User Manual - livelooping
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1. Mixer Ur The airFX can add great filter effects to a synthesizer In the diagram above we demonstrate how the Left and Right outputs of the synthesizer are connected to the inputs of the airFX then the stereo outputs of the airFX are connected to two inputs of a mixer Synthesizer The outputs of a synthesizer are usually 1 4 jacks which means that you ll need to purchase an adapter cable to use the airFX The best choice is a cable with RCA phono jacks on one side and 1 4 jacks on the other Your Alesis dealer will almost certainly carry these cables AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 19 Connections Chapter 2 Connecting to a Studio Mixer airFX E 8 ve Ass OF o DO 00 COO noO airFX Line In o CTT GJA B oe airFX Line Out Channel group or leie main inserts Sec onal ana eon weg DEE ore on Ti r o o m z een T Eeer 7 to o ef gt a The best method of connecting the airFX to a mixing console or multitracker is to use the channel inserts You ll need two insert splitter cables with a TRS stereo 1 4 connector on one side splitting to two RCA connectors on the other Note this is NOT a Y cord the ring is connected to one RCA and the tip to the other Insert2. airFX Amplifier Speakers This section explains how to connect the airFX into a DJ system The first point to mention is that the output of a turntable is not at line level Therefore unlike a CD player you can t just connect the output of the turntable into the airFX You need to connect the turntable to a phono preamp then connect this output to the airFX In a DJ system the preamp is usually built into a mixer In the diagram above we first connect the two turntables into the mixer We then plug the Left and Right outputs of the mixer into the airFX making sure that these are not speaker level outputs Next plug the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Left and Right inputs of your power amplifier If your amplifier is built into the mixer make sure you don t plug those speaker level outputs into the inputs of the airFX The voltage levels needed to drive large DJ speakers will distort and possibly damage the airFX If the amplifier is built into the mixer there may be a main insert in the mixer designed for an EQ If so plug the Left and Right Insert Sends into the inputs of the airFX and the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Insert Returns With the setups above you will hear the effect of the airFX on everything that comes out of your mixer If you have a separate preamp for your turntable or if you are using a CD player you may AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 17 Connections Chapter 2 wan
3. an independent distributor warranty in the country of sale Do not return products to the factory unless you have been given specific instructions to do so Internet Address Important information and advice is available on our web site http www alesis com Email may be addressed to Support alesis com AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 27 Program Chart PROGRAM CHART a record player slows it down then stops the music 1 Pies h vocoder effect that fades Synth i between noise and synth Pitch Noise tones Balance Vinylizer Feed your tunes through this scratchy record player surface through bandpass Range filter peaks M M ix i ix Frankenstein s Random tones to accompany Pitch Speed ix Lab our next experiment Range ix ix es CD u Lu Ol sound like it s been thrown Filter Filter Amount out of a moving bus Kenneth s Like it s being beamed from Sasa Frequency the killer satellites that Speed follow you around Eor on Tete SY effects Decimator Digital distortion that Alias ae sounds like you re chewing Filter Rate on sand EE E filtered distortion Lowpass sounds great on drums Frequenc Reducer The X axis sensor reads your hand position from left to right The Y axis sensor reads your hand position from the front to the back of the unit The Z axis sensor reads how close your hand is to the sensor up and down 28 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Program Chart TT lensing out the mix thinning out
4. Range 102 8 dB A weighted Signal to Noise Ratio 102 4dB A weighted THD N 0 0065 Frequency Response 20 20000Hz 0 2 0 dB Sampling Frequency 44 1KHz Converter Resolution 24bit ADC and DAC Processor Resolution 28bit All measurements done over a 20Hz 22 000Hz range with 1KHz sine wave at Full Scale except for the dynamic range which was done with a 60dBFS 1KHz sine wave AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 33
