Alesis DMPRO User Manual
REFERENCE
MANUAL
Alesis DM ProTM Reference Manual
by Erik Norlander
Additional documentation by Randy Lee
© Copyright 1998, Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in
whole or in part is prohibited. “DM Pro”, “DM5”, “QS8” and “QS6.1” are trademarks
of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc.
Selected material for this manual was imported from the Alesis DM5
TM
and QS8
TM
Reference Manuals by Geoff Ryle.
Additional material imported from the QS6.1
TM
Reference Manual
by Connor Freff Cochran and Randy Lee.
The illustration on page 50 is from Emagic™ Sound Diver™, © Michael Haydn.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to Robert Rampley, David Bryce, Connor Freff Cochran, Taiho Yamada, Mike
Peake, Mark McCrite, Ed Burzycki, Chris Asmus, David Cadmus, Julie Yarbrough,
David Seaton, Jim Mack, Danna Teal, David Bertovic, Geoff Ryle, Grant Kraus,
Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic for invaluable information, support and guidance.
ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION
Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc.
1633 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
Telephone: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747)
E-Mail: alecorp@alesis1.usa.com
Website: http://www.alesis.com
Contents
Important Safety Instructions................................................................................ 7
Safety symbols used in this product............................................................................................7
Please follow these precautions when using this product: .....................................................7
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) ..........................................................................9
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit................................................................................................9
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation de l’appareil:.........................................9
Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden
Sicherheitshinweise: (German).....................................................................................................11
CE Declaration of Conformity ...................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 1: Welcome to the DM Pro ....................................................................... 13
Packing List ...................................................................................................................................... 13
DM Pro Front Panel ........................................................................................................................14
DM Pro Display...............................................................................................................................16
AC Power Hookup..........................................................................................................................17
Line Conditioners and Protectors .................................................................................17
About Audio Cables .......................................................................................................................17
Audio Connections ..........................................................................................................18
Connections Chart...........................................................................................................................20
MIDI Connections ............................................................................................................ 20
External Trigger Connections ........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2: A Brief Hands-On Tutorial ................................................................... 23
Playing The Demos.........................................................................................................................23
Basic MIDI Setup.............................................................................................................................24
Selecting and Auditioning Drumkits ..........................................................................................25
Selecting Individual Drums Within a Drumkit..........................................................25
Saving Changes to a Drumkit........................................................................................29
Programming Effects......................................................................................................................30
Setting the Effects Buss Assignments and Send Levels ............................................30
Editing the Effects Themselves......................................................................................31
Chapter 3: System Architecture ............................................................................. 35
Organizational Hierarchy..............................................................................................................35
Programming Hierarchy................................................................................................................ 36
Other Programming Terms You Should Know.......................................................... 37
The Three Modes of the DM Pro ..................................................................................................38
The DM Pro Signal Path................................................................................................................. 38
Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits....................................................................... 41
The DRUM ASSIGN Function ...................................................................................................... 41
A Note About Using the PREVIEW Button ................................................................42
The TUNE Function........................................................................................................................43
The MIX Function............................................................................................................................43
The NOTE CHASE Function.........................................................................................................48
The TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN Function .................................................................................... 50
The TRIGGER SEQUENCE Function..........................................................................................52
The MIDI Function.......................................................................................................................... 55
The DRUMKIT NAME Function.................................................................................................. 57
The EFFECTS Function ..................................................................................................................57
Contents
Chapter 5: Programming Effects ........................................................................... 59
The REVERB EFFECTS Function .................................................................................................61
The OVERDRIVE EFFECTS Function ......................................................................................... 66
The DELAY EFFECTS Function ................................................................................................... 67
The PITCH EFFECTS Function..................................................................................................... 71
Pitch Type: CHORUS or FLANGER............................................................................. 72
Pitch Type: RESONATOR ..............................................................................................74
The EQUALIZER EFFECTS Function .........................................................................................75
Chapter 6: Programming Drums............................................................................ 79
The SOUND SELECT Function .................................................................................................... 79
The VOICE SELECT Function ......................................................................................................80
The LEVEL Function.......................................................................................................................81
The PITCH Function.......................................................................................................................82
The FILTER Function......................................................................................................................84
