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Alesis DM Pro Reference Manual

20-bit 64 voice expandable drum module
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ANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Alesis DM Pro

  • Page 1 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 2 Additional documentation by Randy Lee © Copyright 1998, Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “DM Pro”, “DM5”, “QS8” and “QS6.1” are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. Selected material for this manual was imported from the Alesis DM5 Reference Manuals by Geoff Ryle.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German) ... 11 CE Declaration of Conformity ... 12 Chapter 1: Welcome to the DM Pro ... 13 Packing List ... 13 DM Pro Front Panel ... 14 DM Pro Display ... 16 AC Power Hookup...
  • Page 4 The PITCH ENVELOPE Function... 95 The FILTER ENVELOPE Function ... 95 The AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE Function... 96 The MODULATION MATRIX Function ... 97 The DRUM NAME Function... 100 Chapter 7: Triggers... 103 P1 The TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN Function... 104 P2 The TRIGGER GAIN Function... 104 P3 The VELOCITY CURVE Function...
  • Page 5 Cleaning Your DM Pro... 144 Preventative Maintenance ... 144 Obtaining Repair Service ... 145 Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information... 147 The DM Pro Trigger Process ... 147 Trigger Connection Diagrams ... 148 Pedal/Footswitch Compatibility... 153 Trigger/Pedal Connector Types... 153 Appendix C: MIDI Supplement ... 155 MIDI Basics...
  • Page 6 Contents DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 7: Important Safety Instructions

    MPORTANT AFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS PRODUCT This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks. LEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT 1.
  • Page 8 Important Safety Instructions prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 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.

  • Page 9: Instructions De Sécurité Importantes (French)

    NSTRUCTIONS DE RENCH YMBOLES UTILISÉS DANS CE PRODUIT Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques.
  • Page 10 Important Safety Instructions 12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. 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.

  • Page 11: Beim Benutzen Dieses Produktes Beachten Sie Bitte Die Folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German)

    ENUTZEN DIESES IE BITTE DIE FOLGENDEN ERMAN Lesen Sie die Hinweise. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Sprühen Sie keine flüssiger Reiniger auf die Oberfläche, dies könnte zur Beschädigung der Vorderseite führen und auch weitere Schäden verursachen.

  • Page 12: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    Standards: EMC: Safety: European Contact: December, 1998 ONFORMITY Alesis Corporation Santa Monica, CA 90404 DM Pro Sample Playback Module with Trigger Inputs EN55022:1995 Class B; EN50082-1:1992 EN 60065 Sound Technology plc Letchworth Point, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 1 ND, UNITED KINGDOM Phone: +44.1462.480000...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Welcome To The Dm Pro

    Your DM Pro was packed carefully at the factory. 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 DM Pro for servicing. The DM Pro ships from the factory with the following items:...

  • Page 14: Dm Pro Front Panel

    DM Pro (Drumkit Mode) or to load a Drumkit from memory press this to adjust the pitch of a Drum within a Drumkit press this to adjust the output characteristics of a Drum within a Drumkit.
  • Page 15 Welcome to the DM Pro EDIT press this to enter Drum Edit Mode or name a Drumkit. DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 16: Dm Pro Display

    Drumkit/MIDI Note Number: The large numbers indicate the present Drumkit or MIDI Note Number, depending on which mode you are in. If the DM Pro is in Drum Edit mode and the [CHASE] button is lit, striking a Trigger or a note on a MIDI controller will cause the MIDI Note Number to change.

  • Page 17: Ac Power Hookup

    The DM Pro comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country to which it is shipped (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the DM Pro off, plug the DIN connector of the power adapter cord into the DM Pro’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power.

  • Page 18: Audio Connections

    The rear panel of the DM Pro has two Main and four Auxiliary audio outputs along with two RCA inputs. There is also a headphone output on the front panel. The...
  • Page 19 Welcome to the DM Pro DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 20: Connections Chart

    If you are using a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, connect its [MIDI OUT] to the [MIDI IN] of the DM Pro. If you have another device that you wish to control from the same keyboard or sequencer, connect the [MIDI THRU] of the DM Pro to the [MIDI IN] of the other device.

  • Page 21: External Trigger Connections

    Plug all of the trigger outputs you will be using into the Trigger jacks on the rear of the DM Pro. The DM Pro has recommended locations for each type of trigger (Kick, Snare, Hi-hats, etc.) silk-screened below each Trigger jack. Although it is...
  • Page 22 Welcome to the DM Pro DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 23: Chapter 2: A Brief Hands-On Tutorial

    The more you know about your DM Pro, the more power you will be able to get out of it. This chapter alone is by no means intended to be a complete explanation of the unit.

  • Page 24: Basic Midi Setup

    Tip: General MIDI always uses MIDI Channel 10 for drums, so setting the Basic Channel to 10 is usually a good starting place. Also, if you are using the DM Pro in a MIDI environment, make sure that your controller is set to transmit on the same MIDI channel to which you set the DM Pro.

