User manual ALESIS QSR - REFERENCE MANUAL

ALESIS QSR Reference Manual Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis QSR 64 Voice Expandable Synthesizer Module. To take full advantage of the QSR'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 QSR. To get the most out of your QSR, read the entire manual once, then use the table of contents and index 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. This section provides a brief tour of the QSR, shows you how to audition the various sounds of the QSR, 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 QSR, how to read and navigate through the LCD display pages, how to edit parameters, and how to store edited Programs and Mixes. Chapter 5: Editing Mixes. Explains how to create and edit Mixes. Chapter 6: Editing Programs. How to create and edit Programs. Chapter 7: Editing Effects. How to create and edit Effects Patches. Chapter 8: Global Settings. Describes all global functions, such as Master Tuning and Program Change Mode. Chapter 9: MIDI Transfer and Storage Operations. Discusses MIDI functions and how to store sounds either to a MIDI device or to a RAM card. Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information, MIDI Implementation Chart and an Index. Conventions The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors and switches are referred to in this manual just as their names appear on the QSR, using all capital letters and in brackets (Example: [PROG] button, [ CURSOR] and [CURSOR ] buttons, [VALUE] knob, etc.). L L 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 QSR. MacTM, MacOSTM and MacintoshTM are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation. QSR Reference Manual 1 Table of Contents CONTENTS 1: Setting Up.....................................................................................7 Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................................................ 7 AC Power ......................................................................................................................................... 7 Line Conditioners and Protectors ................................................................................. 7 Basic Audio Hookup ...................................................................................................................... 8 About Audio Cables ....................................................................................................................... 9 2: Your First Session .......................................................................11 Powering Up .................................................................................................................................... 11 Playing the Demo Sequences......................................................................................... 11 What's a Program?.......................................................................................................................... 11 What's a Mix? .................................................................................................................................. 12 What's a Bank?................................................................................................................................. 12 About Sound Groups ...................................................................................................... 13 Playing the QSR............................................................................................................................... 13 Program Mode and Mix Mode...................................................................................... 13 Auditioning Internal Programs..................................................................................... 14 Selecting Program Banks ................................................................................................ 14 Selecting the MIDI Channel in Program Mode .......................................................... 14 Realtime Performance Functions .................................................................................. 15 Auditioning Mix Play Mode .......................................................................................... 16 Selecting Mix Banks......................................................................................................... 16 Choosing Programs in a Mix ......................................................................................... 17 Storing an Edited Mix ..................................................................................................... 18 Enabling General MIDI Mode ...................................................................................................... 18 Using the PCMCIA Expansion Card Slots ................................................................................. 19 A Word About the QS CD-ROM.................................................................................................. 20 Sound BridgeTM ................................................................................................................. 20 3: Connections ..................................................................................21 Basic MIDI Hookup ........................................................................................................................ 21 Using an External Sequencer ........................................................................................................ 22 Using a Computer........................................................................................................................... 23 IBM® PCs and compatibles............................................................................................ 24 MacintoshTM ....................................................................................................................... 24 Digital Audio/Optical Hookup ................................................................................................... 25 Recording Digital Audio ................................................................................................ 25 48 KHz In.......................................................................................................................................... 26 4: Overview ......................................................................................27 Basic Architecture ........................................................................................................................... 27 QS Polyphony.................................................................................................................................. 27 Modes................................................................................................................................................ 28 Program Play Mode......................................................................................................... 28 Mix Play Mode ................................................................................................................. 28 Program Edit Mode ......................................................................................................... 28 Mix Edit Mode.................................................................................................................. 29 Effects Edit Mode ............................................................................................................. 29 Global Edit Mode ............................................................................................................. 29 Store Mode ........................................................................................................................ 29 Compare Mode................................................................................................................. 29 The User Interface: Display, Functions, Pages and Parameters............................................. 30 About the Display............................................................................................................ 30 QSR Reference Manual 3 Table of Contents MIDI CH Buttons ............................................................................................................. 32 Editing Values .................................................................................................................. 32 Parameter Editing Overview ......................................................................................... 32 Comparing Edited and Stored Versions..................................................................................... 33 Preset Memory and User Memory .............................................................................................. 33 Storing ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Store a Program or Mix................................................................................................... 34 To Audition Programs Before Storing ......................................................................... 35 Copying Sounds Between Programs............................................................................ 37 Copying Effects Between Programs ............................................................................. 37 Initializing the Program/Mix Buffers ......................................................................................... 38 Initializing Sounds........................................................................................................... 38 5: Editing Mixes ...............................................................................39 What is a Mix? ................................................................................................................................. 39 Program Assign for each MIDI Channel .................................................................................... 