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ALPHA BASE
Operating Manual
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Jomox ALPHA BASE Operating Manual

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Version OS 1.0
ALPHA BASE
ANALOG DRUM SYNTHESIZER
Operating Manual
Version OS 1.0
1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................11
1.1.1 Kick Drum ...................................................................................................11
1.1.2 MBrane ........................................................................................................11
1.1.3 Samples+Filter.............................................................................................11
1.1.4 Hi Hat ..........................................................................................................12
1.1.5 Clap, Rim, Crash, Ride ...............................................................................12
1.1.6 X Sample 1+2 ..............................................................................................12
1.1.7 FM Synth .....................................................................................................12
1.1.8 Effects ..........................................................................................................13
1.1.9 Editing .........................................................................................................13
1.1.10 Manual convention.....................................................................................13
2 CONNECTION.........................................................................................................14
2.1.1 Power Supply...............................................................................................14
2.1.2 Audio connections........................................................................................14
2.1.3 USB Connection...........................................................................................14
2.1.4 MIDI Connections........................................................................................15
2.1.5 MIDI OUT....................................................................................................15
2.1.6 MIDI Thru....................................................................................................15
2.1.7 Sync Out 1+2...............................................................................................15
2.1.8 SD Card Slot................................................................................................16
2.2.1 First Steps.....................................................................................................17
2.2.2 Select Presets:..............................................................................................18
2.2.3 Select Patterns:............................................................................................18
2.2.4 Select Instruments (=tracks): ......................................................................19
2.2.5 Mute Instruments:........................................................................................19
2.2.6 Edit Instrument:...........................................................................................19
2.2.7 Store Kit Preset:...........................................................................................19
2.2.8 Store Pattern:...............................................................................................19
2.2.9 Edit Tempo:..................................................................................................19
2.2.10 Edit Patterns:.............................................................................................20
2.2.11 Set/Clear Accents:......................................................................................20
2.2.12 Select Bar (Measure):................................................................................20
2.2.13 Pitch Sequence:..........................................................................................20
2.2.14 Editing Sample based instruments ............................................................20
3 THE USER INTERFACE.......................................................................................21
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3.1.1 Muting Instruments/Encoder Click..............................................................21
3.2.1 Input Gain ...................................................................................................21
3.2.2 Phones..........................................................................................................21
3.2.3 Mix Volume..................................................................................................21
3.3.1 DATA............................................................................................................22
3.3.2 LEFT/RIGHT................................................................................................22
3.3.3 KIT/SEQ.......................................................................................................22
3.3.4 DISK.............................................................................................................22
3.3.5 BPM/MIDI....................................................................................................22
3.3.6 BANK 1 - 4 ..................................................................................................23
3.3.7 PAGE A/B.....................................................................................................23
3.3.8 BAR A, B, C, D.............................................................................................23
3.4.1 SEQ..............................................................................................................24
3.4.2 CHAIN..........................................................................................................24
3.4.3 X-REC .........................................................................................................24
3.4.4 EDIT/TRIG...................................................................................................24
3.4.5 DOWN/UP....................................................................................................24
3.5.1 Start..............................................................................................................25
3.5.2 Stop...............................................................................................................25
3.5.3 Enter.............................................................................................................25
3.5.4 Shift/Cancel..................................................................................................25
3.5.5 Scale Stripes.................................................................................................25
3.5.6 Step 1-16 buttons and LEDs.........................................................................25
3.5.7 Instrument Keys............................................................................................25
4 KIT/SEQ....................................................................................................................26
4.1.1 Kit Select Mode............................................................................................26
4.1.2 Parameter Mode...........................................................................................26
5 EDITING...................................................................................................................28
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6 ANALOG INSTRUMENTS....................................................................................29
6.1.1 KD Page 1 A = Page 1 B.............................................................................29
6.1.1.1 Tune < 000-127 >............................................................................................29
6.1.1.2 Pitch < 000-127 >...........................................................................................29
6.1.1.3 Decay < 000-127 >..........................................................................................29
6.1.1.4 Harm = Harmonics < 000-127 >.......................................................................29
6.1.2 KD Page 2 A................................................................................................30
6.1.2.1 Attack < 000-127 >..........................................................................................30
6.1.2.2 Pulse < 000- 127 >..........................................................................................30
6.1.2.3 Noise < 000-127 >........................................................................................... 30