5. airFX Can t change Software problem Unplug the airFX and programs plug it back in No effect Hold feature is If there is a decimal turned on point between the numbers hold the Program knob until it goes away Not close enough to Try moving your hand the Axyz sensor closer to the sensor or effect too subtle switching to a different program Care and Maintenance 26 Cleaning Disconnect the AC cord then use a damp cloth to clean the airFX 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 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 Refer All Servicing to Alesis We believe that the airFX is one of the best processors that can be made using current technology and should provide years of trouble free use However should problems occur DO NOT attempt to service the unit yourself Service on this product should be performed only by qualified technicians NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE 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 AIRFX REFE
6. away and you can use the Axyz controller again to modify the sound 24 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 4 Troubleshooting CHAPTER 4 TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your airFX please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance Symptom Cause Solution No audio from No input audio Try one of the outputs programs that don t require input 42 49 or check the source Bad cables Replace the cables Destination is turned Check the connections down and the level of the mixer or amp that the airFX is connected to Power is not connected Time for a coffee break Buzz from outputs Cables are crossing a power cable Make sure that the airFX and its audio cables are kept away from power cables other power transformers and wall warts Bad cables Replace the cable with a new high quality cable Problem with the source Try bypassing the airFX by connecting the input cables to the output cables and see if the problem remains AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 25 Troubleshooting Symptom Cause Solution Axyz controller is not Infrared interference Shade the airFX from as sensitive as it rare IR sources should be Too much If a fog machine or interference from cigarette smoke is smoke nearby try moving the
7. for Phono or Record Player This hookup method also works with self powered speaker systems instead of a stereo receiver If the CD doesn t have line level RCA outputs The instructions above are fine for home or professional CD Players However most portable CD players don t have a pair of RCA outputs like component CD players do Instead they have a 1 8 Mini jack This is usually labeled Line Out If your CD Player doesn t have a Line Out then use the Headphone output and set the Volume to about 80 or less to avoid distorting the airFX Many portable CD players include a cable with a 1 8 mini jack on one side and a pair of RCA connectors on the other You will need to locate or purchase this cable to use a portable CD player with the airFX Plug the RCA connectors on this cable into the Left and Right Inputs of the airFX You should be able to use these instructions to connect a game console DVD player or video camera through the airFX Although the speaker outputs of many compact stereo systems use an RCA connector between the main outputs and the speakers speaker level voltages like these will distort and possibly damage the airFX 16 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 2 Connections Connecting into a DJ System Turntable Out Turntable Out Phono In1 Phono In2 Line Out airFX Line In airFX Line Out Amp Line Inputs Amp Speaker Outputs
8. makes the dancefloor get dizz ut 69 Lu Qo GI ffan the music with your Panner hand it doesn t get much cooler Kill the music with a wave WR of the hand try it with applause for an ego boost C Freq It Pitch shifter to change your Pitch voice or someone else s up down Pitch Pitch transposer goes up or Pitch Transporter down an octave Munchkin up down power fo O 5 a e 7 Another pitch transposer Pitch Bender this one goes up or down 4 up down steps 8 Waterbed Vibrato effect for everything Rate from a subtle shake to a sickening wobble E speaker effect it makes the room spin 0 Centrifuge Another rotating speaker Speed Radius great for keyboards and guitars 41 Bottom Feeder Bass synthesizer adds punch Speed High Low Horn and mass to any mix Crossover Radius Q Depth O A AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 31 Program Chart SBR pot Een fe scratching Chicka chicka Ee Spouse Landscape ou up nights hand down faster for a louder sound and clap on the left Keep away from breakdancers Ofer E faster for a louder sound 7 Jungle Rip Bass synth slide faster hit gets a higher pitch pee ate bullets fl Frequenc 49 Sci Fi Theatre Spooky synth tone for 50 s Sci Fi movies N Qo 32 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Specifications SPECIFICATIONS I O Stereo RCA in and out Nominal Input Voltage 10dBu Max Input Voltage 11 96dBu 4 34Vpp Dynamic
