Alesis BassFX User manual

User Manual

Table Of Contents
2
Introduction................................................................................3
About the BassFX...............................................................................4
BassFX Basics ....................................................................................4
How to Use This Manual....................................................................6
Important Safety Instructions...................................................7
Important Safety Instructions (English)..............................................7
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) ....................................9
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German).............11
CE Declaration Of Conformity.........................................................13
FCC Compliance Statement..............................................................13
Hookup Diagram......................................................................14
A Tour of the BassFX...............................................................15
Selecting Programs ..................................................................18
Editing Programs.....................................................................19
Using the Tuner........................................................................20
Storing/Copying Programs......................................................22
Deferred Program Change......................................................23
EFFECT Knob Settings...........................................................24
Troubleshooting........................................................................36
Specifications............................................................................37
Warranty/Contact Alesis.........................................................38

1Introduction
3
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis BassFX 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. After all,
there’s no point in making equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one
explains how to use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build
our products.
The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly as
possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we’ve achieved that. If not, please
drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we could improve future
editions of this manual.
We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and
help you achieve your musical goals.
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis

1Introduction
4
About the BassFX
The first thing you’ll probably notice about the BassFX is its
size—it’s not much larger or smaller than most other effect
pedals for bass guitars. But don’t let that fool you. The
BassFX does much more than most pedals you’ll find on the
market today (and for an unbeatable price too). We’ve packed
a lot of effects (more than 40!) and features into this unit.
Here’s a glimpse:
BassFX Key Features
•40 preset patches that you can fully edit, store and
restore to the factory default settings
•9 effect modules that provide multiple selectable effects
•Over 40 different effects with adjustable parameters and
innumerable effect combinations
•Built-in auto-chromatic tuner
•Battery-powered operation and an external power
option (9VDC)
•Simple interface that gives you quick and easy access to
the BassFX’s features
BassFX Basics
Benefits of a Multi-Effects Pedal
If you’ve ever used effect pedals, you know they come in an
infinite array of effects, colors and sizes. If you use multiple
pedals, you probably do so by linking them all together into a
chain. The BassFX eliminates the need for so many pedals
because it combines just about all the effects you need into
one unit. Instead of turning knobs and pushing buttons on
pedal after pedal, with the BassFX you have full control over
dozens of effects with one foot pedal! It’s that easy.

Introduction 1
5
Effect Modules
If you were to think of the BassFX as a series of individual
pedals linked together, then each pedal in that series would be
considered an effect module. The BassFX has nine separate
effect modules, as shown below:
You can assign one effect to each of these modules and
adjust its parameters accordingly. On the face of the unit,
you’ll see a list of possible effect types for some of these
modules. For more on effect modules, see chapter 10.
Effect Types
When we use the word “effect” in this manual, we’re usually
referring to an effect type. Each module provides you with a
selection of effect types, only one of which may be chosen
for each module. For example, the DIST module allows you
to select which type of distortion you want (SS CLEAN,
TUBE CLEAN, CLASSIC 1 and others). The behavior of
each of these effect types may be adjusted in one or more
ways to produce variations of the effect.
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.
Programs
A program is a combination of effects modules
and their respective settings. In PLAY mode, you
have quick access to the BassFX’s 40 programs via the
foot pedals and the VALUE knob. The programs are
divided up into banks A – D and are identified by a bank
letter and a program number on the display.