6.1.2.4 EQ < 000- 127 >............................................................................................. 30
6.1.3 KD Page 2 B.................................................................................................31
6.1.3.1 PtAtk = Pitch Attack < 000-127 >.....................................................................31
6.1.3.2 PtDec = Pitch Decay < 000- 127 >.....................................................................31
6.1.4 KD Page 3 A = Page 3 B.............................................................................32
6.1.4.1 Compr = Compression < 000-127 >..................................................................32
6.1.4.2 MetNz = Metal Noise < off/noi-127 >.............................................................32
6.1.4.3 EVAmt = Envelope Amount < 000-127 >.......................................................32
6.1.4.4 Gate < 000-127 >...........................................................................................32
6.1.5 KD Page 4 A.................................................................................................33
6.1.5.1 LFWav = LFO Wave < 000-063 >...................................................................33
6.1.5.2 LFRat = LFO Rate < 000-127 >......................................................................33
6.1.5.3 LFInt = LFO Intensity < 000-127 >..................................................................33
6.1.5.4 Vol = Volume < 000-127 >..............................................................................33
6.1.6 KD Page 4 B.................................................................................................34
6.1.6.1 Acc = Accent < 000-127 >..............................................................................34
6.2.1 MB Page 1 A................................................................................................37
6.2.1.1 Pitc1 = M1 Pitch < 000- 127 >..........................................................................37
6.2.1.2 Damp1 = M1 Dampen < 000-127 >...................................................................37
6.2.1.3 Pitc2 = M2 Pitch < 000-127 >..........................................................................37
6.2.1.4 Damp2 = M2 Dampen < 000-127 >..................................................................37
6.2.2 MB Page 2 A................................................................................................38
6.2.2.1 Cupl1 = Coupling 1->2 < 000-127 >................................................................38
6.2.2.2 Cupl2 = Coupling 2->1 < 000-127 >.................................................................38
6.2.2.3 Noise < 000-127 >.......................................................................................... 38
6.2.2.4 Decay < 000-127 >........................................................................................39
6.2.3 MB Page 2 B................................................................................................39
6.2.3.1 P1Atk = Pitch1 Attack < 000-127 >..................................................................39
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6.2.3.2 P1Dec = Pitch1 Decay < 000-127 >..................................................................39
6.2.3.3 P2Atk = Pitch2 Attack < 000-127 >..................................................................39
6.2.3.4 P2Dc = Pitch2 Decay < 000-127 >...................................................................39
6.2.4 MB Page 3 A................................................................................................40
6.2.4.1 NzFil = Noise Filter < 000-127 >.....................................................................40
6.2.4.2 MtNz1 = Metal Noise 1 < 000-127 >................................................................40
6.2.4.3 NzShp = Noise Shape < 000-012 >...................................................................40
6.2.4.4 Gate < 000-127 >...........................................................................................41
6.2.5 MB Page 3 B................................................................................................41
6.2.5.1 E1Amt = Envelope 1 Amount < 000-127 >.....................................................41
6.2.5.2 MtNz2 = Metal Noise 2 < 000-127 >................................................................41
6.2.5.3 E2Amt = Envelope 2 Amount < 000-127 >....................................................41
6.2.6 MB Page 4 A................................................................................................42
6.2.6.1 L1Wav = LFO 1 Wave < 000-063 >.................................................................42
6.2.6.2 L1Rat = LFO 1 Rate < 000-127 >....................................................................42
6.2.6.3 L1Int = LFO 1 Intensity < 000-127 >...............................................................42
6.2.6.4 Vol = Volume < 000-127 >..............................................................................42
6.2.7 MB Page 4 B................................................................................................43
6.2.7.1 L2Wav = LFO 2 Wave < 000-063 >.................................................................43
6.2.7.2 L2Rat = LFO 2 Rate < 000-127 >...................................................................43
6.2.7.3 L2Int = LFO 2 Intensity < 000-127 >...............................................................43
6.2.7.4 Acc = Accent < 000-127 >..............................................................................43
7 SAMPLE BASED INSTRUMENTS.......................................................................44
7.1.1 SMP Page 1 A (every sampling instrument including X Sample tracks).....44
7.1.1.1 Pitch < 000-127 >............................................................................................44
7.1.1.2 Start < 000-127 >.............................................................................................44
7.1.1.3 Stop < 000-127 >............................................................................................. 44
7.1.1.4 Sample < 000-300 >.........................................................................................45
7.1.2 SMP Page 1 B (every sampling instrument including X Sample tracks).....45
7.1.2.1 Cents < 000-127 >........................................................................................... 45
7.1.2.2 Loop < 000-127 >...........................................................................................45
7.1.2.3 LopOn = Loop On < 000/128 >......................................................................45
7.1.2.4 Revr = Reverse play < 000/128 >....................................................................45
7.2.1 SMP Page 2 A..............................................................................................47
7.2.1.1 VCAtt = VCA Attack < 000-127 >..................................................................47
7.2.1.2 VCDec = VCA Decay < 000-127 >.................................................................47
7.2.1.3 VCSus = VCA Sustain < 000-127 >................................................................47
7.2.1.4 VCRel = VCA Release < 000-127 >................................................................47
7.2.2 SMP Page 2 B..............................................................................................48
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7.2.2.1 FiAtt = Filter Attack < 000-127 >....................................................................48
7.2.2.2 FiDec = Filter Decay < 000-127 >...................................................................48
7.2.2.3 FiSus = Filter Sustain < 000-127 >...................................................................48
7.2.2.4 FiRel = Filter Release < 000-127 >...................................................................48
7.2.3 CH/OH Page 3 A (only Hi Hat Filter).........................................................49
7.2.3.1 LpCut = Low Pass Cutoff < 000-127 >.............................................................49
7.2.3.2 HpCut = High Pass Cutoff < 000-127 >............................................................49
7.2.3.3 Res = Resonance < 000-127 >.........................................................................49
7.2.3.4 Rout = Filter Routing < 000-001 >...................................................................49
7.2.4 CH/OH Page 3 B (only Hi Hat Filter).........................................................50
7.2.4.1 LpCut = Low Pass Cutoff < 000-127 >.............................................................50
7.2.4.2 HpCut = High Pass Cutoff < 000-127 >............................................................50
7.2.4.3 EvAmt = Envelope Amount < 000-127 >.........................................................50
