Lexicon Recording Studio Musical Instrument User Manual
Contents
1. Edt Project Audo MIDI Pod Transport Devices Window Help _ 2 7 4 Inthe Track 1 window Record Enable button should already be red If it isn t click it so that it turns red T Edt Project Audo MIDI Pool Devices Window Heb e x Js Emmy En mno e J cs JE e 22 Recording Using the Microphone Line Input 5 In the Track 1 window click the Input Monitoring button so that it is not lit Cu Edt Project Audo MIDI Pool Transport Devices Window Help rn 0 059002972 s Te f TD 7 6 ign mi Recording Using the Microphone Line Input lexicon To check the input level from the microphone or Line Input If you are using a mic and have connected the Alpha Studio to studio monitors turn them down or off to avoid feedback If you want to hear the audio source in headphones turn up the Alpha Studio Output Level knob and turn the Monitor Mix knob counter clockwise towards the Direct side Press the Monitor Assign button so it is i2. lexicon INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio The Alpha Studio is a complete package of hardware and software that turns your USB equipped computer into a professional multitrack recording workstation Whether you use it for h or for multitrack overdu igh quality stereo location recording with a laptop computer bbing and mixing in a home studio desktop system the Alpha Studio hardware provides the professional quality inputs and outputs metering and level controls that comp iter sound cards or built in audio connections lack So you can make full use of the Alpha Studio right away we ve included the popular Steinberg Cubase LE LE offers integrated mul production suite software for PC and Mac computers Cubase ti track recording editing and mixing of up to 48 audio tracks 64 MIDI tracks VST Instruments support VST plug in effects support and an array of additional features Lexicon s Pantheon VST reverb plug in is a major feature of the Alpha Studio package p roviding the lush Lexicon reverbs that have been used on pro fessional recordings for over thirty years Alternatively the Lexicon Alpha Studio may be used as an interface with almost any other major audio recording software you may have such as Steinberg Nuendo Cubase SX MOTU Digital Performer Garage Band Cakewalk Sonar and many others FEATURES THE ALPHA D
3. sens 7 Because this is an insert effect move the Mix slider to 50 see the Pantheon manual for more details 8 Change the level to about 52dB Now you will record with the Lexicon Pantheon Reverb on your track 30 Adjusting the Buffer Settings SECTION IlI ADJUSTING THE BUFFER SETTINGS Audio latency is the minimum time required for a computer to store recorded audio from an audio interface into the recording application memory and playback that same recorded audio back out audio interface output After the audio has been converted to the digital domain it is passed to a buffer before it is processed by the driver and then passed to the audio application An audio buf fer is a reserved segment of memory used to hold this advance portion of audio data to compensate for momentary delays in processing The size of an audio buffer is the maximum number of samples the buffer can hold For sound coming from the computer there is an output buffer before the digital to analog conversion Buffering introduces latency since a buffer needs to fill up by a certain amount before the data can continue along the chain The buffers in Cubase LE were automatically set at a safe setting for your computer when you installed the software If you are using Input Monitoring you may wish to adjust the amount of buffering to
4. Cubase LE File Edit Project Audio MIDI Pool Transport Devices Window Help New Project Ctri N Open Close Ctrl Save Ctrl S Save As Ctrl Shift 5 Save Project to New Folder Save as Template Import FxnnrF 19 Recording Using the Microphone Line Input 3 Select Default and click OK 20 Empty 16 Track MIDI Sequenzer 24 Track Audio Recorder Default Music for picture NTSC Music for picture PAL Stereo Mastering Setup C RewPrRd 7 E Set Project Folder 89 423 Application Data C3 Cookies amp c Desktop O Eubase projects Cj Audio Images Recording Using the Microphone Line Input To set the input of the track to record 1 Click anywhere in the gray area not on the buttons of the Track 1 window labeled as Audio 01 Fie Edt Project Audo MIDI Pool Transport Devices Window 2 Click the Show Inspector button 00 located the upper left corner of screen The Inspector window appears on the left side of the screen Recording Using the Microphone Line Input lexicon 3 Inthe Inspector click the IN box and select IN 1 or IN 2 for the track input source IN 1 relates to Line 1 Inst IN 2 relates to Line 2 Mic inputs
