Alesis ModFX Bitrman Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFX Bitrman Reference Manual

Alesis ModFX Bitrman Reference Manual

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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. 7-51-0112-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Bitrman...4 Important features of your Bitrman...4 Bitrman 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 Sample Settings...35 Troubleshooting...39 Troubleshooting Index...39 Avoiding ground loop noise...41 Line conditioners and spike protectors ...42 Care and Maintenance ...43 Cleaning...43 Refer all servicing to Alesis...43 Obtaining repair service ...44 Specifications...45 Audio Input ...45 Audio Output...45 Audio Performance...45 Mechanical ...45 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...48 Alesis Limited Warranty...48...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Bitrman 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 Bitrman

    Introduction About the Bitrman Your new Bitrman is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit combines a compressor, a distortion effect, a dual phasor, plus one of six different “Bitrness” effects. The “Bitrness” effects are a comb filter, a decimator, a bit reducer, a frequency modulator, a ring modulator, and a frequency shifter.

  • Page 7: Bitrman Key Features

    Bitrman Key Features • Four simultaneous digital effects in one box, each with its own separate control: compression, distortion, dual phasor, and “Bitrness” • Six different “Bitrness” modes provide unique tone-bending effects: comb filter, decimator, bit reducer, FM (frequency modulation), ring modulation, and frequency shift •...

  • 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

    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 Bitrman 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 CON FI GU RE switc h This ch o os es th e or d er o f the fou r in ter na l e ffec ts, a s s ho wn b y th e LED s n ex t to th e s witc h.

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Bitrman 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: Connecting Audio

    Connections Connecting audio The Bitrman will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument directly into it, or routing signals to it from a mixing console. But since the Bitrman 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

    Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Most recording consoles have a jack near the mic and line inputs labeled "Insert". This is typically a TRS jack with the send and return on the same jack. To use the Bitrman as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included).

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

  • Page 23: Connecting To The Inserts On An Instrument Amplifier

    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 processing it and sending it to the power amp.

  • Page 24: Connecting To Equipment With Xlr Inputs And Outputs

    Connections Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Bitrman 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 25: Using The Modlink

    Using the ModLink The Bitrman 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 26 Connections This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 27: Using The Bitrman

    Using the Bitrman This section will explain how the effects work, and explains the functions of the Bitrman’s controls in greater detail. About multieffects Think of the Bitrman as being four different effect boxes in one. If you hooked up separate “stomp boxes” with cables, you’d find that the same four boxes will produce radically different sounds when they’re connected in different orders.

  • Page 28: About The Effects

    Using the Bitrman About the effects What is Compression? Compression makes things sound louder and more sustained. It reduces the difference between loud sounds and soft sounds. When it “hears” a soft sound, it increases the gain. When it “hears” a loud peak, it instantly lowers the gain. It’s an automatic volume control, with a constant “hand on the fader”...

  • Page 29: Bitrness Effects

    Bitrness Effects Because of the unique digital signal processing used inside the Bitrman, Alesis engineers were able to include a family of effects that take effects processing to a whole new level. These effects process the input in unique, striking ways that have to be heard to be understood.
  • Page 30 Using the Bitrman What is Bit Reduction? The BIT REDUCER is an extreme combination of limiting and distortion that’s not for wimps. By intentionally reducing the digital resolution (or word length) of the signal, distortion and noise increase, and dynamic range decreases. At high settings of the [BITRNESS] knob, as the input signal fades, the noise in the signal will become more apparent, so watch out! This is the ultimate low-rez effect.
  • Page 31 What is Ring Modulation? Ring Modulation was first used in modular synthesizers. Ring modulation happens when two signals are multiplied by each other, creating sum and difference frequencies that aren’t in the original source. The resulting sound is sort of like an electronic tubular bell, noise, or metal bars being hit, depending on the difference between the two frequencies.

  • Page 32: Description Of Controls

    Using the Bitrman Description of Controls Compress [1] Turn the [COMPRESS] control clockwise for more compression. At high settings, you’ll get a lot of sustain, but less dynamic range. When the control’s all the way up, you’ll find that soft and loud inputs both come out at almost the same loudness.

  • Page 33: Bitrness Select Switch

    BITRNESS select switch The up/down rocker switch above the [BITRNESS] knob on the right side of the unit selects the type of Bitrness effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are six kinds of Bitrness effects available, explained previously. CONFIGURE switch As explained on page 25, this switch controls the order of the four effects of the Bitrman, from input to output.
  • Page 34 Using the Bitrman About the six configurations When the top CONFIGURE LED is lit, the effects are in the same order they’re in on the top panel, from left to right. This compresses the signal before distorting it. Com pr e s s or The second configuration (B 3 2 1) puts the effects in reverse order, with the compressor last in the chain.

  • Page 35: Bypass

    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 Bitrman. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, all effects are off. Bypass can also be activated by the foot switch.
  • Page 36 Using the Bitrman This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 37: Sample Settings

    Sample Settings While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, here are some sample settings for the Bitrman to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Bitrman so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.
  • Page 38 Sample Settings Twin Distortion This co m bine s c om pr e ss io n with dis to rtion a nd bit r ed uc tio n to ge t a n as ty d is to rtion . Bell Worship The fre q ue nc y s hifting h e re m ak es in ha rm o nic be ll...
  • Page 39 Sample Settings Hollowgram The c om b filter m ak e s it s ou nd like y o u ar e lis te n in g thr ou gh a ho llo w tu b e an d the p ha so r g iv es it s om e m otio n.
  • Page 40 Sample Settings Blank settings templates...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Bitrman, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptoms No audio output s. Mod Linked units are n ot...
  • Page 42 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Cause Pro blem w ith th e source Gro und lo op Solution Try bypassing t he Bit rman by connecting t he inp ut cab les to the o utput cables and see if the problem rem ains.

  • Page 43: 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 44: 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 45: 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 Bitrman is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use.

  • Page 46: 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 47: 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 48 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.
  • Page 49 Index amplifier, 21 BIT REDUCER, 28, 30 BITRNESS, 16, 27, 30 order in configurations, 31 quantized in BIT REDUCER, 28 switch, 16, 31 BYPASS, 16, 33 with foot switch, 33 cables, 22 COMB filter, 27, 30 COMPRESS, 16, 30 Compression, 26 configurations, 25, 32 CONFIGURE switch, 16, 25, 31...

  • Page 50: 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 51: Warranty/Contact Information

    Alesis Bitrman Reference Manual Version 1.0 by Alex Souppa & Dan Tinen Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. 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.

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