39 Mix Edit Mode................................................................................................................................. 39 Understanding the Edit Buffers ................................................................................................... 40 Level Setting for Each Program.................................................................................................... 41 Pitch ................................................................................................................................................... 42 Effect.................................................................................................................................................. 42 Keyboard/MIDI .............................................................................................................................. 42 Controllers........................................................................................................................................ 43 Transmitting MIDI Volume and Panning ................................................................... 43 Setting the Range and MIDI Switches......................................................................................... 44 Naming a Mix .................................................................................................................................. 44 Polyphony in Mix Play Mode....................................................................................................... 45 Playing a Group of Channels in a Mix........................................................................................ 45 6: Editing Programs ........................................................................47 Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 47 The "Normalized" Synth Voice.................................................................................................... 47 How the QSR Generates Sound ................................................................................................... 48 Program Sound Layers .................................................................................................................. 48 QSR Signal Flow.............................................................................................................................. 49 The Four Sounds of a Program...................................................................................... 49 Voice ................................................................................................................................... 50 Lowpass Filter .................................................................................................................. 50 Amp .................................................................................................................................... 51 About Modulation .......................................................................................................................... 51 LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)................................................................................... 52 Envelopes .......................................................................................................................... 52 About Signal Processing ................................................................................................................ 52 Drum Mode...................................................................................................................................... 53 Program Edit Functions................................................................................................................. 54 Voice ................................................................................................................................... 54 Level ................................................................................................................................... 57 Pitch .................................................................................................................................... 58 Filter.................................................................................................................................... 60 Amp/Range ...................................................................................................................... 62 Pitch Envelope .................................................................................................................. 65 Filter Envelope.................................................................................................................. 68 Amp Envelope.................................................................................................................. 70 Name .................................................................................................................................. 72 Mod 1 - Mod 6 .................................................................................................................. 73 Pitch LFO ........................................................................................................................... 76 Filter LFO........................................................................................................................... 78 Amp LFO........................................................................................................................... 79 Tracking Generator.......................................................................................................... 80 QSR Reference Manual 4 Table of Contents Programming Drum Sounds ........................................................................................................ 82 Voice ................................................................................................................................... 82 Level ................................................................................................................................... 83 Pitch .................................................................................................................................... 83 Filter.................................................................................................................................... 83 Amp/Range ...................................................................................................................... 84 Amp Envelope.................................................................................................................. 84 Copying Sounds .............................................................................................................................. 85 Copying Effects ............................................................................................................................... 85 7: Editing Effects .............................................................................87 About Signal Processing ................................................................................................................ 87 Selecting an Effects Patch in Mix Mode...................................................................................... 88 Setting Effects Send Levels............................................................................................................ 88 Clip .................................................................................................................................................... 89 Editing Effects.................................................................................................................................. 89 Navigating......................................................................................................................... 89 Storing Effect Patches In Program Mode.................................................................................... 90 Storing Effect Patches in Mix Mode ............................................................................................ 90 Copying Effect Patches .................................................................................................................. 90 Configurations................................................................................................................................. 91 EQ....................................................................................................................................................... 98 Mod.................................................................................................................................................... 98 Lezlie ................................................................................................................................................. 100 Mod.................................................................................................................................................... 101 Delay.................................................................................................................................................. 105 Reverb ............................................................................................................................................... 106 Overdrive.......................................................................................................................................... 110 Mix ..................................................................................................................................................... 111 8: Global Settings ............................................................................113 Editing Global Parameters ............................................................................................................ 113 Master Pitch ..................................................................................................................................... 113 Master Tune ..................................................................................................................................... 