ALESIS MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 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. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about effects devices should use the table of contents to reference specific functions. Chapter 1: Your First Session with the MidiVerb 4. A basic introduction to getting the unit up and running, auditioning the factory Programs, adjusting levels, comparing and storing edited Programs. Chapter 2: Connections. Deals with the necessary preparation before using, including connections to other components, such as instruments, mixing consoles, patchbays, and multitrack recorders. Chapter 3: Overview of Effects. A detailed look at the signal processing capabilities of the MidiVerb 4 and the concept of multi-effect programming. Chapter 4: Editing Programs. A guided tour for programming typical single and multi-effect applications. Chapter 5: Description of Controls. A "dictionary" of all buttons, connectors, and parameters. Use this chapter as a quick reference guide when searching for specific information. Chapter 6: MIDI Applications. This chapter discusses the various MIDI functions, such as recalling Programs, realtime modulation of parameters, and Sysex data transfer. Chapter 7: Trouble-Shooting. Contains the Trouble-shooting Index, maintenance and service information, and MIDI implementation chart. Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information, MIDI Implementation Chart and an Index. Conventions The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the MidiVerb 4, using all capital letters and in brackets (Example: [PROG] button, [VALUE] Knob, etc.). When text in the MidiVerb 4's display is quoted, it is indicated using special typeface (Example: 00 to127, DELAY}REVERB, 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 MidiVerb 4. MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 1 2 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual Contents 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 Using Online Help......................................................................................12 Adjusting Effects Mix Levels .......................................................................13 Dry Defeat .............................................................................................................13 Comparing an Edited Program to its Original Settings ..............................................14 Restoring an Edited Program to its Original Settings.................................................14 Storing Edited Programs .........................................................................................15 Bypassing Effects....................................................................................................16 Connections................................................................................... 17 AC Power Hookup .................................................................................................17 Line Conditioners and Protectors.................................................................17 Audio Connections .................................................................................................17 Typical Applications...................................................................................18 Input Jack Wiring .......................................................................................18 Interfacing Directly with Instruments...........................................................19 Using the Aux Sends ...........................................................20 Using Inserts ..........................................................................22 Using Main Outputs .............................................................23 Avoiding Ground Loops .............................................................................24 MIDI......................................................................................................................25 Footswitch .............................................................................................................25 Overview of Effects ...................................................................... 27 The Architecture of the MidiVerb 4..........................................................................27 What is a Configuration?.............................................................................27 Single.........................................................................................................27 Double.......................................................................................................28 Dual Mono.................................................................................................28 Multi Chain................................................................................................29 Reverb Effects.........................................................................................................30 Concert Hall...............................................................................................30 Real Room..................................................................................................30 Realroom & Room ......................................................................................30 Ambience...................................................................................................30 Plate Reverb ...............................................................................................30 Nonlinear...................................................................................................30 Reverb Parameters..................................................................................................31 Decay ........................................................................................................31 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual 3 Contents Low Pass Filter ...........................................................................................31 Pre-delay....................................................................................................31 Pre-delay Mix.............................................................................................31 Density ......................................................................................................31 Diffusion....................................................................................................31 Frequency Damping ­ Low & High..............................................................32 Reverberation Swirl ....................................................................................32 Gating........................................................................................................32 Delay Effects ..........................................................................................................33 Mono Delay ...............................................................................................33 Stereo Delay ...............................................................................................33 Ping Pong Delay.........................................................................................33 MultiTap Delay ..........................................................................................33 BPM Mono Delay .......................................................................................33 Synchronizing to MIDI Clock ...........................................34 Delay & DLY..............................................................................................34 Setting Delay Time Using Tap Tempo ..........................................................34 Pitch Effects............................................................................................................35 Stereo Chorus.............................................................................................35 Quad Chorus..............................................................................................35 Chorus.......................................................................................................35 Stereo Flange..............................................................................................36 Flange........................................................................................................37 Lezlie.........................................................................................................37 Stereo Pitch Shifter......................................................................................37 Pitch ..........................................................................................................37 Auto Pan....................................................................................................37 Editing Programs ......................................................................... 39 Selecting A Configuration .......................................................................................39 Editing Effect Parameters ........................................................................................40 Moving Through Pages...............................................................................41 Using the A/B/C/D Buttons.......................................................................41 Using Online Help......................................................................................41 Special Cases..............................................................................................41 Naming A Program ................................................................................................42 Description of Controls ................................................................ 43 Front Panel.............................................................................................................43 LCD Display ..............................................................................................43 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 B ...