ALESIS QSR 64 User Manual
ALESIS
QSR
Reference Manual
Introduction
▲
Thank you for purchasing the Alesis QSR 64 Voice Expandable Synthesizer Module.
To take full advantage of the QSR’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 QSR. To get the most out of your QSR, read the entire manual once, then use the
table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the instrument.
Chapter 1: Setting Up.
including connections to external devices.
Chapter 2: Your First Session. This section provides a brief tour of the QSR, shows
you how to audition the various sounds of the QSR, and points out the various
performance features.
Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like MIDI, footpedals and
the serial interface), proper hook-up procedures, plus application examples.
Chapter 4: Overview. Covers the structure of sound sources within the QSR, how to
read and navigate through the LCD display pages, how to edit parameters, and how
to store edited Programs and Mixes.
Chapter 5: Editing Mixes. Explains how to create and edit Mixes.
Chapter 6: Editing Programs. How to create and edit Programs.
Chapter 7: Editing Effects. How to create and edit Effects Patches.
Chapter 8: Global Settings. Describes all global functions, such as Master Tuning
and Program Change Mode.
Chapter 9: MIDI Transfer and Storage Operations. Discusses MIDI functions and
how to store sounds either to a MIDI device or to a RAM card.
Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information,
MIDI Implementation Chart and an Index.
Deals with the necessary preparation before playing,
Conventions
The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors and switches are referred to in this
manual just as their names appear on the QSR, using all capital letters and in
brackets (Example: [PROG] button, [
[VALUE] knob, etc.).
When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will
✪
QSR Reference Manual 1
appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating
the QSR.
Mac™, MacOS™ and Macintosh™ are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation.
CURSOR] and [CURSOR▲] buttons,
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
1: Setting Up.....................................................................................7
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................................................ 7
AC Power ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Line Conditioners and Protectors ................................................................................. 7
Basic Audio Hookup ...................................................................................................................... 8
About Audio Cables....................................................................................................................... 9
2: Your First Session .......................................................................11
Powering Up.................................................................................................................................... 11
Playing the Demo Sequences......................................................................................... 11
What’s a Program?.......................................................................................................................... 11
What’s a Mix? .................................................................................................................................. 12
What's a Bank?................................................................................................................................. 12
About Sound Groups ...................................................................................................... 13
Playing the QSR............................................................................................................................... 13
Program Mode and Mix Mode...................................................................................... 13
Auditioning Internal Programs..................................................................................... 14
Selecting Program Banks................................................................................................ 14
Selecting the MIDI Channel in Program Mode.......................................................... 14
Realtime Performance Functions .................................................................................. 15
Auditioning Mix Play Mode.......................................................................................... 16
Selecting Mix Banks......................................................................................................... 16
Choosing Programs in a Mix ......................................................................................... 17
Storing an Edited Mix ..................................................................................................... 18
Enabling General MIDI Mode ......................................................................................................18
Using the PCMCIA Expansion Card Slots ................................................................................. 19
A Word About the QS CD-ROM.................................................................................................. 20
Sound Bridge
™
................................................................................................................. 20
3: Connections .................................................................................. 21
Basic MIDI Hookup........................................................................................................................ 21
Using an External Sequencer ........................................................................................................ 22
Using a Computer........................................................................................................................... 23
Digital Audio/Optical Hookup ................................................................................................... 25
48 KHz In.......................................................................................................................................... 26
®
PCs and compatibles............................................................................................ 24
IBM
Macintosh
Recording Digital Audio ................................................................................................ 25
™
....................................................................................................................... 24
4: Overview ......................................................................................27
Basic Architecture ........................................................................................................................... 27
QS Polyphony.................................................................................................................................. 27
Modes................................................................................................................................................ 28
Program Play Mode......................................................................................................... 28
Mix Play Mode ................................................................................................................. 28
Program Edit Mode ......................................................................................................... 28
Mix Edit Mode.................................................................................................................. 29
Effects Edit Mode............................................................................................................. 29
Global Edit Mode............................................................................................................. 29
Store Mode ........................................................................................................................ 29
Compare Mode................................................................................................................. 29
The User Interface: Display, Functions, Pages and Parameters............................................. 30
About the Display............................................................................................................ 30
QSR Reference Manual 3
Table of Contents
MIDI CH Buttons ............................................................................................................. 32
Editing Values ..................................................................................................................32
Parameter Editing Overview ......................................................................................... 32
Comparing Edited and Stored Versions..................................................................................... 33
Preset Memory and User Memory .............................................................................................. 33
Storing............................................................................................................................................... 34
Store a Program or Mix................................................................................................... 34
To Audition Programs Before Storing ......................................................................... 35
Copying Sounds Between Programs............................................................................ 37
Copying Effects Between Programs ............................................................................. 37
Initializing the Program/Mix Buffers......................................................................................... 38
Initializing Sounds........................................................................................................... 38
5: Editing Mixes ............................................................................... 39
What is a Mix? ................................................................................................................................. 39
Program Assign for each MIDI Channel .................................................................................... 39
Mix Edit Mode................................................................................................................................. 39
Understanding the Edit Buffers ................................................................................................... 40
Level Setting for Each Program.................................................................................................... 41
Pitch................................................................................................................................................... 42
Effect.................................................................................................................................................. 42
Keyboard/MIDI .............................................................................................................................. 42
Controllers........................................................................................................................................ 43
Transmitting MIDI Volume and Panning ................................................................... 43
Setting the Range and MIDI Switches......................................................................................... 44
Naming a Mix.................................................................................................................................. 44
Polyphony in Mix Play Mode....................................................................................................... 45
Playing a Group of Channels in a Mix........................................................................................ 45
6: Editing Programs ........................................................................47
Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 47
The “Normalized” Synth Voice....................................................................................................47
How the QSR Generates Sound ................................................................................................... 48
Program Sound Layers .................................................................................................................. 48
QSR Signal Flow.............................................................................................................................. 49
The Four Sounds of a Program...................................................................................... 49
Voice ................................................................................................................................... 50
Lowpass Filter ..................................................................................................................50
Amp.................................................................................................................................... 51
About Modulation .......................................................................................................................... 51
LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)................................................................................... 52
Envelopes .......................................................................................................................... 52
About Signal Processing................................................................................................................ 52
Drum Mode...................................................................................................................................... 53
Program Edit Functions................................................................................................................. 54
Voice ................................................................................................................................... 54
Level ................................................................................................................................... 57
Pitch.................................................................................................................................... 58
Filter.................................................................................................................................... 60
