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ALESIS
QuadraSynth
S4 QuadraSynth
Reference Manual
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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
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2 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
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Contents CONTENTS 1: Setting Up..................................................................................7 Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................7 AC Power ..............................................................................................................7 Line Conditioners and Protectors.................................................................8 About Audio Cables .................................
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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........................................
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Contents Filter LFO...................................................................................................69 Amp LFO...................................................................................................70 Pitch Envelope............................................................................................71 Filter Envelope ...........................................................................................73 Amp Envelope ......................................
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Contents APPENDIX A: Trouble-Shooting ..................................................115 Trouble-Shooting Index...........................................................................................115 Re-initializing.........................................................................................................115 Checking Software Version .....................................................................................116 Maintenance/Service ................................
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Setting Up 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
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Setting Up Do not operate any electrical equipment with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the J 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 J equipment with improper AC wiring. Line Conditioners and Protectors Although the QuadraSynth is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in todayÕs world the voltage c
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Setting Up 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 so
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Setting Up 10 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
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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: 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? ` Turn on the [ON/OFF] (power) switch on the rear panel of the QuadraSynth. Upon power-up
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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. Press [GLOBAL]. The display will change to the Global Page. ` Adjust the contrast by turning Quad Knob [1], or use the VALUE [¯] and [] buttons. The contrast and its value in the display will chan
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Your First Session with the QuadraSynth 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 J thei
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Your First Session with the QuadraSynth Auditioning Internal Programs 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). ` 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 [
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Your First Session with the QuadraSynth QuadraSynth Reference Manual 15
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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 MIDI 1 CHAN "QuadraTime" PROG EFFECT NUMBER TYPE PRESET PRESET 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 P
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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 MI
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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. Press [MIX] and select a Mix using one of the three methods described above. ` Press [SELECT]. The top line of the LCDÕs function list will read ÒEDITING: MIXÓ. ´ Simultaneously press both
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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