The AMPLITUDE Function........................................................................................................... 87
A Note About the PREVIEW Button and VELOCITY CURVES.............................89
The Three ENVELOPE GENERATOR Functions ..................................................................... 90
About the Individual Envelopes ...................................................................................95
The PITCH ENVELOPE Function................................................................................................ 95
The FILTER ENVELOPE Function ..............................................................................................95
The AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE Function.................................................................................... 96
The MODULATION MATRIX Function ....................................................................................97
The DRUM NAME Function.........................................................................................................100
Chapter 7: Triggers.................................................................................................. 103
P1 The TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN Function................................................................ 104
P2 The TRIGGER GAIN Function................................................................................. 104
P3 The VELOCITY CURVE Function...........................................................................105
Trigger Velocity Curve Settings ....................................................................................106
P4 The THRESHOLD Function .....................................................................................107
P4 The HAT THRESHOLD Function ........................................................................... 107
P5 The RETRIGGER Function........................................................................................ 107
P6 The CROSSTALK Function....................................................................................... 108
P7 The NOISE SUPPRESSION Function .....................................................................109
P8 The TRIGGER SETUP SELECT Function...............................................................110
P11 AUX PEDAL TYPE SELECT Function .................................................................112
P6 HAT PEDAL TYPE SELECT Function....................................................................112
The Interactive Hi-Hat Performance ...........................................................................................113
Hat Pedal Type: SWITCH............................................................................................... 113
Hat Pedal Type: PEDAL .................................................................................................115
P12 The AUX TRIGGER NOTE SELECT Function....................................................116
P13 The AUX TRIGGER GAIN Function.....................................................................116
Tips for Triggering from Acoustic Drums.................................................................................. 117
Output Sensitivity ............................................................................................................ 117
Mounting ...........................................................................................................................117
Trigger Placement ............................................................................................................ 118
Muffling .............................................................................................................................119
Mounting Hardware and Configuration .....................................................................119
Chapter 8: Global Functions ................................................................................... 121
The GLOBAL MIDI Function........................................................................................................121
The GLOBAL STORE Function ....................................................................................................127
Chapter 9: Extras ..................................................................................................... 139
A Word About the Included CD-ROM .......................................................................................139
Sound Bridge™................................................................................................................. 139
Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards................................................................................................140
4 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Contents
Using Alesis QCard Expansion Cards ........................................................................................140
Playing Back a Sequence from the Card Slot ............................................................................. 140
Appendix A: Troubleshooting................................................................................ 143
Checking the Software Version ....................................................................................................143
Reinitializing the DM Pro ..............................................................................................................143
Maintenance/Service...................................................................................................................... 144
Cleaning Your DM Pro.................................................................................................... 144
Preventative Maintenance .............................................................................................. 144
Obtaining Repair Service ................................................................................................ 145
Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information........................................................ 147
The DM Pro Trigger Process .........................................................................................................147
Trigger Connection Diagrams ......................................................................................................148
Pedal/Footswitch Compatibility.................................................................................................. 153
Trigger/Pedal Connector Types...................................................................................................153
Appendix C: MIDI Supplement ............................................................................... 155
MIDI Basics....................................................................................................................................... 155
MIDI Hardware ...............................................................................................................................155
MIDI Message Basics......................................................................................................................156
Channel Messages: Mode Messages.............................................................................156
Channel Messages: Voice Messages .............................................................................156
System Common Messages............................................................................................159
MIDI Implementation Chart ......................................................................................................... 160
Appendix D: Glossary of Terms ............................................................................. 163
Index.......................................................................................................................... 169
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 5
Contents
6 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS PRODUCT
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and
maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit
that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING
THIS PRODUCT
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the
faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a
dangerous condition.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
:
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
Important Safety Instructions
prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with
professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure
that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus
and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a wellventilated area.
