User manual ALESIS DM PRO - REFERENCE MANUAL

REFERENCE MANUAL Alesis DM Pro Reference Manual by Erik Norlander TM Additional documentation by Randy Lee © Copyright 1998, Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. "DM Pro", "DM5", "QS8" and "QS6.1" are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. Selected material for this manual was imported from the Alesis DM5 and QS8 Reference Manuals by Geoff Ryle. TM TM Additional material imported from the QS6.1 Reference Manual by Connor Freff Cochran and Randy Lee. TM The illustration on page 50 is from EmagicTM Sound DiverTM, © Michael Haydn. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to Robert Rampley, David Bryce, Connor Freff Cochran, Taiho Yamada, Mike Peake, Mark McCrite, Ed Burzycki, Chris Asmus, David Cadmus, Julie Yarbrough, David Seaton, Jim Mack, Danna Teal, David Bertovic, Geoff Ryle, Grant Kraus, Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic for invaluable information, support and guidance. ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. 1633 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA Telephone: E-Mail: Website: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747) alecorp@alesis1.usa.com http://www.alesis.com Contents Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................ 7 Safety symbols used in this product............................................................................................7 Please follow these precautions when using this product: ..................................................... 7 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) .......................................................................... 9 Symboles utilisés dans ce produit................................................................................................ 9 Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l'utilisation de l'appareil:......................................... 9 Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German) ..................................................................................................... 11 CE Declaration of Conformity ...................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 1: Welcome to the DM Pro ....................................................................... 13 Packing List ...................................................................................................................................... 13 DM Pro Front Panel ........................................................................................................................ 14 DM Pro Display ............................................................................................................................... 16 AC Power Hookup.......................................................................................................................... 17 Line Conditioners and Protectors ................................................................................. 17 About Audio Cables ....................................................................................................................... 17 Audio Connections .......................................................................................................... 18 Connections Chart........................................................................................................................... 20 MIDI Connections ............................................................................................................ 20 External Trigger Connections ........................................................................................ 21 Chapter 2: A Brief Hands-On Tutorial ................................................................... 23 Playing The Demos ......................................................................................................................... 23 Basic MIDI Setup ............................................................................................................................. 24 Selecting and Auditioning Drumkits .......................................................................................... 25 Selecting Individual Drums Within a Drumkit .......................................................... 25 Saving Changes to a Drumkit ........................................................................................ 29 Programming Effects ...................................................................................................................... 30 Setting the Effects Buss Assignments and Send Levels ............................................ 30 Editing the Effects Themselves...................................................................................... 31 Chapter 3: System Architecture ............................................................................. 35 Organizational Hierarchy.............................................................................................................. 35 Programming Hierarchy................................................................................................................ 36 Other Programming Terms You Should Know.......................................................... 37 The Three Modes of the DM Pro ..................................................................................................38 The DM Pro Signal Path................................................................................................................. 38 Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits ....................................................................... 41 The DRUM ASSIGN Function ...................................................................................................... 41 A Note About Using the PREVIEW Button ................................................................ 42 The TUNE Function........................................................................................................................ 43 The MIX Function............................................................................................................................ 43 The NOTE CHASE Function......................................................................................................... 48 The TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN Function .................................................................................... 50 The TRIGGER SEQUENCE Function .......................................................................................... 52 The MIDI Function.......................................................................................................................... 55 The DRUMKIT NAME Function.................................................................................................. 57 The EFFECTS Function .................................................................................................................. 57 Contents Chapter 5: Programming Effects ........................................................................... 59 The REVERB EFFECTS Function ................................................................................................. 61 The OVERDRIVE EFFECTS Function ......................................................................................... 66 The DELAY EFFECTS Function ................................................................................................... 67 The PITCH EFFECTS Function.....................................................................................................71 Pitch Type: CHORUS or FLANGER............................................................................. 72 Pitch Type: RESONATOR .............................................................................................. 74 The EQUALIZER EFFECTS Function ......................................................................................... 75 Chapter 6: Programming Drums............................................................................ 79 The SOUND SELECT Function .................................................................................................... 79 The VOICE SELECT Function ......................................................................................................80 The LEVEL Function....................................................................................................................... 81 The PITCH Function....................................................................................................................... 82 The FILTER Function...................................................................................................................... 84 The AMPLITUDE Function........................................................................................................... 87 A Note About the PREVIEW Button and VELOCITY CURVES............................. 89 The Three ENVELOPE GENERATOR Functions ..................................................................... 90 About the Individual Envelopes ................................................................................... 