Alesis QS S4 User Manual
ALESIS
QuadraSynth
S4 QuadraSynth
Reference Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Alesis QuadraSynth 64 Voice / 76 Key Master
Keyboard or S4 QuadraSynth 64 Voice Sound Module. To take full advantage of the
QuadraSynthÕs functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this
userÕs manual carefully.
How To Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of
the QuadraSynth. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire
manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about synthesizers should
use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the
instrument.
Chapter 1: Setting Up. Deals with the necessary preparation before playing,
including connections to external devices.
Chapter 2: Your First Session with the QuadraSynth. This section provides a brief
tour of the QuadraSynth, shows you how to audition the various sounds of the
QuadraSynth, and points out the various performance features.
Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like MIDI, footpedals and
the optical digital interface), proper hook-up procedures, plus application examples.
Chapter 4: Overview. Covers the structure of sound sources within the
QuadraSynth, how to read and navigate through the LCD display pages, how to edit
parameters, and how to store edited Programs, Mixes and Effects.
✪
Chapter 5: Mix Mode. 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,
Display Contrast, Keyboard Mode, Edit Mode and 48 kHz Clock In.
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.
Conventions
The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as
their names appear on the QuadraSynth, using all capital letters and in brackets
(Example: [PROGRAM] button, MIDI [¬] and [®] buttons, Quad Knob [1], etc.).
When text from the QuadraSynthÕs display is quoted, it is indicated by a set of
quotation marks (Example: ÒEDITING: SOUND 4Ó) .
When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will
appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating
the QuadraSynth.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 1
2 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Contents
CONTENTS
1: Setting Up..................................................................................7
Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................7
AC Power ..............................................................................................................7
Line Conditioners and Protectors.................................................................8
About Audio Cables ...............................................................................................9
Basic Audio Hookup...............................................................................................9
2: Your First Session With The QuadraSynth ..............................11
Powering Up..........................................................................................................11
The Quad Knobs.........................................................................................11
Adjusting the Display Contrast....................................................................12
Playing the Demo Sequence.........................................................................12
Playing the QuadraSynth ........................................................................................13
Program Mode and Mix Mode .....................................................................13
Auditioning Internal Programs....................................................................14
Auditioning Programs on the S4 Sound Module ...........................................14
Selecting the MIDI Channel.........................................................................15
Realtime Performance Functions..................................................................15
Auditioning Mix Mode ...............................................................................16
Editing a Mix..............................................................................................17
Auditioning Effects.....................................................................................18
Setting the Effects Level ..............................................................................19
3: Connections ...............................................................................21
Basic MIDI Hookup ................................................................................................21
Typical Application 1: MIDI Keyboard/Master Controller for Live Use......................22
Using the S4 in Live Performance.................................................................22
Typical Application 2: Using the QuadraSynth with an External Sequencer ................23
About the Keyboard Mode ..........................................................................24
Using the S4 with a Sequencer .....................................................................24
Pedal and Footswitch Hookup.................................................................................24
Digital Audio/Optical Hookup ...............................................................................25
Recording Digital Audio .............................................................................25
48 kHz Clock In......................................................................................................25
4: Overview ...................................................................................27
Basic Architecture ...................................................................................................27
QuadraSynth Polyphony.........................................................................................27
Modes....................................................................................................................28
Program Mode ...........................................................................................28
Mix 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
MIDI Buttons .............................................................................................31
Quad Knob Editing .....................................................................................31
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 3
Contents
Parameter Editing.......................................................................................31
Editing Program Parameters........................................................................32
Edit 4 and Edit 1 Modes ..............................................................................33
Resetting a Parameter Value........................................................................34
Comparing Edited and Stored Versions....................................................................34
Preset Memory and User Memory ...........................................................................35
Storing...................................................................................................................35
Store a Program ..........................................................................................36
Store an Effect ............................................................................................36
Store a Mix.................................................................................................36
To Audition Programs Before Storing...........................................................37
5: Mix Mode ..................................................................................39
What Mix Mode Does .............................................................................................39
Mix Edit Mode .......................................................................................................39
Understanding the Edit Buffers ...............................................................................40
Program Assign for each MIDI Channel ...................................................................41
Level Setting for Each Program................................................................................41
Pitch ......................................................................................................................41
Setting the Range and MIDI.....................................................................................42
Effects in Mix Mode................................................................................................43
Effect Level ................................................................................................43
Effect .........................................................................................................44
Naming a Mix ........................................................................................................44
Polyphony in Mix Mode..........................................................................................45
Using the QuadraSynth as a Master Keyboard..........................................................45
Setting MIDI Out Channels for Mix (QuadraSynth Keyboard only) ............................45
6: Editing Programs......................................................................47
Overview ...............................................................................................................47
The ÒNormalizedÓ Synth Voice................................................................................47
How the QuadraSynth Generates Sound ..................................................................48
Program Sound Layers............................................................................................48
QuadraSynth Signal Flow........................................................................................49
The Four Sounds of a Program ....................................................................49
Voice .........................................................................................................50
Lowpass Filter............................................................................................50
Amp ..........................................................................................................51
About Modulation ..................................................................................................51
