Alesis ModFx Ampliton Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFx Ampliton Reference Manual

Amplitude modulator
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  • Page 1 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank 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...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Ampliton...4 Important features of your Ampliton ...4 Ampliton Key Features ...5 How to Use This Manual...6 Safety Instructions/Notices ...7 Important Safety Instructions (English)...7 CE Declaration Of Conformity...9 FCC Compliance Statement...9 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) ...10 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) ...12 Quick Start Guide ...15...
  • Page 4 Blank templates...38 Troubleshooting...39 Troubleshooting Index...39 Avoiding ground loop noise...41 Line conditioners and spike protectors ...42 Care and Maintenance ...43 Cleaning...43 Refer all servicing to Alesis...43 Obtaining repair service ...44 Specifications...45 Audio Input ...45 Audio Output...45 Audio Performance...45 Mechanical ...45 Index...47 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...48...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction 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 believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them.

  • Page 6: About The Ampliton

    Introduction 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 tremolo effect with an autopan effect. Each box in the line provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each other.

  • Page 7: Ampliton Key Features

    Ampliton Key Features • Two digital effects in one box (tremolo and autopan), each with its own separate controls for modulation sources, depth and speed • Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs • Tempo synchronization for tremolo and/or autopan speed keeps effects modulation in time with the music •...

  • Page 8: How To Use This Manual

    Chapter 4: Sample Settings provides a selection of sound charts created by the sound designers at Alesis for you to try. Near the end of the manual are troubleshooting tips, specifications, and an index to help you find what you're looking for.

  • Page 9: Safety Instructions/Notices

    Safety Instructions/Notices Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety 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.
  • Page 10 Important Safety Instructions 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting.

  • Page 11: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    CE Declaration Of Conformity See our 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 device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 12: Instructions De Sécurité Importantes (French)

    Important Safety Instructions Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles 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...
  • Page 13 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 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.

  • Page 14: Lesen Sie Bitte Die Folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German)

    Important Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann.
  • Page 15 11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, 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 vermeiden.
  • Page 16 Important Safety Instructions This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 17: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide If you can’t wait 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 you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand"...

  • Page 18: A Quick Overview Of The Controls

    Quick Start Guide A quick overview of the controls Roc ke r s witc hes The TREMOLO an d AUTOPAN switch e s se lec t the c ur r en t e ffec t m od e, as s ho wn b y the LED s ne x t to the m.

  • Page 19: Connections

    • Power Adapter • This instruction manual To register your purchase, go to the Alesis website at www.alesis.com. Installing in a Rack The Ampliton is designed for tabletop use, but can also be installed in a standard 19" audio equipment rack. For rack mounting, contact your Alesis dealer for the ModFX Rack.
  • Page 20 Connections Connecting audio The Ampliton will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument 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.

  • Page 21: Connecting To The Channel Inserts Of A Mixing Console

    Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Most recording consoles have a jack near the mic and line inputs labeled "Insert". This is typically a TRS jack with the send and return on the same jack. To use the Ampliton as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included).

  • Page 22: Connecting To The Main Outputs Of A Mixing Console

    Connections Connecting to the Main Outputs of 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 you connect it to a pair of channels.

  • Page 23: Connecting To The Inserts On An Instrument Amplifier

    Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier: The insert send on a guitar or bass amp is usually labeled "effects send and return" or "insert send and return". This allows you to preamplify your instrument before flanging it and sending it to the power amp.

  • Page 24: Connecting To Equipment With Xlr Inputs And Outputs

    Connections Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Ampliton to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, you will need to convert this signal to a 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make sure that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4”...

  • Page 25: Using The Modlink

    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 transfers digital audio and word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of the unit is the ModLink IN port.
  • Page 26 Connections This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 27: Using The Ampliton

    Using the Ampliton This section defines tremolo and autopan, and explains the functions of the Ampliton’s controls in greater detail. The two sides of the Ampliton The basic operation of the Ampliton couldn’t be simpler. It gives you access to two different kinds of amplitude-based effects: on the left side is tremolo, which feeds the autopan on the right side.

  • Page 28: What Is Tempo Sync

    Autopan effect pans from side to side once per measure, or once per quarter note. The TEMPO SYNC feature of the Alesis ModFX series not only lets you set a tempo naturally by tapping on the TAP TEMPO button, it can automatically adjust its speed slightly relative to a “tapped”...

