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Alesis QS7 Reference Manual

64 voice expandable synthesizer
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ALESIS
QS7 and QS8
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Summary of Contents for Alesis QS7

  • Page 1 ALESIS QS7 and QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 2: How To Use This Manual

    Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis QS7/QS8 64 Voice Expandable Synthesizer. To take full advantage of the QS’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 QS.
  • Page 3 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Basic Architecture ...27 QS Polyphony ...27 Modes ...28 Program Play Mode...28 Mix Play Mode ...28 Program Edit Mode ...28 Mix Edit Mode...29 Effects Edit Mode...29 Global Edit Mode ...29 Store Mode ...29 Compare Mode ...29 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ONTENTS Table of Contents...
  • Page 5 LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) ...52 Envelopes ...52 About Signal Processing ...52 Drum Mode ...53 Program Edit Functions...54 Voice...54 Level...57 Pitch ...58 Filter ...60 Amp/Range ...62 Pitch Envelope ...65 Filter Envelope ...68 Amp Envelope...70 Name ...72 Mod 1 - Mod 6...73 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 6 Reset Controllers ...118 Controller Mode...118 Clock ...119 9: MIDI T RANSFER TORAGE Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards...121 Saving the User Bank to a PCMCIA Card...121 Loading a Bank from an External Card...122 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ... 121 PERATIONS Table of Contents...
  • Page 7 PPENDIX ROUBLE HOOTING Trouble-Shooting Index...127 Re-initializing...127 Checking Software Version...127 Maintenance/Service...128 Cleaning...128 Maintenance...128 Refer All Servicing to Alesis ...128 Obtaining Repair Service ...128 B: MIDI S PPENDIX UPPLEMENT MIDI Basics...131 MIDI Hardware...131 MIDI Message Basics ...132 Channel Messages: Mode Messages...132 Channel Messages: Voice Messages...132 System Common Messages...134...

  • Page 8: 1: Setting Up

    This instruction manual, plus lists of Mixes and Programs, and Quick Start guide • Alesis warranty card It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now. AC P OWER OOKUP...

  • Page 9: Line Conditioners And Protectors

    UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a computer system in the event of a power outage, and the isolation it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference—spikes, noise, etc. BOUT UDIO ABLES ROTECTORS QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 10: Basic Audio Hookup

    [RIGHT] AUX OUTPUT jacks to a dual stereo amplification system, or four mixer inputs. • Stereo Headphones. Plug a set of high-quality stereo headphones into the headphones [ QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ] jack on the rear panel. Setting Up: Chapter 1...

  • Page 11: Our Irst Ession

    This setup of parameters can be stored so that you can get back to it instantly at the touch of a button. When you select a Program, all of its parameter settings are recalled to recreate the original sound. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER IRST ESSION PROG PRESET1 ºº...

  • Page 12: Whats A Mix

    The QS is shipped from the factory with 5 Banks of 128 Preset Programs (sounds) each. Additionally, there are 100 Mixes in each of the 5 Banks. ROGRAM ODE AND PRESET3 CARD 2 ] buttons change the current bank from the top panel, ROUPS PRESET2 GenMIDI CARD 3, etc. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 13 In a Mix that uses all 16 MIDI channels (such as the Mixes found in the General MIDI Bank), the display would look something like this: QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Your First Session: Chapter 2 Play Mode...

  • Page 14: Selecting The Midi Channel In Program Mode

    GrandPiano Ch01 Current MIDI Channel ] buttons to select a MIDI channel from 1 – 16. ROGRAMS ANKS Current Bank Ø PROG PRESET1 ºº GrandPiano Ch01 ] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1 – 3, QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 15: Realtime Performance Functions

    Controller A–D sliders (in Program Play or Mix Play modes only). These four “bar- graph” type indicators will update instantly when any of these four sliders are moved. When a Program or Mix is selected, the display indicates the stored settings for these QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Your First Session: Chapter 2 UNCTIONS A–D S...

  • Page 16: Auditioning Mix Play Mode

    User and Preset Banks are described in detail in Chapter 4. ] buttons to raise or lower the parameter’s setting one step at ANKS Current Bank Ø MIX PRESET1 ºº Piano&Pad ‹ ] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1 – 3, QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 17: Choosing Programs In A Mix

    Changes you make to a Mix are temporary and will be lost if another Mix is selected. To make changes permanent, you must store the Mix into the User bank (see next page). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Your First Session: Chapter 2 ] buttons to select one of the 16 channels in the BANK] and [BANK ] buttons, the [00] –...

