Alesis Akira User manual

Reference Manual

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Table Of Contents
1
Introduction ......................................................3
Important Safety Instructions.......................7
Chapter One: Quick Start Guide...................15
If you can’t wait to get started …...............................................................15
Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer......................................................................15
Step 2: Try some effects ...............................................................................16
Chapter Two: Connections .............................17
Connecting to an Instrument or Microphone..........................................18
Connecting to the Effects Send and Return of a Mixing
Console ............................................................................................................18
Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a Mixing Console......................19
Connecting to the Main Inserts of a Mixing Console............................20
Connecting to the Inserts of an Instrument Amplifier .........................20
About Audio Cables......................................................................................21
Bypass Footswitch..............................................................22
MIDI In and Out..................................................................22
Chapter Three: Editing ...................................23
Editing Programs ...............................................................23
Storing Your Edits..............................................................24
Chapter Four: Description of
Programs............................................................25
Reverb Effects 0 -11...........................................................25
0 HALL...........................................................................................................25
1 VOCAL HALL..........................................................................................26
2VOCAL PLATE........................................................................................26
3 DRUM ROOM..........................................................................................26
4 SPACE.........................................................................................................26
5 TRASH CAN.............................................................................................27
6 GATED.......................................................................................................27
7 REVERSE..................................................................................................27
8 DYNAMIC REVERB..............................................................................27
9 FLANGED REVERB............................................................................28
10 PITCHED REVERB.............................................................................28
11 G GARAGE............................................................................................28
Delay Effects 12 -18 ...........................................................29
12 DELAY .....................................................................................................29
13 STEREO DELAY ..................................................................................29
14 RUNAWAY ..............................................................................................30
15 LPF DELAY ............................................................................................30
16 HPF DELAY ...........................................................................................30
17 BPF DELAY............................................................................................30
18 PHASOR DELAY..................................................................................31

Table Of Contents
2
Pitch Effects 19 -29 ...........................................................31
19 PHASOR 1...............................................................................................31
20 PHASOR 2...............................................................................................31
21 AUTOPHAZ...........................................................................................32
22 FLANGER...............................................................................................32
23 INV FLANGER.....................................................................................32
24 DUAL TRANSPOSER..........................................................................32
25 STEREO DETUNE..............................................................................33
26 FREQUENCY SHIFT..........................................................................33
27 CHORUS..................................................................................................33
28 VIBRATO .................................................................................................33
29 VIBRO-WOBBLE...................................................................................33
Filter Effects 30 -38 ...........................................................34
30 BAND LIMIT .........................................................................................34
31 LP BP HP...............................................................................................34
32 LFO LP....................................................................................................34
33 AUTOWAH .............................................................................................35
34 FORMANTS ...........................................................................................35
35 SAMPLED BPF......................................................................................35
36 RESONATOR.........................................................................................35
37 VOCO-BEND.........................................................................................36
38 VOCODER..............................................................................................36
Distortion Effects 39 -43 ...................................................36
39 RECORD NOISE..................................................................................36
40 TAPE SATURATOR.............................................................................36
41 FUZZ ........................................................................................................36
42 DECIMATOR.........................................................................................37
43 GRINDER...............................................................................................37
Miscellaneous Effects 44 -49............................................37
44 RING MODULATOR..........................................................................37
45 RMS LIMITER .......................................................................................37
46 SUB BASS.................................................................................................38
47 TREMOLO..............................................................................................38
48 AUTOPAN...............................................................................................38
49 VOCAL CANCEL ..................................................................................38
Chapter Five: MIDI ..........................................39
MIDI Program Change................................................................................39
Setting the MIDI Channel............................................................................39
“Soft” MIDI Thru.........................................................................................39
Using MIDI Continuous Controllers.........................................................40
Chapter Six: Troubleshooting .......................41
Specifications....................................................43
Warranty/Contact Alesis .................................45
Program Chart..................................................47

