Reference Manual
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Table of Contents Introduction....................................................................3 Welcome! .........................................................................................................3 About the Smashup.......................................................................4 Important features of your Smashup .........................................................4 Smashup Key Features ..................................................................................
Table Of Contents Line conditioners and spike protectors ......................................................40 Care and Maintenance ................................................................41 Cleaning............................................................................................................41 Refer all servicing to Alesis...........................................................................41 Obtaining repair service ..........................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Smashup a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality studio equipment available to everyone, and this Reference Manual is an important part of that.
Introduction About the Smashup Your new Smashup is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a deluxe compressor with the ability to model several different types of compression. Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each other.
Introduction Smashup Key Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • Digital emulation of six different kinds of analog compression Adjustable threshold, attack, release, and output level Look Ahead feature anticipates upcoming peaks for compression before they’re processed Sizzle feature keeps clarity and punch even with extreme compression settings Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs Stereo processing via four 1/4” unbalanced connectors ModLink por
Introduction How to Use This Manual A little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of your gear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Smashup. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about effect devices should use the table of contents to look up specific functions.
Safety Instructions/Notices 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 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.
Important Safety Instructions 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 any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13.
Important Safety Instructions 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 is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Important Safety Instructions 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.
Important Safety Instructions 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. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé pendant longtemps. 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié.
Important Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann.
Important Safety Instructions 11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör. 12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen. 13.
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1 Quick Start Guide If you can’t wait to get started The Alesis Smashup is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other in-line signal processors (like EQs and compressors) in most respects. If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the Smashup right away. If you have questions about any of the features, don’t worry – later chapters will unveil the mysteries of the Smashup's special features.
1 Quick Start Guide A quick overview of the controls Sizzle Adds “punch” and “air” to the signal, especially useful for bass sounds. It puts a high-pass filter before the compressor’s detector, and adds a bit of HF EQ on the output. 16 Look Ahead Looks at the digital signal several milliseconds before it is processed, to anticipate peaks. Reduces the attack time to less than zero. Type selects the kind of compression the Smashup will emulate. Several different analog compression types are modeled.
2 Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your Smashup 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 Smashup for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • • • Smashup with the same serial number as shown on the shipping carton Power Adapter This instruction manual To register your purchase, go to the Alesis website at www.alesis.com.
2 Connections Connecting audio The Smashup will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument directly into it, or connecting it through a mixing console. But since the Smashup is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. In-line connection If you’re connecting a keyboard, guitar or bass directly to the Smashup, hook it up this way: 1. Connect a 1/4" phone cord to the [LEFT/MONO] INPUT of the Smashup from the instrument. 2.
Connections 2 Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Most recording consoles have a jack in each channel near the mic and line inputs labeled "Insert". This is typically a TRS jack with the send and return on the same jack. To use the Smashup as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included).
2 Connections Connecting to the Main Outputs of a mixing console: In addition to channel inserts, most mixing consoles have main insert jacks near the main outputs. You can use insert cables to connect the Smashup to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels. Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of the mixer, and connect the two mono jacks to the left INPUT and OUTPUT of the Smashup.
Connections 2 Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Smashup to a product with XLR balanced inputs and outputs, you will need to convert this signal to a 1/4” unbalanced connector. Make sure that Pin 2 of the XLR connector is connected to the Tip of the 1/4” adapter or cable. Watch out for high levels, however: some XLR sources put out levels close to the maximum the Smashup can accept (about +12 dBu) even when its trim is at minimum.
2 Connections Using the ModLink The Smashup can be connected to other effect boxes in the ModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-free connection between two ModFX units that transfers digital audio and word clock. The 9-pin male connector on the left side of the unit is the ModLink IN port. The 9-pin female connector on the right side is the ModLink OUT port. By directly connecting two ModFX units via the ModLink, audio will pass from the left-most unit to the right-most unit.
3 Using the Smashup This section defines compression, and explains the functions of the 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 a compressor's action is much more subtle; when used properly, many listeners won't be aware that signal processing is being used.
3 Using the Smashup What the controls do Let's go back to the "engineer with his hand on a fader and eyes on the meter" analogy. The top panel controls simply tell the "engineer" what rules he should follow. [THRESHOLD] tells him how high the input level can rise before he has to start pulling down the fader: if it's turned full clockwise, he won't pull down his fader at all; if it's turned full counter-clockwise, he'll have his hand on the fader even for very faint sounds.
Using the Smashup 3 How the Smashup goes beyond “just compression” Having explained what the controls are designed to do, you should be aware that the Smashup’s digital compression algorithms do much more than just control levels. Just as a tube guitar amp sounds different from a solid-state power amp, the most popular compressors sound notably different from each other, even when their attack, threshold, ratio and release controls are set exactly the same.
3 Using the Smashup Operational advice Gain structure Extreme settings will lead to extreme results. If you turn the threshold down all the way, the Smashup will do what it's being told to do: turn the level way down. If you then try to compensate by cranking the [OUTPUT] control to its maximum, you'll amplify the noise of your source and the Smashup itself. The noise will fade itself in whenever the input signal stops, resulting in the classic "pumping" and "breathing" problems.
