Alesis Quadra Synth 6.1 User Manual

ALESIS

QS6.1

Reference Manual

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing an Alesis QS6.1 64-Voice Expandable Synthesizer. ItÕs a
powerful instrument and weÕre sure you will find it exciting to use. The more you
know about it the more youÕll be able to do, so we recommend that you make good use
of this manual.

But most importantly, donÕt forget to have fun! (ThereÕs a good reason they call
what musicians do playing.)

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

No manual can cover the needs of all musicians. There are simply too many of you,
and your needs are too different. But weÕve tried to make this a document that will
teach you what you need to know while encouraging you to explore new and
interesting territory.

It is divided into eleven parts. How many of these sections you need to read will
depend on what you want to do with your QS6.1.

Part 1: SETUP & CONNECTIONS covers how to hook up your QS6.1 so it can be
turned on and played. This section also contains useful audio basics, some tips on
wiring and power, and directions for connecting your QS6.1 to other MIDI gear.

Part 2: OVERVIEW introduces the front panel controls and LCD, along with the
terms and internal structures that every QS6.1 owner ought to know. Here is where
youÕll learn what all the buttons do, and how the sounds are organized. This
chapter also covers the Card expansion options you have available.

Part 3: FIRST SESSION starts you playing.

Part 4: BASIC OPERATION takes everything in the First Session one step further.

After covering this material youÕll be a QS6.1 performance wizard, fully versed in
how to use the instrumentÕs Programs and Mixes and how to change Global settings.

ItÕll also take you through the basics of using the [STORE] button to save your

edits, how to go about naming them, and the procedures for playing back sequences
from a card.

Part 5: MIDI is for players who want to use their QS6.1 for MIDI performance and
sequencing. Because itÕs relevant, youÕll also find a little here about the very top
level of Mix editing. Sys-ex transfer operations are also covered in this section.

Part 6: EDITING EFFECTS will show you how to modify the the matrix of effects
processors that are built into your QS6.1. This is useful to know even if all you want
to do is Òplay the presets,Ó because even if you love a particular sound you might
find that its current processing doesnÕt quite fit in with your music. Need to lengthen
or shorten a ProgramÕs reverb time? Extend a delay? Make an echo louder? Or
maybe even shut the effects completely off, so you can run a raw signal into your
mixing deck or external effects processor? This is where youÕll find the answers.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 1

Contents

Part 7: EDITING MIXES takes you to the next level of editing power, showing you
how to change the preset Mixes and put together new ones of your own. It also
explains the parameters which give the QS6.1 its strength as a master MIDI
keyboard.

Part 8: EDITING PROGRAMS gets deep into the instrument. If you are interested in
pushing the QS6.1 synthesis engine to the max Ñ and itÕs a powerful engine, it
really is Ñ then youÕll want to study this section very closely.

Part 9: EXTRAS includes all sorts of fun and useful information that doesnÕt fit
neatly into the other sections. This is where to look for discussion of RAMcards,
Sound Bridge, the QS6.1 CD-ROM, and other things of general interest.

Part 10: APPENDICES contains reference material on service and maintenance,
troubleshooting, and the QS6.1Õs MIDI Implementation.

MANUAL CONVENTIONS

All buttons, knobs, and switches on the QS6.1 are referred to in bracketed capital
letters that match the instrumentÕs actual markings. Here are some examples:

[PROGRAM] means the button to the right of the LCD that says ÒPROGRAMÓ on it.
[ PAGE] and [PAGE ] refer to the two buttons on the left of the LCD that have

left-and-right cursors on them.

[CONTROLLER D] is the slider on the right side of the slider grouping, with ÒDÓ

printed underneath.

[00 PIANO] refers to the leftmost button in the top row of numbered buttons.
Sometimes this will be shorthanded as [00], depending on whatÕs being discussed.

[PITCH] is the control wheel at the left side of the instrument.
And [SUS PEDAL] is the rear panel jack youÕd plug your sustain pedal into.

WHY THERE’S NO INDEX

Indexes are useful in really big books. They are also useful when you already know
what you are looking for. Otherwise, though,they are kind of frustrating: ÒIt says
here that there are references to The Thing I Am Interested In on pages 16, 23, 28-31,
47, 57-62, and 113. But which one of those has the bit IÕm looking for?Ó

We think having a really great Table Of Contents works much better. If you need to
find something, go to the ToC and see for yourself Ñ its clear, directive headings
tell you whatÕs in every section and subsection, making it easy for you to find your
way. And since the information is all in context, youÕll learn that much more about
your QS6.1 every time you look.

2 QS6.1 Reference Manual

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

The shipping carton for your QS6.1 should contain the following items:

¥ QS6.1 (with the same serial number as shown on the shipping carton)
¥ Sustain pedal
¥ AC Power Cable
¥ Computer CD-ROM containing software
¥ This instruction manual, plus Mix and Program lists and a Quick Start guide
¥ Alesis warranty card

If you havenÕt filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to us, please take

✪

the time to do so. This will help us give you the best support we possibly can.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 3

Contents

4 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Part 1: SETUP & CONNECTIONS ..........................................................9

AC Power...............................................................................................................9

Audio ....................................................................................................................10

MIDI.....................................................................................................................12

Direct Computer Link.............................................................................................14

Pedal and Footswitch Hookup................................................................................16

Part 2: OVERVIEW .............................................................................17

A Quick Tour Of The Front Panel.............................................................................17

Programs, Mixes, And Banks...................................................................................22

The Performance Controls.......................................................................................24

PCMCIA Expansion Cards ......................................................................................26

Part 3: FIRST SESSION .......................................................................2 7

Powering Up ..........................................................................................................27

Playing the Demo Sequences...................................................................................27

Playing Programs...................................................................................................28

Playing Mixes........................................................................................................29

The Performance Controls, Pt. II..............................................................................31

Transposing The Keyboard .........................................................................31

Performance Transposition Chart................................................................32