7.2.4.4 NtNz = Metal Noise < 000-127 >....................................................................50
7.2.5 SMP Page 3 A (only MM Filter Instruments Clap, Rim, Crash and Ride)..51
7.2.5.1 Cutoff < 000-127 >.........................................................................................51
7.2.5.2 Res = Resonance < 000-127 >........................................................................51
7.2.5.3 EvAmt = Envelope Amount < 000-127 >.........................................................51
7.2.5.4 Rout = Filter Routing < 000-003 >...................................................................52
7.2.6 SMP Page 3 B (only MM Filter Instruments Clap, Rim, Crash and Ride)..52
7.2.6.1 Cutoff < 000-127 >.........................................................................................52
7.2.6.2 Res = Resonance < 000-127 >........................................................................52
7.2.6.3 EvAmt = Envelope Amount < 000-127 >.........................................................52
7.2.6.4 NtNz = Metal Noise < 000-127 >....................................................................52
7.2.7 SMP Page 4 A (every sampling instrument including X Sample tracks).....53
7.2.7.1 LFWav = LFO Wave < 000-063 >....................................................................53
7.2.7.2 LFRat = LFO Rate < 000-127 >.......................................................................53
7.2.7.3 LFTun = LFO Sample Tune Amount < 000-127 >...........................................53
7.2.7.4 Vol = Volume < 000-127 >..............................................................................53
7.2.8 SMP Page 4 B (every sampling instrument including X Sample tracks).....54
7.2.8.1 LFsyn = LFO Syncronization < 000/128 >.......................................................54
7.2.8.2 LFVCA = LFO VCA Amount < 000-127 >....................................................54
7.2.8.3 LFcut = LFO Cutoff Amount < 000-127 >.......................................................54
7.2.8.4 Acc = Accent < 000-127 >..............................................................................54
7.3.1 X1/X2 Page 1 A............................................................................................55
7.3.1.1 Sample select X < RAM1, RAM2, 2-300 >......................................................55
7.3.2 Recording a Sample ...................................................................................56
7.3.3 Manually Recording a Sample ...................................................................57
7.4.1 FM Synth modulation matrix.......................................................................58
7.4.1.1 FM Modulation Matrix Page A..........................................................................59
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7.4.2 FM Synth Operator Description..................................................................60
7.4.3 FM Synth Envelope Page B..........................................................................61
7.4.3.1 EG1At = Sine Operator 1 Envelope Generator Attack <0-127>........................61
7.4.3.2 EG1Rl = Sine Operator 1 Envelope Generator Release <0-127>.......................61
7.4.3.3 S1Amt = Sine Operator EG1 VCA Amount <0-127>........................................61
7.4.3.4 S1FM = Sine Operator EG1 FM Amount <0-127>............................................61
7.5.1 Entering the FX page...................................................................................63
7.5.2 Reverb Parameters Page 1 A......................................................................63
7.5.2.1 Reverb Room Size ............................................................................................ 63
7.5.2.2 Reverb Low Frequencies................................................................................... 63
7.5.2.3 Reverb High Frequencies...................................................................................63
7.5.2.4 Reverb Level......................................................................................................64
7.5.3 Reverb Send KD, MB, CH, OH Page 2 A....................................................64
7.5.3.1 Kick Drum Reverb Send....................................................................................64
7.5.3.2 MBrane Reverb Send.........................................................................................64
7.5.3.3 Closed HiHat Reverb Send................................................................................64
7.5.3.4 Open HiHat Reverb Send...................................................................................64
7.5.4 Reverb Send CLAP, RIM, CRASH, RIDE Page 3 A.....................................65
7.5.4.1 Clap Reverb Send..............................................................................................65
7.5.4.2 Rim Reverb Send............................................................................................... 65
7.5.4.3 Crash Reverb Send............................................................................................65
7.5.4.4 Ride Reverb Send..............................................................................................65
7.5.5 Reverb Send X1, X2, FM, Rev on/off Page 4 A............................................66
7.5.5.1 X Sample 1 Reverb Send...................................................................................66
7.5.5.2 X Sample 2 Reverb Send...................................................................................66
7.5.5.3 FM Synth Reverb Send......................................................................................66
7.5.5.4 Reverb on/off.....................................................................................................66
7.5.6 Delay Parameters Page 1 B.........................................................................67
7.5.6.1 Delay Time .......................................................................................................67
7.5.6.2 Delay Feedback.................................................................................................67
7.5.6.3 Delay Spatial..................................................................................................... 67
7.5.6.4 Delay Level....................................................................................................... 67
7.5.7 Delay Send KD, MB, CH, OH Page 2 B......................................................68
7.5.7.1 Kick Drum Delay Send......................................................................................68
7.5.7.2 MBrane Delay Send...........................................................................................68
7.5.7.3 Closed HiHat Delay Send..................................................................................68
7.5.7.4 Open HiHat Delay Send.....................................................................................68
7.5.8 Delay Send CLAP, RIM, CRASH, RIDE Page 3 B......................................69
7.5.8.1 Clap Delay Send................................................................................................69
7.5.8.2 Rim Delay Send................................................................................................. 69
7.5.8.3 Crash Delay Send..............................................................................................69
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7.5.8.4 Ride Delay Send................................................................................................69
7.5.9 Delay Send X1, X2, FM, Rev on/off Page 4 A..............................................70
7.5.9.1 X Sample 1 Delay Send.....................................................................................70
7.5.9.2 X Sample 2 Delay Send.....................................................................................70
7.5.9.3 FM Synth Delay Send........................................................................................70
7.5.9.4 Delay on/off.......................................................................................................70
8 SINGLE/MULTI MODE.........................................................................................71
8.1.1 Selecting an Instrument in Multi Mode........................................................73
8.1.2 Editing and Storing Sounds in Multi Mode..................................................73
9 DISK..........................................................................................................................74
9.2.1 Change and Open a Folder..........................................................................75
9.2.2 Load a Sample into RAM.............................................................................76