95 The PITCH ENVELOPE Function................................................................................................ 95 The FILTER ENVELOPE Function .............................................................................................. 95 The AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE Function.................................................................................... 96 The MODULATION MATRIX Function .................................................................................... 97 The DRUM NAME Function......................................................................................................... 100 Chapter 7: Triggers.................................................................................................. 103 P1 The TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN Function................................................................ 104 P2 The TRIGGER GAIN Function................................................................................. 104 P3 The VELOCITY CURVE Function........................................................................... 105 Trigger Velocity Curve Settings .................................................................................... 106 P4 The THRESHOLD Function ..................................................................................... 107 P4 The HAT THRESHOLD Function ........................................................................... 107 P5 The RETRIGGER Function........................................................................................ 107 P6 The CROSSTALK Function....................................................................................... 108 P7 The NOISE SUPPRESSION Function ..................................................................... 109 P8 The TRIGGER SETUP SELECT Function............................................................... 110 P11 AUX PEDAL TYPE SELECT Function ................................................................. 112 P6 HAT PEDAL TYPE SELECT Function.................................................................... 112 The Interactive Hi-Hat Performance ........................................................................................... 113 Hat Pedal Type: SWITCH............................................................................................... 113 Hat Pedal Type: PEDAL ................................................................................................. 115 P12 The AUX TRIGGER NOTE SELECT Function.................................................... 116 P13 The AUX TRIGGER GAIN Function..................................................................... 116 Tips for Triggering from Acoustic Drums.................................................................................. 117 Output Sensitivity ............................................................................................................ 117 Mounting ........................................................................................................................... 117 Trigger Placement ............................................................................................................ 118 Muffling ............................................................................................................................. 119 Mounting Hardware and Configuration ..................................................................... 119 Chapter 8: Global Functions ................................................................................... 121 The GLOBAL MIDI Function........................................................................................................ 121 The GLOBAL STORE Function .................................................................................................... 127 Chapter 9: Extras ..................................................................................................... 139 A Word About the Included CD-ROM ....................................................................................... 139 Sound BridgeTM................................................................................................................. 139 Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards ................................................................................................ 140 4 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Contents Using Alesis QCard Expansion Cards ........................................................................................ 140 Playing Back a Sequence from the Card Slot ............................................................................. 140 Appendix A: Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 143 Checking the Software Version .................................................................................................... 143 Reinitializing the DM Pro .............................................................................................................. 143 Maintenance/Service...................................................................................................................... 144 Cleaning Your DM Pro.................................................................................................... 144 Preventative Maintenance .............................................................................................. 144 Obtaining Repair Service ................................................................................................ 145 Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information........................................................ 147 The DM Pro Trigger Process ......................................................................................................... 147 Trigger Connection Diagrams ...................................................................................................... 148 Pedal/Footswitch Compatibility.................................................................................................. 153 Trigger/Pedal Connector Types................................................................................................... 153 Appendix C: MIDI Supplement ............................................................................... 155 MIDI Basics....................................................................................................................................... 155 MIDI Hardware ............................................................................................................................... 155 MIDI Message Basics ...................................................................................................................... 156 Channel Messages: Mode Messages............................................................................. 156 Channel Messages: Voice Messages ............................................................................. 156 System Common Messages ............................................................................................ 159 MIDI Implementation Chart ......................................................................................................... 160 Appendix D: Glossary of Terms ............................................................................. 163 Index.......................................................................................................................... 169 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 5 Contents 6 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT: 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a dangerous condition. 7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third Important Safety Instructions prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 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. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a wellventilated area. 16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. 8 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 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 l'intérieur de l'appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques. VEUILLEZ SUIVRE CES PRÉCAUTIONS LORS DE L'UTILISATION DE L'APPAREIL: 1. Lisez ces instructions. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Gardez ces instructions. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements. Suivez toutes les instructions. N'utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l'eau. Ne nettoyez qu'avec un chiffon humide. Ne pas vaporiser de liquide nettoyant sur l'appareil, cela pourrait abîmer les contrôles de la face avant ou engendrer des conditions dangeureuses. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don't les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant, demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise. 7. 8. 9. 10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l'appareil. 11. N'utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 9 Important Safety Instructions 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. Débranchez l'appareil lors d'un orage ou lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé pendant longtemps. 