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Alesis DG8 Reference Manual

Digital grand piano
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R
EFERENCE
M
ANUAL
Spring 1999

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Summary of Contents for Alesis DG8

  • Page 1 EFERENCE ANUAL Spring 1999...

  • Page 3: Alesis Contact Information

    Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by David M. Bertovic © Copyright 1999, Alesis Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “DG8”, “QS8.1”, QSR”, “NanoSynth”, “DMPro”, “QCard” and “SoundBridge” are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. NFORMATION...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Using the DG8 with Other Equipment ...17 Unpack It ...17 Set It Up ...17 Attaching the Music Stand...18 Setting up the DG8 in a Home ...19 Hook It Up ...19 Power ...19 Sustain Pedal...19 The DG8 as a Stand-alone Instrument ...19 The DG8 in a Music System...20...
  • Page 5 Contents MIDI Functions...53 MIDI Basics ...53 MIDI Hardware...54 MIDI Messages...54 Channel Messages: Voice Messages...54 Channel Messages: Mode Messages ...57 MIDI and the DG8 ..58 Channel Messages ...58 Glossary...61 DG8 Terms ...61 MIDI Terms...62 Troubleshooting...63 Cleaning and Maintenance ...65 Specifications...67...

  • Page 6: Important Safety Instructions

    10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL Important Safety Instructions...
  • Page 7 Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 8: Instructions De Sécurité Importantes (French)

    Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé pendant longtemps. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL Important Safety Instructions ÉCURITÉ...
  • Page 9 Ne l’utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 10: Beim Benutzen Dieses Produktes Beachten Sie Bitte Die Folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German)

    Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 11: Instructions To The User

    TV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 12: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    Manufacturer’s Address: declares, that the product: Product Name: Model Type: conforms to the following Standards: EMC: Safety: European Contact: June, 1999 DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL Important Safety Instructions ONFORMITY Alesis Corporation 1633 26 Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 Digital Grand Piano...
  • Page 13 Important Safety Instructions DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 14: Introduction

    We’ve just touched on the some of the highlights of this product; there’s much more to be explored. After you’ve read through this brief document, and experienced the sound and feel of the DG8, I’m confident that you will be every bit as excited about it as I am.

  • Page 15: Typographic Conventions

    When something extremely important appears in the manual, an icon like the one on the left will appear in the left margin. This indicates that this information is vital when operating the DG8. ONVENTIONS SMALL BOLD CAPITALS printed using type that...

  • Page 16: Getting Started

    ETTING ’ The DG8 is a completely self-contained instrument that needs nothing more than a standard AC electrical outlet and a stand to put it on. Before placing the DG8 on a stand, see the topic Set It Up SING THE If you plan to use the DG8 with other equipment, such as other MIDI devices, a sound system or in recording environment, you’ll need:...

  • Page 17: Attaching The Music Stand

    Chapter 1: Getting Started TTACHING THE The DG8 is shipped with a music stand that attaches easily to the top of the instrument: 1. Remove the music stand from its plastic wrapping and extend the braces away from the front of the stand approximately 5 - 6 inches. The braces swing out from the front of the stand on a pair of hinges.

  • Page 18: Setting Up The Dg8 In A Home

    AS A After you’ve set up the DG8 and plugged it into an AC outlet, you can go right ahead and dig in. If you plan to play the DG8 by itself, skip ahead to the topic on page 23.

  • Page 19: The Dg8 In A Music System

    Chapter 1: Getting Started IN A If you plan to use the DG8 with other MIDI instruments and devices in a music system, you’ll need to integrate it into your system. Here’s a list of items you’re likely to need: standard MIDI cables: refer to the following examples for possible connection schemes.
  • Page 20 MIDI cable connected to its You will also need a MIDI cable connected to the DG8’s THRU DG8 to other MIDI devices in your rig. Connect one end of a MIDI cable to the DG8’s cable to the...
  • Page 21 If you’re using a MIDI patchbay or “patcher” to connect all of your MIDI devices centrally, it’s likely that the patcher’s back panel will have a series of paired each device in your rig (the DG8 being one of them). Connect the DG8’s same pair’s the patcher’s Owner’s Manual to find out how it routes MIDI...