16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or
speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high
volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
8 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Important Safety Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES
(FRENCH)
S
YMBOLES UTILISÉS DANS CE PRODUIT
Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de
fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe
avec ce produit.
Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non
isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs
électriques.
VEUILLEZ SUIVRE CES PRÉCAUTIONS LORS DE
L
’UTILISATION DE L’APPAREIL:
1. Lisez ces instructions.
2. Gardez ces instructions.
3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.
4. Suivez toutes les instructions.
5. N’utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l’eau.
6. Ne nettoyez qu’avec un chiffon humide. Ne pas vaporiser de liquide nettoyant
sur l’appareil, cela pourrait abîmer les contrôles de la face avant ou engendrer
des conditions dangeureuses.
7. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur.
8. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs, cuisinière
ou autre appareils (don’t les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.
9. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale avec terre
deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette dernière est présente pour
votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant,
demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise.
10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau
de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil.
11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 9
Important Safety Instructions
12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio
professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne
rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support.
13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé pendant
longtemps.
14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque
l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le
cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets
se sont introduits dans l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à
l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé.
15. Cet appareil produit de la chaleur en fonctionnement normal.
16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes, est
capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte
permanente de l’ouïe. Ne l’utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore
élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou
un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste.
1 0 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Important Safety Instructions
BEIM BENUTZEN DIESES PRODUKTES BEACHTEN
SIE BITTE DIE FOLGENDEN SICHERHEITSHINWEISE:
(G
ERMAN)
1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise.
2. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung.
3. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen.
4. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise.
5. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung.
6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Sprühen Sie keine flüssiger
Reiniger auf die Oberfläche, dies könnte zur Beschädigung der Vorderseite
führen und auch weitere Schäden verursachen.
7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers.
8. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder
anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf.
9. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber stolpern
kann oder daß es gequetscht wird.
10. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.
11. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für
professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer
darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und
Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie
darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen.
12. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen
längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose.
13. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die Wartung
wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel
oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das
Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr
normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist.
14. Bei normalem Betrieb des Gerätes kommt es zu Wärmeentwicklungen.
15. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und Kopfhörern oder
Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die anhaltende Gehörschäden
verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder
einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs
oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 1 1
Important Safety Instructions
CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Name: Alesis Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address: 1633 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
declares, that the product:
Product Name: DM Pro
Model Type: Sample Playback Module with Trigger Inputs
conforms to the following Standards:
EMC: EN55022:1995 Class B; EN50082-1:1992
Safety: EN 60065
European Contact: Sound Technology plc
Letchworth Point, Letchworth,
Hertfordshire, SG6 1 ND,
UNITED KINGDOM
December, 1998
Phone: +44.1462.480000
Fax: +44.1462.480800
1 2 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
WELCOME TO THE
Congratulations on your purchase of the Alesis DM Pro! You are now the owner of a
powerful drum and percussion synthesizer that will give you many years of use and
enjoyment.
This manual contains several specific sections designed to teach you as much as
possible about each area of your module. However, we strongly suggest that you
begin your relationship with DM Pro by completing our Brief “Hands On” Tutorial.
This tutorial will give you an excellent overview of the product and will quickly help
you to get acquainted with its system architecture.
PACKING LIST
Your DM Pro was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed
to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely
event that you need to return the DM Pro for servicing. The DM Pro ships from the
factory with the following items:
CHAPTER 1:
DM PRO
1 DM Pro Drum Module with the same serial number as shown on the shipping
carton
1 External AC Power Supply Adapter
1 DM Pro Reference Manual
1 DM Pro Drum List
1 DM Pro Kit List
1 Alesis warranty card
It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already
filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please
take the time to do so now.
