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Table Of Contents Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................. 3 About the Spitfire..................................................................... 4 Spitfire Basics .......................................................................... 5 How to Use This Manual ......................................................... 7 Chapter 2: Hookup Diagram ......................................
Table Of Contents Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................. 3 About the Spitfire..................................................................... 4 Spitfire Basics .......................................................................... 5 How to Use This Manual ......................................................... 7 Chapter 2: Hookup Diagram ......................................
1 Introduction 1 About the Spitfire Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Spitfire a part of your setup. 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 music equipment available to everyone, and this user manual is an important part of that.
1 Introduction 1 About the Spitfire Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Spitfire a part of your setup. 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 music equipment available to everyone, and this user manual is an important part of that.
Introduction 1 1 Spitfire Basics Introduction Parameters A parameter is a control that changes the characteristics of an effect. When we use the word “parameter,” we are referring to the “direct control” parameter available to the DIST, FX1, FX2 and FX3 modules. DIST’s parameter is called DRIVE, and the parameters for FX1, FX2 and FX3 are labeled PARAM. The characteristic controlled by a parameter varies from effect to effect.
Introduction 1 1 Spitfire Basics Introduction Parameters A parameter is a control that changes the characteristics of an effect. When we use the word “parameter,” we are referring to the “direct control” parameter available to the DIST, FX1, FX2 and FX3 modules. DIST’s parameter is called DRIVE, and the parameters for FX1, FX2 and FX3 are labeled PARAM. The characteristic controlled by a parameter varies from effect to effect.
Introduction 1 1 This page intentionally left blank How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Spitfire. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, if you already have general knowledge about guitar amplifiers and effects, you should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this.
Introduction 1 1 This page intentionally left blank How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the Spitfire. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, if you already have general knowledge about guitar amplifiers and effects, you should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this.
2 Hookup Diagram 2 The first thing we’ll show you is how to get your Spitfire up and running. The following diagram shows you the most common method of hooking up your Spitfire, but you certainly aren’t limited to the devices you see here. For example, you may want to connect a tape player to the AUX inputs instead of a CD player. And you can even use the Spitfire to amplify keyboards or other instruments.
2 Hookup Diagram 2 The first thing we’ll show you is how to get your Spitfire up and running. The following diagram shows you the most common method of hooking up your Spitfire, but you certainly aren’t limited to the devices you see here. For example, you may want to connect a tape player to the AUX inputs instead of a CD player. And you can even use the Spitfire to amplify keyboards or other instruments.
3 A Tour of the Spitfire 3 The diagrams in this section illustrate the features you’ll find on the Spitfire’s front and rear panels. The text that follows the diagrams explains those features. Input Plug in your guitar here using a guitar patch cord. You can also plug in another amplifier’s line output in order to create a stereo link with that amplifier (refer to chapter 9 for details). You should use a 1/4” tip-sleeve (TS) cable.
3 A Tour of the Spitfire 3 The diagrams in this section illustrate the features you’ll find on the Spitfire’s front and rear panels. The text that follows the diagrams explains those features. Input Plug in your guitar here using a guitar patch cord. You can also plug in another amplifier’s line output in order to create a stereo link with that amplifier (refer to chapter 9 for details). You should use a 1/4” tip-sleeve (TS) cable.
A Tour of the Spitfire 3 3 A Tour of the Spitfire EFFECT Knob BASS Knob (Spitfire 60 only) The EFFECT knob is used for selecting effect modules, parameters and other settings to edit. Around the knob, you’ll see the names of sixteen different settings, including nine effect modules, four effect parameters (DRIVE and the three PARAMs) and two programlevel settings (LEVEL and ROUTE). The PLAY setting is what you’ll want to be in while playing your guitar through the Spitfire.
A Tour of the Spitfire 3 3 A Tour of the Spitfire EFFECT Knob BASS Knob (Spitfire 60 only) The EFFECT knob is used for selecting effect modules, parameters and other settings to edit. Around the knob, you’ll see the names of sixteen different settings, including nine effect modules, four effect parameters (DRIVE and the three PARAMs) and two programlevel settings (LEVEL and ROUTE). The PLAY setting is what you’ll want to be in while playing your guitar through the Spitfire.