Amp/Range ...................................................................................................................... 62
Pitch Envelope..................................................................................................................65
Filter Envelope.................................................................................................................. 68
Amp Envelope.................................................................................................................. 70
Name .................................................................................................................................. 72
Mod 1 - Mod 6 .................................................................................................................. 73
Pitch LFO........................................................................................................................... 76
Filter LFO........................................................................................................................... 78
Amp LFO........................................................................................................................... 79
Tracking Generator.......................................................................................................... 80
QSR Reference Manual 4
Table of Contents
Programming Drum Sounds ........................................................................................................ 82
Voice ................................................................................................................................... 82
Level ................................................................................................................................... 83
Pitch.................................................................................................................................... 83
Filter.................................................................................................................................... 83
Amp/Range ...................................................................................................................... 84
Amp Envelope.................................................................................................................. 84
Copying Sounds.............................................................................................................................. 85
Copying Effects ............................................................................................................................... 85
7: Editing Effects ............................................................................. 87
About Signal Processing................................................................................................................ 87
Selecting an Effects Patch in Mix Mode...................................................................................... 88
Setting Effects Send Levels............................................................................................................ 88
Clip .................................................................................................................................................... 89
Editing Effects.................................................................................................................................. 89
Navigating......................................................................................................................... 89
Storing Effect Patches In Program Mode.................................................................................... 90
Storing Effect Patches in Mix Mode ............................................................................................ 90
Copying Effect Patches .................................................................................................................. 90
Configurations................................................................................................................................. 91
EQ....................................................................................................................................................... 98
Mod.................................................................................................................................................... 98
Lezlie ................................................................................................................................................. 100
Mod.................................................................................................................................................... 101
Delay.................................................................................................................................................. 105
Reverb ............................................................................................................................................... 106
Overdrive.......................................................................................................................................... 110
Mix ..................................................................................................................................................... 111
8: Global Settings ............................................................................ 113
Editing Global Parameters ............................................................................................................ 113
Master Pitch ..................................................................................................................................... 113
Master Tune ..................................................................................................................................... 113
General MIDI ................................................................................................................................... 113
Enabling General MIDI Mode via MIDI...................................................................... 114
Controllers A – D Assignment ..................................................................................................... 114
Pedals 1 and 2 Assignment ........................................................................................................... 114
Using a Pedal to Control Volume or Modulation...................................................... 114
MIDI Program Select ...................................................................................................................... 115
Receiving/Transmitting Bank Change Messages...................................................... 115
Input/Output Mode....................................................................................................................... 116
MIDI Out .......................................................................................................................................... 117
MIDI Group Channel ..................................................................................................................... 117
Clock.................................................................................................................................................. 118
QSR Reference Manual 5
Table of Contents
9: MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations.................................... 119
Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards................................................................................................ 119
Saving the User Bank to a PCMCIA Card.................................................................................. 119
Loading a Bank from an External Card ...................................................................................... 120
Storing an Individual Program or Mix ....................................................................................... 120
Loading an Individual Program or Mix ..................................................................................... 121
Card Storage RAMifications .......................................................................................... 121
Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex............................................................................................... 122
Appendix A: Trouble-Shooting ......................................................125
Trouble-Shooting Index................................................................................................................. 125
Re-initializing................................................................................................................................... 125
Checking Software Version........................................................................................................... 126
Maintenance/Service ..................................................................................................................... 126
Cleaning............................................................................................................................. 126
Obtaining Repair Service................................................................................................ 126
Appendix B: MIDI Supplement.......................................................129
MIDI Basics ...................................................................................................................................... 129
MIDI Hardware............................................................................................................................... 129
MIDI Message Basics...................................................................................................................... 130
Channel Messages: Mode Messages............................................................................. 130
Channel Messages: Voice Messages............................................................................. 130
System Common Messages............................................................................................ 132
General MIDI ................................................................................................................................... 132
Appendix C: MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART .............................134
Appendix D: Parameters Index...................................................... 135
Program Edit Parameters .............................................................................................................. 135
Mix Edit Parameters....................................................................................................................... 137
INDEX ................................................................................................ 138
QSR Reference Manual 6
CHAPTER 1
SETTING UP
NPACKING AND INSPECTION
U
Your QSR synthesizer module 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 QSR for servicing.
The shipping carton should contain the following items:
• QSR with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton
• AC Power Supply
• Computer CD-ROM containing software
• This instruction manual, plus lists of Mixes and Programs, and Quick Start guide
• 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.
Setting Up: Chapter 1
AC P
✪
OWER HOOKUP
The QSR works with the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50
or 60 Hz), and comes with a line cord or power supply suitable for the destination to
which the keyboard is shipped. With the QSR off, plug the small end of the power
adapter cordinto the QSR’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of
AC power. It’s good practice to not turn the QSR on until all other cables are hooked
up.
Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the QSR or any associated
equipment with improper AC wiring.
LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS
Although the QSR 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, etc.
QSR Reference Manual 7
ASIC AUDIO HOOKUP
B
When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in
✪
your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down.
Because the QSR includes extensive signal processing as well as a full complement of
sounds, you can make great sounds with nothing more than an amplifier or a set of
headphones. The QSR has two Main outputs, two Aux outputs, plus a stereo
headphones output. These can provide an amplification system or mixer with several
hookup options:
• Mono. Connect a mono cord from either MAIN output jack to a mono
amplification system or individual mixer input.
• Stereo. Connect two mono cords from the [L] and [R] MAIN output jacks to a
stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs.
• Dual Stereo/Four Individual Outs. Connect two mono cords from the [L] and
[R] MAIN output jacks and two mono cords from the [L] and [R] AUX output
jacks to a dual stereo amplification system, or four mixer inputs.
• Stereo Headphones. Plug a set of high-quality stereo headphones into the
headphones [PHONES] jack on the front panel.
Setting Up: Chapter 1
9 VAC~
Computer
Power Supply
SERIAL PORT
AC Receptacle
MIDI Keyboard
MIDI
MIDI CableSerial Cable
INTHRU OUT
Stereo Amp
LDIGITAL OUT48 KHZ INPOWER
R
AUX
1/4" Audio Cables
R
L
MAIN
Insert into
PHONES
connector on
front panel
Stereo Headphones
QSR Reference Manual 8
BOUT AUDIO CABLES
A
The connections between the QSR 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 QSR 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 (such as the QSR’s Power Supply), 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.
Setting Up: Chapter 1
QSR Reference Manual 9
YOUR FIRST
POWERING UP
After making your connections, turn on the system’s power using this procedure:
➀ Before turning on the QSR’s power, check the following items:
• Have all connections been made correctly?
• Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down?
• Is the volume of the QSR turned down?
➁ Turn on the [POWER] switch on the QSR front panel.
Upon power-up, the QSR will display the last selected Program or Mix. If this
Program/Mix has been edited, the display will indicate this by showing an “
of the name of the Program or Mix.
➂ Press [PROG] to select Program Play Mode.
The display should look something like this:
CHAPTER 2
SESSION
Your First Session: Chapter 2
” to the left
*
➃ Raise the QSR’s master [VOLUME] knob to maximum.