Welcome to the DM Pro
DM PRO FRONT PANEL
PHONES jack plug in stereo headphones to hear the DM Pro’s output
VOLUME knob controls master volume
LCD custom graphic display shows Drum, Drumkit and
Trigger Functions, Parameters and Values
VALUE encoder use this to select or adjust the Function, Parameter or
Value that is above the cursor
PREVIEW button press this to audition Drums from the front panel
CURSOR < > buttons use these to select the Function, Parameter or Value you
wish to edit
DRUM press this to select the Drum or MIDI Note Number that
you wish to edit
TRIGGER < > buttons use these to select which of the 16 external trigger inputs
you wish to edit
KIT press this to return to the top level of the DM Pro
(Drumkit Mode) or to load a Drumkit from memory
TUNE press this to adjust the pitch of a Drum within a Drumkit
MIX press this to adjust the output characteristics of a Drum
within a Drumkit. Parameters include Volume, Pan,
Output Assignment, FX Level, FX Buss, Mute Group,
Drum Link and Drum Enable
FX press this to adjust the Parameters of the five Effects
Functions (Reverb, Overdrive, Delay, Pitch and EQ)
STORE press this button to access the Store Functions which
include Save, Copy, Initialize and Send (MIDI transmit)
CHASE use this Function to select MIDI Note Numbers by
playing notes on an external controller (MIDI or Trigger)
TRIG press this button to edit all Parameters associated with
the external triggers. Note that different trigger
Parameters exist in Trigger Mode and Drumkit Mode.
MIDI use this Function to set the Basic and individual MIDI
Channels for MIDI Notes, define Controller and Pedal
behavior, enable or disable the transmission of Sequence
Start commands, and enable or disable the transmission
and reception of Program Change commands
1 4 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Welcome to the DM Pro
EDIT press this to enter Drum Edit Mode or name a Drumkit.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 1 5
Welcome to the DM Pro
DM PRO DISPLAY
This “screen shot” is taken from Drum Edit mode. It contains many of the elements
which will be encountered in the various modes of the DM Pro.
Drumkit/MIDI Note Number: The large numbers indicate the present Drumkit or
MIDI Note Number, depending on which mode you are in. If the DM Pro is in Drum
Edit mode and the [CHASE] button is lit, striking a Trigger or a note on a MIDI
controller will cause the MIDI Note Number to change.
Sound Number: Seen only in Drum Edit Mode,
the Drum is currently being edited. There are four Sounds within each Drum. If a
Sound is not active, it will be represented by
Function Name: Tells you which Function has been selected for editing.
Page Number: Indicates which Page within the Function is currently being viewed
on the bottom line of the display.
Mode Indicator: This area of the screen will display either the word “DRUM” or the
words “DRUM” and “KIT”, depending on which mode you are in.
Edit Indicator: If you see the word “EDIT” here, you have entered either Drumkit
Edit or Drum Edit mode, but you have not yet altered a value. Once you alter a
parameter within the current Drum or Drumkit, the word changes to “EDITED.”
Parameter Name: The word displayed here tells you which Parameter you will be
editing if you change the Value.
Trigger Number: After pressing [TRIG] you will see one of these numbers flashing to
indicate which Trigger Input you are currently editing. Also, a circle will appear
around the number if its Trigger Input has received a strong enough signal. No
numbers will flash if you have selected a Trigger parameter which pertains to the
entire Trigger Setup.
Parameter Value: Changing this area of the screen with the Value encoder will edit
the currently selected Parameter. This area of the screen can also display a word or
words as your value options, depending on the Parameter you have selected.
SND:1 indicates that Sound 1 within
snd:1 instead.
1 6 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
AC POWER HOOKUP
The DM Pro comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country to
which it is shipped (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the DM Pro off, plug the
DIN connector of the power adapter cord into the DM Pro’s [POWER] socket and the
male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It’s good practice to not turn the DM Pro
on until all other cables are hooked up.
Note that Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using
the DM Pro or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring.
LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS
Although the DM Pro is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in today’s
world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients that can
possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There are three main ways
to protect against this, listed in ascending order of cost and complexity:
• Line spike/surge protectors. Relatively inexpensive, these are designed to
protect against strong surges and spikes, acting somewhat like fuses in that they
need to be replaced if they’ve been hit by an extremely strong spike.
• Line filters. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that
remove some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc.).
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This is the most sophisticated option. A
UPS provides power even if the AC power line fails completely. Intended for
computer applications, a UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a
computer system in the event of a power outage, and the isolation it provides
from the power line minimizes all forms of interference—spikes, noise,
Welcome to the DM Pro
ABOUT AUDIO CABLES
The connections between the DM Pro and your studio are your music’s lifeline, so
use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a
stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality
cables cost more, they do make a difference. Route cables to the DM Pro correctly by
observing the following precautions:
• Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords.
• Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as
transformers, monitors, computers, etc.
• Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not
cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center
conductor and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cable’s reliability.
• Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp, right angle turns.
• Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly
grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward.
• Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek
and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the
electrical contact between connectors.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 1 7
Welcome to the DM Pro
A UDIO CONNECTIONS
1234
STEREO
AUX OUT
SOLO
AUX OUTS
When connecting audio cables and/or turning the power on and off,
make sure that the volume controls in your system are turned down.
The rear panel of the DM Pro has two Main and four Auxiliary audio outputs along
with two RCA inputs. There is also a headphone output on the front panel. The
outputs can provide an amplification system or mixer with several different audio
connection options:
MONO Connect a mono patch cord from either the [MAIN
OUT-L] or the [MAIN OUT-R] to a mono amplification
system or individual mixer input.
STEREO Connect two mono patch cords from the [MAIN OUT -
L] and [MAIN OUT -R] to a stereo amplification system
or two mixer inputs. Make sure that your mixer inputs
are panned hard left and right in order to realize the
stereo effect.
SIX INDIVIDUAL Connect two mono patch cords from the [MAIN OUT -
OUTS L] and [MAIN OUT -R] and four mono patch cords from
the [STEREO AUX OUTS 1/2], [SOLO AUX OUT 3] and
[SOLO AUX OUT 4] to six mixer inputs. Note that the
DM Pro Effects Processor only plays out of the MAIN
OUTPUTs.
STEREO Plug a set of high quality stereo headphones into the
HEADPHONES front panel [PHONES] jack.
RCA AUX These jacks will let you run the stereo audio output of a
INPUTS CD or cassette player through the DM Pro’s main or
headphone outputs. Use it for mixing audio tracks in
with your performance, or for practicing along with
your favorite music! Control the volume of the music
from the CD/cassette player.
Tip: For the Main and Auxiliary Output jacks, either balanced or unbalanced 1/4”
cables may be used.
1 8 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Welcome to the DM Pro
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 1 9
Welcome to the DM Pro
CONNECTIONS CHART
MIDI CONNECTIONS
If you are using a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, connect its [MIDI OUT] to the [MIDI
IN] of the DM Pro. If you have another device that you wish to control from the same
keyboard or sequencer, connect the [MIDI THRU] of the DM Pro to the [MIDI IN] of
the other device. If you wish to store your edited Drums and Drumkits to a computer
or other data storage device (or use an external editor such as Mark of the Unicorn’s
Unisyn), connect the [MIDI OUT] of the DM Pro to the [MIDI IN] of the computer or
other data storage device.
2 0 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
Welcome to the DM Pro
EXTERNAL TRIGGER CONNECTIONS
Plug all of the trigger outputs you will be using into the Trigger jacks on the rear of
the DM Pro. The DM Pro has recommended locations for each type of trigger (Kick,
Snare, Hi-hats, etc.) silk-screened below each Trigger jack. Although it is
recommended that you use these locations, any trigger output can be plugged into
any Trigger jack and programmed to perform as required (except for Trigger Inputs
15 and 16). For more about the Trigger section, see “Chapter 7: Triggers” and
“Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information.”