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque l'appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l'appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à l'humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé. 15. Cet appareil produit de la chaleur en fonctionnement normal. 16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une perte permanente de l'ouïe. Ne l'utilisez pas pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l'ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste. 10 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Important Safety Instructions BEIM BENUTZEN DIESES PRODUKTES BEACHTEN SIE BITTE DIE FOLGENDEN SICHERHEITSHINWEISE: (GERMAN) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Lesen Sie die Hinweise. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Sprühen Sie keine flüssiger Reiniger auf die Oberfläche, dies könnte zur Beschädigung der Vorderseite führen und auch weitere Schäden verursachen. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des Herstellers. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern, Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich Verstärkern) auf. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird. 7. 8. 9. 10. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 11. 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. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen. 12. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose. 13. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist. 14. Bei normalem Betrieb des Gerätes kommt es zu Wärmeentwicklungen. 15. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt aufsuchen. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 11 Important Safety Instructions CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer's Name: Alesis Corporation Manufacturer's Address: 1633 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA declares, that the p r o d u c t : Product Name: Model Type: DM Pro Sample Playback Module with Trigger Inputs conforms to the following Standards: EMC: Safety: European Contact: EN55022:1995 Class B; EN50082-1:1992 EN 60065 Sound Technology plc Letchworth Point, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 1 ND, UNITED KINGDOM Phone: +44.1462.480000 Fax: +44.1462.480800 December, 1998 12 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL CHAPTER 1: WELCOME TO THE DM PRO Congratulations on your purchase of the Alesis DM Pro! You are now the owner of a powerful drum and percussion synthesizer that will give you many years of use and enjoyment. This manual contains several specific sections designed to teach you as much as possible about each area of your module. However, we strongly suggest that you begin your relationship with DM Pro by completing our Brief "Hands On" Tutorial. This tutorial will give you an excellent overview of the product and will quickly help you to get acquainted with its system architecture. PACKING LIST Your DM Pro was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the DM Pro for servicing. The DM Pro ships from the factory with the following items: 1 1 1 1 1 1 DM Pro Drum Module with the same serial number as shown on the shipping carton External AC Power Supply Adapter DM Pro Reference Manual DM Pro Drum List DM Pro Kit List Alesis warranty card It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now. Welcome to the DM Pro DM PRO FRONT PANEL PHONES jack VOLUME knob LCD VALUE encoder PREVIEW button CURSOR < > buttons DRUM plug in stereo headphones to hear the DM Pro's output controls master volume custom graphic display shows Drum, Drumkit and Trigger Functions, Parameters and Values use this to select or adjust the Function, Parameter or Value that is above the cursor press this to audition Drums from the front panel use these to select the Function, Parameter or Value you wish to edit press this to select the Drum or MIDI Note Number that you wish to edit TRIGGER < > buttons use these to select which of the 16 external trigger inputs you wish to edit KIT TUNE MIX press this to return to the top level of the DM Pro (Drumkit Mode) or to load a Drumkit from memory press this to adjust the pitch of a Drum within a Drumkit press this to adjust the output characteristics of a Drum within a Drumkit. Parameters include Volume, Pan, Output Assignment, FX Level, FX Buss, Mute Group, Drum Link and Drum Enable press this to adjust the Parameters of the five Effects Functions (Reverb, Overdrive, Delay, Pitch and EQ) press this button to access the Store Functions which include Save, Copy, Initialize and Send (MIDI transmit) use this Function to select MIDI Note Numbers by playing notes on an external controller (MIDI or Trigger) press this button to edit all Parameters associated with the external triggers. Note that different trigger Parameters exist in Trigger Mode and Drumkit Mode. use this Function to set the Basic and individual MIDI Channels for MIDI Notes, define Controller and Pedal behavior, enable or disable the transmission of Sequence Start commands, and enable or disable the transmission and reception of Program Change commands FX STORE CHASE TRIG MIDI 14 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Welcome to the DM Pro EDIT press this to enter Drum Edit Mode or name a Drumkit. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 15 Welcome to the DM Pro DM PRO DISPLAY This "screen shot" is taken from Drum Edit mode. It contains many of the elements which will be encountered in the various modes of the DM Pro. Drumkit/MIDI Note Number: The large numbers indicate the present Drumkit or MIDI Note Number, depending on which mode you are in. If the DM Pro is in Drum Edit mode and the [CHASE] button is lit, striking a Trigger or a note on a MIDI controller will cause the MIDI Note Number to change. Sound Number: Seen only in Drum Edit Mode, SND:1 indicates that Sound 1 within the Drum is currently being edited. There are four Sounds within each Drum. If a Sound is not active, it will be represented by snd:1 instead. Function Name: Tells you which Function has been selected for editing. Page Number: Indicates which Page within the Function is currently being viewed on the bottom line of the display. Mode Indicator: This area of the screen will display either the word "DRUM" or the words "DRUM" and "KIT", depending on which mode you are in. Edit Indicator: If you see the word "EDIT" here, you have entered either Drumkit Edit or Drum Edit mode, but you have not yet altered a value. Once you alter a parameter within the current Drum or Drumkit, the word changes to "EDITED." Parameter Name: The word displayed here tells you which Parameter you will be editing if you change the Value. Trigger Number: After pressing [TRIG] you will see one of these numbers flashing to indicate which Trigger Input you are currently editing. Also, a circle will appear around the number if its Trigger Input has received a strong enough signal. No numbers will flash if you have selected a Trigger parameter which pertains to the entire Trigger Setup. Parameter Value: Changing this area of the screen with the Value encoder will edit the currently selected Parameter. This area of the screen can also display a word or words as your value options, depending on the Parameter you have selected. 16 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Welcome to the DM Pro AC POWER HOOKUP The DM Pro comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country to which it is shipped (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the DM Pro off, plug the DIN connector of the power adapter cord into the DM Pro's [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It's good practice to not turn the DM Pro on until all other cables are hooked up. Note that Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the DM Pro or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS Although the DM Pro is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in today's world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients that can possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There are three main ways to protect against this, listed in ascending order of cost and complexity: · Line spike/surge protectors. Relatively inexpensive, these are designed to protect against strong surges and spikes, acting somewhat like fuses in that they need to be replaced if they've been hit by an extremely strong spike. Line filters. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that remove some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc.). Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This is the most sophisticated option. A UPS provides power even if the AC power line fails completely. Intended for computer applications, a UPS allows you to complete an orderly shutdown of a computer system in the event of a power outage, and the isolation it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference--spikes, noise, · · ABOUT AUDIO CABLES The connections between the DM Pro and your studio are your music's lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they do make a difference. Route cables to the DM Pro correctly by observing the following precautions: · · · Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords. Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as transformers, monitors, computers, etc. Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cable's reliability. Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp, right angle turns. Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward. Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors. · · · DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 17 Welcome to the DM Pro A UDIO CONNECTIONS 1 2 3 4 STEREO AUX OUT SOLO AUX OUTS When connecting audio cables and/or turning the power on and off, make sure that the volume controls in your system are turned down. The rear panel of the DM Pro has two Main and four Auxiliary audio outputs along with two RCA inputs. There is also a headphone output on the front panel. The outputs can provide an amplification system or mixer with several different audio connection options: MONO Connect a mono patch cord from either the [MAIN OUT-L] or the [MAIN OUT-R] to a mono amplification system or individual mixer input. Connect two mono patch cords from the [MAIN OUT L] and [MAIN OUT -R] to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs. Make sure that your mixer inputs are panned hard left and right in order to realize the stereo effect. Connect two mono patch cords from the [MAIN OUT L] and [MAIN OUT -R] and four mono patch cords from the [STEREO AUX OUTS 1/2], [SOLO AUX OUT 3] and [SOLO AUX OUT 4] to six mixer inputs. Note that the DM Pro Effects Processor only plays out of the MAIN OUTPUTs. Plug a set of high quality stereo headphones into the front panel [PHONES] jack. These jacks will let you run the stereo audio output of a CD or cassette player through the DM Pro's main or headphone outputs. Use it for mixing audio tracks in with your performance, or for practicing along with your favorite music! Control the volume of the music from the CD/cassette player. STEREO SIX INDIVIDUAL OUTS STEREO HEADPHONES RCA AUX INPUTS Tip: For the Main and Auxiliary Output jacks, either balanced or unbalanced 1/4" cables may be used. 18 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Welcome to the DM Pro DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 19 Welcome to the DM Pro CONNECTIONS CHART MIDI CONNECTIONS If you are using a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, connect its [MIDI OUT] to the [MIDI IN] of the DM Pro. If you have another device that you wish to control from the same keyboard or sequencer, connect the [MIDI THRU] of the DM Pro to the [MIDI IN] of the other device. If you wish to store your edited Drums and Drumkits to a computer or other data storage device (or use an external editor such as Mark of the Unicorn's Unisyn), connect the [MIDI OUT] of the DM Pro to the [MIDI IN] of the computer or other data storage device. 20 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Welcome to the DM Pro EXTERNAL TRIGGER CONNECTIONS Plug all of the trigger outputs you will be using into the Trigger jacks on the rear of the DM Pro. The DM Pro has recommended locations for each type of trigger (Kick, Snare, Hi-hats, etc.) silk-screened below each Trigger jack. Although it is recommended that you use these locations, any trigger output can be plugged into any Trigger jack and programmed to perform as required (except for Trigger Inputs 15 and 16). For more about the Trigger section, see "Chapter 7: Triggers" and "Appendix B: Advanced Trigger Information." IMPORTANT NOTE! Trigger Inputs 15 and 16 are not normal Trigger inputs. They share a mono input jack, which is designed as a Pedal input for use in conjunction with Triggers 13 and 14 for Hi-Hat emulation. If you plug in a Trigger pad of some sort you will get no response. For more information, see page 113 "The Interactive HiHat Performance." The default Trigger Note Assignments for the most part* follow the General MIDI Standard Drum Layout: TRIGGER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Pedal Down 13 Pedal Up 14* Pedal Down 14* Pedal Up 15 16* NOTE NAME C_1 D_1 C#1 C_2 A_1 F_1 C#2 A_2 F#4 G#4 D#2 F_2 F#1 A#1 A#5 B_5 G#1 C_6 NOTE # 36 38 37 48 45 41 49 57 54 56 51 53 42 46 94 95 44 96 DRUM Kick Drum Snare Drum Crosstick Tom 1 (Hi Rack) Tom 2 (Low Rack) Tom 3 (Floor) Cymbal 1 (Crash 1) Cymbal 2 (Crash 2) Perc 1 (Tambourine) Perc 2 (Cowbell) Ride Cymbal Ride Bell Hi-hat Center Closed Hi-hat Center Open Hi-hat Edge Closed Hi-hat Edge Open Hi-hat Foot Down Hi-hat Foot Up __________________________________________________________________________________ * not part of the General MIDI Standard Drum Layout See the graphic on page 43 for a visual representation of the Trigger/MIDI Note Number relationship. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 21 Welcome to the DM Pro 22 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL CHAPTER 2: A BRIEF HANDS-ON TUTORIAL To get started immediately, follow these quick steps. Then, at your leisure, read through the rest of the manual to learn more about the operation and inner workings of the module. The more you know about your DM Pro, the more power you will be able to get out of it. This chapter alone is by no means intended to be a complete explanation of the unit. EDIT WARNING: Please DO NOT press the EDIT button until after you have read "Chapter 6: Programming Drums"! The Functions under the EDIT button are for advanced programming use only. For most DM Pro applications, you will never need to press this button. But if you are inclined towards in - depth programming, please read Chapter 6 first to get the most out of these advanced functions. PLAYING THE DEMOS To give you an idea of the kind of musical power the DM Pro contains, we have included four "Autodemos". These compositions cover a variety of musical styles, and illustrate how the DM Pro lends itself to many different environments. Here's how to select and play one of the Autodemos: 1. Press and hold the [KIT] button. 2. While still holding the [KIT] button, press the [< CURSOR] button. You will see a screen that looks like this: Play Autodemo 1 3. 4. Using the VALUE wheel, select a number between 1 and 4. Press [STORE]. The screen will indicate that the DM Pro is playing the Autodemo you selected. You can stop the Autodemo at any time by pressing the [KIT] button. A Brief Hands-On Tutorial To begin the tutorial, first plug in your DM Pro per the connections described in the "Connections Chart" in the previous chapter. BASIC MIDI SETUP Set the Basic MIDI Channel to receive incoming data on your desired channel by pressing MIDI, and then turning the VALUE encoder clockwise to select Page 1. The display will read: Basic Channel:01 Global Edit P1 Press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor moves beneath the channel number: Basic Channel:0 1 Global Edit P1 Now adjust the number to your desired MIDI Channel setting using the VALUE encoder. Tip: General MIDI always uses MIDI Channel 10 for drums, so setting the Basic Channel to 10 is usually a good starting place. Also, if you are using the DM Pro in a MIDI environment, make sure that your controller is set to transmit on the same MIDI channel to which you set the DM Pro. 24 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL A Brief Hands-On Tutorial SELECTING AND AUDITIONING DRUMKITS Drumkit Mode is the top level of the DM Pro. There are 64 internal Drumkits, all of which can be edited and overwritten to suit your own particular applications. The currently selected Drumkit will respond to incoming MIDI or trigger information at all times, regardless of the state of the DM Pro. To select a Drumkit to audition, press the KIT button to jump to the top level of Drumkit Mode. The top level of Drumkit Mode displays the name of the Drumkit in quotation marks on the top line of the display and nothing on the bottom line: "RealProKit" Play notes between A0 (MIDI Note # 33) and C6 (MIDI Note # 96) from your controller to hear the current Drumkit. Turn the VALUE encoder to select any of the 64 different Drumkits, and then press the KIT button again to "Load" the Drumkit of your choice into the "Play Memory" of the DM Pro. Because Drumkits contain so much information, they must be individually loaded into the Play Memory after selecting them rather than simply just selected. If the Drumkit number and the KIT button are flashing, the Drumkit currently shown on the display has not yet been loaded ­ the previously loaded Drumkit still resides in the Play Memory and will sound until you press KIT to load the new Drumkit. SELECTING INDIVIDUAL DRUMS WITHIN A DRUMKIT Individual drum and percussion sounds are called "Drums" in the DM Pro. Each of the 64 Drumkits in turn contain 64 Drums. A Drum is assigned to each of the 64 MIDI Notes across the most commonly used controller range: A0 (MIDI Note # 33) through C6 (MIDI Note # 96), which just slightly exceeds the range of a 5 octave keyboard. Note that Alesis refers to middle C as "C3" and not "C4". You should be aware that some other manufacturers such as Korg, Roland and Digidesign refer to middle C as "C4". 