Alesis ModFX Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFX Reference Manual

Alesis ModFX Reference Manual

Filter effect with modulation
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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. 7-51-0119-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Philtre ...4 Important features of your Philtre...4 Philtre 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 Table Of Contents Troubleshooting Index...45 Avoiding ground loop noise...47 Line conditioners and spike protectors ...48 Care and Maintenance ...49 Cleaning...49 Refer all servicing to Alesis...49 Obtaining repair service ...50 Specifications...51 Audio Input ...51 Audio Output...51 Audio Performance...51 Mechanical ...51 Index...53 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...54...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Philtre 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 Philtre

    ModLink makes it easy to hook up without needing patch cords between units in the chain. The nine-pin connectors built into each side of the case enable a ModFX box to transfer digital audio and word clock directly to another. Any number of units can be connected together.

  • Page 7: Philtre Key Features

    • Stereo processing via four 1/4” unbalanced connectors • ModLink port, a cable-free connection that transfers digital audio and word clock to other boxes in the ModFX family • Footswitch connection to control the bypass function • Ability to mount 3 ModFX boxes in the optional ModFX rack adapter •...

  • 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 Philtre 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 TYPE The TYPE s witch s ele cts the k in d of filte r as s h own b y th e LED s ne x t to th e switc h. S ee p ag e 3 6.

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Philtre 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. This rack shelf holds three ModFX units in a 3-space high 19” rack.
  • Page 20 Connections Connecting audio The Philtre 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 Philtre 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

    Philtre, and the pan pot of that mixer channel would normally be panned to the left. Pan the next mixer channel, for the right side of the Philtre, to the right. Insert SEND: To ModFX INPUT Insert RETURN: From ModFX OUTPUT Connections...

  • 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 Philtre to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels.

  • Page 23: Connecting To The Aux Send/Return Of A Mixing Console

    Connecting to the Aux Send/Return of a mixing console: The Philtre, like other filters and equalizers, is designed for in-line processing, not for the send/receive kind of processing typically used for reverb units. However, plugging a group out or pre-fader Aux send from a mixer into the Philtre will allow you to process a mix of several instruments, from any mixer channel that has its aux send raised or is assigned to that group.

  • Page 24: Connecting To The Inserts On An Instrument Amplifier

    Connections 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 phasing it and sending it to the power amp.

  • Page 25: Connecting To Equipment With Xlr Inputs And Outputs

    Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Philtre 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 26: Using The Modlink

    Connections Using the ModLink The Philtre 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 27: Using The Philtre

    Using the Philtre This section defines the different kinds of filters and modulations, and explains the functions of the Philtre’s controls in greater detail. The technical information in the next few pages will help you get the most out of your gear...it’s really pretty simple. What is filtering? An audio filter is a special kind of tone control that filters out certain frequencies.

  • Page 28: Filter Curves, Orders, And Slopes

    Using the Philtre Filter curves, orders, and slopes When you look at a graphic display of their frequency response, every filter has a slope—gentle or steep, like the slope of a hill. The passband—the frequency range that the filter lets through—looks like a flat plateau.

  • Page 29: What Is Tempo Sync

    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 the audio input, after setting the basic speed using the TAP button.

  • Page 30: Description Of Controls

    Using the Philtre Description of Controls Rate The [RATE] knob changes the filter modulation speed. When the mod source is set to ENVELOPE it affects the attack and release time of the envelope, in TRIGGERED mode it affects the release time.

  • Page 31: Depth

    Depth The [DEPTH] knob controls how much modulation will be applied to the filter frequency. Turn the knob clockwise for a deeper effect. Turning [DEPTH] all the way counter-clockwise turns modulation off completely, leaving the filter fixed at the [PHREEQ] position. Depth interacts with the [PHREEQ] control (see next page).