IMPORTANT NOTE! Trigger Inputs 15 and 16 are not normal Trigger
inputs. They share a mono input jack, which is designed as a Pedal
input for use in conjunction with Triggers 13 and 14 for Hi-Hat
emulation. If you plug in a Trigger pad of some sort you will get no
response. For more information, see page 113 “The Interactive HiHat Performance.”
The default Trigger Note Assignments for the most part* follow the General MIDI
Standard Drum Layout:
TRIGGER NOTE NAME NOTE # DRUM
__________________________________________________________________________________
1 C_1 36 Kick Drum
2 D_1 38 Snare Drum
3 C#1 37 Crosstick
4 C_2 48 Tom 1 (Hi Rack)
5 A_1 45 Tom 2 (Low Rack)
6 F_1 41 Tom 3 (Floor)
7 C#2 49 Cymbal 1 (Crash 1)
8 A_2 57 Cymbal 2 (Crash 2)
9 F#4 54 Perc 1 (Tambourine)
10 G#4 56 Perc 2 (Cowbell)
11 D#2 51 Ride Cymbal
12 F_2 53 Ride Bell
13 Pedal Down F#1 42 Hi-hat Center Closed
13 Pedal Up A#1 46 Hi-hat Center Open
14* Pedal Down A#5 94 Hi-hat Edge Closed
14* Pedal Up B_5 95 Hi-hat Edge Open
15 G#1 44 Hi-hat Foot Down
16* C_6 96 Hi-hat Foot Up
* not part of the General MIDI Standard Drum Layout
See the graphic on page 43 for a visual representation of the Trigger/MIDI Note
Number relationship.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 2 1
Welcome to the DM Pro
2 2 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
CHAPTER 2:
A BRIEF HANDS-ON
TUTORIAL
To get started immediately, follow these quick steps. Then, at your leisure, read
through the rest of the manual to learn more about the operation and inner workings
of the module. The more you know about your DM Pro, the more power you will be
able to get out of it. This chapter alone is by no means intended to be a complete
explanation of the unit.
EDIT WARNING: Please DO NOT press the EDIT button until after
you have read “Chapter 6: Programming Drums”! The Functions
under the EDIT button are for advanced programming use only. For
most DM Pro applications, you will never need to press this button.
But if you are inclined towards in - depth programming, please read
Chapter 6 first to get the most out of these advanced functions.
PLAYING THE DEMOS
To give you an idea of the kind of musical power the DM Pro contains, we have
included four “Autodemos”. These compositions cover a variety of musical styles,
and illustrate how the DM Pro lends itself to many different environments.
Here’s how to select and play one of the Autodemos:
1. Press and hold the [KIT] button.
2. While still holding the [KIT] button, press the [< CURSOR] button. You will
see a screen that looks like this:
Play Autodemo 1
<STORE>
3. Using the VALUE wheel, select a number between 1 and 4.
4. Press [STORE]. The screen will indicate that the DM Pro is playing the
Autodemo you selected. You can stop the Autodemo at any time by pressing
the [KIT] button.
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
To begin the tutorial, first plug in your DM Pro per the connections
described in the “Connections Chart” in the previous chapter.
BASIC MIDI SETUP
Set the Basic MIDI Channel to receive incoming data on your desired channel by
pressing MIDI, and then turning the VALUE encoder clockwise to select Page 1. The
display will read:
Basic Channel:01
Global Edit
Press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor moves beneath the channel
number:
Basic Channel:0 1
Global Edit
P1
P1
Now adjust the number to your desired MIDI Channel setting using the VALUE
encoder.
Tip: General MIDI always uses MIDI Channel 10 for drums, so setting the Basic
Channel to 10 is usually a good starting place. Also, if you are using the DM Pro
in a MIDI environment, make sure that your controller is set to transmit on the
same MIDI channel to which you set the DM Pro.