LFO ...........................................................................................................51
Envelopes ..................................................................................................52
About Signal Processing..........................................................................................52
Drum Mode ...........................................................................................................53
Program Edit Functions ..........................................................................................54
Assign Voice ..............................................................................................54
Level..........................................................................................................55
Effect Level ................................................................................................56
Effect .........................................................................................................56
Pitch ..........................................................................................................57
Filter ..........................................................................................................59
Amp ..........................................................................................................61
Range ........................................................................................................62
Mod...........................................................................................................64
Pitch LFO...................................................................................................67
4 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Contents
Filter LFO...................................................................................................69
Amp LFO ...................................................................................................70
Pitch Envelope............................................................................................71
Filter Envelope ...........................................................................................73
Amp Envelope ...........................................................................................76
Name .........................................................................................................79
Misc. ..........................................................................................................79
Programming Drum Sounds....................................................................................80
Assign Voice ..............................................................................................80
Level..........................................................................................................80
Effects Level...............................................................................................81
Pitch ..........................................................................................................81
Filter ..........................................................................................................81
Amp ..........................................................................................................81
Range ........................................................................................................82
Amp Envelope ...........................................................................................82
Copying Sounds .....................................................................................................83
Initializing Programs ..............................................................................................83
7: Editing Effects...........................................................................85
About Signal Processing..........................................................................................85
Selecting an Effects Patch ........................................................................................86
Clip .......................................................................................................................87
Editing Effects ........................................................................................................87
Storing Effects Patches ............................................................................................88
Configurations .......................................................................................................88
Reverb ...................................................................................................................95
Delay .....................................................................................................................100
Pitch ......................................................................................................................101
Mod.......................................................................................................................104
Name .....................................................................................................................105
Mix........................................................................................................................106
8: Global Settings..........................................................................107
Editing Global Parameters.......................................................................................107
LCD Contrast .........................................................................................................107
Master Pitch and Master Tuning..............................................................................107
Keyboard Sensitivity .....(QuadraSynth only) ............................................................108
Keyboard Curve ...........(QuadraSynth only) ............................................................108
Keyboard Transpose .....(QuadraSynth only) ............................................................108
Keyboard Mode............(QuadraSynth only) ............................................................108
Mix Group Channel ......(S4 Sound Module only)......................................................109
Controller A Ñ D ...................................................................................................109
Pedal 1 and 2 Assignment .......................................................................................109
MIDI Program Select...............................................................................................110
Edit Mode ..............................................................................................................110
48 KHz Clock Input ................................................................................................110
9: MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations...................................111
Saving to External Card ..........................................................................................111
Loading from External Card....................................................................................111
Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex ............................................................................112
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 5
Contents
APPENDIX A: Trouble-Shooting ..................................................115
Trouble-Shooting Index...........................................................................................115
Re-initializing.........................................................................................................115
Checking Software Version .....................................................................................116
Maintenance/Service ..............................................................................................116
Cleaning ....................................................................................................116
Maintenance...............................................................................................116
Warranty Information.................................................................................116
Obtaining Repair Service.............................................................................116
APPENDIX B: MIDI Supplement...................................................119
MIDI Basics............................................................................................................119
MIDI Hardware......................................................................................................119
MIDI Message Basics ..............................................................................................120
Channel Messages: Mode Messages .............................................................120
Channel Messages: Voice Messages .............................................................120
System Common Messages .........................................................................122
MIDI Implementation Chart....................................................................................123
APPENDIX C: Parameters Index ..................................................124
Program Parameters ...............................................................................................124
Mix Parameters ......................................................................................................126
INDEX ............................................................................................127
6 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
CHAPTER 1
SETTING UP
Unpacking and Inspection
Your QuadraSynth was packed carefully at the factory, and the shipping carton was
designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the
highly unlikely event that you need to return the QuadraSynth for servicing.
Upon receiving the QuadraSynth, carefully examine the shipping carton and its
contents for any sign of physical damage that may have occurred in transit. If you
detect any damage, do not destroy any of the packing material or the carton, and
immediately notify the carrier of a possible claim for damage. Damage claims must
be made by you. Contact your Alesis dealer.