The best signal-to-noise ratio is achieved when [VOLUME] is set to maximum.
➄ Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume.
PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCES
The QSR has built-in demo sequences which demonstrate the wide variety of sounds
this amazing instrument is capable of generating. To get the full effect, connect both
the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] outputs to your sound system, or listen on headphones.
To play the demo sequence:
➀ Hold the [MIX] button, and press BANK SELECT [UP].
The display will read: Play Autodemo
➁ Turn the [VALUE] knob to select one of the built-in demo songs.
➂ Press [STORE] to start the demo.
➃ Press [MIX] to stop the demo.
There will be no MIDI out messages during the demo.
WHAT’S A PROGRAM?
A Program is a stored configuration of parameters which emulates the sound of an
instrument or sound effect, such as a piano or synthesizer or drum set. A QSR
Program is made up of hundreds of parameters which, when set to specific values,
create a specific type of sound. This setup of parameters can be stored so that you can
1 <STORE>
QSR Reference Manual 1
get back to it instantly at the touch of a button. When you select a Program, all of its
parameter settings are recalled to recreate the original sound.
The QSR provides 640 internal Programs, divided into 5 Banks of 128 Programs each.
More Programs can be added by inserting a Sound Card into the Sound Card slot on
the front panel of the QSR. Each Bank is broken down into 12 Sound Groups of 10
Programs each, plus a 13th Sound Group with 8 Programs. These group together
similar sounding Programs, such as pianos, guitars, bass and drums.
A Program may have from 1 to 4 different sounds which can be combined in a
variety of ways to create the overall sound of the instrument the Program is intended
to emulate. These four sounds can be layered on top of one another, or split up into
different sections of the keyboard. You can even have different sounds played
depending on how hard you play the keyboard (this is known as velocity).
WHAT’S A MIX?
A Mix is a combination of 1 to 16 Programs. These Programs can be combined in
many ways. The most common is multi-timbral when connected to a MIDI sequencer,
which means that for each MIDI channel the QSR receives (up to 16), a different
Program may be selected, thus creating anything from a small pop/rock ensemble to
a complete orchestra. Another way of using a Mix is by layering two or more
Programs together, so that they play simultaneously from your MIDI controller. You
can also create a split, where one Program is in the lower half of your keyboard,
while another is at the top half; and these programs can even overlap in the middle.
Your First Session: Chapter 2
WHAT'S A BANK?
A Bank is a collection of 128 Programs and 100 Mixes. There are five internal banks
available at any time, with more if a card is in the Sound Card slot. The current bank
is shown on the top line of the display, and will cycle in the following order:
USER PRESET1 PRESET3 PRESET2 GenMIDI
…and optionally … CARD A-1 CARD A-2, etc.
Each bank contains its own unique Programs and Mixes. Program 10 in Preset Bank
1 is different from Program 10 in Preset Bank 3, although they can be (and are
usually) related sounds. A Mix may contain Programs from any bank.
The BANK SELECT [UP] and [DOWN] buttons change the current bank from the
front panel, and MIDI Bank Select commands may also be used to select any of the
640 Programs on board, or additional card programs.
Preset and General MIDI banks are permanently “burned in” at the factory. User
banks, and Card banks from an SRAM card, may be changed by the user. If you edit
a Preset Program or Mix, it can be saved to a User or SRAM card bank only.
ABOUT SOUND GROUPS
Preset Banks 1-3 and the User bank are organized into 13 Groups of 10 Sounds each
(Programs 00-09 are pianos, 50-59 are basses, and so on). The GenMIDI bank,
however, does not follow this arrangement; it follows the Program list of the General
MIDI standard. Programs on some sound cards may not follow that arrangement
either, depending on the card type.
QSR Reference Manual 2
PLAYING THE QSR
The QSR is shipped from the factory with 5 Banks of 128 Preset Programs (sounds)
each. Additionally, there are 100 Mixes in each of the 5 Banks.
PROGRAM MODE AND MIX MODE
The QSR is always in one of two modes: Program Mode or Mix Mode. When you are
auditioning Programs, you will be in Program Play Mode. When you are auditioning
Mixes, you will be in Mix Play Mode.
If you ever get lost, press either [PROG] or [MIX] to get back to their respective Play Mode.
✪
• Press the [PROG] button to select Program Play Mode.
In Program Play Mode, the QSR plays a single Program. The display looks like this:
Your First Session: Chapter 2
Program Number
Program Name
MIDI Input Indicator
Play Mode
The current mode (PROG) is displayed in the bottom-left corner. The current
Program number (00) is directly above. To its right can be found the Program’s name
(TrueStereo) and the currently selected Bank name (PRESET1). The current
MIDI channel appears below the Bank name.
• Press the [MIX] button to select Mix Play Mode.
In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can combine up to 16 Programs for stacking sounds
together, splitting the keyboard into different regions, or working with a MIDI sequencer.
The display will look something like this:
Mix Number Mix Name
Bank Name
MIDI Channel
Active MIDI Channels
The current mode (MIX) is displayed in the bottom-left corner. The current Mix
number (01) is directly above. To its right can be found the Mix’s name
(Grandesign) and the currently selected Bank name (PRESET1). The Active
MIDI Channels (1, 2 and 3) are shown at the bottom. In a Mix that uses all 16 MIDI
channels (such as the Mixes found in the General MIDI Bank), the display would
light up all 16 MIDI channel indicators.
AUDITIONING INTERNAL PROGRAMS
QSR Reference Manual 3
Your First Session: Chapter 2
➀ Press the [PROG] button to select Program Play Mode.
The [PROG] button and the PROG indicator in the display will light. You can now play
the QSR from an external MIDI keyboard; the Program will be whatever was selected
when last in Program mode (Program number 00 –127).
➁ Select a Program using the [VALUE] knob.
The large number in the upper-left section of the display will indicate the currently
selected Program number. When you scroll past 127, the counter will “roll-over” to
Program 00 of the following Bank. Likewise, if you scroll back before 00, it will roll back
to Program 127 of the preceeding Bank.
SELECTING PROGRAM BANKS
The QSR provides five internal Banks containing 128 Programs in each (and 100
Mixes each, but we’ll get to Mixes in a moment). The currently selected Bank will be
shown in the upper line of the display, just above the currently selected Program’s
name.
• Use the BANK SELECT [DOWN] and [UP] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1
– 3, GenMIDI or any Card Banks, if present).
User and Preset Banks are described in detail in Chapter 4.
SELECTING THE MIDI CHANNEL IN PROGRAM MODE
While in Program Play Mode (press [PROG]), the QSR can receive information on
any single MIDI channel of the 16 available channels. The currently selected channel
appears in the bottom-right section of the display (take a look at the first display
example on the previous page).
➀ Use the [
The display will change to indicate the currently selected MIDI channel.
MIDI CH▲] buttons to select a MIDI channel from 1 – 16.