  • Page 25: Selecting And Auditioning Drumkits

    ELECTING AND Drumkit Mode is the top level of the DM Pro. There are 64 internal Drumkits, all of which can be edited and overwritten to suit your own particular applications. The currently selected Drumkit will respond to incoming MIDI or trigger information at all times, regardless of the state of the DM Pro.
  • Page 26 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial DRUM GROUP DRUM NUMBER A Kk:005 PwrShoes Note:36 DM P DRUM NAME EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 27 VALUE encoder to select one of the 13 various Drum Groups. Once you have selected a Drum Group, or if you are happy with the current Drum Group, press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor moves...
  • Page 28 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial Within the MIX Function, you can adjust the Volume, Pan, Output Assignment, FX Send Level, FX Buss Assignment, Mute Group and Drum Link Parameters. For more information about these Parameters, see “Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits”. DM P...

  • Page 29: Saving Changes To A Drumkit

    With the CHASE button still lit, play another note from your controller to select another DRUM. Using the same procedure as outlined in steps 1 - 4, move the VALUE encoder to choose your desired Drum for this note. Play additional notes and repeat the process until you are satisfied with the Drums across your controller’s range.

  • Page 30: Programming Effects

    – the new Drum will simply go through that MIDI Note’s effects routing. There are two Effects Busses in the DM Pro: the Reverb Buss and the Multi-Effects Buss. The Multi-Effects Buss consists of an Overdrive effect, a Delay effect, and a Pitch effect which can be set to a Chorus, a Flanger or a Resonator.

  • Page 31: Editing The Effects Themselves

    Now turn the VALUE encoder to set the amount of signal that is sent to the Effects Processor. To make a Drum totally dry (no effects), set the value to 00. To make a Drum sound more processed (lots of effects), set the value to 99.
  • Page 32 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial OVERDRIVE Level: DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 33 For more detailed information on editing Drumkits, see “Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits”. This tutorial is meant as a brief overview of the DM Pro for the purposes of getting you and up and running as soon as possible. This section is not, under any circumstances, to be considered a complete exploration of the unit.

  • Page 35: Chapter 3: System Architecture

    There’s also a diagram at the end of the chapter which illustrates the path a signal takes inside the DM Pro from Trigger or MIDI Input to audio output. RGANIZATIONAL The DM Pro is organized into an inverted pyramid using four terms to describe the unit’s building blocks: DRUMKIT...

  • Page 36: Programming Hierarchy

    (non-inverted) pyramid using four basic programming terms: By understanding this terminology as it pertains to the DM Pro, you will glide quickly through the Reference Manual and get right to the more important task of making music with the module.

  • Page 37: Other Programming Terms You Should Know

    Attack: 32”, the number “32” is the Value. In the example, “FX Bus: REVERB”, the word “REVERB” is the Value. Value is the lowest organization programming level of the DM Pro – you cannot zoom in any farther than this. ERMS...

  • Page 38: The Three Modes Of The Dm Pro

    The DM Pro operates in three basic Modes: DRUMKIT MODE This is where you will spend 99% of your time with the DM Pro. Drumkit Mode is where you select individual Drums, change their volumes, their panning, their tuning and their MIDI and output assignments. Drumkit Mode also contains all of the Effects Functions.
  • Page 39 System Architecture Everything in the DM Pro is centered around the MIDI Note Number. Every Trigger Input has to be assigned a MIDI Note Number before it can be assigned a Drum. Each Drumkit is made up of 64 MIDI Note Numbers, to which you assign Drums.
  • Page 40 System Architecture DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 41: Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits

    ROGRAMMING RUMKITS Drumkit Mode is where you will spend 99% of your time with the DM Pro. It is the “top level” of the unit. Drumkit Mode is where you select individual Drums, change their volumes, their panning, their tuning and their MIDI and output assignments.

  • Page 42: A Note About Using The Preview Button

    The [PREVIEW] button is a very handy tool for hearing the edit you’ve made without having to turn away from the front panel of the DM Pro. It will play the currently selected Drum at a MIDI velocity of 127 (maximum). Since this is the case,...

  • Page 43: The Tune Function

    P2: The DRUM PAN Parameter This parameter allows you to position an individual Drum in the stereo field. To adjust the pan position of a Drum assigned to a MIDI Note, move the cursor beneath the Drum Pan Parameter Value:...
  • Page 44 Effects Processor and can only be edited from within Drum Edit Mode as it is part of the Drum itself. Many of the DM Pro Preset Drums are stereo Drums. Again, to preserve their stereo image, do not adjust their Pan Parameter Value. To route stereo Drums to an Auxiliary Output, choose the AUX 1/2 Parameter Value.
  • Page 45 This Parameter allows you to set the amount of Drum signal that is sent to the Effects processor for each MIDI Note of the DM Pro. Higher Values will make the Drum sound more wet, and lower Values will make the Drum sound less wet. A Value of 00 will leave the Drum completely dry (no effects).
  • Page 46 Mute Group as some other Drum, like a Cymbal or Sound Effect. There is a dedicated Drum in the DM Pro which can be used for this purpose. It is “SFX:127 Silence.” But you could use any Drum in the Drumkit to do this, as long as its Drum...
  • Page 47 Programming Drumkits whatever Drum you are trying to mute. DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 48: The Note Chase Function

