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Alesis 4 Reference Manual
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Alesis 4 Reference Manual

Multi effects processor
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ALESIS
MidiVerb 4
Reference Manual

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Summary of Contents for Alesis 4

  • Page 1 ALESIS MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis MidiVerb 4 Multi Effects Processor. To take full advantage of the MidiVerb 4’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the MidiVerb 4.
  • Page 3 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Your First Session with the MidiVerb 4... 7 Unpacking and Inspection...7 Basic Connections...7 Powering Up...8 Setting Levels ...8 Automatic Input Level Settings...8 What’s in the Display? ...9 Auditioning Internal Programs...10 Switching Between Preset and User Banks...10 Bypass Program/Preset 00 ...10 Changing Effect Settings ...11...
  • Page 5 BYPASS LED Indicator...44 VALUE Knob ...44 PROGram Button...45 EDIT/PAGE Button...45 A/B/C/D (NAME/ESC/</>) Buttons...45 UTILity Button ...45 STORE Button ...47 INPUT and OUTPUT Buttons...48 Auto Level ...48 POWER Switch...48 Rear Panel...49 Power ...49 Bypass/Advance Footswitch...49 MIDI In...49 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...
  • Page 6 Modulation Parameters Index...61 Setting Modulation Amplitude ...61 Controlling Delay Time via MIDI Clock ...62 Troubleshooting ... 63 Trouble-Shooting Index...63 Re-initializing...63 Checking the Software Version...64 Maintenance/Service ...64 Cleaning ...64 Obtaining Repair Service...64 MIDI Implementation Chart... 66 Specifications...67 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Contents...
  • Page 7 Contents MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 8: Your First Session With The Midiverb 4

    Stereo. Connect two mono cords to the [LEFT/CH.1] & [RIGHT/CH.2] INPUTS of the MidiVerb 4 from a stereo source , and two mono cords from the OUTPUTS of the MidiVerb 4 to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs.

  • Page 9: Setting Levels

    As a good rule of thumb, it is always best to set both input and output level controls at 3/4 or 75% of full. This will decrease the possibility of overload distortion and keep the amount of background noise to a minimum.

  • Page 10: What's In The Display

    Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 What’s in the Display? When the MidiVerb 4 is first turned on, the display will look something like this: The MidiVerb 4’s display is divided into 5 sections: Program Number . MidiVerb 4 Programs are numbered from 00 to 127.

  • Page 11: Auditioning Internal Programs

    To instantly switch between the Preset and User banks, press the [PROG] button. Each time you press the [PROG] button, the MidiVerb 4 will toggle back and forth between the Preset and User banks. The display will indicate this by reading either “PRESET”...

  • Page 12: Changing Effect Settings

    Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 – Chapter 1 Changing Effect Settings When you dial up a Program, its Configuration is shown in the display to the right of the Program’s name. RoomVerb REAL ROOM The Configuration will either be a single reverb type effect (as in the example above), or a combination of two or three effects (like Reverb+Delay, or Chorus>Delay>...

  • Page 13: Using Online Help

    For more about editing effects parameters, see Chapter 4. Using Online Help The MidiVerb 4 has built-in online help to assist you in identifying parameter functions from the display, without having to look things up in this manual. Once...

  • Page 14: Adjusting Effects Mix Levels

    The Mix parameter’s range is 000-100å. Dry Defeat When connecting the MidiVerb 4 to a mixing console’s aux sends and returns, it is generally desirable to remove the direct (dry) signal from the outputs of the MidiVerb 4 so that its output signal contains only the effected (wet) signal. The dry signal may then be combined at the mixing console with the returning wet signal.

  • Page 15: Comparing An Edited Program To Its Original Settings

    Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MIDIVerb 4 Comparing an Edited Program to its Original Settings The left side of the display always indicates the currently selected Program. If the [PROG] button is pressed once, the currently selected Program’s name and the Configuration being used both appear in the upper part of the display.