A Tour of the Spitfire 3 3 accepts a 1/4” plug. Expression pedals may be purchased at your local Alesis dealer. Rear Panel All three Spitfire models offer the rear-panel features described here: Fuse FOOTSWITCH UP/DOWN INPUTS Power Cord A Tour of the Spitfire AUX (Auxiliary) INPUT AUX INPUT EXPRESSION PEDAL INPUT The AUX INPUT allows you to play along with your favorite songs! Just connect this RCA input to the output from your CD player, tape player or some other external audio device.
A Tour of the Spitfire 3 3 accepts a 1/4” plug. Expression pedals may be purchased at your local Alesis dealer. Rear Panel All three Spitfire models offer the rear-panel features described here: Fuse FOOTSWITCH UP/DOWN INPUTS Power Cord A Tour of the Spitfire AUX (Auxiliary) INPUT AUX INPUT EXPRESSION PEDAL INPUT The AUX INPUT allows you to play along with your favorite songs! Just connect this RCA input to the output from your CD player, tape player or some other external audio device.
4 Selecting Programs 4 After you’ve plugged everything in, you’ll probably want to check out the factory presets we programmed into the Spitfire. This chapter shows you how to do that. This page intentionally left blank To Select Programs 1. Make sure the Spitfire is hooked up properly and turned on, as outlined in chapter 2. 2. Make sure you’re in PLAY mode (turn the EFFECT knob to PLAY). 3.
4 Selecting Programs 4 After you’ve plugged everything in, you’ll probably want to check out the factory presets we programmed into the Spitfire. This chapter shows you how to do that. This page intentionally left blank To Select Programs 1. Make sure the Spitfire is hooked up properly and turned on, as outlined in chapter 2. 2. Make sure you’re in PLAY mode (turn the EFFECT knob to PLAY). 3.
5 Editing Programs 5 This page intentionally left blank To Edit a Selected Program 1. Select a program to edit using the Program Up and Down buttons, the VALUE knob or the optional footswitches. 2. Turn the EFFECT knob to the effect module or parameter you wish to modify. 3. Turn the VALUE knob to select an effect type or value for the module. As soon as you change the value, the EDITED decimal point on the display lights up to show you a change has been made to the current program. 4.
5 Editing Programs 5 This page intentionally left blank To Edit a Selected Program 1. Select a program to edit using the Program Up and Down buttons, the VALUE knob or the optional footswitches. 2. Turn the EFFECT knob to the effect module or parameter you wish to modify. 3. Turn the VALUE knob to select an effect type or value for the module. As soon as you change the value, the EDITED decimal point on the display lights up to show you a change has been made to the current program. 4.
6 Storing & Copying Programs 6 Storing & Copying Programs Arranging Programs for Performance To Store a Program 1. In PLAY or EDIT mode, press the VALUE knob. The display will flash the current program number. 2. Use the Program Up and Down buttons, VALUE knob or the optional footswitches to select the program number where the current program will be stored. If you want to save it in the same program number, you can skip this step. 3.
6 Storing & Copying Programs 6 Storing & Copying Programs Arranging Programs for Performance To Store a Program 1. In PLAY or EDIT mode, press the VALUE knob. The display will flash the current program number. 2. Use the Program Up and Down buttons, VALUE knob or the optional footswitches to select the program number where the current program will be stored. If you want to save it in the same program number, you can skip this step. 3.
7 Using the Tuner 7 Visual Guide to Tuning To Tune Your Guitar 1. Using the Tuner Low In Play mode, enter BYPASS or MUTE mode by pressing the Program Up and Down buttons at the same time once (for BYPASS) or by holding them both down for more than half a second (for MUTE). The display will now show tuning information. In tune High Here are the 12 possible pitches (a decimal point indicates a sharp): The bottom four segments rotate counterclockwise if pitch is low.
7 Using the Tuner 7 Visual Guide to Tuning To Tune Your Guitar 1. Using the Tuner Low In Play mode, enter BYPASS or MUTE mode by pressing the Program Up and Down buttons at the same time once (for BYPASS) or by holding them both down for more than half a second (for MUTE). The display will now show tuning information. In tune High Here are the 12 possible pitches (a decimal point indicates a sharp): The bottom four segments rotate counterclockwise if pitch is low.
