Alesis Wedge Reference Manual
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Alesis Wedge Reference Manual

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  • Page 1 ALESIS Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 2: How To Use This Manual

    Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis Wedge Desktop Master Reverb Processor. To take full advantage of the Wedge’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the Wedge.
  • Page 3 Wedge Reference Manual...
  • Page 4 Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Session Your First with the Wedge...7 Unpacking and Inspection ...7 Basic Connections...7 Powering Up ...8 Dry Defeat...8 Setting Levels ...8 Automatic Input Level Settings ...9 What’s in the Display? ...10 Auditioning Internal Programs ...10 Switching Between Preset and User Banks...10 Changing Effect Settings ...11...
  • Page 6 Using the A/B/C/D Buttons...37 Using Online Help ...37 Special Cases ...37 Naming A Program ...38 Tutorial: Gothic Hall ...39 Overview of Effects ...41 The Architecture of the Wedge ...41 What is a Configuration?...41 Single...41 Parallel ...41 Dual Mono...41 Multi Chain...41 Reverb Effects ...44...
  • Page 7 Sysex Storage...67 Realtime Modulation Functions ...67 Defining the Modulation Sources...68 Modulation Parameters Index ...69 Setting Modulation Amplitude...70 Realtime Sysex Control...71 About System Exclusive vs. Controller Messages ...71 Troubleshooting ...73 Trouble-Shooting Index ...73 Re-initializing...73 Checking the Software Version ...74 Wedge Reference Manual...
  • Page 8 Maintenance/Service ...74 Cleaning...74 Refer All Services to Alesis ...74 Obtaining Repair Service...74 MIDI Implementation Chart...76 Specifications ...77 Wedge Reference Manual Contents...
  • Page 9 Contents (GFX: Front & Rear Panel Diagram) Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 10: Unpacking And Inspection

    Stereo: Connect two 1/4” phone cords to the [LEFT] & [RIGHT] INPUTS of the Wedge from a stereo source , and two 1/4” phone cords from the OUTPUTS of the Wedge to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs.

  • Page 11: Powering Up

    Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume. Dry Defeat When connecting the Wedge to a mixing console’s aux sends and returns, it is generally desirable to remove the direct (dry) signal from the outputs of the Wedge so that its output signal contains only the effected (wet) signal.

  • Page 12: Setting Levels

    Press the [I/O] button. Ì Feed signal to the Wedge’s input(s). You can set the Left and Right Input and Output levels by moving the Value Sliders and Value Wheel. Your input signal should make the meters go as far to the right as possible without clipping.

  • Page 13: What's In The Display

    For more about the Wedge display, see Chapter 3. Auditioning Internal Programs The Wedge comes with 128 Programs in a Preset bank, plus another 128 Programs in the User bank. These Programs represent the wide range of applications for which the Wedge is suited.

  • Page 14: Changing Effect Settings

    Ì Parameter Name Strip Í Parameter Values and Bar Graphs Î A, B, C, D and EDITED Indicators For more about using the Wedge Display in Edit mode, see Chapter 3. Wedge Reference Manual Your First Session with the Wedge – Chapter 1...

  • Page 15: Using Online Help

    Chapter 4. Using Online Help The Wedge has built-in online help to assist you in identifying parameter functions from the display, without having to look things up in this manual. Once you have accessed Edit mode (see previous section), you can select any of the parameters shown in the display by pressing the corresponding button ([A], [B], [C] or [D]).

  • Page 16: Adjusting Effects Mix Levels

    While you are in Compare mode, the display will show the previous values and the [COMPARE] button will light up. You can use the [EDIT/PAGE] button to scroll to other pages while in Compare mode. Pressing the button again or pressing [PROG] Wedge Reference Manual Your First Session with the Wedge – Chapter 1...

  • Page 17: Restoring An Edited Program To Its Original Settings

    Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the Wedge exits Compare mode; the display will return to its original state and the edited version of the Program will be restored. Restoring an Edited Program to its Original Settings If you decide to abort the changes you have made to an edited Program, this can be done in two easy steps: Ê...

