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Alesis ModFX Phingr 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. 7-51-0114-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Phlngr...4 Important features of your Phlngr...4 Phlngr Key Features ...5 How to Use This Manual...6 Safety Instructions/Notices ...7 Important Safety Instructions (English)...7 Safety symbols used in this product...7 Please follow these precautions when using this product: ...7 CE Declaration Of Conformity...9 FCC Compliance Statement...9 Instructions de Sécurité...
  • Page 4 Blank Settings Templates ...40 Troubleshooting...41 Troubleshooting Index...41 Avoiding ground loop noise...43 Line conditioners and spike protectors ...44 Care and Maintenance ...45 Cleaning...45 Refer all servicing to Alesis...45 Obtaining repair service ...46 Specifications...47 Audio Input ...47 Audio Output...47 Audio Performance...47 Mechanical ...47 Index...49...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Phlngr 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 Phlngr

    Introduction About the Phlngr Your new Phlngr is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a stereo flanger effect with modulation controls. Each box in the line provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each other.

  • Page 7: Phlngr Key Features

    Phlngr Key Features • High-quality stereo flanging effect with configurable modulation settings • Tempo synchronization for flange speed keeps effects modulation in time with the music • Tap Tempo makes it easy to set the Phlngr’s speed by tapping a beat on the top panel •...

  • 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 Phlngr 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 flan g in g effec t, as s ho wn b y the LED s ne x t to the s witch .

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Phlngr 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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source and/or the system 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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels.

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

    Connecting to the Effect Send/Return of a mixing console: Since the ModFX boxes don’t have a wet/dry mix control, they’re designed more for in-line processing than the send/receive kind of processing typically used for reverb units. However, plugging the Phlngr into a mixer’s effect send/return loop will allow you to flange a mix of several instruments, from any mixer channel that has its effect send raised.

  • 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 flanging 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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr

    Using the Phlngr This section defines flanging, and explains the functions of the Phlngr’s controls in greater detail. A little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of your gear...it’s really pretty simple. About flanging In the 1960’s, when engineers had learned how to synchronize two analog reel-to-reel tape recorders, someone discovered that if the same audio was recorded on both recorders, and you deliberately slowed one down by dragging your finger on the flange of one of...

  • Page 28: Stereo Source

    Using the Phlngr How the controls work inside the flanger Picture it this way: there’s a block of audio in delay memory several milliseconds long, always being loaded with new audio from the input jacks. A “pointer” picks up this audio at some particular point in the delay for playback.

  • 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 beat of the incoming audio signal, after setting the basic speed using the TAP button.

  • Page 30: Description Of Controls

    Using the Phlngr Description of Controls Rate The [RATE] knob changes the flanging modulation speed. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), turning the [RATE] knob alters the rate continuously from very slow to very fast. Turn the knob clockwise for a faster speed, counter- clockwise for a classically-slow sweep.

  • Page 31: Center

    Center The [CENTER] knob changes the center frequency of the Phlngr’s effect. Its effect varies depending on the mode and speed, but in pitch terms, when the [CENTER] knob is at the 12 o’clock position, you’ll hear the pitch oscillates up and down from the center frequency.
  • Page 32 Using the Phlngr Modulation Select Switch The up/down rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the flanger. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below.
  • Page 33 Uncertainty This mode randomly generates a continually altering waveform for the flange modulation, changing direction at various points during the cycle. Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the flange and repeats it over and over. Instead of gliding through the frequency range, Pattern mode sometimes makes the flanger jump quickly from step to step, while other levels “glide”...

  • Page 34: Type Rocker Switch

    Using the Phlngr TYPE Rocker Switch The up/down rocker switch on the left side of the unit selects the Phlngr’s flanging algorithm—in other words, the timbre and how its left and right signal paths relate to each other. The difference between several types is most dramatic when the OUTPUTS are connected in stereo, although the TYPE switch will have an audible effect even in mono systems.
  • Page 35 Through Zero This mode delays the input signal to better simulate tape flanging. When flanging was done using two tape machines, it was possible for one to be behind the other, catch up and then go past the other. This is called “passing through zero”, the “zero” point being when both signals were in perfect sync.

  • Page 36: Reset Mod

    Using the Phlngr Reset Mod Press this button to reset the phase of the flanger modulation source as follows: • In TRIANGLE, HYPER TRI, and UNCERTAINTY modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the beginning of its phase. The “starting point”...

  • Page 37: 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 from four to eight taps in a row at a consistent speed, especially if you’re changing the tempo...

  • Page 38: Bypass

    Using the Phlngr 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 Phlngr. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the flanging effect is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by a footswitch.

  • Page 39: 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 Phlngr to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Phlngr so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.
  • Page 40 Sample Settings Dual Jets Ano th er in te r es ting se tting for s te re o h ea dp h on es ; the le ft a nd r ig h t sid es will s ee m to follo w e ac h o th er a t v ar y in g d is ta nc e s.
  • Page 41 Sample Settings Twang With REG EN s e t to m ax im um , it will so u nd like p lu ck in g a b ig ru bb e r ba n d e ac h tim e yo u p la y a trig ge r. Pre ss [ RES ET MO D] fo r a m an ua l p lu ck .

  • Page 42: Blank Settings Templates

    Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates...

  • Page 43: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Phlngr, 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 44 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Cause Pro blem w ith th e source Gro und lo op Solution Try bypassing t he Phlngr by connecting t he inp ut cab les to the o utput cables and see if the problem rem ains.

  • Page 45: 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 46: 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 47: 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 Phlngr is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use.

  • Page 48: 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 49: 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 50 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 51: Index

    Index amplifier, 21 ASYNC STEREO, 26, 32 BYPASS, 16, 35 with foot switch, 35 cables, 22 CENTER, 16, 29 effect on RESET MOD, 34 CONTRARY STEREO, 26, 32 Deep Mono, 33 DEPTH, 16, 28 interaction with RATE, 29 digital converters, 4, 35, 47 doppler effect, 29 DSP, 4, 47 Effect Send/Return, 20...

  • Page 52: 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 53: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis Phlngr 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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