Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions; How Do I Split/Layer The Keyboard; What Is A Midi Sequence; Where Can I Get More Banks - Alesis Ion Reference Manual

A
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I split/layer the keyboard?

It is not uncommon to want to "split" a keyboard so that different ranges
are playing different sounds. An example would be a bass sound for the
Left hand and a lead sound for the Right hand. Similarly, it is often
desirable to layer or "stack" multiple sounds onto the same key(s). An
example of this would be layering multiple brass or string sounds to
emulate a brass (or string) "section".
Each of the Ion's 4 Parts can be assigned to any range on the keyboard.
They can overlap to create layers or you can assign them to exclusive
zones to create splits.
To Set a Part's Range:
1. Press the [part edit] button,
and navigate to page 2.
2. Press the middle Soft Button,
and use the Encoder to select
the lowest note you want the
Part to play. You can also
HOLD the middle soft button
and press the key on the
keyboard.
3. Press the Right Soft Button,
and use the Encoder to select
the highest note you want the
Part to play. You can also
HOLD the Right soft button
and press the key on the
keyboard.
4. Repeat for other Parts, and
then store.

What is a MIDI Sequence?

A MIDI sequence is a data file containing note data that can be played on
a MIDI synthesizer like the Ion. A General MIDI sequence is a sequence
that will play on any General-MIDI compatible synthesizer (like the Ion)
with the correct sounds, regardless of the brand of synthesizer.

Where can I get more Banks?

Additional Program Banks will be available on the Alesis website free of
charge. See the chapter 8 "MIDI" for more information on how to load
the additional Programs into your Ion.
Are Ion Programs compatible with Andromeda
programs?
No, sorry. The A6 Andromeda is a true analog synthesizer, while the Ion
is an analog modeling synthesizer. They have completely different circuitry.

How do I change what the (m2) wheel does?

You can assign the M2 (or M1) wheel to control a huge selection of
parameters via the Mod Matrix. See Chapter 6 "The Mod Matrix" for
information.
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