    Enable Value to OFF. NOTE CHASE F The Note Chase Function is a quick way to select a specific MIDI Note in the DM Pro. Unlike other DM Pro Functions, there are no Parameters associated with Note Chase. The Function is simply either on or off.
  • Page 49 Programming Drumkits to reflect the currently selected MIDI Note causing a flood of information to appear on the screen. While this will not harm the DM Pro in any way nor impede its operation, it can be distracting and annoying.

  • Page 50: The Trigger Note Assign Function

    Trigger to the MIDI Note of your choice: Note: 72 C4 Drumkit Tip: Notice that the DM Pro allows you to assign the same MIDI Note to multiple triggers. This allows you to play, for example, the same snare drum from two different pads.
  • Page 51 Programming Drumkits DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 52: The Trigger Sequence Function

    Start or Stop Sequence playback from a PCMCIA card that is plugged into the DM Pro. You can make your own custom sequence cards with the Alesis Sound Bridge computer application that is included on the DM Pro CD ROM.
  • Page 53 Continue Command. This Value will initiate sequence playback from a PCMCIA card that is plugged into the DM Pro. Note that all of the “Card” Values do not send messages via MIDI – they are for local use only. Use the included Sound Bridge computer application to create custom sequence cards.
  • Page 54 Programming Drumkits This parameter will show up on Page 11 for Triggers 13 and 14, while it shows up on Page 9 for Trigger 16. This is due to the differing number of parameters available for these Triggers. DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 55: The Midi Function

    Drum Channel Override, MIDI In Enable and MIDI Out Enable. P14 The DRUM CHANNEL OVERRIDE Parameter This Parameter allows the DM Pro to respond to or transmit on up to sixteen MIDI Channels simultaneously. The Parameter is called “Drum Channel Override”...
  • Page 56 Drum in a Drumkit. This allows you to selectively transmit MIDI notes out of the DM Pro’s MIDI Out from a Trigger. This Parameter allows the DM Pro to act as a Trigger - to - MIDI interface, converting incoming Trigger signals into outgoing MIDI data.

  • Page 57: The Drumkit Name Function

    DRUMKIT NAME F As you probably guessed, this Function allows you to name your Drumkits. To access the Drumkit Name Function, go the top level of Drumkit Mode by pressing KIT. The current name of the Drumkit will be displayed on the top line with nothing on the bottom line: “...

  • Page 59: Chapter 5: Programming Effects

    ROGRAMMING The DM Pro contains a powerful two buss multi-effects processor that is capable of simultaneously delivering up to five studio-quality digital effects. This section describes how to program and edit this powerful effects processor. Remember that the Effects are only sent to the Main Outputs of the DM Pro.
  • Page 60 Functions (instead of just containing Parameters for the one main Function). To adjust the Parameter Value for each Parameter, as in the rest of the DM Pro, move the cursor beneath the Value and turn the Value encoder to make your selection:...

  • Page 61: The Reverb Effects Function

    REVERB EFFECTS F The Reverb Effects Function contains 9 Parameters: P1 The Reverb OUTPUT LEVEL Parameter This Parameter sets the output Volume of the Reverb Effect. Simple enough! P2 The Reverb TYPE Parameter This Parameter allows you to select which Reverb Type (or “algorithm”) that you wish to use for your Drumkit.
  • Page 62 Programming Effects Page 3 adjusts the Reverb Predelay parameter in 10 millisecond increments. To adjust the Reverb Predelay in increments of 1 millisecond, use the CURSOR > button to move the cursor from the first two numbers of the value to the last digit. This is Page 4 of the REVERB function.
  • Page 63 To that end, the DM Pro includes a low pass filter at the input to the Reverb Effect, which reduces the amount of high frequencies that are processed by the effect.
  • Page 64 Programming Effects Decay:70 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 65 Reverb Effect, while lower Values will decrease those echoes. The result is perceived as “thicker” reverb. High densities are usually desirable on drum sounds, whereas lower densities are usually desirable on vocal and guitar sounds. Generally, the lower the density, the more transparent the Reverb Effect becomes.

  • Page 66: The Overdrive Effects Function

    This Parameter sets the output amount of the Overdrive Effect. Unlike a preamp or guitar amp, the DM Pro gives you the ability to mix the overdriven signal with the dry (uneffected) signal. To make a Drum completely overdriven (no dry signal), set the Drum Output to FX ONLY, which will remove the dry signal from the outputs.