▲
QSR Reference Manual 4
Your First Session: Chapter 2
REALTIME PERFORMANCE FUNCTIONS
The QSR provides various ways to control the sound as you are playing. Try out
some of these functions while playing your MIDI keyboard. The sound of the effects
can also change by using these controllers. The effect of these realtime controllers
varies from Program to Program; in some they may not be active, and in others they
may have a dramatic effect.
• Velocity. The volume and tonal quality of the sound will change according to
how hard you play the keyboard.
• Aftertouch. The action of pressing a key down after playing it is called
“aftertouch” (it is also sometimes referred to as “Pressure” since it corresponds
to the amount of pressure being applied to the keyboard). Pitch, tone and volume
(among other things) can be changed using aftertouch.
• Pitch Bend Wheel. While playing a note, you can move the PITCH BEND
WHEEL of your keyboard up to raise the pitch, or down to lower the pitch. The
amount of pitch bend available can be different for each Program.
• Modulation Wheel. By raising the MODULATION WHEEL of your keyboard,
you can add expressive modulation effects (such as vibrato or tremolo) while
you play. The type of modulation effect can be different for each Program.
• Controllers A–D. The QSR provides four global controllers, called Controllers A
through D, which allow control over various parameters of a Program. These
Controllers are defined in Global Edit Mode (Pages 4 through 7) to respond to
specific MIDI controller messages. Many of the QSR’s internal Programs use
Controllers A–D to provide control over their tonal aspects. When auditioning
Programs, move the CONTROLLER [A]–[D] sliders up and down to find out
what effect each has; they will be different from Program to Program.
Further expressive control is available with a pedal switch or expression pedal. By
using a sustain pedal connected to your master MIDI keyboard, you can have the
sound sustain even after you release the keys. By connecting an expression pedal to
your master MIDI keyboard,, you can use the pedal to change the volume or tone (or
some other quality such as reverb depth or vibrato speed) of the sound, if the
Program is edited to use the pedal(s).
QSR Reference Manual 5
Your First Session: Chapter 2
AUDITIONING MIX PLAY MODE
Mix Play Mode allows you to assign a Program to each of the 16 MIDI channels. This
makes it easy to create multitimbral setups for use with an external MIDI sequencer.
Additionally, a MIX can be used to “layer” sounds together, or “split” your keyboard
in a number of ways, or any combination of these. There are many different ways to
program a Mix. For more about Mix Play Mode, refer to Chapter 5. For more about
connecting the QSR to a MIDI sequencer, see Chapter 3.
➀ Press the [MIX] button.
The [MIX] button and the MIX indicator in the display will light. The Mix will be
whatever was selected when last in Mix mode (Mix number 00 – 99).
➁ Select a Mix using the [VALUE] knob.
The large number in the upper-left section of the display will indicate the currently
selected Mix number. When you scroll past 99, the counter will “roll-over” to Mix 00 of
the following Bank. Likewise, if you scroll back before 00, it will roll back to Mix 99 of the
preceeding Bank.
SELECTING MIX BANKS
The QSR provides five internal Banks containing 100 Mixes in each. The currently
selected Bank will be shown in the display just below the name of the currently
selected Mix’s name.
• Use the BANK SELECT [DOWN] and [UP] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1
– 3, GenMIDI or any Card Banks, if present).
User and Preset Banks are described in detail in Chapter 4.
QSR Reference Manual 6
Your First Session: Chapter 2
▲
▲
CHOOSING PROGRAMS IN A MIX
In this section, we will choose Programs for the 16 channels in a Mix, for playing
back tracks from a MIDI sequencer. There are many other aspects of a Mix we may
wish to edit, however. Refer to Chapter 5 for more information about Mix editing.
You do not have to access Mix Edit Mode to select Programs for a Mix (i.e. you don’t
have to press the [EDIT SELECT] button). Instead, you simply use a two step process:
A) Use the [
B ) Use the [VALUE] knob to choose a Program for the selected channel.
Here’s the process broken down into simpler steps:
MIDI▲] buttons to select one of the 16 channels in the Mix.
▲
➀ Press [MIX] and select Mix 01 from the Preset 1 Bank using the method
described on page 16.
➁ Press [
The display will look like this:
The [
The actual channel number will be whatever channel was last selected. In the illustration
above, channel 1 is shown flashing. If the channel 1 number in your display is not
flashing, Use the [
MIDI
▲
Play Mode
MIDI
▲
].
▲
Mix Number
Program Name and Number
Selected MIDI Channel (flashing)
] buttons are used to select one of the 16 channels in the Mix.
▲
MIDI
] buttons to select channel 1.
Program Bank Name
Active MIDI Channels
➂ Use the BANK SELECT [UP] and [DOWN] buttons to select a Program Bank.
➃ Use the [VALUE] knob to select a Program.
➄ Press [MIDI
If channel 1 had been selected, pressing [MIDI
number will flash in the display.
] to select to the next channel up.
▲
] will select channel 2. The channel 2
▲
➅ Repeat steps ➂ – ➄ as needed to select Programs for the remaining channels.
Changes you make to a Mix are temporary and will be lost if another Mix is selected. To make
✪
QSR Reference Manual 7
changes permanent, you must store the Mix into the User bank (see next page).
Your First Session: Chapter 2
STORING AN EDITED MIX
Once you have made changes to a Mix, you will need to store the Mix into the User
Bank; that is, if you want to keep the changes you have made. The User Bank is
designed to hold up to 100 (00 – 99) of your custom-made Mixes. Whenever you store
an edited Mix, the User Bank is automatically selected. All you have to do is select a
Program location (00 – 127) within the User Bank to store the edited Mix into.
However, if an SRAM Sound Card is inserted into the Sound Card Slot on the rear
panel of the QSR, you may select any of the available Banks on the Sound Card to
save the edited Mix into.
➀ Press [STORE].
This selects Store Mode. The [STORE] button will flash, and the display will look like
this:
Save Mix to
USER 1 2
↑↑
(Mix Bank) (Mix Number)
The Mix Number will be identical to the last Mix number selected.
➁ Optional: If a Sound Card is inserted, Use the BANK SELECT [UP] button to select
a Bank on the Sound Card.
➂ Use the [VALUE] knob to select a Mix location (00 – 99) within the selected Bank.
➃ Press [STORE] to save the Mix into the selected location.
The Mix has now been stored, and the display will revert back to whatever was shown
before [STORE] was pressed the first time.
NOTE: Pressing [MIX] before pressing [STORE] the second time (step
the QSR to exit Store mode without saving changes to the edited Mix.
ENABLING GENERAL MIDI MODE
If you are using a General MIDI sequencer, and/or playing a sequence that is
programmed to take advantage of General MIDI, turn the “General MIDI” function
in the QSR on.
➀ Press [EDIT], then press BANK SELECT [UP] (also labeled as [GLOBAL]).