1. To change Drums, press the DRUM button. Now press the CHASE button so that it lights, and then play a note from your controller. The display will show the MIDI Note Number of the note you just played along with the Drum that is currently assigned to that MIDI Note. Alternatively, if you do not wish to use the CHASE Function, press DRUM, and then move the CURSOR beneath the MIDI Note Number. Now you can select the MIDI Note with the VALUE encoder: AKk:005 PwrShoes Note:36 C1 Drums are displayed with their three character "Drum Group" followed by the "Drum Number" followed by the "Drum Name": DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 25 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial DRUM NUMBER DRUM GROUP A Kk:005 PwrShoes Note:36 C1 DRUM NAME 26 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL A Brief Hands-On Tutorial 2. To choose a different Drum for the currently selected MIDI Note, press DRUM which will take you to the Drum Select Function. The cursor defaults to the Drum Group parameter out of the box or after a re-initialization. Drum Groups refer to the type of Drum (acoustic kicks, electronic snares, hi-hats, sound effects, etc.) and are simply category labels to help you more quickly find the sound you desire. To change the Drum Group, make sure it is underlined by the cursor and turn the VALUE encoder to select one of the 13 various Drum Groups. 3. Once you have selected a Drum Group, or if you are happy with the current Drum Group, press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor moves beneath the Drum Number: AKk:005 PwrShoes Note:36 C1 Now turn the VALUE encoder to select the Drum you prefer within the current Drum Group. Note that the Drum Number and the Drum Name are permanently linked ­ you cannot alter this. The Drum Number and the Drum Name are just two ways of referring to the same Drum to help you more quickly and easily identify specific Drums. 4. Next, to adjust the output characteristics of a Drum, press the MIX button. The top line of the display shows the MIX Parameter for the MIDI Note location displayed on the bottom line: Drum Volume:99 Note:36 C1 P1 To change the Value of the Parameter, press CURSOR > so that the cursor is beneath the Parameter Value: Drum Volume:9 9 Note:36 C1 P1 You can now adjust the Drum's volume level with the VALUE encoder. Press < CURSOR to move the cursor back beneath the Drum Volume Parameter: Drum Volume:99 Note:36 C1 P1 Now the VALUE encoder will select another Parameter to edit. For example, turn the VALUE once clockwise to display the Drum Pan Parameter: Drum Pan: PROG Note:36 C1 P2 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 27 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial Within the MIX Function, you can adjust the Volume, Pan, Output Assignment, FX Send Level, FX Buss Assignment, Mute Group and Drum Link Parameters. For more information about these Parameters, see "Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits". 28 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL A Brief Hands-On Tutorial 5. With the CHASE button still lit, play another note from your controller to select another DRUM. Using the same procedure as outlined in steps 1 - 4, move the VALUE encoder to choose your desired Drum for this note. Play additional notes and repeat the process until you are satisfied with the Drums across your controller's range. By repeating these simple steps, you can create a custom Drumkit. SAVING CHANGES TO A DRUMKIT To save the changes to your Drumkit, press STORE once. The display will read: Save Drumkit to: USER 00 Notice that the cursor is under the Drumkit number. Using the VALUE encoder, select the location where you wish to store your edited Drumkit. WARNING! Storing your edited Drumkit will erase the Drumkit that currently resides in this location, so make your selection carefully. · If you are certain that you wish to overwrite your edited Drumkit into the location you have selected and erase the Drumkit currently in that location, press STORE a second time. If you wish to discard your edits, press KIT at any time and you will return to the main Drumkit page where you can select and load another Drumkit without overwriting anything. · For more detailed information on editing Drumkits, see "Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits". DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 29 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial PROGRAMMING EFFECTS All of the Effects Functions and Parameters are stored within a Drumkit. Inside the Drumkit, each of the 64 MIDI Notes has its own Effects Send Level and Effects Buss Assignment, both of which are independent of the Drum assigned to that MIDI Note. In other words, if you simply change the Drum on C3 (MIDI Note # 60), the Effects Send Level and the Effects Buss Assignment for the MIDI Note C3 will remain unchanged ­ the new Drum will simply go through that MIDI Note's effects routing. There are two Effects Busses in the DM Pro: the Reverb Buss and the Multi-Effects Buss. The Multi-Effects Buss consists of an Overdrive effect, a Delay effect, and a Pitch effect which can be set to a Chorus, a Flanger or a Resonator. The outputs of the Multi-Effects Buss can also be sent to the Reverb Buss, but these routings must be made from within the Effects Functions themselves. There is also an EQ Function which is independent of Buss Assignment ­ it is global to the Drumkit. Changing the effects of a Drumkit is much like changing the effects of a multitrack mix: you must first set the Buss Assignments and Send Levels to the Effects, and then you can edit the Effects themselves. SETTING THE EFFECTS BUSS ASSIGNMENTS AND SEND LEVELS Each MIDI Note is always assigned to either the Reverb Buss OR the Multi-Effects Buss. The Drum assigned to a MIDI Note is then processed through the selected buss. Again, to select a MIDI Note in the DM Pro, use either the CHASE button and play the MIDI Note from your controller, or press DRUM and then move the CURSOR to select the Note with the VALUE encoder. 1. To change the Effects Buss Assignment of a Note, press MIX and use [< CURSOR >] to underline the Mix Parameter in the upper left hand corner. Then rotate the Value encoder clockwise until you reach Page 5, which is the Effects Buss Assignment Parameter. The display will read: FX Bus:REVERB Note:36 C1 P5 Using CURSOR >, move the cursor under the word REVERB: FX Bus:REVERB Note:36 C1 P5 Now by using the VALUE encoder, you can toggle between the Reverb Buss and the OD>DL>PCH Buss. Note that in the display, the Multi-Effects Buss is indicated by its signal flow: FX Bus:OD>DL>PCH Note:36 C1 P5 30 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL A Brief Hands-On Tutorial The OD>DL>PCH Buss is a "multi-effects" buss consisting of an Overdrive effect followed by a Delay effect followed by a Pitch effect, which can be configured as a Chorus, Flanger or Resonator effect. OD Overdrive DL Delay PCH Pitch (Chorus, Flanger or Resonator) If you select a MIDI Note that is already assigned to the Multi-Effects Buss, turning the VALUE encoder will likewise toggle the Effects Buss Assignment back to the Reverb Buss. 2. Now that we have made our Effects Buss Assignment, we must next set Effects Send Levels for each MIDI Note. To set Effects Send Level for a MIDI Note, move the cursor back under the FX Bus parameter so that the display reads: FX Bus:OD>DL>PCH Note:36 C1 P5 Now turn the VALUE encoder counterclockwise once to reach the Effects Send Level page, which is Page 4 of the MIX function. The display will read: FX Level: 6 0 Note: 36 C1 3. P4 Press the CURSOR > button once so that the cursor is under the send level amount: FX Level: 6 0 Note: 36 C1 P4 Now turn the VALUE encoder to set the amount of signal that is sent to the Effects Processor. To make a Drum totally dry (no effects), set the value to 00. To make a Drum sound more processed (lots of effects), set the value to 99. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for each Drum whose Effects Assignment you wish to change. EDITING THE EFFECTS THEMSELVES Now that you have set the Buss Assignments and Send Levels into the Effects Processor, you can now edit the actual effects. There are five Effects Functions: REVERB, OVERDRIVE, DELAY FX, PITCH (Chorus, Flanger or Resonator) and EQ. 1. Press the FX button to enter the Effects section. The display will read: REVERB(Plate2)P1 Outpt Level: 99 Turning the VALUE encoder will scroll you through the five FX Functions. For example, turn VALUE once clockwise and you will reach the next FX Block, which is the Overdrive Function: DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 31 A Brief Hands-On Tutorial OVERDRIVE P1 Level: 00 32 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL A Brief Hands-On Tutorial Turning VALUE further clockwise will move you to the DELAY Function, then to the PITCH Function and finally to the EQ Function. Turning the VALUE encoder counterclockwise will return you to the previous Effects Function. 