  • Page 18: Storing An Edited Mix

    Mix 00 of Preset Bank 4 selected. This display should look like this: For more information about General MIDI, refer to the MIDI Supplement in Appendix PCMCIA E SING THE SaveMix? (STORE) to USER 12 (Mix Bank) (Mix Number) MIDI M MIX GenMIDI ºº GM Multi ´´´´ XPANSION LOTS QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 19 Flash RAM cards: If you want to burn your own custom sample cards, Flash RAM cards are available in 2 MB, 4 MB, and 8MB sizes. Alesis Sound Bridge software (see next section) will translate from Sample Cell format to Alesis QS Composite Synthesis format, and then you can write your own custom Programs and Mixes that use these samples.

  • Page 20: A Word About The Qs Cd-Rom

    QS Synthesis Voice format, and downloads the compiled data to an Alesis PCMCIA Flash RAM Sound Card via MIDI Sysex to a QS, QuadraSynth Plus Piano or S4 Plus. Sound Bridge allows individuals and sound developers to make their own Sound Cards, using whatever samples they want.

  • Page 21: Onnections

    If you are using the QS in the middle of the MIDI chain (example: as the second unit of a three device chain), connect the QS’ [MIDI THRU] to the third device’s MIDI IN connector in order to route the first device’s MIDI out information to the third device. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER ONNECTIONS...

  • Page 22: Using An External Sequencer

    When using the QS with a MIDI sequencer, the usual choice for the Keyboard Mode is “OUT 1.” This is equivalent to turning the QS’s local control off and transmitting on channel 1. For more information, see page 41. SING A OMPUTER EQUENCER QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 23: Ibm ® Pcs And Compatibles

    This connection will require a special cable with a DIN8 connector on one end and either a DB9 or DB25 connector on the other end, depending on the type of connector you are using on the PC. You can purchase this cable through Alesis Product Support (DIN8-to-DB9 cable: part number 15-00-0009; DIN8-to-DB25 cable: part number 15-00-0025).

  • Page 24: Master Controller For Live Use

    This provides the same function as the sustain (or damper) pedal on a standard keyboard. You can use either a normally closed or normally open momentary contact footswitch. Plug it into the rear panel [SUSTAIN] footswitch jack OOKUP QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 25: Digital Audio/Optical Hookup

    AES/EBU or S/PDIF stereo digital audio format by using the Alesis AI-1 interface. Fiber optic cables of various lengths are available from your Alesis dealer. However, the shorter the cable, the better. The model OC cable is 5 meters long and is the maximum length recommended.
  • Page 26 Chapter 3: Connections Connect a BNC-to-BNC cable (such as the Alesis BN cable) between the BRC’s 48 kHz CLOCK OUT and the QS’s [48 KHZ IN]. Set the Clock function to either Ext 48kHz if the BRC is set to 48kHz, or Ext 44.1k if the BRC is set to 44.1kHz. For more information about the Clock function, see page 119 in Chapter 8.

  • Page 27: Verview

    When creating layered Programs, keep polyphony in mind. If all Programs in a Mix use all four available sounds, the QS will quickly run out of voices. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER VERVIEW...

  • Page 28: Modes

    Sound layer, and set which of the four effect sends each Sound layer will use for signal processing (such as reverb, delay, and chorus—or any combination of these). BANK] accesses Compare Mode (if the Program/Mix has ] accesses Global Edit Mode. Pressing [STORE] QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 29: Store Mode

    Program or its Effects Patch and press [COMPARE], the original Program will be temporarily recalled. Pressing [COMPARE] again switches back to the edited version, and the letters “ QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ” will revert back to “ ” in the display.

  • Page 30: About The Display

    PRESET1 – PRESET3 GenMIDI – in Program Mode, (ºº ¡™¶ ” symbol will appear. In the example above, MIDI ‰ AGES PAGE] ___________ ; if a card is inserted, USER` – in Mix Mode). ºº ªª ” symbol. ⁄ QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 31 You can step through all the parameter’s in a Function’s Group by using the [ PAGE] and [PAGE CONTROLLER [D] slider. In the example above, the Sound Enable parameter is selected, and is turned on. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual EDIT MODE PAGE _____________________________ _______...