The display will now be in Global Edit Mode.
➁ Turn the [VALUE] knob to select page 3 (the page number appears in the upper-
right corner of the display).
➂ Press the [CURSOR
This selects the General MIDI parameter in the display.
➃ Turn the [VALUE] knob clockwise.
This turns on General MIDI mode, and automatically puts you into Mix Play Mode with
Mix 00 of Preset Bank 4 selected.
] button.
▲
➃ ) will cause
For more information about General MIDI, refer to the MIDI Supplement in
Appendix B.
QSR Reference Manual 8
Your First Session: Chapter 2
USING THE PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD SLOTS
Your QSR is an expandable system using the two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots
on the front panel. There are three different kinds of Sound Cards available through
your Alesis dealer or directly from Alesis:
• SRAM cards: The Alesis Virtual Composer card provides an additional four
banks of Program/Mix memory. All banks can be stored to by the user, and it
comes with additional Programs and Mixes pre-stored.
• QCards: These read-only memory cards provide actual samples, plus the
Programs and Mixes that use them in a single card bank. Available QCards
include a Stereo Grand Piano card, a Sanctuary card that includes high-quality
voice, bell, and organ sounds, a World/Ethnic card, Rap/Techno/Dance cards,
Vintage Keyboards, and many more.
• Flash RAM cards: If you want to burn your own custom sample cards, Flash
RAM cards are available in 2 MB, 4 MB, and 8MB sizes. Alesis Sound Bridge
software (see next section) will translate from Sample Cell, AIFF, WAV and other
formats to Alesis QSR Composite Synthesis format, and then you can write your
own custom Programs and Mixes that use these samples.
To use a sound card with the QSR:
➀ Hold the card with the front label facing up and insert the exposed contact end
gently into either of the QSR’s PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots, [A] or [B].
➁ Push the card in until you the slot’s eject button extends outward, and the card
will not go any further.
➂ To remove the card, press the eject button adjacent to the card slot and gently
slide the card out of the slot.
The QSR’s two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots can accommodate any combination
of these three card types. You can combine QCards and Flash RAM cards that store
up to 8 MB of samples each, giving you a total of 16 Mb of sound ROM expansion
and effectively doubling the internal 16 MB of sound ROM for a total of 32MB!!
When storing Mix and Program Banks to external cards, the maximum number of
accessible card banks is 11. This is because the QSR’s grand total of banks possible is
16, and 5 of them are already built into the QSR. The 11 card banks can be split
among the two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots. Under normal situations, this will
not be a limitation (remember, each bank has 128 Programs and 100 Mixes; 11 banks
gives you 1408 additional Programs and 1100 additional Mixes).
In other words, if you have two SRAM cards (256k each, capable of storing up to 4
banks), you will have 4 banks available on each card for a total of 8 banks; well below
the maximum. However, since it is possible to purchase third-party 512k PCMCIA
cards and burn these yourself using Sound Bridge software, it is possible to
physically insert two 8 bank cards which combine for a total of 16 banks. In this
situation, only the first 11 banks will be accessible beginning with slot [A]; i.e. you’ll
be able to access all 8 banks from the card in slot [A] and the first 3 banks from the
card in slot [B].
QSR Reference Manual 9
If an internal Program uses one or more Sounds that reside on a sound card, the sound card
✪
✪
must be inserted into the same PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slot, [A] or [B], as when the
Program was stored. In other words, if a Program uses a Sound found on the card currently
inserted in slot [A], then the same card must be inserted into slot [A] for that sound to be
used when this Program is recalled. Although the card can physically be used in either slot,
once a Program is stored using a Sound on a card it expects to find that card in the identical
slot it was in when the Program was stored. The same is true when a Program residing on the
card in slot [A] uses a Sound stored on card [B], or vice-versa.
If an internal Mix uses one or more Programs that reside on a sound card, the sound card
must be inserted into the same PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slot, [A] or [B], as when the
Mix was stored. The same is true when a Mix residing on the card in slot [A]uses a Program
stored on card [B], or vice-versa.
A WORD ABOUT THE QSR CD-ROM
Included with the QSR is a CD-ROM containing various useful software programs to
use with your QSR. These include various Alesis and third-party programs, QSR
sounds and samples, sequences stored in the MIDI Song File (SMF) format, plus
demonstration software we thought you would find interesting. Most of these
programs are provided in both Macintosh
™
and IBM® PC formats.
Your First Session: Chapter 2
SOUND BRIDGE™
Among the files contained on the CD-ROM is a software program called Sound
™. Sound Bridge is a sound development utility which compiles custom
Bridge
samples from a variety of sources into the QS Synthesis Voice format, and downloads
the compiled data to an Alesis PCMCIA Flash RAM Sound Card via MIDI Sysex to a
QSR, QS8, QS7 or QS6. Sound Bridge allows individuals and sound developers to
make their own Sound Cards, using whatever samples they want. Sound Bridge
makes this possible without having a PCMCIA card burner attached to your
computer. All you need is at least one QS-series synth (such as the QSR, QS7 or QS8).
Sound Bridge creates a QS Voice (multi-sample) by loading Digidesign Sample Cell I
or Sample Cell™ II format Instrument files. Using this format, Sound Bridge is able
to determine key group and velocity group split points, root notes, sample playback
rates, tunings, start points, loop points, and loop tunings. Sound Bridge can also
create QS Voices without Sample Cell Instruments by loading single AIFF, Sound
Designer™ and Sound Designer II files, MacOS™ System Sounds and PC WAV files.
Sound Bridge does NOT require Sample Cell hardware. The Sample Cell Instrument
file, or sample file, may be loaded directly into Sound Bridge from any disk (i.e. CDROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.). For example, a user may load data from a Sample
Cell CD-ROM, and send this data to the QuadraSynth PCMCIA Card, without ever
using Sample Cell!
The Sound Bridge folder on the CD-ROM contains the Sound Bridge application, and
an electronic manual which will give you all the information you need to know to
run Sound Bridge.
QSR Reference Manual 10
CHAPTER 3
CONNECTIONS
Connections: Chapter 3
B
ASIC
MIDI H
MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be
conveyed from one device to another. See the MIDI Supplement in Appendix B if
you are not familiar with how MIDI works.
The QSR has three MIDI connectors which provide the following functions:
• MIDI IN This port is for receiving MIDI information (notes, program
• MIDI OUT This port is for transmitting MIDI SYSEX information to another
• MIDI THRU This port is for passing on (echoing) MIDI information received
To play the QSR from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass
controller, sequencer, etc.), connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the QSR’s
[MIDI IN]. The illustration below depicts a master QS8 connected to a slave QSR.
When both are set to a common MIDI channel (see page 14), you can hear both when
playing the master keyboard.
OOKUP
changes, etc.) from a source such as another QSR or MIDI
keyboard, controller, or computer.