Part 4: BASIC OPERATION.................................................................33

Recap ....................................................................................................................33

The Double-Button Press Trick................................................................................33

Copying Existing Programs And Mixes To A New Location In The User Bank.............34

ÉOr To A New Location On A Card Bank................................................................34

Changing The Programs In A Mix............................................................................35

Storing Altered Mixes To The User Bank (Or To A Card)..........................................35

Storing Altered Programs To The User Bank (Or To A Card).....................................35

Changing The Name Of A Program Or Mix..............................................................36

Compare Mode.......................................................................................................36

Playing Sequences From A Card ..............................................................................37

The Global Settings (And How To Change Them)....................................................38

Part 5: MIDI ......................................................................................4 7

The Power of Mix Mode ..........................................................................................47

Using an External Sequencer....................................................................................48

Program Assign for each MIDI Channel...................................................................50

Sending and Receiving Bank Select Messages ..........................................................50

Using the QS6.1 as a Master Keyboard....................................................................52

Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex...........................................................................56

Editing Programs via MIDI Sys Ex ..........................................................................57

Part 6: EDITING EFFECTS...................................................................59

Basic Info...............................................................................................................59

Entering Effects Edit Mode From Program Mode.......................................................60

Entering Effects Edit Mode From Mix Mode..............................................................60

Navigating In Effects Edit Mode.............................................................................61

Selecting From Among The Available Effects Patches In A Mix....................61

The ÒFX Program Change via MIDIÓ function..............................................62

How The Display Changes When You Alter An Effect.............................................63

Storing Effect Patches In Program Mode ..................................................................63

Storing Effect Patches in Mix Mode.........................................................................63

Copying Effects From One Program To Another........................................................64

QS6.1 Reference Manual 5

Table of Contents

Keeping Track: The Interaction Of Effects, Programs, And Mixes..............................65

Picking An Effect Configuration..............................................................................65

Configuration #1: 1 REVERB...................................................................................66

Configuration #2: 2 REVERBS.................................................................................68

Configuration #3: LEZLIE+REVERB .......................................................................70

Configuration #4: 1 REVERB+EQ............................................................................71

Configuration #5: OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE ................................................................72

Routing Sounds or Programs Through The Effects Only.............................................73

Setting Effect Send Levels ......................................................................................74

If The Send Inputs Clip...........................................................................................74

[00] to [30] ÑEffect Sends 1 - 4 ................................................................................74

EQ.........................................................................................................................75

Mod.......................................................................................................................76

Lezlie....................................................................................................................79

Pitch .....................................................................................................................81

Delay....................................................................................................................87

Reverb ..................................................................................................................88

Overdrive..............................................................................................................94

Effect Mix..............................................................................................................95

How Ò1 ReverbÓ Is Arranged.......................................................................67

How Ò2 ReverbsÓ Is Arranged......................................................................69

How ÒLEZLIE+REVERBÓ Is Arranged.........................................................70

How ÒREVERB+EQÓ Is Arranged................................................................71

How ÒOverdrive+LezlieÓ Is Arranged ........................................................72

Part 7: Editing Mixes ........................................................................97

What is a Mix?......................................................................................................97

Polyphony in Mix Play Mode..................................................................................97

Program Assign for each MIDI Channel...................................................................97

Mix Edit Mode .......................................................................................................98

Understanding the Edit Buffers ..............................................................................99

Level Setting for Each Program...............................................................................100

Pitch .....................................................................................................................101

Effect.....................................................................................................................101

Keyboard/MIDI.....................................................................................................102

Controllers.............................................................................................................103

Setting the Range...................................................................................................104

Naming a Mix........................................................................................................104

Part 8: Editing Programs……………………………………………………………………………..105

Overview ..............................................................................................................105

The ÒNormalizedÓ Synth Voice..............................................................................105

How the QS6.1 Generates Sound .............................................................................106

Program Sound Layers ............................................................................................106

QS6.1 Signal Flow..................................................................................................107

About Modulation ..................................................................................................109

About Signal Processing..........................................................................................110

Drum Mode ............................................................................................................111

Storing Your Edited Programs .................................................................................112

Program Edit Functions...........................................................................................113

Voice.........................................................................................................114

Muting and Unmuting Sounds ..........................................................114

Level.........................................................................................................117

Pitch .........................................................................................................118

Filter.........................................................................................................121

Amp/Range ...............................................................................................124

Pitch Envelope...........................................................................................128

6 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Table of Contents

Filter Envelope..........................................................................................131

Amp Envelope............................................................................................134

Name ........................................................................................................136

Mod 1 Ð Mod 6.............................................................................................137

Pitch LFO..................................................................................................142

Filter LFO .................................................................................................144

Amp LFO...................................................................................................145

Tracking Generator.....................................................................................147

Programming Drum Sounds in Drum Mode................................................................149

Voice.........................................................................................................149

Level.........................................................................................................151

Pitch .........................................................................................................151

Filter.........................................................................................................152

Amp/Range ...............................................................................................152

Amp Envelope............................................................................................153

Mute Group ....................................................................................153

Special Programming Functions...............................................................................154

Copying Sounds..........................................................................................154

To Audition Programs Before Storing...........................................................155

Part 9: EXTRAS ................................................................................157

A Word About the QS CD-ROM..............................................................................157

Sound Bridgeª..........................................................................................157

Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards.............................................................................158

Saving the User Bank to a PCMCIA Card....................................................158

Loading a Bank from an External Card........................................................159

Storing an Individual Program or Mix .........................................................160

Loading an Individual Program or Mix........................................................160

Card Storage Ramifications ...................................................................................161

More about SRAM Cards.............................................................................162

SRAM Cards and Mix Mode........................................................................162

Part 10: Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….163

Appendix A ...........................................................................................................163

Troubleshooting .........................................................................................163

Recovering From A ÒCrashÓ............................................................164

Re-initializing ..............................................................................164

Checking The Software Version......................................................165

Maintenance/Service .................................................................................165

