Reference Manual
This page intentionally left blank 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 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.
Table of Contents Introduction....................................................................3 Welcome! .........................................................................................................3 About the Phlngr............................................................................4 Important features of your Phlngr..............................................................4 Phlngr Key Features .....................................................................................
Table Of Contents Reset Mod........................................................................................................34 Tap Tempo......................................................................................................35 Bypass...............................................................................................................36 Using the Foot Switch ...................................................................................36 Sample Settings...................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Phlngr 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 Phlngr Your new Phlngr is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a stereo flanger effect with modulation controls. Each box in the line provides a different set of sound effects and signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each other.
Introduction Phlngr Key Features • • • • • • • • • High-quality stereo flanging effect with configurable modulation settings Tempo synchronization for flange speed keeps effects modulation in time with the music Tap Tempo makes it easy to set the Phlngr’s speed by tapping a beat on the top panel Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs Reset Mod lets you reset the phase of any modulation shape from its beginning Stereo processing via four 1/4” un
Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Phlngr. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this Chapter 1: Quick Start.
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.
Important Safety Instructions This page intentionally left blank.
1 Quick Start Guide If you can’t wait to get started The Alesis Phlngr is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other effects units in most respects. If you're experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a "shorthand" guide for those who want to start using the Phlngr right away. If you have questions about any of the features, don’t worry – later chapters will unveil the mysteries of the Phlngr's special features. If you're new to signal processing...
1 Quick Start Guide A quick overview of the controls TYPE The TYPE switch selects the kind of flanging effect, as shown by the LEDs next to the switch. TYPE affects the flanging tone, as well as the stereo output routing. See page 32. Reset Mod Restarts the flanger from the beginning of its cycle. Generates a trigger in TRIGGERED mode, or changes the pattern in PATTERN mode. MODULATION SELECT switch selects the type of wave used to modulate the flanger.
2 Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your Phlngr 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 Phlngr for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • • • Phlngr 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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source and/or the system will be stereo or mono. The Phlngr is great for taking a mono source and making it into a complex, layered stereo signal, or it can take a stereo signal and flange each side separately.
Connections 2 Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: Most recording consoles have a jack 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 Phlngr as a channel insert, you will need an insert cable (not included). Ring: Insert return Tip: Insert send Sleeve: Insert Ground Insert SEND: To ModFX INPUT Insert RETURN: From ModFX OUTPUT This cable splits the TRS insert jack into two unbalanced mono connectors.
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 Phlngr 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 Phlngr.
Connections 2 Connecting to the Effect Send/Return of a mixing console: Since the ModFX boxes don’t have a wet/dry mix control, they’re designed more for in-line processing than the send/receive kind of processing typically used for reverb units. However, plugging the Phlngr into a mixer’s effect send/return loop will allow you to flange a mix of several instruments, from any mixer channel that has its effect send raised.
2 Connections Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier: The insert send on a guitar or bass amp is usually labeled "effects send and return" or "insert send and return". This allows you to preamplify your instrument before flanging it and sending it to the power amp. Most guitar amps are single channel, so connect a single insert cable from the amp to the LEFT INPUT and LEFT OUTPUT of the Phlngr. Some amps have separate “effect send” and “effect return” jacks; for these, use standard cables.
Connections 2 Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Phlngr 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 Phlngr can accept (about +12 dBu) even when its trim is at minimum.
2 Connections Using the ModLink The Phlngr 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 Phlngr This section defines flanging, and explains the functions of the Phlngr’s controls in greater detail. A little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of your gear...it’s really pretty simple.
3 Using the Phlngr How the controls work inside the flanger Picture it this way: there’s a block of audio in delay memory several milliseconds long, always being loaded with new audio from the input jacks. A “pointer” picks up this audio at some particular point in the delay for playback.
Using the Phlngr 3 What is Tempo Sync? Flanging occurs over time. Sometimes, you’ll want the rate of the effect to match the beat of your music instead of being random. For example, you can set the rate so that the flange effect completes each cycle once per measure, or to a vibrato-like effect that happens in sixteenth notes.
3 Using the Phlngr Description of Controls Rate The [RATE] knob changes the flanging modulation speed. In normal modulation modes (TEMPO SYNC LED off), turning the [RATE] knob alters the rate continuously from very slow to very fast. Turn the knob clockwise for a faster speed, counterclockwise for a classically-slow sweep.