  • Page 32: Page Buttons

    If a function has multiple pages, use the [ select the appropriate page. ] buttons serve two purposes. In Program Play Mode ] buttons are used to move forwards and backwards through ARAMETER ALUE VERVIEW PAGE] and [PAGE ] buttons to QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 33: Selecting Functions And Parameters

    MOD 6 PITCH LFO FILTER LFO AMP LFO TRACKING GENERATOR SELECT SOUND SELECT SOUND SELECT SOUND QS7/QS8 Reference Manual PAGE] to select the next lower- PAGE] and [PAGE ] simultaneously to get ARAMETERS PAGE] and [PAGE Program Edit Mix Edit (Drum)
  • Page 34 SELECT CHANNEL 15 LEVEL SELECT CHANNEL 16 PITCH LEVEL FILTER PITCH AMP/RANGE EFFECT - - - - - KEYBOARD/MID - - - - - CONTROLLERS DECAY RANGE NAME NAME QS7/QS8 Reference Manual SELECT SEND CONFIGURATIO LEZLIE PITCH DELAY REVERB OVERDRIVE...

  • Page 35: Storing

    SRAM or FlashRAM PCMCIA card, or (via MIDI System Exclusive) into a data storage device or a MIDI sequencer. See Chapter 9 for more information on external storage operations. TORING QS7/QS8 Reference Manual TORED ERSIONS Ø...

  • Page 36: Store A Program Or Mix

    Patch used in the Mix. If you have edited any of the Programs in the Mix or the Effects Patch, you must store them separately. PAGE] and [PAGE ] buttons. Each page in Store SavePrg? (STORE) to USER 127 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 37: Copying Sounds Between Programs

    Use the [s VALUE] and [VALUE t] buttons or move the CONTROLLER [D] slider to select the Program Number in the User Bank you wish to copy the Effects to (000–127). Press [STORE] to complete the copy function. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ETWEEN ROGRAMS BANK] and [BANK...
  • Page 38 The Program is now stored. ROGRAMS EFORE TORING ED:MIX ] buttons select Preset Bank 1; then press [90] ] buttons simultaneously to select Channel ] buttons select the User Bank. SavePrg? (STORE) to USERxxx ” ED:PRG ” appears. ” where QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 39 This selects Mix Play Mode. … Press [STORE] twice. The Mix is now stored. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ] buttons to select the User Bank. If a RAM card BANK] and [BANK ] buttons to select a Card Bank. SavePrg? (STORE) to USERxxx”...

  • Page 40: Diting Ixes

    Mix by accessing Mix Edit Mode. This is done by pressing the [EDIT SELECT] button while Mix Play Mode; “ED:MIX ” should appear in the upper left section of the display: QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER IXES...

  • Page 41: Understanding The Edit Buffers

    Sound 1 Output Sound 2 Sound 3 Sound 4 Sends 1—4 Effects Effects Pitch Level Buss UFFERS QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ) will not appear in MIDI Output Main L Aux L Main R Aux R Effects Processor (reverb, delay, chorus, etc.)

  • Page 42: Level Setting For Each Program

    PROG, the effect bus assignment will be that stored by the channel’s Program. 1, 2, 3 or 4 overrides the Program’s bus assignment, sending all sound layers of the Program to the chosen bus. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ROGRAM Editing Mixes: Chapter 5...
  • Page 43 Chapter 5: Editing Mixes QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 44: Pitch

    Keyboard (On or Off) This determines whether or not the selected channel will respond to the keyboard, pitch-bend and mod wheels, foot pedals and sustain pedal of the QS itself. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Mixes: Chapter 5 Page 1 Page 2...

  • Page 45: Controllers

    #10 on that Channel (except when set to “PROG”). Note: Panning information will not be transmitted if the Channel’s “Pan“ parameter is set to PROG (using the selected Program’s stored Pan setting). MIDI V OLUME AND QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4...

  • Page 46: Naming A Mix

    10 characters long. Use the [ position the cursor and the CONTROLLER [D] slider to select the character. Here is a chart of available characters: " ¥ QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI S WITCHES QS8 Keyboard Range Program Sound Range PAGE] and [PAGE % &...

  • Page 47: Polyphony In Mix Play Mode

    MIDI Monitor. ASTER EYBOARD HANNELS FOR A PAGE] and [PAGE ED:GLOBAL „œ KBD MODE: N ORMAL ] buttons or the CONTROLLER [D] slider to IX IN ] buttons to set the QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 48: Using Keyboard Mode With The Serial Jack

    Serial jack, be sure to check the setting of the Keyboard Mode. In most cases, a setting of "OUT 1" should be used with a MIDI sequencer. See page 117 for more information about the Serial jack. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 49: Diting Rograms

    If you’re a beginner, all of the normalized pathways are easy to find; as you gain experience you can explore more advanced features. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER ROGRAMS...