MIDI keyboard, sound module, or computer.
by the MIDI IN port. In simple MIDI setups, the THRU port is
used to connect additional devices that will all be “listening” to
the same source.
MIDI Out
If you are using the QSR in the middle of the MIDI chain (example: as the second
unit of a three device chain), connect the QSR’s [MIDI THRU] to the third device’s
MIDI IN connector in order to route the first device’s MIDI out information to the
third device.
MIDI Out
MIDI Thru
The QSR’s [MIDI OUT] connector sends System Exclusive data (see the MIDI
supplement) to a storage device for later recall, or to another QSR. When the [MIDI
OUT] connector’s mode is switched to “Thru” (Global Edit mode, page 12), it can
function as a second [MIDI THRU] connector and resend MIDI data received on the
[MIDI IN] from the controller to other MIDI devices.
MIDI In
MIDI In
MIDI In
QSR Reference Manual
Chapter 3: Connections
c
U
SING AN EXTERNAL SEQUENCER
The MIDI keyboard or controller (such as the QS7 or QS8) can generate MIDI signals
that are recorded by a sequencer. On playback, the sequencer sends this data to the
QSR, which then serves as a multitimbral sound module (in Mix Mode). The
sequencer can generate data over several channels; in Mix Mode, the QSR can be
programmed so that individual Programs play sequenced data on specific channels.
Example: If the sequencer transmits a piano part over channel 1, a bass part over
channel 2, and a drum part over channel 10, you could set up a QSR Mix so that a
piano sound plays only the MIDI data assigned to channel 1, a bass sound plays only
the MIDI data assigned to channel 2, and drums play only the MIDI data assigned to
channel 10. The QSR can store up to 100 User Mixes.
Connect your master keyboard’s MIDI Out to the sequencer’s MIDI In (if using a
computer-based sequencer, connect to the computer’s MIDI interface’s MIDI In).
Connect the sequencer’s MIDI Out to your keyboard’s MIDI In. Finally, connect your
keyboard’s MIDI Thru to the QSR’s [MIDI IN] (the Thru signal carries a replica of
what appears at the keyboard’s MIDI In, which is the same as the sequencer’s MIDI
Out). Note that the I/O parameter (Global, page 11) must be set to MIDI.
MIDI Out
MIDI In
MIDIThru
MIDI In
MIDI In
MIDI Out
If you are driving other MIDI gear (such as an expander module or MIDI-responsive
signal processor), you’ll usually drive these from the sequencer if it has additional
MIDI outputs. However, you can also use the QSR’s [MIDI THRU] connector to drive
other modules since the Thru carries a replica of what appears at the QSR’s [MIDI
IN], which is the same as the sequencer’s MIDI OUT.
Note: For most sequencer applications, the QSR’s “Mix Group Channel” parameter
(on page 13 in Global Edit mode) should be set to OFF. See page 112 for more
information.
2 QSR Referen
U
SING A COMPUTER
The QSR can communicate directly with a computer via its [SERIAL PORT]
connector. This eliminates the need for an additional computer-MIDI interface, as
well as the MIDI cables to connect to it. The [SERIAL PORT] can be set to one of three
modes, depending on the computer you are using. The mode is selected from Global
Edit mode, page 11 (I/O Mode).
Connections: Chapter 3
Serial Port
Serial Port
To set to QSR’s I/O Mode:
Serial Port(s)
➀ Press [EDIT], then press BANK SELECT [UP] (also labeled as [GLOBAL]).
The display will now be in Global Edit Mode.
➁ Turn the [VALUE] knob to select page 11 (the page number appears in the upper-
right corner of the display).
➂ Press the [CURSOR
This selects the I/O Mode parameter in the display.
] button.
▲
➃ Turn the [VALUE] knob to set the I/O Mode.
Set the I/O Mode to... If using...
MIDI
PC 38.4Kbd
PC31.25Kbd
MAC 1MHz
If you already have a MIDI interface for your computer, then you can use the QSR’s
MIDI connectors to connect the QSR to your computer interface’s MIDI IN and OUT
connectors using the method described in the previous section. Note: If you are
already using the QSR’s [SERIAL PORT] to connect to your computer, it is not
necessary to connect the MIDI ports to the computer as well.
QSR Reference Manual
…the QSR’s MIDI Input and Output
…the QSR’s Serial Port connected to
an IBM® PC or compatible computer
with a 38.4 kbaud serial interface
…the QSR’s Serial Port connected to
an IBM® PC or compatible computer
with a 31.25 kbaud serial interface
…the QSR’s Serial Port connected to
a Macintosh™ computer with a
1 MHz serial interface
Chapter 3: Connections
c
IBM
This connection will require a special cable with a DIN8 connector on one end and
either a DB9 or DB25 connector on the other end, depending on the type of connector
you are using on the PC. You can purchase this cable in most computer retailers or
through Alesis Product Support (DIN8-to-DB9 cable: part number 15-00-0009; DIN8to-DB25 cable: part number 15-00-0025). Some PCs will have both connectors
available, so you’ll have to identify which connector is currently not in use.
Connect the DIN8 end of the cable to the QSR’s [SERIAL PORT] connector and the
other end to the serial port of your computer. If your computer has more than one
serial port, refer to the setup of your MIDI software to determine which port it is
using.
Alesis provides a MIDI serial driver that works with Windows 3.1, Windows NT and
Windows 95. This can be found on the QSR CD-ROM disk that came with your QSR
package (located in the \ALESIS\ASDWIN\ directory). If you don’t have a CDROM drive connected to your computer, you can call Alesis Product Support and
order the Windows MIDI driver on a 3-1/2 inch floppy disk. This driver is used to
send and receive MIDI data from your QSR and the computer via a serial port
connection. Once the MIDI driver has been successfully installed, you need to
indicate to the driver which connector port the QSR is using.
WINDOWS 3.1: From your Windows 3.1 Control Panel, open the “Drivers” applet.
Add an Unlisted or Updated driver and select or browse to the appropriate path for
Windows to find the “ASDWIN” OEM setup info. Follow the instructions given by
windows to install the driver.
®
PCS AND COMPATIBLES
SETUP FOR WINDOWS 95: Open Control Panels. Select “Add New Hardware”.
Select “NO” to NOT have windows auto-detect hardware. Select “Sound, Video,
Game controllers” as hardware type. When prompted for device, select “Have Disk”.
Navigate to the OEM setup in the “ASDWIN” directory. Follow the Win95
instructions from there.
Please refer to the “READ_ME” file which accompanies the Alesis MIDI driver.
MACINTOSH
Connect one end of a DIN-8 cable to the QSR’s [SERIAL PORT] connector and the
other end to either the MODEM serial port or the PRINTER serial port, depending on
which one you are using for sequencing.