  • Page 67: The Delay Effects Function

    DELAY EFFECTS F Note that the Delay Effect is monaural only – there is no stereo delay or “ping pong” delay in the DM Pro due the extensive nature of the multi-effects. There are 6 Parameters in the Delay Effects Function:...
  • Page 68 Programming Effects DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 69 Tip: To match your delay time to your tempo, use your song’s tempo in “B.P.M.” (Beats Per Minute) in the following equations: Dotted Quarter note Quarter note Quarter note triplet Dotted 8th note Eighth note 8th note triplet Dotted 16th note Sixteenth note 16th note triplet For example: A quarter note delay time @ 120 bpm would be figured as...
  • Page 70 Programming Effects Out to Rvb: 2 0 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 71: The Pitch Effects Function

    PITCH EFFECTS F This Function is a configurable effect that can be set to one of three Pitch Effect Types: Chorus Flanger The output of the Chorus and Flanger can also be set to stereo or mono. In the case of stereo settings, the modulation effect sweeps across the stereo image, whereas with mono settings, the modulation effect remains panned in the center.

  • Page 72: Pitch Type: Chorus Or Flanger

    Programming Effects P3 The Pitch Effect TYPE Parameter This Parameter sets the Type of Pitch Effect for the Drumkit. There are three types of Pitch Effects: CHORUS FLANGER RESONATOR The Chorus and the Flanger can be configured as stereo or monaural effects, which gives you five possible choices for the Pitch Effect Type: Mono Chorus Stereo Chorus...
  • Page 73 Programming Effects P6 The DEPTH Parameter This Parameter sets the intensity or amplitude of the Effect. The higher the Value, the more pronounced the Effect. DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 74: Pitch Type: Resonator

    This Parameter adjust the relative pitch of the Resonator Effect to the source that feeds it. By adjust the Value to taste, you can bring out specific frequencies of the source Drum. P5 The Resonator DECAY Parameter Since the Resonator Effect is generated by a very short feedback delay, increasing the feedback (Decay) will extend the source sound and make the resonating effect more pronounced.

  • Page 75: The Equalizer Effects Function

    Equalizer in decibels. The boost Value is selectable in 1dB steps from 0dB to +9dB. Remember that the DM Pro Equalizer is “boost only” – you may not cut high frequencies with the Equalizer. To cut high frequencies in the DM Pro, use the Filter Function found in Drum Edit Mode.
  • Page 76 This Parameter allows you to set the amount of low frequency boost for the Equalizer in decibels. The boost Value is selectable in 1dB steps from 0dB to +12dB. Remember that the DM Pro Equalizer is “boost only” – you may not cut low frequencies with the Equalizer.
  • Page 77 Programming Effects DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 79: Chapter 6: Programming Drums

    ROGRAMMING Drum Edit Mode is lowest level of the DM Pro, where the actual shaping of timbres takes place. Drum Edit Mode is for advanced operation only as it is substantially more complex than any of the other Modes. For most applications, you can likely accomplish your desired task from within Drumkit Mode, which is discussed in the previous section.

  • Page 80: The Voice Select Function

    Select the type of Voice you want to occupy the current Sound by moving the cursor beneath the Voice Group Name: SND1:VOICE Group: AcKick Turn the Value encoder to select one of the 13 Voice Groups in the DM Pro. Here is a listing of the 13 Voice Groups: AcKick ElKick...

  • Page 81: The Level Function

    DM Pro Effects Processor. Think of it as recording a somewhat ambient drum through a set of mics and then processing it with outboard effects.

  • Page 82: The Pitch Function

    In the above example, the Sound is Detuned flat (down) by 15 cents. P3 The PITCH WHEEL TO PITCH Parameter This Parameter sets the DM Pro to allow the Pitch Bend Wheel on a MIDI controller to modify the Pitch of an individual Sound. The Value is adjusted in increments of a musical half step (100 cents) with a maximum range of one octave in either direction.
  • Page 83 SND1:PITCH PWHL>PITCH: 0 2 This Parameter may seem silly on a drum module, but do not overlook the usefulness of pitch bending hand drums, especially ethnic drums that are designed to change pitch such as udus or talking drums.

  • Page 84: The Filter Function

    Value, the sound becomes darker since fewer harmonics are present. The DM Pro Filter cuts, or “rolls off” high frequencies in the amount of 6dB per octave. For example, if the Cutoff Frequency is set to begin the high frequency rolloff at 5kHz, 10kHz would be 6dB softer than 5kHz, and 20kHz would be 12dB softer than 5kHz.
  • Page 85 Filter, Modulation Wheel to Filter and Filter Envelope to Filter. P1 The CUTOFF FREQUENCY Parameter This Parameter sets the basic brightness of the Filter. Like all Filter Parameters, the Cutoff Frequency Parameter can be overridden by other Filter Parameters, but this is generally the place to start when constructing a Filter setting.
  • Page 86 Programming Drums P3 The MODULATION WHEEL TO FILTER Parameter This Parameter is very similar to the Velocity to Filter Parameter described above. However, instead of Velocity dynamically modulating the Filter Cutoff Frequency, Modulation Wheel data received via MIDI will either raise or lower the Filter Cutoff Frequency depending on whether the Value is positive or negative respectively.

