ALESIS DM5 Reference Manual INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis DM5 18 Bit Drum Module. To take full advantage of the DM5'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 DM5. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about drum modules and MIDI should use the table of contents to reference specific functions while using the instrument. Chapter 1: Setting Up. Deals with the necessary preparation before playing, including connections to external devices. Chapter 2: Your First Session with the DM5. This section provides a brief tour of the DM5, shows you how to audition the various sounds of the DM5, and points out the various performance features. Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like MIDI, footpedals and the serial interface), proper hook-up procedures, plus application examples. Chapter 4: Overview. Covers the structure of sound sources within the DM5, how to read and navigate through the LCD display pages, how to edit parameters, and how to store edited Drum Sets. Chapter 5: MIDI Functions. Explains how to edit MIDI parameters. Chapter 6: External Triggering. Describes all external trigger functions. Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information, and the MIDI Implementation Chart. Conventions The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors and switches are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the DM5, using all capital letters and in brackets (Example: [DRUM SET] button, [ ] and [ ] buttons, [VALUE] knob, etc.). 7 When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the DM5. DM5 Reference Manual 1 2 DM5 Reference Manual Index CONTENTS 1: SETTING UP ................................................................................. 5 Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................5 AC Power ..............................................................................................................5 Line Conditioners and Protectors.................................................................5 About Audio Cables ...............................................................................................6 Basic Audio Hookup...............................................................................................6 MIDI Hookup.........................................................................................................7 External Triggers Hookup .......................................................................................8 2: YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE DM5 ........................................... 9 Powering Up..........................................................................................................9 Playing the Demo Sequence.........................................................................9 What's a Drum Set? ................................................................................................10 Playing the DM5.....................................................................................................10 Auditioning Internal Programs....................................................................10 Selecting the MIDI Channel.........................................................................10 Choosing Voices in a Drum Set....................................................................11 Storing an Edited Drum Set.........................................................................12 Naming a Drum Set ....................................................................................12 Recalling the Factory Drum Sets ..................................................................12 3: CONNECTIONS .............................................................................. 13 MIDI......................................................................................................................13 Example 1: Using a MIDI Keyboard .............................................................14 Example 2: Using a MIDI Sequencer.............................................................15 Example 3: Using Two or More DM5 Modules..............................................17 External Triggers ....................................................................................................18 Footswitch Hookup ................................................................................................22 4: OVERVIEW................................................................................... 23 Basic and Definitions ..............................................................................................23 The Voice...................................................................................................23 Random Voices...........................................................................................23 About the Edit Buffer..................................................................................23 MIDI Note Range .......................................................................................24 DM5 Polyphony .....................................................................................................24 Reading The Display...................................................................................25 Function Buttons ........................................................................................26 / Buttons ...........................................................................................26 Multi-Page Functions..................................................................................26 The Store button .........................................................................................27 The Note Chase Button ...............................................................................27 The Preview Button ....................................................................................27 Drum Note Selection...............................................................................................27 Function Buttons ....................................................................................................28 Voice .........................................................................................................28 Tune ..........................................................................................................28 Mix............................................................................................................29 Output.......................................................................................................29 Drum Set....................................................................................................31 DM5 Reference Manual 3 Index Ext Trig......................................................................................................31 Group........................................................................................................31 MIDI..........................................................................................................32 Copying a Note's Parameters to Another..................................................................32 5: MIDI FUNCTIONS ......................................................................... 33 Drum Set Root Note................................................................................................33 MIDI Channel ........................................................................................................34 MIDI Thru/Out......................................................................................................34 Local Control..........................................................................................................35 Program Change Enable..........................................................................................35 Program Change Table............................................................................................37 Saving Data via MIDI..............................................................................................37 Receiving Data From Another MIDI Device..............................................................38 6: EXTERNAL TRIGGERING ................................................................ 39 Overview ...............................................................................................................39 About Trigger Parameters .......................................................................................40 Trigger Selection.....................................................................................................43 Trigger Note Assignment ........................................................................................44 Gain.......................................................................................................................44 Velocity Curve .......................................................................................................44 Crosstalk................................................................................................................46 Decay ....................................................................................................................47 Noise .....................................................................................................................47 Footswitch Mode....................................................................................................47 Understanding Hi Hat Pedal Mode..............................................................48 Tips On Triggering From Acoustic Drums................................................................49 Output Sensitivity.......................................................................................49 Mounting...................................................................................................49 Trigger Placement.......................................................................................49 Muffling.....................................................................................................51 Mounting Hardware and Configuration.......................................................51 APPENDIX A: TROUBLE-SHOOTING.................................................... 53 Trouble-Shooting Index...........................................................................................53 Re-initializing.........................................................................................................53 Checking Software Version .....................................................................................53 Maintenance/Service ..............................................................................................53 Cleaning ....................................................................................................53 Maintenance...............................................................................................54 Obtaining Repair Service.............................................................................54 APPENDIX B: MIDI SUPPLEMENT ..................................................... 55 MIDI Basics............................................................................................................55 MIDI Hardware......................................................................................................55 MIDI Message Basics ..............................................................................................56 Channel Messages: Mode Messages .............................................................56 Channel Messages: Voice Messages .............................................................56 System Common Messages .........................................................................58 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ................................................. 59 4 DM5 Reference Manual Setting Up: Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP UNPACKING AND INSPECTION Your DM5 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 DM5 for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: · · · · DM5 with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton AC Power Supply Adapter This instruction manual Alesis warranty card 7 It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please ...