Alesis MICROVERB4 User Manual

ALESIS

MicroVerb 4

Reference Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Alesis MicroVerb 4 Multieffects Processor. To take full
advantage of the MicroVerb 4’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use,
please read this user’s manual carefully.

How To Use This Manual

This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the
MicroVerb 4. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual
once carefully, those having general knowledge about effects devices should use the
table of contents to reference specific functions.

Chapter 1: Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4. A basic introduction to getting
the unit up and running, auditioning the factory Programs, adjusting levels, comparing
and storing edited Programs.

Chapter 2: Connections. Deals with the necessary preparation before using,

including connections to other components such as instruments, mixing consoles,
patchbays, and multitrack recorders.

Chapter 3: Overview of Effects. A detailed look at the signal processing capabilities
of the MicroVerb 4 and the concept of multieffect programming.

Chapter 4: Description of Controls. A summary of all buttons, connectors, and
parameters. Use this chapter as a quick reference guide when searching for specific
information.

✪

Chapter 5: MIDI Applications. This chapter discusses the various MIDI functions,
such as recalling Programs, realtime modulation of parameters, and SysEx data
transfer.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. Contains the Troubleshooting Index, maintenance and
service information, and MIDI implementation chart.

Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information,
MIDI Implementation Chart and an Index.

Conventions

The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as
their names appear on the MicroVerb 4, using all capital letters and in brackets
(

Example:

display is quoted, it is indicated using special typeface (

When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left)
will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when
operating the MicroVerb 4.

[STORE] button, [VALUE] Knob, etc.). When text in the MicroVerb 4’s

Example:

00 to127, etc.).

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 1

2 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

Contents

CONTENTS

Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 ........................................................... 7

Unpacking and Inspection .................................................................................................... 7

Basic Connections................................................................................................................ 7

Powering Up......................................................................................................................... 8

Setting Levels ....................................................................................................................... 8

What’s on the Front Panel?................................................................................................. . 8

Auditioning Internal Programs .............................................................................................. 10

Switching Between Preset and User Banks ............................................................ 10

Adjusting Effects Mix Levels.................................................................................... 10

Storing Edited Programs ...................................................................................................... 11

Bypassing Effects................................................................................................................. 11

Connections ...................................................................................................... 13

AC Power Hookup................................................................................................................ 13

Line Conditioners and Protectors ............................................................................ 13

Audio Connections ............................................................................................................... 13

Typical Applications................................................................................................. 14

Input Jack Wiring ..................................................................................................... 14

Interfacing Directly with Instruments........................................................................ 15

Interfacing to a Mixing Console .................................................................. 16

Using Aux Sends ........................................................................................ 16

Using Inserts............................................................................................... 18

Using Main Outputs .................................................................................... 19

Avoiding Ground Loops ........................................................................................... 20

MIDI...................................................................................................................................... 21

Footswitch ............................................................................................................................ 21

Overview of Effects............................................................................................ 23

Reverb Effects ...................................................................................................................... 23

Concert Hall ............................................................................................................. 23

Real Room............................................................................................................... 23

Plate Reverb............................................................................................................ 23

Reverb Parameters .............................................................................................................. 23

Decay....................................................................................................................... 23

Hi Cut....................................................................................................................... 23

Chorus/Flange Effects .......................................................................................................... 24

Stereo Chorus.......................................................................................................... 24

Quad Chorus ........................................................................................................... 25

Chorus..................................................................................................................... 25

Stereo Flange .......................................................................................................... 25

Auto Pan.................................................................................................................. 26

Chorus/Flange Parameters .................................................................................................. 26

Rate......................................................................................................................... 26

Depth ....................................................................................................................... 26

Delay Effects ........................................................................................................................ 26

Mono Delay.............................................................................................................. 26

Stereo Delay............................................................................................................ 26

Ping Pong Delay...................................................................................................... 26

MultiTap Delay......................................................................................................... 26

Delay Parameters................................................................................................................. 27

Time......................................................................................................................... 27