2. To select the parameters within an Effect Function, press the CURSOR > button so that the cursor is beneath the parameter of the Effect Function: REVERB(Plate2) Outpt Level: 99 P1 Now turn the VALUE encoder to scroll through the various parameters within the Effect Function. For example, turning VALUE once clockwise from the above state will display Page 2 of the REVERB Function: REVERB(Plate2)P2 Type: 3. PLATE 2 To adjust the parameter, press the CURSOR > again so that the cursor is now the beneath the parameter's value: REVERB(Plate2) Type: PLATE 2 P2 Turning the VALUE encoder will adjust the Effect Function Parameter. For example, turning VALUE once clockwise will change the Reverb Type from PLATE 2 to ROOM: REVERB (Room) Type: 4. P2 ROOM Pressing the CURSOR > once more will return the cursor cyclically to the Effect Function where you can select other Effects to adjust as described above. For more detailed information on editing Drumkits, see "Chapter 4: Programming Drumkits". This tutorial is meant as a brief overview of the DM Pro for the purposes of getting you and up and running as soon as possible. This section is not, under any circumstances, to be considered a complete exploration of the unit. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 33 CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE This chapter deals with the layout of the DM Pro interface and its associated conventions. By becoming familiar with the terms used in the DM Pro, you will better grasp the concepts and specifics of the machine, which will ultimately help you to maximize the unit's potential. There's also a diagram at the end of the chapter which illustrates the path a signal takes inside the DM Pro from Trigger or MIDI Input to audio output. ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY The DM Pro is organized into an inverted pyramid using four terms to describe the unit's building blocks: DRUMKIT DRUM SOUND VOICE DRUMKIT The Drumkit is the highest level building block of the DM Pro. Think of a Drumkit as the building itself. You will typically use one Drumkit for each song. A Drumkit is a collection of 64 Drums, 16 Trigger Note Assignments, and all Effects settings. There are 64 Drumkits in the DM Pro, all of which may be edited and overwritten by the user. Drumkits can be edited and stored in Drumkit Mode. The Drum is the workhorse block of the DM Pro. Think of a Drum as one floor of our multi-story building. A Drum is a complete sound, such as a Snare, Kick or Cymbal, that is assigned to a MIDI Note within a Drumkit. A DM Pro Drum is actually a composite instrument made of up to four unique Sounds, each of which can be edited in Drum Edit Mode. There are 1,664 Drums in the DM Pro, all of which are editable. 1,536 of the Drums are Preset and may not be overwritten, and the remaining 128 are "User Drums" which may be overwritten. Drums are selected (and the selections stored) in Drumkit Mode. Drums are edited in Drum Edit Mode. DRUM System Architecture SOUND Think of a Sound as one of the bricks that make up the building. A Sound is composed of a digital sample (or multisample) and its synthesizer Functions: Pitch, Filter and Amplitude, which can be changed, or modulated, by the Sound's three Envelopes, Function Routings and Modulation Matrix. Sounds can be edited and stored as "Drums" in Drum Edit Mode. Note that Sounds cannot be s t o r e d individually, except as "Single Sound" D r u m s . See the chapter "Programming Drums ­ D r u m Edit Mode" for more information. VOICE The Voice is lowest level building block of the DM Pro. Think of a Voice as one of the ingredients that makes up a brick. The term "Voice" in this manual is used in two ways. It can mean: a) The individual sample around which the Sound is based, such as a Snare or Gong (this is by far the more common usage in this manual) b) The basic sample-playback generator used by the DM Pro. The DM-Pro has 64 dynamically-allocated Voices available at any one time for the Sounds within the Drums to use. For more information, see the Glossary of Terms (Appendix D). PROGRAMMING HIERARCHY For the programming of Drumkits, Drums and Triggers, the DM Pro programming interface is also organized into another (non-inverted) pyramid using four basic programming terms: MODE FUNCTION PARAMETER VALUE By understanding this terminology as it pertains to the DM Pro, you will glide quickly through the Reference Manual and get right to the more important task of making music with the module. MODE Mode is the highest organizational programming level of the DM Pro. Mode refers to one of the three basic operating areas of the unit: Drumkit Mode, Drum Edit Mode and Trigger Mode. Each Mode contains several Functions; each Function, in turn, contains several Parameters. Each Mode has a dedicated button for immediate access: to enter Drumkit Mode, press [KIT]. To enter Drum Edit Mode, press [DRUM] and then [EDIT]. To enter Trigger Mode, press [TRIG]. 36 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL System Architecture FUNCTION Function is a subset of Mode. A Function is a part of the DM Pro software that contains a set of related Parameters within a given Mode. For example, within Drumkit Mode, the Mix Function contains the Parameters for the level of a Drum, its Pan setting, Output and Effects Buss Assignment and Effects Send Level. Within Drum Edit Mode, the Filter Function contains the Parameters that control the brightness of a Sound, such as Cutoff, FENV>Filter, Velocity>Filter, etc. Parameter is a subset of Function. A Parameter is a part of the DM Pro software that conducts a specific task within a given Function. For example, within the Mix Function, the Drum Volume Parameter controls the level of a Drum. Within Drum Edit Mode, the Filter Cutoff Parameter controls the baseline brightness of a Sound. Value is the amount, or setting of a Parameter. A Value can be a number or a word. In the example, "AENV Attack: 32", the number "32" is the Value. In the example, "FX Bus: REVERB", the word "REVERB" is the Value. Value is the lowest organization programming level of the DM Pro ­ you cannot zoom in any farther than this. PARAMETER VALUE OTHER PROGRAMMING TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW PAGE A Page is the area that is displayed on the LCD at one particular time. Most DM Pro Functions contains several Pages; each Page contains an individual Parameter of the Function. When a Function contains multiple Pages, the Page will be denoted in the display with a "P" followed by the Page number (P1, P2, etc.) at the far right of the display on either the upper or lower line, depending on the Function. To change Pages, move the cursor beneath the Parameter name and turn the Value encoder. This refers to one of the 64 "locations" or "slots" where Drums reside within a DM Pro Drumkit. All of the MIX and TUNE Parameters refer to MIDI Note Numbers and not to the Drums that reside there. There are 64 MIDI Notes available to you in the DM Pro: A0 (MIDI Note # 33) through C6 (MIDI Note # 96). This range slightly exceeds a that of a 5-octave keyboard. Note that Alesis refers to middle C as "C3". As mentioned in the "HandsOn Tutorial", be aware that some other manufacturers such as Korg, Roland and Digidesign refer to middle C as "C4". However, manufacturers all agree on MIDI Note Numbers (e.g., middle C = 60). MIDI NOTE NUMBER DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 37 System Architecture THE THREE MODES OF THE DM PRO The DM Pro operates in three basic Modes: DRUMKIT MODE This is where you will spend 99% of your time with the DM Pro. Drumkit Mode is where you select individual Drums, change their volumes, their panning, their tuning and their MIDI and output assignments. Drumkit Mode also contains all of the Effects Functions. The DM Pro has 64 Drumkits. To enter or return to Drumkit Mode at any time, press [KIT]. DRUM EDIT MODE This is where you edit the parameters which make up an individual Drum. Each Drum is made up of four Sounds, and each Sound has its own unique parameters. Drum Edit Mode is for advanced operation only, and it is substantially more complex than any of the other modes. There are 128 User Drum locations where you can store your edited Drums. To enter or return to Drum Edit Mode, press [DRUM] and then [EDIT]. TRIGGER MODE This is where you adjust the parameters for the trigger input section, including Trigger Note Assignment, Gain, Threshold, Crosstalk and Sequence Commands. Trigger Mode contains four Trigger Setups which are stored independently of Drumkits or Drums. To enter or return to Trigger Mode, press [TRIG]. THE DM PRO SIGNAL PATH Here is a simple diagram which illustrates the path a signal takes inside the DM Pro from Trigger or MIDI Input to audio output: 38 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL System Architecture Everything in the DM Pro is centered around the MIDI Note Number. Every Trigger Input has to be assigned a MIDI Note Number before it can be assigned a Drum. Each Drumkit is made up of 64 MIDI Note Numbers, to which you assign Drums. When you select a Drum in order to edit its component Sounds, you will select and edit it from the MIDI Note Number on which it resides within the Drumkit. Once the MIDI Note Number has been assigned a Drum, then the Drum can be routed to one of the Effects Busses and then on to one of the six Outputs. (These are all items we will cover in the next few chapters.) For a discussion