2 4 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
SELECTING AND AUDITIONING DRUMKITS
Drumkit Mode is the top level of the DM Pro. There are 64 internal Drumkits, all of
which can be edited and overwritten to suit your own particular applications. The
currently selected Drumkit will respond to incoming MIDI or trigger information at
all times, regardless of the state of the DM Pro.
To select a Drumkit to audition, press the KIT button to jump to the top level of
Drumkit Mode. The top level of Drumkit Mode displays the name of the Drumkit in
quotation marks on the top line of the display and nothing on the bottom line:
RealProKit”
“
Play notes between A0 (MIDI Note # 33) and C6 (MIDI Note # 96) from your
controller to hear the current Drumkit. Turn the VALUE encoder to select any of the
64 different Drumkits, and then press the KIT button again to “Load” the Drumkit of
your choice into the “Play Memory” of the DM Pro. Because Drumkits contain so
much information, they must be individually loaded into the Play Memory after
selecting them rather than simply just selected.
If the Drumkit number and the KIT button are flashing, the Drumkit currently shown
on the display has not yet been loaded – the previously loaded Drumkit still resides
in the Play Memory and will sound until you press KIT to load the new Drumkit.
SELECTING INDIVIDUAL DRUMS WITHIN A DRUMKIT
Individual drum and percussion sounds are called “Drums” in the DM Pro.
Each of the 64 Drumkits in turn contain 64 Drums. A Drum is assigned to each of the
64 MIDI Notes across the most commonly used controller range: A0 (MIDI Note #
33) through C6 (MIDI Note # 96), which just slightly exceeds the range of a 5 octave
keyboard. Note that Alesis refers to middle C as “C3” and not “C4”. You should be
aware that some other manufacturers such as Korg, Roland and Digidesign refer to
middle C as “C4”.
1. To change Drums, press the DRUM button. Now press the CHASE button so
that it lights, and then play a note from your controller. The display will
show the MIDI Note Number of the note you just played along with the
Drum that is currently assigned to that MIDI Note.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to use the CHASE Function, press DRUM,
and then move the CURSOR beneath the MIDI Note Number. Now you can
select the MIDI Note with the VALUE encoder:
AKk:005 PwrShoes
Note:36 C1
Drums are displayed with their three character “Drum Group” followed by
the “Drum Number” followed by the “Drum Name”:
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 2 5
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
DRUM NUMBER
DRUM GROUP
A Kk:005 PwrShoes
Note:36 C1
DRUM NAME
2 6 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
2. To choose a different Drum for the currently selected MIDI Note, press
DRUM which will take you to the Drum Select Function. The cursor defaults
to the Drum Group parameter out of the box or after a re-initialization. Drum
Groups refer to the type of Drum (acoustic kicks, electronic snares, hi-hats,
sound effects, etc.) and are simply category labels to help you more quickly
find the sound you desire.
To change the Drum Group, make sure it is underlined by the cursor and
turn the VALUE encoder to select one of the 13 various Drum Groups.
3. Once you have selected a Drum Group, or if you are happy with the current
Drum Group, press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor moves
beneath the Drum Number:
AKk:005 PwrShoes
Note:36 C1
Now turn the VALUE encoder to select the Drum you prefer within the
current Drum Group.
Note that the Drum Number and the Drum Name are permanently
linked – you cannot alter this. The Drum Number and the Drum
Name are just two ways of referring to the same Drum to help you
more quickly and easily identify specific Drums.
4. Next, to adjust the output characteristics of a Drum, press the MIX button.
The top line of the display shows the MIX Parameter for the MIDI Note
location displayed on the bottom line:
Drum Volume:99
Note:36 C1
P1
To change the Value of the Parameter, press CURSOR > so that the cursor is
beneath the Parameter Value:
Drum Volume:99
Note:36 C1
P1
You can now adjust the Drum’s volume level with the VALUE encoder.
