Alesis X2 User Manual

ALESIS X2 Reference Manual

IntroductionX2 Reference Manual 9CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTIONAbout the X2The X2 is an extremely flexible, 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitorprofessi

SpecificationsX2 Reference Manual 99BLOCK DIAGRAMNote: An 11"x17" version of this drawing is included with the manual. Master Group

Index100 X2 User’s ManualINDEX+4/-10 Switch 19ADAT 23, 27, 71Adding Effects 38AFL 64ALL 70ALT 70Copy Song 72Erase Song 72METER BRIDGE 35, 68SOLO 73SYS

IndexX2 User’s Manual 101monitor 62LevelAux Return 64setting 31lock 47Map 57, 69MasterFADERS 68INSERTS 22Oscillator 67Memory Remaining 72meter bridge

Index102 X2 Reference ManualAssignment 67level 67swap 55Sync 69SYS EX 58, 73receive 58transmit 58Talkback 67UNDO 52, 71UPDATE 52, 71

Introduction10 X2 Reference Manualin the console (each channel, monitor, effect return, aux send, and group output). Itfeatures its own ADAT Synchroni

IntroductionX2 Reference Manual 11more) happening simultaneously in order to complete the task of overdubbing. Thecomprehensive systems and logical la

Introduction12 X2 Reference Manual

Guided TourX2 Reference Manual 13CHAPTER 2:GUIDED TOURRecorder/Mix SystemsThe X2 is designed to be extremely flexible, as evidenced by the channel mod

Guided Tour14 X2 Reference Manualinput appears at the monitor controls. This is the position normally used formixdown (with the main channel assigned

Guided TourX2 Reference Manual 15Aux Send/Return SystemsIn the center of each channel module is the Aux Sends section, which allows thesignal to be ro

Guided Tour16 X2 Reference ManualControl Room SystemsA three-frequency oscillator, with adjustable level, allows you to record test tonesonto your tap

Guided TourX2 Reference Manual 17This toggles the meters between Tape Sends and Tape Returns. Two Mode LEDs onthe meter bridge indicate which mode is

X2 Reference Manual 1IntroductionThank you for purchasing the Alesis X2 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitorprofessional mixing console. To ta

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 19CHAPTER 3:CONNECTIONSUnpacking and InspectionYour X2 was packed carefully at the factory, and the container was

Connecting the X220 X2 Reference Manualindicate that an outlet is properly grounded. You may use an AC line tester todetermine this. If the outlet is

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 21Avoiding Ground LoopsIn today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has its own computerchip inside

Connecting the X222 X2 Reference ManualChannel Inputs and OutputsEach of the 24 channel modules on the X2 contains an XLR balanced MIC Inputconnector,

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 23additional post-effect equalization is required.

Connecting the X224 X2 Reference ManualTape InputThe Tape Input is a 1/4" balanced TRS connector which will accept either -10 dBVor +4 dBu, depen

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 25Balanced Tape I/OThe BALANCED TAPE I/O is a 56 pin ELCO connector designed to deliver eightchannels of balanced

Connecting the X226 X2 Reference ManualStereo Returns and GroupsEach of the four Group modules contain two 1/4" GROUP OUT connectors (for atotal

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 27Master Inputs and OutputsThe Master Module contains two balanced 1/4" MASTER OUT jacks, two TRS 1/4"M

Connecting the X228 X2 Reference Manuallike reverbs and digital delays.

2 X2 Reference Manual

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 29HeadphonesThe PHONES connector (found on the front end of the console, directly below theMaster faders) is a st

Connecting the X230 X2 Reference ManualExamples of ConnectionsThe X2 may be easily interfaced with most other professional recording and audioequipmen

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 31Interfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack RecorderInterfacing the X2 with a typical multitrack recorder u

Connecting the X232 X2 Reference ManualInterfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack RecorderProfessional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR conn

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 33Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a PatchbayIt is also possible to access the multitrack tape recorder b

Connecting the X234 X2 Reference Manualcables from the phono jack outputs to the 1/4" EXT IN jacks of the X2.• If the mixdown deck has only XLR o

Connecting the X2X2 Reference Manual 35simultaneously, if desired.Note: If you want to use a separate effect on each channel, use the INSERT jacks, no

Connecting the X236 X2 Reference ManualInterfacing the InsertsInserts are used to connect signal processing devices directly into the signal path ofa

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 37CHAPTER 4:APPLICATIONSRecordingSetting LevelsIn order to ensure the cleanest signal with the least amount of backgro

Applications38 X2 Reference ManualIf several “hot” (loud) Channels are assigned to a Group, it is possible that theGroup will overload. Since the inte

ContentsX2 Reference Manual 3CONTENTS1: Introduction ...