  • Page 18: Storing And Naming Edited Programs

    Program into memory yet. However, if you select another Program from memory before storing the edited Program, your changes will be lost forever. Although the Wedge has two banks (Preset and User), you can only store Programs in the User bank. To store an edited Program: Ê...
  • Page 19 Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the Wedge Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 20: Connections

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

  • Page 21: Typical Applications

    Alternatively, you could use the inserts on your mixer to “patch in” only the left or right channel of the Wedge. If using the effect sends of a mixer, you have the advantage of sending any of the mixer’s input channels to the Wedge’s input(s), and have control over the level of each channel being sent.

  • Page 22: Balanced Operation

    Balanced Operation The Wedge features balanced TRS inputs and outputs. This allows it to be used with professional consoles and other balanced equipment. You may need to purchase an XLR to TRS 1/4” cable or adaptor, depending on the jacks used on the connecting equipment.

  • Page 23: Interfacing To A Mixing Console

    OUTPUTS of the Wedge to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs. Interfacing to a Mixing Console The Wedge handles mono or stereo sends at all system levels. The input circuitry of the Wedge can easily handle professional +4 dBu levels (+20 dBu peaks), while having enough input and output gain to interface with the lower -10 dBV signal levels of home and project recording studios.

  • Page 24: Using The Aux Sends

    For more information about Dry Defeat, see Chapter 1. Mono In - Stereo Out: If you only want to feed the Wedge a mono input, but wish to connect both of its outputs back to the mixer, you will need three 1/4" audio cables.
  • Page 25 Stereo In - Stereo Out: This connection is similar to the one described above. However, by utilizing two sends from the mixer, we add one more cable from a different aux send to the [RIGHT] input of the Wedge and can now send a stereo Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 26: Using Inserts

    ROOM+PLATE configurations are examples of this kind of multieffect that, essentially, allow you to use the Wedge as two independent mono or stereo effect units. For this reason, we recommend using the Stereo In - Stereo Out hookup whenever possible to get the most out of the Wedge.
  • Page 27 Wedge, as these may be wired backwards. If the cable is color- coded, usually the red jack represents the send (which connects to the Wedge’s input) and black is the return (which connects to the output).

  • Page 28: Using Main Outputs

    1/4" cables to connect the Left and Right Main Outputs of the mixing console to the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] inputs of the Wedge. The [LEFT] and [RIGHT] outputs of the Wedge are then connected to a stereo amplifier, or two input channels of another mixing console (for sub-mixing applications).

  • Page 29: Midi Connections

    To control (modulate) parameters inside the Wedge in realtime via MIDI controllers (example: A keyboard’s mod wheel, or pedals, etc.) • To record and play back edits from the Wedge front panel into a sequencer for playback during a track •...
  • Page 30 Note: It is not necessary to follow step 2 if you intend to only send information to the Wedge, and do not need to receive information back from it. Example: If you only want to be able to recall Programs using MIDI program change messages, there is no need to connect a cable to the Wedge’s [OUT/THRU] connector.

  • Page 31: Description Of Controls

    ESCRIPTION OF Front Panel LCD Display When the Wedge is first turned on, the display will look something like this: The Wedge’s display is divided into 5 sections: Ê Program Number. Wedge Programs are numbered from example the Program selected is number Bank.

  • Page 32: Value Knob

    The [EDIT/PAGE] button is used in Program mode to advance through the available Edit pages. When [EDIT/PAGE] is pressed in Program mode, the Program’s parameters will be displayed for editing. The total number of pages will appear in Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 33: Tap/Audition Button

    This is the Wedge’s built-in online help system. If there is no corresponding parameter for one or more of the [A], [B], [C] and [D] buttons in a particular page, it will be indicated in the display when the button is pushed.
  • Page 34 The [A], [B], [C] and [D] Sliders are used to edit parameters in Edit mode. The quickest way to edit a program on the Wedge is to press Edit and start moving the sliders. You don’t have to select a parameter before moving the slider, just grab it and the parameter will jump to the new value.

  • Page 35: Program Button

    [MIDI IN] port to be passed through to the [MIDI OUT/THRU] port. The third function is Program Change Enable ( moving the [D] slider to either Off, On or Table. When set to off, the Wedge ignores program change messages. When set to on, incoming MIDI program change and bank select messages received on the same channel the Wedge is set to will recall the same numbered Program.
  • Page 36 There are 128 different possible MIDI program change messages (000 – 127). However, the Wedge has 256 Programs to choose from. Therefore, the Program Table allows us to choose which of the 256 Programs will be recalled when certain program change numbers are received.