MIDI sequencing software for the Macintosh typically defaults to using the MODEM
port, but in actuality can be set to use either the MODEM or the PRINTER port, or
both. If you have a printer connected, you will want to use the MODEM port;
conversely, if you have a modem connected but do not have a printer, you will want
to connect to the PRINTER port. If, however, both a printer and modem are
connected, you will need to either temporarily disconnect one of them (preferably the
modem; especially if the printer uses AppleTalk, since AppleTalk must be disabled to
use the PRINTER port for MIDI) or purchase a multiple serial port box that will
allow you to switch between the modem and the QSR.
™
4 QSR Referen
Connections: Chapter 3
D
IGITAL AUDIO
The QSR can output digital audio directly into an Alesis ADAT or ADAT-compatible
multitrack digital recorder via fiber optic cable.
The digital connector follows a proprietary Alesis format that carries all four audio
outputs of the QSR (Main and Aux, Left and Right) on a single fiber optic cable.
Either pair of outputs can be converted into standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF stereo
digital audio format by using the Alesis AI-1 interface. Fiber optic cables of various
lengths are available from your Alesis dealer. However, the shorter the cable, the
better. The model OC cable is 5 meters long and is the maximum length
recommended.
To hook up the optical cable between the QSR and an ADAT or AI-1:
➀ Remove the two pieces of clear plastic, tubular sleeving (if present) that protect
the tips of the optical cable plug.
➁ Insert one cable end into the QSR [DIGITAL OUT] and the other end into the
ADAT or AI-1 DIGITAL IN.
To test the cable and QSR digital output, plug one cable end into the QSR. The other
end should emit a soft red light (it is not dangerous to look directly at this light).
RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO
/O
PTICAL HOOKUP
Once the fiber optic connection is made between the QSR and ADAT or an AI-1, the
QSR will output audio on the first four channels of the digital bus (the bus is capable
of handling eight channels of digital audio). The MAIN [L] and [R] outputs are routed
to channels 1 and 2, while the AUX [L] and [R] outputs are routed to channels 3 and
4. Note that the [VOLUME] knob controls the level of all analog output channels
only, and does not control digital output levels. If your digital output is overloading,
try reducing the sound level in Program Edit Mode or the Program volume in Mix
Edit Mode.
When recording to ADAT (or some other digital audio recorder), it will be slaving to
the digital clock accompanying the digital audio emanating from the QSR. This clock
can be set to either 48kHz or 44.1kHz, as determined by the Clock function (found in
Global Edit Mode). The Clock function has four settings: Int48kHz, Int44.1k,
Ext48kHz and Ext44.1k. The default setting is Int48kHz. which is suitable
when the digital recorder is using the 48kHz sample rate. However, if the recorder is
using the 44.1kHz sample rate, the Clock function should be set to Int44.1k. This
ensures that the QSR will be in tune with previously recorded material. See page 118
in Chapter 8 for more information on the Clock parameter.
QSR Reference Manual
Chapter 3: Connections
c
48 KHZ I
If your ADAT system has an Alesis BRC Remote Controller, the QSR’s digital clock
must be synchronized to the clock coming from the BRC. This requires that a
connection be made providing the clock signal to the QSR and that the QSR’s Clock
function be set to either one of its two external settings (Ext48kHz or
Ext44.1k).
Connect a BNC-to-BNC cable (such as the Alesis BN cable) between the BRC’s 48
kHz CLOCK OUT and the QSR’s [48 KHZ IN]. Set the Clock function to either
Ext48kHz if the BRC is set to 48kHz, or Ext44.1k if the BRC is set to 44.1kHz.
For more information about the Clock function, see page 118 in Chapter 8.
N
Tip: With this type of connection, the ADAT tracks will remain in tune with the QSR
even when the BRC’s pitch value is adjusted.
Note: When using only one or more ADATs without the BRC, it is not necessary to
connect the 48 kHz Clock.
6 QSR Referen
OVERVIEW
BASIC ARCHITECTURE
The QSR contains 16 megabytes of Sound ROM which provide digitized acoustic and
electronic samples. These samples are organized into 17 sample groups of different
types. The groups are:
Piano String Noise Sound FX
Chromatic Brass Voice Rhythm
Organ Woodwind Ethnic
Guitar Synth Drums
Bass Wave Percussion
Several functions (filter, amplitude envelope, pitch envelope, LFO, multiple
modulation sources, signal processors, etc.) can be used to process a sample. A
Sound is the combination of a sample with its associated processing.
A Program consists of up to four sounds. These sounds can be layered, split over
specific keyboard ranges, or selectively overlapped. The QSR has a User Bank of 128
Programs that you can modify, plus 4 Preset Banks of 512 Preset Programs that are
permanently installed in the QSR at the factory (although the Preset Programs can be
edited, they must be stored into the User bank to permanently retain your changes).
Each Program is linked to its own Effects Patch.
Overview: Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
Preset Banks 1-3 and the User bank are organized into 13 Sound Groups of 10
Sounds each, and are spread out among the top-right row of buttons on the front
panel (programs 00-09 are pianos, 50-59 are basses, and so on). The GenMIDI bank,
however, does not follow this arrangement; it follows the program list of the General
MIDI standard.
A Mix consists of up to 16 Programs, each assigned to a specific MIDI channel and
one Effect Patch. The QSR has 100 Mixes in the User Bank, plus 4 Preset Banks of 400
Preset Mixes. This is extremely useful for multitimbral setups where the QSR plays
back different sounds on different MIDI channels. Because of its 64 voices and builtin effects, the QSR is often the only sound generator needed.
QSR POLYPHONY
The QSR provides 64-voice polyphony (i.e., how many notes can play at once). If a
program uses one sound, up to 64 notes can play at once. Layering two sounds
allows for 32-note polyphony and layering four sounds, 16-note polyphony.
Layering is a powerful technique that allows you to build up complex timbres. This
is crucial because acoustic instruments have extremely complex, evolving sounds
and by comparison, many synths sound static. Being able to layer up to four sounds
allows for creating large ensembles (e.g., brass section consisting of alto & tenor sax,
trumpet, and trombone) or extremely realistic versions of single instruments. When
creating layered Programs, keep polyphony in mind. If all Programs in a Mix use all
four available sounds, the QSR will quickly run out of voices.
QSR Reference Manual 1
MODES
The QSR is always in one of two main modes: Program Play Mode or Mix Play Mode.
Pressing [PROG] selects Program Play Mode, while pressing [MIX] selects Mix Play
Mode. While in Program Play Mode, you can press [EDIT] to access Program Edit
Mode and Effects Edit Mode. While in Mix Play Mode, pressing [EDIT] alternates
between Mix Edit Mode, Program Edit Mode and Effects Edit Mode. Once [EDIT] has
been pressed (the lower-left corner of the display reads “
SELECT [DOWN] accesses Compare Mode (if the Program/Mix has been edited, and
pressing BANK SELECT [UP] accesses Global Edit Mode. Pressing [STORE] accesses
Store Mode. Here are descriptions of these modes:
PROGRAM PLAY MODE
Program Play Mode lets you play the QSR’s various Programs one at a time. The
QSR contains 512 Preset and 128 User Programs (i.e., the sounds of various
instruments, effects, ensembles, etc.) that show off just how cool this instrument
really is. Initially, the 4 Preset Banks and the User Bank contain data loaded in at the
factory. The User Programs can be edited or replaced with your own Programs.