5. February 2 2006 Your local Lexicon Professional Sales and Service Office or European Contact Harman Music Group 8760 S Sandy Pkwy Sandy UT 84070 USA Ph 801 566 8800 Fax 801 568 7583 Service Info Warranty lexicon SERVICE INFO If you require technical support contact Lexicon Professional Customer Service Be prepared to accurately describe the problem Know the serial number of your unit found on a sticker attached to the bottom of the Alpha Studio If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in please do so now Before you return a product to the factory for service we recommend you refer to the manual Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures If you are still unable to solve a problem contact our Customer Service Department at 801 568 7660 for consultation If you need to return a product to the factory for service you MUST contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return Authorization Number Please refer to the Warranty information on the follow ing page which extends to the first end user After expiration of the warranty reason able charge will be made for parts labor and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility In all cases you are responsible for transportation charges to t
6. Line In 1 2 Mic 1 Input Ya Left Right Line Outputs 2 CONNECTING TO THE ALPHA STUDIO 13 MONITORING CONNECTIONS eere eene 13 Connecting Headphones creen 3 Connecting to Monitor Speakers nns 3 Connecting RCA Ouptuts for Monitoring to a Home 3 ABOUT RECORDING CONNECTIONS eren 14 To Connect a Microphone stent 4 To Connect Line Level Source x i itte becas 4 Ado Connect an SMUE t sinninum 4 MIXDOWN CONNECTIONS erret Connecting to an External Recorder x Mixing Within Gubase DE ecosistema p epis WINDOWS SOFTWARE SETUP eere entente 16 Windows XP 6 Table of Contents USING THE LEXICON ALPHA STUDIO 18 Section I Recording Audio With the Alpha Studio 19 A Recording Using the Microphone Line Input s 19 B Recording a Guitar using the Instrument Input s 26 Section Using Software Input Monitoring 28 Section III Adjusting the Buffer Settings 31 A Adjusting the Buffers in Windows XP 31 Adjusting the Buffers in Mac OSX 32 SPECIFICATIONS 90909000000000000000000000000000000000000 34 SIGNAL ROUTING DIAGRAM 35 Introduction
7. amount of buffers assigned in the ASIO control panel See page 31 for more information about adjusting buffer settings 1 When using Cubase LE s input software monitoring with the Alpha Studio you will want to set the Monitor Mix knob all the way to the Playback side 2 Click the Input Monitoring e t button on the track you are recording to You will now be able to hear your input Now you can try assigning an effect on the input This example assigns a Pantheon reverb 3 Click the Track Edit button 28 OULPHA Using Software Input Monitoring 4 Clickon an Insert tdt Project Audo MIDI Poo Warepot Devices Window Heb n H 5102 Audio 01 e o Y 29 Using Software Input Monitoring lexicon 6 Choose Large Hall from the drop down menu at the top of the Pantheon Edit Window Sal al Concert Hal isi Choir Hl Echo Hall share Chanter vocal sap Large Chanber Soft chanter Vide Cramer Small ember Double Chamber Level Wide Vox Tied Room Bright Anbienee A Sight mbierce Ma Arbience Large iae Medun Fate Vocal Piste 1 1 1 I SmalPate 1
8. inputs Zine 2 Mic are routed to the right channel In Mono mode you ll hear all inputs in the center of the Direct Monitor Mix through the Headphone or Line outputs When the Monitor switch is in Mono it does not change the signals going to the com puter in any way they will still be separate and stereo in the computer MONITOR MIX The Alpha Studio gives you the ability to hear your analog input signals directly and immediately while recording without having to adjust levels in software and before the delay caused by digital converters and computer recording latency This zero laten cy analog monitoring is controlled by the Monitor Mix knob which you can use to adjust the blend between the Alpha Studio s live analog inputs called Direct and any audio coming back from the computer via USB Playback To adjust the play back mix coming back from the computer previous tracks effect returns etc use 10 The Front Panel the faders on the Mixer screen of the software To hear only the live source input sig nals plugged into the Alpha Studio turn the Monitor Mix knob fully left to Direct To hear only the mix from the computer turn the Monitor Mix knob fully right to Playback The output from the Monitor Mix control is routed directly to the Line and Headphone outputs This ability to easily control the relative levels of computer audio playback and latency free live analog inputs is very usefu
9. is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed fo rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped POWER ON OFF SWITCH For products provided with a power switch the power switch DOES NOT break the connection from the mains MAINS DISCONNECT The plug shall remain readily operable For rack mount or installation where plug is not accessible an al pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE Replace fuse with same type and rating only MULTIPLE INPUT VOLTAGE This equipment may require the use of a different line cord attachment plug or both depending on the available power source at installation Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent This Equipment is intended for rack mount use only IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity Operation is subject to the following two conditions
