Alesis ModFx Ampliton manual

Re fe rence Manual[...]

This pa ge intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100 % Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. 7-51-0110-A 8/2002[...]

Table of Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................... 3 Welcome! .........................................................................................................3 About the Ampliton ....................................................................... 4 Important features of your Ampliton .[...]

Table Of Contents 2 Using the Foot Switch ...................................................................................34 Sample Settings .............................................................3 5 Blank templates ...............................................................................................38 Troubleshooting ...........[...]

Introduction 3 Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Ampliton a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We belie ve in ou r products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you ha ve achie ved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quali[...]

Introduction 4 About the Ampliton Your new Ampliton is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit, the Ampliton, is an amplitude modulator that combines a t remolo effect with an autopan effect. Each box in the line provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy t[...]

Introduction 5 Ampliton Key Featu res • Two digital effects in one box (tremolo and autopan), each with its own separate controls for modulation sou rces, depth and speed • Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs • Tempo synchronization for t remolo and/or autopan speed keeps [...]

Introduction 6 How to Use This Manual A little technical kno wledge will help you get the most out of y ou r gear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functi ons and applications for the Ampliton. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those h[...]

Safety Instructions/Notices 7 Important Safety Instructions (English) Sa fe ty sy mbols used in this p roduct This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance inst ructions in the literatu re accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous elect ric sho[...]

Important Safety Instructions 8 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufactu rer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make su re that inju ry or dama ge will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a ca[...]

Important Safety Instructions 9 CE Declaration Of Conformity See ou r website at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules . Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This de vice may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, inc[...]

Important Safety Instructions 10 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Sy mboles utilisés dans ce p roduit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il e xiste des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe a vec ce produit. Ce symbole a vertit l’utilisateu r de la présence d’une tension non isolée [...]

Important Safety Instructions 11 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le const ructeur. 12. N’utilisez qu’a vec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou inst ruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endomma ger à cause de câbles qui tirent su r des appareils et leu r sup[...]

Important Safety Instructions 12 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Sy mbole ve rwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatu r gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannu[...]

Important Safety Instructions 13 11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wa gen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu verme[...]

Important Safety Instructions 14 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

1 Quick Start Guide 15 If y ou can’t w ait to get started The Alesis Ampliton is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other effects units in most respects. If y ou're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the Ampliton right away. If yo[...]

1 Quick Start Guide 16 A quick overview of the controls Roc ke r s wi tc h es The TREMO LO an d AUT OPA N swi tch e s se lec t the c ur r e n t e f fe c t m o d e, as s ho w n b y the LE D s ne x t t o the m. The RA TE kn ob s a ffec t the s pe e d o f m od u l a ti on , i n c o o pe ra tio n with th e TEMPO S Y NC an d TA P T EMPO b u tt o ns . Se[...]

2 Connections 17 Unpacking and Inspection Your Ampliton was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit du ring shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely e vent that you need to retu rn the Ampliton for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • Ampliton with [...]

2 Connections 18 Connecting audio The Ampliton will work in many different applications, whether y ou are connecting an inst rument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. But since the Ampliton is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. Mono In, Mono o r Stereo Ou t If you’re[...]

Connections 2 19 Connecting to the Channel Inserts o f a mixing console: Most recording consoles ha ve a jack near the mic and line inputs labeled "Insert". This is typically a TRS jack with the send and retu rn on the same jack. To use the Ampliton as a channel insert, y ou will need an insert cable (not included). This cable splits the [...]

2 Connections 20 Connecting to the Main Ou tputs o f a mixing console: In addition to channel inserts, most mixing consoles have main insert jacks near the main outputs. You can use insert cables to connect the Ampliton to the main L/R bus the same way y ou connect it to a pair of channels. Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of[...]

Connections 2 21 Connecting to the inse rts on an instrument amplifie r : The insert send on a guitar or bass amp is usually labeled "effects send and retu rn" or "insert send and return". This allows you to preamplify y ou r instrument before flanging it and sending it to the power amp. Most guitar amps are single channel, so c[...]

2 Connections 22 Connecting to equipment with XLR inpu ts and outputs: If you are connecting the Ampliton to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, y ou will need to convert this signal to a 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make su re that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4” adapter or cable. Watch out for high lev[...]

Connections 2 23 Using the ModLink The Ampliton can be connected to other effect boxes in the ModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-free connection between two ModFX units that t ransfers digital audio and word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of the unit is the ModLink IN port. The 9-pin female connector on the right[...]

2 Connections 24 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

3 Using the Ampliton 25 This section defines t remolo and autopan, and e xplains the functions of the Ampliton’s cont rols in greater detail. The two sides of the Ampliton The basic operation of the Ampliton couldn’t be simpler. It gives y ou access to two different kinds of amplitude-based effects: on the left side is tremolo, which feeds the [...]

3 Using the Ampliton 26 What is Tempo Sync ? Tremolo and Autopan are both rhythmic effects—they have a beat. Sometimes, you’ll want the rate of the effect to match the beat of your music instead of being random. For e xample, you can set the rate so that the Autopan effect pans from side to side once per measure, or once per quarter note. The T[...]

Using the Ampliton 3 27 Description of Controls Rate The [RA TE] knobs change the speed of the Ampliton’s effects: • The [RA TE] knob on the left cont rols how quickly the Tremolo effect will happen. • The [RA TE] knob on the right cont rols ho w quickly the Autopan effect will happen. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), tu rning[...]

3 Using the Ampliton 28 Tremolo Mode Rocke r Switch The up/do wn rocker switch beside the Tremolo label on the left side of the unit selects the type of t remolo effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the cu rrent mode. There are fou r kinds of Tremolo a vailable, explained below. The rocker switch also selects TEMPO SYNC mode, as[...]