Feedback................................................................................................................. 27

Setting Delay Time Using Tap Tempo..................................................................... 27

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 3

Contents

Pitch Shifter Effects .............................................................................................................. 27

Stereo Pitch Shifter.................................................................................................. 27

Stereo Pitch Detuner ............................................................................................... 27

Multi Effects.......................................................................................................................... 28

Lezlie ....................................................................................................................... 28

Multi Effects Parameters ...................................................................................................... 28

Decay....................................................................................................................... 28

Rate/Time................................................................................................................ 28

Dual Send Effects................................................................................................................. 28

Reverb/Delay........................................................................................................... 29

Reverb/Chorus......................................................................................................... 29

Reverb/Flange ......................................................................................................... 29

Description of Controls ...................................................................................... 31

Front Panel ........................................................................................................................... 31

Input Level ............................................................................................................... 31

Mix Level.................................................................................................................. 31

Output Level ............................................................................................................ 31

Level Meters............................................................................................................ 31

LED Display............................................................................................................. 32

STORE Button......................................................................................................... 32

BANK/MIDI Button................................................................................................... 32

Value Knob .............................................................................................................. 33

Edit A/Edit B Knobs ................................................................................................. 33

Rear Panel............................................................................................................................ 34

Power....................................................................................................................... 34

Footswitch ............................................................................................................... 34

MIDI In..................................................................................................................... 34

MIDI Out/Thru.......................................................................................................... 34

Input (Left/Mono & Right) ........................................................................................ 35

Output (Left & Right)................................................................................................ 35

MIDI Applications............................................................................................... 37

MIDI Functions...................................................................................................................... 37

MIDI Channel........................................................................................................... 37

MIDI Thru................................................................................................................. 37

Receiving Program Changes................................................................................... 37

Sysex Storage ......................................................................................................... 38

Realtime Modulation Functions ............................................................................................ 38

Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 39

Trouble-Shooting Index ........................................................................................................ 39

Re-initializing ........................................................................................................................ 39

Checking the Software Version ............................................................................................ 39

Maintenance/Service............................................................................................................ 40

Cleaning................................................................................................................... 40

Obtaining Repair Service......................................................................................... 40

MIDI Implementation Chart................................................................................ 42

Specifications .................................................................................................... 43

4 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

Contents

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 5

6 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE

MICROVERB 4

Unpacking and Inspection

Your MicroVerb 4 was packed carefully at the factory, and 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 MicroVerb 4 for servicing.

The shipping carton should contain the following items:

• This instruction manual

• Alesis MicroVerb 4 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton

• AC Power Supply Adapter

• 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.

Basic Connections

The MicroVerb 4 is designed to accommodate a number of applications, whether you

are connecting an instrument directly into it, or connecting it with a mixing console.

Briefly described here are the basic connections to get you up and running quickly.

For more information on connections, please refer to Chapter 2.

• Mono In, Mono or Stereo Out. Connect a mono cord to the [LEFT/MONO]
INPUT of the MicroVerb 4 from a mono source. (The Left input will then feed both
inputs.) Connect another mono cord from the [LEFT] OUTPUT of the MicroVerb 4
to an amplification system or mixer input. Additionally, you could connect a
second mono cord to the [RIGHT] OUTPUT for use with a stereo amplification
system, or two mixer inputs.

• Stereo. Connect two mono cords to the [LEFT/MONO] & [RIGHT] INPUTS of the
MicroVerb 4 from a stereo source , and two mono cords from the [LEFT/MONO]
& [RIGHT] OUTPUTS of the MicroVerb 4 to a stereo amplification system or two
mixer inputs.

INSTRUMENT OR EFFECT SEND

LEFT/MONO
INPUT

INPUT OUTPUT

TO AMPLIFIER OR MIXING CONSOLE

RIGHT
INPUT

MIX

DUAL CHANNEL PARRELL PROCESSOR

CLIP

-6dB

-12dB

-32dB

00-99 PRESET 100-199 USER

L INPUT R

STORE

BANK

MIDI

RIGHT
OUTPUT

LEFT
OUTPUT

If connecting to a mixing console’s aux sends/returns, you will want to adjust the
output [MIX] so that the MicroVerb 4 outputs only wet (effected) signal.