  • Page 37: I/O Button

    During this time, you should feed signal to the Wedge’s inputs (i.e. play your guitar or keyboard, or playback tape). To cancel the Auto Level function once it has been engaged, press any button on the front panel.

  • Page 38: Store Button

    “dry” signal without effects. If Dry Defeat (see UTIL mode, above) is turned off and the Wedge is in Bypass mode, the input signal will be passed through without effects. If Dry Defeat is turned on and Bypass is on, no signal will pass through the unit.

  • Page 39: Rear Panel

    [LEFT] input will be routed to the [RIGHT] as well. Output (Left & Right) These are balanced 1/4" phone jacks which connect to devices such as the effect returns on a mixing console. For mono applications, use the [LEFT] output. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 40: Editing Programs

    A Configuration is made up of one or more effects. Each of the internal Programs of the Wedge use one Configuration. When you want to create your own Program, the first thing you must decide is which Configuration you wish to use. Then you need to locate a Program that already uses this Configuration.
  • Page 41 Chapter 4 – Editing Programs Now you can start editing the Program’s parameters, and having some real fun! Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 42: Editing Effect Parameters

    To make your changes to the Program permanent, you must store the Program somewhere in the User bank. If the Program is already in the Preset bank and you store it, you will automatically be taken into the User bank. Wedge Reference Manual Editing Programs – Chapter 4 Decay PDly 650msec 2.8KHz...

  • Page 43: Moving Through Pages

    Using Online Help The Wedge has built-in online help to assist you in identifying parameter functions from the display, without having to look things up in this manual. Once you have accessed Edit mode (see previous section), you can select any of the parameters shown in the display by pressing the corresponding button ([A], [B], [C] or [D]).

  • Page 44: Naming A Program

    …whereby nnnnnnnnnnnn is the Program’s name. The [STORE] button will turn off and the display will revert to wherever it was before [STORE] was pressed for the first time. Here is a chart of available characters: " ¥ Wedge Reference Manual Editing Programs – Chapter 4 & ’ < >...

  • Page 45: Tutorial: Gothic Hall

    Density parameter, it can be used to approximate hundreds of room textures. Again, use the [TAP/AUDITION] button to check if the room is getting too ripply or too glassy. For this program, I chose a value of 78%. Dens Diff Wedge Reference Manual...
  • Page 46 By setting the frequency to 237Hz and the Level to 100, we can add a touch of warmth to our hall program. Boost BassF 100 237 Wedge Reference Manual Editing Programs – Chapter 4...
  • Page 47 Chapter 4 – Editing Programs Finally, I’ll leave the Depth at the default 60%. The resulting program should sound like a large, darkened church with plenty of character for orchestral instruments and voices. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 48: Overview Of Effects

    The left and right inputs need to be used only if you are using the Wedge inline between a stereo instrument and an input, to provide a wet/dry mix that preserves the dry stereo image.

  • Page 49: Parallel

    Digital Signal Processor is accommodating more than one effect at a time. In other words, the reverb effect in the “Delay “dense” as the Single Configuration called “Room Reverb”. Effect 1 LEFT Effect 1 Effect 2 Effect 2 Room” Configuration is not as Outputs LEFT RIGHT Wedge Reference Manual...
  • Page 50 Mix parameter to 000% (this means none of its output can be heard nor is sent to the second effect in the chain). Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 51: Reverb Effects

    This decaying action is influenced by the room size, the location of the sound source in the room, the hardness of the walls, and other factors. The Wedge offers the following types of reverberation: Large Hall This is a simulation of a large concert hall.

  • Page 52: Plate

    The reverse reverb is a useful effect for drums and other percussive sounds – adding space without washing out the instrument. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 53: Reverb Parameters

    Classic plate reverbs often have a midrangy twang to them. Since this frequency bump is part of the character of a plate reverb, the Wedge allows you to roll off the highs (see above) and low frequencies on Plate reverbs. The High Pass Filter parameter controls the frequency where the low end will begin to roll off (at a rate of 6dB per octave).

