Alesis airSynth User manual

REFERENCE MANUAL

2AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
Alesis airSynth Reference Manual
© Copyright 2001, Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “airSynth” and “Axyz”
are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. “Axyz” technology is
patent pending.
ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION
Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc.
1633 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
Do not use this address for repair service.
Telephone: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747)
E-Mail: sup[email protected]
Website: www.alesis.com

AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 3
CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions......................................................5
Safety symbols used in this product.........................................................................5
Please follow these precautions when using this product:..........................................5
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French)...........................................................7
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit ............................................................................7
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation de l’appareil: ...............................7
Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden
Sicherheitshinweise: (German).................................................................................9
CE Declaration of Conformity..................................................................................10
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE USER (FCC compliance)...................................................11
Quick Start Guide .........................................................................13
Step 1: Hook it up...................................................................................................13
Step 2: Select a Program ..........................................................................................13
Step 3: Have fun .....................................................................................................13
Connections...................................................................................15
Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................15
Basic Connections...................................................................................................15
Connecting to a Stereo Receiver...................................................................16
Connecting between a CD Player and a Stereo Receiver ................................16
Connecting to a Studio Mixer ......................................................................17
Connecting into a DJ System........................................................................18
Mounting on a Microphone Stand................................................................19
Mono Operation.........................................................................................19
Performance .................................................................................21
Selecting a Program................................................................................................21
Using the Axyz™ Controller ...................................................................................22
Effect Hold.............................................................................................................23
Effect Bypass..........................................................................................................24
Special Programs....................................................................................................27
Sequencers.................................................................................................27
Pads...........................................................................................................28
Auto-Melody Generators ............................................................................31
The Global Tempo Program ........................................................................31
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................33
Troubleshooting Index............................................................................................33
Care and Maintenance ............................................................................................34
Cleaning ....................................................................................................34
Obtaining Repair Service.............................................................................34
Program Chart........................................................................................................36
Specifications................................................................................37
Alesis Limited Warranty...............................................................38

4AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Alesis airSynth. To take full advantage
of this synthesizer’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use,
please read this user’s manual carefully.
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the
various functions and applications for the airSynth. Though we
recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once
carefully, those having general knowledge about synthesizers should
use the table of contents to look up specific functions.
Chapter 1: Quick Start. If you want to start using the airSynth right
away, here’s a one-page guide to hooking it up and trying it out.
Chapter 2: Connections. This chapter gives detailed instructions for
connecting the airSynth to a variety of typical sound systems.
Chapter 3: Performance. This section explains how to select programs,
use the Axyz™ Controller, and use the Hold and Bypass functions. It
also explains how to use some of the special programs in the unit.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting. This chapter contains troubleshooting
tips and service information should problems occur.
✪When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like
the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol
indicates that this information is vital when operating the
airSynth.

AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
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.

6AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
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.
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.

AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 7
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 chiffonhumide. 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.

8AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
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.
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.

AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 9
Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten
Sie bitte die folgenden
Sicherheitshinweise: (German)
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. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man darüber
stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird.
10. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.
11. 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.
12. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen
längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose.
13. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal erfolgen. Die
Wartung wird notwendig, wenndas 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.
14. Dieses Gerät produziert auch im normalen Betrieb Wärme. Achten Sie
deshalb auf ausreichende Lüftung mit mindestens 15 cm Abstand von
anderen Geräten.
15. 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.

10 AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
CE Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer’s Name: Alesis Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address: 1633 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
USA
declares, that the product:
Product Name: airSynth
Model Type: Signal Processor
conforms to the Standards listed for this product on the web site
www.alesis.com
European Contact: Sound Technology
17 Letchworth Point, Lechworth,
Hertfordshire, SG6 1ND, England.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
March 2001

AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 11
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE USER
(FCC compliance)
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:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
This equipment has been verified to comply with the limits for a class
B computing device, pursuant to FCC Rules. In order to maintain
compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables should be used with
this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or
unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV
reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made
to the equipment without the approval of the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

12 AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
AXYZ™ Controller
LED Display
Program Knob
RCA Outputs RCA Inputs Power Jack

Chapter 1: Quick Start Guide
AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 13
CHAPTER 1
QUICK START GUIDE
This page gives you brief instructions so that you can start using the
airSynth right away. If you have questions about any of the steps,
don’t worry – the following chapters will expand on these instructions
in mind-numbing detail.
Step 1: Hook it up
Pull the airSynth out of the package, and plug it into the wall with the
supplied Power Supply. Connect the Left and Right outputs of the
airSynth into the Left and Right CD Inputs of a stereo receiver or
mixer.
airSynth
Receiver
airSynth Line Out
Receiver CD In
NOTE: If your system looks different from this one, skip ahead to
Chapter 2, Connections.
Step 2: Select a Program
Turn the Program Select knob and select a Program between 00 and 49.
When you’ve found one you like, press the knob down to select it.
There is a list of program names printed on the bottom of the unit.
Step 3: Have fun

Quick Start Guide: Chapter 1
14 AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
Move your hand over the black Axyz™ dome on the unit. Try moving
from side to side, front to back, as well as up and down. Get down!