  • Page 50: How The Qs Generates Sound

    OW THE ENERATES The QS uses custom integrated circuits, developed by the Alesis engineering team specifically for the QS. These resemble the types of chips used in computers and other digital devices. In fact, you can think of the QS as a special-purpose computer designed to generate and process audio.

  • Page 51: Qs Signal Flow

    The following diagram illustrates the signal flow within each QS Program. When editing a Program, use the [00] - [30] buttons to select the sound layer you want to edit. Let’s look at each module’s function in detail. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 ROGRAM...

  • Page 52: Voice

    Modulating with velocity produces brighter sounds with louder dynamics, which produces a more accurate acoustic instrument simulation. Modulating with an envelope can create a pre-defined change in harmonic structure, such as having a brighter attack and bassier decay. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 53: About Modulation

    Example: If the Amp parameter responds to both the envelope generator and a pedal, the parameter will follow the general envelope shape but will also be influenced by the pedal. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6...

  • Page 54: Lfo (Low Frequency Oscillator)

    BOUT IGNAL ROCESSING The QS features a signal processing section based on the Alesis QuadraVerb 2. It is a complete digital signal processing unit with four input buses, simultaneous multiple effects, and flexible signal routing. Effects parameters are edited separately from either the Program or the Mix, using Effects Edit Mode (more in Chapter 6).

  • Page 55: Drum Mode

    Consequently, not all Function buttons will respond when pressed as when Drum Mode is turned off. Specifically, the LFOs and all Envelopes (with the exception of the Amp Envelope) are unavailable. In addition, the parameters in most other functions will differ. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6...

  • Page 56: Program Edit Functions

    Mode. Drum Mode allows you to assign individual drum sounds to individual keys. To Program a sound in Drum Mode, refer to the next section “Programming Drum Sounds” on page 78. ED:PRG SOUND1 å SOUND ENABLE:ON ED:MX CHå SND1 å SOUND ENABLE:ON QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Page 1 Page 2...
  • Page 57 AnalogSqr1, AnalogSqr2, AnalogSqrV, SyncLead 1, SyncLead 2, SyncLead V, Seq Bass, Seq BassV1, Seq BassV2, FatSynBass, TranceBas1, TranceBas2, VeloTrance, FunkSynBs1, FunkSynBs2, FunkSynBs3, FunkSynBsV, FilterBass, FM Bass, FM/FiltVel, Soft Chirp, Soft QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 3 Page 4...
  • Page 58 Loop, Bongo Loop, CabasaLoop, CastanetLp, CongaLoop1, Shaker Lp1, Shaker Lp2, SleighLoop, Tabla Ga Lp, Tabla Ka Lp, Tabla Na Lp, Tabla Te Lp, TablaTin Lp, Taiko Loop, PercBeat1, PercBeat2, PercBeat3, PercBeat4, VoiceLoop1, VoiceLoop2, PhonicLoop, SpinalLoop, Tr Loop 1, Tri Loop 2, Orch Loop QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 59: Level

    Each Program has its own unique arrangement of effects. Example: In Program #12, bus 1 may be a Chorus/Delay/Reverb, while in Program #27, bus 1 may just be a Flanger. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 1...

  • Page 60: Pitch

    (see illustration below). The higher the number (negative or positive), the greater the effect. Pitch Envelope parameters (such as attack and decay time) are programmed within the Pitch Envelope Function (see page 61). Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 61 Mode is set to “Mono”, the three envelopes (Pitch Envelope, Filter Envelope and Amp Envelope) will only retrigger when playing legato if the envelope’s Trigger Mode is set to either “Reset” or “Reset-Freerun”. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 8...

  • Page 62: Filter

    TIP: Many acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitars, sound brighter when you play them more forcefully. Adding a little positive velocity control over the filter can simulate more realistic acoustic sounds. Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 63 (negative or positive), the greater the effect. Filter Envelope parameters (such as attack and decay time) are programmed within the Filter Envelope Function (see page 64). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 4 Page 5...

  • Page 64: Amp/Range

    The higher the number (either positive or negative), the greater the effect for a given amount of aftertouch. TIP: Use aftertouch to “swell” the amplitude of brass and horn parts. Page 1 Page 2 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 65 This can be further enhanced in Mix Mode by using the Range function in Mix Edit Mode to cap-off the lower and high limits. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 3...
  • Page 66 64 voices in no time. By adjusting the Sound Overlap to a lower value, you decrease the number of voices used by each new note, and thereby ensure there are voices available to play other sounds, if necessary. Page 6 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 67: Pitch Envelope

    Example: If the Pitch Envelope is bending a note up, and you don’t want the pitch to fall when you release the key, set the Release parameter to “Hold”. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 1 Pages 2 &...
  • Page 68 However, this does not effect the attack time, but only the decay, sustain decay and release segments. This feature will result in only a subtle change. The envelope’s timing doubles or halves over a range of two octaves. Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 69 99, note velocity controls the envelope’s output; notes played hard will deliver a higher envelope output than notes played soft. When set to 0, note velocity will have no effect on the envelope’s output level. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 9...

