Alesis ModFX Phingr 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. 7-51-0114-A 8/2002[...]

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

Table Of Contents 2 Reset Mod ........................................................................................................34 Tap Tempo ......................................................................................................35 Bypass ...........................................................................................[...]

Introduction 3 Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Phlngr a part of y ou r 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 Phlngr Your new Phlngr is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a stereo flanger effect with modulation cont rols. Each box in the line provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to ar range and connect to each other. With a un[...]

Introduction 5 Phlng r Key Featu res • High-quality stereo flanging effect with configu rable modulation settings • Tempo synchronization for flange speed keeps effects modulation in time with the music • Tap Tempo makes it easy to set the Phlngr’s speed by tapping a beat on the top panel • Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface?[...]

Introduction 6 How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Phlngr. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowle dge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions[...]

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, incl[...]

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 sta rted The Alesis Phlngr 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 Phlngr right away. If you h[...]

1 Quick Start Guide 16 A quick overview of the controls TY PE The TY PE s witch s e le cts the k i n d of flan g i n g eff ec t, as s ho w n b y the LE D s ne x t t o the s w itch . T YP E a ff e cts the fl a ng i n g to n e , as we l l a s th e s t e re o o ut pu t r ou tin g. S ee p a g e 3 2. RE G E N ( r e ge n e r ati o n) m ak e s th e fl a n[...]

2 Connections 17 Unpacking and Inspection Your Phlngr 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 Phlngr for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • Phlngr with the sa[...]

2 Connections 18 Connecting audio The Phlngr will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an inst rument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. But since the Phlngr is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source and/or the system will be stereo or mono. The Phlngr is great for taki[...]

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 Phlngr as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included). This cable splits the TRS[...]

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 Phlngr 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 t[...]

Connections 2 21 Connecting to the Ef fect Send/Retu rn o f a mixing console: Since the ModFX bo xes don’t ha ve a wet/dry mix cont rol, they’re designed more for in-line processing than the send/receive kind of processing typically used for re verb units. Howe ver, plug ging the Phlngr into a mixer’s effect send/retu rn loop will allow y ou [...]

2 Connections 22 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[...]

Connections 2 23 Connecting to equipment with XLR inpu ts and outputs: If you are connecting the Phlngr 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 level[...]

2 Connections 24 Using the ModLink The Phlngr can be connected to other effect bo xes 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 [...]

3 Using the Phlngr 25 This section defines flanging, and e xplains the functions of the Phlngr’s cont rols in greater detail. A little technical knowledge will help y ou get the most out of your gear...it’s really pretty simple. About flanging In the 1960’s, when engineers had learned how to synchronize two analog reel-to-reel tape recorders,[...]

3 Using the Phlngr 26 How the cont rols work inside the flange r Pictu re it this way: there’s a block of audio in delay memory several milliseconds long, always being loaded with new audio from the input jacks. A “pointer” picks up this audio at some particular point in the delay for playback. I f the pointer stays in one place, it’s just [...]

Using the Phlngr 3 27 What is Tempo Sync ? Flanging occu rs over time. Sometimes, y ou’ll want the rate of the effect to match the beat of y ou r music instead of being random. For example, y ou can set the rate so that the flange effect completes each cycle once per measu re, or to a vibrato-like effect that happens in sixteenth notes. The TEMPO[...]

3 Using the Phlngr 28 Description of Controls Rate The [RA TE] knob changes the flanging modulation speed. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), tu rning the [RATE] knob alters the rate continuously from very slow to very fast. Tu rn the knob clockwise for a faster speed, counter- clockwise for a classically-slow sweep. Rate knob operati[...]

Using the Phlngr 3 29 Cente r The [CENTER] knob changes the center frequency of the Phlngr’s effect. Its effect varies depending on the mode and speed, but in pitch terms, when the [CENTER] knob is at the 12 o’clock position, y ou’ll hear the pitch oscillates up and down from the center frequency. When it’s tu rned full counter-clockwise, i[...]

3 Using the Phlngr 30 Modulation Select Switch The up/do wn rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the flanger. The LEDs ne xt to the switch light up to indicate the cu rrent mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below. The rocker switch also selects TEMPO SYNC mode, as explained earlie[...]

Using the Phlngr 3 31 Uncertainty This mode randomly generates a continually altering waveform for the flange modulation, changing direction at various points du ring the cycle. Patte rn This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the flange and repeats it o ver and over. Instead of gliding through the frequency range, Pattern mode [...]