9.2.3 Load a Sample into Flash Memory..............................................................76
10 BPM/MIDI..............................................................................................................82
10.2.1 ClkSync = Midi Clock Syncronization <on/off>.......................................82
10.2.2 TxClk = Transmit Midi Clock <on/off>....................................................83
10.3.1 TxTrg = Transmit MIDI Note Triggers <on/off>......................................83
10.3.2 TxCC = Transmit MIDI Continuous Controllers <on/off>.......................83
10.3.3 USBMidi = USB events to MIDI <on/off>................................................84
10.3.4 MidiUSB = Midi events to USB <on/off>.................................................84
10.4.1 DumpKit.....................................................................................................84
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10.4.2 DumpAllKits...............................................................................................85
10.4.3 DumpSeq....................................................................................................85
10.4.4 DumpAllSeq................................................................................................85
10.5.1 DumpSample..............................................................................................85
10.5.2 DumpAllSampl...........................................................................................85
11 THE SEQUENCER................................................................................................86
11.1.1 Pattern Recall.............................................................................................86
11.1.2 Bank button...............................................................................................86
11.1.3 Chaining of Patterns..................................................................................87
11.2.1 Setting or Clearing Steps – Programming Beats.......................................88
11.2.2 Setting/Clearing Accents............................................................................88
11.2.3 BAR Button <A-D>....................................................................................89
11.2.4 Scale <A-D>..............................................................................................89
11.2.4.1 Editing Scale:...................................................................................................90
11.2.5 Last Step <1-64>......................................................................................90
11.2.6 A/B/C/D Copy function..............................................................................91
11.2.7 Shuffle <000-011>.....................................................................................92
11.2.8 Roll/Flam....................................................................................................92
11.2.9 Store Pattern / Copy Function...................................................................93
11.3.1 Pitch Sequence...........................................................................................95
11.3.2 Parameter Locks........................................................................................96
11.3.2.1 Setting p-locks.................................................................................................96
11.3.2.2 Setting Instrument Select as p-locks................................................................97
11.3.2.3 Editing p-locks.................................................................................................98
11.3.2.4 Setting or Clearing p-locks
.......................................................................................................................................99
12 2ND FUNCTIONS...............................................................................................100
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Version OS 1.0
12.9.1 Stereo Pan KD, MB, CH, OH Page 1......................................................105
12.9.1.1 Kick Drum Pan <000-127, 63=Center)..........................................................105
12.9.1.2 MBrane Pan <000-127, 63=Center)...............................................................105
12.9.1.3 Closed HiHat Pan <000-127, 63=Center)......................................................105
12.9.1.4 Open HiHat Pan <000-127, 63=Center).........................................................105
12.9.2 Stereo Pan Clap, Rim, Crash, Ride Page 2..............................................105
12.9.2.1 Clap Pan <000-127, 63=Center)....................................................................105
12.9.2.2 Rim Pan <000-127, 63=Center).....................................................................105
12.9.2.3 Crash Pan <000-127, 63=Center)...................................................................105
12.9.2.4 Ride Pan <000-127, 63=Center)....................................................................105
12.9.3 Stereo Pan X1, X2, X Input Mono/Stereo, Init Page 3.............................106
12.9.3.1 X1 Pan <000-127, 63=Center).......................................................................106
12.9.3.2 X2 Pan <000-127, 63=Center).......................................................................106
12.9.3.3 X Input Mono/Stereo <on/off>......................................................................106
12.9.3.4 Inititialise Panning.........................................................................................106
12.9.4 Stereo Pan X1, X2, X Input Mono/Stereo, Init Page 4.............................107
12.9.4.1 FM Pan..........................................................................................................107
12.9.4.2 FM Spatial.....................................................................................................107
12.9.4.3 FM Number of Voices <001-006>.................................................................107
12.9.4.4 FM Volume.................................................................................................... 107
13 APPENDIX...........................................................................................................110
13.1.1 Midi Note Commands...............................................................................110
13.1.2 Sound Parameter (Continuous Controllers)............................................111
13.1.3 3. Sysex Commands..................................................................................116
10 ALPHA BASE Operating Manual
Version OS 1.0
1 Introduction
Thank you for using the JoMoX ALPHA BASE! We are pretty confident that that you’ll have lots of joy and entertainment with this incredible sounding analog drum synthesizer!
1.1 A brief introduction to the ALPHA BASE
The ALPHA BASE is a drum machine with 11 instruments. Although it may appear similar to our classics XBASE 09, 999 and 888, the ALPHA BASE has an entirely new design under the hood. We have put in all the concentrated know-how of Jomox drum machines and our synths from the past 20 years, simplifying some things, but also adding new components or combining them anew. The outcome is the best sounding and most versatile drum machine that Jomox has ever built.
1.1.1 Kick Drum
The central instrument still is the analog kick drum which has received another facelift. The legendary punch and assertiveness of all Jomox kicks are convincingly continued. LFO, pitch envelope, metallic noise and gate time are famous, essential features that are very much emphatically there.
1.1.2 MBrane
As a second analog instrument, we have put in a complete MBrane voice. It covers a gigantic spectrum of analog snare drums, percussions, cow bells, claves, glasses, toms, bass drums etc. etc. It uses the technology of the Mod.Brane11. Of course, this instrument has 2 of its own LFOS, pitch envelopes and metallic noise as well.
1.1.3 Samples+Filter
The succeeding six instruments are built hybridly and consist of samples that are run through real analog filters and VCAs. Each analog sample channel has its own metallic noise that alternatively can be used as a signal source or be mixed to the sample. With metallic noise only, it becomes a pure analog instrument again. Four channels make use of a multimode filter that is capable of resonance - again they can be used as true analog instruments with the self-oscillating filter as the only sound source if you wish.
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1.1.4 Hi Hat
Two of these six channels are reserved for Hi Hats and make use of a proven and improved HH filter already used in the XBASE 999. It is specialized for analog Hi Hats and can conjure brilliantly sounding Hi Hats from a sample mixed with metallic noise.