1Introduction
6
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing
the various functions and applications for the BassFX. While
it’s a good idea to read through the entire manual once
carefully, if you already have general knowledge about effects,
you should use the table of contents to look up specific
functions.
Chapter 3: Getting Started shows you how to get the unit
connected and turned on. We’ve included a hookup diagram
and some tips on using the BassFX.
Chapter 4: A Tour of the BassFX describes all the controls and
features of the unit. This chapter features diagrams of the top
and rear panels that are labeled with the name and a brief
overview of each function. The paragraphs that follow the
diagrams provide in-depth description of these features.
Chapters 5 through 9 include step-by-step instructions for using
the BassFX, including how to select and edit programs, use
the tuner function, store and copy programs, and defer
program changes.
Chapter 10: Effects Knob Settings explains the unit’s effect
modules and types, as well as other settings controlled by the
EFFECT and VALUE knobs.
Chapter 11: Troubleshooting can give you a hand if you’re
experiencing problems with the BassFX. You’ll find that
most issues can be resolved simply and quickly.
Chapter 12: Specifications is full of information for the more
technical users.
Chapter 13: Warranty/Contact Alesis explains the warranty we
supply with the BassFX and lets you know the best way to
reach us if you have any questions or comments.
Helpful tips and advice
are highlighted in a
shaded box like this.
When something
important appears in
the manual, an
exclamation mark (like
the one shown at left)
will appear with some
explanatory text. This
symbol indicates that
this information is vital
when operating the
BassFX.

2Important Safety Instructions
7
Important Safety Instructions (English)
Safety symbols used in this product
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this
unit.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the
unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain
voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Please follow these precautions when using this
product:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto
the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a
dangerous condition.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A 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 the third prong is provided for your safety.
When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

2Important Safety Instructions
8
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with
professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make
sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the
apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-
over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a well-
ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral
equipment.
16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or
speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at
a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you
experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult
an audiologist.
17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place
objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans, coffee cups)
on the apparatus.
18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Important Safety Instructions 2
9
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French)
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit
Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de
fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe
avec ce produit.
Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non
isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs
électriques.
Ce symbole prévient l'utilisateur de la présence de tensions sur
les raccordements de sorties, représentant un risque
d'électrocution.
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation
de l’appareil:
1. Lisez ces instructions.
2. Gardez ces instructions.
3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.
4. Suivez toutes les instructions.
5. N’utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l’eau.
6. Ne nettoyez qu’avec un chiffon humide. Il est potentiellement
dangereux d'utiliser des pulvérisateurs ou nettoyants liquides sur cet
appareil.
7. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur.
8. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme radiateurs,
cuisinière ou autre appareils (don’t les amplificateurs) produisant de
la chaleur.
9. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise murale
avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la terre. Cette
dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le cordon secteur ne
rentre pas dans la prise de courant, demandez à un électricien
qualifié de remplacer la prise.

2Important Safety Instructions
10
10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en particulier
au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de l’appareil.
11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.
12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio
professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation,
veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des
appareils et leur support.
13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé
pendant longtemps.
14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire
lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par
exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si
du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l’appareil, si
celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas
normalement ou est tombé.
15. Puisque son fonctionement normale génère de la chaleur, placez cet
appareil au moins 15cm. des équipments péripheriques et assurez
que l’emplacement permet la circulation de l’air.
16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des enceintes,
est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant engendrer une
perte permanente de l’ouïe. Ne l’utilisez pas pendant longtemps à
un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau non confortable. Si vous
remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou un bourdonnement dans les
oreilles, consultez un spécialiste.
17. N'exposez pas l'appareil à l'égoutture ou à l'éclaboussement. Ne
placez pas les objets remplis de liquides (vases à fleur, boîtes de
boisson non alcoolique, tasses de café) sur l'appareil.
18. AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire le risque du feu ou de décharge
électrique, n'exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité.

Important Safety Instructions 2
11
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German)
Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem
Produkt
Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige
Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt,
die diese Maßeinheit begleitet.
Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten
Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische
Schläge verursachen kann.
Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer, dem Ausgabestecker
Spannungen enthalten, die gefährlichen elektrischen Schlag
verursachen können.
Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses
Produkt verwendet wird:
1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise.
2. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung.
3. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen.
4. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise.
5. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung.
6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch. Verwenden Sie
keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel. Dies kann gefährliche Folgen
haben.
7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des
Herstellers.
8. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern,
Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich
Verstärkern) auf.
9. Verfehlen Sie nicht den Zweck des grounging Terminals auf dem
Netzstecker. Dieses Terminal wird für Ihre Sicherheit zur Verfügung
gestellt.