The shipping carton should contain the following items:
¥ This instruction manual, plus lists of Mixes and Programs
¥ Alesis QuadraSynth with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton
¥ Sustain pedal (keyboard only)
¥ AC Power Cable (keyboard only) or power supply (S4)
¥ Alesis warranty card
Setting Up
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.
AC Power Hookup
The QuadraSynth 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.
S4 Sound Module owners: Check the label on the AC adapter to ensure that the
Òinput voltageÓ is correct for your area. Insert the AC adapter's smaller plug into the
9V AC Power jack on the S4Õs rear panel. Then plug the AC adapter itself into a
source of AC power, preferably a power strip with its own on/off switch. Alesis
recommends turning off power to the supply or unplugging it when the S4 is not in
use, to prolong its life. Use only the AC adapter supplied with the S4; use of any
other adapter will void your warranty.
QuadraSynth owners: With the QuadraSynth off, plug the female (jack) end of the
AC cord into QuadraSynthÕs AC socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC
power. ItÕs good practice to not turn the QuadraSynth on until all other cables are
hooked up.
The IEC-spec AC cord included with the QuadraSynth (do not substitute any other
AC cord) is designed to connect to an outlet that includes three pins, with the third,
round pin connected to ground. The ground connection is an important safety
feature designed to keep the chassis of electronic devices such as the QuadraSynth at
ground potential. Unfortunately, the presence of a third pin does not always indicate
that it is properly grounded. Use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet is
not grounded, consult with a licensed electrician.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 7
Setting Up
A
A
✪
✪
Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the
QuadraSynth into an ungrounded outlet, or ÒliftingÓ the unit off ground with a three-to-two
wire adapter, can create a hazardous condition.
Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the QuadraSynth or any associated
equipment with improper AC wiring.
Line Conditioners and Protectors
Although the QuadraSynth is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in
todayÕs 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 theyÕve 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 interferenceÑspikes, noise, etc.
PEDAL 1SUSTAIN
FOOT PEDALS
PEDAL 2
THRU OUT
MIDI
48 KHZ IN POWER INPUT ON/OFFINTHRUOUT
DIGITAL
OUT
1/4" Audio Cables
PHONESL - MAIN - RL - AUX - R
A
A
AC Receptacle
Pedal Switch
Stereo Headphones
Expression Pedal
Stereo Amp
8 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
About Audio Cables
The connections between the QuadraSynth and your studio are your musicÕs 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 QuadraSynth
correctly by observing the following precautions:
¥ Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords.
¥ Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as
transformers, monitors, computers, etc.
¥ Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not
cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center
conductor and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cableÕs 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
¥ Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek
and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the
electrical contact between connectors.
Basic Audio Hookup
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 QuadraSynth 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 QuadraSynth has two Main and two Aux audio outputs. These can provide an
amplification system or mixer with several different audio hookup options:
¥ Mono. Connect a mono cord from the [MAINÐL] Audio Output to a mono
amplification system or individual mixer input.
¥ Stereo. Connect two mono cords from the [MAINÐL] and [MAINÐR] Audio
Outputs to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs.
¥ Dual Stereo/Four Individual Outs. Connect two mono cords from the [MAINÐL]
and [MAINÐR] Audio Outputs and two mono cords from the [AUXÐL] and
[AUXÐR] Outputs to a dual stereo amplification system, or four mixer inputs.
¥ Stereo Headphones. Plug a set of high-quality stereo headphones into the rear
panel [PHONES] jack.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 9
Setting Up
10 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
CHAPTER 2
YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH
THE QUADRASYNTH
Powering Up
After making your connections, turn on the systemÕs power using this procedure:
➀ Before turning on the QuadraSynthÕs 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 QuadraSynth turned down?
➁ Turn on the [ON/OFF] (power) switch on the rear panel of the QuadraSynth.
Upon power-up, the QuadraSynth will display the last selected Program or Mix. If this
Program/Mix has been edited, the display will indicate this by showing the word
ÒEDITEDÓ below either the word ÒMIXÓ or ÒPROGRAM.Ó
➂ Turn the QuadraSynthÕs master [VOLUME] control to maximum.
The best signal-to-noise ratio is achieved when [VOLUME] is set to maximum. This is a
digital volume control, and lower settings have lower resolution.
➃ Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume.
The Quad Knobs
To the right of the display are four knobs referred to as Quad Knobs, [1]Ñ[4], each
with its own button. These four knobs are linked to the parameters that appear in the
right side of the display. The lower line of the alphanumeric display will show the
abbreviated name of each parameter, with a bar graph below it representing the
current setting of the parameter.
MIDI
CHAN
PROG1EFFECT
PRESET PRESET
By turning Quad Knob [1], you adjust the setting of the first parameter on the left.