  • Page 87: The Amplitude Function

    It can be very powerful for creating “windows” for Sounds that can, when used in combination with other complementary Sounds, result in an expressive and dynamic Drum that musically changes timbre depending on the velocity of the note struck. There are 13 possible Values for this Parameter:...
  • Page 88 Programming Drums Rimshot Snare 4of4 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 89: A Note About The Preview Button And Velocity Curves

    The [PREVIEW] button is a very handy tool for hearing the edit you’ve made without having to turn away from the front panel of the DM Pro. It will play the currently selected Drum or Sound(s) at a MIDI velocity of 127 (maximum). Since this...

  • Page 90: The Three Envelope Generator Functions

    Sustain stage (described below). It can be thought of as “Hold Time” as it simulates a key being held on a MIDI keyboard. Since the DM Pro does not respond to the MIDI Note Off command, and a drum pad is not really suited to send a Note Off, the Envelope Gate Time Parameter allows you to pre-program this Value for each Sound within a Drum.
  • Page 91 The Envelope TRIGGER Parameter This Parameter is found in each of the three Envelopes and drastically affects the Envelopes’ behavior. There are four possible Values for the Envelope Trigger Parameter: NORMAL FREERUN RESET RESET-FREERUN The Envelope DELAY Parameter This Parameter determines the amount of time that the Envelope will doing anything.
  • Page 92 Programming Drums the Sustain Pedal is released (whichever comes last) before continuing on to the remaining Envelope stages (Attack, Decay, etc.). DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 93 Programming Drums The Envelope ATTACK Parameter This is the amount of time the Envelope will take until it reaches its maximum output level. Setting the Attack to 00 will make the Envelope go to its maximum level immediately upon triggering the note (assuming a Envelope Delay Value of 00). A setting of 99 will result in a substantially slower attack, taking quite a while for the Envelope to reach its maximum level.
  • Page 94 Programming Drums The Envelope SUSTAIN PEDAL Parameter This Parameter determines whether or not the Sustain Pedal of a MIDI controller will affect the Envelope. As you can imagine, when set to nothing. When set to one of two ways depending on the Value of the Envelope Trigger Parameter: If the Envelope Trigger Parameter is set to Sustain Pedal is depressed, the Envelope will jump to and remain in the Sustain stage of the Envelope until either the Sustain Decay reaches 00 or the Sustain Pedal is...

  • Page 95: About The Individual Envelopes

    The Pitch Envelope Function causes the pitch of a single Sound to change over time. It is typically used in the DM Pro to simulate the scooping or diving pitch characteristics of some hand drum instruments or even conventional kit drums. It can also be used more radically for outlandish sound effects.

  • Page 96: The Amplitude Envelope Function

    Programming Drums AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE F The Amplitude Envelope is really the last word of a DM Pro Sound. This Function controls the volume of a Sound over time. While the Pitch and Filter Envelopes require programming in order to affect their parent Functions (Pitch and Filter), no such requirement exists for the Amplitude Envelope.

  • Page 97: The Modulation Matrix Function

    Src: Velocity This Function allows you create non-standard modulation routes or control signal paths within the DM Pro for expressive and/or esoteric performance effects. Although there are many dedicated, or “hardwired” modulation routes in the unit (e.g., the Filter can always be modulated by the Velocity and Filter Envelope), the programming architecture allows you to create two custom modulation routes per Sound for maximum creative control over each Voice.
  • Page 98 The DM Pro gives you similar flexibility, but without the cords (it’s neater that way). There are 16 Modulation Sources in the DM Pro, each of which can control any of the 22 Modulation Destinations.
  • Page 99 Programming Drums Amplitude Envelope Amplitude ( AENV Level DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 100: The Drum Name Function

    -99 to +99. When the Value is set to 00, no Modulation occurs, and the Parameter is essentially off. When there is no Modulation occurring, the DM Pro indicates this by displaying the Modulation Matrix Function in lowercase letters through all three pages:...
  • Page 101 Programming Drums DM P 1 0 1 EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 103: Chapter 7: Triggers

    This section discusses the DM Pro Trigger Mode, where the 16 Triggers, located on the rear panel, can be used to sound individual Drums and/or convert incoming trigger signals into MIDI data. To enter or return to Trigger Mode, press [TRIG].

  • Page 104: P1 The Trigger Note Assign Function

    This Function sets the sensitivity of the Trigger input for maximum compatibility for third party drum pads. This Function is also invaluable when using the Triggers with an audio input (e.g., from a tape or hard disk recorder).

  • Page 105: P3 The Velocity Curve Function

    P3 T VELOCITY CURVE F This Function allows you to choose one of the fifteen preset curves to match the DM Pro’s Triggers to your playing style and pad output. The default Value is which has a response to Velocity that most evenly climbs from soft to loud. The various Velocity Curve types are described below.

