MIDI data or not. In MIDI mode,
the A6 front panel controls will not affect the A6’s internal engine. They will only cause MIDI control data to be
sent out. In this mode, your sequencer should be set up to echo the MIDI data back to the A6. If you do not want
your sequencer to echo MIDI data, use the LOCMIDI setting. In this mode, the front panel’s controls will affect the
A6 synth engine, as well as send out MIDI data.

Now you’re ready to start tweaking! The front panel MIDI data is sent out in MIDI NRPN format (which consists
of 3 MIDI CC messages, for those who are interested). Each patch and mix parameter has a unique NRPN number
that identifies the parameter. Even parameters that don’t have a dedicated knob can be controlled via MIDI, (MOD
LEVEL for instance). However, the global parameters do not send or respond to MIDI control. They always
directly affect the A6 engine (this actually makes things more convenient, and these are not performance parameters
anyway). Also, the INC/DEC buttons currently do not send or receive MIDI commands. They always directly
affect the engine.

Another parameter you might want to adjust is the TXTHIN parameter. This controls the density of MIDI data
being sent out of the A6. When the knob is turned all the way to the left, the A6 will transmit data sparsely. When
it is turned to the right, the A6 will send out maximum density data. This control is useful because some sequencers
(especially on older computers) can’t handle dense MIDI data. If your sequencer hangs mysteriously while sending
MIDI data to it, try lowering the data density. The higher settings are useful to get the maximum resolution out of
your knob moves to minimize the “stair-stepping” effect. Experiment to find the best setting for your particular
sequencer.

Have fun and enjoy your knob tweaking!

New Sysex Commands

There are many new sysex commands, including commands to edit A6 patch parameters. A document detailing
these commands will be available at the Alesis website. (www.alesis.com).