Using the Smashup 3 Description of Controls Threshold The [THRESHOLD] knob sets the level where compression will begin. As long as the input signal level is below the Threshold level, the Smashup will do nothing to the signal. Once the input signal crosses the Threshold, the Smashup will begin compressing (turning down the level). Graph of input level Threshold This shows the level of an input to the Smashup. The dotted line represents the [THRESHOLD] level.
3 Using the Smashup Attack The [ATTACK] knob controls the amount of time before compression starts. The range of this control is generally in the range from 0.1 (full counter-clockwise) to 300 milliseconds; but this may vary depending on the [TYPE] setting. [ATTACK] has no effect when the [LOOK AHEAD] switch is engaged. Long attacks are useful for keeping the initial transients of percussive sounds like drums, lead guitar, and bass. Short attacks are good for melodic parts like vocals and strings.
Using the Smashup 3 Output The [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the Smashup’s output. The Output control is useful for making up level that was lost during compression, or matching the input level of a mixer or recorder. The unity gain setting of the [OUTPUT] knob (the level where input level = output level when [THRESHOLD] is set to the maximum) is around the “12 o’clock” position.
3 Using the Smashup Type Select Switch The up/down [TYPE] rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the type of compression used by the Smashup. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current Type. The Smashup contains six different compression styles. Some are modeled after the operation of classic analog compressor/limiters, and others are totally unique. Each Type has its own unique sound and effect on the other controls, though the differences may be subtle at first.
Using the Smashup 3 De-Ess De-essing is commonly used to process voices where the “s” sound and other sibilants are too loud and distracting. By telling the compressor to be extra sensitive to a certain range of frequencies, the “s” sound can be almost completely removed from a voice. The ratio is 8:1 with a soft knee, but because the detector is listening most closely to 4.5 kHz, the resulting sound is still relatively transparent.
3 Using the Smashup Bypass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the output without any compression. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound of the source without any effect from the Smashup. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the compressor is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by the foot switch.
4 Sample Settings While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, we thought it would be a good idea to provide some sample settings of the Smashup to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Smashup so they’re at the positions shown, and press the rocker switches so each effect is in the mode shown by the LEDs. Feel free to modify these any way you want to suit your particular playing style.
4 Sample Settings Fat Try this on any instrument that needs a strong low end, especially basses and kick drums. Opto This duplicates the sound of optical compressors used in classic recordings (and today). This is equally useful on vocals and instruments. Pump When you want compression taken to its extreme, try this setting It’s compression as an effect, not a technique.
Sample Settings 4 Transparent This setting will provide consistent compression without calling attention to itself. Note that [ATTACK] has no effect, since [LOOK AHEAD] is on. Blank Fill in your own favorite settings here. Photocopy the next page if you need more space.
4 Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates 36
5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Smashup, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance. Symptoms No audio outputs. Cause No input audio (SIGNAL LED doesn’t flash). Bad cables. Destination is turned down.
5 Troubleshooting Symptoms AC hum 38 Cause Ground loop Solution Place all equipment in the studio on a common ground (see next page)
Troubleshooting 5 Avoiding ground loop noise In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computer chip inside, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment "sees" two or more different paths to ground.
5 Troubleshooting 4. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially in unbalanced circuits. If the basic experiments don’t uncover the source of the problem, consult your dealer or technician trained in proper studio grounding techniques. In some cases, a "star grounding" scheme must be used, with the mixer at the center of the star providing the shield ground on telescoping shields, which do NOT connect to the chassis ground of other equipment in the system.
Troubleshooting 5 Care and Maintenance Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the Smashup’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a nonabrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409™ or Fantastik™. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit.
5 Troubleshooting Obtaining repair service Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make sure you’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, contact Alesis and request the Product Support department. Make sure you have the unit’s serial number with you. Talk the problem over with one of our technicians; if necessary, you will be given a return order (RO) number and instructions on how to return the unit.
Specifications Audio Input Input Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacks Maximum Input Level: +10 dBV Nominal Level: -10 dBV Input Impedance: 470kΩ Input Converter Resolution: 24-bit, 48 kHz sampling All measurements done over a 22Hz – 22kHz range with a 1kHz sine wave at -1dBFS input. Impedances are measured at 1kHz.
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Index amplifier, 20 Attack, 16, 24, 28 BYPASS, 16, 32 with foot switch, 32 cables, 21 Classic, 24, 30 clipping, 29 compression defined, 23 compression ratio, 30 defined, 24 De-Ess, 31 digital converters, 32, 43 digital signal processing, 4 DSP, 43 Fat, 31 feedback, 26 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 32 Ground Loop, 39 grounding, 7 guitar, 18 hard knee/soft knee, 30 Hums and buzzes, 39 INPUTS, 15 INPUTS and OUTPUTS, 16 Insert Cables, 19 knee, 24 levels, 21, 26 Look Ahead, 16, 24, 28 mixing console hookup, 20 ModFX, 4, 22
Warranty / Contact Alesis Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser and cannot be transferred or assigned. For the most effective service, the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.
Warranty/Contact Information Alesis Contact Information Alesis Studio Electronics Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Website: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com Alesis Smashup Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Dan Tinen Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.