  • Page 70: Filter Envelope

    Release time to 0 is good for playing those short funky riffs that you hear on a clavinet. Setting the Release time to 99 will take the envelope a very long time to reach zero level. Page 1 Pages 2 & 3 Page 4 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 71 This determines whether or not the Sustain Pedal will have an effect on the envelope. When turned on, holding down the Sustain Pedal while playing short notes is virtually the equivalent to holding down those notes on the keyboard with some subtle but QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 5...

  • Page 72: Amp Envelope

    Depending on the setting of the Sustain Decay control (see below), the envelope will either hold at the sustain Page 10 Page 11 Page 1 Pages 2 & 3 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 73 If a sound layer’s Keyboard Mode parameter (found in the Pitch Function, Page 10,) is set to “Mono”, the Amp Envelope will only retrigger when playing legato if the Trigger Mode is set to either “Reset” or “Reset-Freerun”. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 4...

  • Page 74: Name

    The [s VALUE]/[VALUE t] buttons and the CONTROLLER [D] slider let you change the character. Here is a chart of available characters: " ¥ % & ’ < > Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 PAGE] and [PAGE Æ ¨ QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 75: Mod 1 - Mod 6

    • Aftertouch Pressing on the keys after they’re down generates this control signal. Aftertouch is also called channel pressure, and represents an average of QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 1...
  • Page 76 Trigrate This is a Trigger Rate Follower, which monitors how fast notes are being played on the keyboard. For example, if routed to the Effect send of a Program, you could automatically have more effect when playing slowly, and less effect when playing quickly. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 77 Pitch Bend Wheel is used. However, moving the Mod Wheel while the Quantize parameter was on would cause the pitch of a held note to rise in half-step increments. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 • Filter Cutoff •...

  • Page 78: Pitch Lfo

    The higher the value, the slower the LFO fades in. TRIANGLE SQUARE RANDOM+- NOISE QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Page 1 UP SA RANDOM+ Page 2 Page 3...
  • Page 79 Level and Aftertouch are set to 00, and the Mod Wheel parameter is set to -99, the Mod Wheel will have no effect on the vibrato from the Pitch LFO. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 4...

  • Page 80: Filter Lfo

    Mod Wheel will add more tremolo. On the other hand, if the Mod Wheel parameter is set to -10, raising the Mod Wheel to the top will cancel out all tremolo. Page 7 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 81: Amp Lfo

    The Trigger parameter determines how the LFO should be triggered, or started. There are four possible settings: Mono, Poly, Key Mono and Key Poly. A description of these settings is found in the Trigger section of the Pitch LFO description on page 77. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 6...

  • Page 82: Tracking Generator

    This feature is very useful in creating “mini-sequences” if the modulation destination is set Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 83: Tracking Input

    For detailed descriptions of each of these sources, see the section “Modulation Source” in the Mod section on pages 73–75. Tracking Points 0 – 10 (00–100) The remaining pages of the TRACK function control the levels of points 0–10. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 • Release Velocity •...

  • Page 84: Programming Drum Sounds

    Field3, Bit Field4, Bit Field5, Bit Field6, WavLoop1.0, WavLoop1.1, WavLoop1.2, WavLoop1.3, WavLoop1.4, WavLoop1.5, WavLoop1.6, WavLoop1.7, WavLoop1.8, WavLoop2.0, WavLoop2.1, WavLoop2.2, WavLoop2.3, WavLoop2.4, WavLoop2.5, WavLoop2.6, WavLoop2.7, WavLoop2.8, WavLoop3.0, WavLoop3.1, WavLoop3.2, WavLoop3.3, WavLoop3.4, WavLoop3.5, WavLoop4.0, WavLoop4.1, WavLoop4.2, WavLoop4.3, WavLoop4.4, WavLoop4.5, D-Scrape, D-ScrapeLp OUNDS Voice QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 85: Level

    The Filter function (press [70]) lets you control the “brightness” of the selected drum by modulating the filter frequency with velocity. When set to 3, playing the associated note will result in a brighter sound (more high frequencies), while playing softer will QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 1...