  • Page 16: Storing Edited Programs

    Program from memory before storing the edited Program, your changes will be lost forever. Although the MidiVerb 4 has two banks (Preset and User), you can only store Programs in the User bank. To store an edited Program: Press [STORE].

  • Page 17: Bypassing Effects

    Bypassing Effects At any time you can bypass the effects, thereby allowing the direct signal to pass through the MidiVerb 4 unchanged. This can be done in two ways: • by simultaneously pressing both the [PROG] and [UTIL] buttons on the front panel;...

  • Page 18: Connections

    ONNECTIONS AC Power Hookup The MidiVerb 4 comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the MidiVerb 4 off, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into MidiVerb 4’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power.

  • Page 19: Typical Applications

    Alternatively, you could use the inserts on your mixer to “patch in” only the left or right channel of the MidiVerb 4. If using the effect sends of a mixer, you have the advantage of sending any of the mixer’s input channels to the MidiVerb 4’s input(s), and have control over the level of each channel being sent.
  • Page 20 • Stereo. Connect two mono cords to the [LEFT/CH.1] and [RIGHT/CH.2] INPUTS of the MidiVerb 4 from a stereo source , and two other mono cords from the [LEFT/CH.1] and [RIGHT/CH.2] OUTPUTS of the MidiVerb 4 to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs.

  • Page 21: Using The Aux Sends

    (headphone) mix, and individual, post-fader effect sends. Typically, if a mixer has more than two sends per channel (4, 6 or 8, perhaps), the first two sends are reserved for the cue sends, while the remaining sends are used to feed effects, such as the MidiVerb 4.
  • Page 22 Connections – Chapter 2 Mono In - Stereo Out. If you only want to feed the MidiVerb 4 a mono input, but wish to connect both of its outputs back to the mixer, you will need three 1/4" audio cables. Connect a mono cord from an effect send to the [LEFT/CH.1] input of the MidiVerb 4, another mono cord from the [LEFT/CH.1] output of the MidiVerb 4 to an...

  • Page 23: Using Inserts

    If you do not hear any audio after making these connections, swap the input and output cables at the MidiVerb 4, as these may be wired backwards. If the cable is color-coded, usually the red jack represents the send (which connects to the MidiVerb 4’s input) and black is the return (which connects to the output).

  • Page 24: Using Main Outputs

    Stereo. In the case where a stereo instrument (such as a keyboard or sampler) is con- nected to two separate channels of a mixing console, you will need two 1/4" TRS cables, one for each channel. The connection is made in a similar fashion as described above.

  • Page 25: Avoiding Ground Loops

    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. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 26: Midi

    Note: It is not necessary to follow step 2 if you intend to only send information to the MidiVerb 4, and do not need to receive information back from it. Example: If you only want to be able to recall Programs using MIDI program change messages, there is no need to connect a cable to the MidiVerb 4’s [OUT/THRU] connector.
  • Page 27 Any momentary single-pole/single-throw footswitch, normally open or normally closed, will work for the three footswitch functions. This should be plugged in prior to power-up so that the MidiVerb 4 can configure itself for the type of footswitch being used. Advance. When the footswitch mode is set to the Advance function, each time the footswitch is pressed the MidiVerb 4 will advance to the next Program number.

  • Page 28: Overview Of Effects

    A Configuration is an arrangement of one or more effects. Each of the 256 internal Programs in the MidiVerb 4 use one Configuration. There are 32 different Configurations available, each of which fall into one of four categories. The four types of Configurations are: Single, Double, Dual Mono and Multi Chain.

  • Page 29: Double

    Note: If Cascade mode is turned on, the [RIGHT/CH. 2] input will be disabled for all Dual Mono Configurations. This is because the channel 2 effect is being fed the output of the channel 1 effect. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 30: Multi Chain

    Mix parameter to 000% (this means none of its output can be heard nor is sent to the second effect in the chain). MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 31: Reverb Effects

    Plate Reverb This is a simulation of a classic echo plate, a 4' by 8' suspended sheet of metal with transducers at either end used to produce reverb. Popular in the 1970’s, it still prized for its transparent sound, particularly on vocals and guitars. This algorithm uses the most processing available for a truly realistic reverb plate simulation.