  • Page 106: Trigger Velocity Curve Settings

    Triggers RIGGER ELOCITY Note that the scale on the FIXED curve is different from the other curves. On the bottom of the graph it lists “GAIN” instead of “TRIGGER IN,” and the scale runs from 0 to 99 instead of 0-127. What this shows is that the output of that Trigger (“Velocity”) increases as the “GAIN”...

  • Page 107: P4 The Threshold Function

    Pro. The Threshold Value for each Trigger is the lowest point where a Trigger will sound a Drum. In a noisy live environment, this Value should be set higher (try -50 or above: i.e., -40, -30, -20, etc.) to help gate out false trigger messages caused by bass amps or stage monitors.

  • Page 108: P6 The Crosstalk Function

    Don’t hit any other Triggers while you’re on this page. The DM Pro will “listen” to all other Triggers to see what signals they are picking up from the Trigger you are striking. The DM Pro will use these values to generate a “Crosstalk Matrix” (explained below).

  • Page 109: P7 The Noise Suppression Function

    This means the DM Pro is in a “Listen” mode. When you hit the pad hard (step 2 above), the DM Pro listens to the remaining 13 triggers for a crosstalk level and generates a Crosstalk Matrix of these values. This Matrix, in conjunction with the Crosstalk value you set, will be used to suppress false triggers during normal play.

  • Page 110: P8 The Trigger Setup Select Function

    DM Pro for use in four entirely different environments. Setting up the Triggers after that point becomes as simple as plugging in the pads and calling up the proper Trigger Setup.
  • Page 111 Setup Number: 1 Trigger Set Pages 9 and 10 inside the TRIG function were described in Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits. They are stored on a per-Drumkit basis. DM P EFERENCE ANUAL Triggers 1 1 1...

  • Page 112: P11 Aux Pedal Type Select Function

    P6 HAT PEDAL TYPE SELECT F (Trigger 15 only) These two Functions are somewhat hidden in the DM Pro architecture. The Hat Pedal Type Function is accessible only when Trigger 15 is selected. When Trigger 15 is selected, you will find this Function on Page 6 of Trigger Mode.

  • Page 113: The Interactive Hi-Hat Performance

    An acoustic hi-hat is a complex device. To reproduce not only the sound, but also the performance of a hi-hat with an electronic drum module requires some advanced operation. Fortunately, the DM Pro has been designed with Hi-hat performance in mind, and there is a special section of the software that has been specifically crafted to handle the task.
  • Page 114 Triggers timbre. Use a two-zone drum pad or two separate pads to trigger both of these variable timbres for maximum Hi-hat expressiveness and authenticity. 1 1 4 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 115: Hat Pedal Type: Pedal

    “Stick-hit” sounds. The DM Pro tracks the position of the CV Pedal and can use the Pedal’s position as an input to the Modulation Matrix (discussed in “Chapter 6: Programming Drums”).

  • Page 116: P12 The Aux Trigger Note Select Function

    Triggers P12 T AUX TRIGGER NOTE SELECT F (per Drumkit) This Function allows you to set the MIDI Note Number for the Aux Pedal Input. It is available only when the Aux Pedal Type is set to Note that the MIDI Note Number you choose is stored with each Drumkit, not with one of the four Setups.

  • Page 117: Tips For Triggering From Acoustic Drums

    The difference in output levels between transducers is considerable. While a really “hot” trigger might work great on the snare, it may not work as well on a bass drum. For example, a high sensitivity trigger will detect the softer “grace” notes on a snare drum and provide the best tracking in a tight pressed roll.

  • Page 118: Trigger Placement

    Firmly mount the trigger to the shell approximately one-half inch from the batter rim. ➁ Placement of the trigger should be on the player’s side of the drum, within a lug or two of where the stick would hit if you played a rimshot.

  • Page 119: Muffling

    The amount a head vibrates when it is struck is what causes most of the problems related to triggering from an acoustic drum. Often most drummers don't want to put a lot of tape or muffling on their heads, but the degree of improvement it makes may be well worth at least a little sacrifice.
  • Page 120 Triggers 1 2 0 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 121: Chapter 8: Global Functions

    This Parameter sets the Basic Channel to which Drums and Drumkits will respond and on which Triggers will transmit. Note that the DM Pro cannot be set to MIDI Omni Mode as this would create a confusing situation with the DM Pro’s multichannel, multitimbral capabilities.
  • Page 122 Similarly to the Filter Program Receive Parameter, the DM Pro will also send MIDI Program Change Commands to cause external devices connected to the [MIDI OUT] of the DM Pro to change their program when a new DM Pro Drumkit is selected from the front panel.
  • Page 123 Global Functions f o u r Remember that there are Parameters for the Assignable Controllers, one Parameter for each Controller. DM P 1 2 3 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 124 Hat Pedal Parameter will respond to the same MIDI Controller to which you assign the Hat Pedal. You can, for instance, use the Modulation Wheel on an external synthesizer to act as the Hat Pedal – the DM Pro will not know the difference and will respond identically.
  • Page 125 Global Functions DM P 1 2 5 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 126 MIDI Channel on which to send and receive. To simulate Hat Pedal movement via MIDI, the DM Pro asks you to choose one MIDI Channel for the Hat Pedal MIDI Continuous Controller.