Cleaning your QS6.1.......................................................................165

Preventative Maintenance..............................................................165

Refer All Servicing to Alesis ..........................................................165

Obtaining Repair Service...............................................................166

Appendix B: MIDI Supplement...............................................................................167

MIDI Basics...............................................................................................167

MIDI Hardware.........................................................................................167

MIDI Message Basics..................................................................................168

Channel Messages: Mode Messages .................................................168

Channel Messages: Voice Messages.................................................168

Continuous Controllers List.............................................................169

System Common Messages...............................................................170

General MIDI.............................................................................................170

MIDI Implementation Chart ......................................................................172

Appendix C: Parameters Index................................................................................173

Program Edit Parameters............................................................................173

Mix Edit Parameters ..................................................................................175

QS6.1 Reference Manual 7

Table of Contents

8 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Setup & Connections: Part 1

PART 1

SETUP & CONNECTIONS

AC POWER

HOOKUP

Your QS6.1 is set to work with the voltage of the country it was shipped to (either 110
or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz) and comes equipped with the appropriate power cable.

Hooking that cable up is simple.

· Make sure your QS6.1 is turned off.

· Plug the female (jack) end of the power cable into the QS6.1Õs power socket.

· Plug the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. ItÕs good practice not to turn

the QS6.1 on until all other cables are hooked up.

The IEC-spec power cable included with your QS6.1 is designed to connect to an outlet
with three holes, the third of which Ñ the round one Ñ is the ground connection. This
connection is an important safety feature: it keeps the QS6.1Õs chassis at ground
potential, preventing accidental shocks.

Unfortunately, not all three-hole sockets are properly grounded. We recommend that
you use an AC line tester to check the ground connection on any socket you may use, just to
be on the safe side. If you find an ungrounded outlet, consult with a licensed electrician
about getting the problem fixed.

Avoid using ungrounded outlets. Plugging the QS6.1 into an ungrounded outlet can

✪
✪

be hazardous. The same goes for ÒliftingÓ the unit off ground by using a three-to­two plug adapter. DonÕt do it!

Alesis cannot be responsible for any problems that might be caused by using the
QS6.1 with improper AC wiring.

LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS

The power coming through some AC lines contains voltage surges, spikes, or transients
that can stress your gear, causing failure or malfunctions. Although the QS6.1 is
designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, it isnÕt invulnerable. So if the power in
your area is particularly bad (or if you are out playing live gigs) you will probably
want to take precautions. You have three basic options:

¥ Line spike/surge protectors. These relatively inexpensive devices are designed

to protect against strong surges and spikes. They act somewhat like fuses and
will have to be either replaced or reset (depending on the unit) if theyÕve been
hit by an extremely strong spike.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 9

Part 1: Setup & Connections

¥ Line filters. These cost more than simple spike/surge protectors, but may be

worth it depending on your situation. Along with surge protection they offer
circuits that can remove some line noise Ñ things like dimmer hash, transients
from other appliances, etc.

¥ An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This is the most expensive way to go,

but it is also the best. Your typical UPS offers complete line protection/filtering
and throws in emergency battery power that will come on instantly if there is a
power outage. This will prevent anything in RAM-only memory from getting
lost, and enable you to take the time to shut down everything properly. That
last step is very important. You should always turn everything in your rig
physically off when the power goes out Ñ otherwise you risk serious gear
and/or speaker damage from the current surge that takes place when power is
finally restored.

AUDIO

CONNECTIONS

The QS6.1 has two Main outputs and a stereo headphone output. These make for
several possible hookups:

¥ Mono. To run in mono, connect a single mono cable from one of the QS6.1Õs [MAIN]

output jacks to either a mono amp or an individual mixer input. (You can use

either the [LEFT MAIN] or the [RIGHT MAIN] output jack.) Please note that with

this connection you will only be hearing one channel, so any Programs or Mixes
designed for stereo output will sound incomplete or diminished.

¥ Stereo. To run in stereo, connect two mono cords (one each from the [LEFT] and

[RIGHT] output jacks) to either (A) a stereo amp system or (B) two separate

mixer inputs. For full effect, make sure that these inputs are panned hard left
and right.

¥ Stereo Headphones. To listen over headphones, plug a set of high-quality

stereo headphones into the headphones [ ] jack on the rear panel. The
volume for the headphone output is controlled by the front panel [VOLUME]

slider. Some headphones have a higher electrical resistance than others; if

the sound level seems too low even with the [VOLUME] slide up full, try a

different set.

LEVELS

To get the highest audio quality when performing or recording, set your QS6.1Õs

[VOLUME] slider all the way up. If the resulting signal is too loud (ÒhotÓ) for your

mixer or recording deck, lower the input level controls on those units until they are no
longer clipping.

10 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Expression Pedal

Setup & Connections: Part 1

AC Receptacle

Pedal Switch

1/4" Audio Cables

Stereo Headphones

Stereo Amp

AUDIO CABLES — SELECTION, ROUTING,
AND CARE

The audio connections between your QS6.1 and the rest of your studio are your musicÕs
lifeline, so make sure you use high-quality cables. These should be low-capacitance
shielded cables, with a stranded internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Avoid
cables with solid internal conductors.

Quality cables cost more, but they are worth it. If you want to the lowest possible noise
and the best possible sound, there is no other way to go. As for what to do with them
when setting up, here are some basic mistakes to avoid:

¥ Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords. If you do, the audio cables

will pick up hum from the AC line.

¥ Avoid running audio cables near such sources of electromagnetic interference as

transformers, monitors, computers, etc.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 11

Part 1: Setup & Connections

¥ DonÕt run cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable will

compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield, and over time
this will degrade performance and reliability.

¥ Avoid twisting the cable or laying it out with sharp, right-angle turns.

¥ Never unplug a cable by tugging on the cable itself. Even if it has a Òstrain-

reliefÓ plug, you are likely to damage the inside wiring and connections. The
best way to unplug a cable is to firmly grasp the body of the plug and then pull
it straight outward.