  • Page 32: Reverb Parameters

    Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 Reverb Parameters Most of the reverb effects in the MidiVerb 4 operate under the same set of control parameters, which are listed and described in this section. However, reverbs which use more processing power (i.e. the Single Configuration reverbs) provide more parameters which take advantage of their extra processing power;...

  • Page 33: Frequency Damping - Low & High

    Gate. This can be set between 10 and 500 ms, and controls both the hold and release times of the gate effect. Alternatively, the Gate parameter can be set to “OFF” when you do not wish to use the gating effect. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 34: Delay Effects

    An additional parameter, called Note, is used to determine what beat value your tempo represents. For example, if you set the note to 4, then you can set the tempo using quarter-note beats to establish delay time. If instead you set the Note to 4t, the same delay tempo setting will play faster because it is simulating quarter-note triplets in relation to the selected tempo.

  • Page 35: Synchronizing To Midi Clock

    The Note parameter determines what note value the MidiVerb 4 should synchronize to. For example, if you set the Note value to 4, then you can synchronize to the quarter-note beats of the incoming MIDI clock. If instead you set the Note value to 8t, you can synchronize to eighth-note triplets relative to the incoming MIDI clock signal.

  • Page 36: Pitch Effects

    “rhythm” of the phasing. Chorus This is a mono, less processor-intensive version of the Stereo Chorus effect, used in the Multi Chain Configurations Chorus->Realroom and Chorus->Dly->Room, the Double Configuration Realroom+Chorus, and the Dual Mono Configurations Chorus:Chorus and Chorus:Delay. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 37: Stereo Flange

    The “Thru0” parameter found in the MidiVerb 4’s flanging effects lets you create the appearance of the effected signal passing through the zero point. It does this by actually delaying the uneffected signal by as mush as 12 milliseconds (an amount virtually undetectable to the human ear).

  • Page 38: Flange

    The Auto Pan effect alternates the loudness of the signal in opposite channels at a definable rate. Low and high frequency cutting is available, and (like the flange effects) can be triggered by the input signal (either the left or right input, or both). MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...
  • Page 39 (how long the Auto Pan will wait before it can be retriggered). The Direction parameter can be set to alternate; that is, the Auto Pan will change its start direction with each succesive trigger. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 40: Editing Programs

    A Configuration is made up of one or more effects. Each of the internal Programs of the MidiVerb 4 use one Configuration. When you want to create your own Program, the first thing you must decide is which Configuration you wish to use. Then you need to locate a Program that already uses this Configuration.

  • Page 41: Editing Effect Parameters

    Chapter 4 – Editing Programs Editing Effect Parameters Editing Programs is only possible while in Program mode. This means that the [PROG] button must be lit. If the [PROG] button is not lit, press it now. From Program mode, you can edit the currently selected Program by pressing either [EDIT/PAGE] or any of the [A], [B], [C] or [D] buttons.

  • Page 42: Moving Through Pages

    Using Online Help The MidiVerb 4 has built-in online help to assist you in identifying parameter functions from the display, without having to look things up in this manual. Once you have accessed Edit mode (see previous section), you can select any of the parameters shown in the display by pressing the corresponding button ([A], [B], [C] or [D]).

  • Page 43: Naming A Program

    [STORE] was pressed for the first time. Here is a chart of available characters: " # $ % & ’ 4 5 6 7 8 9 J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ ¥ ]...