2Important Safety Instructions
12
10. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber
stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird.
11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.
12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die
speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet
sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher
installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn
Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht
umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen.
13. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über
einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der
Steckdose.
14. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen.
Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät beschädigt wurde
oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker, Gegenstände oder
Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das Gerät dem Regen oder
Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet
oder heruntergefallen ist.
15. Dieses Gerät produziert auch im normalen Betrieb Wärme. Achten
Sie deshalb auf ausreichende Lüftung mit mindestens 15 cm
Abstand von anderen Geräten.
16. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und
Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die
anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht über
längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der Ihnen
unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs oder ein
Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen Ohrenarzt
aufsuchen.
17. Setzen Sie den Apparat nicht Bratenfett oder dem Spritzen aus.
Plazieren Sie die Nachrichten, die mit Flüssigkeiten (gefüllt werden
Blumevases, Getränkdosen, Kaffeetassen) nicht auf den Apparat.
18. WARNING: um die Gefahr des Feuers oder des elektrischen
Schlages zu verringern, setzen Sie diesen Apparat nicht Regen oder
Feuchtigkeit aus.

Important Safety Instructions 2
13
CE Declaration Of Conformity
See our website at
http://www.alesis.com
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

3Hookup Diagram
14
Bass
The first thing we’ll show you is how to get your BassFX up
and running. The following diagram shows you the most
common method of hooking up your BassFX, but there are
other ways of doing it. For example, you may decide to run
the BassFX straight into your mixer or recording device
instead of an amplifier (that’s what we had in mind when we
created those great cabinet simulator effects). You may even
want to go so far as to use the BassFX to add effects to
keyboards or other electronic instruments.
Although you can
experiment with
different types of
instruments, the
BassFX performs best
with a bass guitar, as it
was made specifically
to handle that
instrument’s frequency
range.
When you plug an
adapter into the
BassFX while batteries
are in the unit, it will be
powered by the adapter
and not the batteries.
The BassFX’s Sub-Bass
Synthesis and Octaver
effects may damage
some speakers if played
at high levels. Please
see the warning on
page 18 regarding the
use of these effects.

4A Tour of the BassFX
15
Top Panel
Display
This LED display is made up of two digits and two decimal
points. In PLAY mode, the digits indicate the current bank
letter and program number. When you turn the EFFECT
knob to a module or parameter, the two digits display the
setting of the selection. Descriptions of settings for each
mode and parameter are in chapter 10.
The Display also contains two decimal points, each to the
right of one of the digits. The # decimal point is used by the
When either of the
decimal points on the
display is flashing,
battery power is low
and about to run out.

4A Tour of the BassFX
16
BassFX’s tuner to help indicate the pitch of a note you’re
playing, and the EDITED decimal point lights up when you
have changed the settings of the current program. You can
read more about these in chapter 6, “Editing Programs,” and
chapter 7, “Using the Tuner.”
EFFECT knob
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 program-level settings (LEVEL and
ROUTE). The PLAY setting is what you’ll want to be in
while playing your bass through the BassFX.
Refer to chapter 10 for descriptions of the possible values for
the EFFECT knob’s settings.
VALUE knob
In PLAY mode, this knob lets you select a program. When
you make a selection other than PLAY with the EFFECT
knob, you are in edit mode, and the VALUE knob allows you
to change the setting of the mode, parameter or global setting
you have selected. Also, you can press this knob to store
changes you have made to a program.
Foot Pedals
While in PLAY mode, the left foot pedal decrements the
program number, and the right foot pedal increments the
program number. When you press both pedals together, the
BassFX goes into bypass mode, in which the audio signal
from your bass simply passes through the BassFX without
being affected. When you hold both foot pedals down for
longer then half a second, the BassFX goes into mute mode,
in which no signal at all leaves the BassFX. When you are in
bypass or mute mode, the tuner is activated.
While in PLAY mode, if
you press and hold the
VALUE knob for longer
than half a second, the
display will change to
the current master
volume setting (1 to 30).
Default volume is 21
(unity gain) and each
number indicates a 2dB
change from the
number above or below
it. Unlike LEVEL,
which indicates the
level of an individual
program, the master
volume is a global
setting that is
remembered each time
the unit is turned off.