When connecting audio cables, or turning power on and off, make sure that ALL

✪

devices in your system are turned off and ALL volume controls are turned down.
This is important. If you donÕt do this, you can create loud bursts of sound that
might damage your speakers (or worse, your ears).

MIDI

BASIC MIDI HOOKUP

MIDI is the standard data communication protocol for electronic musical instruments. If
you arenÕt familiar with MIDI, see Part 5: MIDI and Part 10: Appendices to learn more
about how it works. Meanwhile, hereÕs all you need to know to get wired up.

The QS6.1 has three MIDI connectors:

¥ MIDI IN. This port is for receiving MIDI information (notes, program changes,

etc.) from another source, such as another MIDI keyboard, an alternate
controller, or a computer.

¥ MIDI OUT. This port is for sending MIDI information to another MIDI

keyboard, sound module, or computer.

¥ MIDI THRU. This port is for passing on MIDI information received by the MIDI

IN port. In simple MIDI setups, the THRU port is used to connect additional
devices that will all be ÒlisteningÓ to the same source.

Here are four typical MIDI setups for your QS6.1, and the appropriate cable connections
for each of them:

· As Slave. To play your QS6.1 from any other MIDI device (keyboard, drum pad,

guitar or bass controller, sequencer, etc.), just run a standard 5-pin MIDI cable

from the control deviceÕs MIDI OUT to the QS6.1Õs [MIDI IN] jack.

12 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Setup & Connections: Part 1

· As Controller. To play other MIDI devices from your QS6.1, run a MIDI cable

from the QS6.1Õs [MIDI OUT] jack to the MIDI IN of the device you want to

control.

· As a Link in a Òdaisy chain.Ó If you are using the QS6.1 in the middle of the

MIDI chain (example: as the second unit of a three device chain), youÕll need
two MIDI cables. Attach one from the MIDI OUT of the chainÕs first device to

the [MIDI IN] jack of the QS6.1; and then attach the other from the QS6.1Õs [MIDI
THRU] jack to the MIDI IN of the chainÕs third device.

· As part of a computer-based MIDI Network. If you are using a computer for

sequencing and/or programming, youÕll want to be able to play data into your
computer from your QS6.1, and receive data back as well. This will take two
MIDI cables. Attach one from the MIDI OUT of the computerÕs MIDI interface

to the [MIDI IN] jack of the QS6.1; and then attach the other from the QS6.1Õs
[MIDI OUT] jack to the interfaceÕs MIDI IN.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 13

Part 1: Setup & Connections

DIRECT COMPUTER LINK

The QS6.1 can communicate directly with Mac or PC computers via its [SERIAL PORT]

connector. Using this connection eliminates the need for a MIDI cables and a separate
MIDI interface.

HereÕs how it works:

1) Run a single serial cable from your computerÕs serial port to the [SERIAL PORT]

connector on your QS6.1.

2) Set the rear panel [ PC / MAC ] switch to either PC or MAC, depending on

what kind of computer you are using.

3) Set your QS6.1 to listen to data over this direct serial connection, instead of

MIDI. To do this, press [EDIT SELECT] to begin editing; then press [BANK ] to
access Global Edit Mode; then press [ PAGE] until the lower line of the LCD
reads I/O. (If you overshoot, just press the [PAGE ] button to get back.) Once
there, use the [VALUE] buttons to change the setting from MIDI to whatever

best matches your computer. There are three options:

· PC 38.4Kbd. Use this setting if your computer is a PC and its serial port runs
at 38.4 kilobaud.

· PC 31.25Kbd. Use this setting if your computer is a PC and its serial port
runs at 31.25 kilobaud.

· MAC 1MHz. Use this setting if your computer is a Macintosh.

Please note that if the rear-panel selection switch is set to [MAC], your QS6.1 will not
show you the two PC choices. Likewise, if the switch is set to [PC], then the Mac setting
will not show up in the display.

14 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Setup & Connections: Part 1

IBM® PCS AND COMPATIBLES RUNNING
WINDOWS

If you want to link your QS6.1 directly with a PC or PC-Compatible, youÕll need special
serial driver software and cabling.

YouÕve already got the driver software Ñ itÕs in the \ALESIS\ASDWIN directory on
the CD-ROM that came with your QS6.1. (If you donÕt have a CD-ROM drive in your
computer, call Alesis Product Support and ask them to send you the software on a 3-1/2
inch floppy disk. ) Complete installation instructions come with the driver software.
The procedure will vary depending on your version of Windows.

The special cable can be purchased through Alesis Product Support. It has a DIN8
connector on one end and either a DB9 or DB25 connector on the other end (depending on
the type of connector that is on your PC.) The DIN8-to-DB9 cable is part # 9-96-1290.
The DIN8-to-DB25 cable is part # 9-96-1291.

Be aware that many PCs have more than one serial port, and some have both types of
connector. Before you order a cable from us you will need to (A) identify the port you
wish to hook up to, and (B) make certain it is not already in use by the computer.

®

MACINTOSH

You donÕt need a special cable to make a direct connection between your QS6.1 and a
Mac. Any standard Mac DIN-8 cable will do.

You will, however, have to choose between using the MODEM or PRINTER serial port
on the Mac. Plug into whichever one you arenÕt already using, and then make sure your
MIDI softwareÕs port selection is set to match.

If both ports are already in use, you can either (A) temporarily disconnect your modem
or printer, or (B) buy a multiple serial port box that will let you hook everything up to
your Mac and switch among these serial devices as needed.

NOTE: If you want to use the printer port for your direct serial link, first make certain
that AppleTalk is disabled.

™

QS6.1 Reference Manual 15

Part 1: Setup & Connections

PEDAL AND FOOTSWITCH HOOKUP

The QS6.1 keyboard has two back-panel pedal jacks, marked[SUS PEDAL] and
[PEDAL 1].