  • Page 44: Description Of Controls

    ESCRIPTION OF Front Panel LCD Display When the MidiVerb 4 is first turned on, the display will look something like this: The MidiVerb 4’s display is divided into 5 sections: Program Number . MidiVerb 4 Programs are numbered from 00 to 127.
  • Page 45 [D]) should be pressed to select the desired parameter for editing. Once a parameter has been edited, the word “EDITED” will appear below it. Decay LPF PDly PMix 395 § 2@8 PRESET ¶ 150© ¢ 000å¡ EDITED MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual...

  • Page 46: Bypass Led Indicator

    This is the MidiVerb 4’s built-in online help system. If there is no corresponding parameter for one or more of the [A], [B], [C] and [D] buttons in a particular page, it will be indicated in the display when the button is pushed.

  • Page 47: Utility Button

    4 ignores program change messages. When set to on, incoming MIDI program change messages received on the same channel the MidiVerb 4 is set to will recall the same numbered User Program. When set to table, the MidiVerb 4 will use the Program Change Table (see below) to remap incoming program change messages.

  • Page 48: Store Button

    There are 128 different possible MIDI program change messages (000 – 127). However, the MidiVerb 4 has 256 Programs to choose from. Therefore, the Program Table allows us to choose which of the 256 Programs will be recalled when certain program change numbers are received.

  • Page 49: Input And Output Buttons

    The Auto Level function listens for a period of five seconds. During this time, you should feed signal to the MidiVerb 4’s inputs (i.e. play your guitar or keyboard, or playback tape). •...

  • Page 50: Rear Panel

    Bypass/Advance Footswitch This is a 1/4" phone jack which connects to a footswitch, either normally-open or normally-closed. This footswitch can perform either one of two functions: Bypass or Advance. The function is selected from the UTILity mode.

  • Page 51: Output (Left/Ch.1 & Right/Ch.2)

    [LEFT/CH.1] input is routed to the [RIGHT/CH.2] as well. Output (Left/Ch.1 & Right/Ch.2) These are 1/4" phone jacks which connect to devices such as the effects returns on a mixing console. For mono applications, use the [LEFT/CH.1] output. When Cascade mode is on (routing the output of Ch. 1 to the input of Ch. 2 of Dual Configurations only), the [LEFT/CH.1] output will only supply the signal coming from the...
  • Page 52 Time 100-600© For, rEv MONO DELAY Fdbk 00-99å STEREO DELAY L: Tap R: Tap PING PONG DELAY Fdbk 00-99å MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual PDly 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF 000-75© Diff LDamp 000-100å OFF, 059ƒ-3^2 Gate Hold OFF, 001-100å 000-500© Swirl 00-99 PDly 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF...
  • Page 53 PDly 3 000-255© 000-255© Depth Fdbk 000-255 00-99å Wave Sin, tri Depth Fdbk 000-255 00-99å Wave Sin, tri MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Fdbk 1 00-99å Fdbk 2 00-99å Fdbk 3 00-99å 000-100å Fdbk 00-99å 000-100å 000-100å 000-100å Fdbk 00-99å 000-100å...
  • Page 54 SemiL -12-12 PDlyL 000-250© LvlL 00-99 PITCH:PITCH Semi -12-12 Semi -12-12 AUTO PAN Rate )0ƒ-2%5ƒ Trig 0fffffffFF, L, r, MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Depth Fdbk 000-250 -99-99å Attck 000-255 000-255 Depth Fdbk 000-250 -99-99å Attck Thru0 000-255 OFF, On Depth...
  • Page 55 000-100å OFF, 010-500© PDly 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF 000-250© Diff Gate 000-100å OFF, 010-500© Depth Fdbk 000-250 -99-99å Attck 000-255 000-255 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual DMix 000-100å Diff 000-100å RMix 000-100å CDly 000-255© CMix 000-100å PMix 000-100å RMix 000-100å Wave Sin, tri FMix 000-100å...
  • Page 56 REALROOM+ Decay DELAY !0-7%8˙ Gate OFF, 001-100å Fdbk 00-99å REALROOM+ Decay CHORUS !0-7%8˙ Dens 000-100å Rate )0ƒ-(9ƒ MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Depth Fdbk 000-255 00-99å Fdbk HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF 00-99å Dens 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF 000-100å Hold 000-500© 000-500© Depth...
  • Page 57 OFF, 059ƒ-3^2 Fine PDly -50-50 000-250© LoCut HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF OFF, 059ƒ-3^2 100ms 10ms LoCut HiCut 059ƒ-3^2 , OFF OFF, 059ƒ-3^2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual PMix 000-100å RMix 000-100å Wave Sin, tri FMix 000-100å PDly 000-250© 000-100å 000-100å Fdbk -99-99å...