113 General MIDI ................................................................................................................................... 113 Enabling General MIDI Mode via MIDI...................................................................... 114 Controllers A ­ D Assignment ..................................................................................................... 114 Pedals 1 and 2 Assignment ........................................................................................................... 114 Using a Pedal to Control Volume or Modulation...................................................... 114 MIDI Program Select ...................................................................................................................... 115 Receiving/Transmitting Bank Change Messages...................................................... 115 Input/Output Mode....................................................................................................................... 116 MIDI Out .......................................................................................................................................... 117 MIDI Group Channel ..................................................................................................................... 117 Clock.................................................................................................................................................. 118 QSR Reference Manual 5 Table of Contents 9: MIDI Transfer And Storage Operations....................................119 Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards................................................................................................ 119 Saving the User Bank to a PCMCIA Card.................................................................................. 119 Loading a Bank from an External Card ...................................................................................... 120 Storing an Individual Program or Mix ....................................................................................... 120 Loading an Individual Program or Mix ..................................................................................... 121 Card Storage RAMifications .......................................................................................... 121 Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex............................................................................................... 122 Appendix A: Trouble-Shooting ......................................................125 Trouble-Shooting Index ................................................................................................................. 125 Re-initializing................................................................................................................................... 125 Checking Software Version........................................................................................................... 126 Maintenance/Service ..................................................................................................................... 126 Cleaning............................................................................................................................. 126 Obtaining Repair Service................................................................................................ 126 Appendix B: MIDI Supplement.......................................................129 MIDI Basics ...................................................................................................................................... 129 MIDI Hardware............................................................................................................................... 129 MIDI Message Basics...................................................................................................................... 130 Channel Messages: Mode Messages............................................................................. 130 Channel Messages: Voice Messages ............................................................................. 130 System Common Messages............................................................................................ 132 General MIDI ................................................................................................................................... 132 Appendix C: MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART .............................134 Appendix D: Parameters Index......................................................135 Program Edit Parameters .............................................................................................................. 135 Mix Edit Parameters ....................................................................................................................... 137 INDEX ................................................................................................138 QSR Reference Manual 6 Setting Up: Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 SETTING UP UNPACKING AND INSPECTION Your QSR synthesizer module 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 QSR for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: · · · · · QSR with the same serial number as shown on shipping carton AC Power Supply Computer CD-ROM containing software This instruction manual, plus lists of Mixes and Programs, and Quick Start guide 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. AC POWER HOOKUP The QSR works with the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz), and comes with a line cord or power supply suitable for the destination to which the keyboard is shipped. With the QSR off, plug the small end of the power adapter cordinto the QSR's [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It's good practice to not turn the QSR on until all other cables are hooked up. Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the QSR or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS Although the QSR 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, etc. · · QSR Reference Manual 7 Setting Up: Chapter 1 BASIC AUDIO HOOKUP When connecting audio cables and/or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down. Because the QSR includes extensive signal processing as well as a full complement of sounds, you can make great sounds with nothing more than an amplifier or a set of headphones. The QSR has two Main outputs, two Aux outputs, plus a stereo headphones output. These can provide an amplification system or mixer with several hookup options: · · · Mono. Connect a mono cord from either MAIN output jack to a mono amplification system or individual mixer input. Stereo. Connect two mono cords from the [L] and [R] MAIN output jacks to a stereo amplification system or two mixer inputs. Dual Stereo/Four Individual Outs. Connect two mono cords from the [L] and [R] MAIN output jacks and two mono cords from the [L] and [R] AUX output jacks to a dual stereo amplification system, or four mixer inputs. Stereo Headphones. Plug a set of high-quality stereo headphones into the headphones [PHONES] jack on the front panel. · Computer MIDI Keyboard Serial Cable MIDI Cable POWER 9 VAC~ SERIAL PORT THRU OUT MIDI IN 48 KHZ IN DIGITAL OUT L AUX R L MAIN R Insert into PHONES connector on front panel Power Supply 1/4" Audio Cables AC Receptacle Stereo Headphones Stereo Amp QSR Reference Manual 8 Setting Up: Chapter 1 ABOUT AUDIO CABLES The connections between the QSR 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 QSR 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 (such as the QSR's Power Supply), 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. · · QSR Reference Manual 9 Your First Session: Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 YOUR FIRST SESSION POWERING UP After making your connections, turn on the system's power using this procedure: Before turning on the QSR's power, check the following items: · · · Have all connections been made correctly? Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down? Is the volume of the QSR turned down? Turn on the [POWER] switch on the QSR front panel. Upon power-up, the QSR will display the last selected Program or Mix. If this Program/Mix has been edited, the display will indicate this by showing an "*" to the left of the name of the Program or Mix. The display should look something like this: Press [PROG] to select Program Play Mode. Raise the QSR's master [VOLUME] knob to maximum. The best signal-to-noise ratio is achieved when [VOLUME] is set to maximum. Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume. PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCES The QSR has built-in demo sequences which demonstrate the wide variety of sounds this amazing instrument is capable of generating. To get the full effect, connect both the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] outputs to your sound system, or listen on headphones. To play the demo sequence: Hold the [MIX] button, and press BANK SELECT [UP]. The display will read: Play Autodemo 1 Turn the [VALUE] knob to select one of the built-in demo songs. Press [STORE] to start the demo. Press [MIX] to stop the demo. There will be no MIDI out messages during the demo. WHAT'S A PROGRAM? A Program is a stored configuration of parameters which emulates the sound of an instrument or sound effect, such as a piano or synthesizer or drum set. A QSR Program is made up of hundreds of parameters which, when set to specific values, create a specific type of sound. This setup of parameters can be stored so that you can QSR Reference Manual 1 Your First Session: Chapter 2 get back to it instantly at the touch of a button. When you select a Program, all of its parameter settings are recalled to recreate the original sound. The QSR provides 640 internal Programs, divided into 5 Banks of 128 Programs each. More Programs can be added by inserting a Sound Card into the Sound Card slot on the front panel of the QSR. Each Bank is broken down into 12 Sound Groups of 10 Programs each, plus a 13th Sound Group with 8 Programs. These group together similar sounding Programs, such as pianos, guitars, bass and drums. A Program may have from 1 to 4 different sounds which can be combined in a variety of ways to create the overall sound of the instrument the Program is intended to emulate. These four sounds can be layered on top of one another, or split up into different sections of the keyboard. You can even have different sounds played depending on how hard you play the keyboard (this is known as velocity). WHAT'S A MIX? A Mix is a combination of 1 to 16 Programs. These Programs can be combined in many ways. The most common is multi-timbral when connected to a MIDI sequencer, which means that for each MIDI channel the QSR receives (up to 16), a different Program may be selected, thus creating anything from a small pop/rock ensemble to a complete orchestra. Another way of using a Mix is by layering two or more Programs together, so that they play simultaneously from your MIDI controller. You can also create a split, where one Program is in the lower half of your keyboard, while another is at the top half; and these programs can even overlap in the middle. WHAT'S A BANK? A Bank is a collection of 128 Programs and 100 Mixes. There are five internal banks available at any time, with more if a card is in the Sound Card slot. The current bank is shown on the top line of the display, and will cycle in the following order: USER PRESET1 ...and optionally ... PRESET3 CARD A-1 PRESET2 CARD A-2, etc. GenMIDI Each bank contains its own unique Programs and Mixes. Program 10 in Preset Bank 1 is different from Program 10 in Preset Bank 3, although they can be (and are usually) related sounds. A Mix may contain Programs from any bank. The BANK SELECT [UP] and [DOWN] buttons change the current bank from the front panel, and MIDI Bank Select commands may also be used to select any of the 640 Programs on board, or additional card programs. Preset and General MIDI banks are permanently "burned in" at the factory. User banks, and Card banks from an SRAM card, may be changed by the user. If you edit a Preset Program or Mix, it can be saved to a User or SRAM card bank only. ABOUT SOUND GROUPS Preset Banks 1-3 and the User bank are organized into 13 Groups of 10 Sounds each (Programs 00-09 are pianos, 50-59 are basses, and so on). The GenMIDI bank, however, does not follow this arrangement; it follows the Program list of the General MIDI standard. Programs on some sound cards may not follow that arrangement either, depending on the card type. QSR Reference Manual 2 Your First Session: Chapter 2 PLAYING THE QSR The QSR is shipped from the factory with 5 Banks of 128 Preset Programs (sounds) each. Additionally, there are 100 Mixes in each of the 5 Banks. PROGRAM MODE AND MIX MODE The QSR is always in one of two modes: Program Mode or Mix Mode. When you are auditioning Programs, you will be in Program Play Mode. When you are auditioning Mixes, you will be in Mix Play Mode. If you ever get lost, press either [PROG] or [MIX] to get back to their respective Play Mode. · Press the [PROG] button to select Program Play Mode. In Program Play Mode, the QSR plays a single Program. The display looks like this: Program Number Program Name Bank Name Play Mode MIDI Input Indicator MIDI Channel The current mode (PROG) is displayed in the bottom-left corner. The current Program number (00) is directly above. To its right can be found the Program's name (TrueStereo) and the currently selected Bank name (PRESET1). The current MIDI channel appears below the Bank name. · Press the [MIX] button to select Mix Play Mode. In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can combine up to 16 Programs for stacking sounds together, splitting the keyboard into different regions, or working with a MIDI sequencer. The display will look something like this: Mix Number Mix Name Active MIDI Channels The current mode (MIX) is displayed in the bottom-left corner. The current Mix number (01) is directly above. To its right can be found the Mix's name (Grandesign) and the currently selected Bank name (PRESET1). The Active MIDI Channels (1, 2 and 3) are shown at the bottom. In a Mix that uses all 16 MIDI channels (such as the Mixes found in the General MIDI Bank), the display would light up all 16 MIDI channel indicators. AUDITIONING INTERNAL PROGRAMS QSR Reference Manual 3 Your First Session: Chapter 2 Press the [PROG] button to select Program Play Mode. The [PROG] button and the PROG indicator in the display will light. You can now play the QSR from an external MIDI keyboard; the Program will be whatever was selected when last in Program mode (Program number 00 ­127). The large number in the upper-left section of the display will indicate the currently selected Program number. When you scroll past 127, the counter will "roll-over" to Program 00 of the following Bank. Likewise, if you scroll back before 00, it will roll back to Program 127 of the preceeding Bank. Select a Program using the [VALUE] knob. SELECTING PROGRAM BANKS The QSR provides five internal Banks containing 128 Programs in each (and 100 Mixes each, but we'll get to Mixes in a moment). The currently selected Bank will be shown in the upper line of the display, just above the currently selected Program's name. · Use the BANK SELECT [DOWN] and [UP] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1 ­ 3, GenMIDI or any Card Banks, if present). User and Preset Banks are described in detail in Chapter 4. SELECTING THE MIDI CHANNEL IN PROGRAM MODE While in Program Play Mode (press [PROG]), the QSR can receive information on any single MIDI channel of the 16 available channels. The currently selected channel appears in the bottom-right section of the display (take a look at the first display example on the previous page). L Use the [ MIDI CH ] buttons to select a MIDI channel from 1 ­ 16. The display will change to indicate the currently selected MIDI channel. QSR Reference Manual L 4 Your First Session: Chapter 2 REALTIME PERFORMANCE FUNCTIONS The QSR provides various ways to control the sound as you are playing. Try out some of these functions while playing your MIDI keyboard. The sound of the effects can also change by using these controllers. The effect of these realtime controllers varies from Program to Program; in some they may not be active, and in others they may have a dramatic effect. · · Velocity. The volume and tonal quality of the sound will change according to how hard you play the keyboard. Aftertouch. The action of pressing a key down after playing it is called "aftertouch" (it is also sometimes referred to as "Pressure" since it corresponds to the amount of pressure being applied to the keyboard). Pitch, tone and volume (among other things) can be changed using aftertouch. Pitch Bend Wheel. While playing a note, you can move the PITCH BEND WHEEL of your keyboard up to raise the pitch, or down to lower the pitch. The amount of pitch bend available can be different for each Program. Modulation Wheel. By raising the MODULATION WHEEL of your keyboard, you can add expressive modulation effects (such as vibrato or tremolo) while you play. The type of modulation effect can be different for each Program. Controllers A­D. The QSR provides four global controllers, called Controllers A through D, which allow control over various parameters of a Program. These Controllers are defined in Global Edit Mode (Pages 4 through 7) to respond to specific MIDI controller messages. Many of the QSR's internal Programs use Controllers A­D to provide control over their tonal aspects. When auditioning Programs, move the CONTROLLER [A]­[D] sliders up and down to find out what effect each has; they will be different from Program to Program. · · · Further expressive control is available with a pedal switch or expression pedal. By using a sustain pedal connected to your master MIDI keyboard, you can have the sound sustain even after you release the keys. By connecting an expression pedal to your master MIDI keyboard,, you can use the pedal to change the volume or tone (or some other quality such as reverb depth or vibrato speed) of the sound, if the Program is edited to use the pedal(s). QSR Reference Manual 5 Your First Session: Chapter 2 AUDITIONING MIX PLAY MODE Mix Play Mode allows you to assign a Program to each of the 16 MIDI channels. This makes it easy to create multitimbral setups for use with an external MIDI sequencer. Additionally, a MIX can be used to "layer" sounds together, or "split" your keyboard in a number of ways, or any combination of these. There are many different ways to program a Mix. For more about Mix Play Mode, refer to Chapter 5. For more about connecting the QSR to a MIDI sequencer, see Chapter 3. Press the [MIX] button. The [MIX] button and the MIX indicator in the display will light. The Mix will be whatever was selected when last in Mix mode (Mix number 00 ­ 99). The large number in the upper-left section of the display will indicate the currently selected Mix number. When you scroll past 99, the counter will "roll-over" to Mix 00 of the following Bank. Likewise, if you scroll back before 00, it will roll back to Mix 99 of the preceeding Bank. Select a Mix using the [VALUE] knob. SELECTING MIX BANKS The QSR provides five internal Banks containing 100 Mixes in each. The currently selected Bank will be shown in the display just below the name of the currently selected Mix's name. · Use the BANK SELECT [DOWN] and [UP] buttons to select a Bank (User, Preset 1 ­ 3, GenMIDI or any Card Banks, if present). User and Preset Banks are described in detail in Chapter 4. QSR Reference Manual 6 Your First Session: Chapter 2 CHOOSING PROGRAMS IN A MIX In this section, we will choose Programs for the 16 channels in a Mix, for playing back tracks from a MIDI sequencer. There are many other aspects of a Mix we may wish to edit, however. Refer to Chapter 5 for more information about Mix editing. You do not have to access Mix Edit Mode to select Programs for a Mix (i.e. you don't have to press the [EDIT SELECT] button). Instead, you simply use a two step process: L A) Use the [ MIDI ] buttons to select one of the 16 channels in the Mix. B ) Use the [VALUE] knob to choose a Program for the selected channel. Here's the process broken down into simpler steps: Press [MIX] and select Mix 01 from the Preset 1 Bank using the method described on page 16. L L L Press [ MIDI ]. The display will look like this: Mix Number Program Bank Name Program Name and Number Play Mode Active MIDI Channels Selected MIDI Channel (flashing) L The [ MIDI ] buttons are used to select one of the 16 channels in the Mix. The actual channel number will be whatever channel was last selected. In the illustration above, channel 1 is shown flashing. If the channel 1 number in your display is not flashing, Use the [ MIDI ] buttons to select channel 1. L L Use the BANK SELECT [UP] and [DOWN] buttons to select a Program Bank. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a Program. Press [MIDI ] to select to the next channel up. L If channel 1 had been selected, pressing [MIDI number will flash in the display. Repeat steps ­ as needed to select Programs for the remaining channels. L L ] will select channel 2. The channel 2 Changes you make to a Mix are temporary and will be lost if another Mix is selected. To make changes permanent, you must store the Mix into the User bank (see next page). QSR Reference Manual 7 Your First Session: Chapter 2 STORING AN EDITED MIX Once you have made changes to a Mix, you will need to store the Mix into the User Bank; that is, if you want to keep the changes you have made. The User Bank is designed to hold up to 100 (00 ­ 99) of your custom-made Mixes. Whenever you store an edited Mix, the User Bank is automatically selected. All you have to do is select a Program location (00 ­ 127) within the User Bank to store the edited Mix into. However, if an SRAM Sound Card is inserted into the Sound Card Slot on the rear panel of the QSR, you may select any of the available Banks on the Sound Card to save the edited Mix into. Press [STORE]. This selects Store Mode. The [STORE] button will flash, and the display will look like this: Save Mix to USER 12 (Mix Bank) (Mix Number) The Mix Number will be identical to the last Mix number selected. Optional: If a Sound Card is inserted, Use the BANK SELECT [UP] button to select a Bank on the Sound Card. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a Mix location (00 ­ 99) within the selected Bank. Press [STORE] to save the Mix into the selected location. The Mix has now been stored, and the display will revert back to whatever was shown before [STORE] was pressed the first time. NOTE: Pressing [MIX] before pressing [STORE] the second time (step ) will cause the QSR to exit Store mode without saving changes to the edited Mix. ENABLING GENERAL MIDI MODE If you are using a General MIDI sequencer, and/or playing a sequence that is programmed to take advantage of General MIDI, turn the "General MIDI" function in the QSR on. Press [EDIT], then press BANK SELECT [UP] (also labeled as [GLOBAL]). The display will now be in Global Edit Mode. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select page 3 (the page number appears in the upperright corner of the display). Press the [CURSOR ] button. This selects the General MIDI parameter in the display. Turn the [VALUE] knob clockwise. This turns on General MIDI mode, and automatically puts you into Mix Play Mode with Mix 00 of Preset Bank 4 selected. For more information about General MIDI, refer to the MIDI Supplement in Appendix B. L QSR Reference Manual 8 Your First Session: Chapter 2 USING THE PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD SLOTS Your QSR is an expandable system using the two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots on the front panel. There are three different kinds of Sound Cards available through your Alesis dealer or directly from Alesis: · SRAM cards: The Alesis Virtual Composer card provides an additional four banks of Program/Mix memory. All banks can be stored to by the user, and it comes with additional Programs and Mixes pre-stored. QCards: These read-only memory cards provide actual samples, plus the Programs and Mixes that use them in a single card bank. Available QCards include a Stereo Grand Piano card, a Sanctuary card that includes high-quality voice, bell, and organ sounds, a World/Ethnic card, Rap/Techno/Dance cards, Vintage Keyboards, and many more. Flash RAM cards: If you want to burn your own custom sample cards, Flash RAM cards are available in 2 MB, 4 MB, and 8MB sizes. Alesis Sound Bridge software (see next section) will translate from Sample Cell, AIFF, WAV and other formats to Alesis QSR Composite Synthesis format, and then you can write your own custom Programs and Mixes that use these samples. · · To use a sound card with the QSR: Hold the card with the front label facing up and insert the exposed contact end gently into either of the QSR's PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots, [A] or [B]. Push the card in until you the slot's eject button extends outward, and the card will not go any further. To remove the card, press the eject button adjacent to the card slot and gently slide the card out of the slot. The QSR's two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots can accommodate any combination of these three card types. You can combine QCards and Flash RAM cards that store up to 8 MB of samples each, giving you a total of 16 Mb of sound ROM expansion and effectively doubling the internal 16 MB of sound ROM for a total of 32MB!! When storing Mix and Program Banks to external cards, the maximum number of accessible card banks is 11. This is because the QSR's grand total of banks possible is 16, and 5 of them are already built into the QSR. The 11 card banks can be split among the two PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slots. Under normal situations, this will not be a limitation (remember, each bank has 128 Programs and 100 Mixes; 11 banks gives you 1408 additional Programs and 1100 additional Mixes). In other words, if you have two SRAM cards (256k each, capable of storing up to 4 banks), you will have 4 banks available on each card for a total of 8 banks; well below the maximum. However, since it is possible to purchase third-party 512k PCMCIA cards and burn these yourself using Sound Bridge software, it is possible to physically insert two 8 bank cards which combine for a total of 16 banks. In this situation, only the first 11 banks will be accessible beginning with slot [A]; i.e. you'll be able to access all 8 banks from the card in slot [A] and the first 3 banks from the card in slot [B]. QSR Reference Manual 9 Your First Session: Chapter 2 If an internal Program uses one or more Sounds that reside on a sound card, the sound card must be inserted into the same PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slot, [A] or [B], as when the Program was stored. In other words, if a Program uses a Sound found on the card currently inserted in slot [A], then the same card must be inserted into slot [A] for that sound to be used when this Program is recalled. Although the card can physically be used in either slot, once a Program is stored using a Sound on a card it expects to find that card in the identical slot it was in when the Program was stored. The same is true when a Program residing on the card in slot [A] uses a Sound stored on card [B], or vice-versa. If an internal Mix uses one or more Programs that reside on a sound card, the sound card must be inserted into the same PCMCIA EXPANSION CARD slot, [A] or [B], as when the Mix was stored. The same is true when a Mix residing on the card in slot [A]uses a Program stored on card [B], or vice-versa. A WORD ABOUT THE QSR CD-ROM Included with the QSR is a CD-ROM containing various useful software programs to use with your QSR. These include various Alesis and third-party programs, QSR sounds and samples, sequences stored in the MIDI Song File (SMF) format, plus demonstration software we thought you would find interesting. Most of these programs are provided in both MacintoshTM and IBM® PC formats. SOUND BRIDGETM Among the files contained on the CD-ROM is a software program called Sound BridgeTM. Sound Bridge is a sound development utility which compiles custom samples from a variety of sources into the QS Synthesis Voice format, and downloads the compiled data to an Alesis PCMCIA Flash RAM Sound Card via MIDI Sysex to a QSR, QS8, QS7 or QS6. Sound Bridge allows individuals and sound developers to make their own Sound Cards, using whatever samples they want. Sound Bridge makes this possible without having a PCMCIA card burner attached to your computer. All you need is at least one QS-series synth (such as the QSR, QS7 or QS8). Sound Bridge creates a QS Voice (multi-sample) by loading Digidesign Sample Cell I or Sample CellTM II format Instrument files. Using this format, Sound Bridge is able to determine key group and velocity group split points, root notes, sample playback rates, tunings, start points, loop points, and loop tunings. Sound Bridge can also create QS Voices without Sample Cell Instruments by loading single AIFF, Sound DesignerTM and Sound Designer II files, MacOSTM System Sounds and PC WAV files. Sound Bridge does NOT require Sample Cell hardware. The Sample Cell Instrument file, or sample file, may be loaded directly into Sound Bridge from any disk (i.e. CDROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.). For example, a user may load data from a Sample Cell CD-ROM, and send this data to the QuadraSynth PCMCIA Card, without ever using Sample Cell! The Sound Bridge folder on the CD-ROM contains the Sound Bridge application, and an electronic manual which will give you all the information you need to know to run Sound Bridge. QSR Reference Manual 10 