[SUS PEDAL] is designed to work with any standard momentary footswitch. It doesnÕt

matter whether the footswitch is normally open or closed, so long as you plug it into the
jack before powering up your QS6.1; the instrument will automatically sense the
footswitchÕs polarity and calibrate itself accordingly.

[PEDAL 1] is designed to work with a Roland EV-5 volume pedal (or its equivalent).
The QS6.1Õs factory defaults assign sustain to the [SUS PEDAL] jack and overall

instrument volume to the [PEDAL 1] jack, but you can change these settings at any time

if you want to. There are lots of interesting possibilities to explore. A starter example:
using a footswitch to turn vibrato on in a program, and using a volume-type pedal to
control vibrato speed.

If your sustain footswitch responds backwards (i.e., notes sustain unless the footswitch
is pressed), then turn off your QS6.1 and make sure the footswitch plug is fully inserted

into the [

keeping your foot off the footswitch.

SUS PEDAL

] jack. When it is, turn the instrumentÕs power back on while

16 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Overview: Part 2

PART 2

OVERVIEW

A QUICK TOUR OF THE FRONT PANEL

THE WHEELS

At the far left of the front panel you will find two powerful controllers:

· The [PITCH] wheel. Move this control up or down to expressively bend the

pitch of the synth.

· The [MODULATION] wheel. Move this control to cause interesting sonic

changes in the current Program or Mix.

Sometimes you wonÕt hear anything happen when you use the [MODULATION]

wheel. In these cases, either (A) the current Program or Mix isnÕt programmed
to respond to modulation, or (B) modulation is tied to a function that is currently

off. HereÕs an example of the latter: if the [MODULATION] wheel is

programmed to control chorus speed, but chorus depth is currently set at zero,
then moving the [MODULATION] wheel wonÕt do anything audible.

THE SLIDERS

Moving to the right, you will see 5 different sliders:

· The [VOLUME] slider. This fader raises and lowers the QS6.1Õs audio output

level.

· [CONTROLLERS A, B, C, and D]. These faders are programmable and can

be used to give you hands-on control of many different parameters. What they
do will vary depending on how the Program or Mix has been designed. As you
move them, the LCD gives you visual feedback in the form of small vertical
bar-graphs. Please note: this only happens if a control function is assigned to

the slider being moved. That means the quickest way to find out which sliders
are working in a given Program is to push all four sliders up while watching the
display.

During editing, the [CONTROLLER D] slider serves as a data entry control.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 17

Part 2: Overview

THE EDIT MODE BUTTONS

There are 6 buttons grouped together at the immediate left of the display:

· [▲ VALUE]. When you are editing, this button increments the selected value. At

· [VALUE ▼]. Same as [▲ VALUE], except that it decrements values and steps

· [EDIT SELECT]. This button takes you into Edit Mode. To get back out, press

all other times it steps you forward through the available Programs or Mixes,
depending on which mode youÕve selected.

backward through Programs and Mixes.

either [MIX] or [PROGRAM].

· [STORE]. A true multi-purpose control. It is involved in making MIDI sys-ex

transfers, in saving and loading both User and Card Banks, in copying Effects
patches, and when initializing individual Sounds within a Program. When
editing, this is the button youÕd press to store an altered Program or Mix to a
selected location in the QS6.1Õs memory. In normal performance it gives you a
quick way to copy the current Program or Mix to a new location.

· [ PAGE]. When editing, this button cycles you backward through the

available ÒpagesÓ for the current parameter (thereÕs an indicator in the upper
right of the LCD that tells you what page you are on). In Program Mode, this
button changes your QS6.1Õs basic MIDI channel. In Mix Mode, it is used to
display the Programs assigned to different MIDI channels, so that you can
change these assignments on the fly.

· [PAGE ]. Same as just above, except that it cycles you forward instead of

backward.

18 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Overview: Part 2

THE DISPLAY

The large backlit LCD in the center of the front panel gives you visual feedback as
you work. What it shows will vary depending on the mode you are in.

LetÕs go over what the different areas of the LCD ÒtellÓ you.

1) The big numbers on the left side of the LCD show you which Program or Mix
youÕre currently editing or playing.

2) The top line of the display shows the NAME of the Program or Mix while youÕre
in Play Mode. It also gives you the name of the selected Function when youÕre in
Edit Mode.

3) If you look closely at the silkscreening around the LCD's "bezel" (the raised,
clear plastic cover between it and the dusty outside world), you'll notice some
abbreviations like "CLP" or"TRN" alongside the word "NAME". Here is what
they stand for:

CLP: An exclamation point (!) will appear in this area of the LCD if the
QS6.1's signal clips internally. You'll only see this in Program or Mix Modes (not
while you're editing).

SEQ: A blinking arrow (->) will appear in this area of the LCD if you have
triggered a card sequence. When the sequence stops, the arrow will disappear.

TRN: An up arrow (/\) or a down arrow (\/) will appear in this area of the
LCD if you have transposed the keyboard up or down.

ABCD: If a Program or Mix has any of the four faders active, you can move
them and see a reaction in the LCD under these four letters. The four vertical bar

graphs represent the [CONTROLLER A-D] slider positions. This area of the LCD

will also display the ÒpageÓ numbers when you are in any of the Edit Modes.

4) The middle line does triple duty. In Play Mode it tells you which Bank the sound
youÕre using came from. In Edit Mode it gives you the name of the parameter youÕre
editing. And in Mix Program Select mode, it lets you know which QS6.1 Program is
assigned to which MIDI channel. More on that later in the manual.

5) These words let you know which Mode you are in. YouÕll see them alone or in
combination depending on where you are. The word ÒEDITÓ changes to ÒEDITEDÓ
when you change a value in one of the Edit Modes.

6) The numbers along the bottom are the MIDI channel numbers. In Program Mode
youÕll only see one channel number lit at a time. In Mix Mode youÕll see two or more.
When activity is happening on a given channel, a circle will light up around that
MIDI channel's number. This is true whether the information is generated from the
QS6.1's keyboard or comes in via the MIDI In jack.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 19

Part 2: Overview

THE PLAY MODE BUTTONS

There are 4 buttons grouped together at the immediate right of the display:

· [MIX]. This button takes you to Mix Mode.