  • Page 58: Midi Applications

    Omni mode (receives on all 16 channels simultaneously). MIDI Thru In order to pass on MIDI information from a control device thru the MidiVerb 4 to another MIDI device: Connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the MidiVerb 4’s [MIDI IN]. Then connect the MidiVerb 4’s [MIDI OUT] to the MIDI IN of the other device you...

  • Page 59: Receiving Program Changes

    Program Table, you can have any incoming MIDI program change message recall any of the 256 Programs in the MidiVerb 4. Example: If you programmed the Table so that program message 101 was mapped to Preset 33, sending a MIDI program change message of 101 to the MidiVerb 4 would recall Program Preset 33.

  • Page 60: Sysex Storage

    The [UTIL] button will briefly flash rapidly and the display will read: Transmitting Sysex... When you send a Sysex dump back to the MidiVerb 4, it will automatically go into receive mode (you do not have to do anything special). When this occurs, the display will momentarily read: RECEIVING MIDI DATA...

  • Page 61: Realtime Modulation Functions

    Configuration, and therefore cannot be changed. However, you can select which two types of MIDI messages will act as the modulation sources, and you can adjust how much they will affect the MidiVerb 4’s parameters by either a positive or negative amount.

  • Page 62: Modulation Parameters Index

    Modulators is -99 to +99. If you chose an amplitude of +99, the Modulator will have full positive control over the parameter it is modulating. But what does this mean to you? Let’s take a look at some examples. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Advanced Applications – Chapter 6 Mod X...

  • Page 63: Controlling Delay Time Via Midi Clock

    MIDI clock signal received at the [MIDI IN] port coming from an external source. If the MIDI clock’s tempo changes, the MidiVerb 4 will chase it. If the MIDI clock signal is discontinued, the delay time will remain set to the last tempo which the MIDI clock had been running at.

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting

    Unit does not respond to front panel controls. Re-initializing To re-initialize the MidiVerb 4, hold down both [PROG] and [D] while turning on the power. This will reset all Utility parameters to their default settings, and will recall Preset 01.

  • Page 65: Checking The Software Version

    Maintenance/Service Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the MidiVerb 4’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit.
  • Page 66 Troubleshooting – Chapter 7 Los Angeles, CA 90016 Customers outside the USA: Contact your local Alesis dealer for warranty assistance. Do not return products to the factory unless you have been given specific instructions to do so. Note that the warranty is valid only in the country of origin.

  • Page 67: Midi Implementation Chart

    All Notes Off Active Sense Reset Notes Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO Transmitted Recognized 1 — 16 Mode 3 0 — 127 0 — 127 O 0 —...

  • Page 68: Specifications

    Nominal Level Output Impedance: Front Panel Controls Buttons Switches Indicator MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Specifications ±1dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz >90dB "A" wtg., 20 Hz-22kHz <0.009% @ 1kHz, nominal level (-12 dBfs) <0.005% @ peak level <90dB below full scale 1/4"...
  • Page 69 Delay effects: Pitch effects: Special effects: Multiple effect configurations: 1/4" 2-conductor 1/4" 2-conductor 1/4" (accepts normally open or normally closed momentary footswitch, such as the Alesis PD) 5 pin DIN 9 Volt Power Transformer 24 bit accumulator 1299 milliseconds Concert Hall, Real Room, Ambience, Plate...

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