1.1.5 Clap, Rim, Crash, Ride
The succeeding four channels have each a resonance-capable 2-pole multimode filter that can be switched between LP, HP and BP. The filter cutoff can be modulated by an ADSR envelope and an LFO per instrument. If the filter is self-oscillating, one can create wonderful analog toms, claves, sticks etc. by means of the VCA envelope behind. Or even bend samples to their sonic limits. In principle, each of the four MM filter sample channels is a little synth voice on its own. A sampled synth bass run through the analog filter is nearly indistinguishable from a real analog synth.
1.1.6 X Sample 1+2
Moreover, there are two sample instruments that work purely digitally. It's even possible for Alpha Base to sample external audio on these channels for up to 5 seconds, which is more than enough for drum samples. The recorded sample can be stored on SD card or be copied to the internal flash memory and then be played back by the other sample channels. Samples can also be copied from SD card into flash memory. The format is RAW/WAV mono 16 Bit / 48kHz. The internal organization divides samples into fixed memory slots that can be addressed by the parameter sample select in the instruments. All samples can be pitched and modulated across a wide range. The sample start and stop points can be edited and samples are loopable as well. Modulation targets are: pitch, filter cutoff and volume, for which each channel has its own LFO.
1.1.7 FM Synth
As a little digital gadget we have added a mini FM synth. With 4 operators and maximum 6 voices it can create everything from weird and crazy percussion sounds down to simple chords. Played over an external midi keyboard, it can be used as a polyphonic synth.
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1.1.8 Effects
Two digital effects are on board: delay and reverb that act as send/return effects. Each of the analog instrument outputs has an own A/D converter. The delay effect can also be inserted into the 6 hybrid sample channels to become part of the sound production chain. The reverb can easily be killed by an encoder click but is indeed a great advantage for live performances with minimal equipment. Reverb times can reach almost infinity, and the damping filters act emphatically so that the reverb meets the requirement of modern electronic music and can be an essential part of the sound.
1.1.9 Editing
For the editing of parameters there are 16 encoders arranged in a 4x4 matrix. Each instrument only comprises two pages of 16 values to make the editing as easy as possible, without deep menu cursors. The 24x2 character display can show 4 parameters at a glance.
1.1.10 Manual convention
In order to make this manual easier to understand, all user interface descriptions of the ALPHA BASE in the text following, are set into round brackets () and printed bold.
e.g.
Press the
(KIT/SEQ)
button.
Display contents and values are printed like this: < 000-127 >
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2 Connection
Please use the ALPHA BASE in dry rooms only, with a temperature no higher than 35° C (95° F). On the back panel of the casing you will find the following connections:
2.1.1 Power Supply
Please connect the provided wall wart adapter to the line and hook it up to the supply jack 12V= DC IN on the ALPHA BASE. If, for any reason, you are not able to use the original power supply, please use a DC adapter with 12 Volts and at least 2 amps. Never use an AC/AC adapter as the ALPHA BASE might get damaged!
2.1.2 Audio connections
Please turn off the ALPHA BASE and the mixer. The ALPHA BASE has a stereo main output that mixes all instruments. If you plug in a cable to an individual output, this instrument is removed from the stereo mix.
All audio outputs including the individual outs are balanced and deliver a level of max 20dBu. Please connect the audio outputs with ¼” stereo audio cables to the audio inputs of your mixer. Most mixers can handle these balanced inputs.
2.1.3 USB Connection
The USB input is just used for Midi via USB. No drivers are needed as it uses generic drivers for Midi USB devices that are part of every modern computer OS. Just connect the Alpha Base with a normal USB cable to the computer, and the computer will recognize the USB device and install the driver automatically. Please note that the Alpha Base is not USB powered and always needs to be turned on before a USB connection gets established. Every instrument receives and transmits midi on its own channel in ascending order. It starts with the kick drum = CH 1 and ends with the FM synth = CH 11. CH 16 is reserved as a global channel where the Alpha Base receives all instruments mapped on the keyboard. See Appendix for more information.
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2.1.4 MIDI Connections
The MIDI In jack of the ALPHA BASE is used for remote playing, controlling and synchronization by other MIDI capable devices like master keyboards and computers. You can use the Midi port alongside the USB port Midi.
» Note: please only send as much Midi data as necessary. The more Midi data has to pass the MIDI cable the worse the timing gets. Use different Midi ports for different machines as the Midi protocol is serial and consumes time and performance. Please look at the Midi Implementation in the appendix about which Midi data is received and processed by the ALPHA BASE.
Connect the MIDI In jack of the ALPHA BASE to the MIDI Out jack of the master by use of a midi cable.
2.1.5 MIDI OUT
With MIDI Out the ALPHA BASE transmits midi data to other devices such as computers, synthesizers and others. Connect the MIDI Out jack of the ALPHA BASE to the Midi In jack of the other device.
2.1.6 MIDI Thru
Midi data that is received on the MIDI In jack is forwarded to the MIDI Thru jack without being changed. More MIDI capable devices can be connected to this port.
2.1.7 Sync Out 1+2
In the Midi jacks there is an old school Roland DIN Sync interface integrated in case someone has to synchronize an old TB-303 or the like. The sync lines are on pins that are not used by Midi. The output sync port appears on both Midi Thru and Midi Out. If you don't need one of them, use a regular Midi cable and connect it to the DIN sync input of your device. The ALPHA BASE provides a 5V Run/Stop and a 5V clock signal. A maximum of two units can be synced.
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2.1.8 SD Card Slot
The Alpha Base has an SD card port to upload or store samples. Please use the provided SD Card. The card must have a FAT32 file system, not exFAT32 as this is Microsoft licensed and not supported. Mostly smaller and slower cards up to 32-64GB make use of the FAT32 system. The size can be as high as 8TB but the FAT32 file system is mandatory. File format is WAV 48kHz 16bit mono or RAW 48kHz 16bit mono. The Alpha Base only stores RAW files.