Powering Up

After making your connections, turn on the system’s power using this procedure:

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 7

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4

¿ Before turning on the MicroVerb 4’s power, check the following items:

• Have all connections been made correctly?

• Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down?

¡ Plug in the power adapter and insert the Power jack into the [POWER] input on

the rear panel of the MicroVerb 4.

Upon power-up, the display will briefly illuminate all front panel LEDs, display the
Software version, and then display the last selected Program Number (00–199 ).

¬ Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume.

Setting Levels

Proper setting of the input and output levels is crucial in order to achieve the
maximum signal-to-noise ratio. As a good rule of thumb, it is always best to set both
input and output level controls at 3/4 or 75% of full. This will decrease the possibility
of overload distortion and keep the amount of background noise to a minimum.

If the Input Meters on the MicroVerb 4 begin to clip (go into the red), turn down the
Input level or decrease the volume of the source (instrument, mixer send, etc.). If the
MicroVerb 4’s level is causing the mixer or amp to distort, turn the Output Level
down.

What’s on the Front Panel?

1

2

MIXINPUT OUTPUT

The MicroVerb 4’s Front Panel contains the following:
¨ Input. The Input level control sets the level going into the MicroVerb 4. This

should be adjusted so that the input meters (÷) read approximately -6dBu (3 of
the 4 LEDs lit up). It controls both the Left and Right Input levels simultaneously.

¡ Mix. The Mix control adjusts the balance between the direct signal coming into

the input and the effects generated by the MicroVerb 4.

¬ Output. The Output level control sets the level going to the amplifier or mixer

from the MicroVerb 4.

÷ Level Meters. The Level meters display the signal level coming into the Input.

There are actually 2 meters, one for the left and right inputs, but both will light up
for a mono input.

3

CLIP

-6dB

-12

dB

-32

dB

L INPUT R

4

DUAL CHANNEL PARALLEL PROCESSOR

00-99 PRESET 100-199 USER

5

6

8

STORE

BANK

MIDI

7

9

10

ƒ LED Display. The LED display typically shows the currently selected Program. It

can also display the MicroVerb 4’s MIDI channel (when the MIDI button is held
down) or parameter values (when the [EDIT A] or [EDIT B] knobs are adjusted).

8 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1

The display will dim slightly when it is not displaying the current Program. When
the Store button is pressed, the Display will flash the destination Program
number.

± STORE Button. When the [STORE] button is pressed, the LED Display will flash

the number of the Program that the current program will be stored to. If Store is
pressed again, the display will flash rapidly and the current Program will be
stored. Programs can only be stored into the User bank, Programs 100-199.

£ BANK/MIDI Button. If this button is clicked once, a Program in the opposite bank

will be selected. (i.e. If Preset Program 34 is selected when Bank is pressed, the
MicroVerb 4 will switch to User Program134.)

If the [BANK/ MIDI] button is held for more than one second, the MIDI channel
number will be displayed. You can change the MIDI channel by turning the Value
encoder while holding this button.

≥ Value Encoder. The [VALUE] Encoder is used to select Programs and to change

the MIDI channel (see above).

¥ Edit A/ Edit B Controls. Each Program on the MicroVerb 4 has two parameters

which can be adjusted. Depending on the type of Program selected, these might
alter Reverb Decay, Chorus Depth, etc. When an Edit knob is adjusted, the new
value is briefly shown on the LED Display.

m Parameter Chart. This Chart shows you what effect type is assigned to various

groups of Programs. Also, it shows the function of the [EDIT A] and [EDIT B]
controls.