10. this device may not cause harmful interference and this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided use only shielded interconnecting cables U K MAINS PLUG WARNING A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS1362 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer s Name Lexicon Professional Manufacturers Address 8760 5 Sandy Pkwy Sandy UT 84070 USA Declares that the product Product name Lexicon Alpha Note Product name may be suffixed by the letters EU Product option None Conforms to the following Product Specifications Safety IEC 60065 2002 EMC EN 55013 2001 AT EN 55020 1998 Supplementary Information The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 72 23 EEC and the EMC Directive 89 336 EEC as amended by Directive 93 68 EEC Vice President of Engineering MI 8760 S Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 USA Date
11. ER THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUID AND NO OBJECT FILLED WITH LIQUID SUCH AS VASES SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER S INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS HEAT REGISTERS STOVES OR OTHER APPARATUS INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS THAT PRODUCE HEAT ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety If the provided plug does not fit your outlet consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus Use only with the cart stand tripod bracket or table specified by the manu facturer or sold with the apparatus When a cart is used use caution when moving the cart apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over e Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servicing
12. ESKTO PROVIDES THE FOLL P RECORDING STUDIO OWING e analog audio inputs e XLR mic input with extremely low noise preamp and 50 dB gain e 2 4 analog RF filtered TRS active balanced line inputs e 1 4 high impedance analog instrument input e 2 RCA outputs e 2 4 analog TRS active line outputs High powered headphone amplifier e 24 bit A D and D A converters supporting sample rates of 44 1 kHz and 48 kHz e Zero latency analog record monitoring with adjustable balance between Direct and Playback Signals e Stereo and Mono input source monitoring 100 USB Powered Unpacking the Alpha Studio UNPACKING THE ALPHA STUDIO The Alpha Studio is shipped in one carton containing the Alpha Studio Interface hardware Steinberg Cubase LE and Lexicon Pantheon plug in software for Windows and Macintosh based systems After unpacking save all the packaging materials in case you ever have to ship the unit Thoroughly inspect the Alpha Studio and packing materials for signs of damage Report any shipment damage to the carrier that delivered the product or dealer from whom you purchased the product at once THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE INCLUDED e Alpha desktop audio interface hardware e Installer CD ROM containing Cubase LE Recording Software USB drivers and the Lexicon Pantheon Reverb Plug in for Mac and Windows e USB Connector Cable e This Owners Manual e Lexicon Pantheo
13. NT INPUT This section explains how to record using the 4 Instrument input jack on the front panel 1 Plug your electric acoustic or bass guitar into the Instrument input jack on the front of the Alpha Studio hardware Instrument Instrument Jack Instrument input uses the same recording channel as the Line 1 input ything plugged into the 4 Line 1 input jack on the back of the Alpha Studio ill not be recorded when a cable is connected to the 4 Instrument input jack the front panel NOTE This jack is intended for electric guitar and bass or acoustic instrument pickups not line level signals such as the output of keyboards or a direct out from a guitar amplifier For those use the Line 1 2 input jacks on the back of the Alpha Studio hardware Press the Monitor Assign button between Line 2 Mic and Monitor Mix knobs so that it is in the Mono position Monitor Monitor Button Open Cubase LE go to File and select New Project Default and a project location See Section I for more information 26 Recording Guitar Using the Instrument Input To set the input of the track to record from the 1 2 USB channels 1 Click anywhere in the gray area not on the buttons of the Track 1 window labeled as Audio 01 2 In Inspector click the IN box and select IN 1 for the track input source 3 In the Track 1 window the Record Enable button sho