9. the mix TT Pperect fr synth an perfect for synths and bass Snake Bite Highpass filter sucks all the bass out for icy sweeps pee OW rags in de ih the wags in time with the music Smoke Like 13 but with a Frequency highpass filter for a thinner sound 15 AutoWah This wah is triggered by the music level tempo control 6 Formented Sounds like the music is Mouth Mouth Mix coming out of someone s position position mouth great on a full mix 7 Streetsweeper Crazy filters that change Frequency Frequency Mis frequency and panning when you wave right to left TT keeps ie with the musi keeps time with the music 19 Killswitch Notch filter adds a narrow Notch sweep to the mix Width AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 29 Program Chart fra edie feedback like wasabi for guitars Stun negative feedback amazing metallic stereo effects eo plays in time with the music Tempo 24 oe Trippy stereo Deg makes El Geh ou see oe pters level of the music give it a heavy beat to pla with to the 70s eee pads and drums for when a sound must be Delay Frequency completely obliterated KT keeps going and going Flange slope 30 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Program Chart 0 Strobe Gate Stuttering tremolo effect that Duty Cycle Tempo keeps time with the music Nervous A tremolo effect it rapidly Rate Depth changes the volume up and down 2 Psychic Pan Autopannerinsynctothe Panning Rate Mix beat too much
10. CONTENTS Important Safety Instruction EE EE EEEREER EE EEER EE EE KEE EE epereen 9 Safety symbols used in this pGroduct cece eeeneeneaeeeeeeeeeenenesnaaeaeeees 5 Instructions de S curit Importantes Prench ccc cece entree tees ee ee anes J Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise German 9 CE Declaration of Confort 10 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE USER FCC compliance cccccccc ccc ccc sete ee eeeees 11 Quick Start e TT TEE E Step l HOOK Deeg eech 13 Step 2 Selecta Progra ener e oeie dened sede hansacenge dahl S ede enue sercanececss dl Rian AE 13 Step 3 Have tunes EE 13 CONNECTIONS 22 0022ssnnesssnnssnsnnesnennssnenesssnnessnnnessensesensessenssssnnesssnness TD Unpacking and Inspectton cece cece E e cece EEA ae eens cece enna ae EREA 15 Basic Connections isoa ri reen ineen aT er Rana AORA Ata PASAT OANE ETO EEEE conebetescsonbeeeabepend sees 15 Connecting between a CD Player and a Stereo Receiver ccccecseeeeeeeeees 16 Connecting into a DJ Systemsin eie ei Ear aaa EEE E 17 Mounting on a Microphone Gtand cece ee cece ee eeene a seeeeeeeeeeel 18 Connecting to a Synthesizer istrese seise ap ness o aasa erence ene 19 Connecting to a Studio Mixer cece eee cece eee R a AE REEE ERKE 20 Mono Operation WEE 20 Performance 0 0sssesesssnsessnnessennessnnsessnnesssnnesnennesnensssnenesssnnessses 21 Selecting a Progra seniorer i eiee egene Maw eigene bd Sege 21 Using th
11. RENCE MANUAL Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 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 All units must be shipped prepaid and COD shipments will not be accepted For prompt service indicate the RO number on the shipping label Units without an RO will not be accepted If you do not have the original packing ship the unit in a sturdy carton with shock absorbing materials such as Styrofoam pellets the kind without CFCs please or bubble pack surrounding the unit Shipping damage caused by inadequate packing is not covered by the Alesis warranty Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary as well as instructions on where you want the product returned Alesis will pay for standard one way shipping back to you on any repair covered under the terms of this warranty Next day service is available for a surcharge Field repairs are not authorized during the warranty period and repair attempts by unqualified personnel may invalidate the warranty Customers outside the USA and Canada Contact your local Alesis distributor for any warranty assistance The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada Customers outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be covered by
12. e take the time to do so now Basic Connections The airFX is designed to function with a wide range of equipment from CD players to musical instruments The only requirement is that the input and output be line level for the technically minded unbalanced 10 dBu This means that you never want to plug the powered output of an amplifier or receiver into the airFX These speaker level voltages will fry the electronics inside of the airFX The systems on the next few pages will give you some examples of typical systems where the airFX is used If you can t apply one of these systems to your own setup contact Alesis or your dealer for assistance AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 15 Connections Chapter 2 Connecting between a CD Player and a Stereo Receiver Receiver CD Player Receiver CD In airFX Line Out airFX Line In CD Line Out The above system allows you to hear the effect of the airFX on a CD through any stereo system Using one of the supplied stereo RCA phono cables plug the Left and Right outputs of your CD player into the Left and Right Inputs of the airFX Usually the white connector is connected to the left side and the red connector is connected to the right side Next using the other stereo RCA cable plug the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Left and Right CD inputs of your receiver Actually any unused inputs on the receiver should work except