A Tour of the BassFX 4
17
Rear Panel
The rear panel is where you’ll connect the power source, your
bass and amplifier and an optional control pedal. It’s
important that you use the right types of plugs in these jacks.
Be sure to follow these guidelines.

5Selecting Programs
18
After you’ve plugged everything in, you’ll probably want to
check out the factory presets we programmed into the
BassFX. This chapter shows you how to do that.
To Select Programs
1. Make sure the BassFX is
hooked up properly and turned
on, as outlined in chapter 3.
2. Make sure you’re in PLAY
mode (turn the EFFECT knob
to PLAY).
3. Change programs in one of
these two ways:
Foot pedals
This is the easiest way to
switch programs, especially
while playing your bass. Just
step on the left foot pedal
to decrement the program
number and the right to
increment it. You can hold
down a pedal to increment or
decrement programs continuously.
VALUE knob
You also can turn this knob to switch programs.
4. Play your bass to hear how the program affects the
sound.
2
1
3
3
The Sub-Bass Synthesis
and Octaver effects may
damage your woofers at
high levels. Be sure to
audition any program
using these effects at a
low level first. You may
not be able to hear
these effects using many
standard speaker
cabinets. For best
results, use a quality
studio setup with an
adequate subwoofer.

6Editing Programs
19
To Edit a Selected Program
1. Select a program to edit using the
foot pedals or VALUE knob.
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. If the module has a parameter
such as DRIVE or PARAM,
turn the EFFECT knob to
select the parameter.
5. Using the VALUE knob, select a
value for the parameter.
6. Continue in this way until you have completed
assignments for all modules and parameters.
To Restore Factory Presets
Once you have saved changes to a preset program, you can
still recall the original settings. To enter RESTORE
FACTORY PRESETS mode, simply hold down the VALUE
knob as you turn the unit on and then select the program to
be restored (or for all programs). Press the VALUE
knob to confirm your selection. Any program changes you
have made will be lost, so you might want to copy the
program to another location first. See chapter 8 for
instructions on copying programs.
Just turn the EFFECT
knob to exit the
RESTORE FACTORY
PRESETS mode, or
turn the unit off and
then on again.
1
1
2
3
4 5
To toggle an effect
module on and off,
press both pedals while
the effect module is
selected.

7Using the Tuner
20
To Tune Your Bass
1. In PLAY mode, enter BYPASS
mode by pressing both foot
pedals at the same time once, or
enter MUTE mode by
holding them both down for
more than half a second. The
display will now show tuning
information.
2. Make sure your bass is
connected to the BassFX, and
play the open string you wish to
tune. The left digit of the
display indicates the pitch
nearest that of the open string.
If the # decimal point is lit, the
note is a sharp. If it is not lit,
the note is a natural.
3. Look at the right digit of the
display to determine if the pitch is correct.
If the top four segments of the digit are rotating
clockwise, then your guitar’s pitch is higher than the
pitch shown in the first digit. If the bottom four
segments are rotating counterclockwise, the pitch is low.
The more the pitch is off, the faster the rotation. If no
pitch is detected, you’ll see a dash in the left digit.
4. Tune the string until an 8 appears in the second digit,
indicating that the string is in tune with the pitch
displayed in the left digit.
The visual guide on the next page shows you what
you’ll see on the display while tuning your bass.
1
2 3