  • Page 86: Amp/Range

    Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 1 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 87: Copying Sounds

    To copy the Effects Patch from a Program to another Program: ¿ Recall the Program which contains the Effects Patch you wish to copy. ¡ Press [STORE]. ¬ Press [PAGE ] twice to select Page 2 of the Store function. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Programs: Chapter 6 Page 2...

  • Page 88: Initializing Programs

    Mix and Program parameters are reset to their default settings. However, none of the Programs or Mixes are changed when re-initializing the unit. You can proceed to edit, then [STORE] at any Program location you like. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 89: Diting Ffects

    IGNAL ROCESSING The built-in effects processor of the QS is similar to that of the Alesis QuadraVerb 2, capable of generating multiple, fully digital effects simultaneously. The QS effects processor has four inputs, called effect sends. You might think of these as the typical post-fader sends found on a mixing console.

  • Page 90: Selecting An Effects Patch In Mix Mode

    Levels for each of the effects devices in the current configuration, and (if necessary) reduce the Effects Levels in the Mix and/or Program. DITING FFECTS ATCH IN ED:MIX ß FX MIDI CHAN: 01 FX PRG CHNGE:0N EVELS ] to select page QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 91: Navigating

    IN CONFIG).” This is because a Pitch module is available on sends 1, 2 and 3 in Configuration #1, but not on send 4—as you can see in the chart on page 92. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 ED:PRG EFFECTS å...

  • Page 92: Storing Effect Patches In Program Mode

    Effects you wish to copy. And, of course, you can only copy Effects to Programs that are in the User Bank or on a RAM Sound Card Bank. For more about copying effects, see page 36. ROGRAM SAVE? USER 000 (Press STORE) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 93: Configurations

    Configuration. As you scroll through the various Configurations, each one’s name will appear in the lower right section of the display. The following is a run-down of the various Configurations: QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 ED:MIX EFFECTS å...
  • Page 94 EVERB Reverb 1 Plate 1 Plate 2 Room Hall Large Gate Reverse Reverb 2 Balance and level to Reverb 1 Reverb 3 Balance and level to Reverb 1 Reverb 4 Send/delay mix and level to Reverb 1 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 95 For example, if Effect Send 1’s Mix Reverb Output parameter is set to 0, you won't be able to hear reverb regardless of how much input you feed it from any of the effect buses. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 96 EVERBS Reverb 1 Plate 1 Plate 2 Room Hall Large Gate Reverse Reverb 2 Level to Reverb 1 Reverb 3 Plate 1 Plate 2 Room Hall Large Gate Reverse Reverb 4 Reverb 4 Level to Reverb 3 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 97 Reverb effect. Sends 2 and 3 have Pitch modules preceding Delay modules, which are then routed to Reverb 1. Send 4 has only a Mono Delay effect, which may also be routed to Reverb 1. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual #3: L EZLIE AND...
  • Page 98 4 will have no effect. In other words, it’s as if you routed channels of your mixing console to effects sends that aren't connected to anything. #4: R EVERB AND Reverb 1 Plate 1 Plate 2 Room Hall Large Gate Reverse Reverb 2 Balance and level to Reverb 1 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 99 Delay effect’s input, or the Reverb effect’s input. The outputs of all these effects are routed back to the Outputs, and sent through the shelving EQ effect. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual #5: O VERDRIVE AND...

  • Page 100: Mod

    The are two Modulators. You can select between these by using the [ [PAGE ] buttons. Page 1 through 3 display the parameters of Modulator #1, while pages 4 through 6 display the parameters for Modulator #2. ODULATOR Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 PAGE] and QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 101: Mod Source

    Example: If the Reverb Decay was selected as the Destination with the mod wheel as the Source, the mod wheel could be programmed to cause the Reverb to increase the decay (positive) or decrease the decay (negative). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Page 1 (Mod 1) & Page 4 (Mod 2) •...
  • Page 102 Page 1 (Config. 3) or Page 4 (Config. 5) Page 2 (Config. 3) or Page 5 (Config. 5) Page 3 (Config. 3) or Page 6 (Config. 5) Pages 1 & 2 (Config. 5 only) Page 3 (Config. 5 only) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 103 Finally, the waveform shape of the LFO can be changed from a smooth triangle to a more abrupt squarewave to make the pitch detuning more pronounced. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 ED:MIX FX SND1 å...
  • Page 104 Many variables are available, from varying the speed and depth of the LFO to feeding back part of the signal to make the effect stronger. The Flanger’s feedback can be either “Normal” or “Inverted”. Use the “Inverted” setting for a more dramatic flange effect. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 105: Delay