Connections: Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 CONNECTIONS BASIC MIDI HOOKUP MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. See the MIDI Supplement in Appendix B if you are not familiar with how MIDI works. The QSR has three MIDI connectors which provide the following functions: · MIDI IN This port is for receiving MIDI information (notes, program changes, etc.) from a source such as another QSR or MIDI keyboard, controller, or computer. This port is for transmitting MIDI SYSEX information to another MIDI keyboard, sound module, or computer. This port is for passing on (echoing) MIDI information received by the MIDI IN port. In simple MIDI setups, the THRU port is used to connect additional devices that will all be "listening" to the same source. · MIDI OUT · MIDI THRU To play the QSR from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass controller, sequencer, etc.), connect the control device's MIDI OUT to the QSR's [MIDI IN]. The illustration below depicts a master QS8 connected to a slave QSR. When both are set to a common MIDI channel (see page 14), you can hear both when playing the master keyboard. MIDI Out MIDI In If you are using the QSR in the middle of the MIDI chain (example: as the second unit of a three device chain), connect the QSR's [MIDI THRU] to the third device's MIDI IN connector in order to route the first device's MIDI out information to the third device. MIDI Out MIDI In MIDI Thru MIDI In The QSR's [MIDI OUT] connector sends System Exclusive data (see the MIDI supplement) to a storage device for later recall, or to another QSR. When the [MIDI OUT] connector's mode is switched to "Thru" (Global Edit mode, page 12), it can function as a second [MIDI THRU] connector and resend MIDI data received on the [MIDI IN] from the controller to other MIDI devices. QSR Reference Manual Chapter 3: Connections USING AN EXTERNAL SEQUENCER The MIDI keyboard or controller (such as the QS7 or QS8) can generate MIDI signals that are recorded by a sequencer. On playback, the sequencer sends this data to the QSR, which then serves as a multitimbral sound module (in Mix Mode). The sequencer can generate data over several channels; in Mix Mode, the QSR can be programmed so that individual Programs play sequenced data on specific channels. Example: If the sequencer transmits a piano part over channel 1, a bass part over channel 2, and a drum part over channel 10, you could set up a QSR Mix so that a piano sound plays only the MIDI data assigned to channel 1, a bass sound plays only the MIDI data assigned to channel 2, and drums play only the MIDI data assigned to channel 10. The QSR can store up to 100 User Mixes. Connect your master keyboard's MIDI Out to the sequencer's MIDI In (if using a computer-based sequencer, connect to the computer's MIDI interface's MIDI In). Connect the sequencer's MIDI Out to your keyboard's MIDI In. Finally, connect your keyboard's MIDI Thru to the QSR's [MIDI IN] (the Thru signal carries a replica of what appears at the keyboard's MIDI In, which is the same as the sequencer's MIDI Out). Note that the I/O parameter (Global, page 11) must be set to MIDI. MIDI Out MIDI In MIDIThru MIDI In MIDI Out MIDI In If you are driving other MIDI gear (such as an expander module or MIDI-responsive signal processor), you'll usually drive these from the sequencer if it has additional MIDI outputs. However, you can also use the QSR's [MIDI THRU] connector to drive other modules since the Thru carries a replica of what appears at the QSR's [MIDI IN], which is the same as the sequencer's MIDI OUT. Note: For most sequencer applications, the QSR's "Mix Group Channel" parameter (on page 13 in Global Edit mode) should be set to OFF. See page 112 for more information. 2 QSR Referenc Connections: Chapter 3 USING A COMPUTER The QSR can communicate directly with a computer via its [SERIAL PORT] connector. This eliminates the need for an additional computer-MIDI interface, as well as the MIDI cables to connect to it. The [SERIAL PORT] can be set to one of three modes, depending on the computer you are using. The mode is selected from Global Edit mode, page 11 (I/O Mode). Serial Port Serial Port(s) Serial Port To set to QSR's I/O Mode: Press [EDIT], then press BANK SELECT [UP] (also labeled as [GLOBAL]). The display will now be in Global Edit Mode. right corner of the display). Turn the [VALUE] knob to select page 11 (the page number appears in the upper Press the [CURSOR ] button. This selects the I/O Mode parameter in the display. Turn the [VALUE] knob to set the I/O Mode. Set the I/O Mode to... MIDI PC 38.4Kbd If using... ...the QSR's MIDI Input and Output ...the QSR's Serial Port connected to an IBM® PC or compatible computer with a 38.4 kbaud serial interface ...the QSR's Serial Port connected to an IBM® PC or compatible computer with a 31.25 kbaud serial interface ...the QSR's Serial Port connected to a MacintoshTM computer with a 1 MHz serial interface PC31.25Kbd MAC 1MHz If you already have a MIDI interface for your computer, then you can use the QSR's MIDI connectors to connect the QSR to your computer interface's MIDI IN and OUT connectors using the method described in the previous section. Note: If you are already using the QSR's [SERIAL PORT] to connect to your computer, it is not necessary to connect the MIDI ports to the computer as well. L QSR Reference Manual Chapter 3: Connections IBM® PCS AND COMPATIBLES This connection will require a special cable with a DIN8 connector on one end and either a DB9 or DB25 connector on the other end, depending on the type of connector you are using on the PC. You can purchase this cable in most computer retailers or through Alesis Product Support (DIN8-to-DB9 cable: part number 15-00-0009; DIN8to-DB25 cable: part number 15-00-0025). Some PCs will have both connectors available, so you'll have to identify which connector is currently not in use. Connect the DIN8 end of the cable to the QSR's [SERIAL PORT] connector and the other end to the serial port of your computer. If your computer has more than one serial port, refer to the setup of your MIDI software to determine which port it is using. Alesis provides a MIDI serial driver that works with Windows 3.1, Windows NT and Windows 95. This can be found on the QSR CD-ROM disk that came with your QSR package (located in the \ALESIS\ASDWIN\ directory). If you don't have a CDROM drive connected to your computer, you can call Alesis Product Support and order the Windows MIDI driver on a 3-1/2 inch floppy disk. This driver is used to send and receive MIDI data from your QSR and the computer via a serial port connection. Once the MIDI driver has been successfully installed, you need to indicate to the driver which connector port the QSR is using. WINDOWS 3.1: From your Windows 3.1 Control Panel, open the "Drivers" applet. Add an Unlisted or Updated driver and select or browse to the appropriate path for Windows to find the "ASDWIN" OEM setup info. Follow the instructions given by windows to install the driver. SETUP FOR WINDOWS 95: Open Control Panels. Select "Add New Hardware". Select "NO" to NOT have windows auto-detect hardware. Select "Sound, Video, Game controllers" as hardware type. When prompted for device, select "Have Disk". Navigate to the OEM setup in the "ASDWIN" directory. Follow the Win95 instructions from there. Please refer to the "READ_ME" file which accompanies the Alesis MIDI driver. MACINTOSHTM Connect one end of a DIN-8 cable to the QSR's [SERIAL PORT] connector and the other end to either the MODEM serial port or the PRINTER serial port, depending on which one you are using for sequencing. MIDI sequencing software for the Macintosh typically defaults to using the MODEM port, but in actuality can be set to use either the MODEM or the PRINTER port, or both. If you have a printer connected, you will want to use the MODEM port; conversely, if you have a modem connected but do not have a printer, you will want to connect to the PRINTER port. If, however, both a printer and modem are connected, you will need to either temporarily disconnect one of them (preferably the modem; especially if the printer uses AppleTalk, since AppleTalk must be disabled to use the PRINTER port for MIDI) or purchase a multiple serial port box that will allow you to switch between the modem and the QSR. 4 QSR Referenc Connections: Chapter 3 DIGITAL AUDIO/OPTICAL HOOKUP The QSR can output digital audio directly into an Alesis ADAT or ADAT-compatible multitrack digital recorder via fiber optic cable. The digital connector follows a proprietary Alesis format that carries all four audio outputs of the QSR (Main and Aux, Left and Right) on a single fiber optic cable. Either pair of outputs can be converted into standard AES/EBU or S/PDIF stereo digital audio format by using the Alesis AI-1 interface. Fiber optic cables of various lengths are available from your Alesis dealer. However, the shorter the cable, the better. The model OC cable is 5 meters long and is the maximum length recommended. To hook up the optical cable between the QSR and an ADAT or AI-1: Remove the two pieces of clear plastic, tubular sleeving (if present) that protect the tips of the optical cable plug. Insert one cable end into the QSR [DIGITAL OUT] and the other end into the ADAT or AI-1 DIGITAL IN. To test the cable and QSR digital output, plug one cable end into the QSR. The other end should emit a soft red light (it is not dangerous to look directly at this light). RECORDING DIGITAL AUDIO Once the fiber optic connection is made between the QSR and ADAT or an AI-1, the QSR will output audio on the first four channels of the digital bus (the bus is capable of handling eight channels of digital audio). The MAIN [L] and [R] outputs are routed to channels 1 and 2, while the AUX [L] and [R] outputs are routed to channels 3 and 4. Note that the [VOLUME] knob controls the level of all analog output channels only, and does not control digital output levels. If your digital output is overloading, try reducing the sound