14. adjust their buffer sizes or options Should the current configuration be tested 7 TV Show This Alert Next Time exes 2 Cubase LE will display the following warning that the configuration has not Warning been tested Click OK The has not been tested could be unstable 3 Once Cubase LE opens go to Devices Window Help Devices gt Device Setup PDE es Plug in Information Reason Demo VST Inputs FS VST Instruments VST Master Effects F7 T Device Setup 4 Under Devices click on VS Multitrack and select Alpha ASIO if it is not already select I ed Click on Switch to select the driver then click OK You ve v ASIO Multimedia Driver are now ready to begin record mu ing using your Alpha Studio and Cubase Recording Audio with the Alpha Studio SECTION RECORDING AUDIO WITH THE ALPHA STUDIO The diagram below shows how the Alpha Studio 15 connected for this particular setup A RECORDING USING THE MICROPHONE LINE INPUT Keyboard Microphone _Line Int _ Mic Input Plug your microphone cable into the Mic Input XLR jack or line level audio source to the Line 1 4 jack on the back of the Alpha Studio To set up the software to record 1 Open Cubase LE 2 Click File and select New Project lt
15. changes in design or make addi tions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured 5 The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied and Lexicon Professional neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product In no event shall Lexicon Professional or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond its control nm mM oS Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 060000000000000000000000000000000000000000 8 FEATURES 8 UNPACKING THE ALPHA STUDIO Lesern 9 COMPUTER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 9 Windows Macintosh THE FRONT PANEL 5 162r terit eiecit eerta 10 Instrument Input Jack 10 In E E RE 0 Peak LEDS c Desde ud emet acad 0 Ibn AE 0 Monitor ASSI them mtn dapi 0 om 0 USB GED isis 1 Output Level Headphone Output Jack THE REAR 12 USB Port
16. colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows he core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the erminal in the plug marked with the letter E or with the earth symbol or coloured green or green and yellow he core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured black he core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured red This equipment may require the use of a different line cord attachment plug or both depending on the available power source at installation If the attachment plug needs to be changed refer servicing to qualified service personnel who should refer to the table below The green yellow wire shall be connected directly to the units chassis CONDUCTOR WIRE COLOH Normal Alt L LIVE BROWN BLACK N NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE E EARTH GND GREEN YEL GREEN WARNING If the ground is defeated certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS HEED ALL WARNINGS FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR WAT
17. he fac tory Lexicon Professional will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty Use the original packing material if it is available Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red DELICATE INSTRUMENT FRAGILE Insure the package properly Ship prepaid not collect Do not ship parcel post WARRANTY This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States 4 e warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed or line regisration must be completed at www lexiconpro com within 30 days after rchase date to validate this warranty Proof of purchase is considered to be the rden of the consumer exicon Professional warrants this product when bought and used solely within the U S to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service 3 Lexicon Professional s liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or at our discretion replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect provided the product is returned to Lexicon Professional WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of 1 year A Return Authorization number must be obtained from Lexicon Professional by telephone The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product s use in any circuit or assembly 4 Lexicon Professional reserves the right to make
18. l knob on the Alpha Studio until the meters on your record ing deck device consistently peak just below the OdBFS Full Scale mark without causing clipping going over the OdBFS mark To hear the mix through control room speakers connect the outputs of the recorder to the inputs of the control room amplifier or powered monitors Adjust the control room level using the output level of the recording deck or the input level of the control room amplifier or speakers MIXING WITHIN CUBASE LE You can mixdown directly within Cubase LE or other recording software and burn an audio CD from that mix provided your computer has a CD R drive Consult the Cubase LE online manual or documentation for your recording software for a complete description of mixing within the software 15 For the cleanest recording adjust the Gain so the Peak LED flashes only occasionally on the loudest part of the perfor mance DO NOT TURN DOWN A GAIN CONTROL TO GET THE RIGHT MIX IN YOUR HEADPHONES OR MONITORS WHILE RECORDING USE THE Monitor Mix CONTROL FOR THIS PURPOSE Connections Diagram lexicon CONNECTIONS DIAGRAM Powered Speakers Monitor Microphone RO line Qut L R Mixdown Deck line Inputs 1 2 PCor Mac Headphones 1 4 Instrument Cable WINDOWS SOFTWARE SETUP You must consult the Software Installation Guide on the included CD to ensure the