8 Deferred Program Change When you switch programs, the Spitfire normally changes immediately to the program shown on the display. However, in some situations—especially when playing live—you may want the ability to scroll through program numbers while remaining in the current program setting. For example, let’s say you’re soloing in a program that gives you strong distortion and fat chorus.
8 Deferred Program Change When you switch programs, the Spitfire normally changes immediately to the program shown on the display. However, in some situations—especially when playing live—you may want the ability to scroll through program numbers while remaining in the current program setting. For example, let’s say you’re soloing in a program that gives you strong distortion and fat chorus.
9 Stereo-Linking Two Amplifiers 9 To take full advantage of the Spitfire’s stereo capability, you can link it to another amplifier to create a true stereo setup. This section explains how to do that. This page intentionally left blank To Stereo-Link Two Amplifiers 1. Place the Spitfire and the auxiliary amplifier far enough apart to allow for a decent stereo spectrum. A few feet should be sufficient. 2. Make sure both amplifiers are turned off and that your guitar is connected to the Spitfire. 3.
9 Stereo-Linking Two Amplifiers 9 To take full advantage of the Spitfire’s stereo capability, you can link it to another amplifier to create a true stereo setup. This section explains how to do that. This page intentionally left blank To Stereo-Link Two Amplifiers 1. Place the Spitfire and the auxiliary amplifier far enough apart to allow for a decent stereo spectrum. A few feet should be sufficient. 2. Make sure both amplifiers are turned off and that your guitar is connected to the Spitfire. 3.
10 EFFECT Knob Settings 10 Following are descriptions of each of the effect modules (and other settings of the EFFECT knob), along with their effect types and parameters. EFFECT Knob Settings DIST (Distortion) This setting adds that universal effect that was first used in rock music decades ago and now has become a staple for guitarists in many genres. PLAY Acoustic Emulates the sound of an acoustic guitar. In this setting the display shows you the current program number.
10 EFFECT Knob Settings 10 Following are descriptions of each of the effect modules (and other settings of the EFFECT knob), along with their effect types and parameters. EFFECT Knob Settings DIST (Distortion) This setting adds that universal effect that was first used in rock music decades ago and now has become a staple for guitarists in many genres. PLAY Acoustic Emulates the sound of an acoustic guitar. In this setting the display shows you the current program number.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings DRIVE Noise Reduction (Right digit of display) This is a parameter of the DIST module. Increasing levels of gate threshold. Increasing levels of drive/gain for the DIST module. Turns off noise reduction. Pedal control of the drive/gain. CAB (Cabinet Simulator) EQ (Equalizer) This module allows your Spitfire to emulate cabinet setups of various sizes.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings DRIVE Noise Reduction (Right digit of display) This is a parameter of the DIST module. Increasing levels of gate threshold. Increasing levels of drive/gain for the DIST module. Turns off noise reduction. Pedal control of the drive/gain. CAB (Cabinet Simulator) EQ (Equalizer) This module allows your Spitfire to emulate cabinet setups of various sizes.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Pedal-Controlled Phaser A phaser effect with its feedback controlled by the expression pedal. Flanger Shifts the pitch of the signal up and down, creating a swirling effect. Higher values result in longer delay. Tremolo Varies the volume of the signal, creating a rising and falling effect. Higher values result in greater depth of variation. Pedal-Controlled Flanger A flanger with its delay controlled by the expression pedal.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Pedal-Controlled Phaser A phaser effect with its feedback controlled by the expression pedal. Flanger Shifts the pitch of the signal up and down, creating a swirling effect. Higher values result in longer delay. Tremolo Varies the volume of the signal, creating a rising and falling effect. Higher values result in greater depth of variation. Pedal-Controlled Flanger A flanger with its delay controlled by the expression pedal.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings PARAM (Direct-Control Parameter for FX1) PARAM (Direct-Control Parameter for FX2) This parameter modifies the operation of the effect selected for the FX1 module. Changing between effect types with dissimilar value ranges will scale this value accordingly. For example, if you set Phaser to PARAM=63 and then switch to the Auto Wah effect, its PARAM value will be 12. Changing back to Phaser will result in a PARAM value of 63.