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 39Recording Multiple Sources to One TrackWhen more than one Channel is to be recorded onto the same track of a multitr

Applications40 X2 Reference ManualRecording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks (Stereo)Recording multiple sources onto two tape tracks can either be done

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 41Recording TipsFor the cleanest possible recording, the Group FADERS (or Channel FADERS if theTAPE SENDS are being us

Applications42 X2 Reference ManualOverdubbingMonitoring the Multitrack on the Monitor FadersOnce you have recorded onto the multitrack tape machine, y

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 43previous section.

Applications44 X2 Reference ManualGetting the Mix to the HeadphonesOnce you have the tape tracks returning to the mixer, it is simple to create a cue

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 45Adding EffectsEffects such as reverb, chorus and delay are typically wired in a loop from anAuxiliary Send to a Ster

Applications46 X2 Reference Manual4 Raise the input control of the effects device until its meter or clip LED showspeak level, then lower the input co

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 47To make sure you’re hearing what’s actually going to tape, make sure the L-Rswitch is up, and follow the procedure e

Applications48 X2 Reference ManualREVERSE button so it is down.This sends the tape tracks to the Channel (long) FADERS.2 Assign the Channels to Groups

Contents4 X2 Reference ManualInterfacing to the Headphone Amp...28Interfacing Aux S

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 49tape deck’s left and right inputs. For more information on interfacing the X2 with amixdown deck, see page 27.Assign

Applications50 X2 Reference Manual7 Raise the Toms Channel FADERS. Set them so that the LED meter indicates “0.”Mute the Toms Channels.8 Bring up the

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 51or MIDI Clock. This can either come from a synchronization processor (one that cantranslate SMPTE or VITC timecode i

Applications52 X2 Reference ManualLive PerformanceCreating a Monitor MixMost sound reinforcement applications work best in mono, since so few members

ApplicationsX2 Reference Manual 53“On” (down) position, and assign Group 2 to the Right Master FADER byswitching the ASSIGN RIGHT to its “On” (down) p

Applications54 X2 Reference Manual

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 55CHAPTER 5:MUTE AUTOMATIONOverviewBecause muting channels can be as much a part of the creative aspect of music as

Mute Automation56 X2 Reference Manualand have them playback. This is done by choosing one of the many built-in MIDImaps the X2 provides, which determi

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 57Mute Groups allow you to mute as many channels as you want with a single buttonpress. Each of the 100 songs conta

Mute Automation58 X2 Reference ManualDefining Mute GroupsThe DEFINE buttons allows you to define a Mute Group of channels. Defined MuteGroups are stor

ContentsX2 Reference Manual 5MIDI ...

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 59Recalling Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group:1 Select a Song (00—99) by pressing the DISPLAY button until the SONG

Mute Automation60 X2 Reference ManualDisplay ModeThe two-digit LED display has four modes: Song, Sync, Channel, and Map. Themode is selected by pressi

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 61events into the current Song. The ONLINE button must be turned on in order forthe UPDATE button to function.Mute

Mute Automation62 X2 Reference ManualAnytime you wish to add more mute events to a Song, simply select the song, putthe X2 Online, play the tape and p

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 63Editing SongsErasingThe X2’s Mute Automation provides several editing tools. The ERASE FWD buttonlets you remove

Mute Automation64 X2 Reference Manual4 Press UPDATE to execute the erase, or press UNDO to abort erase mode.All mute events on this channel from the c

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 65The display will temporarily read “rS” (reset).4 Release all three buttons.CopyingCopy Mute EventsThe X2 allows y

Mute Automation66 X2 Reference ManualMIDIWhen you want to use an external MIDI sequencer to provide mute automation,instead of the X2’s internal seque

Mute AutomationX2 Reference Manual 67MIDI MapThe MIDI Map determines what MIDI messages will be used for each Mute andMute Group when using an externa

Mute Automation68 X2 Reference ManualMemory BackupAll contents of the Mute Automation’s memory (including 100 Songs, all muteevents and 400 Mute Group