19. l when overdubbing USB LED When the blue USB LED is on it indicates the Alpha Studio is being powered by your computer and audio signals can pass in and out of the system OUTPUT LEVEL This knob controls the overall output level of the Alpha Studio s Line and Headphone outputs Ye HEADPHONE OUTPUT JACK The high powered Headphone output accommodates stereo headphones with an stereo plug The Rear Panel lexicon USB Port Mic Input RCA Left Right Line Outputs R Line In Line Out Line Out lexicon Line In 1 2 1 4 Left Right Line Outputs THE REAR PANEL The Alpha Studio rear panel offers the following features USB PORT The USB Port is used to connect the Alpha Studio to your computer and provides the Alpha Studio hardware with power A standard USB cable is included The Alpha Studio supports USB 2 0 full speed LINE IN 1 2 These 4 inputs can accept both balanced 3 conductor TRS and unbalanced 2 conductor TS line level audio sources The input gain is adjusted using the Line 1 Inst and Line2 Mic gain knobs on the front panel Note When a cable is connected to the Line 2 input the Mic input is disabled MIC INPUT This balanced XLR input features a high quality mic preamp designed specifically for low impedance professional dynamic and self powered condenser micro
20. lexicon Owner s Manual COMPLETE RECORDING SOLUTION IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION SHOCK ATTENTION RISQUEDECHOCELECTRIQUE NEPAS OUVRIR WARNING TOREDUCETHERISKOFFIREORELECTRIC SHOCKDONOTEXPOSETHISEQUIPMENTTORAINOR MOISTURE The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols hat warn of potential hazards with electrical products The ightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means hat there are dangerous voltages present within the unit The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner s manual These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit Do not open the unit Do not attempt to service the unit yourself Refer all servicing to qualified personnel Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer s warranty Do not get the unit wet If liquid is spilled on the unit shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD WARNING THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED CONNECT ONLY TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code GREEN and YELLOW Earth BLUE Neutral BROWN Live As
21. lick on Audio Buffer Size and select the Number of Samples 4 When you are finished click OK 32 Specifications lexicon SPECIFICATIONS Microphone Input Input Impedance GAIN EIN Maximum Input Level Frequency Response THD N Line Inputs Input Impedance Frequency Response THD N Instrument Input Input Impedance Frequency Response THD N Line Outputs Level Impedance Headphone Output Sample Rate Dynamic Range N D A 24 Bit Power Requirements Dimensions Weight Maximum Input Level Maximum Input Level Female XLR Pin 2 Hot 600 Ohms balanced 50 dB 115 dB A weighted 50dB gain 150 Ohm source impedance dBu 0 0 5 dB 20 Hz 20 kHz ref 1 kHz lt 005 20 Hz 20 kHz 2 1 4 TRS balanced or unbalanced 20 kOhm balanced 10 kOhm unbalanced 13 dBu 0 0 5 dB 20 Hz 20 kHz ref 1kHz lt 009 A D 20 Hz 20 kHz 1 1 4 mono jack 1 MOhm unbalanced 8 5 dBu 0 1 dB 20 Hz 20 kHz ref 1 kHz lt 0125 A D 2 1 4 TRS balanced or unbalanced 16 dBu maximum 1 KOhm Balanced 500 Ohm Unbalanced 1 1 8 stereo jack 20 mW per channel at 50 Ohms 44 1 kHz or 48 kHz determined by computer application A D 24 Bit 100 dB typical A weighted 20 Hz 20 kHz D A 24 Bit 100 dB typical A weighted 20 Hz 20 kHz 97 dB typical A weighted 20 Hz 20 kHz USB powered 67 x65x L5 1 13 Ibs Le
22. n ABOUT RECORDING CONNECTIONS Analog audio signals are created by microphones synthesizers mixers and instru ments with magnetic pickups Of these sources microphones and magnetic instrument pickups have the lowest output level and generally require the most amplification Keyboards preamps and mixers output line level audio which varies with each device between the 10 dBV and 4 dBu standards TO CONNECT A MICROPHONE Plug an XLR cable directly from a microphone into the Mic input on the Alpha Studio rear panel Only dynamic non powered or self powered condenser mics are accepted NOTE When using the Mic input DO NOT plug a cable into the Line In 2 input Inserting a cable into the Line In 2 input disconnects the mic input internally TO CONNECT A LINE LEVEL SOURCE Plug TS unbalanced or TRS balanced cable directly from the line level source into the desired Line In jack on the rear panel of Alpha Studio Line level sources include keyboards drum machines CD and cassette players or external microphone preamps and effects If the line level source has something other than outputs cable adapters can be used TO CONNECT AN INSTRUMENT Plug a standard 4 TS instrument cable directly from the instrument into the Instrument input jack on the front panel of Alpha Studio Note that this will disable the Line In 1 jack on the back panel Note Plugging cable into the Instrument input disconnect
