Alesis ModFX Metavox Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFX Metavox Reference Manual

Alesis ModFX Metavox 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. 7-51-0117-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Metavox ...4 Important features of your Metavox ...4 Metavox 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 Blank Settings Templates ...38 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 Index...47...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Metavox 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 Metavox

    Introduction About the Metavox Your new Metavox is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. The Metavox is a vocoder with a built- in oscillator that can be modulated by the amplitude and tone of any input (usually a human voice) to produce unique “talking”...

  • Page 7: Metavox Key Features

    Metavox Key Features • One-oscillator vocoder with four built-in waveforms (saw, rectified saw, square, and noise) in a compact box • Can vocode external sources, for polyphonic vocoding of an external synthesizer, guitar, etc. • Built-in modulation of internal oscillator by any of five different mod sources •...

  • 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 Metavox is a unique product, and is inherently different from other effects units. If you've already used a vocoder device, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the Metavox right away in the most popular way.

  • Page 18: A Quick Overview Of The Controls

    Quick Start Guide A quick overview of the controls SYN TH ESI S IN PUT This se lec ts th e in ter na l o sc illa tor wa ve o r e xter n al inp ut ( a s sh o wn b y the LED s n ex t to th e s witc h) th at will b e v oc od ed by th e in pu t.

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Metavox 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 Metavox will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. Signal processor vs. synthesizer Unlike other signal processors, a vocoder is half processor, half synthesizer.
  • Page 21 Typical vocoding setup If you’re connecting an instrument directly to the Metavox, hook it up this way: 1. Connect a 1/4" phone cord to the [RIGHT INPUT] of the Metavox from the instrument you want to have vocoded. Or, you can just use the Metavox’s own waveforms as the synthesis input source.

  • Page 22: Connecting To The Channel Inserts Of A Mixing Console

    Connections 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 Metavox as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included).

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

    Connecting to the Group Sends or Aux Send/Return of a mixing console: The Metavox is designed more for in-line processing than the send/receive kind of processing typically used for reverb units. However, plugging the Metavox into a Group or Aux send/return loop will allow you to vocode a mix of several instruments, from any mixer channel assigned to that group.

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

    Connections Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier: Use this method only if you occasionally use the Metavox to provide synthesizer sounds and noises under control of your guitar. This method won’t let any guitar sound through unless BYPASS is pressed. The insert send on a guitar or bass amp is usually labeled "effects send and return"...

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

    Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Metavox 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 Metavox 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 Metavox

    Using the Metavox This section explains the technology of synthesis and vocoding and describes the functions of the Metavox’s controls in greater detail. About Vocoding The Metavox is a vocoder. Vocoders are the result of research into the sound of the human voice, and ways to artificially synthesize voices.
  • Page 28 Using the Metavox The result is a unique signal processing path that puts one sound under the control of another. The creative and commercial possibilities of generating voice-like sounds from either the internal synthesizer or from an external instrument are as varied as the sound of the human voice itself.

  • Page 29: What Is Tempo Sync

    SAW wave changes once per measure, or once per quarter note. 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 a “tapped”...

  • Page 30: Description Of Controls

    Using the Metavox Description of Controls Synthesis Input Switch The up/down rocker switch beside the Synthesis Input label on the left side of the unit selects the synthesis input, i.e., the internally-generated or external sound that will be vocoded and sent to the OUTPUTS.

  • Page 31: Phreeq

    Noise This mode selects a white noise generator as the sound to be vocoded by the input. Since white noise has all frequencies at once, the vocoder’s filters will be most noticeable on this setting. Right In = Synth Use this mode when you want to vocode any external input—a polyphonic synthesizer, guitar, etc.

  • Page 32: Modulation Switch

    Using the Metavox Modulation switch The up/down rocker switch under the MODULATION label on the right side of the Metavox selects the waveform that will be used to modulate the pitch of the internal sawtooth or square wave oscillator only. This control has no effect if the [SYNTHESIS INPUT] switch is set to NOISE or RIGHT IN = SYNTH.
  • Page 33 Uncertainty This mode generates a continually varying waveform for the oscillator’s modulation; it’s similar to Sample and Hold but the pitch will glide from note to note, instead of jump. Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step pattern for the oscillator’s modulation and repeats it over and over.

  • Page 34: Depth

    Using the Metavox Depth The [DEPTH] knob controls how much pitch modulation (vibrato) of the above LFO waves and patterns will be applied to the internal waveform oscillator’s SAW, RECTIFIED SAW, or SQUARE waves. Rate The [RATE] knob changes the speed of the pitch modulation of the internal waveform synthesizer only.

  • Page 35: Reset Mod

    Reset Mod Press this button to reset the modulation as follows: • In TRIANGLE and SAMPLE/HOLD modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the beginning of its phase. In Triangle, RESET starts the mod from the bottom of the wave. •...

  • Page 36: Bypass

    Using the Metavox 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 Metavox. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, no vocoding takes place. The Bypass function can also be activated by the foot switch.

  • 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 Metavox to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Metavox 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 Battle Star A d ee pe r s or t o f ou ter -s p ac e v oice ; try a d ju sting PHREEQ to ge t the p r ec is e e ffec t y ou wan t.
  • Page 39 Sample Settings Vocomotion This se tting ha s a r hy th m to it, whic h yo u m us t s et u s in g the TAP TEMPO b utto n s. I f y ou d on ’ t lik e th e p atte r n, p re ss RESET MOD u ntil yo u fin d on e y ou like .

  • Page 40: Blank Settings Templates

    Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Metavox, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptoms No audio output s. Can ’t hear source inst rum ent in mix, only...
  • Page 42 Troubleshooting Symptoms Buz z or h um fro m out puts AC hum Cause Aud io cab les are crossing a power cable or a power adapter. Bad cables Pro blem w ith th e source Gro und lo op Solution Make sure that t he Met avox an d its audio...

  • 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 Metavox 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, 22 Aux Send/Return, 21 BYPASS, 16, 34 with foot switch, 34 cables, 23 Cleaning, 43 CONTROLLER, 25 DEPTH, 16, 32 digital converters, 34, 45 DIRECT OUT, 18 DSP, 45 envelope, 25 external source, 4, 19 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 34 Ground Loop, 41 grounding, 7 Group Sends, 21...

  • 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: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis Metavox Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Alex Souppa & 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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