  • Page 54: Pre-Delay

    DIFFUSION OF 0 TIME Fewer reflections Note: The illustration above reflects a Density setting of 0. Wedge Reference Manual Overview of Effects – Chapter 5 DIFFUSION OF 99 TIME More reflections...

  • Page 55: Frequency Damping - Low & High

    The Early Reflections of a reverb add attack to the room and dictate the room’s size. The Shape parameter controls how the reflections fade out over time. Different shapes will dictate the shape of the room and the intensity of the attack. The Early Reflection shapes are diagramed below: Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 56: Depth

    Time, which can be set from 0 to 500 ms. On some Configurations, only one parameter is available: Gate. This can be set between OFF and 500 ms, and controls both the hold and release times of the gate effect. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 57: Delay Effects

    You can adjust the delay time using a technique called “tap tempo”. By tapping the button which corresponds to the Tap parameter, (either the TAP/AUDITION button or the [A] button), you can have the Wedge follow your tapping and adjust its delay time to match the tempo you are using.

  • Page 58: Delay Parameters

    “TAP ” with a value of “--- ”. Use this button to tap the delay time. The Wedge can also use the incoming audio signal as a Tap Tempo source. If you hold down the [TAP/AUDITION] button while playing a snare, fingersnap or any other percussive source into the Wedge, the Delay time will change to match the tempo of this source.

  • Page 59: Tremolo Rate/Depth

    (or multiples of eachother; double, quadruple, ...) you can “sync” them to each other. Use this trick to create swirling, panning choruses, flanges which fade in and out every cycle, or anything else you can come up with. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 60: Pitch Effects

    You can adjust the attack and release threshold of this audio triggering function. SIGNAL The Wedge has filters on the input and the feedback loop to tailor the frequency sweep of the effect. Wedge Reference Manual Overview of Effects – Chapter 5...

  • Page 61: Quad Chorus

    Lezlie speaker system would do. By raising the High Rotor Level, you can really make this effect scream. Tip: Try modulating the Motor or Speed with MIDI Aftertouch. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 62: Rate

    12 milliseconds (an amount virtually undetectable to the human ear). This allows the wet signal to move “behind” the dry signal as it cycles. If you are using the Wedge in a send/return arrangement with a mixer (with Dry Defeat on), there is no dry signal to delay so you won’t hear a difference in this control.

  • Page 63: Wave

    Release: This is the level where the flanger stops listening to the input. When the flanger is triggered, it won’t trigger again until the input signal falls below the Release level then goes above the Attack level. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 64: Width

    High Rotor Level affects the tone of the effect. A rotary speaker usually has two segments: a spinning horn for high frequencies and a woofer firing into a spinning “scoop” for low frequencies. This parameter simulates moving a microphone closer to the high rotor. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 65: Effect Parameters

    00-100å PDly 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF 000-500© Diff LDamp 000-100å OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 Spread Shape 000-500© Gate Hold OFF, 001-100å 000-500© Wedge Reference Manual 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF PMix 000-100å Depth 000-100å 000-100å 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF PMix 000-100å Depth 000-100å Level 00-99 000-100å...
  • Page 66 Dens 000-100å Decay !97-135˙ Dens 000-100å ROOM+PLATE Decay !00-7%8˙ Dens 000-100å Decay !59-6!2˙ Dens 000-100å Wedge Reference Manual Overview of Effects – Chapter 5 Swirl Depth 00-50 00-100å PDly 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF 000-500© Diff LDamp 000-100å OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 Spread Shape 000-500©...
  • Page 67 OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 100ms 10ms 0-24 Fdbk LoCut -99-99å OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 Depth Wave 000-250 Sin, tri 100ms 10ms 0-24 Wedge Reference Manual 000-100å 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF PMix 000-100å 000-100å 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF PMix 000-100å 000-100å PMix 000-100å 000-100å Fdbk -99-99å Dens 000-100å...
  • Page 68 1:Semi -12-12 2:Semi -12-12 3:Semi -12-12 4:Semi -12-12 PDly1 000-250© Fdbk1 -99-99å LEZLIE}ROOM Motor OFF, On Wedge Reference Manual Overview of Effects – Chapter 5 Fdbk LoCut -99-99å OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 Depth Wave 000-250 Sin, tri Depth Fdbk 000-250 -99-99å FBHPF 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF...
  • Page 69 -99-99å FBHPF 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF OFF, 029ƒ-4!3 Attck 000-255 000-255 Fdbk HiCut 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF -99-99å PDly 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF 000-250© Wedge Reference Manual PMix 000-100å HDamp 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF RMix 000-100å Dens 000-100å TremD 00-99 DMix 000-100å Diff 000-100å...
  • Page 70 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF ROOM+ Decay !00-7%8˙ FLANGE Dens 000-100å Rate )00-^47ƒ Thru0 OFF, On Trig 0fffffffFF, On Wedge Reference Manual Overview of Effects – Chapter 5 Diff Gate 000-100å OFF, 010-500© Dens 029ƒ-4!3 , OFF 000-100å Hold 000-500© 000-500© 100ms...