of MIDI Note Numbers and other MIDI concepts, see "Appendix C: MIDI Supplement." DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 39 System Architecture 40 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL CHAPTER 4: PROGRAMMING DRUMKITS Drumkit Mode is where you will spend 99% of your time with the DM Pro. It is the "top level" of the unit. Drumkit Mode is where you select individual Drums, change their volumes, their panning, their tuning and their MIDI and output assignments. Drumkit Mode also contains all of the Effects Functions as well as Trigger Note assignments. It is the general housekeeping area of the module ­ most tasks can be accomplished right here. To enter or return to Drumkit Mode at any time, press the KIT button. This section describes the programming and editing of a Drumkit. There are 9 Functions in Drumkit Mode: Drum Assign Tune Mix Note Chase Trigger Note Assign Trigger Sequence MIDI Drumkit Name Effects THE DRUM ASSIGN FUNCTION This Function assigns any of the individual DM Pro Drums to specific MIDI Note Numbers. There are 64 available MIDI Note Numbers in the DM Pro which can be thought of as locations or slots where Drums reside. To access the Drum Assign Function, press DRUM. To assign a Drum to a specific MIDI Note, select that MIDI Note using the Note Chase Function or by moving the cursor to the MIDI Note and selecting it with the Value encoder. Remember that you can audition the Drum you've selected by using the [PREVIEW] button. Next, select the type of Drum you want by moving the cursor beneath the Drum Group. The Drum Group is the three character abbreviation to the left of the Drum Name: DRUM NUMBER DRUM GROUP DRUM NAME Programming Drumkits There are 13 Internal Drum Groups from which to choose. Some abbreviations are obvious and others are less obvious. Here is a listing of the 13 Internal Drum Groups: AKk EKk ASn ESn Tom Hat Cym AP1 AP2 EPc SFx Chr USR Acoustic Kicks Electronic Kicks Acoustic Snares Electronic Snares Toms Hi-hats Cymbals Acoustic Percussion 1 Acoustic Percussion 2 Electronic Percussion Sound Effects Chromatic (pitched percussion) User Bank The final "User" Drum Group contains 128 Drums of varying types that may be overwritten in order to store your own original or edited Drums. Once you have selected your desired Drum Group, move the cursor beneath the Drum Number. Using the Value encoder, scroll through the contents of the Drum Group to find the Drum of your choice. A Drum Group can contain up to 128 Drums, and many of the Preset Drums offer multiple subsequent variations on a specific timbre (i.e., wood snares, floppy kicks, china cymbals, etc.). If you are not satisfied with the choices in the current Drum Group, move the cursor back beneath the Drum Group and try auditioning a different Drum Group. Sometimes, depending on the track, an acoustic drum can sound electronic, or vice versa, an electronic drum can sound acoustic. Don't let the Drum Group names limit your options. Always let your ear be the final judge. A NOTE ABOUT USING THE PREVIEW BUTTON The [PREVIEW] button is a very handy tool for hearing the edit you've made without having to turn away from the front panel of the DM Pro. It will play the currently selected Drum at a MIDI velocity of 127 (maximum). Since this is the case, keep in mind that you will not hear any components of the Drum which were programmed using a velocity curve of 1 of 2, 1 of 3, 1 of 4, 2 of 3, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, INVERTED or MINIMUM. Each of these velocity curves is set up to be completely silent (or nearly so) when a velocity value of 127 is received. For more information on the aforementioned velocity curves, see "Chapter 6: Programming Drums." 42 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Programming Drumkits THE TUNE FUNCTION This Function allows you to change the pitch of an individual Drum within a Drumkit. To access the Tune Function, press TUNE. Then select the MIDI Note of the Drum that you wish to tune. Now move the cursor beneath the Tune Value and turn the Value encoder to adjust the pitch of the Drum to taste. Drums can be tuned in 25 cent steps, which is one quarter of a musical half step (the smallest interval on a piano or guitar) or one eighth of a musical whole step. The maximum tuning range in Drumkit Mode is two octaves away from the root pitch, either up or down. Tip: To reach tuning ranges beyond the reach of Drumkit Mode, adjust the Semitone Parameter contained in the Pitch Function of Drum Edit Mode. THE MIX FUNCTION This Function allows you to change the output characteristics of a Drum within a Drumkit. These output characteristics include whether a Drum is Enabled, its Volume, Pan Position, Output Assignment, Effects Buss Assignment and Send Level. The Mix Function also enables you to set Drums to mute or trigger other Drums using the Mute Group and Drum Link Parameters. P1: The DRUM VOLUME Parameter As you can probably guess, this parameter adjusts the output level of a Drum assigned to a MIDI Note. To set Drum Volume, move the cursor beneath the Drum Volume Parameter Value: Drum Volume: 99 Note:83 B4 P1 P2: The DRUM PAN Parameter This parameter allows you to position an individual Drum in the stereo field. To adjust the pan position of a Drum assigned to a MIDI Note, move the cursor beneath the Drum Pan Parameter Value: Drum Pan: PROG Note:83 B4 P2 Now turn the Value encoder to change the MIDI Note's pan position. There are eight possible Values for the Drum Pan Parameter: <3 <2 <1 <> 1> Panned hard left Panned moderately left Panned slightly left Panned center Panned slightly right DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 43 Programming Drumkits 2> Panned moderately right 3> Panned hard right PROG Pan position determined by the Drum In the final position, PROG, the Drum as programmed in Drum Edit Mode determines the Pan position. Since a Drum is composed of four unique Voices, each Voice can be panned independently. Different Voice Pan settings within a Drum are used to create stereo Drums. However, if the Pan Parameter of a stereo Drum is set to any Value other than PROG, the Drum will be summed to mono with all Voices panned to the same position. Tip: To retain the image of a stereo Drum, make sure the Pan Parameter Value is set to PROG. Note that Drum Pan Parameter becomes irrelevant if the Output Assignment is set to Aux 3 or Aux 4 since these are monaural outputs. P3: The OUTPUT ASSIGNMENT Parameter This Parameter determines to which of the six outputs a Drum assigned to a MIDI Note will be sent. The six outputs are configured as two stereo pairs (Main L/R and Aux 1/2) and two monaural outputs (Aux 3 and Aux 4). It is important to note that the Effects are sent only to the Main Outputs. Any Drum on a MIDI Note assigned to Aux 1/2, Aux 3 or Aux 4 will be dry out of those outputs. But the "effected signal" of Drums assigned to Aux 1/2 will still go to the Main Outputs as long as their Effects Send Level (see the following description of this Parameter) is greater than 0. Drums assigned to Aux 3 or Aux 4 are not sent through the Effects Busses. You will see the symbol "N/A" on the FX Level and FX Bus Pages when a Drum is assigned to Aux 3 or Aux 4. Note that many DM Pro Drums contain sampled reverb or ambience, which will remain intact even if the Drum's MIDI Note is routed to an Auxiliary Output. This sampled reverb is independent of the Effects Processor and can only be edited from within Drum Edit Mode as it is part of the Drum itself. Many of the DM Pro Preset Drums are stereo Drums. Again, to preserve their stereo image, do not adjust their Pan Parameter Value. To route stereo Drums to an Auxiliary Output, choose the AUX 1/2 Parameter Value. This setting will preserve the Drum's stereo image while still removing it from the Main Outputs. Then you can process the Auxiliary 1/2 Outputs as a separate stereo pair from the Main Outputs. To assign a Drum to a specific output or output pair, move the cursor beneath the Output Assignment Parameter Value: Output: MAIN L/R Note:83 B4 P3 Move the Value encoder to change the Output Assignment. 