  • Page 32: Regen

    Using the Philtre Regen The [REGEN] knob does several different things depending on the filter type. But in each filter it increases the amount of filter resonance (how much gain is added near the corner frequency), which creates a peak in the response as shown below: [REGEN] at minimum [REGEN] at maximum •...
  • Page 33 In BAND STOP mode, with [REGEN] set to minimum, the band that is being attenuated is relatively wide. As you increase the [REGEN] setting, the stop band gets narrower. At the maximum setting, with the addition of filter resonance, the Band Pass filter essentially becomes a narrow notch filter with a high “Q”, like a parametric EQ set to its narrowest setting: Band Stop: Low [REGEN]...
  • Page 34 Using the Philtre Modulation Select Switch The up/down rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the Philtre. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below.
  • Page 35 Triggered This is one of the most useful effects in the Philtre for lead players. Instead of using a repeating wave or LFO, the filter is kept low (at the point set by the [PHREEQ] control) until there’s an accent in the incoming signal. An accent (a sudden increase above the average input audio level) is called a trigger.
  • Page 36 Using the Philtre Envelope Like Trigger, Envelope modulation takes its cue from the input signal instead of using a periodic wave. In Envelope mode, the filter frequency follows the average amplitude envelope of the incoming signal—the louder you play, the higher the filter frequency will move.
  • Page 37 Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the filter and repeats it over and over. Pattern mode makes the filter jump quickly from step to step, sometimes with a glide between steps. It sounds somewhat like “sample and hold” modulation, except that the pattern will step through the same 16 steps over and over, instead of being random.

  • Page 38: Type Rocker Switch

    Using the Philtre TYPE Rocker Switch The up/down rocker switch on the left side of the unit selects the type of filter. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current type. There are four types available, explained below. Low Pass Perhaps the most-popular type of filter effect, the Low Pass filter has a 2-pole, 12 dB per octave slope that cuts the high frequencies...
  • Page 39 Using the Philtre Band Pass The Band Pass filter has two 2-pole, 12 dB per octave slopes: one rolling off high frequencies above the center, and another rolling off low frequencies below the center. It’s like a high pass filter combined with a low pass filter, with the corners set to let the midrange through.

  • Page 40: Steep

    Using the Philtre Steep For a more dramatic filter effect, press the [STEEP] button. [STEEP] quadruples the number of filter poles being used. This means that more frequencies are rejected, and if [REGEN] is turned up, the resonance effect is more pronounced. Here is a chart of the effect of the [STEEP] button: Normal slope 2 p ole (12 dB/o ctave)

  • Page 41: Tap Tempo

    Tap Tempo This button affects the speed of the effect whenever the [MODULATION] switch is set to a TEMPO SYNC mode. At any time 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 several taps in a row at a consistent speed, especially if you’re changing the tempo...

  • Page 42: Bypass

    Using the Philtre 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 Philtre. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, phasing is turned off. The Bypass function can also by activated by the foot switch.

  • Page 43: 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 Philtre to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Philtre so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.
  • Page 44 Sample Settings Slow Sweep H it [ TAP TEMPO] o n the d ownb ea t o f e ve ry 2 ba r, a nd this s ettin g will op e n an d c lo se th e filte r ov e r two b ar s. Sample and Hold A c la ss ic sa m ple an d h old s ou nd th at fo llows the time o f...
  • Page 45 Sample Settings Band Passion The b an d p as s filte r m ov e s in tim e with th e m us ic in th is s etting . Ta p q ua rte r no tes into [TAP TEMPO ], a n d p re ss [ RES ET MO D] to c ha ng e the p a tter n.

  • Page 46: Blank Settings Templates

    Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates...

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Philtre, 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 48 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Whistles or ton es in out put Can ’t hear Envelope Cause Gro und lo op [REGEN] set too high [RATE] set too low t o t rack input Solution Place all equip ment in the studio on a com mon gro und (see next page) Red uce [REGEN] settin g,...

  • Page 49: 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 50: Line Conditioners And Spike Protectors

    Troubleshooting Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. 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 51: 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 Philtre is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use.

  • Page 52: 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 53: 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 54 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 55: Index

    Insert Cables, 19 levels, 22 LFO, 28 LOW PASS, 25, 29, 36, 38 manual, 6 mixing console hookup, 20 ModFX, 4, 23 ModLink, 4, 16, 23 Modulating, 26 MODULATION switch, 16, 27, 32 mono source plug into left input, 18...

  • Page 56: 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 57: Alesis Contact Information

    Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Philtre Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by 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. 7-51-0119-A...

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