  • Page 22: Turn It On And Play It

    N AND Flip the power switch on the DG8’s rear panel. The front panel display will illuminate and, if this is the first time you’ve used the DG8, it will recall Keyboard Program heading. SOUND 1. AutoDemos Press and hold the mode.
  • Page 23 You can take advantage of the DG8’s expandability by acquiring an Alesis QCard or other compatible PCMCIA Type I sound card. This card provides an additional library of new sounds you can play on the DG8 and is inserted into the...

  • Page 24: How The Sounds Are Selected

    The DG8 is in Single mode when a Keyboard or Card Program is played alone – the DG8 is not in a Layer or Split. The Program’s name and label appears in the top line of the display under the or Card Program that is displayed here will be appropriately called the Primary sound or simply “the Primary”...
  • Page 25 Keyboard Bank button or the Card Button to add a sound to the upper range of the keyboard. If the DG8 is playing a Layer: press any Bass Bank button to split the layered keyboard with an internal Bass Program on the lower range of the keyboard.

  • Page 26: Using The Controls

    You can raise or lower the amount of effects with the CHORUS The exception to this is the rotating speaker effect instead of chorus. The a speed control for the rotating speaker. Remember also that the DG8’s built-in speakers can be turned off by • using the DG8 R EFERENCE...
  • Page 27 Middle C will transpose the DG8 down by that interval. The selected key will be the new key for the DG8 in any Play mode (Primary, Layer, Split or Split-with-Layer) until the transpose amount is changed or the instrument is initialized.
  • Page 28 Press the button (its LED will light) to activate the equalizer and raise or lower the frequency sliders to adjust the tone. Every time you power on the DG8, the EQ will be off.
  • Page 29 Chapter 1: Getting Started DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 30: Playing The Dg8

    LAYING THE VERVIEW The DG8 contains a total of 88 sound programs in its internal memory. 60 of these are called Keyboard Programs and represent a selection of pianos and other keyboard instruments such as harpsichord, electric piano, clavinet, pipe and electric organs. In addition, popular electronic keyboard sounds such as traditional synthesizer and “pad”...
  • Page 31 You can take advantage of the DG8’s expandability by acquiring an Alesis QCard or other compatible PCMCIA Type I sound card. The QCard provides an additional library of 128 new sounds you can play on the DG8. Just be aware that the effects programmed into each card sound may act unpredictably.

  • Page 32: Using The Display And Sound Selection Buttons

    Keyboard Bank. Card Programs substitute a 3-digit number for the because each Alesis QCard has 128 sound programs. Layer and Split sound programs use only labels in the display. For the complete list of DG8 sound labels, see the on page 43.
  • Page 33 This is most noticeable (and most handy) when selecting Card Sounds. Because there are 128 sounds on an Alesis QCard, this feature is another time-saver. Display Wrap Also, when selecting Programs (internal or card), pressing an arrow repeatedly (or holding it down) will wrap the display: pressing or holding the selecting any internal sound will display all four sounds in that Bank in succession.

  • Page 34: Selecting Internal Sounds

    The DG8 is in Single mode when a Keyboard or Card Program is played alone – the DG8 is not in a Layer or Split. The Program’s name and label appear in the top line of the display under the is displayed here will be appropriately called the Primary Sound or simply “the...
  • Page 35 (The Layer and Split play modes are described in the following two topics.) For Primaries, Layers and Splits, the DG8’s memory independently keeps track of the most recently selected programs for each Bank button. This principle is true for the Keyboard, Bass and Card Banks.
  • Page 36 Program in the Bank. display, then use the the LAYER is still being pressed, press another Keyboard LAYER/OFF arrows (if necessary) to select another button. The DG8 will remove the Layer sound LAYER/OFF display, layered LAYER arrows, if button and press the...
  • Page 37 Chapter 2: Playing the DG8 Split Mode A Split is simply a Bass Program played with a Primary Sound: the Bass Program will be played from the lower range of keys and the Primary Sound will play from the upper range.
  • Page 38 LAYER/OFF SPLIT/OFF Tip: Note that you don’t have to create a Split first to play a Layer. If the DG8 is already playing a Layer, just press a Bass Bank and you’re there. (We could have easily called this “Layer-with-Split”.)

