Alesis ModFX Smashup Reference Manual
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Alesis ModFX Smashup Reference Manual

Alesis ModFX Smashup Reference Manual

Alesis modfx smashup tabletop: reference manual
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  • Page 1 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank 100% © 2002 Alesis. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. All trademarks are property of their respective holders. 7-51-0121-A 8/2002...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction...3 Welcome! ...3 About the Smashup...4 Important features of your Smashup ...4 Smashup 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 ...40 Care and Maintenance ...41 Cleaning...41 Refer all servicing to Alesis...41 Obtaining repair service ...42 Specifications...43 Audio Input ...43 Audio Output...43 Audio Performance...43 Mechanical ...43 Index...45 Warranty/Contact Alesis ...46 Alesis Limited Warranty...46...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Smashup 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 Smashup

    Introduction About the Smashup Your new Smashup is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a deluxe compressor with the ability to model several different types of compression. 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: Smashup Key Features

    Smashup Key Features • Digital emulation of six different kinds of analog compression • Adjustable threshold, attack, release, and output level • Look Ahead feature anticipates upcoming peaks for compression before they’re processed • Sizzle feature keeps clarity and punch even with extreme compression settings •...

  • 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 Smashup is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other in-line signal processors (like EQs and compressors) 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 Siz zle Add s “p u nc h” an d “a ir” to the s ig n al, e sp ec ia lly u s eful for b as s s ou n ds . I t p uts a h ig h- pa s s filte r be for e the c om pr es s or ’s de te cto r, a n d a dd s a b it o f H F EQ on th e...

  • Page 19: Connections

    The Smashup 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 Smashup 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 Smashup 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 in each channel 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 Smashup 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 Smashup to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels.

  • Page 23: Connecting To Equipment With Xlr Inputs And Outputs

    Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Smashup 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 24: Using The Modlink

    Connections Using the ModLink The Smashup 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 25: Using The Smashup

    Using the Smashup This section defines compression, and explains the functions of the Smashup’s controls in greater detail. What is a compressor? Most types of signal processors, such as reverbs, phaser/flangers, and equalizers, make an obvious change in the sound. But a compressor's action is much more subtle;...

  • Page 26: What The Controls Do

    Using the Smashup What the controls do Let's go back to the "engineer with his hand on a fader and eyes on the meter" analogy. The top panel controls simply tell the "engineer" what rules he should follow. [THRESHOLD] tells him how high the input level can rise before he has to start pulling down the fader: if it's turned full clockwise, he won't pull down his fader at all;...

  • Page 27: How The Smashup Goes Beyond "Just Compression

    Alesis analyzed the behavior of many compressors, and the Smashup’s different [TYPE] settings are the result. You really get six different-sounding compressors in a single, compact ModFX box.

  • Page 28: Operational Advice

    Using the Smashup Operational advice Gain structure Extreme settings will lead to extreme results. If you turn the threshold down all the way, the Smashup will do what it's being told to do: turn the level way down. If you then try to compensate by cranking the [OUTPUT] control to its maximum, you'll amplify the noise of your source and the Smashup itself.

  • Page 29: Description Of Controls

    Description of Controls Threshold The [THRESHOLD] knob sets the level where compression will begin. As long as the input signal level is below the Threshold level, the Smashup will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses the Threshold, the Smashup will begin compressing (turning down the level).

  • Page 30: Attack

    Using the Smashup Attack The [ATTACK] knob controls the amount of time before compression starts. The range of this control is generally in the range from 0.1 (full counter-clockwise) to 300 milliseconds; but this may vary depending on the [TYPE] setting. [ATTACK] has no effect when the [LOOK AHEAD] switch is engaged.

  • Page 31: Output

    Output The [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the Smashup’s output. The Output control is useful for making up level that was lost during compression, or matching the input level of a mixer or recorder. The unity gain setting of the [OUTPUT] knob (the level where input level = output level when [THRESHOLD] is set to the maximum) is around the “12 o’clock”...

  • Page 32: Type Select Switch

    There’s no way to adequately describe all the characteristics of the complex digital compression algorithms developed by Alesis engineers, so after you’ve read the following descriptions be sure to try each one with several different audio sources:...
  • Page 33 De-Ess De-essing is commonly used to process voices where the “s” sound and other sibilants are too loud and distracting. By telling the compressor to be extra sensitive to a certain range of frequencies, the “s” sound can be almost completely removed from a voice.

  • Page 34: Bypass

    Using the Smashup Bypass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the output without any compression. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound of the source without any effect from the Smashup. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the compressor is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by the foot switch.

  • Page 35: 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 Smashup to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Smashup so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs.
  • Page 36 Sample Settings Try this o n a ny ins tru me n t tha t ne e ds a stro ng lo w e nd , e sp ec ia lly b a ss es a n d kic k d ru ms .
  • Page 37 Sample Settings Transparent This se tting will p r ov id e c on siste nt c o mp re ss ion witho ut ca lling a tte ntio n to its elf. Note tha t [ ATTACK] h as n o e ffec t, sinc e [ LO O K AHEAD ] is on .

  • Page 38: Blank Settings Templates

    Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates...

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Smashup, 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 40 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum Cause Gro und lo op Solution Place all equip ment in the studio on a com mon gro und (see next page)

  • Page 41: 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 42: 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 43: 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 Smashup is one of the best signal processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use.

  • Page 44: 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 45: 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 46 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 47: Index

    Index amplifier, 20 Attack, 16, 24, 28 BYPASS, 16, 32 with foot switch, 32 cables, 21 Classic, 24, 30 clipping, 29 compression defined, 23 compression ratio, 30 defined, 24 De-Ess, 31 digital converters, 32, 43 digital signal processing, 4 DSP, 43 Fat, 31 feedback, 26 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 32...

  • Page 48: 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 49: Warranty/Contact Information

    Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Smashup 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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