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 Bitrman.........................................................................4 Important features of your Bitrman...........................................................4 Bitrman Key Features....................................................................................
Table Of Contents Bypass...............................................................................................................33 Using the Foot Switch ...................................................................................33 Sample Settings.............................................................35 Troubleshooting............................................................39 Troubleshooting Index................................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Bitrman 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 Bitrman Your new Bitrman is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit combines a compressor, a distortion effect, a dual phasor, plus one of six different “Bitrness” effects. The “Bitrness” effects are a comb filter, a decimator, a bit reducer, a frequency modulator, a ring modulator, and a frequency shifter.
Introduction Bitrman Key Features • • • • • • • • • • • • Four simultaneous digital effects in one box, each with its own separate control: compression, distortion, dual phasor, and “Bitrness” Six different “Bitrness” modes provide unique tone-bending effects: comb filter, decimator, bit reducer, FM (frequency modulation), ring modulation, and frequency shift Effects can be configured in six different orders Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling with complicated menus or “hidden” kno
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 Bitrman. 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 Bitrman 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 Bitrman right away. If you have questions about any of the features, don’t worry – later chapters will unveil the mysteries of the Bitrman's special features. If you're new to signal processing...
1 Quick Start Guide A quick overview of the controls CONFIGURE switch This chooses the order of the four internal effects, as shown by the LEDs next to the switch. See page 32. DISTORT (2) adds distortion and “crunch” to the signal. Turn clockwise for more distortion, counter-clockwise for less. BITRNESS MODE switch selects one of the six kinds of Bitrness effects, as shown by the LEDs next to the switch. DUAL PHASOR (3) adjusts the phasor’s speed. Turn counterclockwise to turn off.
2 Connections Unpacking and Inspection Your Bitrman 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 Bitrman for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: • Bitrman 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 Bitrman will work in many different applications, whether you are connecting an instrument directly into it, or routing signals to it from a mixing console. But since the Bitrman is a stereo effect unit, it’s important to know whether the source will be stereo or mono. Mono In, Mono or Stereo Out If you’re connecting a guitar or bass directly to the Bitrman, hook it up this way: 1. Connect a 1/4" phone cord to the [L/MONO INPUT] of the Bitrman from a mono source.
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 Bitrman 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 Bitrman 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 Bitrman.
Connections 2 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 processing 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 [L/MONO INPUT] and [LEFT OUTPUT] of the Bitrman.
2 Connections Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs: If you are connecting the Bitrman 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 Bitrman can accept (about +12 dBu) even when its trim is at minimum.
Connections 2 Using the ModLink The Bitrman 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.
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3 Using the Bitrman This section will explain how the effects work, and explains the functions of the Bitrman’s controls in greater detail. About multieffects Think of the Bitrman as being four different effect boxes in one. If you hooked up separate “stomp boxes” with cables, you’d find that the same four boxes will produce radically different sounds when they’re connected in different orders.
3 Using the Bitrman About the effects What is Compression? Compression makes things sound louder and more sustained. It reduces the difference between loud sounds and soft sounds. When it “hears” a soft sound, it increases the gain. When it “hears” a loud peak, it instantly lowers the gain. It’s an automatic volume control, with a constant “hand on the fader” regulating the output level faster than any real engineer could. Compression is used in the recording of almost every vocal, guitar, and bass.
Using the Bitrman 3 Bitrness Effects Because of the unique digital signal processing used inside the Bitrman, Alesis engineers were able to include a family of effects that take effects processing to a whole new level. These effects process the input in unique, striking ways that have to be heard to be understood. So, we put them under the common control [BITRNESS], and you can select any of these following effects using the Bitrness rocker switch.
3 Using the Bitrman What is Bit Reduction? The BIT REDUCER is an extreme combination of limiting and distortion that’s not for wimps. By intentionally reducing the digital resolution (or word length) of the signal, distortion and noise increase, and dynamic range decreases. At high settings of the [BITRNESS] knob, as the input signal fades, the noise in the signal will become more apparent, so watch out! This is the ultimate low-rez effect.
Using the Bitrman 3 What is Ring Modulation? Ring Modulation was first used in modular synthesizers. Ring modulation happens when two signals are multiplied by each other, creating sum and difference frequencies that aren’t in the original source. The resulting sound is sort of like an electronic tubular bell, noise, or metal bars being hit, depending on the difference between the two frequencies.
3 Using the Bitrman Description of Controls Compress [1] Turn the [COMPRESS] control clockwise for more compression. At high settings, you’ll get a lot of sustain, but less dynamic range. When the control’s all the way up, you’ll find that soft and loud inputs both come out at almost the same loudness. Depending on the input signal, you may also hear an increase in noise; but this is normal for all compressor/limiters with high output gain.
Using the Bitrman 3 BITRNESS select switch The up/down rocker switch above the [BITRNESS] knob on the right side of the unit selects the type of Bitrness effect. The LEDs next to the switch light up to indicate the current mode. There are six kinds of Bitrness effects available, explained previously. CONFIGURE switch As explained on page 25, this switch controls the order of the four effects of the Bitrman, from input to output.
3 Using the Bitrman About the six configurations When the top CONFIGURE LED is lit, the effects are in the same order they’re in on the top panel, from left to right. This compresses the signal before distorting it. Compressor Distort Phasor Bitrness The second configuration (B 3 2 1) puts the effects in reverse order, with the compressor last in the chain. This typically gives a smoother sound if the DISTORT control is high.
Using the Bitrman 3 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 Bitrman. When the red BYPASS LED is lit, all effects are off. Bypass can also be activated by the foot switch.
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4 Sample Settings While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, here are some sample settings for the Bitrman to help get you started. Simply set the knobs on your Bitrman 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. Decimator Simple decimation with compression for a full sound.
4 Sample Settings Twin Distortion This combines compression with distortion and bit reduction to get a nasty distortion. Bell Worship The frequency shifting here makes inharmonic bell sounds from the input. Metallic FM Here, the frequency modulation generates inharmonic frequencies.
Sample Settings 4 Hollowgram The comb filter makes it sound like you are listening through a hollow tube and the phasor gives it some motion. Blank Fill in your own favorite settings here. Photocopy the next page if you need more space.
4 Sample Settings Blank settings templates 38
5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your Bitrman, 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 40 Cause Problem with the source Ground loop Solution Try bypassing the Bit rman by connecting the input cables to the output cables and see if the problem remains. 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 Bitrman’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, 21 BIT REDUCER, 28, 30 BITRNESS, 16, 27, 30 order in configurations, 31 quantized in BIT REDUCER, 28 switch, 16, 31 BYPASS, 16, 33 with foot switch, 33 cables, 22 COMB filter, 27, 30 COMPRESS, 16, 30 Compression, 26 configurations, 25, 32 CONFIGURE switch, 16, 25, 31 DECIMATOR, 27, 30 digital, 28 digital converters, 33, 45 DISTORT, 16, 30 Distortion, 26 DSP, 45 DUAL PHASOR, 16, 26, 30 Effect Send/Return, 20 FM, 28, 30 FOOT SWITCH, 16, 33 FREQ SHIFT, 29, 30 Ground Loop, 41 grounding, 7 gui
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 Bitrman Reference Manual Version 1.0 by Alex Souppa & Dan Tinen Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. 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.