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings PARAM (Direct-Control Parameter for FX1) PARAM (Direct-Control Parameter for FX2) This parameter modifies the operation of the effect selected for the FX1 module. Changing between effect types with dissimilar value ranges will scale this value accordingly. For example, if you set Phaser to PARAM=63 and then switch to the Auto Wah effect, its PARAM value will be 12. Changing back to Phaser will result in a PARAM value of 63.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Pedal Stereo Delay A Stereo Delay effect for which the feedback level is controlled by the expression pedal. Chorus – same as in FX1. Echo An echo for which higher values indicate a wetter signal and lower values indicate a drier signal. Flanger – same as in FX1. Pedal Echo An echo for which the wet/dry mix is controlled by the expression pedal. Rotary Speaker – same as in FX1. Pedal Chorus – same as in FX1. Pedal-Controlled Flanger – same as in FX1.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Pedal Stereo Delay A Stereo Delay effect for which the feedback level is controlled by the expression pedal. Chorus – same as in FX1. Echo An echo for which higher values indicate a wetter signal and lower values indicate a drier signal. Flanger – same as in FX1. Pedal Echo An echo for which the wet/dry mix is controlled by the expression pedal. Rotary Speaker – same as in FX1. Pedal Chorus – same as in FX1. Pedal-Controlled Flanger – same as in FX1.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Indicates that the expression pedal controls the parameter. ROUTE Indicates FX3 is off. In this position, the display indicates the current signal-routing order of the FX modules. This ordering can have a big effect on your sound, as each effect in the configuration feeds into the next. Whatever the configuration, the LEVEL setting always comes last in line.
EFFECT Knob Settings 10 10 EFFECT Knob Settings Indicates that the expression pedal controls the parameter. ROUTE Indicates FX3 is off. In this position, the display indicates the current signal-routing order of the FX modules. This ordering can have a big effect on your sound, as each effect in the configuration feeds into the next. Whatever the configuration, the LEVEL setting always comes last in line.
11 Troubleshooting Symptoms Spitfire does not function (no display or audio). 11 Cause Unit not plugged in. Solution Make sure the power cord is plugged into a proper AC outlet. Fuse is blown. Replace fuse with one that matches the criteria listed on the rear panel. Input level too high. Reduce instrument output level. Output level too high. Turn down master volume. Incorrect input/output connections. Refer to chapters 2 and 3 for details on which types of cords to use.
11 Troubleshooting Symptoms Spitfire does not function (no display or audio). 11 Cause Unit not plugged in. Solution Make sure the power cord is plugged into a proper AC outlet. Fuse is blown. Replace fuse with one that matches the criteria listed on the rear panel. Input level too high. Reduce instrument output level. Output level too high. Turn down master volume. Incorrect input/output connections. Refer to chapters 2 and 3 for details on which types of cords to use.
12 Specifications Output Power Rating SpitFire 15: SpitFire 30: SpitFire 60: 12 Stereo Link Output Output Connector: Output Impedance: Max Output Level: Destination Impedance: 15W RMS Mono in 8Ω 30W RMS Mono in 8Ω 60W RMS Mono in 8Ω Internal Speaker Size/Power SpitFire 15: 8” Driver / 18W RMS SpitFire 30: 10” Driver / 34W RMS SpitFire 60: 12” Driver / 70W RMS Internal Speaker Max Output SpitFire 15: 105dBSPL @ 1m SpitFire 30: 111dBSPL @ 1m SpitFire 60: 115dBSPL @ 1m FootSwitch Inputs Connector: Impeda
12 Specifications Output Power Rating SpitFire 15: SpitFire 30: SpitFire 60: 12 Stereo Link Output Output Connector: Output Impedance: Max Output Level: Destination Impedance: 15W RMS Mono in 8Ω 30W RMS Mono in 8Ω 60W RMS Mono in 8Ω Internal Speaker Size/Power SpitFire 15: 8” Driver / 18W RMS SpitFire 30: 10” Driver / 34W RMS SpitFire 60: 12” Driver / 70W RMS Internal Speaker Max Output SpitFire 15: 105dBSPL @ 1m SpitFire 30: 111dBSPL @ 1m SpitFire 60: 115dBSPL @ 1m FootSwitch Inputs Connector: Impeda
13 Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, USA E-mail: Website: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com Spitfire User Manual Version 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann Copyright 2003, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice.
13 Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, USA E-mail: Website: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com Spitfire User Manual Version 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann Copyright 2003, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Specifications subject to change without notice.