23. n Reverb Plug in User s Guide e Lexicon Professional warranty registration NOTE The full Cubase LE manual is located online on the software CD COMPUTER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Powerful software for audio recording requires a powerful computer with the right operating system software processor memory and hard drive space Most computers currently sold already meet these requirements or can be upgraded to be compatible with the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio As with all such systems adding more RAM than the minimum will allow you to do more processing and improve perfor mance and more disk space will allow you to record more tracks for a longer time See the Alpha Studio Software Installation Guide and the Cubase LE manual on the software installation CD for more information WINDOWS e Pentium 500 MHz or AMD K7 processor or better Pentium 4 1 GHz or faster recommended e Windows XP Home or XP Professional 256 MB RAM 512 MB recommended 1 GB of available hard disk space e 7200RPM hard disk type or better MACINTOSH e Power PC G4 Processor 450 MHz or faster e OS X version 10 2 8 or higher e 256 MB RAM minimum 512MB recommended e 1 GB available hard disk space e 7200RPM hard disk type or better The Front Panel lexicon Line 1 Instrument Line 2 Microphone Monitor Mix Control Output Level Line Inst r Mix Outpuj Level Y Instrumen
24. n the Mono position This will let you hear output on both sides of your headphones when recording only one microphone or line level source Monitor Mix 1 Monitor Direct Playback Mono Monitor Button Playback Louder Input Softer Input Louder Playback Softer Monitor Mix Speak or sing into the microphone or play the line level source while gradually increasing the gain by turning up the Line 1 Inst or Line 2 Mic knob until you see the Peak LED light next to the Line 1 Inst or Line 2 Mlc knob only flash occasionally To start recording 1 Click the Record button on Cubase LE s Transport control 0002 01 03 058 fea Too T To gt Record Button Speak or play an instrument into the microphone or line input When you are finished recording press the Stop button 0002 01 03 058 J epee Stop Button Press Rewind and press the Play button to listen to the track you have just recorded 24 Recording Using the Microphone Line Input 00020103058 J and Play Buttons 5 Turn the Alpha Studio Output Level knob to adjust the listening volume and make sure the Monitor Mix knob is somewhere in the middle between Direct and Playback To overdub a second track 1 Click anywhere in the gray area not on the buttons of the Track 2 wind
25. ors using the 4 or RCA L R Line Out jacks on the rear panel or both The output level of both the L R Line Out jacks and the Headphone jack are controlled with the Output Level knob on the front panel Alpha Studio s 4 L R Line Outputs have a nominal output of 4dBu and support both balanced TRS or unbalanced 7 connections CONNECTING HEADPHONES 1 Connect headphones to the Headphone jack located on the front panel of the Alpha Studio The Headphone jack accepts an TRS connector 2 Adjust headphone volume with the Output Level knob CONNECTING TO MONITOR SPEAKERS 1 Using cables balanced TRS cables are recommended connect L R Line Out jacks on the rear panel of the Alpha Studio to the appropriate inputs on your mixer power amp or powered monitors 2 Adjust the Alpha Studio s output volume with the Output Level knob If using both headphones and monitor speakers adjust the level of the external power amp or speakers using their gain controls after you ve set the desired level in your head phones CONNECTING RCA OUTPUTS FOR MONITORING TO A HOME STEREO Connect the RCA Line Out 1 2 jacks on the rear panel of the Alpha Studio to the appropriate inputs on your stereo typically the Tape In or Aux In jacks using standard RCA cables Keep the Output Level knob on the Alpha Studio low at first raising it slowly to match the level of other units connected to the stereo About Recording Connections lexico