· [PROGRAM]. This button takes you to Program Mode.

· [ BANK]. In Program and Mix Modes, this button cycles you backward through

· [BANK ]. In Program and Mix Modes, this button cycles you forward through

all available Banks. In Edit Mode this becomes the [COMPARE] button, which

shifts between the original and edited versions of a Program or Mix, so you can

hear both while you make your changes.

all available Banks. In Edit Mode it becomes the [GLOBAL] button, taking you

to 18 pages of controls that affect the overall operation of your QS6.1 (including

Master Tune, Controller Assignments, Keyboard Response Curves, and more).

THE SELECTION BUTTONS

There are 23 buttons grouped together at the right side of the front panel, arranged

in two rows (an upper row of 13, and a lower row of 10). These [SELECTION] buttons

are used to quickly choose among Programs, Mixes, Sound parameters, MIDI channel
assignments, etc. Ñ whatever is available in the QS6.1Õs current mode.

· [00] through [120]. When you are playing Programs or Mixes, these buttons jump

your selection by tens Ñ for example, if Program 79 is selected and you press [20],

your QS6.1 will shift to Program 29. When you are editing, they select one of

the three parameters printed just above them, depending on which Edit Mode

you are in.

· [0] through [9]. When you are playing Programs or Mixes, these buttons jump

your selection within the currently selected Sound Group Ñ for example, if

Program 24 is selected and you press [7], your QS6.1 will shift to Program 27.

When you are editing, they select one of the three parameters printed just

below them, depending on what Edit Mode you are in.

Most of these buttons are also used in Sequence selection and playback, as discussed
on the next page.

20 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Overview: Part 2

A WORD ABOUT THE SILKSCREENING

As we mentioned in the last section, if you look above and below the 23

[SELECTION] buttons youÕll see a lot of words silkscreened on the front panel. WeÕll

get into what they mean later. All you need to know now is:

¥ When youÕre in Mix Edit mode, find the word ÒMIXÓ at the outer edge of the
buttons, and then follow along that level to find the various Mix functions.

¥ Do the same for Program and Effects Edit modes. The exception here is that
thereÕs no bottom row of functions for Effects Edit mode. In its place you have ÒDrum
SoundÓ , which means you use these buttons to select Drums in Drum Mode. The
ÒKeyboard SoundÓ row calls up more Program Edit mode functions.

THE SEQUENCE & TRANSPOSE BUTTONS

At the far right on the front panel are two buttons:

[SEQUENCE]. Pressing this button once puts your QS6.1 in Sequence Playback
Mode. In this mode the [00] through [90] buttons select possible PCMCIA card
Sequence Banks, and the [0] through [9] buttons trigger specific Sequences for
playback. To exit without making a selection, just press [SEQUENCE] again.

[TRANSPOSE]. You can transpose the output of your QS6.1 by holding this button
down and then pressing any key on the keyboard. The transposition limit is one
octave in either direction. To return to normal operation, just stop pressing on the

[TRANSPOSE] button. Please note that any changes you make here will stay in

place until you deliberately reset them to normal. This is done by holding the
[

TRANSPOSE

C3). To make it easy to locate, weÕve silkscreened that on the front panel just above
the key.

] button and pressing the third C key from the left (also known as

QS6.1 Reference Manual 21

Part 2: Overview

PROGRAMS, MIXES, AND BANKS

Your QS6.1 comes with 1,140 built-in Programs and Mixes. At any time you can also

add hundreds more just by putting QCards or RAMcards into the [PCMCIA
EXPANSION CARD] slots.

ThatÕs a lot of different sounds!

In order to easily find the ones you need, you will need to know how they are
arranged. Starting withÉ

WHAT’S A PROGRAM?

A QS6.1 Program is a set of parameters which (A) create a specific sound and (B)
can be recalled instantly at the touch of a button. There are lots of parameters,
which is why many thousands of cool Programs are currently available from Alesis
and third-party sources. And, of course, you can always edit these parameters
yourself to create Programs that are uniquely your own.

There are 640 internal Programs, divided into 5 Banks of 128 Programs each (more
about Banks in a moment). To get instant access to more Banks, simply insert an

Alesis QCard into one or both of the [PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD] slots. You can

also add Banks using RAMcards, assuming Program data is stored on them.

Each Program consists of from 1 to 4 different Sounds which can be combined and
processed in many different ways: layered on top of one another, for example, or
split up to cover different sections of the keyboard, or set to play (or not play)
depending on how hard you strike a key.

The number of Sounds being used by a Program has a direct effect on your QS6.1Õs
polyphony, because each Sound takes one Voice to play. If your current Program uses
only one Sound, youÕll be able to play 64 simultaneous notes. By contrast, a Program
using two Sounds will run out of Voices twice as fast, limiting you to 32 simultaneous
notes. And a Program that uses four Sounds will limit you to 16 notes of polyphony.

WHAT’S A MIX?

A Mix is a combination of Programs selected from the available Banks. Most Mixes
have only two or three Programs in them, but you can put together as many as 16 if
you want. You can also arrange them in a number of useful ways, creating layered
combinations, split combinations, and more.

There are 500 internal Mixes, arranged 100 per Bank. More can be accessed at any
time using expansion cards, as mentioned above for Programs.

For those of you who do MIDI sequencing, one of the most useful Mixes will be #00 in
the User Bank. This is the multi-timbral Mix. It lets you assign different Programs
to each of 16 different MIDI channels, making it easy to build anything from a
small pop/rock ensemble to a complete orchestra.

22 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Overview: Part 2

WHAT'S A BANK?

A Bank is a collection of 128 Programs and 100 Mixes. There are five internal Banks
available in the QS6.1, and even more can be accessed if you have put QCards or

RAMcards into one or both of the [PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD] slots.