13. e Axyz Controller orisii eraran an danai ii eae ee a SeA erie ERE ETE Aa 22 Effect Holde Airein ren e eE catgut isis OELE EEEE EEE vise ate EE EE ERR eE 23 Etfect BY passers eo iiine E ATES ENEA E EEEE eeh E E E ANETA 24 Troubleshooting 1 sssessssseensseeesssnessseesseenesseenesseeessseeesseeeees 2D Troubleshooting Idex sevrer tea hts sues dec pha saes bese CSa ESS ies CEES EEE EE OENE 25 C re and Maintenance israe raea aA r E E odie A E a aE a ae E E Aaa aE AEE 26 CleaiD gi een a e ou naa A E a bust E E ES R hi bes ale 26 Obtaining Kegel 26 Program Chart s s2125225225 ee Cas let 99 Alesis Limited Ware ant ee EEEEEEEE ERR EEEEE ERR EEEEE KEE KREE eer uer ven DO AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 3 Introduction Safety Instructions FRONT PANEL Axyz Controller Program Knob LED Display REAR PANEL RCA Outputs RCA Inputs Power Jack 12 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 1 Quick Start Guide CHAPTER 1 Quick START GuIDE This page gives you brief instructions so that you can start using the airFX right away If you have questions about any of the steps don t worry the following chapters will expand on these instructions with mind numbing detail Step 1 Hook it up Pull the airFX out of the package and plug it into the wall with the supplied Power Supply Connect the Left and Right output of a CD player into the Left and Right
14. he programs don t use the Y axis but most use all three You should hear an effect when your hand gets within 6 15 cm of the Axyz controller For a list of what each axis does to the sound see the Program Chart which came with your unit Note that ambient light can affect the sensitivity of the Axyz controller Make sure that you don t sit the airFX right next to a light source or in the sun or you may notice that you need to move your hand closer to hear an effect You may also notice this if a large light is pointed directly at the airFX when you are on stage AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 3 Performance Effect Hold The airFX has a function that allows you to freeze the current effect from the airFX without needing to hold your hand in place This function is called Hold To use the Hold function 1 Recall a program as described in the previous section There should be no decimal points showing in the display J IL Note that there are no decimal points in the display showing that the effect is loaded and operational 2 Move your hand around the Axyz controller stopping your hand position when you find an effect that you want to freeze 3 Press and hold the Program knob for about one second A decimal point should appear in the display between the first and second number of the program a lL A decimal point has appeared between the first and second digits of the program number showing that
15. inputs of the airFX Connect the Left and Right outputs of the airFX into the Left and Right CD Inputs of a stereo receiver Select CD as the input on the receiver Receiver airFX CD Player Receiver CD In airFX Line Out airFX Line In CD Line Out Step 2 Select a Program Turn the Program Select knob and select a Program between 00 and 49 When you ve found one you like press the knob down to select it There is a list of program names printed on the bottom of the unit Step 3 Have fun Press play on your CD player and move your hand over the black Axyz dome on the unit Try moving from side to side front to back as well as up and down Get down AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 13 Quick Start Guide Chapter 1 14 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 2 Connections CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS Unpacking and Inspection Your Alesis airFX was carefully packed at the factory and 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 your processor for servicing The shipping carton should contain the following items airFX Processor Two stereo phono to phono cables This instruction manual Program Chart Power Supply Alesis model P3 Alesis Warranty card It is important to register your purchase if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis pleas