level in Program Edit Mode or the Program volume in Mix Edit Mode. When recording to ADAT (or some other digital audio recorder), it will be slaving to the digital clock accompanying the digital audio emanating from the QSR. This clock can be set to either 48kHz or 44.1kHz, as determined by the Clock function (found in Global Edit Mode). The Clock function has four settings: Int48kHz, Int44.1k, Ext48kHz and Ext44.1k. The default setting is Int48kHz. which is suitable when the digital recorder is using the 48kHz sample rate. However, if the recorder is using the 44.1kHz sample rate, the Clock function should be set to Int44.1k. This ensures that the QSR will be in tune with previously recorded material. See page 118 in Chapter 8 for more information on the Clock parameter. QSR Reference Manual Chapter 3: Connections 48 KHZ IN If your ADAT system has an Alesis BRC Remote Controller, the QSR's digital clock must be synchronized to the clock coming from the BRC. This requires that a connection be made providing the clock signal to the QSR and that the QSR's Clock function be set to either one of its two external settings (Ext48kHz or Ext44.1k). Connect a BNC-to-BNC cable (such as the Alesis BN cable) between the BRC's 48 kHz CLOCK OUT and the QSR's [48 KHZ IN]. Set the Clock function to either Ext48kHz if the BRC is set to 48kHz, or Ext44.1k if the BRC is set to 44.1kHz. For more information about the Clock function, see page 118 in Chapter 8. Tip: With this type of connection, the ADAT tracks will remain in tune with the QSR even when the BRC's pitch value is adjusted. Note: When using only one or more ADATs without the BRC, it is not necessary to connect the 48 kHz Clock. 6 QSR Referenc Overview: Chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 OVERVIEW BASIC ARCHITECTURE The QSR contains 16 megabytes of Sound ROM which provide digitized acoustic and electronic samples. These samples are organized into 17 sample groups of different types. The groups are: Piano Chromatic Organ Guitar Bass String Brass Woodwind Synth Wave Noise Voice Ethnic Drums Percussion Sound FX Rhythm Several functions (filter, amplitude envelope, pitch envelope, LFO, multiple modulation sources, signal processors, etc.) can be used to process a sample. A Sound is the combination of a sample with its associated processing. A Program consists of up to four sounds. These sounds can be layered, split over specific keyboard ranges, or selectively overlapped. The QSR has a User Bank of 128 Programs that you can modify, plus 4 Preset Banks of 512 Preset Programs that are permanently installed in the QSR at the factory (although the Preset Programs can be edited, they must be stored into the User bank to permanently retain your changes). Each Program is linked to its own Effects Patch. Preset Banks 1-3 and the User bank are organized into 13 Sound Groups of 10 Sounds each, and are spread out among the top-right row of buttons on the front panel (programs 00-09 are pianos, 50-59 are basses, and so on). The GenMIDI bank, however, does not follow this arrangement; it follows the program list of the General MIDI standard. A Mix consists of up to 16 Programs, each assigned to a specific MIDI channel and one Effect Patch. The QSR has 100 Mixes in the User Bank, plus 4 Preset Banks of 400 Preset Mixes. This is extremely useful for multitimbral setups where the QSR plays back different sounds on different MIDI channels. Because of its 64 voices and builtin effects, the QSR is often the only sound generator needed. QSR POLYPHONY The QSR provides 64-voice polyphony (i.e., how many notes can play at once). If a program uses one sound, up to 64 notes can play at once. Layering two sounds allows for 32-note polyphony and layering four sounds, 16-note polyphony. Layering is a powerful technique that allows you to build up complex timbres. This is crucial because acoustic instruments have extremely complex, evolving sounds and by comparison, many synths sound static. Being able to layer up to four sounds allows for creating large ensembles (e.g., brass section consisting of alto & tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone) or extremely realistic versions of single instruments. When creating layered Programs, keep polyphony in mind. If all Programs in a Mix use all four available sounds, the QSR will quickly run out of voices. QSR Reference Manual 1 Overview: Chapter 4 MODES The QSR is always in one of two main modes: Program Play Mode or Mix Play Mode. Pressing [PROG] selects Program Play Mode, while pressing [MIX] selects Mix Play Mode. While in Program Play Mode, you can press [EDIT] to access Program Edit Mode and Effects Edit Mode. While in Mix Play Mode, pressing [EDIT] alternates between Mix Edit Mode, Program Edit Mode and Effects Edit Mode. Once [EDIT] has been pressed (the lower-left corner of the display reads "EDIT"), pressing BANK SELECT [DOWN] accesses Compare Mode (if the Program/Mix has been edited, and pressing BANK SELECT [UP] accesses Global Edit Mode. Pressing [STORE] accesses Store Mode. Here are descriptions of these modes: PROGRAM PLAY MODE Program Play Mode lets you play the QSR's various Programs one at a time. The QSR contains 512 Preset and 128 User Programs (i.e., the sounds of various instruments, effects, ensembles, etc.) that show off just how cool this instrument really is. Initially, the 4 Preset Banks and the User Bank contain data loaded in at the factory. The User Programs can be edited or replaced with your own Programs. However, you cannot replace the Preset Programs, because these are stored in ROM (permanent memory). In Program Play Mode, the QSR responds to or generates messages on a single MIDI channel. MIX PLAY MODE Mix Play Mode lets you audition the QSR's various Mixes. The QSR contains 400 Preset Mixes and 100 User Mixes. A Mix can combine up to 16 different Programs, controlled by 16 channels of MIDI data at once. Therefore, much thicker and richly textured sounds can be created. In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can be used in a wide range of applications. It can be used for live performance, where sounds are layered or assigned to sections of the controller keyboard. It can also be used as a multitimbral sound source for desktop music and home studio applications. A Mix uses the Effects Patch associated with one of its Programs. Although there may be 16 Programs in a Mix, there can only be one Effects Patch per Mix. In Mix Mode, the QSR can respond to messages on up to 16 MIDI channels simultaneously; different channels are available depending on which Mix is selected. PROGRAM EDIT MODE In Program Edit Mode, you can change the various settings which determine the sound of an individual Program, or create an entirely new Program from scratch. Each Program is made up of four Sound layers, which you can edit individually, or simultaneously. In Program Edit mode you can: · · · · select which sample waveform from the 16 megabytes of onboard sample ROM will be used, in each of the 4 sounds; change the tone, level, attack and decay characteristics, modulation inputs, and pitch of each layer; set modulation routings whereby any parameter can be controlled via MIDI; set the effect level for each Sound layer, and set which of the four effect sends each Sound layer will use for signal processing (such as reverb, delay, and chorus--or any combination of these). QSR Reference Manual 2 Overview: Chapter 4 MIX EDIT MODE Mix Edit Mode lets you change the parameters of an existing Mix. Up to 16 Programs can be active in each Mix, and Mix Edit mode sets up how each will be played. Mix Edit Mode allows you to: · · set the output level, effects level, and pan of each Program in the Mix; select which Program's Effects Patch will be used by the Mix. Note that you can select which Programs will be played by the different MIDI channels and by the keyboard in multiple layers or splits without entering Mix mode. EFFECTS EDIT MODE Effects Edit Mode is used for setting up the Digital Signal Processing effects. Each Effect Patch has 4 effect bus inputs, and an internal configuration of multiple effects such as reverb, delay, and pitch-related effects (chorus, flange, etc.). You can determine what kinds of effects are used on each bus (called a "Configuration"), change each effect's parameters (such as reverb decay time or chorus speed), set modulation routings (such as having the modulation wheel change the decay time), and set the effects mix (how much reverb, delay and chorus on the output of each effect bus). GLOBAL EDIT MODE Use Global Edit Mode to set various parameters which effect the entire instrument, such as overall master tuning, display contrast, MIDI controller settings, and how the unit will respond to messages in Mix Mode. STORE MODE Store Mode is used for storing changes of Programs and/or Mixes into the User Bank or onto a QCard PCMCIA memory card accessory. It is also used for transmitting the QSR's parameters over MIDI for data storage purposes, copying sounds or effects from one Program to another, and for transferring entire Banks to or from a Sound Card. COMPARE MODE Once a Program has been edited in Program Edit Mode, or a Mix has been edited in Mix Edit Mode, the symbol "*" will appear in the display to the left of the Mix's/Program's name while in either Mix Play Mode or Program Play Mode. If BANK SELECT [DOWN] (also labeled [COMPARE]) is pressed while in an Edit Mode, both the [EDIT] button and the word "EDIT" in the lower-right part of the display will begin to flash on and off, and you will temporarily be hearing (and seeing) the original version of the Mix/Program. If you are editing a Mix and press [COMPARE], the original unedited Mix is temporarily recalled. Likewise, if you are editing a Program or its Effects Patch and press [COMPARE], the original Program will be temporarily recalled. Pressing [COMPARE] again switches back to the edited version, and the both [EDIT] button and the word "EDIT" in the the display stop flashing. QSR Reference Manual 3 