The different banks are:

USER
PRESET1
PRESET2
PRESET3
GenMIDI
Card A [if in use; invisible if not]
Card B [if in use; invisible if not]

If a card has more than one Bank, the numbers will go up like so: CardA-1, CardA­2, CardA-3, etc.

While playing Programs or Mixes, the current Bank is named in the second line of
the LCD display. To cycle through all the Banks that are available, press the

[BANK] buttons on the front panel. You can also change Banks by using standard

MIDI Bank Select commands (various values of Controller 0).

Two things to remember about Banks:

1) Each Bank contains its own unique collection of Programs and Mixes. This means

that Program 10 in PRESET1 is different from Program 10 in PRESET3É

although they may be similar if they belong to related Sound Groups (see below

for a quick explanation of Sound Groups).

2) A Mix can contain Programs from any Bank. This includes Banks which might

be on a QCard or an SRAM card. (If the Mix youÕve called up uses a card-based

Program, make sure the ProgramÕs card is in the right expansion slot. If you

have the wrong card in the slot, the Mix will call up the wrong Program. And if

you have no card in the slot at all, that part of the Mix wonÕt sound.)

QS6.1 Reference Manual 23

Part 2: Overview

ABOUT SOUND GROUPS

To make things easier for you, weÕve broken down three of the five Banks into Sound
Groups. There are 12 different Sound Groups with 10 Programs each, plus a 13th

Sound Group with only 8 Programs. (This gives each Bank 128 Programs, as
specified by the MIDI standard.) Each of these Groups is clearly marked on the

[SELECTION] button that calls it up.

Why do we call them Sound Groups? Because they bring together Programs which

are musically or sonically related, such as pianos [00], guitars [30], bass [40] and
drums [120].

There are two Banks which differ from this default scheme:

· The User Bank. Straight from the factory, your QS6.1Õs User Bank is organized

· The General MIDI Bank. This is organized to match the General MIDI

in the same Sound Groups as the Preset Banks. But it neednÕt stay that way.

Any User Bank you create for yourself (or collect from non-Alesis sources) might

be organized very differently.

standard, which puts Programs in a totally different order than that of our

Sound Groups.

THE PERFORMANCE CONTROLS

There are a number of expressive ways to control the sound of your QS6.1 while you
are playing. They are:

¥ Velocity. This refers to how slow or fast you strike the keys. In most Programs,

faster means louder. Velocity can also cause tonal changes in the sound, trigger

new Sound layers in a Program, or do other things entirely. It all depends on

what parameters are set to respond to it, and how.

¥ Aftertouch. Strike a key, hold it downÉand then push it down a little harder.

ThatÕs Òaftertouch.Ó (YouÕll also see it referred to as ÒPressureÓ in some

instruments and software.) Common uses include triggering changes in the pitch,

tone, or volume of notes.

¥ Pitch Bend Wheel. Push the [PITCH BEND] wheel up and the pitch of your

QS6.1 goes up. Push the wheel down, and it goes down. Let the wheel go and it

springs back to center. A no-brainer, right? There have been pitch bend wheels

on synths since the early days, so this function is properly familiar to you.

Familiar or not, however, the simple fact is that bending pitch is a blast. Do it

well and you can achieve incredible levels of emotional expression. One thing

to remember: the amount of available pitch bend may vary from Program to

Program.

24 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Overview: Part 2

¥ Modulation Wheel. The [MODULATION] wheel has also been around pretty

much forever in synth design. It got its name because it is typically used to add

varying levels of modulation (such as vibrato or tremolo) while you play. But it

isnÕt limited to that. It can also be used to create Òfilter-openingÓ effects, to

raise and lower volume, to pan signals from left to right (by crossfading between

two separately hard-panned Sounds), to select between layers, to lengthen a

reverb time, and lots more. It all depends on the individual Program settings.

¥ Controller Sliders A-D. These sliders can control any parameter that has been

assigned to them (which may change from Program to Program). They are

particularly useful when you want to have several related controls close at

hand, for quick adjustment.

¥ Sustain Footswitch. If you connect a footswitch to the [SUS PEDAL] jack on your

QS6.1Õs back panel, you can use it to hold down notes after your lift your finger

from the keyboard. In some Programs Ñ piano and acoustic guitar sounds, for

example Ñ such held notes will naturally decay within a time set by the

ProgramÕs parameters. In other Programs Ñ like organs, woodwinds, and many

synth sounds Ñ theyÕll sound for as long as you keep the footswitch depressed.

¥ Expression Pedal. Think of this as a Modulation Wheel for your feet. All you

have to do is connect a volume-type pedal to the [PEDAL 1] jack on the QS6.1Õs

back panel, and you can use foot action to control pretty much any Program or

Effect parameter that you want. Some obvious uses include changing volume,

raising and lowering vibrato rates, increasing reverb depth or delay repeats,

etc. But thatÕs hardly the limit, so we invite you to see what you can come up

with by experimenting for yourself.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 25

Part 2: Overview

PCMCIA E XPANSION CARDS

Your QS6.1 is an expandable system. If you want access to more Sounds, Programs,
Mixes, Effects, and Sequences, all you have to do is pop the appropriate memory

card into one of the two [PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD] slots on the back panel. Using

both slots you can add up to 16 megabytes of memory, effectively doubling the
power of your instrument.

There are three different kinds of memory card that will work. All of them should
be available through your Alesis dealer (if not, call us). They are:

¥ SRAM cards. Alesis offers a 512K SRAM card through our dealers that

provides an additional eight banks of Programs and Mixes. You can use and edit

these as you wish, or use the card as storage for your own creations. You can also

order a blank version of this card from us (part # 7-10-1203).

¥ QCards. This is a series of ROMcards developed by us here at Alesis. Each is a

self-contained universe of new samples, plus Programs and Mixes designed to

take full advantage of them. Some of the cards available right now include

Classical, Sanctuary, Vintage Keyboards, Vintage Synthesizers, HipHop, and

EuroDance, with more coming out all the time.