26. ow labeled as Audio 02 2 Inthe Inspector click the IN box and select IN 1 or IN 2 for Track 2 s input 7N 1 relates to Line 1 Inst inputs IN 2 relates to Line 2 Mic inputs 3 Inthe Track 2 window the Record Enable button should already be red If it isn t click it so that it turns red 4 Inthe Track 2 window click the Input Monitoring button 50 that it is not lit To set monitor levels for a comfortable listening level 1 On the front of the Alpha Studio hardware locate the Monitor Mix knob Monitor Mix i lt Direct Playback Input Louder Playback Louder Playback Softer Input Softer Monitor Mix 2 While playing back the recording adjust the Monitor Mix knob to balance the levels between direct input signal and recording playback To make the direct input louder than the recording playback in the headphones turn the Monitor Mix knob towards the Direct side To make the recorded track louder turn the Monitor Mix knob towards the Playback side NOTE Changing the Monitor Mix does not affect the recording level only what you hear while recording You can also adjust the playback level and pan position of the original track in your monitor by adjusting the controls for Track 1 within Cubase LE s Mixer window 3 Click on Record and record the second overdubbed track 35 Recording Guitar Using the Instrument Input lexicon B RECORDING A GUITAR USING THE INSTRUME
27. phones The input gain is adjusted using the Line 2 Mic gain knob on the front panel with 50 dB of gain at the maximum setting Note When a cable is connected to the Instrument input on the front panel the Line 1 input is disabled Ya LEFT RIGHT LINE OUTPUTS These outputs support balanced TRS or unbalanced TS connections These outputs can be connected to a mixing board power amplifier powered studio monitors recorder or another line level input RCA LEFT RIGHT LINE OUTPUTS These outputs support RCA connections These outputs can be connected to a mixing board power amplifier powered studio monitors recorder or another line level input COLLPHA Connecting to the Alpha Studio CONNECTING TO THE ALPHA STUDIO The Alpha Studio is both a 2 x 2 x 2 mixer and a USB audio interface that can be used in a variety of audio setups This section describes how to make basic connections for the following applications e Monitoring Audio e Recording Audio Connecting a Recorder for Mixdown MONITORING CONNECTIONS The Alpha Studio allows you to monitor audio from both the hardware inputs Direct and from the computer Playback Use the Monitor Mix control to balance between the direct audio and playback audio from your computer For a complete description of the Monitor Mix control see page 10 You can listen to monitor the audio through either the 4 Headphone jack on the front panel through studio monit
28. reduce this latency or perceived delay in the input vs output of audio Lowering the buffers will lower the amount of latency when using Input Monitoring Setting the buffers too low will result in unwanted digital artifacts such as popping or crackling and possibly audio dropout The faster the computer Hard Disk and CPU the lower you will be able to adjust the buffer setting without negatively impacting the audio For more information consult the Cubase online documentation A ADJUSTING THE BUFFERS IN WINDOWS XP x Alpha Stream Reliability Build info Alpha 32bit 510 Bit Depth 24 zi Sample Rate 44100 CPU Less CPU Cancel 7 7 1 Open Cubase LE and go to Devices gt Device Setup 2 Click on VST Multitrack 3 Click the Control Panel button You will now see the ASIO control panel The Adjusting the Buffer Settings lexicon top slider is the buffer size this number gets multiplied by the bottom slider labeled Number of Buffers 4 When you are finished adjusting the buffer size click the OK button and return to your project to test the results B ADJUSTING THE BUFFERS IN MAC OSX Device Setup 64 Samples fer Size 128 Samples 192 Samples 384 Samples 512 Samples 768 Samples 1024 Samples hein Reset _ Reset All Camel _ 1 Open Cubase LE and go to Devices gt Device Setup 2 Click on VST Multitrack 3 C
29. s the Line In 1 input Plugging a cable into the Line In 2 input disconnects the Mic input Mixdown Connections MIXDOWN CONNECTIONS After you record and mix your sessions in either Cubase LE or other recording software you may want to mix them down to a DAT audio cassette or other stereo 2 track recording device line Out L R Tv Al O Headphones TEX oo 020 0 Mixdown Deck CONNECTING TO AN EXTERNAL RECORDER Connect either the RCA or 4 Line Out L R jacks on the back of the Alpha Studio to the left and right inputs respectively on your recorder cassette deck CD burner or other recorder with analog inputs Refer to your recorder s operator s manual for more information about setting recording levels If you are connecting to an analog mixdown deck such as a cassette recorder start with the Output Level knob on the Alpha Studio at about the 12 o clock straight position and the recorder s input level also at or near 12 o clock Adjust the Output Level knob on the Alpha Studio until the meters on your recording deck read consistently between 0dB to 4dB raising the input level control on the recorder if necessary If you are connecting to a digital recorder such as a DAT or CD recorder set the input level s on the recording device all the way open to their maximum setting and then adjust the Output Leve