Using the Ampliton 3 29 Patte rn This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the t remolo or autopan and repeats it over and over. Pattern mode sometimes makes the level jump quickly from step to step, while other le vels “glide” from step to step. It sounds somewhat like using “sample and hold” to modulate a VC A on a synth[...]

3 Using the Ampliton 30 Au topan Mode Rocker Switch The up/do wn rocker switch beside the Autopan label on the right side of the unit selects the type of autopan effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the cu rrent mode. There are five kinds or shapes of Autopan available. Four of these are similar to the Tremolo modes, e xcept of [...]

Using the Ampliton 3 31 Uncertainty This mode randomly generates a continually altering waveform for the autopan. Patte rn This mode randomly generates a 16-step pattern for the autopan modulation and repeats it o ver and over. Pattern mode sometimes makes the le vel jump quickly from step to step, while other le vels “glide” from step to step.[...]

3 Using the Ampliton 32 Reset Mod Press this button to reset the autopan and tremolo modulation as follows: • In TRIANGLE and SQU ARE modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the be ginning of its phase. In Autopan, the wave starts at the right side, then moves to the cente r/left. In Tremolo, the wave starts loud, then becomes softe r. ?[...]

Using the Ampliton 3 33 Tap Tempo This button affects the speed of the effect whenever the tremolo and/or autopan is set to TEMPO SYNC mode. In that mode, you can tap this button along with the music to set a new tempo. The Tap Tempo light will flash at the cu r rent tempo. Tap Tempo technique For a reliable tempo setting, make from fou r to eight [...]

3 Using the Ampliton 34 By pass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the output without any effect. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound of the source without any effect from the Ampliton. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, both Tremolo and Autopan are off. The Bypass function can also be activated by the foot switc h. Since the Amplit[...]

4 Sample Settings 35 While there’s nothing like disco vering new sounds for yoursel f, we thought it would be a good idea to pro vide some sample settings of the Ampliton to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on yo ur Ampliton so they’re at the positions sho wn, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LE[...]

4 Sample Settings 36 D J Transform This i s a DJ tr an sf o rm ( ga t i ng ) e ffe ct in ti m e wi th t h e m us i c a t 1 6 t h no te in t e rv a l s . U s e [ BY PA S S] t o tog g l e th e e f fe c t o n an d o f f o n c ue . A round the World This se tt ing wil l m a ke th e s ou nd r e vo lv e a r o un d y o u r h e a d. Bo th Tr e m o l o an d[...]

Sample Settings 4 37 B lank F il l in y o u r ow n fa v o r ite s et ti ng s h er e . Pho toc op y th e n e x t pa g e if yo u ne e d mo r e s pa c e . Spin the Wheel Tre mo lo st ar t s fa st, e nd s s l o w , a n d yo u n ev er kn ow q u it e wh e r e the p an will en d u p . T r i g g e r o ff t h e a ud i o inp ut o r p r e s s [R ES E T MO D ][...]

4 Sample Settings 38 Blank templates[...]

5 Troubleshooting 39 Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating you r Ampliton, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Sy mptoms Cause Solution No a udi o output s. No input aud i o(SIG NAL LED d oesn ’t fla sh). Test with a known good i[...]

5 Troubleshooting 40 Sy mptoms Cause Solution Pro blem w ith th e source Try bypass ing t he Amp li ton by con nec t i n g the input cabl e s to t he out put c a bl es a nd see if the problem rem ains . AC hum Gro und lo op Place al l eq uip m ent in the stu d io on a co m m o n gro un d (s ee next pa ge) .[...]

Troubleshooting 5 41 Avoiding g round loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occu r. These sho w up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occu r if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different pat[...]

5 Troubleshooting 42 If the basic experiments don’t unco ver the sou rce of the problem, consult your dealer or technician t rained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the mixer at the center of the star pro vidin g the shield ground on telescoping shields, which do NOT conn[...]

Troubleshooting 5 43 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Ampliton’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non- abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409™ or Fantastik™. DO NOT SPRA Y THE CLEANER DIRECT LY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MA Y DESTROY THE LU BRIC ANTS USED I[...]

5 Troubleshooting 44 Obtaining repai r service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make su re y ou’ve read the manual. Customer s in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the Product Support department. Make sure y ou ha ve the unit’s serial number with y ou. Talk the problem o ver wi[...]

Specifications 45 Audio Inpu t Input Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Input Le vel: +10 dBV Nominal Level: -10 dBV Input Impedance: 470k Ω Input Converter Resolution: 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling Audio Ou tput Output Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Output Le vel: +9 dBV Output Impedance: 500 Ω Output Converter Resolution: [...]

6 Specifications 46 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

Index 47 amplifier, 21 A UTOPAN, 25 switch, 16 Autopan switch, 30 BYPASS , 16, 34 with foot switch, 34 cables, 22 DEPTH , 16, 27 digital converters, 34, 45 DSP, 45 Effect Send/Return, 20 FOO T SWITCH , 16, 34 Ground Loop, 41 grounding, 7 guitar, 18 Hums and buzzes, 41 INPUTS, 15 INPUTS and OUTPUTS , 16 Insert Cables, 19 levels, 22 LFO, 25 mixing co[...]

Warranty / Contact Alesis 48 Alesis Limited Wa r ranty AL E SI S C ORP OR ATI ON ( "A LES I S" ) w ar r an ts th is prod uct to b e fr ee of def ect s in material an d w or kman sh i p fo r a pe rio d of one (1 ) yea r for pa r t s an d f or a p er iod of on e ( 1) year fo r l abor fr om the date of origi nal ret ail pu rc hase. This warr[...]

Warranty/Contact Information 49 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Studio Elect ronics Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: support@alesis.com Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Ampliton Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Alex Souppa & Dan Tinen Copy right 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications s[...]