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2.2 Quick Start
Connect the ALPHA BASE to an appropriate amplifier or to a mixer. Before you turn on, please turn the master level of your mixer or amplifier down. On initial boot up sequence, you are welcomed by the following display:
JoMoX Music Tools
Analog w/out compromises
Presenting the wonderful
ALPHABASE DRUM MACHINE
And ultimately:
AlphaOneOOO 12O.O
Press the (Start) button to start the sequencer. Now you can adjust the Mix Volume or the Phones knob to a convenient volume.
2.2.1 First Steps
Let’s program the first self-created drum pattern. Switch to bank 2 by pressing the (BANK) button. By pressing (Step 1) button choose the first empty pattern. Now enter the edit mode by pressing (EDIT/TRIG) and select an instrument track by pressing the corresponding instrument key, e.g. the kick drum track. Start the sequencer and press some desired (Step) buttons (= one 16th note) in the current track. The step is played when the running LED spot comes across. Pressing again erases the step again. Complete your instrument rhythm and switch to another instrument and select steps to be played there too and complete your own drum pattern by layering several instruments in a rhythmic pattern. If you want to set an accent, hold the instrument key and press the step button at the same time so that the formerly red step LED turns orange. They are lit orange to indicate that an accent is played on this step. If you want to unset an accent, do the same again and the orange LED turns red. You can adjust the accent level of any instrument if you switch the (PAGE) button to page B and turn the rightmost lowest encoder 16. With Acc = 0 there is no difference between accent or non-accent, with Acc = 127 the difference is at maximum.
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If you are ready with your rhythmic pattern, let's add a little melody to the different instruments. Press the (SEQ) button to enter pitch sequence mode, the display shows:
PitchSq
x x x x x x x x x x x
KickDrm
See that the sequencer spot LED also runs through the 4x4 knob matrix, indicating the knob of the step that is currently played. The LED next to the knobs of steps set lights up red. You can change the tuning for those steps by turning the knobs. This will be displayed in the LCD. Every pixel resembles a semitone (except Kick and Mbrane).
Now you can go through the different instruments and create melodies for the bass drum or make melodies on the clap sound or whatever you like.
If you want to edit the sounds of the instruments again or even want to change the kit preset, just flip to parameter mode, kit select or pitch sequence mode by pressing the (KIT/SEQ) button several times.
If you press (SEQ) again (SEQ=off), the melodies turn off and the Alpha Base just plays the internal pitch of every instrument.
If you like the pattern, you should store it to memory. Unless you store it - all editings are only made in the edit buffer - it will be gone when you select another pattern. Press and click (Knob 15) to quick-store a pattern to RAM. For long-term storage, press (Shift/Cancel), then (Step 3) = Store Pattern.
Enjoy and check it out!
In the following short paragraphs of the quick start guide the basic functions are described:
2.2.2 Select Presets:
The (KIT/SEQ) button switches between preset selection and parameter mode. In Kit select mode, use the (Data) wheel or the (Up/Down) buttons to select a kit and load it by clicking (Data) wheel or the (Enter) button.
2.2.3 Select Patterns:
Whilst EDIT/TRIG LED is off, press one of 16 step buttons to select a pattern. Use the bank button to select one of 4 banks. In the factory settings, banks 2-4 are empty.
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2.2.4 Select Instruments (=tracks):
Press (EDIT/TRIG) (LED = on) and press an instrument key to select the track. The instrument/track LED lights up, indicating the currently selected track. Press (EDIT/TRIG) again (LED = off) and trigger the instrument with the key button.
2.2.5 Mute Instruments:
Click on the encoder knobs that correspond to the instrument (1=Kick, 2=MBrane, 3=CH aso.). If the LED blinks, the instrument is muted. Press again to unmute.
2.2.6 Edit Instrument:
Turn the desired encoder knob – the parameter of the currently selected instrument gets changed. One row of 4 parameters is displayed. The rows switch automatically when a knob is turned. Press the (PAGE) A/B button to reach the second set of parameters (max 32 per instrument). When in parameter mode (KIT/SEQ = not kit select), the right/left buttons switch between the rows of parameters and show the actual parameters.
2.2.7 Store Kit Preset:
Press and click (Knob 16) to quick-store to RAM. The RAM stores all presets and patterns temporarily. In order to keep the edited data after next power cycle, you have to transfer the data to flash memory. This is made with shift 1 (Store Preset). However, due to the internal structure, all digital instruments must be muted during the programming cycle, although the sequencer keeps on running. So, for transparent work-flow, use the quick-store function during work-in­progress and do not forget to store to flash memory with shift 1 before turning off.
2.2.8 Store Pattern:
Press and click (Knob 15) to quick-store a pattern to RAM. The same considerations as with Preset Store apply here (see above), just use Store Pattern (shift 3) to transfer to flash memory.
2.2.9 Edit Tempo:
Press (BPM/MIDI) and change the tempo with the (Data) wheel.
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2.2.10 Edit Patterns:
Whilst in Edit Mode ( EDIT/TRIG LED=on), set the notes with the 16 step buttons of the desired 16th to be played in a measure. Press (Start) to start the sequencer, and the running LED spot shows the currently played step.
2.2.11 Set/Clear Accents:
Hold the instrument key and press the step button at the same time. The color changes from red to orange=accent or vice-versa. All instruments have an individual accent level that defines how strong the accent is played.
2.2.12 Select Bar (Measure):
The instrument tracks can be as long as 64 steps. Whilst in Edit mode, use the (BAR) button to switch between bars of each 16 steps. The last step value (1-64) of the instrument track limits the number of bars to select. The LED of the currently played bar will blink.