  • Page 39: Using The External Card Sounds

    LAYER/OFF 2. Press the CARD Card Bank loads into the DG8 and its name and label appear in the top line of the display. Use the QCard Programs numbered 3. Pressing any of the Keyboard Bank buttons exits the Card Bank.
  • Page 40 Use the Program. 2. The DG8 will keep the current Primary Sound selected as the sound for the upper range of the keyboard. If necessary, press any of the Keyboard Bank buttons to select a new Primary Sound; use the to select the desired Keyboard Program.
  • Page 41 You can select a QCard Program to be both sounds in the Layer range of a Split-with- Layer: Create the Split 1. Start off with the DG8 in Single mode, but this time with an external Card Program as the Primary: press Program.

  • Page 42: Dg8 Sound Chart

    PIANO BASS KEYBOARD BASS CARD SOUND Cd000 through Cd127 DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL Chapter 2: Playing the DG8 LAYER/SPLIT SOUND LABELS Piano1A, Piano1B, Piano1C, Piano1D Piano2A, Piano2B, Piano2C, Piano2D Piano3A, Piano3B, Piano3C, Piano3D ElPno1A, ElPno1B, ElPno1C, ElPno1D ElPno2A, ElPno2B, ElPno2C, ElPno2D...

  • Page 43: Front Panel Controls

    Tip: You can also use the Middle C, press the The selected key will be the new key for the DG8 in any Play mode until it is changed. The Transpose function actually changes the MIDI Note Number sent by TUNE button to lower it.

  • Page 44: Effects

    DG8 will transpose the keyboard up to E3, the E above Middle C. Also, transposing the keyboard will not effect the Split Point’s physical location on the keyboard. The Transpose display will exit as soon as you press a key on the DG8’s keyboard. To exit this mode without transposing, press PLAY FFECTS Reverb and Chorus have been pre-programmed into nearly all* of the DG8’s sounds.

  • Page 45: Midi Functions

    Layer Program Changes = Basic Channel + 1, Splits = Basic Channel + 2. The DG8 operates in MIDI “Mode 3: Omni Off/Poly” only, and defaults to MIDI Channel 1. To set the DG8 to transmit and receive on another MIDI Channel: 1.
  • Page 46 This function is a sensitivity control for the DG8’s velocity response. This function tells the DG8 how to respond to changes in how hard or how soft you play the keys. When this page is displayed, you will have a choice of values between...

  • Page 47: Pedals

    Understanding the keyboard mechanism of an acoustic piano will help in under- standing how the pedals operate on the DG8. Before a piano is played, a series of dampers – small blocks of a felt-like material – rest on each string to prevent them from vibrating.

  • Page 48: Sostenuto

    On the DG8, this pedal produces the digital equivalent of “lifting dampers” only on the played keys. The DG8 emulates the sostenuto pedal of a grand piano, not an upright, and we want NOTE to make that distinction clear. On upright pianos, what the “middle pedal” does varies from brand to brand.
  • Page 49 DG8. Plug the pedals into the DG8’s back panel jacks. Each jack is labeled so that you’ll know which pedal or switch performs which function.

  • Page 50: Audio Inputs And Outputs

    Tip: If necessary, you can turn the DG8’s internal sound system off. There’s a slide switch on the back panel adjacent to the stereo outputs that turns the speakers on or off.

  • Page 51: Initializing The Dg8

    If for any reason you want to return the DG8 to the state it was in when it shipped, you can initialize (perform a complete reset) of the DG8 and return it to its default state.

  • Page 52: Midi Functions

    MIDI B ASICS Before we delve into the specific MIDI functions of the DG8, we’d like to provide a brief background on MIDI for those who may not be familiar with this technology. MIDI (pronounced “MID-ee”) is the acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

  • Page 53: Midi Hardware

    Also of importance in discussing MIDI hardware is the term voice. An instrument’s voice is the most basic unit of sound generation. It can be an integrated circuit chip (or chips) or can be a sampled sound in the instrument’s memory, like the DG8. MIDI M...
  • Page 54 Basic Channel, then build from there if you need to. The DG8 is a prime example of a multiple MIDI Channel instrument in that three successive MIDI Channels are designated to communicate data: Primary Sounds and Layers transmit and receive on the Basic Channel except Program Change commands for Layers, which happen on the next higher Channel (Basic Channel +1);...
  • Page 55 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 or 127 0 or 127 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 - 127 0 or 127 0-16; 0 = Omni Off DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 56: Channel Messages: Mode Messages

    Portions of this Chapter are abridged versions of material from Power Sequencing with Master Tracks Pro/Pro 4 and The Complete Guide to the Alesis HR-16 and MMT-8, copyright 1990 and 1989 respectively by AMSCO Publications, and are adapted with permission.