    Pitch Input. The Delay Input parameter is only available when editing a effects bus which has the Delay effect ahead of the Pitch effect in the selected Configuration (Example: Configuration #2, effect send 1). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 Page 2 (Config. 2 Only) ED:MIX FX SND1 ß...
  • Page 106 00 to 99, whereby 00 is a very fast decay and 99 is a very slow decay. Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 2 (Pitch Detune only) Page 2 (Resonator only) Page 3 (Resonator only) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 107 When using the Stereo Delay, page 5 lets you adjust the feedback level of the left channel, while page 8 lets you adjust the same for the right channel. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 Pages 3 & 4 (and 6 & 7 in Stereo Delay)

  • Page 108: Reverb

    This controls the overall Input Level going into the Reverb. ED:MIX FX SND1 å RVB-IN1:PITCHout Page 1 (Config 1, 3, 4 and 5) Page 2 (Config 1, 3, 4 and 5) Page 3 (Config 1, 3, 4 and 5) Page 4 (Config 1 and 3) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 109 Delay and Pitch 1. In Configuration #2, send 4 is similar to send 2, in that it has no effects of its own but serves as a bypass going directly to Reverb 3. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 Page 1 (Config 2 Only) ED:MIX FX SND1 å...
  • Page 110 Time in 10ms intervals, and/or use page 7 to adjust the Pre-Delay Time in 1ms intervals. This Pre-Delay is part of the Reverb itself; don’t confuse it with the separate Delay modules available under the Delay function. Page 5 Pages 6 & 7 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 111 Greater diffusion works better with percussive sounds, whereas less amounts of diffusion work well with vocals and other sustained sounds. Note: The illustration above reflects a Density setting of 0. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 Page 13 (Page 12 if Gated or Reverse type)

  • Page 112: Overdrive

    When set to “<0>”, you have an even mix between the original, uneffected signal and the overdriven signal. When set to “99>”. only the overdriven effect is heard. Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 113: Mix

    Output Level to increase or decrease. The Overdrive Output level is the level for the Overdrive Section of the QS’s effects processor to the main outputs, and should be set as desired. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Editing Effects: Chapter 7 ED:MIX FX SND1 å...

  • Page 114: Lobal Ettings

    QS and MIDI Out. This is different from the Velocity Curve parameter in Program Edit, which determines how a sound in the selected Program will respond to incoming velocity information, either from the keyboard or from MIDI In. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual HAPTER ETTINGS ARAMETERS ] button.

  • Page 115: Keyboard Scaling

    (note numbers 36 Ð 96). When set to -12, the QS7 keyboard range is note numbers 16 Ð 91. Likewise, if set to +12, the range would be 40 Ð 115.

  • Page 116: General Midi

    Sounds in a Program, and; ¥ in Mix Mode, any Sounds that are controlled by the Keyboard (Mix Edit Mode, Range, Page 2) and have Pedals turned on (Mix Edit Mode, Range, Page 3). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI M ODE VIA SSIGNMENT...

  • Page 117: Receiving/Transmitting Bank Change Messages

    5 and 15. Values higher than 15 are Òwrapped aroundÓ and will recall the same Banks. Example: A Controller 0 message with a value of 39 will recall the User Bank. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Global Settings: Chapter 8 PAGE] and [PAGE...

  • Page 118: Input/Output

    ÒechoedÕ back from the computer to the QS. The MIDI information coming from the computer will also be transmitted out the QSÕs MIDI [OUTPUT] connector. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual ] buttons, a Bank Change message will be transmitted from The I/O parameter may be switched between...

  • Page 119: Midi Out

    Mix. Although the Program or Mix may use Controller A to modify it in some way, the CONTROLLER [A] slider is temporarily ÒdisconnectedÓ from the Program or Mix until the Controller Mode function is set to Local or Both. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Global Settings: Chapter 8 Page 16...

  • Page 120: Clock

    48kHz (if the BRC is set to 48 kHz) ot Ext 44.1k (if the BRC is set to 44.1kHz). By setting the QSÕs clock to the identical sample rate of the ADAT/BRC, you guarantee perfect sync between the two units. For more on connecting the BNC-to- BNC cable, see page 26. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual Global Settings: Chapter 8...
  • Page 121 Global Settings: Chapter 8 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 122: Using Pcmcia Expansion Cards

    The QS provides two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots, [A] or [B], which are found on the rear panel. These accomodate Alesis QCard RAM cards. The QCard is a type of PCMCIA SRAM or FlashRAM card; it has 256K of memory and will store 4 complete banks.