Introduction
3
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis Akira™ 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
For more effective
service and product
update notices, please
register your Akira
online at:
http://www.alesis.com/
su
pport/warranty.htm

Introduction
4
About the Akira
Alesis, the company that created affordable effects processing
with the introduction of the MidiVerb, now offers the Akira
Effects Processor. Following in the grand tradition of the
MidiVerb, MicroVerb and NanoVerb products, the Akira
comes complete with 100 studio quality 24-bit digital effects in
a compact, industry standard 19” rack mount package. The
Akira is suitable for use in everything from guitar rigs to
professional recording studios.
Akira Key Features
o50 preset studio quality 24-bit effects including:
§12 Reverbs (halls, rooms and non-linear)
§7 Delays (mono, stereo and filtered
§11 Pitch Effects (phasor, flanger, chorus, vibrato and
harmonizer)
§9 Filter Effects (including vocoder)
§5 Distortion Effects
§6 Miscellaneous Effects (including a vocal eliminator
and limiter)
o50 user locations to store your custom edits of the presets.
oThree parameter knobs (X, Y and Z) for quick editing of
each program’s most important effect settings.
oMIDI program select.
oMIDI parameter control.
oHigh-quality 24-bit true stereo signal path.
oBalanced input and output for optimum noise rejection.
oSwitchable level control from +4dBu to –10dBV for both
professional and consumer applications.
oEasy, consistent operation from the front panel with no
paging through windows of parameters on cryptic LCDs.
oInternal switching power supply for easy worldwide
operation.

Introduction
5
What You Can Do With Your Akira
When you have the Akira properly connected, you can:
oadd space or “room sound” to dry or sterile sounds using
the Halls, Rooms and Reverse reverberators.
ogenerate echoes (multiple repeats) with different spectral
characteristics to your source with the Delay programs.
ocreate lively ensemble effects from a single instrument or
static section using the Chorus and Phasor programs.
ointroduce classic warm, metallic sweeping effects that
simulate analog tape fluctuation using the Flange
programs.
oreproduce the classic guitar amp Tremolo effect on both
instruments and vocals.
oanimate your instruments with an arcane synthesized edge
by applying the LFO-driven Filter effects and Ring
Modulator.
oshape the tone of your source material with several static
Filters in the spirit of vintage and modern modular
synthesizers.
omove your polite-sounding instruments and vocals into
aggressive territory using the palette of Distortion effects.
oadd punch, warmth and character to your tracks with the
compressor –limiter effects.
oremove the vocal and other lead instruments from an
existing recording with the Vocal Eliminator program.

Introduction
6
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following
sections describing the various functions and
applications for the Akira. While it's a good
idea to read through the entire manual once
carefully, those having general knowledge about
studio equipment should use the table of
contents to look up specific functions.
Chapter 1: Quick Start. If you're already
experienced with recording, this will get you
started using the Akira 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 back panels is included.
Chapter 2: Connection give detailed instructions
for connecting the Akira to a variety of typical
audio systems.
Chapter 3: Editing tells how you can easily edit
and store the three most important parameters
of each Akira program.
Chapter 4: Description of Programs gives you a
detailed explanation of each of the Akira’s 50
effects programs.
Chapter 5: MIDI. This chapter describes the
(M)usical (I)nstrument (D)igital (I)nterface
functionality of the Akira.
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. Refer to this chapter if
you experience any problems while using the
Akira.
Specifications: Detailed technical information
about your Akira.
Program Chart: A list of your Akira’s 50 presets
with program and parameter descriptions.
Helpful t
ips 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 Akira.

Important 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 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.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Continued next page

Important Safety Instructions
8
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
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.
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.
Suite de la page suivante

Important Safety Instructions
10
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
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.
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.
Fortsetzung auf nächster Seite

Important Safety Instructions
12
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
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.