16. nob on the bottom left side of the airFX to select a program number The new program will not load right away allowing you to keep using one program while you find another IL l I Notice that there is a decimal point after the program number to indicate that it hasn t been loaded yet 2 Briefly press the Program knob to load this new program I IL The decimal point goes away showing that the program has been loaded AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 21 Performance Chapter 3 Using the Axy2 Controller 22 The airFX is the first Alesis product to use the groundbreaking Axyz controller This controller allows you to use your hand to control the sound of your music in a way never before possible The Axyz controller works by sending a beam of invisible infrared light out of the top of the unit There are sensors all around the dome which see the light when it is reflected back By moving your hand around the dome you reflect the light to different sensors and this changes the sound of the effect There are three sets of sensors in the Axyz controller they are known as the X axis Y axis and Z axis The X axis sensor reads your hand position from left to right The Y axis sensor reads your hand position from the front to the back of the unit The Z axis sensor reads how close your hand is to the sensor up and down Tip When playing the airFX make sure to move your hand in all three directions Some of t
17. t to connect the airFX to one of the inputs to your mixer while the other plays unaffected To do this connect the outputs of your preamp or CD player into the inputs of the airFX Then connect the outputs of the airFX into the inputs of your mixer Now you can mix between the effected mix from one source to the uneffected source on another Mounting on a Microphone Stand The bottom of the airFX features a threaded socket for a standard microphone stand This allows the unit to be mounted away from the area where the other equipment is so that unintended movements won t be picked up by the Axyz controller When mounting on a stand avoid tipover by e Using a stand with a heavy base e Tying the input output and power cables to the stand in several places especially near the base so if someone pulls on the cord it pulls on the base Using cords that are long enough 18 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 2 Connections Connecting to a Synthesizer Powered Monitor Powered Monitor Monitor Line In Monitor Line In Mixer Channel Inputs Mixer Monitor Outs 000000000000 888 299900900000 000 oo 0000 000 000000000000 ee EIER 000000000000 00000000000 airFX Line Out airFX Line In 000000000000 000000000000 Synth Line Out ALESIS H II 56 EE Paanta ff Wo e eco oe ase
18. the 1 4 stereo plug into the mixer s channel insert connect the send plug to the airFX s Input and the return to the airFX s output You can also use the main inserts if your mixer has them to use the airFX on the entire mix or on a group insert if you want to effect multiple channels at once but not the entire mix Aux send return Note that in most cases you won t connect the airFX to an effects send and return of a mixer the way that many reverbs or other effect devices are This is because when the effect is off the airFX still sends the dry signal to its outputs This may cause phase cancellation or other unwanted effects if the aux return is mixed back with the original Mono Operation If your source does not have stereo outputs you can use only one side of the airFX Plug the mono output of your source into the Left input of the airFX then connect the Left output of the airFX to the destination If the destination is stereo you may need a Y cable to split the one RCA jack into two RCA jacks 20 AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL Chapter 3 Performance CHAPTER 3 PERFORMANCE Selecting a Program The Alesis airFX contains 50 programs for adding a variety of new effects to the incoming signal There is a list of program names printed on the bottom of the unit and you should have received a program chart with the unit that describes each program Selecting a new program is simple 1 Turn the program k
19. the Hold function is set 4 Move your hand away from the Axyz controller Notice that the effect continues as if your hand was still there 5 To turn off the hold function and resume normal operation press the Program knob one more time The decimal point should go away and you can use the Axyz controller again to modify the sound AIRFX REFERENCE MANUAL 23 Performance Chapter 3 Effect Bypass The effect Hold function can also be used as a Bypass This function turns off the Axyz controller so that the effect is not accidentally triggered To use the Bypass function 1 Recall a program as described in the previous section There should be no decimal points showing in the display J IL Note that there are no decimal points in the display showing that the effect is loaded and operational 2 Move your hand away from the Axyz controller making sure that the airFX isn t affecting the sound 3 Press and hold the Program knob for one second A decimal point should appear in the display between the first and second number of the program A decimal point has appeared between the first and second digits of the program number showing that the Bypass Hold function is set 4 The Axyz controller should now have no effect so moving your hand towards the Axyz dome should not change the sound 5 To turn off the hold function and resume normal operation press the Program knob one more time The decimal point should go
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