¥ FlashRAM cards. There are the cards youÕll need if you want to burn your own

custom sample cards. FlashRAM cards are available in 2MB, 4MB, and 8MB

sizes. Using AlesisÕs Sound Bridge software (see Part 9: Extras) you can organize

all the necessary data on your PC or Mac and temporarily turn your QS6.1 into a

ÒRAMburnerÓ when you are ready to make your own card.

Note: See the section entitled ÒUsing PCMCIA Expansion CardsÓ in Part 9: Extras
for exact card specifications.

26 QS6.1 Reference Manual

FIRST SESSION

POWERING UP

Once your QS6.1 is connected to an audio system of some kind, you are ready to play.
HereÕs how to begin.

1) Make sure that all connections have been made correctly, and that the volume

controls in your amplification system and QS6.1 are set to zero.

2) Throw the QS6.1Õs rear-panel [ON/OFF] switch to ON (the up position). The

display should light up and look something like this:

First Session: Part 3

PART 3

If this isnÕt the first time your QS6.1 has been used, it may not say PROG in the

bottom left of the display. Press the [

3) Push the [VOLUME] slider all the way up.

4) Turn on your amplifier or mixer, and gradually raise its volume while playing

your QS6.1. When the sound is as loud as you want, stop.

PROGRAM

] button once to change that.

PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCES

The QS6.1 has five built-in sequences designed to demonstrate its rich variety of
sounds and signal-processing effects. To hear these at their best, make sure to run
your QS6.1 in stereo (or else listen on headphones).

Please note: Your QS6.1 doesnÕt send out MIDI messages during demo playback. In
addition, the keyboard is disabled. You can listen to the demos, but you canÕt play
along with them.

· To play all five sequences in order, hold down the [MIX] button and press [0].

When all five have played, your QS6.1 will exit DEMO mode on its own.

· To stop the demos at any point during playback, press [MIX] again.

· To play a specific demo, hold down [MIX] and press any of the five number

buttons from [0] through [4]. After a brief pause playback will start with the

demo youÕve selected, then continue through the remaining demos until done.

Note: After any of the demos stop playing, the QS6.1 will automatically return
itself to Program Mode. The next time you enter Mix Mode you will probably see the
name of the demo which was last played. This is because the Mix which was used
for the demo sequence remained in the Mix Mode edit buffers, which is normal. To
clear this, call up another Mix.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 27

Part 3: First Session

PLAYING PROGRAMS

The mode in which your QS6.1 plays Programs is called, logically enough, Program

Mode. To enter it at any time, just press the [PROGRAM] button on the front panel.

Once there, all you have to do is play.

To explore different Programs in the current Bank, use the [SELECTION] and
[VALUE] buttons. Experiment with them until you have a feel for how they work.

Remember that the [VALUE] buttons move through the available Programs one at a
time, while the [SELECTION] buttons enable you to jump around at will Ñ to get
Program 27 you would push [20] and then [7], to get Program 99 you would press [90 ]
and then [9], and so forth.

Please note: In MIDI there are no Program numbers above 127, so pressing [8] or [9]
after pressing [

ending in 8 or 9 will Òwall outÓ your Program choice at Program #127.

To explore Programs in a different Bank, use the [BANK] buttons. You can also get to
a new Bank by using the [VALUE] buttons to scroll from the end of one Bank to the

beginning of another, or vice-versa. (This means that if you are at Program 127 in

the Preset1 Bank, and press [▲ VALUE], you will jump to Program 00 in the Preset 2

Bank.)

The number, name, and Bank of the current Program will be visible in the LCD
display, which should look something like this:

120

] wonÕt do anything; and pressing [120] from any Program number

· The big numerals on the left show you the number of the current Program.

· The upper line spells out the current ProgramÕs name.

· The middle line identifies the current Bank.

· The PROG beneath the Program Number shows you are in Program Mode.

· The small number underneath the Bank listing shows the current MIDI channel.

It is also a MIDI activity indicator, flashing a small circle whenever MIDI

data is sent or received over this channel. (To see this for yourself, hit any

key.)

CHANGING THE MIDI CHANNEL

MIDI has 16 channels. While in Program Mode, your QS6.1 can transmit and receive
information on only one of them. As noted just above, the current channel is shown by
a small indicator along the bottom of the LCD display.

To change this MIDI channel setting, press either of the the [PAGE] buttons on the

front panel until the MIDI channel number you want is visible in the display.

28 QS6.1 Reference Manual

PLAYING MIXES

In Program Mode you play Programs, so to play Mixes you can probably guess that

youÕd have to be in Mix Mode. To enter this mode at any time, just press the [MIX]

button on the front panel.

The display should look something like this:

As you can see, there are only two visible differences between this and the Program
Mode display:

· The mode indicator in the lower left of the display reads MIX.

First Session: Part 3

· More than one MIDI channel is indicated. The numbers you see here tell you

what MIDI channels are being used to send and/or receive in this Mix. (This

also gives you a quick way of seeing how many Programs are in a particular

Mix, since the nature of Mixes is to have one Program per enabled MIDI

channel.)

PICKING A MIX BANK

Mixes come in Banks, just like Programs. In fact, they come in exactly the same
Banks Ñ the only difference is that there are 100 Mixes in each Bank, as opposed to
128 Programs.

To cycle through the available Banks, get into Mix Mode and press the [BANK]

buttons as described earlier.

SELECTING MIXES

This works as described earlier for Programs; youÕre just in a different Mode when

you do it. Start by making sure you are in Mix Mode, then use the [VALUE] keys and
[SELECTION] buttons to call up the Mix of your choice.

Please note that there are only 100 Mixes (numbered 00 through 99) in each Bank.

This is why pressing the [

Mix Mode wonÕt have any effect.

100

], [

110

], and [

120

] selection buttons while you are in

QS6.1 Reference Manual 29