30. successful installation of the recording software and USB drivers If you haven t already installed the Cubase LE and Lexicon Pantheon plug in software please do so before continuing on to the next section Follow the on screen instructions to install the USB drivers WINDOWS XP You must install the USB drivers after you ve made the connection between your computer s USB port and the USB port of the Alpha Studio OLLPHA Macintosh Software Setup MACINTOSH SOFTWARE SETUP You must consult the Software Installation Guide on the included CD to ensure the successful installation of the recording software and USB setup If you haven t already installed the Cubase LE and Lexicon Pantheon plug in software please do so before continuing on to the next section MAC OS A USB device must initialize itself with the host computer to operate correctly The simplest way to avoid problems is to connect the Alpha Studio to the USB port after the computer is booted EU Using the Lexicone Alpha Studio lexicon USING THE LEXICON ALPHA STUDIO 1 Start Cubase LE The first time you use ASIO Multimedia Cubase LE with the Alpha Studio The oe ASIONNE colpa was vetoed t you may be asked to run the Multimedia pecans oan test as shown here Deselect the check box E rates 3 If the test fails you will have to either select fewer simultaneous then click NO aud input and output pal or
31. t 1 4 Instrument Input Jack For the cleanest recording adjust the Gain so the Peak LED flashes only occasionally on the loudest part of the perfor mance DO NOT TURN DOWN A GAIN CONTROL TO GET THE RIGHT MIX IN YOUR HEADPHONES OR MONITORS WHILE RECORDING USE THE Monitor Mix CONTROL FOR THIS PURPOSE T Peak LEDs Monitor Assign 1 8 Headphone Output Jack THE FRONT PANEL The Alpha Studio front panel offers the following features V4 INSTRUMENT INPUT JACK This 4 jack accepts unbalanced low level high impedance instrument sources such as electric guitar acoustic guitar with a pickup and electric bass The input gain is adjusted using the Line 1 Inst knob on the front panel When an instrument is plugged into this input it disables the Line 1 audio input on the rear panel LINE 1 INST This knob adjusts the Line 1 and Instrument Input gain PEAK LEDS These LEDs light when the input signal is within 5dB of analog clipping If the Peak LEDs flicker occasionally the signal is approaching clipping levels but does not neces sarily indicate distortion or actual clipping LINE 2 MIC This knob adjusts the Line 2 and Mic Input gain MONITOR ASSIGN This button selects whether a pair of analog audio sources will be heard in stereo or mono in the Direct Monitor Mix In Stereo mode the left inputs Zire Inst are rout ed to the left channel and right
32. uld already be red If it isn t click it so that it turns red 4 In the Track 1 window click the Input Monitoring button 28 so that it is not lit 5 Next adjust the input gain of the Instrument input To set the input level strum the guitar while gradually turning up the Line 1 knob until the Peak LED lights only occasionally with the loudest signals 6 To begin recording click the Record button on the Transport control Play some chords or notes on the guitar When you are finished recording click Stop then Rewind 0002 01 03 058 J 0002 01 03 058 J ranimar Record Button J 5 0002 01 03 058 J 208 C Rewind Button 7 Click Play button to listen to the track you have just recorded 0002 01 03 058 J Play Button J E Using Software Input Monitoring lexicon SECTION II USING SOFTWARE INPUT MONITORING The previous examples have turned off Cubase LE s Input Monitoring software switches while recording tracks and used the Monitor Mix knob on the front of the Alpha Studio hardware to directly monitor an input without latency Software monitoring lets you listen to software based effects in real time and adjust the monitor mix indepen dently of the recording levels but also introduces some latency delay into the input signal The amount of latency depends on the
33. xicon engineers are constantly working to improve the quality of our products Specifications are therefore subject to change without notice 34 Lexicone Alpha Studio Signal Routing Diagram OLLPHA yore 5 papasu yore sj e qeo e seu 2 eur ejqeo e seu jueuinajsu 21 sejgesip eur sajqesip Z 9017 xx yndu 3ueuinjjsu s uoydpe H Q O vm wy VOU e imo ve1vou e noun ino ver t t JojluojJ eur jndino 2901 eur _Juewngsuy 19 7 35 eur weibeig jeubis eudiy 35 exicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio Harman Music Group Questions or comments 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy Utah 84070 U S A Email us at customer lexiconpro com Phone 801 566 8800 Fax 801 566 7005 or visit our World Wide Web home page at wwwJexiconpro com Copyright 2006 Lexicon Professionale H A Harman International Company Part Number 18 0346 A
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