Turning Quad Knob [2] adjusts the next parameter, and so on. Once a Quad Knob
has been turned, or its button has been pressed, the top line of the display will
immediately show the parameterÕs name and current setting. At this point, the
parameter will have a thick underline beneath its bargraph, indicating that you can
now use the VALUE [¯] and [-] buttons to adjust the parameterÕs setting.
"PianoRodes"
NUMBER TYPE
MIDI
VALUE
1 2 3 4
The parameters in the display change depending on which function and page are
selected. Not all four Quad Knobs are active in all windows; there are many pages
that have only one active Quad Knob.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 11
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Adjusting the Display Contrast
Occasionally, the characters in the LCD display may be difficult to read, depending
on the viewing angle and existing lighting conditions. In such a situation, adjust the
contrast of the LCD display using the following procedure.
➀ Press [GLOBAL].
The display will change to the Global Page.
➁ Adjust the contrast by turning Quad Knob [1], or use the VALUE [¯] and [-]
buttons.
The contrast and its value in the display will change.
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
EFFECT
LCD DISPLAY: 062
CONTRAST PITCH TUNE
123456PAGE:
GLOBAL
1
VALUE
Playing the Demo Sequence
The QuadraSynth has a built-in demo sequence which demonstrates the wide variety
of sounds this amazing instrument is capable of generating. In order to get the full
effect of the demo, we recommend that you connect both the LEFT and RIGHT
outputs to your sound system, or listen on headphones.
To play the demo sequence:
➀ Hold the [GLOBAL] button, and press [MIX].
The upper-right display will read ÒPlaying Demo. Press MIX to stop.Ó
➁ Press [MIX] to stop the demo.
The demo was composed specially for the QuadraSynth by Stephen Kay. There will
be no MIDI OUT messages during the demo, and the keyboard will be disabled.
12 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Playing the QuadraSynth
The QuadraSynth is shipped from the factory with a full bank of 128 Preset Programs
(sounds) and 128 User Programs. Additionally, there are 100 Preset Mixes and 100
User Mixes, 128 Preset Effects Patches, and 128 User Effects Patches.
Program Mode and Mix Mode
The QuadraSynth is always in one of two main modes: Program Mode or Mix Mode.
If you ever get lost, press either the [PROGRAM] button or the [MIX] button to get back to
✪
their respective modes.
¥ Press the [PROGRAM] button to select Program Mode.
In Program Mode, the QuadraSynth plays a single Program. The display will look
like this:
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
EFFECT
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
"QuadraTime"
NUMBER TYPE
The current PROGram and EFFECT number are displayed, and the ProgramÕs name
appears in the top-right. The current MIDI channel is shown at left.
¥ Press the [MIX] button to select Mix Mode .
In Mix Mode, the QuadraSynth 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 like this:
MIDI
12345678910111213141516
CHAN
MIX PROG
PRESET PRESET PRESET
All MIDI channels that are active in the current Mix are shown at the top left, to
indicate multitimbral operation. The current MIX and EFFECT numbers are
displayed, along with the MixÕs name. The PROGram number display shows the
program assigned to the underlined MIDI channel.
EFFECT
"QuadraZone"
NUMBER TYPE
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 13
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Auditioning Internal Programs
➀ Press the [PROGRAM] button.
You can now play the QuadraSynth keyboard; the Program will be whatever was selected
when last in Program mode (Program number 00 Ñ 127).
➁ Select a Program in any of three ways:
¥ Rotate Quad Knob [1].
¥ Press Quad Button [1] and then use the VALUE [¯] or [-] button.
¥ Use the MIX/PROGRAM SELECT [1]Ñ[0] buttons for direct entry.
Leading zeroes must be entered for Programs 0 Ñ 19. Example: Press [0] then [0]
then [5] for Program 5; press [0] then [1] then [3] for Program 13. Only begin with
[1] if you are selecting a Program from 100 Ñ 127. If you start entering a number
and change your mind, wait a few seconds and the QuadraSynth will revert to the
previous Program number.
12345
✪
OR OR
67890
VALUE
1
➂ You can switch between User and Preset programs with Quad Knob [3].
By either pressing Quad Button [3] and then pressing VALUE [-], or by turning
Quad Knob [3] all the way to the right, the top line of the display will change to read
ÒPROG TYPE: P RESETÓ
After switching between the Preset and User banks, press Quad Button [1] to see the name of
the Program in the display again.User memory and Preset memory are described in detail in
Chapter 4.
Auditioning Programs on the S4 Sound Module
To hear Programs on the S4, set your MIDI controller to transmit on a particular
MIDI channel. Then, set the S4 to receive on the same channel (see next section).