44 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Programming Drumkits There are five possible Values for the Output Assignment Parameter: Main L/R (stereo), Aux L/R (stereo), Aux 3 (mono), Aux 4 (mono) and FX Only. The FX Only setting removes the dry signal of a Drum from all outputs, but the Drum still sends to the assigned Effects Buss. The result is an "effect only" Drum that can be used as a musical effect or as a layer with another Drum using the Drum Link Parameter, which is described below. If a stereo Drum is assigned to Aux 3 or Aux 4, it will be automatically summed to mono. This summation can be desirable in some applications, but if you want to preserve the image of a stereo Drum, then only assign it to Main L/R or Aux 1/2. Tip: To get six discrete monaural outputs, assign Drums to the Main Outputs and to the Aux 1/2 Outputs, and then pan the Drums hard left and hard right using the Drum Pan Parameter as described above. The only thing that will spoil the total isolation of the six outputs is the Effects Processor, which always outputs to Main L/R. To achieve completely discrete outputs (total isolation), set the Effects Send Level Parameter Value for each Drum to 00. P4: The EFFECTS SEND LEVEL Parameter This Parameter allows you to set the amount of Drum signal that is sent to the Effects processor for each MIDI Note of the DM Pro. Higher Values will make the Drum sound more wet, and lower Values will make the Drum sound less wet. A Value of 00 will leave the Drum completely dry (no effects). To set the Effects Send Level, move the cursor beneath the Parameter Value and adjust the send amount to taste with the Value encoder: FX Level: 7 0 Note:83 B4 P4 Note that all Effects Levels are "post fader", meaning that their Effects Level is a multiplier of the Drum Volume Parameter and inherently tied to that Parameter. For example, if the Drum Volume Parameter Value is 00, then no signal will be sent to the Effects processor, even if the Effects Level Parameter Value is set to 99. The idea behind "post fader" signal routing is to preserve the balance between the effect and the dry signal. As the dry signal is raised, the effect send is raised proportionately. This way the whole sound, effect and all, will stay balanced even as its volume changes. Tip: Try setting the Output Assignment Parameter Value to FX ONLY, and set the Drum Volume Value to 99. This will create an "effects only" Drum that can be used for dramatic musical effect, or as a powerful timbral layer with another Drum using the Drum Link Parameter (described below). With the Output Assignment set to FX ONLY and the Drum Volume set to maximum, the Effect Send Level Value essentially becomes the Drum Volume Parameter. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 45 Programming Drumkits P5: The EFFECTS BUSS Parameter This Parameter allows you to chose which of the two Effects Busses (or "effect sends") to send the Drum assigned to each MIDI Note. There are two Effects Busses: the Reverb Buss and the Multi-Effects Buss. The Reverb Buss routes the signal only to the Reverb effect, while the Multi-Effects Buss sends the signal through a chain of effects which include Overdrive, Delay and a Pitch effect that can be configured as either a Chorus, Flanger or Resonator. The Multi-Effects can, in turn, be sent to the Reverb effect as well, but the routings must be made from within the FX Function itself and not from within the Mix Function. Note that the Multi-Effects Buss is displayed in the LCD as OD>DL>PCH which denotes the Multi-Effects' signal flow. To toggle between Effects Busses, move the cursor beneath the Effects Buss Name: FX Bus:REVERB Note:83 B4 P5 Turn the Value encoder to select the Multi-Effects Buss: FX Bus:OD>DL>PCH Note:83 B4 P5 You may of course turn the Value encoder back again to select the Reverb Buss. To edit the actual Effects Parameters (Overdrive Brightness, Flanger Depth, Reverb Output Level, etc.), see the passage on the Effects Functions later in this section. P6: The MUTE GROUP Parameter This Parameter allows you to mute another Drum when the selected Drum is played. It is useful to close ringing open hi-hats, to choke cymbals, or even to end a snare drum roll. In order for the Mute Group Parameter to work, Drums that you intend to mute each other must be assigned to the same Mute Group. This makes all notes in the Drum Group "monophonic", where only one note can sound at a time. There are four Mute Groups from which to choose. A typical application would be assign the Open, Foot Down and Foot Up Hi-hats to one Mute Group, an Open and Muted Triangle to a second Mute Group, and a Long and Short Guiro to a third Mute Group. In this example, the Hi-hats will mute each other, but none of the Hi-hats will mute the Triangles or the Guiros because the Triangles and the Guiros are assigned to different Mute Groups. Similarly, the Triangles will mute each other, but neither of the Triangles will mute the Hi-hats or Guiros. Another useful Mute Group trick is to assign a "Silent" Drum within the Drumkit to the same Mute Group as some other Drum, like a Cymbal or Sound Effect. There is a dedicated Drum in the DM Pro which can be used for this purpose. It is "SFX:127 Silence." But you could use any Drum in the Drumkit to do this, as long as its Drum Volume parameter is set to 00 and it matches the Mute Group assignment of 46 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Programming Drumkits whatever Drum you are trying to mute. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 47 Programming Drumkits P7: The DRUM LINK Parameter This Parameter allows you to trigger another Drum when the selected Drum is played. It is a method for layering Drums without having to enter Drum Edit Mode. When the Drum Link Parameter is active for a given Drum, two Drums will respond to one incoming MIDI Note or Trigger. You can layer any Drum with any other Drum in the current Drumkit (except itself). And every single Drum inside a Kit can be layered with some other Drum in that Kit. To Link one Drum to another, move the cursor under the word OFF: Drum Link:OFF Note:83 B4 P1 As soon as you select the first possible value, the display will look like this: Drum Link:33 Note:83 B4LP1 A0 The "L" on the lower line indicates that the Drum on MIDI Note Number 83 has been Linked. The 33 A0 part of the display tells you which MIDI Note Number is Linked to the currently selected Drum. But this is the only page inside the Mix Function where the DM Pro shows the MIDI Note Number to which the current Drum is Linked. However, when you press [DRUM], [TUNE], or [TRIG] and you call up the Drum on MIDI Note Number 83, the Linked Drum's MIDI Note Number will be displayed. This is how it will look from the Drum Select screen: AP2:000 SleighBl Note:83 B4L33 P8: The DRUM ENABLE Parameter To Enable a Drum to sound, set the Enable Value to ON. If the Enable Parameter is not set to ON, the Drum will not sound and the MIDI Note that the Drum occupies will be silent. If you want to deliberately disable a Drum from sounding, set the Enable Value to OFF. THE NOTE CHASE FUNCTION The Note Chase Function is a quick way to select a specific MIDI Note in the DM Pro. Unlike other DM Pro Functions, there are no Parameters associated with Note Chase. The Function is simply either on or off. When Note Chase is on, the note played from your controller, either MIDI or Trigger, will change the currently selected MIDI Note to the note you played. To turn on the Note Chase Function, simply press CHASE and the button will light. To turn off the Note Chase Function, press CHASE again so that the button's light goes off. Tip: Turn the Note Chase Function off when the DM Pro is being played by a sequencer. If Note Chase is on, the selected MIDI Note will jump erratically as it tries to follow the last note sent. If the DM Pro is displaying any Drumkit editing Function, the LCD will constantly update the current Parameter Value 48 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL Programming Drumkits to reflect the currently selected MIDI Note causing a flood of information to appear on the screen. While this will not harm the DM Pro in any way nor impede its operation, it can be distracting and annoying. DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL 49 Programming Drumkits THE TRIGGER NOTE ASSIGN FUNCTION This Function assigns each of the 16 Triggers to their own MIDI Note Number. Conceptually, the Trigger Note Assign Function is like creating a MIDI keyboard with 16 notes. However, since the Trigger Note Assign Function is stored with each of DM Pro's 64 Drumkits, you can have 64 different "keyboards" (sets of Trigger Note Assignments) from which to sound Drums. Generally, drum pads are connected to the DM Pro's Trigger Inputs. Using the Trigger Note Assign Function, you can link each pad to a different MIDI Note in each Drumkit, or keep the same Trigger Note Assignments from Drumkit to Drumkit and instead change the Drums that occupy each MIDI Note. The system is completely flexible. To assign a Trigger to a MIDI Note, first press the [TRIG] button and then select the Trigger you wish to assign by pressing < TRIGGER >. These two buttons will scroll you through the 16 Triggers, all of which are perpetually visible at the bottom of the display. The currently selected Trigger will flash. When you select your desired Trigger, the display will automatically jump to the Trigger Parameter that you last selected. Move the cursor beneath the current Parameter, and then turn the Value encoder to select the Note Assign Parameter. Next, move the cursor beneath the MIDI Note Number and then turn the Value encoder to assign the currently selected Trigger to the MIDI Note of your choice: Note: 72 C4 Drumkit P1 Tip: Notice that the DM Pro allows you to assign the same MIDI Note to multiple triggers. This allows you to play, for example, the same snare drum from two different pads. Remember that Trigger Note Assign is a Drumkit Mode Function and not a Trigger Mode Function. The Trigger Note Assign Values are stored within a Drumkit and not within a Trigger Setup. On the next page is a diagram which illustrates the default MIDI Note Number assignments of each Trigger in the DM Pro. 50 DM PRO REFERENCE MANUAL