Alesis ModFX Faze Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFX Faze Reference Manual

Alesis ModFX Faze Reference Manual

Stereo phase shifter
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Summary of Contents for Alesis ModFX Faze

  • 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. 7-51-0118-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Faze ...4 Important features of your Faze ...4 Faze 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 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 Index...47 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...48 Alesis Limited Warranty...48...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Faze 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 Faze

    Introduction About the Faze Your new Faze is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a high- quality stereo phase shifter. Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each other.

  • Page 7: Faze Key Features

    Faze Key Features • Digital emulation of classic stereo phaser effects, with five different modulation sources • Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs • Tempo synchronization keeps phasing effect in time with the music •...

  • 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 Faze 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 tim br e o f ph a sing e ffe ct, a nd h ow the le ft ch an ne l a nd th e r ig ht c h an ne l o f th e Faz e r elate to ea c h othe r , as sh own b y th e LED s n ex t to th e...

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Faze 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 Faze 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 Faze is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. Mono In, Mono or Stereo Out If you’re connecting a guitar or bass directly to the Faze, hook it up this way:...

  • 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 Faze 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 Faze 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 phasing 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 Faze 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 Faze 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 Faze

    Using the Faze This section defines phasing, and explains the functions of the Faze’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. About phase shifting Phase shifters have been among the most popular signal processors since their introduction in the late 1960s.

  • Page 28: 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 any rhythmic audio input, after setting the basic speed using the TAP button.

  • Page 29: Description Of Controls

    Description of Controls Rate The [RATE] knob changes the phasing modulation speed. When the mod source is set to ENVELOPE it affects the attack and release time of the envelope. In all other modes it affects the LFO (low frequency oscillator) speed. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), turning the [RATE] knob alters the rate continuously from very slow to very fast.

  • Page 30: Center

    Using the Faze Center The [CENTER] knob changes the center frequency of the Faze’s main filter notch. Its effect varies depending on the mode, [DEPTH] and [RATE], but in frequency terms, when the [CENTER] knob is at the 12 o’clock position, you’ll hear the frequency of the phase shift oscillate up and down from the center frequency.
  • Page 31 Modulation Select Switch The up/down rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the phaser. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below. The rocker switch also selects TEMPO SYNC mode, as explained earlier.
  • Page 32 Using the Faze Faze almost jitters as it tries to follow the envelope of the incoming signal exactly. In this mode, TEMPO SYNC/TAP TEMPO features have no effect. Uncertainty This mode generates a continually altering random waveform for the phase modulation, changing direction at various points during the cycle.

  • Page 33: Type Rocker Switch

    TYPE Rocker Switch The up/down rocker switch on the left side of the unit selects the type of phasing effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. The Type switch changes the stereo mode—in other words, how its left and right signal paths relate to each other—and the number of filters being used.
  • Page 34 Using the Faze Async Stereo In ASYNC (asynchronous) STEREO mode, the modulation of the left and right channels of the Faze are not synchronized. The left and right channels will have a similar rate, but “drift” from each other in a random way (except in PATTERN mode). Liquid Metal This mode is unique to the Faze and takes phase shifting to a whole new level.

  • Page 35: Reset Mod

    Reset Mod Press this button to reset the phase of the phaser modulation source as follows: • In TRIANGLE mode, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the beginning of its phase. The “starting point” of the phase shift is determined by the setting of the [CENTER] control •...

  • Page 36: Tap Tempo

    Using the Faze 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.

  • Page 37: 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 Faze to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Faze 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 Faze Jumper Tap q ua r te r n otes in to this p atch , a nd th e ph as e will jum p to diffe re nt le ve ls on ce p er b ea t. Tu rn the [RATE] c on tr ol cloc k wise to m ak e it jum p le v els o n 1/8 or 1 /1 6...
  • Page 39 Sample Settings Faze Tracker Tap q ua r te r n otes in to this p atch , a nd th e ph as e will jum p to diffe re nt le ve ls ea ch b ea t, in a r e cu rr in g PATTERN.

  • Page 40: Blank Settings Templates

    Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Faze, 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 42 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Whistles or ton es in out put Can ’t hear phasing ef fect, even with [DEPTH] at max imum Cause Gro und lo op [REGEN] set too high [CENTER] set to max imum Solution Place all equip ment in the studio on a com mon gro und (see next page) Set [REGEN] to center...

  • 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 Faze 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

    Index amplifier, 21 ASYNC STEREO mode, 32 audio input tempo set by, 34 BYPASS, 16, 33 with foot switch, 33 cables, 22 CENTER, 16, 28, 40 effect on RESET MOD, CLASSIC mode, 31 CONTRARY STEREO mode, 28, 31 controls, 16 DEPTH, 16, 27 interaction with CENTER, 28...

  • 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

    Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Faze 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. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

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