Press < CURSOR to move the cursor back beneath the Drum Volume
Parameter:
Drum Volume:99
Note:36 C1
P1
Now the VALUE encoder will select another Parameter to edit. For example,
turn the VALUE once clockwise to display the Drum Pan Parameter:
Drum Pan: PROG
Note:36 C1
P2
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 2 7
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
Within the MIX Function, you can adjust the Volume, Pan, Output
Assignment, FX Send Level, FX Buss Assignment, Mute Group and Drum
Link Parameters. For more information about these Parameters, see “Chapter
4: Programming Drumkits”.
2 8 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
5. With the CHASE button still lit, play another note from your controller to
select another DRUM. Using the same procedure as outlined in steps 1 - 4,
move the VALUE encoder to choose your desired Drum for this note. Play
additional notes and repeat the process until you are satisfied with the
Drums across your controller’s range. By repeating these simple steps, you
can create a custom Drumkit.
SAVING CHANGES TO A DRUMKIT
To save the changes to your Drumkit, press STORE once. The display will read:
Save Drumkit to:
USER 0 0
Notice that the cursor is under the Drumkit number. Using the VALUE encoder,
select the location where you wish to store your edited Drumkit.
WARNING! Storing your edited Drumkit will erase the Drumkit that
currently resides in this location, so make your selection carefully.
• If you are certain that you wish to overwrite your edited Drumkit into the
location you have selected and erase the Drumkit currently in that location,
press STORE a second time.
• If you wish to discard your edits, press KIT at any time and you will return
to the main Drumkit page where you can select and load another Drumkit
without overwriting anything.
For more detailed information on editing Drumkits, see “Chapter 4: Programming
Drumkits”.
DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 2 9
A Brief Hands-On Tutorial
PROGRAMMING EFFECTS
All of the Effects Functions and Parameters are stored within a Drumkit. Inside the
Drumkit, each of the 64 MIDI Notes has its own Effects Send Level and Effects Buss
Assignment, both of which are independent of the Drum assigned to that MIDI Note.
In other words, if you simply change the Drum on C3 (MIDI Note # 60), the Effects
Send Level and the Effects Buss Assignment for the MIDI Note C3 will remain
unchanged – the new Drum will simply go through that MIDI Note’s effects routing.
There are two Effects Busses in the DM Pro: the Reverb Buss and the Multi-Effects
Buss. The Multi-Effects Buss consists of an Overdrive effect, a Delay effect, and a
Pitch effect which can be set to a Chorus, a Flanger or a Resonator. The outputs of the
Multi-Effects Buss can also be sent to the Reverb Buss, but these routings must be
made from within the Effects Functions themselves. There is also an EQ Function
which is independent of Buss Assignment – it is global to the Drumkit.
Changing the effects of a Drumkit is much like changing the effects of a multitrack
mix: you must first set the Buss Assignments and Send Levels to the Effects, and then
you can edit the Effects themselves.
SETTING THE EFFECTS BUSS ASSIGNMENTS AND SEND
LEVELS
Each MIDI Note is always assigned to either the Reverb Buss OR the Multi-Effects
Buss. The Drum assigned to a MIDI Note is then processed through the selected
buss.
Again, to select a MIDI Note in the DM Pro, use either the CHASE
button and play the MIDI Note from your controller, or press DRUM
and then move the CURSOR to select the Note with the VALUE
encoder.
1. To change the Effects Buss Assignment of a Note, press MIX and use [<
CURSOR >] to underline the Mix Parameter in the upper left hand corner.
Then rotate the Value encoder clockwise until you reach Page 5, which is the
Effects Buss Assignment Parameter. The display will read:
FX Bus:REVERB
Note:36 C1
Using CURSOR >, move the cursor under the word REVERB:
P5
FX Bus:REVERB
Note:36 C1
Now by using the VALUE encoder, you can toggle between the Reverb Buss
and the
indicated by its signal flow:
OD>DL>PCH Buss. Note that in the display, the Multi-Effects Buss is
P5
FX Bus:OD>DL>PCH
Note:36 C1
P5
3 0 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL
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