Contents6 X2 Reference ManualAUX A ASSIGN Switches (Aux A Only)...65GROUP MASTERS Switch (Au

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 69CHAPTER 6:DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLSInput Channel Controls+48 V SwitchWhen pressed, the +48 V switch applies

Description of Controls70 X2 Reference ManualFADERS will get signal from the Line inputs, and the short Monitor FADERS willget the Tape Returns, the t

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 71EQ IN SwitchThis inserts the equalizer controls into the channel signal path. When down, the EQis in the

Description of Controls72 X2 Reference Manual7/8 Switch (Aux 5/6)This switch functions identically as the 7/8 switch found between Aux 3/7 and 4/8,but

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 73Channel PANThe PAN sends the output of the Channel in continuously variable degrees to eitherside of the

Description of Controls74 X2 Reference ManualNote that even if the 1-2 button is pressed, no signal will go from the channel to Group 1 ifthe Channel

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 75inputs will be applied to the Aux Return ASSIGN switches and the STEREOSEPARATION and BALANCE controls se

Description of Controls76 X2 Reference ManualThe GROUP MASTERS switch routes the Aux Return’s signal to the pair of GroupFADERS directly below the Aux

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 77MUTE ButtonsThe MUTE buttons disconnects the Group’s signal from the Master outputs, theGROUP OUT jacks a

Description of Controls78 X2 Reference ManualMaster ControlsOscillator Frequency and LevelThe built-in Oscillator provides reference tone with a varia

ContentsX2 Reference Manual 7Maps 2.0—2.9...

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 79both). If the STUDIO switch is down, the Talkback signal is routed to the Studiooutputs.PhonesThis contro

Description of Controls80 X2 Reference Manualand Tape Return mode. Two Mode LEDs on the meter bridge indicate which modeis selected.

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 81Mute Automation ControlsDISPLAYThe DISPLAY button is used to cycle the 2-digit LED display through a cycl

Description of Controls82 X2 Reference ManualMUTE GROUPS (1—4)The MUTE GROUPS buttons (1—4) are used to recall a group of mutes on variouschannels at

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 83When OVERLAY is turned on (its LED lit), Mute Groups can be recalled “on top ofone another” instead of ca

Description of Controls84 X2 Reference ManualCOPYThe COPY button makes it possible to copy the mute events recorded for onechannel and have them affec

Description of ControlsX2 Reference Manual 85Erasing MemoryTo erase all memory including the mute events in all 100 Songs and their 400 MuteGroups, ho

Description of Controls86 X2 Reference Manual

Trouble-ShootingX2 Reference Manual 87CHAPTER 7:TROUBLE-SHOOTINGTrouble-Shooting IndexIf you are experience problems while operating the X2, please us

Trouble-Shooting88 X2 Reference ManualMaintenance/ServiceCleaning and MaintenanceDisconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the console’s

Trouble-ShootingX2 Reference Manual 89damage caused by inadequate packing is not covered by the Alesis warranty.Tape a note to the top of the unit des

Trouble-Shooting90 X2 Reference Manual

MIDI Maps IndexX2 Reference Manual 91MIDI MAPS INDEXMaps 1.1—1.3These maps are very similar in that they all use MIDI note numbers to transmit andreco

MIDI Maps Index92 X2 Reference ManualMap 1.4This map uses controllers, instead of note numbers, to transmit and recognize muteevents.Mute MIDI Control

MIDI Maps IndexX2 Reference Manual 93Maps 2.0—2.9These maps are virtually identical in that they transmit “snapshots” of the mutestatus of the entire

MIDI Implementation Chart94 X2 Reference ManualMIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHARTFunction Transmitted Recognized RemarksBasicChannelDefaultChanged1 — 16* * * *

SpecificationsX2 Reference Manual 95SPECIFICATIONSAll measurements taken with an Audio Precision System One. All noisemeasurements taken with trim at

Specifications96 X2 Reference ManualMIC Nominal Input Level -56 dBu to -8 dBuLINE Nominal Input Level -44 dBu to +4 dBuTAPE Nominal Input Level +4 d

SpecificationsX2 Reference Manual 97Rear Panel:Balanced I/O 56-pin (3)Mic Inputs XLR (24)Balanced Line Inputs 1/4" TRS (24)Mono Aux Sends 1/4&quo

Specifications98 X2 Reference ManualINTERNAL CONNECTOR PINOUTS