Alesis airFX Reference Manual
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Alesis airFX Reference Manual

Alesis airfx performance tools: reference manual
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REFERENCE MANUAL
©2000 Alesis

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  • Page 1 ™ REFERENCE MANUAL ©2000 Alesis...

  • Page 2: Alesis Contact Information

    Alesis airFX Reference Manual © Copyright 2000, Alesis Studio Electronics. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “airFX” and “Axyz” are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. “Axyz” technology is patent pending. ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION E-Mail: support@alesis.com...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Using the Axyz™ Controller ...22 Effect Hold...23 Effect Bypass ...24 Troubleshooting ... 25 Troubleshooting Index ...25 Care and Maintenance ...26 Cleaning ...26 Obtaining Repair Service...26 Program Chart ... 28 Specifications... 33 Alesis Limited Warranty... 34 FX R EFERENCE ANUAL ONTENTS...
  • Page 4 Chapter 1: Quick Start. If you want to start using the airFX right away, here’s a one-page guide to hooking it up and trying it out with a CD player.

  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks. This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
  • Page 6 Introduction/Safety Instructions 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

  • Page 7: Instructions De Sécurité Importantes (French)

    Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques.
  • Page 8 Introduction/Safety Instructions 10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil. 11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur. 12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique.

  • Page 9: Beim Benutzen Dieses Produktes Beachten Sie Bitte Die Folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German)

    Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German) 1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise. 2. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. 3. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. 4. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. 5. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. 6.

  • Page 10: Ce Declaration Of Conformity

    Introduction/Safety Instructions CE Declaration of Conformity See our website at: http://www.alesis.com FX R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 11: Instructions To The User (Fcc Compliance)

    INSTRUCTIONS TO THE USER (FCC compliance) This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 12: Front Panel

    Introduction/Safety Instructions FRONT PANEL Axyz™ Controller Program Knob LED Display REAR PANEL RCA Outputs RCA Inputs Power Jack FX R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 13: Quick Start Guide

    Step 1: Hook it up Pull the airFX out of the package, and plug it into the wall with the supplied Power Supply. Connect the Left and Right output of a CD player into the Left and Right inputs of the airFX. Connect the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Left and Right CD Inputs of a stereo receiver.
  • Page 14 Quick Start Guide: Chapter 1 FX R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 15: Connections

    The systems on the next few pages will give you some examples of typical systems where the airFX is used. If you can’t apply one of these systems to your own setup, contact Alesis or your dealer for assistance.

  • Page 16: Connecting Between A Cd Player And A Stereo Receiver

    Connecting between a CD Player and a Stereo Receiver The above system allows you to hear the effect of the airFX on a CD through any stereo system. Using one of the supplied stereo RCA (phono) cables, plug the Left and Right outputs of your CD player into the Left and Right Inputs of the airFX.

  • Page 17: Connecting Into A Dj System

    If the amplifier is built into the mixer, there may be a “main insert” in the mixer, designed for an EQ. If so, plug the Left and Right Insert Sends into the inputs of the airFX and the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Insert Returns.

  • Page 18: Mounting On A Microphone Stand

    Connections: Chapter 2 want to connect the airFX to one of the inputs to your mixer while the other plays unaffected. To do this, connect the outputs of your preamp or CD player into the inputs of the airFX. Then connect the outputs of the airFX into the inputs of your mixer.

  • Page 19: Connecting To A Synthesizer

    Chapter 2: Connections Connecting to a Synthesizer The airFX can add great filter effects to a synthesizer. In the diagram above, we demonstrate how the Left and Right outputs of the synthesizer are connected to the inputs of the airFX, then the stereo outputs of the airFX are connected to two inputs of a mixer.

  • Page 20: Connecting To A Studio Mixer

    Input and the return to the airFX’s output. You can also use the main inserts, if your mixer has them, to use the airFX on the entire mix, or on a group insert if you want to effect multiple channels at once but not the entire mix.

  • Page 21: Performance

    Selecting a new program is simple: 1. Turn the program knob on the bottom left side of the airFX to select a program number. The new program will not load right away, allowing you to keep using one program while you find another.

  • Page 22: Using The Axyz™ Controller

    Note that ambient light can affect the sensitivity of the Axyz controller. Make sure that you don’t sit the airFX right next to a light source or in the sun, or you may notice that you need to move your hand closer to hear an effect.

  • Page 23: Effect Hold

    Effect Hold The airFX has a function that allows you to freeze the current effect from the airFX without needing to hold your hand in place. This function is called Hold. To use the Hold function: 1. Recall a program as described in the previous section. There should be no decimal points showing in the display.

  • Page 24: Effect Bypass

    2. Move your hand away from the Axyz controller, making sure that the airFX isn’t affecting the sound. 3. Press and hold the Program knob for one second. A decimal point should appear in the display between the first and second number of the program.

  • Page 25: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your airFX, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptom No audio from outputs Buzz from outputs FX R EFERENCE ANUAL...

  • Page 26: Care And Maintenance

    Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the airFX is one of the best processors that can be made using current technology, and should provide years of trouble-free use. However, should problems occur, DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself.
  • Page 27 Alesis warranty. Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned. Alesis will pay for standard one-way shipping back to you on any repair covered under the terms of this warranty.

  • Page 28: Program Chart

    Program Chart ROGRAM Special FX 1 Program Name Description 0 Pitch Out Like holding your finger on a record player, slows it down then stops the music 1 Lord of the A vocoder effect that fades Flies between noise and synth tones 2 Vinylizer Feed your tunes through this...
  • Page 29 Filters Program Name Description 10 Telephone Tight filter, great for thinning out the mix 11 Big Bottom Six-pole lowpass filter, perfect for synths and bass 12 Snake Bite Highpass filter, sucks all the bass out for icy sweeps 13 Bow Wow The Lowpass LFO Filter wags in time with the music 14 Smoke...
  • Page 30 Program Chart Flange/Phase Program Name Description 20 Tokyo Phase Phaser with positive feedback, like wasabi for guitars 21 Phasors on Other-worldly phasor with Stun negative feedback 22 Liquid Metal 25-band phase shifter for amazing metallic stereo effects 23 Spin Cycle Rubbery stereo phasor that plays in time with the music 24 Psychofaze...
  • Page 31 Special FX 2 Program Name Description 30 Strobe Gate Stuttering tremolo effect that keeps time with the music 31 Nervous A tremolo effect, it rapidly changes the volume up and down 32 Psychic Pan Autopanner in sync to the beat, too much makes the dancefloor get dizzy 33 Kung-Fu Pan the music with your...
  • Page 32 Program Chart Synth Patches Program Name Description 42 Skratch! The sound of a record scratching. Chicka-chicka 43 Haunted Spooky wind effects to keep Landscape you up nights 44 Headhunter Talking drum, move your hand down faster for a louder sound 45 Beatbox Boombox: kick on the right and clap on the left.

  • Page 33: Specifications

    I/O: Nominal Input Voltage: Max Input Voltage: Dynamic Range: Signal to Noise Ratio: THD+N: Frequency Response: Sampling Frequency: Converter Resolution: Processor Resolution: All measurements done over a 20Hz-22,000Hz range with 1KHz sine wave at Full Scale, except for the dynamic range which was done with a -60dBFS 1KHz sine wave.

  • Page 34: Alesis Limited Warranty

    During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative. In all cases disputes concerning this warranty shall be resolved as prescribed by law.

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