14

1Quick Start Guide
15
If you can’t wait to get started …
The Alesis Akira is a unique product, but its basic hookup and
operation is similar to other effects processors in most
respects. If you’re experienced with signal processors, this
chapter is a “shorthand” guide for those who want to start
using the Akira right away. If you have questions about any of
the features, don’t worry –later chapters will unveil the
mysteries of the Akira’s special features.
Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer
1. Pull the Akira out of the package.
2. Plug the supplied power cable into the
POWER jack on the back of the Akira and then
into a grounded AC power source.
3. Using a pair of 1/4” cables, plug the effects
sends of the mixer to the left and right INPUTS
on the back of the Akira.
4. Connect the Akira’s OUTPUTS to the effects
return of the mixer.
5. When signal is played into the unit, adjust the
INPUT level knob on the front of the Akira until
the green meter LEDs light but the red ones (top
LEDs) do not. Turn the control clockwise to
increase the level.
For more information on
connecting the Akira, see
chapter 2: Connections

1Quick Start Guide
16
Step 2: Try some effects
1. Play some audio into the Akira. Turn up your
mixer’s effects sends to a moderate level and then
turn up the level on your effects returns.
2. Adjust the INPUT knob on the front of the
Akira until you hear a strong, clear signal coming
from the unit. If you hear distortion or clipping,
turn down the INPUT knob until the distortion
goes away.
3. Adjust the MIX knob on the front of the Akira
to set the dry/wet balance of the effect. To hear
the effect only, as you will want to do in most
effects send/return setups, turn the MIX knob
fully clockwise.
4. Press the VALUE up/down buttons to change
programs on the Akira.
While learning the unit, it is
helpful to play a CD or a
multi-track source into the
effects processor. Choose a
song or part that doesn’t
change much so that you can
take your time experimenting
with the different timbres.
If you are not hearing any
effect, check your connections
or try another program. Some
programs’ effects are easier
to hear than others.
To jump to different
programs quickly,
you can
jump ahead by 10 by holding
the VALUE down button,then
pressing the VALUE up
button. Similarly, to jump
down by 10, hold the VALUE
up button,then press the
VALUE down button.
To jump to program 00, press
both VALUE buttons at the
same time.

2Connections
17
Unpacking and Inspection
Your Akira was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton
was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this
container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the
Akira for servicing.
The shipping carton should contain the following items:
° Akira with the same serial number as shown on the
shipping carton
° IEC detachable AC power cable
° This instruction manual
AC Power Hookup
Plug the female end of the detachable AC power cable into the
Akira’s POWER jack and the male (plug) end into a good quality
AC power outlet.
The Akira contains an internal switching
power supply which automatically
recognizes the incoming voltage. You can
use your Akira in any country of the world
without voltage transformers.
It’s good practice to not plug
in the Akira until all other
audio cables are hooked up
as well. Make sure your
amplifier or powered
speakers are switched off
when turning the Akira on or
off to avoid damage.

2 Connections
18
Connecting Audio Inputs and Outputs
Connecting to an Instrument or Microphone
The Akira’s INPUT knob has been calibrated to
accept “instrument level” signals such as a
microphone or guitar input. To use the Akira this
way, simply plug the guitar or microphone into
one of the Akira’s Input jacks and connect the
output to an amplifier, mic preamp, mixer or
recorder. When using the Akira with a
microphone, you may need an XLR to 1/4”
adapter (not included).
Connecting to the Effects Send and Return of
a Mixing Console
Most mixing consoles have post-fader effects send and return
jacks on their rear panels. This is usually the best choice for
connecting the Akira as you will be able to use an effect on
several sources at once.
When you connect the Akira in this way, you may hear an odd
phasing sound on some of the reverb and delay programs. To
prevent this, turn the MIX knob fully clockwise (effect only).
You can then control the balance between the direct and effect
signal with the effects return level control on your mixer.
When connecting audio
cables and / o
r turning power
on and off, make sure that all
devices in your system are
turned off and the volume
controls are turned down.