In Mix Mode, the S4 can receive on up to 16 channels at once, with a different
program on each channel. However, many Mixes were created with layering in
mind, not just for multitimbral use. To emulate the operation of the QuadraSynth
keyboard, the S4 has a special Mix Group Channel parameter (on page 2 of the
Global menu).
For multitimbral operation from a sequencer, set this parameter to OFF. To play all
the mix layers from a single MIDI channel, set it to the same channel as your
controller (1-16).
14 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 15
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Selecting the MIDI Channel
While in Program Mode, the QuadraSynth can transmit and receive information on
any single MIDI channel of the 16 available channels. The currently selected channel
appears at the top left of the display.
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
➀ Use the MIDI [¬] and [®] buttons to select a MIDI channel from 1 Ñ 16.
The display will change to indicate the currently selected MIDI channel.
Realtime Performance Functions
EFFECT
MIDI
"QuadraTime"
NUMBER TYPE
The QuadraSynth provides various controls for altering the sound as you are
playing. Try out some of these functions while playing the keyboard. The sound of
the effects can also be affected by using the same 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
ÒaftertouchÓ (it is also sometimes referred to as ÒPressureÓ 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 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. Adjacent to the PITCH BEND WHEEL is the
MODULATION WHEEL. By raising the wheel, 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.
Further expressive control is available with a pedal switch (included) or expression
pedal (optional, see page 25). By connecting a pedal switch to the SUSTAIN jack on
the rear panel, you can have the sound sustain even after you release the keys. By
connecting an expression pedal to one of the pedal jacks (PEDAL 1 or PEDAL 2), 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).
16 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Auditioning Mix Mode
Mix 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 ÒlayerÓ sounds together, or ÒsplitÓ the keyboard
in a number of ways, or any combination of these. There are many different ways to
program a Mix. For more about Mix Mode, refer to Chapter 5. For more about
connecting the QuadraSynth to a MIDI sequencer, see Chapter 3.
➀ Press the [MIX] button.
The display will change to Mix Mode.
➁ Select a Mix from 00Ñ99 using one of these three methods:
¥ Rotate Quad Knob [1].
¥ Press the VALUE [¯] or [-] button.
This assumes that Quad Knob [1] is active, as shown by a heavy underline beneath
the NUMBER indicator. If the underline does not appear, press Quad Button [1]
before using the VALUE buttons.
¥ Use the MIX/PROGRAM SELECT [1]Ñ[0] buttons for direct entry.
Leading zeroes must be entered for Mixes 0 Ñ 9. Example: Press [0] then [5] for
Mix 5. If you start entering a number and change your mind, wait a few seconds and
the QuadraSynth will revert to the previous Mix number.
✪
➂ You can switch between User and Preset Mixes with Quad Knob [3].
By either pressing Quad Button [3] and then pressing VALUE [-], or by turning
Quad Knob [3] all the way to the right, the top line of the display will change to read
ÒMIX TYPE: P RESETÓ
After switching between the Preset and User banks, press Quad Button [1] to see the name of
the Mix in the display again.
User memory and Preset memory are described in detail in Chapter 4.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 17
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Editing a Mix
In this section, we will assign Programs to and set volume levels for the 16 MIDI
channels in a Mix, for playing back tracks from a MIDI sequencer. However, there is
much more about a Mix that may be edited. Refer to Chapter 5 for more about Mix
editing.
➀ Press [MIX] and select a Mix using one of the three methods described above.
➁ Press [SELECT].
The top line of the LCDÕs function list will read ÒEDITING: MIXÓ.
➂ Simultaneously press both the FUNCTION [¬] and [®] buttons.
MIDI
12345678910111213141516
CHAN
MIX
PRESET
EDITING: MIX
PROGRAM – ASSIGN LEVEL EFFECT–LEVEL
PITCH RANGE EFFECT NAME
PROG EFFECT
PRESET PRESET
"Mystic5ths"
NUMBER TYPE ENABLE
✪
PAGE:
1
➃ Use the MIDI [¬] and [®] buttons to select a MIDI channel for editing.
The MIDI monitor and selection strip will indicate the selected MIDI channel with an
underline . These buttons Òwrap aroundÓ (e.g., if youÕre on channel 16 and press MIDI
[®], youÕll select channel 1. If channel 1 is selected and you press MIDI [¬], youÕll
select channel 16).
➄ Use Quad Knob [3] to choose between Preset and User Programs.
➅ Use Quad Knob [1] to select a Program for the selected Channel.
DonÕt use the MIX/PROGRAM SELECT [1]Ñ[0] buttons while in any edit mode. If you
do, you will be kicked out of Mix Edit mode and will select another Mix, losing your changes.