Using the Phlngr 3 Center The [CENTER] knob changes the center frequency of the Phlngr’s effect. Its effect varies depending on the mode and speed, but in pitch terms, when the [CENTER] knob is at the 12 o’clock position, you’ll hear the pitch oscillates up and down from the center frequency. When it’s turned full counter-clockwise, it oscillates only in one direction, and at full clockwise it oscillates only in the other direction.
3 Using the Phlngr Modulation Select Switch The up/down rocker switch on the right side of the unit selects the modulation source for the flanger. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are five kinds of modulation available, explained below. The rocker switch also selects TEMPO SYNC mode, as explained earlier. Triangle This mode uses a triangle wave for the flanging effect.
Using the Phlngr 3 Uncertainty This mode randomly generates a continually altering waveform for the flange modulation, changing direction at various points during the cycle. Pattern This mode randomly generates a 16-step sequence to modulate the flange and repeats it over and over. Instead of gliding through the frequency range, Pattern mode sometimes makes the flanger jump quickly from step to step, while other levels “glide” from step to step.
3 Using the Phlngr TYPE Rocker Switch The up/down rocker switch on the left side of the unit selects the Phlngr’s flanging algorithm—in other words, the timbre and how its left and right signal paths relate to each other. The difference between several types is most dramatic when the OUTPUTS are connected in stereo, although the TYPE switch will have an audible effect even in mono systems. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode.
Using the Phlngr 3 Through Zero This mode delays the input signal to better simulate tape flanging. When flanging was done using two tape machines, it was possible for one to be behind the other, catch up and then go past the other. This is called “passing through zero”, the “zero” point being when both signals were in perfect sync. As the flange passes close to zero, there’s a point where the sound almost vanishes completely as the two signals are out of phase.
3 Using the Phlngr Reset Mod Press this button to reset the phase of the flanger modulation source as follows: • In TRIANGLE, HYPER TRI, and UNCERTAINTY modes, press [RESET MOD] to start the wave from the beginning of its phase. The “starting point” of the wave in digital memory is determined by the setting of the [CENTER] control • In TRIGGERED mode press this button to generate a trigger for the modulation (momentarily flanging across the memory, then stopping).
Using the Phlngr 3 Tap Tempo This button affects the speed of the effect whenever the [MODULATION] switch is set to a TEMPO SYNC mode. At any time you can tap this button along with the music to set a new tempo. The Tap Tempo light will flash at the current tempo. Tap Tempo technique For a reliable tempo setting, make from four to eight taps in a row at a consistent speed, especially if you’re changing the tempo drastically. Watch the flashing of the light to see the current tempo of the Phlngr.
3 Using the Phlngr Bypass This button sends the signal directly from the input to the output without any effect. Press [BYPASS] to check the sound of the source without any effect from the Phlngr. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, the flanging effect is off. The Bypass function can also be activated by a footswitch.
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 Phlngr to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Phlngr 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. Pattern Phlng Flanges a complex pattern in time with the rhythmic input.
4 Sample Settings Dual Jets Another interesting setting for stereo headphones; the left and right sides will seem to follow each other at varying distances. Zero Effect Tap half notes in to this patch, and the flange will cycle once every two measures. Turn the [RATE] control clockwise to make it cycle every measure; at “12 o’clock” it will cycle every half note. Supersonic This is flanging taken to its extreme, duplicating the long, slow sweep first used in classic recordings of the 1960’s.
Sample Settings 4 Twang With REGEN set to maximum, it will sound like plucking a big rubber band each time you play a trigger. Press [RESET MOD] for a manual pluck. Blank Fill in your own favorite settings here. Photocopy the next page if you need more space.
4 Sample Settings Blank Settings Templates 40
5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Phlngr, 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 42 Cause Problem with the source Ground loop Solution Try bypassing the Phlngr by connecting the input cables to the output cables and see if the problem remains.
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 Phlngr’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.
6 Specifications This page intentionally left blank.
Index amplifier, 21 ASYNC STEREO, 26, 32 BYPASS, 16, 35 with foot switch, 35 cables, 22 CENTER, 16, 29 effect on RESET MOD, 34 CONTRARY STEREO, 26, 32 Deep Mono, 33 DEPTH, 16, 28 interaction with RATE, 29 digital converters, 4, 35, 47 doppler effect, 29 DSP, 4, 47 Effect Send/Return, 20 feedback controlled by REGEN knob, 29 Flanging defined, 25 stereo, 26 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 35 Ground Loop, 43 grounding, 7 guitar, 18 Hums and buzzes, 43 Hyper Tri, 30 INPUTS, 15 INPUTS and OUTPUTS, 16 Insert Cables, 18 levels,
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 Phlngr Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Alex Souppa & 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.