  • Page 57: Midi And The Dg8

    MIDI to other instruments) or as a slave (receiving MIDI from other instruments) in a MIDI music system. In the case of the DG8, a “group of voices” would be the two Programs in a Layer, as one example – the Primary Sound plus the Layer sound. Some of the DG8’s voices are allocated to the Primary Sound and some to the Layer sound.
  • Page 58 Change number is transmitted from the DG8 on the Basic Channel + 1. When sending the DG8 a Program Change command from another device in your rig with the intent of changing the Layer sound, be sure to send it to the DG8 on this Channel.
  • Page 59 Care must be taken when you are sending the DG8 MIDI Pedal messages. If you are playing the DG8 from a MIDI master that only has a sustain pedal, it will most likely be sending Controller #64. So if you intend to use the Soft Pedal function, for example, you will need to change your master to transmit the Soft Pedal message (MIDI Controller #67) instead of Sustain Pedal (MIDI Controller #64).

  • Page 60: Glossary

    Graphic EQ short for “graphic equalizer”, the five sliders on the left side of the DG8’s control panel that are used to adjust the tone of the sound output; the audio spectrum of the DG8 is divided into five “frequency bands” or ranges that can be boost or cut ± 6 dB.

  • Page 61: Midi Terms

    MIDI, “mode” refers to the unit’s receive state that determines 1. how MIDI messages are received, and 2. how voices will be assigned to handle MIDI notes a command that instructs the receiving instrument to recall a Program Change specific sound program from memory DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting

    Some of them may seem rather obvious, but you’d be amazed at how easy it can be to overlook the basics. Please note that many problems can be solved simply by re-initializing the DG8 – see page 52.
  • Page 63 – see page 44. MIDI Echo turned on in Turn Local Control off in a MIDI sequencer, or the DG8 (see page 47) or DG8’s Local Control is turn MIDI Echo off in the still on while using a sequencer or computer.

  • Page 64: Cleaning And Maintenance

    (but be careful not to get cotton or foam stuck in the unit). While Alesis does not endorse the use of any specific product, certain contact enhancers (such as Cramolin™) may be used to keep the connections from corroding in the future.
  • Page 65 Appendix B: Troubleshooting DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 66: Specifications

    0 - 27 for internal Split Programs. 0 - 127 for Card Programs. Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL Appendix C: Specifications PECIFICATIONS HART...

  • Page 67: Specifications

    Program Memory: 88 internal preset Programs Effects: QS Parallel Matrix Effects Expansion Slot: PCMCIA card slot, will play QCards and cards created with Alesis SoundBridge™ software Pedal Jacks: sustain, sostenuto/soft pedal and AUX (modulation or volume) MIDI Jacks: In, Out, Thru Audio Outputs: Stereo (L/R) outputs on 1/4”...

  • Page 68: Warranty

    You must indicate the RA number on the shipping label or the shipment will not be accepted. If you do not have the original packing, ship the DG8 in a sturdy carton with shock-absorbing materials such as foam or “bubble-pack” surrounding the unit.
  • Page 69 Appendix D: Warranty DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 70: Index

    Alesis QCard... 40 CE Declaration of Conformity... 13 Chorus... See effects Cleaning and maintenance... 65 connections... 19 DG8 as MIDI master... 20 DG8 as MIDI slave... 21 DG8 with MIDI patchbay... 22 pedals... 49 Continuous Controllers ... 55 cursor...
  • Page 71 ... 26, 36 tutorial ... 36–39 Split-with-Layer defined ...26 tutorial...39 sustain pedal ...19 Sustain Pedal Catching...48 TRANSPOSE button ...28, 44 Troubleshooting...63 TUNE button... 23, 28, 44 unpacking ...17 VOLUME LEVEL slider ...27 Warranty information ...69 DG8 R EFERENCE ANUAL...

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