➆ Use Quad Knob [4] to enable or disable the Program on the selected Channel.
When enabled, the Channel number will appear in the top left of the display. When
disabled, the Channel number will not appear (unless selected for editing using the MIDI
[¬] and [®] buttons, in which case it is underlined ).
➇ To set the ProgramÕs level, press the FUNCTION [®] button once so that
ÒLEVELÓ is underlined in the display. Use Quad Knob [1] to adjust the level.
➈ Repeat steps ➂ Ñ ➇ until all desired Programs are assigned to all desired MIDI
channels, and have the appropriate levels.
Changes to Mix parameters are temporary and will be lost if another Mix is selected. To make
✪
18 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
changes permanent, you must store the Mix into the User bank. Refer to Chapter 4 for
information about storing changes.
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Auditioning Effects
Each Program and Mix uses one of the 256 Effects Patches to enhance the sound. You
select which Effect you wish to use from Program Edit or Mix Edit mode. While the
Program remembers which Effect Patch to use, and how much sound to send to it
(and to which of the four effects buses), all Effects Patch editing is done outside of the
Program in Effects Edit Mode (see Chapter 6).
In a Mix, you can combine several Programs, and use one of the Effects Patches. All
the Programs can use this one Effects Patch (or bypass it). Also, each Program in the
Mix can either retain its own effects settings (send level and bus), or you can override
and reroute them with the Mix Mode effects settings. In this section, we will audition
the various preset Effects patches from PROGRAM mode.
➀ Press [PROGRAM] and select a Program using the VALUE [¯] and [-] buttons.
The display will change to Program Mode.
➁ Press [SELECT].
The display will change to Program Edit mode. The last function and page selected will
be shown in the display. To get back to the first function, simultaneously press both
FUNCTION [¬] and [®].
✪
➂ Press FUNCTION [®] eight times, or until the word ÒEFFECTÓ is underlined.
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
EDITING: PROGRAM SOUND 1
PITCH FILTER AMP RANGE MOD EFFECT NAME
PLFO FLFO ALFO PENV FENV AENV TRACK
PAGE:
ASSIGN – VOICE LEVEL EFFECT–LEVEL
1
EFFECT
MISC.
"Ch®Dly®Rev1"
NUMBER TYPE
➃ Use Quad Knob [1] to select an Effect Patch from 00Ñ127.
The display will change to indicate the currently selected EffectÕs number and name.
Changes to Program parameters are temporary and will be lost if another Program is selected.
To make changes permanent, you must store the Program into the User bank. Refer to
Chapter 4 for information about storing changes.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 19
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
Setting the Effects Level
Each Program can use up to four sounds, for either layering or splitting the
keyboard. Each of these sounds has its own effects , as well as effects bus assignment.
Many of the Programs in the QuadraSynth use only one or two sound layers, while
others may use all four sounds. You can adjust the effect send amount for each sound
independently, or you can view/edit all four sounds simultaneously.
➀ While still in Program Edit mode, press the FUNCTION [¬] button six times
(from the ÒEFFECTÓ Function), or until the words ÒEFFECT - LEVELÓ are
underlined in the display.
This is where you determine how much level will be sent from the current Program
sound layer to the effects processor, and on which of the four busses.
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
EDITING: PROGRAM SOUND 1
PITCH FILTER AMP RANGE MOD EFFECT NAME
PLFO FLFO ALFO PENV FENV AENV TRACK
PAGE:
ASSIGN – VOICE LEVEL
1
EFFECT LEVEL: 99
EFFECT
LEVEL BUSS
EFFECT–LEVEL
MISC.
➁ Turn Quad Knob [1] to adjust the effect send level of the selected sound (1Ñ4).
For the most dramatic effect, set this to 99.
➂ Press the [EDIT 1] button to select another sound to adjust.
The display will indicate ÒSOUND 1Ó or ÒSOUND 2,Ó etc., to indicate which of the
four sounds is being edited.
➃ Press the [EDIT 4] button to display the effect send levels of all four sounds
simultaneously; use Quad Knobs [1] Ñ [4] to adjust each soundÕs effect level.
The display will indicate ÒSOUND 1 2 3 4.Ó
MIDI
1
CHAN
PROG
PRESET PRESET
EDITING: PROGRAM SOUND 1
PITCH FILTER AMP RANGE MOD EFFECT NAME
PLFO FLFO ALFO PENV FENV AENV TRACK
PAGE:
ASSIGN – VOICE LEVEL
1
2
EFFECT
234
EFFECT–LEVEL
MISC.