Chapter 2: Connections
AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 15
CHAPTER 2
CONNECTIONS
Unpacking and Inspection
Your Alesis airSynth was carefully packed at the factory, and 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 your processor for servicing.
The shipping carton should contain the following items:
• airSynth Processor
• This instruction manual
• Program Chart
• Power Supply, Alesis model P3
• Alesis Warranty card
•23’ RCA stereo cables
✪It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already
filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please
take the time to do so now.
Basic Connections
The airSynth is designed to function with a wide range of equipment,
from CD players to musical instruments. The only requirement is that
the input and output signals be line level (for the technically minded,
unbalanced -10 dBu).
This means that you never want to plug the powered output of
an amplifier or receiver into the airSynth. These speaker-level
voltages will fry the electronics inside of the airSynth.
The systems on the next few pages will give you some examples of
typical systems where the airSynth is used. If you can’t apply one of

Connections: Chapter 2
16 AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
these systems to your own setup, contact Alesis or your dealer for
assistance.
Connecting to a Stereo Receiver
airSynth
Receiver
airSynth Line Out
Receiver CD In
The simplest method for listening to the airSynth is to connect the Left
and Right Outputs to the Left and Right Inputs of a stereo receiver.
The CD or Tape inputs of your receiver are best for this purpose – if
you use Phono inputs the airSynth will sound very noisy.
Connecting between a CD Player and a Stereo
Receiver
CD Player
airSynth
Receiver
CD Line Out
airSynth Line InairSynth Line Out
Receiver CD In
The above system allows you to hear the airSynth with a CD player
through your home stereo system. Although the airSynth does not
change the sound of the CD, this method allows you to hear both
sources at once. Using a stereo RCA (phono) cable, plug the Left and
Right outputs of your CD player into the Left and Right Inputs of the
airSynth. Usually, the white connector is connected to the Left side and
the red connector is connected to the Right side.

Chapter 2: Connections
AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 17
Next, using another stereo RCA cable, plug the Left and Right outputs
of the airSynth into the Left and Right CD inputs of your receiver.
(Actually, any unused inputs on the receiver should work except for
“Phono” or “Record Player”.)
If the unit doesn't have RCA outputs:
The instructions above are fine for home or professional CD Players.
However, most portable CD players don’t have a pair of RCA outputs
like component CD players do. Instead, they have a 1/8” Mini jack.
This is usually labeled “Line Out”. If your CD Player doesn’t have a
Line Out, then use the Headphone output and set the Volume to about
80% to avoid distorting the airSynth.
Many portable CD players include a cable with a 1/8” mini jack on one
side and a pair of RCA connectors on the other. You will need to locate
or purchase this cable to use a portable CD player with the airSynth.
Plug the RCA connectors on this cable into the Left and Right Inputs of
the airSynth. You should be able to use these instructions to connect a
game console, DVD player or video camera through the airSynth.
✪Although the speaker outputs of many compact stereo systems
use an RCA connector between the main outputs and the
speakers, speaker level voltages like these will distort and
possibly damage the airSynth.
Connecting to a Studio Mixer
The best method of connecting the airSynth to a mixing console is to
use a pair of channel line inputs. You’ll need a cable with two 1/4”
connectors on one side and two RCA connectors on the other. Connect
the RCA jacks to the airSynth’s line outputs, then connect the 1/4”
jacks to a pair of line inputs on the mixer. If no channel line inputs are
available, tape returns or effects returns may be used instead.

Connections: Chapter 2
18 AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL
airSynth
Mixer
Powered Monitor Powered Monitor
airSynth Line Out
Mixer Channel Inputs
Mixer Monitor Outs
Monitor Line In
Monitor Line In
Connecting into a DJ System
Amplifier
airSynth Speakers
Mixer
Amp Line Inputs Amp Speaker Outputs
Turntable OutTurntable Out
airSynth Line Out
Phono In 1
Phono In 2
CD/Aux Input
Line Out
This section explains how to connect the airSynth into a DJ system. The
first point to mention is that the output of a turntable is not at line
level. Therefore, unlike a CD player, you can’t just connect the output
of the turntable through the airSynth. You would need to connect the
turntable to a preamp, then connect this output to the airSynth.
A much better method is to use a DJ mixer. This allows you to control
the volume of both turntables (or CD players) and the airSynth

Chapter 2: Connections
AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 19
separately. In the system above, we first connect the two turntables
into two inputs of the mixer. We then plug the Left and Right outputs
of the airSynth into another mixer input. Next, plug the Left and Right
outputs of the mixer into the Left and Right inputs of your power
amplifier.
✪If your amplifier is built into the mixer, make sure you don’t plug
those speaker-level outputs into the inputs of the airSynth. The
voltage levels needed to drive large DJ speakers will distort and
possibly damage the airSynth.
Mounting on a Microphone Stand
The bottom of the airSynth features a threaded socket for a standard
microphone stand. This allows the unit to be mounted away from the
area where the other equipment is, so that unintended movements
won't be picked up by the Axyz controller.
When mounting on a stand, avoid tipover by:
• Using a stand with a heavy base
• Tying the input, output and power cables to the stand in several
places, especially near the base (so if someone pulls on the cord,
it pulls on the base)
• Using cords that are long enough
Mono Operation
The airSynth does not have a mono output. If your sound system is
mono, you should use a “Y-cable” to sum the outputs of the airSynth.
Connect the two connectors of the Y-cable to a single RCA cable, then
connect this cable to your mono destination.
You can also simply connect one of the outputs to a mono input.
However, the panning effects will cause many programs to jump up
and down in volume.

Chapter 3: Performance
AIRSYNTH REFERENCE MANUAL 21
CHAPTER 3
PERFORMANCE
Selecting a Program
The Alesis airSynth contains 50 programs, each one creating a different
effect. There is a list of program names printed on the bottom of the
unit, and you should have received a program chart with the unit that
describes each program.
Selecting a new program is simple:
1. Turn the program knob on the bottom left side of the airSynth to
select a program number. The new program will not load right
away, allowing you to keep using one program while you find
another.
12.
Notice that there is a decimal point after the program number to indicate
that it hasn’t been loaded yet.
2. Press the Program knob to load this new program.
12
The decimal point goes away, showing that the program has been loaded.