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 9

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4

Auditioning Internal Programs

The MicroVerb 4 comes with 100 Programs in a Preset bank, plus another 100
Programs in the User bank. These Programs represent the wide range of applications
for which the MicroVerb 4 is suited. The difference between Preset and User
Programs is that User Programs can be replaced with your own edits, but Preset
Programs are permanently stored into memory.

To audition the internal effect Programs, turn the [VALUE] knob to scroll through the
100 Preset and 100 User Programs.

Switching Between Preset and User Banks

To instantly switch between the Preset and User banks, press the [BANK] button.
Each time you press the [BANK] button, the MicroVerb 4 will toggle back and forth
between the Preset and User banks. The display will indicate this by showing a
program in the 00-99 (Preset) range or the 100-199 (User) range.

You can also switch between banks when scrolling through the Programs with the
[VALUE] knob. When you scroll clockwise past Preset 99, the display will “roll-over”
to User 100. Likewise, if you turn back the [VALUE] knob counterclockwise past
User100, the display will move to Preset 99. However, if you turn back the [VALUE]
knob counterclockwise past Preset 00, the display will not wrap around back to User
199 but instead will remain at Preset 00.

Adjusting Effects Mix Levels

Whether a Program contains a single effect or two or three effects, you can adjust the
MicroVerb 4’s [MIX] control to obtain a desirable balance between the original,
uneffected signal and each effect’s output. The [MIX] Knob controls the balance
between the input signal and the effects generated by the MicroVerb 4.

When hooked up to an instrument setup, such as a guitar amp, the Mix setting will
typically be somewhere in the middle, balancing the effects with the sound of the
source instrument. If the MicroVerb 4 is connected to a mixing console’s Aux Send,
the Mix control should be set all the way to the right (effects only) so that the balance
can be controlled from the board.

10 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

Storing Edited Programs

Once you are satisfied with the changes you have made to an edited Program, or are
creating a new Program from scratch, you will need to store your edited Program
back into memory. The MicroVerb 4 will temporarily store the currently selected
Program in non-volatile memory. If you edit a Program, the changes you made will be
lost the next time you power on the unit if you haven’t stored the edited Program into
memory. If you select another Program from memory before storing the edited
Program, your changes will also be lost.

Although the MicroVerb 4 has two banks (Preset and User), you can only store

✪

Programs in the User bank.

To store an edited Program:

¿ Press [STORE].

The Destination Program Number will flash. If the edited Program is from the
Preset bank (Programs 00-99), the MicroVerb 4 will show the complement
Program in the User Bank (by adding 100 to the Program number.) Programs
can only be stored to the location provided, i.e. there is no way to store an edited
version of Program 112 over Program 113.

Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1

¡ Press [STORE] again.

The LED Display will momentarily flash quickly, indicating that the Program has
been stored.

Any changes you make to a Program are temporary, until you store those changes

✪

before storing,

into memory. If the Program you are editing is in the Preset bank, you must save the
changes you’ve made to a location in the User bank. If you recall another Program

your changes will be lost.

Bypassing Effects

At any time you can bypass the effects, thereby allowing the direct signal to pass
through the MicroVerb 4 unchanged. This can be done in two ways:

• by turning the MIX knob all the way to the left,

• by connecting a footswitch to the [FOOTSWITCH] jack and pressing the
footswitch.

Each time the footswitch connected to the [FOOTSWITCH] jack is pressed, Bypass
mode is toggled on and off again. For more information about Footswitches, see
Chapter 2.

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 11

Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4

12 MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual

CONNECTIONS

AC Power Hookup

The MicroVerb 4 comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country it
is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz).

With the MicroVerb 4 off, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into MicroVerb
4’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It’s good
practice to not plug in the MicroVerb 4 until all other cables are hooked up.

Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the MicroVerb 4 or any

✪

associated equipment with improper AC wiring.

Line Conditioners and Protectors

Although the MicroVerb 4 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:

Connections – Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

• 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, etc.

Audio Connections

The connections between the MicroVerb 4 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 MicroVerb 4
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.

• Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly
grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward.

• 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.

MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual 13