  • Page 29: Description Of Controls

    Description of Controls Rate The [RATE] knobs change the speed of the Ampliton’s effects: • The [RATE] knob on the left controls how quickly the Tremolo effect will happen. • The [RATE] knob on the right controls how quickly the Autopan effect will happen.

  • Page 30: Tremolo Mode Rocker Switch

    Using the Ampliton Tremolo Mode Rocker Switch The up/down rocker switch beside the Tremolo label on the left side of the unit selects the type of tremolo effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are four kinds of Tremolo available, explained below.
  • Page 31 Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the tremolo or autopan and repeats it over and over. Pattern mode sometimes makes the level jump quickly from step to step, while other levels “glide” from step to step. It sounds somewhat like using “sample and hold”...

  • Page 32: Autopan Mode Rocker Switch

    Using the Ampliton Autopan Mode Rocker Switch The up/down 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 current mode. There are five kinds or shapes of Autopan available.
  • Page 33 Uncertainty This mode randomly generates a continually altering waveform for the autopan. Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step pattern for the autopan modulation and repeats it over and over. Pattern mode sometimes makes the level jump quickly from step to step, while other levels “glide”...

  • Page 34: Reset Mod

    Using the Ampliton Reset Mod Press this button to reset the autopan and tremolo modulation as follows: • In TRIANGLE and SQUARE modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the beginning of its phase. In Autopan, the wave starts at the right side, then moves to the center/left.

  • Page 35: Tap Tempo

    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 current tempo. Tap Tempo technique For a reliable tempo setting, make from four to eight taps in a row at a consistent speed, especially if you’re changing the tempo...

  • Page 36: Bypass

    Using the Ampliton Bypass 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 switch.

  • Page 37: Sample Settings

    Sample Settings While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, we thought it would be a good idea to provide some sample settings of the Ampliton to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Ampliton so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.
  • Page 38 Sample Settings Around the World This se tting will m a ke th e s ou nd r e vo lv e a ro un d y ou r h ea d. Both Tre mo lo an d Autop an ar e s yn ch ro n iz ed at full de p th .
  • Page 39 Sample Settings Spin the Wheel Tre mo lo star ts fa st, e nd s s lo w, a n d yo u n ev er kn ow q uite wh er e the p an will en d u p. Tr igg er off th e a ud io inp ut o r p re s s [RES ET MO D ] to tr ig g er it m an ua lly Blank...

  • Page 40: Blank Templates

    Sample Settings Blank templates...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Ampliton, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptoms No audio output s. [TAP T EMPO] button is...
  • Page 42 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Cause Pro blem w ith th e source Gro und lo op Solution Try bypassing t he Amp liton by con nectin g the input cables to t he out put cables and see if the problem rem ains. Place all equip ment in the studio on a com mon gro und (see next page) .

  • Page 43: Avoiding Ground Loop Noise

    Avoiding ground 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 occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees"...

  • Page 44: Line Conditioners And Spike Protectors

    Troubleshooting If the basic experiments don’t uncover the source of the problem, consult your dealer or technician trained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the mixer at the center of the star providing the shield ground on telescoping shields, which do NOT connect to the chassis ground of other equipment in the system.

  • Page 45: Care And Maintenance

    LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit. Refer all servicing to Alesis We believe that the Ampliton is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use.

  • Page 46: Obtaining Repair Service

    Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned. Alesis will pay for standard one-way shipping back to you on any repair covered under the terms of this warranty.

  • Page 47: Specifications

    24-bit, 48 kHz sampling >100 dB A-weighted < 0.005% ± 1dB from 22Hz to 22kHz 28-bit 7 Watts max (9VAC Alesis P3) 2.1” H x 5.8” W x 3.9” D (53mm H x 148mm W x 98mm D) 12.6oz. (357 g) All m ea s ur em e nts do n e ov e r a 2 2H z –...
  • Page 48 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 49: Index

    Index amplifier, 21 AUTOPAN, 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 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 34 Ground Loop, 41 grounding, 7 guitar, 18 Hums and buzzes, 41 INPUTS, 15...

  • Page 50: Warranty/Contact Alesis

    For the most effective service, the purchaser should re gister the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.com/support/warranty.htm. During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative.

  • Page 51: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis Ampliton Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Alex Souppa & Dan Tinen Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. Trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

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