Overview: Chapter 4 THE USER INTERFACE: DISPLAY, FUNCTIONS, PAGES AND PARAMETERS The key to the QSR user interface is the combination of the Display, the [VALUE] knob and the [ CURSOR ] buttons. The Display constantly informs you of the QSR's status. The [ CURSOR ] buttons let you select a value in the display (such as a parameter, a Sound, a page, etc.), and the [VALUE] knob lets you adjust the selection. L L ABOUT THE DISPLAY The display has two modes: Play Mode and Edit Mode. When either [MIX] or [PROG] is pressed, their respective Play Mode is selected and the display will look something like this: Program Number Program Name L L Bank Name Play Mode · MIDI Input Indicator MIDI Channel Mode. The lower-left corner of the display will indicate whether you are in Program Play Mode (PROG) or Mix Play Mode (MIX). In the example above, Program Play Mode is selected. If the selected Program or Mix has been edited, the word EDIT will appear to the right of the displayed Mode. In the example above, the Program has not been edited Number. The upper-left section of the display will indicate which Program or Mix number is currently selected (00-127 in Program Mode, 00-99 in Mix Mode). In the example above, Program 00 is selected. Name. The upper-right section of the display will indicate the name of the Program or Mix which is currently selected. In the example above, TrueStereo is selected. Bank. The middle-right section of the display, directly below the Program's or Mix's name, will indicate which Bank is currently selected (PRESET1 ­ PRESET3, GenMIDI, or USER`; if a card is inserted, CARD1 - CARD8). In the example above, Preset 1 Bank is selected. Channel (1­16). In Program Play Mode, the QSR will transmit and receive on a single MIDI channel, which will be indicated in the lower-right section of the display. The MIDI channel is selected by using the [ MIDI CH ] buttons. In Mix Play Mode, the QSR can transmit and receive on up to 16 MIDI channels. The "active" channels will be shown in the display. When a channel is played (from messages received via MIDI), a circle will appear around the channel number in the display. In the example above, MIDI channel 1 is selected, and MIDI information is being received. · · · · L L QSR Reference Manual 4 Overview: Chapter 4 When [EDIT] is pressed, the display enters Edit Mode (which Edit Mode you are in depends on whether you were already in Program Mode or Mix Mode). When in an Edit Mode, the display will look something like this: SND1:VOICE å Snd Enable:ON · Edit Mode. The bottom-left section of the display will indicate the Edit Mode which is currently selected (MIX EDIT = Mix Edit Mode, PROG EDIT = Program Edit Mode). The Edit Mode is selected using the [EDIT] button. In the example above, Program Edit Mode is selected. Function. The upper-middle section of the display indicates what you are editing. This information will change depending on the Edit Mode you have selected. In Mix Mode you can simply scroll through the available Functions using the [VALUE] knob (while the underline cursor appears in the upper section of the display). While in Program Mode, you also have the Sound (1 through 4) to choose from, in addition to the Function you wish to edit. Example: If you are in Program Edit Mode, you can choose which of the Program's 4 sounds you wish to edit by turning the [VALUE] knob while the Sound parameter is selected; the display will indicate the selected Sound like this: SND1. The Sound is then followed by a colon and the selected Function. In the example above, Sound 1 is selected for editing, and the Voice function is selected. Parameter/Page. In many cases when a Function is selected for editing, there will be more than one parameter associated with it. Each parameter is divided into "pages". The upper-right corner of the display will indicate the currently selected page number (å ­ ). The number of pages available depends on the Function you have selected to edit. When the parameter is selected (underline cursor appears in the lower-left line) you can turn the [VALUE] knob to scroll through the selected Function's parameters/pages. In the example above, the Sound Enable parameter on page 1 of the Voice function is currently selected. Setting. The lower-right section will display thesetting of the parameter which is currently selected. You can adjust the parameter's setting by using the [ CURSOR ] buttons to move the underline cursor in the display to the parameter's value and turning the [VALUE] knob. In the example above, the Sound Enable parameter is turned on. · · · L L QSR Reference Manual 5 Overview: Chapter 4 MIDI CH BUTTONS L The [ MIDI CH ] buttons serve two purposes. In Program Play Mode and Mix Play Mode, they are used to select a MIDI channel from 1 to 16. In Program Play Mode, they are used to select the basic MIDI channel the QSR will receive and transmit MIDI messages on. In Mix Play Mode, they are used to select one of the 16 possible Channels for viewing and editing. For more information on MIDI and its uses, see Chapters 8 and 9, and Appendix B. EDITING VALUES Once an Edit Mode is selected, a parameter is displayed and that parameter's value is selected by using the [ CURSOR ] buttons, that parameter's setting can be adjusted by turning the [VALUE] knob. Whenever either the [ CURSOR ] button is pressed, the cursor (an underline) will move to either the next or previous parameter in the display. L L PARAMETER EDITING OVERVIEW All parameter editing involves the same general procedure, with minor variations: Select an Edit Mode with the [EDIT] button. Example: If [PROG] was lit, the [EDIT] button switches between two Edit Modes--one for editing the Program's Sound layers(Program Edit Mode), and the other for editing the Effects (Effects Edit Mode). If [MIX] was lit, the [EDIT] button switches between three Edit Modes--one for editing the Mix's parameters (Mix Edit Mode), one for editing the Programs themselves (Program Edit Mode), and the last for editing the Effects (Effects Edit Mode). If in Program Edit mode, select a sound (1 through 4) by turning the [VALUE knob. If in Effects Edit mode, select a send (1 through 4) by turning the [VALUE knob. If in Mix Edit mode, use the [ MIDI CH ] buttons to select a channel (1 through 16); the selected channel will flash on and off in the lower section of the display. L Select a function (voice, level, pitch, etc.), by first pressing the [CURSOR ] button to advance the cursor in the display to the function field (if in Program Edit or Effects Edit mode; in Mix Edit mode, the function field is automatically selected upon pressing [EDIT]), and then turning the [VALUE] knob to select the function. Select the appropriate page for the parameter you want to edit by first pressing the [CURSOR ] button to advance the cursor in the display to the parameter field (in the middle of the display), and then turning the [VALUE] knob to select the parameter. The upper-right section of the display will indicate the currently selected page number. Each page provides a different parameter. The parameter's name will appear in the middle section of the display. Change the parameter value by first pressing the [CURSOR ] button to advance the cursor in the display to the value field (in the middle-right section of the display), and then turning the [VALUE] knob to select the value. L L L L L L L QSR Reference Manual 6 Overview: Chapter 4 COMPARING EDITED AND STORED VERSIONS When you edit a Program or Mix, you are actually editing a copy which is in a temporary edit buffer. Therefore, to retain the results of your edit, you must save it to a particular memory location (see the next section on Storing). If you change memory locations before saving, the buffer will be replaced and your edits lost. Because the original Program/Mix remains undisturbed, you can compare the edited version to the original by using the Compare function. You can only select Compare mode when either Mix Edit, Program Edit or Effects Edit is selected, and the word "EDITED" appears in the lower-left section of the display (next to the Mix or Program Mode indicator). While in an Edit Mode (the word "EDITED" should appear in the lower-left section of the display), press [COMPARE]. Both the [EDIT] button and the word "EDIT" in the display will flash. Press [COMPARE] again to exit Compare mode and return to the edited version. Both the [EDIT] button and the word "EDIT" in the display will stop flashing. Pressing [MIX], [PROG], [GLOBAL], or [STORE] will also exit Compare mode. However, to return to Compare mode after pressing one of these buttons, you must first press [EDIT] and then press [COMPARE]. While Compare mode is selected, you can move around to view the various functions and parameters, but you will not be able to edit anything. This is because you are seeing what is in memory, not what is in the edit buffer. PRESET MEMORY AND USER MEMORY The QSR has three types of memory banks for Mixes and Programs: Preset, User and Card. The Preset banks, of which there are four, are stored in ROM (Read Only Memory), and therefore cannot be altered. However, the User bank, of which there is 1, is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). Card banks can be either ROM or RAM. Anytime you want to keep an edited version of a Mix or Program, you will store it into the User bank or onto a RAM Card. If you want to permanently change a Mix or Program that is in the Preset bank, you can store the edited version into the User bank (in either the same number location or a different number location). However, this requires that you "store over" an existing Program or Mix, losing whatever was previously in that location. If you don't want to lose any of the sounds in the User bank, you should back-up the entire bank to either an external SRAM or FlashRAM PCMCIA card, or (via MIDI System Exclusive) into a data storage device or a MIDI sequencer. See Chapter 9 for more information on external storage operations. QSR Reference Manual 7 Overview: Chapter 4