3 Using the Phlngr 32 TYPE Rocke r Switch The up/do wn rocker switch on the left side of the unit selects the Phlngr’s flanging algorithm—in other words, the timbre and how its left and right signal paths relate to each other. The difference between several types is most dramatic when the OUTPUTS are connected in stereo, although the TYPE switc[...]

Using the Phlngr 3 33 Th rough Zero This mode delays the input signal to better simulate tape flanging. When flanging was done using two tape machines, it was possible for one to be behind the other, catch up and then go past the other. This is called “passing through zero”, the “zero” point being when both signals were in perfect sync. As [...]

3 Using the Phlngr 34 Reset Mod Press this button to reset the phase of the flanger modulation source as follows: • In TRIANGLE, HYPER TRI, and UNCERT AINTY modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wa ve from the be ginning of its phase. The “starting point” of the wave in digital memo ry is dete rmined by the setting of the [CENTER] control •[...]

Using the Phlngr 3 35 Tap Tempo This button affects the speed of the effect whenever the [MODULATION] switch is set to a TEMPO SYNC mode. At any time y ou can tap this button along with the music to set a new tempo. The Tap Tempo light will flash at the cu rrent tempo. Tap Tempo technique For a reliable tempo setting, make from fou r to eight taps [...]

3 Using the Phlngr 36 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 Phlngr. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the flanging effect is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by a footswitch. Since the Phlngr is a digital [...]

4 Sample Settings 37 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 Phlngr to help get y ou started. Simply set the knobs on yo ur Phlngr so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs. [...]

4 Sample Settings 38 Z ero Effect Tap h a lf n ote s in to this p atch , a nd th e flan g e will c y c l e o n ce e v e r y two m e a su re s . Tu rn th e [R ATE] c o n t r ol cl oc k wise t o m ak e it c y c l e e v er y m ea su re ; a t “1 2 o ’ c l o c k ” i t wi ll cy c l e e v er y h a lf no te. D ual Jets A no th er in te r es ti n g se[...]

Sample Settings 4 39 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 . Twang With R E G E N s e t to m ax i m um , it wi ll so u nd like p l u c k i n g a b i g r u b b e r b a n d e a c h tim e yo u p la y a trig ge r. P re ss [ RES ET MO D] fo r a m an ua l p l u ck [...]

4 Sample Settings 40 Blank Set tings Templates[...]

5 Troubleshooting 41 Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating you r Phlngr, 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 audi o (SIGNA L LED d oesn ’t fla sh). Test with a known good inp[...]

5 Troubleshooting 42 Sy mptoms Cause Solution Pro blem w ith th e source Try bypass ing t he Phlngr by connecting t he i np ut cab les to t he o u tp ut cab les and s ee i f th e prob le m rem a ins. 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 (see ne xt pa ge)[...]

Troubleshooting 5 43 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 44 4. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. 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 [...]

Troubleshooting 5 45 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Phlngr’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 IN [...]

5 Troubleshooting 46 Obtaining repai r service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make su re y ou’ve read the manual. Customers 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 wit[...]

Specifications 47 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 48 This pa ge intentionally left blank.[...]

Index 49 amplifier, 21 ASYNC STEREO, 26 , 32 BYPASS , 16 , 35 with foot switch, 35 cables, 22 CENTER , 16 , 29 effect on RESET MOD, 34 CONTRARY STEREO, 26 , 32 Deep Mono, 33 DEPTH , 16 , 28 interaction with RATE, 29 digital converters, 4, 35, 47 dopple r effect , 29 DSP, 4, 47 Effect Send/Return, 20 feedback cont rolled by REGEN knob, 29 Flanging d[...]

Warranty / Contact Alesis 50 Alesis Limited Wa r ranty AL E SI S C ORP OR ATI ON ( "A LES I S" ) w ar r an ts thi s p r odu ct to be fr ee of def ect s in material an d w or kman sh i p fo r a pe rio d of on e (1 ) yea r for pa r t s an d for a per iod of on e ( 1) year fo r l abor fr om the dat e of ori gin al retail pu rchase. Thi s w a[...]

Warranty/Contact Information 51 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Studio Elect ronics Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: support@alesis.com Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Phlngr Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Ale x Souppa & Dan Tinen Copy right 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications su[...]