2.2.13 Pitch Sequence:
Press the (SEQ) button (LED = on). Now the pitch of every instrument is being played by the sequencer. The bars in the LCD mark the pitch change, the crossed steps are not played. Turn the corresponding knobs of the 4x4 knob matrix to change the pitch of the played step. Every pixel resembles a semitone. You can add pitch of up to 2 octaves higher than the original tuning. Flip between sequencer mode, parameter mode and kit select mode with the
(KIT/SEQ) button.
2.2.14 Editing Sample based instruments
If you are editing a sample based analog instrument (CH to RIDE), select the sample with knob 4 = Sample Select. If Sample Select = 0, the sample is off. The sample is always routed through an analog VCA with its own envelope. Filter Routing (knob 8 page A) decides if the sample and metal noize are routed through a filter. If Rout = 0, no filter and no metal noize are applied and only the sample passes through the VCA. If Filter Rout > 0 and Sample Select = 0, the VCA envelope just plays back metal noize (knob 8 page B) or self-oscillating filter tones. If Metal Noize = 0, noise is off. Metal Noize = 1 is always white noise. If both Metal Noize and Sample Select are > 0, they are mixed together.
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3 The User Interface
3.1 Encoder Matrix and LEDs
In edit mode, the 4x4 encoders are assigned to the different parameters of the currently selected instrument. Most parameters are printed on the case.
3.1.1 Muting Instruments/Encoder Click
All endless encoders provide a click (press) function which is firmly assigned to the mute function or some other special function with direct access (see *). At any time and in any mode, you can mute the instruments by clicking on one of the encoders 1-11. When an instrument is muted, the LED next to the encoder blinks red. (* these are: 12= Single/Multi switching, 13= P-lock on/off, 14= FX Kill, 15= Pattern quick store, 16= Preset quick store).
3.2 Analog Controls
3.2.1 Input Gain
With this knob the input gain of the external input can be adjusted.
3.2.2 Phones
This knob controls the phones volume of the front headphone jack.
3.2.3 Mix Volume
This knob controls the volume of the stereo mix output. The individual outputs are not affected by this potentiometer.
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3.3 Menu Controls
3.3.1 DATA
This knob is used for selecting kits or editing of parameters that are chosen by the (LEFT) and (RIGHT) cursor buttons. The (Data) wheel has a click function that loads a selected kit or loads a chosen sample, depending on the menu that is currently selected.
3.3.2 LEFT/RIGHT
These cursor buttons are used for navigation within the display menus.
3.3.3 KIT/SEQ
This button switches between Kit select mode, parameter mode and sequencer mode (if SEQ is on). In Kit select mode, use the data encoder or (Up/Down) buttons to select a kit and load it with data click or enter.
3.3.4 DISK
This button opens the disk menu and reads the directory of an inserted SD card.
3.3.5 BPM/MIDI
This button opens the BPM/Midi menu. The first selected item is always BPM control.
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3.3.6 BANK 1 - 4
The bank button cycles between 4 pattern banks.
3.3.7 PAGE A/B
This button switches between the two parameter pages A and B.
3.3.8 BAR A, B, C, D
This button switches between bars (measures) of 16 steps of a track. Only the currently selected bar of the whole track can be edited by the step buttons. If the track length (Last Step) exceeds 16, the (BAR) button switches to the next bar and the step LEDs show the programming of the pattern in that bar. If Last Step <= 16, only BAR A can be chosen, if Last Step <= 32, A and B are selectable, if Last Step <= 48, A,B and C are selectable and with Last Step > 48 all four bars A,B,C,D can be chosen. If the sequencer is running, the currently played bar will blink in quarters of the down beat. The currently selected bar blinks more intensely to show which bar is selected for editing. With this function you can always see which bar is currently playing.
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3.4 Sequencer/Edit Controls
3.4.1 SEQ
This button activates the sequence mode. In sequence mode, the instruments are played back with different notes (pitch) per step, according to the programming. Also dynamic parameter locks are played back if this function is activated. If (SEQ) is off, the machine just triggers every instrument like a classic drum machine without melodic pitch or p-locks.
3.4.2 CHAIN
This button activates the chaining of consecutive patterns to be played in a sequence.
3.4.3 X-REC
This button activates the recording mode for sampling from external input.
3.4.4 EDIT/TRIG
This button activates the edit mode in which an instrument/track can be selected and steps of a sequence pattern edited.
3.4.5 DOWN/UP
These buttons do the same as the (DATA) encoder for a selected menu. This is especially useful if you only want to change single steps of a value. In kit select mode, you can go up/down through the different kits and load them by pressing (Enter).
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3.5 Step Sequencer Controls
3.5.1 Start
This button starts the sequencer.
3.5.2 Stop
This button stops the sequencer.
3.5.3 Enter
This button has to be pressed to enter the various settings.
3.5.4 Shift/Cancel
By pressing this button you can reach the 2nd functions of step buttons 1..16. Also used for cancelling functions.
3.5.5 Scale Stripes
The red or black horizontal stripes marked with A, B, C and D, to the left of the (Start) button, indicate the quarter downbeats of the selected scale. The scale determines if steps are played as straight notes or triplets.
3.5.6 Step 1-16 buttons and LEDs
Rhythm patterns are programmed and selected using the 16 step buttons. Furthermore, in conjunction with the (Shift/Cancel) button, they provide the 2nd functions indicated on the red strip running under the numbers.
3.5.7 Instrument Keys
These keys are used for the triggering and selection of instruments.
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4 KIT/SEQ
The (KIT/SEQ) mode is used for the selection and naming of drum kits or parameter display or pitch sequencer display (if SEQ is on).