Note: If a sound is not enabled in a Program, its title will be shown in lowercase (Òsnd4Ó),
and turning that control will have no effect on the sound until the sound is enabled. To enable
a sound, hold down its respective Quad Button (i.e., [3] for Sound #3) and press VALUE
[-].
EFFECT LEVEL: 99
SND1 SND2 SND3 SND4
20 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Your First Session with the QuadraSynth
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 21
CHAPTER 3
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
CONNECTIONS
Basic MIDI Hookup
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 MIDI connections provide three different functions. To trigger the QuadraSynth
from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass controller,
sequencer, etc.), connect the control deviceÕs MIDI OUT to the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI
IN.
Connections
OUT
The MIDI jack carries a replica (or echo) of the signal appearing at the QuadraSynthÕs
MIDI , allowing you to trigger other devices from the same controller which is
feeding the QuadraSynth. Simply connect the QuadraSynth MIDI THRU to the other
deviceÕs MIDI IN. Note that the MIDI THRU jack will not send messages from the
QuadraSynthÕs keyboard itself.
OUT
The MIDI sends MIDI data from the QuadraSynthÕs keyboard to other MIDI devices,
but can also send data (see the MIDI supplement) to a storage device such as the
Alesis DataDisk for later recall.
IN
THRU
IN
MIDI
IN
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 23
Connections
MIDI
MIDI
Typical Application 1: MIDI
Keyboard/Master Controller for Live Use
Most live applications use the QuadraSynth to generate sounds, with (possibly) the
MIDI output driving other MIDI devices, such as a QuadraSynth S4 rack unit,
QuadraVerb Plus, and other keyboards and sound modules, etc.
OUT
IN
MIDI
THRU
MIDI
IN
To drive MIDI controlled devices from the QuadraSynth, patch the QuadraSynthÕs
MIDI OUT to the MIDI deviceÕs MIDI IN. If there is more than one MIDI device,
patch the first deviceÕs MIDI THRU to the second deviceÕs MIDI IN, the second
deviceÕs MIDI THRU to the third deviceÕs MIDI IN, etc.
In Program mode, the keyboard sends and receives MIDI information on only one
MIDI channel at a time. In Mix mode, however, the keyboard can transmit on as
many as 16 MIDI channels, each with its own keyboard range (for more information
on Program mode and Mix mode, see Chapter 4).
When using the QuadraSynth as a master keyboard to play other MIDI devices, be
sure the Keyboard Mode is set to ÒFRM MIX.Ó The Keyboard Mode parameter is
found on Page 2 of Global mode (for more information, see Chapter 8).
Caution: Do not attempt to connect more than three or four units together using thru
connections as this may impede the MIDI data flow to the connected devices.
Instead, insert a MIDI patch-bay to the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI OUT so that all devices
receive its MIDI information simultaneously.
Using the S4 in Live Performance
Depending on the capabilities of your MIDI controller keyboard, you have two
different options available for how the S4 will respond when it is in Mix mode:
If your controller can only issue commands on one or two MIDI channels
simultaneously, you may want to set the S4Õs ÒMix Group ChannelÓ parameter (on
page 2 of the Global display) to a channel between 1 and 16, so that your controller
can play a mix of several S4 programs in response to a single channel of MIDI.
24 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Connections
If you have a master controller or QuadraSynth which can send on multiple MIDI
channels, you may want to set ÒMix Group ChannelÓ to off. To create layers or
stacks, your controller must send multiple MIDI messages to the S4 simultaneously.
This offers you the added control of changing the sound from the controller by
sending Program Change commands on individual channels within a mix. A
disadvantage of this approach is that the controller must send many channels of
duplicate MIDI messages simultaneously.
Note that in Program mode, the Mix Group Channel parameter has no effect.
Typical Application 2: Using the
QuadraSynth with an External Sequencer
The QuadraSynth can generate MIDI signals that are recorded by a sequencer. On
playback, the sequencer sends this data back into the QuadraSynth, which then
serves as a multitimbral sound module (Mix mode). The sequencer can generate data
over several channels; in Mix mode, the QuadraSynth 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 QuadraSynth 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 QuadraSynth can store up to 100 User Mixes.
Connect the sequencerÕs MIDI Out to the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI IN, and the
QuadraSynthÕs MIDI OUT to the sequencerÕs MIDI In. This allows the QuadraSynth
to send data to the sequencer for recording, and play back data from the sequencer.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 25
Connections
MIDI
COMPUTER
IN
MIDI
INTERFACE
MIDI
OUT
MIDI
IN
If you are driving other MIDI gear (such as an expander module or MIDI-responsive
signal processor), youÕll usually drive these from the sequencer if it has additional
MIDI outputs. However, you can also use the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI THRU connector
to drive other modules since the Thru carries a replica of what appears at the
QuadraSynthÕs MIDI IN, which is the same as the sequencerÕs MIDI OUT.