  • Page 127: The Global Store Function

    Drum Edit Mode, but it also contains numerous Commands to copy parts of your work and to transmit individual DM Pro components over MIDI. It also has some utility Commands which allow you to reload Factory Drumkits and Trigger Setups from the DM Pro’s memory.
  • Page 128 Global Functions occupant of the selected memory location, so be certain that you are not erasing something that is valuable to you. If you’d hate to lose it, make sure it has been backed up! 1 2 8 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 129 Bank name and turn the Value encoder: Save Drum to: Card1 A DM Pro rewritable Bank is structured the same way whether it is the Internal Bank (User) or a Card Bank (Card). All rewritable DM Pro Banks consist of 128 Drums and 64 Drumkits.
  • Page 130 The INITIALIZE SOUND Command This Command allows you to initialize all Parameter Values of an individual Sound within a DM Pro Drum to their default Values. To initialize a Sound, select the Sound you wish to initialize by moving the cursor...
  • Page 131 Global Functions KIT 00 (STR) Press STORE to execute the operation. DM P 1 3 1 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 132 Like the Send All Data to MIDI Command, this Command allows you to send the Parameter Values of the selected Drum out of the [MIDI OUT] on the DM Pro to an external data storage device or a second DM Pro.
  • Page 133 Global Functions Again, press [STORE] to initiate the transmission. DM P 1 3 3 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 134 The SAVE USER BANK TO CARD Command This Command allows you to store the entire contents of a DM Pro User Bank onto a PCMCIA Type I or Type II SRAM memory card. Depending on the size of the card, there may be more than one Card Bank available as a location for which to save your User Bank.
  • Page 135 Global Functions Press [STORE] to load the Card Bank into the User Bank. DM P 1 3 5 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 136 This includes the 4 Trigger Setups, 64 User Drumkits and all 128 User Drums. This is a fairly drastic measure as it will obliterate DM Pro. Be absolutely certain that this is what you really, really want to do before initiating the Command.
  • Page 137 Global Functions Load TRIGS from Factory? (STR) Press [STORE] to load the factory-default Trigger Setups back into place. DM P 1 3 7 EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 139: Chapter 9: Extras

    All you need is a DM Pro. Sound Bridge creates a DM Pro Voice by allowing you to load in single sound files in a variety of formats and sample playback rates. Sound Bridge will keep track of the root notes, sample start points, loop points, and loop tunings of the sound file.

  • Page 140: Using Pcmcia Expansion Cards

    As mentioned before, Sound Bridge allows you to burn your own sequence files to an SRAM or Flash RAM card in the DM Pro’s expansion card slot (up to 50 of them!). Once you’ve done this, here is how to access your sequences from the front panel of the DM Pro: Press and hold the [KIT] button.
  • Page 141 Extras Flashing circles around the numbers at the bottom of the display indicate sequence playback activity on the various MIDI Channels. DM P 1 4 1 EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 143: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    First, try simply turning the DM Pro off and then on again. This is definitely the first thing to try if you were editing a Drumkit or Drum and hadn’t stored it to the User bank before the unit “froze.”...

  • Page 144: Maintenance/Service

    You’ll know the DM Pro has been re-initialized if the display looks like this: The nice thing is that for all its power, a re-initialization of the DM Pro does not affect the User bank of Drumkits and Drums at all. Even nicer is the fact that it doesn’t touch the Trigger Setups, which would be very time-consuming to reconstruct.

  • Page 145: Obtaining Repair Service

    EFER ERVICING TO The DM Pro is one of the most reliable drum modules that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. If problems should occur, however, Do NOT attempt to service the unit yourself. THIS WOULD BE DANGEROUS, thanks to high-level AC and DC electrical voltages present in the instrument’s chassis.
  • Page 146 Troubleshooting 1 4 6 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 147: Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information

    PPENDIX DVANCED RIGGER NFORMATION DM P RIGGER ROCESS Here is a diagram which shows exactly how the DM Pro’s Trigger section works:...

  • Page 148: Trigger Connection Diagrams

    Advanced Trigger Information As you can see, the Trigger section of the DM Pro is a very intricate and powerful portion of its software. One clue in reading the diagram is to notice the “color keys” along the bottom of the chart. The box labeled “TRIG Functions” has a darker-line box inside a thinner-line box.
  • Page 149 You can use two separate pads or trigger sources to trigger two different Drums via the TRS Trigger Input jacks on the back of the DM Pro. Generally, in the DM Pro’s preset Drumkits the TRS Trigger Inputs are used for grouping similar percussion instruments.
  • Page 150 This is a common way to hook up a pad for a Snare. Many companies sell “dual- zone” pads which will give you the option to assign one Drum to the center of the pad and another to the edge of the pad (typically assigned to Snare and Sidestick sounds, respectively).
  • Page 151 Of course, you have to set the AUX Pedal Type to Switch first before the DM Pro will allow you to do any of this. But in effect, the AUX Trigger Input becomes “Trigger 17” when you use it this way.
  • Page 152 Advanced Trigger Information This option looks pretty strange, but it’s the way to use the AUX Pedal Input for muting Drums or Cymbals with a rimswitch trigger pad and still be able to play two separate pads on TRS Trigger Input jacks 7/8 or 9/10. This involves two different kinds of Stereo Instrument “Y”...

