Multitap Delay - Alesis 3 User Manual

GATES
Gated reverb is a very popular effect on drums first found on English records in the early
1980's. The MICROVERB III's gate programs simulate applying a noise gate (a device
that automatically decreases or cuts off the volume once a signal falls below a certain
level) across the output of the reverb causing the initial attack of the reverb to sound very
big, but the tail of the reverb to be cut off very quickly. This effect works great for modern
drums, percussion, and any quickly repeating, transient instrument.
REVERSE
The reverse programs are inverted reverbs in which the volume envelope has been
reversed. This means that the signal begins softly but grows louder until it is cut off,
rather than loud to soft as in the gate programs. Reverse reverbs are used on many
different kinds of instruments as a special effect.
DELAY
The MICROVERB III's variety of digital delay programs can be used on all types of
instruments to enhance sound in a variety of ways. Very short delays (20-95ms) can be
used to thicken or double vocals or lead instruments. Medium, long, and regenerated
delays can be used to enhance an instrument or even create a whole new type of
musical sound. Since the delay programs on the MICROVERB III's program chart have
been timed out in note values at specific tempos, shown in Beats Per Minute, (for
example, 110ms = 1/16 note @ 136 BPM) drums or guitars can be made to repeat in
time with the beat of your song. (One example of this is U2's The Edge, who has made
rhythmically delayed guitar a trademark sound).

MULTITAP DELAY

Multitap delays can be best defined as a number of single delay lines with independent
panning and regeneration designed to work with one another to create a composite,
spacious effect. This is ideal for getting "space" into horn stabs or background vocals
without the decay tail of a reverb. Other creative examples of multitap delays can be
found on Def Leppard's "Hysteria" LP.