Alesis 7-51-0121-A - Manual

Introduction 4 About the Smashup Your new Smashup is a member of the Alesis ModFX family ofperformance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a deluxecompressor with the ability to model several different types ofcompression. Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects andsignal ...

Introduction 5 Smashup Key Features • Digital emulation of six different kinds of analogcompression • Adjustable threshold, attack, release, and output level • Look Ahead feature anticipates upcoming peaks forcompression before they’re processed • Sizzle feature keeps clarity and punch even with ext...

Introduction 6 How to Use This Manual A little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of yourgear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual is divided into thefollowing sections describing the various functions andapplications for the Smashup. While it's a good idea to readthrough the ent...

Safety Instructions/Notices 7 Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literatureaccompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the ...

Important Safety Instructions 8 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In anyinstallation, make sure that injury or damage will not resultfrom cables pullin...

Important Safety Instructions 9 CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation issubject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may notcause harmful interference and (2) this devi...

Important Safety Instructions 10 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 documentationjointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la prése...

Important Safety Instructions 12 Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesemProdukt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, diediese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol war...

1 Quick Start Guide 15 If you can’t wait to get started The Alesis Smashup is a unique product, but its basic hookup andoperation is similar to other in-line signal processors (like EQs andcompressors) in most respects. If you're experienced with signalprocessors, this chapter is a "shorthand...

1 Quick Start Guide 16 A quick overview of the controls Siz zle Add s “p u nc h” an d “a ir” to the s ig n al, e sp ec ia lly u s efulfor b as s s ou n ds . I t p uts a h ig h- pa s s filte r be for e the c om pr es s or ’s de te cto r, a n da dd s a b it o f H F EQ on th eo utpu t. Thr es ho ld se ...

2 Connections 17 Unpacking and Inspection Your Smashup was packed carefully at the factory. The shippingcarton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Pleaseretain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need toreturn the Smashup for servicing. The shipping carton should conta...

2 Connections 18 Connecting audio The Smashup will work in many different applications, whetheryou are connecting an instrument directly into it, or connecting itthrough a mixing console. But since the Smashup is a stereoeffect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will bestereo or mono. I...

Connections 2 21 Connecting to equipment with XLR inputsand outputs: If you are connecting the Smashup to a product with XLRbalanced inputs and outputs, you will need to convert this signal toa 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make sure that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4” a...

2 Connections 22 Using the ModLink The Smashup can be connected to other effect boxes in theModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-freeconnection between two ModFX units that transfers digital audioand word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of theunit is the ModLink IN p...

3 Using the Smashup 23 This section defines compression, and explains the functions ofthe Smashup’s controls in greater detail. What is a compressor? Most types of signal processors, such as reverbs, phaser/flangers,and equalizers, make an obvious change in the sound. But acompressor's action is muc...

3 Using the Smashup 24 What the controls do Let's go back to the "engineer with his hand on a fader and eyeson the meter" analogy. The top panel controls simply tell the"engineer" what rules he should follow. [THRESHOLD] tells himhow high the input level can rise before he has to sta...

3 Using the Smashup 26 Operational advice Gain structure Extreme settings will lead to extreme results. If you turn thethreshold down all the way, the Smashup will do what it's beingtold to do: turn the level way down. If you then try tocompensate by cranking the [OUTPUT] control to its maximum,you'...

Using the Smashup 3 27 Description of Controls Threshold The [THRESHOLD] knob sets the level where compression willbegin. As long as the input signal level is below the Thresholdlevel, the Smashup will do nothing to the signal. Once the inputsignal crosses the Threshold, the Smashup will begin compr...

3 Using the Smashup 28 Attack The [ATTACK] knob controls the amount of time before compression starts. The range of this control is generally in therange from 0.1 (full counter-clockwise) to 300 milliseconds; butthis may vary depending on the [TYPE] setting. [ATTACK] hasno effect when the [LOOK AHEA...

Using the Smashup 3 29 Output The [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the Smashup’s output.The Output control is useful for making up level that was lostduring compression, or matching the input level of a mixer orrecorder. The unity gain setting of the [OUTPUT] knob (the levelwhere input level = ou...

3 Using the Smashup 30 Type Select Switch The up/down [TYPE] rocker switch on the right side of the unitselects the type of compression used by the Smashup. The LEDsnext to the switch light up to indicate the current Type. The Smashup contains six different compression styles. Some aremodeled after ...

Using the Smashup 3 31 De-Ess De-essing is commonly used to process voices where the “s”sound and other sibilants are too loud and distracting. By tellingthe compressor to be extra sensitive to a certain range offrequencies, the “s” sound can be almost completely removedfrom a voice. The ratio is 8:...

3 Using the Smashup 32 Bypass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the outputwithout any compression. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound ofthe source without any effect from the Smashup. When the redBYPASS LED is lit, the compressor is off. The Bypass functioncan also be activated ...

4 Sample Settings 33 While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, wethought it would be a good idea to provide some sample settingsof the Smashup to help get you started. Simply set the knobs onyour Smashup so they’re at the positions shown, and press therocker switches so each ef...

4 Sample Settings 34 Opto This du p lica tes the so un d o fo ptic al co mp r es so rs us ed in c la ss ic re co r ding s ( an dtod ay ). This is eq u ally us efulo n vo ca ls an d ins tr u me nts . Fat Try this o n a ny ins tru me n ttha t ne e ds a stro ng lo w e nd ,e sp ec ia lly b a ss es a n d...

Sample Settings 4 35 Blank Fill in yo ur own fa v or ite s etting s h er e . Pho toc op y the n ex t pa g e if yo u ne e d mo r es pa ce . Transparent This se tting will p r ov id e c on siste nt c o mp re ss ion witho ut ca lling a tte ntio n toits elf. Note tha t [ ATTACK] h as n o e ffec t, sinc ...

5 Troubleshooting 37 Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Smashup, pleaseuse the following table to locate possible causes and solutionsbefore contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptoms Cause Solution No audio output s. No input audio (SIGNALLED doesn...

Troubleshooting 5 39 Avoiding ground loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has itsown computer chip inside, there are many opportunities forground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzesor sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece ofequipment &#...

5 Troubleshooting 40 4. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially inunbalanced circuits. If the basic experiments don’t uncover the source of the problem,consult your dealer or technician trained in proper studiogrounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" schememust be use...

Troubleshooting 5 41 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean theSmashup’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409™ or Fantastik™.DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THEFRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT...

5 Troubleshooting 42 Obtaining repair service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, andmake sure you’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the ProductSupport department. Make sure you have the unit’s serial numbe...

Specifications 43 Audio Input Input Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Input Level: +10 dBV Nominal Level: -10 dBV Input Impedance: 470k Ω Input Converter Resolution: 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling Audio Output Output Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Output Level: +9 dBV Output Impedanc...

Index 45 amplifier, 20 Attack , 16, 24, 28 BYPASS , 16, 32 with foot switch, 32 cables, 21 Classic, 24, 30clipping, 29compression defined, 23 compression ratio, 30 defined, 24 De-Ess, 31digital converters, 32, 43digital signal processing, 4DSP, 43Fat, 31feedback, 26 FOOT SWITCH , 16, 32 Ground Loop,...

Warranty / Contact Alesis 46 Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defectsin material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period ofone (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty ...

Warranty/Contact Information 47 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Studio ElectronicsLos Angeles, CA USA E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.alesis.com Alesis Smashup Reference ManualRevision 1.0 by Dan Tinen Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reservedReproduction in whole or in part is pr...