4.1 Select a drum kit:
The (KIT/SEQ) button switches between Kit select mode and parameter mode.
4.1.1 Kit Select Mode
Kit No BPM
AlphaOneOOO 12O.O
Volume: KD MB CH OH CP RM CR RD X1 X2 FM
The height of the bars show the volume of the instruments in ascending order from left to right. In Kit select mode, use the (DATA) wheel or the (UP/DOWN) buttons to select a kit and load it by clicking (DATA) or pressing (ENTER). You can select 127 different drum kits. One Drum Kit contains a set of all sound parameters of all instruments. One Multi Kit contains a vector set of 11 different instrument numbers that are stored in the single Drum Kit that the 11 individual numbers address.
4.1.2 Parameter Mode
KTunePitch DecayHar
m
DO86O28O84OOO
The height of the bars show the amount of the right-handed parameter. If you are in Kit select mode and turn one of the 16 endless encoders, the menu automatically switches to parameter mode. If you now want to select a kit, you have to press (KIT/SEQ) again to re-enter Kit select mode.
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4.2 Naming of a Kit
Switch (KIT/SEQ) to Kit select mode. Move the cursor to the right, and the display shows
AlphaOneOOO Edit..12O.O
Turn the (Data) wheel (or use the (Up/Down) buttons) to change the letter above the cursor.
ElphaOneOOO Edit..12O.O
Move the cursor on and do so until your desired name is complete.
ElephantOOO Edit..12O.O
Don't forget to store the preset by pressing encoder 16 (quick store), or everything will disappear when you select another kit. Leave the name edit mode by pressing the left cursor until “Edit..” disappears and you will return to preset selection level.
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5 Editing
5.1 Select an Instrument
Press (EDIT/TRIG) to enter edit mode (LED = on) and select the desired instrument/track by pressing one of the 11 instrument keys. The LED next to the instrument key lights up and indicates that this track is now active. The sequencer step LEDs of this track are shown as well.
5.2 Play an Instrument
If you set (EDIT/TRIG) to off, the instrument can be triggered by the instrument keys. The active instrument can be edited until you select another one.
5.3 Edit an Instrument
In edit mode the (Edit Encoders) are assigned to instrument parameters. Turn the desired encoder knob – the parameter of the currently selected instrument gets changed. One row of 4 parameters is displayed at a time. The rows switch automatically when a knob is turned. The LCD display shows the current set of parameters corresponding to the row of four. The LEDs of the selected row light up green.
Press the (Page) A/B button to reach the second set of parameters (max 32 per instrument), and the row of 4 selected LEDs turns red, indicating page B. When in parameter mode (KIT/SEQ = not kit select), the right/left buttons switch between the rows of parameters and show the actual parameters.
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6 Analog Instruments
6.1 Kick Drum
6.1.1 KD Page 1 A = Page 1 B
KTunePitch DecayHar
m
DO86O28O84OOO
6.1.1.1 Tune < 000-127 >
This parameter controls the intensity of the attack tune envelope. On a synthesizer this would be the pitch envelope modulation amount (Attack=0, Decay fixed value) of the VCO. A high value makes the typical 909 kick-in-the-gut effect, and a low value makes softer, 808-styled kick drums and bass tones.
6.1.1.2 Pitch < 000-127 >
This parameter controls the basic pitch of the kick drum. Sub basses down to 10 Hz or relatively high tones are possible. Don't confuse this with the Tune parameter. With most kinds of instruments this parameter is called "tune", but because everybody knows the TR-909 and its specific tune, we called it pitch. The pitch is the base frequency which the VCO reaches when the tune envelope has decayed.
6.1.1.3 Decay < 000-127 >
Controls the decay time (length) of the kick drum.
6.1.1.4 Harm = Harmonics < 000-127 >
Control of harmonics of the VCO. The almost sinusoid waveform of the kick drum oscillator can be continuously shaped into a parabolic waveform. That results in a harder, timpani-like sound that differs clearly from a simple distortion.
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6.1.2 KD Page 2 A
KAttckPulse NoiseEQ
DO86O28O84OO7
6.1.2.1 Attack < 000-127 >
Important for the understanding of the bass drum attack section is the following: Pulse and noise are mixed together and the mix signal is controlled by attack intensity. If attack is cranked down, you won't notice any change on pulse or noise. So you can program bass drums without any attack, or only pulse or only noise, or just with the mix of both.
6.1.2.2 Pulse < 000- 127 >
Change of the pure pulse part of the attack (see also attack parameter). Pulse is a clicking pulse-shaped waveform at the start of the kick drum which goes to the VCA. The sound of the pulse is strongly affected by the gate time (see also Gate Time) which determines the “energy” of the pulse and therefore the frequency spectrum of the first attack.
6.1.2.3 Noise < 000-127 >
Change of the pure noise part of the attack (see also attack parameter). Noise makes a more clap-like (or wet) sound in the attack. Please note that either the gate width (duration of the noise part) and the EQ parameter also affect this sound. With high EQ values you will hardly hear or not hear the noise part of the kick drum, because the high frequencies of the noise are filtered by the EQ. On the Alpha Base, the sound of the noise signal is significantly affected by parameter MetNze because the noise can be assembled by metallic high pitch tones.
6.1.2.4 EQ < 000- 127 >
Smooths the output of the kick drum sound production with a flat slope filter. With a value of <000>, the filter is opened at maximum; at <127> closed at maximum. The filter is optimized to achieve soft sounding 808ish sinusoid soft clicking kick drums (high EQ) vs heavy punchy hard drums (low EQ).
Note: changes of the noise parameter can only be heard with an opened filter (low EQ).
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