  • Page 71: Midi Applications

    MIDI device: Ê Connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the Wedge’s [MIDI IN]. Then connect the Wedge’s [MIDI OUT] to the MIDI IN of the other device you wish to control. Press [UTIL] repeatedly until page 2 is selected. Ë...

  • Page 72: Receiving Program Changes

    Chapter 6 – MIDI Applications Receiving Program Changes In order to recall programs on the Wedge from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass controller, sequencer, etc.): Ê Connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the Wedge’s [MIDI IN].

  • Page 73: Sysex Storage

    The [STORE] button will flash rapidly and the display will read: Transmitting Sysex... Ï When you send a Sysex dump back to the Wedge, it will automatically go into receive mode (you do not have to do anything special). When this occurs, the display will momentarily read: RECEIVING MIDI DATA...

  • Page 74: Defining The Modulation Sources

    Chapter 6 – MIDI Applications two types of MIDI messages will act as the modulation sources, and you can adjust how much they will affect the Wedge’s parameters by either a positive or negative amount. The two parameters in each Configuration which can be modulated via MIDI have been chosen very carefully to provide the most-desired modulation combinations.

  • Page 75: Modulation Parameters Index

    “clicks”. This is due to the fact that the processor is making significant changes in the effect’s algorithm. We recommend that you change the setting of this parameter only while no audio is running through the effect. Wedge Reference Manual MIDI Applications – Chapter 6 Mod X...

  • Page 76: Setting Modulation Amplitude

    75% and its maximum setting of 100%. If, on the other hand, Modulator X’s amplitude is -99, the parameter will be at its minimum or 0% setting. Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 77: Realtime Sysex Control

    Wedge, and generated by the Wedge (or by special computer software that knows its Sysex "language"). If a Wedge Sysex message is received by any other device in a MIDI system (except for another Wedge), it will be ignored. Controller commands, on the other hand, are universal to all devices may be set to control several different devices at the same time (as long as they're reading the same MIDI channel).
  • Page 78 Chapter 6 – MIDI Applications Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting

    ROUBLESHOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the Wedge, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom The display does not light when the ON/OFF switch is turned on.

  • Page 80: Checking The Software Version

    Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Wedge’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit.
  • Page 81 For prompt service, indicate the RO number on the shipping label. If you do not have the original packing, ship the Wedge in a sturdy carton, with shock-absorbing materials such as styrofoam pellets (the kind without CFCs) or “bubble-pack”...

  • Page 82: Midi Implementation Chart

    Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO Transmitted Recognized 1 — 16 Mode 3 0 — 127 0 — 127 O 00 — 127 00 — 127 HART Remarks Controller 0 used as Bank Select (0=Preset, 1-127=User) O : Yes X : No Wedge Reference Manual...

  • Page 83: Specifications

    Output Impedance: Front Panel Controls Buttons Switches Indicator Wedge Reference Manual ±1dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz >90dB "A" wtg., 20 Hz-22kHz <0.009% @ 1kHz, nominal level (-12 dBfs) <0.007% @ peak level <90dB below full scale 1/4" TRS servo balanced...
  • Page 84 Pitch effects: Multiple effect configurations: 1/4" 3-conductor 1/4" 3-conductor 5 pin DIN Alesis 9 Volt Power Transformer (600mA current draw) 24 bit accumulator 5499 milliseconds (5.49 seconds) Large Hall, Hall Reverb, Stereo Room, Room Reverb, Chamber, Ambience, Large Plate, Plate,...

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