Alesis ModFX Specifications

Reference Manual

Important Safety Instructions811. Use only attachments or accessories specified by themanufacturer.12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table

Important Safety Instructions9CE Declaration Of ConformitySee our website at:http://www.alesis.comFCC Compliance StatementThis device complies with Pa

Important Safety Instructions10Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French)Symboles utilisés dans ce produitCe symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il exi

Important Safety Instructions1111. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour

Important Safety Instructions12Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German)Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesemProduktDieses Symbol ala

Important Safety Instructions1311. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische

Important Safety Instructions14This page intentionally left blank.

1 Quick Start Guide 15If you can’t wait to get startedThe Alesis Smashup is a unique product, but its basic hookup andoperation is similar to other in

1Quick Start Guide16A quick overview of the controlsSiz zleAdd s “p u nc h” an d “a ir” to the s ig n al, e sp ec ia lly u s efulfor b as s

2 Connections17Unpacking and InspectionYour Smashup was packed carefully at the factory. The shippingcarton was designed to protect the unit during

This page intentionally left blank10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%© 2002 Alesis. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is pr

2Connections18Connecting audioThe Smashup will work in many different applications, whetheryou are connecting an instrument directly into it, or conne

Connections219Connecting to the Channel Inserts of amixing console:Most recording consoles have a jack in each channel near the micand line inputs lab

2Connections20Connecting to the Main Outputs of a mixingconsole:In addition to channel inserts, most mixing consoles have maininsert jacks near the ma

Connections221Connecting to equipment with XLR inputsand outputs:If you are connecting the Smashup to a product with XLRbalanced inputs and outputs, y

2Connections22Using the ModLinkThe Smashup can be connected to other effect boxes in theModFX family via the ModLink. The ModLink is a cable-freecon

3 Using the Smashup23This section defines compression, and explains the functions ofthe Smashup’s controls in greater detail.What is a compressor?Mos

3Using the Smashup24What the controls doLet's go back to the "engineer with his hand on a fader and eyeson the meter" analogy. The to

Using the Smashup325How the Smashup goes beyond “justcompression”Having explained what the controls are designed to do, you shouldbe aware that the Sm

3Using the Smashup26Operational adviceGain structureExtreme settings will lead to extreme results. If you turn thethreshold down all the way, the Sma

Using the Smashup327Description of ControlsThresholdThe [THRESHOLD] knob sets the level where compression willbegin. As long as the input signal leve

Table of Contents1Introduction...3Welcome! ...

3Using the Smashup28AttackThe [ATTACK] knob controls the amount of time beforecompression starts. The range of this control is generally in therange

Using the Smashup329OutputThe [OUTPUT] knob controls the level of the Smashup’s output.The Output control is useful for making up level that was lost

3Using the Smashup30Type Select SwitchThe up/down [TYPE] rocker switch on the right side of the unitselects the type of compression used by the Smashu

Using the Smashup331De-EssDe-essing is commonly used to process voices where the “s”sound and other sibilants are too loud and distracting. By tellin

3Using the Smashup32BypassThis button sends the signal directly from the input to the outputwithout any compression. Press [BYPASS] to check the sou

4 Sample Settings33While there’s nothing like discovering new sounds for yourself, wethought it would be a good idea to provide some sample settingso

4Sample Settings34OptoThis du p lica tes the so un d o fo ptic al co mp r es so rs us ed in c la ss ic re co r ding s ( an dtod ay ).

Sample Settings435BlankFill in yo ur own fa v or ite s etting s h er e . Pho toc op y the n ex t pa g e if yo u ne e d mo r es pa ce

4Sample Settings36Blank Settings Templates

5 Troubleshooting37Troubleshooting IndexIf you experience problems while operating your Smashup, pleaseuse the following table to locate possible cau

Table Of Contents2Line conditioners and spike protectors ...40Care and Maintenance ...

5Troubleshooting38Symptoms Cause SolutionAC hum Gro und lo op Place all equip ment in thestudio on a com mongro und (see next page)

Troubleshooting539Avoiding ground loop noiseIn today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has itsown computer chip inside, there are many

5Troubleshooting404. Keep all cables as short as possible, especially inunbalanced circuits.If the basic experiments don’t uncover the source of the

Troubleshooting541Care and MaintenanceCleaningDisconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean theSmashup’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heav

5Troubleshooting42Obtaining repair serviceBefore contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, andmake sure you’ve read the manual.Customers in

Specifications43Audio InputInput Connectors: 2 unbalanced 1/4” jacksMaximum Input Level: +10 dBVNominal Level: -10 dBVInput Impedance: 470kΩInput Conv

6Specifications44This page intentionally left blank.

Index45amplifier, 20Attack, 16, 24, 28BYPASS, 16, 32with foot switch, 32cables, 21Classic, 24, 30clipping, 29compressiondefined, 23compression ratio,

Warranty / Contact Alesis46Alesis Limited WarrantyALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defectsin material and w

Warranty/Contact Information47Alesis Contact InformationAlesis Studio ElectronicsLos Angeles, CA USAE-mail: [email protected]: http://www.ale

Introduction3Welcome!Thank you for making the Alesis Smashup a part of your studio.Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools

Introduction4About the SmashupYour new Smashup is a member of the Alesis ModFX family ofperformance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a d

Introduction5Smashup Key Features• Digital emulation of six different kinds of analogcompression• Adjustable threshold, attack, release, and output

Introduction6How to Use This ManualA little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of yourgear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual i

Safety Instructions/Notices7Important Safety Instructions (English)Safety symbols used in this productThis symbol alerts the user that there are impor