  • Page 123: Loading A Bank From An External Card

    Mixes in the selected card Bank. If these are important to you, first load them into the User Bank in the QS, and then save them back onto the card in order to re-format the card using the new format. XTERNAL BANK] and [BANK LOAD FRM CARD 1? (Press STORE) ROGRAM OR QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

  • Page 124: Loading An Individual Program Or Mix

    Programs located in the same Bank it is stored in. This could mean individually storing some Programs from a RAM Card into one of the internal Banks. Although this is very limiting, it makes things much simpler in the long run. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI Transfer and Storage Operations: Chapter 9 ROGRAM OR...

  • Page 125: Saving Programs Via Midi Sys Ex

    The only time to do otherwise is when sending to another QS (see below). Press [STORE] to transmit the data out the MIDI Out connector. MIDI S SEND ALL DATA TO MIDI? (STORE) ¡ in the instructions above. MIDI PRG 000 TO PRG 000? (STORE) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 126 Mixes. In the case of storing a Mix, you may want to store each of the Programs used in the Mix. The “SEND ALL TO MIDI” command in Store mode is an easy shortcut to this (see above). QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI Transfer and Storage Operations: Chapter 9 ¬...
  • Page 127 ROUBLE ROUBLE HOOTING If you are experience problems while operating the QS, 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 128: Appendix A: Troubleshooting

    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 129 Los Angeles, CA 90016 Customers outside the USA: Contact your local Alesis dealer for warranty assistance. The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada. Customers outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be covered by an independent distributor warranty in the country of sale.

  • Page 131: Appendix B: Midi Supplement

    An optional MIDI Thru jack provides a duplicate of the signal at the MIDI In jack. This is handy if you want to route MIDI data appearing at one device to another device as well. QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI Supplement: Appendix B PPENDIX...

  • Page 132: Channel Messages: Mode Messages

    (these act like potentiometers in that you can choose one of many different values) and 58 continuous/switch controllers (these can act like continuous controllers but some are assumed to choose between two possible states, such as on/off). ESSAGES OICE ESSAGES QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 133 Registered Parameter MSB (0-127) Registered Parameter LSB (0-127) Reset All Controllers (0) Local Control On/Off (0 or 127) All Notes Off (0) Omni Off (0) Omni On (0) Mono On (0-16; 0=Omni Off) Poly On (0) QS7/QS8 Reference Manual MIDI Supplement: Appendix B...

  • Page 134: System Common Messages

    MIDI which is intended only for that manufacturer’s equipment. Example: Sending a QS message to an Alesis D4 Drum Module won’t do anything, but the message will be understood by other QS. This data often contains information about individual instrument programs.
  • Page 135 (Portions of this appendix 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 is adapted with permission.)
  • Page 136 MIDI Implementation Chart MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Function Basic Default 1 — 16 Channel Changed 1 — 16 each Default Mode 3 Mode Messages * * * * * * * * Altered Note 0 — 127 * * * * * * * * Number True Voice Velocity...

  • Page 137: Index

    ARAMETERS ROGRAM ARAMETERS Parameter Aftertouch Depth: Amp Aftertouch Depth: ALFO Aftertouch Depth: Filter Aftertouch Depth: FLFO Aftertouch Depth: Pitch Aftertouch Depth: PLFO Amp ENV Level Amp ENV Trigger Amp LFO Delay Amp LFO Depth Amp LFO Level Amp LFO Mod. Wheel Depth Amp LFO Speed Amp LFO Trigger Amp LFO Waveform...
  • Page 138 Appendix C: Parameters Index Parameter Modulation: Gate Mode Modulation Level Modulation: Quantize Mode Modulation Source Name (Program) Output Pitch ENV Depth Pitch ENV Level Pitch ENV Trigger Pitch ENV Velocity Depth Pitch LFO Delay Pitch LFO Depth Pitch LFO Level Pitch LFO Mod.
  • Page 139 Parameter Velocity Curve/Crossfade Sound Group Sound Name Sound Volume ARAMETERS Parameter Aftertouch Controllers A–D Effect Channel Effect MIDI Keyboard MIDI In MIDI Out Name Pitchbend and Mod Wheels Program Effect Bus Program Effect Level Program Enable Program Output Program Pan Program Volume Range Lower limit Range Upper Limit...
  • Page 140 Program Mode 13, 28 Re-initializing 86, 127 Samples 27 Software Version 127 Sound 27 Sound Bridge 20 Sound Card 20 Sound Groups 27 Store 29, 35, 36, 37, 90 Sustain Footswitch 24 User Bank 27 Velocity 15 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...
  • Page 141 Index QS7/QS8 Reference Manual...

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