Alesis ModFX Faze User manual

Reference Manual

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Copyright 2002, Alesis. All rights reserved
Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
7-51-0118-A
8/2002

Table of Contents
1
Introduction....................................................................3
Welcome! .........................................................................................................3
About the Faze ................................................................................4
Important features of your Faze .................................................................4
Faze Key Features..........................................................................................5
How to Use This Manual.............................................................6
Safety Instructions/Notices .....................................7
Important Safety Instructions (English)............................7
CE Declaration Of Conformity................................................9
FCC Compliance Statement......................................................9
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French).........................................10
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise
(German) ..................................................................................................12
Quick Start Guide ........................................................15
If you can’t wait to get started......................................................................15
Hook it up to a synthesizer...........................................................................15
A quick overview of the controls ...........................................16
Rear Panel........................................................................................................16
Connections ....................................................................17
Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................17
Installing in a Rack .........................................................................................17
Power................................................................................................................17
Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console: ........................19
Connecting to the Main Outputs of a mixing console: ...........................20
Connecting to the Effect Send/Return of a mixing
console: .....................................................................................................20
Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier:............................21
Connecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs:.......................22
About audio cables.........................................................................................22
Using the ModLink........................................................................23
Using the Faze ...............................................................25
About phase shifting ....................................................................25
How the Faze emulates classic phase shifters ...........................................25
What is Tempo Sync? ....................................................................................26
Description of Controls...............................................................27
Rate ...................................................................................................................27
Depth................................................................................................................27
Center ...............................................................................................................28
Regen................................................................................................................28
TYPE Rocker Switch.....................................................................................31
Reset Mod........................................................................................................33
Bypass...............................................................................................................33
Using the Foot Switch...................................................................................33
Tap Tempo......................................................................................................34
Sample Settings.............................................................35
Blank Settings Templates..............................................................................38
Troubleshooting............................................................39
Troubleshooting Index................................................................39
Avoiding ground loop noise.........................................................................41

Table Of Contents
2
Line conditioners and spike protectors ......................................................42
Care and Maintenance ................................................................43
Cleaning............................................................................................................43
Refer all servicing to Alesis...........................................................................43
Obtaining repair service ................................................................................44
Specifications.................................................................45
Audio Input.....................................................................................................45
Audio Output..................................................................................................45
Audio Performance........................................................................................45
Mechanical.......................................................................................................45
Index...................................................................................47
Warranty/Contact Alesis ...........................................48
Alesis Limited Warranty................................................................................48
Alesis Contact Information ..........................................................................49

Introduction
3
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis Faze a part of your studio. 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 studio
equipment available to everyone, and this Reference 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 goals.
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis
F
or more effective
service and product
update notices, please
register your Faze
online at:
www.alesis.com/
support/
warranty.htm

Introduction
4
About the Faze
Your new Faze is a member of the Alesis ModFX family of
performance effects boxes. This particular ModFX unit is a high-
quality stereo phase shifter.
Each ModFX unit provides a different set of sound effects and
signal processing, and they are easy to arrange and connect to each
other. With a uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface and
high-resolution digital processing, the ModFX products are perfect
for keyboardists, guitarists, and any other studio or live
performance artists.
Important features of your Faze
High Resolution Processing
The Faze internally uses 28-bit stereo digital signal processing.
The digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion is sampled
at 48kHz with 24 bits of resolution. That means you can get the
effect you want, without adding unwanted noise and distortion.
ModLink
If you’re using multiple ModFX boxes to make your own unique
effects chain, ModLink makes it easy to hookup without needing
patch cords within the chain. The nine-pin connectors built into
each side of the case enable a ModFX box to transfer digital audio
and word clock directly to another. Any number of units can be
connected together.
Configurable Modulation
The Faze features configurable modulation. The user can control
the shape, rate, and depth of the modulation. The rate of
modulation can be synchronized to the tempo, both by tap tempo
and by audio input.

Introduction
5
Faze Key Features
•Digital emulation of classic stereo phaser effects, with five
different modulation sources
•Uniform, friendly, uncomplicated user interface—no fiddling
with complicated menus or “hidden” knobs
•Tempo synchronization keeps phasing effect in time with the
music
•Tap Tempo makes it easy to set the speed of phasing by
tapping a beat on the top panel
•Reset Mod lets you reset the phase of any modulation shape
from its beginning
•Stereo processing via four 1/4” unbalanced connectors
•ModLink port, a cable-free connection that transfers digital
audio and word clock to other boxes in the ModFX family
•Footswitch connection to control the bypass function
•Ability to mount 3 ModFX boxes in the optional ModFX
rack adapter
•Input trim control to adjust input level
•Internal 28-bit digital processing
•24-bit D/A and A/D conversion at 48kHz sampling rate for
quiet, distortion-free effects
•External 9VAC power supply included

Introduction
6
How to Use This Manual
A little technical knowledge will help you get the most out of your
gear...it’s really pretty simple. This manual is divided into the
following sections describing the various functions and
applications for the Faze. While it's a good idea to read through
the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge
about effect devices should use the table of contents to look up
specific functions.
Chapter 1: Quick Start. If you're already experienced with effect
boxes, this will get you started using the Faze right away. It's a
short guide to the essential elements of hooking it up and using it
for the first time. A brief tour of the front and rear panels also
directs you to the chapters focused on individual features.
Chapter 2: Connections gives detailed instructions for connecting the
Faze to a variety of typical audio systems. It also discusses the
process of linking the Faze with other ModFX devices.
Chapter 3: Using the Faze explains the controls of the Faze and their
functions.
Chapter 4: Sample Settings provides a selection of sound charts
created by the sound designers at Alesis for you to try.
Near the end of the manual are troubleshooting tips,
specifications, and an index to help you find what you're looking
for.
H
elpful 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 Faze.

Safety Instructions/Notices
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 are provided for your safety. When the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
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.
Continued next page

Important Safety Instructions
8
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.