However, you cannot replace the Preset Programs, because these are stored in ROM
(permanent memory). In Program Play Mode, the QSR responds to or generates
messages on a single MIDI channel.
Overview: Chapter 4
EDIT”), pressing BANK
MIX PLAY MODE
Mix Play Mode lets you audition the QSR’s various Mixes. The QSR contains 400
Preset Mixes and 100 User Mixes. A Mix can combine up to 16 different Programs,
controlled by 16 channels of MIDI data at once. Therefore, much thicker and richly
textured sounds can be created. In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can be used in a wide
range of applications. It can be used for live performance, where sounds are layered
or assigned to sections of the controller keyboard. It can also be used as a
multitimbral sound source for desktop music and home studio applications. A Mix
uses the Effects Patch associated with one of its Programs. Although there may be 16
Programs in a Mix, there can only be one Effects Patch per Mix. In Mix Mode, the
QSR can respond to messages on up to 16 MIDI channels simultaneously; different
channels are available depending on which Mix is selected.
PROGRAM EDIT MODE
In Program Edit Mode, you can change the various settings which determine the
sound of an individual Program, or create an entirely new Program from scratch.
Each Program is made up of four Sound layers, which you can edit individually, or
simultaneously. In Program Edit mode you can:
• select which sample waveform from the 16 megabytes of onboard sample ROM
will be used, in each of the 4 sounds;
• change the tone, level, attack and decay characteristics, modulation inputs, and
pitch of each layer;
• set modulation routings whereby any parameter can be controlled via MIDI;
• set the effect level for each Sound layer, and set which of the four effect sends
each Sound layer will use for signal processing (such as reverb, delay, and
chorus—or any combination of these).
QSR Reference Manual 2
Overview: Chapter 4
MIX EDIT MODE
Mix Edit Mode lets you change the parameters of an existing Mix. Up to 16 Programs
can be active in each Mix, and Mix Edit mode sets up how each will be played. Mix
Edit Mode allows you to:
• set the output level, effects level, and pan of each Program in the Mix;
• select which Program’s Effects Patch will be used by the Mix.
Note that you can select which Programs will be played by the different MIDI
channels and by the keyboard in multiple layers or splits without entering Mix
mode.
EFFECTS EDIT MODE
Effects Edit Mode is used for setting up the Digital Signal Processing effects. Each
Effect Patch has 4 effect bus inputs, and an internal configuration of multiple effects
such as reverb, delay, and pitch-related effects (chorus, flange, etc.). You can
determine what kinds of effects are used on each bus (called a “Configuration”),
change each effect’s parameters (such as reverb decay time or chorus speed), set
modulation routings (such as having the modulation wheel change the decay time),
and set the effects mix (how much reverb, delay and chorus on the output of each
effect bus).
GLOBAL EDIT MODE
Use Global Edit Mode to set various parameters which effect the entire instrument,
such as overall master tuning, display contrast, MIDI controller settings, and how the
unit will respond to messages in Mix Mode.
STORE MODE
Store Mode is used for storing changes of Programs and/or Mixes into the User
Bank or onto a QCard PCMCIA memory card accessory. It is also used for
transmitting the QSR’s parameters over MIDI for data storage purposes, copying
sounds or effects from one Program to another, and for transferring entire Banks to
or from a Sound Card.
COMPARE MODE
Once a Program has been edited in Program Edit Mode, or a Mix has been edited in
Mix Edit Mode, the symbol “*” will appear in the display to the left of the
Mix’s/Program’s name while in either Mix Play Mode or Program Play Mode. If
BANK SELECT [DOWN] (also labeled [COMPARE]) is pressed while in an Edit Mode,
both the [EDIT] button and the word “
will begin to flash on and off, and you will temporarily be hearing (and seeing) the
original version of the Mix/Program. If you are editing a Mix and press [COMPARE],
the original unedited Mix is temporarily recalled. Likewise, if you are editing a
Program or its Effects Patch and press [COMPARE], the original Program will be
temporarily recalled. Pressing [COMPARE] again switches back to the edited version,
and the both [EDIT] button and the word “
EDIT” in the lower-right part of the display
EDIT” in the the display stop flashing.
QSR Reference Manual 3
Overview: Chapter 4
▲
▲
▲
THE USER INTERFACE: DISPLAY, FUNCTIONS,
P
AGES AND PARAMETERS
The key to the QSR user interface is the combination of the Display, the [VALUE]
knob and the [
QSR’s status. The [
(such as a parameter, a Sound, a page, etc.), and the [VALUE] knob lets you adjust
the selection.
ABOUT THE DISPLAY
The display has two modes: Play Mode and Edit Mode. When either [MIX] or
[PROG] is pressed, their respective Play Mode is selected and the display will look
something like this:
CURSOR▲] buttons. The Display constantly informs you of the
CURSOR▲] buttons let you select a value in the display
Program Number
Program Name
Bank Name
MIDI Input Indicator
Play Mode
• Mode. The lower-left corner of the display will indicate whether you are in
Program Play Mode (
Program Play Mode is selected. If the selected Program or Mix has been edited,
the word
above, the Program has not been edited
• Number. The upper-left section of the display will indicate which Program or
Mix number is currently selected (
In the example above, Program 00 is selected.
• Name. The upper-right section of the display will indicate the name of the
Program or Mix which is currently selected. In the example above, TrueStereo is
selected.
• Bank. The middle-right section of the display, directly below the Program’s or
Mix’s name, will indicate which Bank is currently selected (
PRESET3
example above, Preset 1 Bank is selected.
• Channel (1–16). In Program Play Mode, the QSR will transmit and receive on a
single MIDI channel, which will be indicated in the lower-right section of the
display. The MIDI channel is selected by using the [
In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can transmit and receive on up to 16 MIDI channels.
The “active” channels will be shown in the display. When a channel is played
(from messages received via MIDI), a circle will appear around the channel
number in the display. In the example above, MIDI channel 1 is selected, and
MIDI information is being received.
EDIT will appear to the right of the displayed Mode. In the example
, GenMIDI, or USER`; if a card is inserted, CARD1 - CARD8). In the
PROG) or Mix Play Mode (MIX). In the example above,
00-127 in Program Mode, 00-99 in Mix Mode).
MIDI Channel
PRESET1 –
MIDI CH▲] buttons.
QSR Reference Manual 4
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