  • Page 153: Pedal/Footswitch Compatibility

    OOTSWITCH The Continuously Variable (CV) Pedals and Momentary Footswitches which are used must meet certain criteria for optimum performance with the DM Pro. The momentary footswitches should be “normally open.” The recommended choice is the Alesis “Sustain Pedal,” which is a momentary footswitch that ships with most of our keyboard products.
  • Page 154 Advanced Trigger Information 1 5 4 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 155: Appendix C: Midi Supplement

    MIDI S MIDI B ASICS Most current electronic instruments and signal processors, including the DM Pro, contain an internal computer. Computers and music have been working together for decades, which is not surprising considering music’s mathematical basis (consider frequencies, harmonics, vibrato rates, tunings, etc.). In the mid-70s, microcomputers became inexpensive enough to be built into consumer-priced musical instruments.

  • Page 156: Midi Message Basics

    MIDI Supplement MIDI M ESSAGE The are two main types of MIDI messages. Channel messages, which are channel- specific, consist of Voice and Mode messages. System messages, which do not have a channel number and are received by all units in a system, include Common, Real Time, and Exclusive messages.
  • Page 157 MIDI Supplement DM P 1 5 7 EFERENCE ANUAL...
  • Page 158 MIDI Supplement Each type of controller is stamped with its own controller identification number. Not all controller numbers have been standardized for specific functions, but the following indicates the current list of assigned controllers. Numbers in parentheses indicate the controller range. FUNCTION Bank Select (0-127) Modulation Wheel (0-127)

  • Page 159: System Common Messages

    : Sending a QS6.1 message to an Alesis DM Pro Drum Module won’t do anything, but the message will be understood by another QS6.1. This data often contains information about individual instrument programs.

  • Page 160: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI Supplement MIDI I MPLEMENTATION Function Basic Default 1 - 16 Channel Changed 1 - 16 each Default Mode 3 Mode Messages Altered * * * * * * * * Note 33-96 Number True Voice * * * * * * * * Velocity Note On Note Off...
  • Page 161 MIDI Supplement DM P 1 6 1 EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 163: Appendix D: Glossary Of Terms

    LOSSARY OF This section briefly defines most of the terms mentioned in the DM Pro Reference Manual. If during your reading of Reference Manual you encounter a term that is unfamiliar, jump to this section for an additional explanation. This section can also be used as a quick, non-linear description of individual aspects of the unit.
  • Page 164 Effects Functions including EQ. To return to Drumkit Mode at any time, press [KIT]. No effects. In the DM Pro, Effects refers to any or all of the DSP Functions contained in the Effects Function, which include Reverb, Overdrive, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Resonator and EQ.
  • Page 165 DM Pro and vice versa. This refers to one of the 64 “locations” or “slots” where Drums reside within a DM Pro Drumkit. All of the MIX and TUNE Parameters refer to MIDI Note Numbers and not to the Drums that reside there.
  • Page 166 The DM Pro has 16 Triggers accessed by 1/4” jacks on the rear panel. One of three Modes of the DM Pro. This is where you adjust the parameters for the 16 trigger inputs. Parameters include Trigger Note Assignment, Gain, Threshold, Crosstalk and Sequence Commands.
  • Page 167 A MIDI Value from 0 - 127 that describes how hard a note is hit. In most cases, Velocity controls the volume of a sound. In the DM Pro, Velocity can also modulate many other parameters such as Filter Frequency or Envelope Stages.
  • Page 168 Glossary 1 6 8 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 169: Index

    NDEX...
  • Page 171 Effects Function, 49 Effects Send Level Parameter, 39 Envelope, defined, 130 Equalizer Effects Function, 60 defined, 49 Expansion Cards Alesis QCard, 110 PCMCIA, 110 FILTER ENVELOPE Function, 77 Flanger Effect, 58 Output to Reverb parameter, 59 Function in Programming Hierarchy, 31...
  • Page 172 Parameter, 102 MIX button, 24 buss assignments, 26 DRUM ENABLE Parameter, 41 DRUM LINK Parameter, 41 Drum Pan Parameter, 24, 37 PROG setting, 38 Drum Volume Parameter, 24, 37 EFFECTS BUSS Parameter, 40 Effects Send Level Parameter, 26, 39 MUTE GROUP Parameter, 40...
  • Page 173 Triggers described, 85 graphed, 86 Velocity, defined, 133 Voice defined, 133 in Organizational Hierarchy, 30 DM P EFERENCE ANUAL Index 1 7 3...

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