MIDI
OUT
About the Keyboard Mode
In a Mix, the QuadraSynthÕs keyboard may be set up in several ways using the
Keyboard Mode parameter found on Page 2 of Global mode. You need to determine
which way is best for your application. The Keyboard Mode parameter determines
how the keyboard will function with regard to MIDI in Mix mode:
¥ The keyboard sends on only one MIDI channel and the sequencer is used to set
the MIDI channel of each track (Keyboard Mode = OUT 1 Ñ OUT 16).
¥ Or, the keyboard is split or layered, sending on many MIDI channels at once, and
the sequencer records each channel onto a different track (FRM MIX).
26 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Connections
¥ Or, the keyboard only sends on one MIDI channel, but you change the channel
on the QuadraSynth for each separate track on the sequencer (CH SOLO).
In OUT 1 Ñ OUT 16 mode, you will not hear the QuadraSynth unless your
sequencer echoes the MIDI data back to the QuadraSynthÕs MIDI IN. This is a way of
verifying that the sequencer is set to receive properly. Depending on the capabilities
of your sequencer, it may Òauto-channelizeÓ the echoed MIDI back to the
QuadraSynth on a different MIDI channel (usually, the MIDI channel that the
selected record track is assigned to). In FRM MIX or CH SOLO mode, the
QuadraSynth sounds are internally played from the QuadraSynth keyboard, so any
echo features of the sequencer should be turned off.
When using the QuadraSynth with a MIDI sequencer, the usual choice for the
Keyboard Mode is ÒOUT 1.Ó This is equivalent to turning the QuadraSynthÕs local
control off. For more information, see page 45
Using the S4 with a Sequencer
For most sequencer applications, the S4Õs ÒMix Group ChannelÓ parameter (on page
2 of the Global display) should be set to OFF. See page 109 for more information.
Pedal and Footswitch Hookup
The QuadraSynth keyboard has two PEDAL jacks that accept a Roland model EV-5
(or equivalent) volume control pedal, or a standard switch pedal. Each pedal can be
assigned to independent modulation functions within a program. Example: One pedal
could control volume, and the other vibrato depth.
The SUSTAIN footswitch jack accepts a momentary footswitch unit, included with
the unit (it is packed in the center of the end caps). This provides the same function
as the sustain (or damper) pedal on a standard keyboard. You can use either a
normally closed or normally open momentary contact footswitch. Plug it into the
rear panel SUSTAIN footswitch jack before powering up the QuadraSynth; on power
up, it will automatically sense the footswitch polarity and calibrate itself accordingly.
If your footswitch seems to respond backwards (notes sustain unless the footswitch is
✪
pressed), turn off the QuadraSynth, make sure the footswitch plug is fully inserted into the
footswitch jack, then turn the power back on.
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 27
Connections
Digital Audio/Optical Hookup
The QuadraSynth can send digital audio directly into ADAT, which provides better
fidelity than using the analog inputs and outputs.
The digital I/O connector follows a proprietary Alesis format that carries all four
audio outputs 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. 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:
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 QuadraSynth DIGITAL OUT and the other end into
the ADAT or AI-1 DIGITAL IN.
To test the cable and QuadraSynth digital output, plug one cable end into the
QuadraSynth. The other end should emit a soft red light (it is not dangerous to look
directly at this light).
Recording Digital Audio
Once the fiber optic connection is made between the QuadraSynth and ADAT or an
AI-1, the QuadraSynth 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 Left and
Right outputs are routed to channels 1 and 2, while the Aux Left and Right outputs
are routed to channels 3 and 4. Note that the volume knob controls the level of all
analog and digital output channels simultaneously. Set the volume to maximum for
most applications.
48 kHz Clock In
If your ADAT system has an Alesis BRC Remote Controller, the QuadraSynthÕs
digital clock must be synchronized to the clock coming from the BRC. Connect a
BNC-to-BNC cable (such as the Alesis BN cable) between the BRCÕs 48 kHz CLOCK
OUT and the QuadraSynthÕs 48 kHz CLOCK IN. For more information about using
the 48 kHz clock, see page 110 in Chapter 8. When using only one ADAT without the
BRC, it is not necessary to connect the 48 kHz Clock.
ADAT
#1
DIGITAL
SYNC
IN
BRC
SYNC
OUT
IN
DIGITAL
OUT
48 KHZ
IN
48 KHZ
OUT
ADAT
#2
ADAT
#3
28 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Connections
QuadraSynth Reference Manual 29
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