Alesis qs6.1 User manual

ALESIS
QS6.1
Reference Manual

QS6.1 Reference Manual 1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an Alesis QS6.1 64-Voice Expandable Synthesizer. ItÕs a
powerful instrument and weÕre sure you will find it exciting to use. The more you
know about it the more youÕll be able to do, so we recommend that you make good use
of this manual.
But most importantly, donÕt forget to have fun! (ThereÕs a good reason they call
what musicians do playing.)
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
No manual can cover the needs of all musicians. There are simply too many of you,
and your needs are too different. But weÕve tried to make this a document that will
teach you what you need to know while encouraging you to explore new and
interesting territory.
It is divided into eleven parts. How many of these sections you need to read will
depend on what you want to do with your QS6.1.
Part 1: SETUP & CONNECTIONS covers how to hook up your QS6.1 so it can be
turned on and played. This section also contains useful audio basics, some tips on
wiring and power, and directions for connecting your QS6.1 to other MIDI gear.
Part 2: OVERVIEW introduces the front panel controls and LCD, along with the
terms and internal structures that every QS6.1 owner ought to know. Here is where
youÕll learn what all the buttons do, and how the sounds are organized. This
chapter also covers the Card expansion options you have available.
Part 3: FIRST SESSION starts you playing.
Part 4: BASIC OPERATION takes everything in the First Session one step further.
After covering this material youÕll be a QS6.1 performance wizard, fully versed in
how to use the instrumentÕs Programs and Mixes and how to change Global settings.
ItÕll also take you through the basics of using the [STORE] button to save your
edits, how to go about naming them, and the procedures for playing back sequences
from a card.
Part 5: MIDI is for players who want to use their QS6.1 for MIDI performance and
sequencing. Because itÕs relevant, youÕll also find a little here about the very top
level of Mix editing. Sys-ex transfer operations are also covered in this section.
Part 6: EDITING EFFECTS will show you how to modify the the matrix of effects
processors that are built into your QS6.1. This is useful to know even if all you want
to do is Òplay the presets,Ó because even if you love a particular sound you might
find that its current processing doesnÕt quite fit in with your music. Need to lengthen
or shorten a ProgramÕs reverb time? Extend a delay? Make an echo louder? Or
maybe even shut the effects completely off, so you can run a raw signal into your
mixing deck or external effects processor? This is where youÕll find the answers.

Contents
2 QS6.1 Reference Manual
Part 7: EDITING MIXES takes you to the next level of editing power, showing you
how to change the preset Mixes and put together new ones of your own. It also
explains the parameters which give the QS6.1 its strength as a master MIDI
keyboard.
Part 8: EDITING PROGRAMS gets deep into the instrument. If you are interested in
pushing the QS6.1 synthesis engine to the max Ñ and itÕs a powerful engine, it
really is Ñ then youÕll want to study this section very closely.
Part 9: EXTRAS includes all sorts of fun and useful information that doesnÕt fit
neatly into the other sections. This is where to look for discussion of RAMcards,
Sound Bridge, the QS6.1 CD-ROM, and other things of general interest.
Part 10: APPENDICES contains reference material on service and maintenance,
troubleshooting, and the QS6.1Õs MIDI Implementation.
MANUAL CONVENTIONS
All buttons, knobs, and switches on the QS6.1 are referred to in bracketed capital
letters that match the instrumentÕs actual markings. Here are some examples:
[PROGRAM] means the button to the right of the LCD that says ÒPROGRAMÓ on it.
[PAGE] and [PAGE ]refer to the two buttons on the left of the LCD that have
left-and-right cursors on them.
[CONTROLLER D] is the slider on the right side of the slider grouping, with ÒDÓ
printed underneath.
[00 PIANO]refers to the leftmost button in the top row of numbered buttons.
Sometimes this will be shorthanded as [00], depending on whatÕs being discussed.
[PITCH] is the control wheel at the left side of the instrument.
And [SUS PEDAL]is the rear panel jack youÕd plug your sustain pedal into.
WHY THERE’S NO INDEX
Indexes are useful in really big books. They are also useful when you already know
what you are looking for. Otherwise, though,they are kind of frustrating: ÒIt says
here that there are references to The Thing I Am Interested In on pages 16, 23, 28-31,
47, 57-62, and 113. But which one of those has the bit IÕm looking for?Ó
We think having a really great Table Of Contents works much better. If you need to
find something, go to the ToC and see for yourself Ñ its clear, directive headings
tell you whatÕs in every section and subsection, making it easy for you to find your
way. And since the information is all in context, youÕll learn that much more about
your QS6.1 every time you look.

QS6.1 Reference Manual 3
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
The shipping carton for your QS6.1 should contain the following items:
¥ QS6.1 (with the same serial number as shown on the shipping carton)
¥ Sustain pedal
¥ AC Power Cable
¥ Computer CD-ROM containing software
¥ This instruction manual, plus Mix and Program lists and a Quick Start guide
¥ Alesis warranty card
If you havenÕt filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to us, please take
the time to do so. This will help us give you the best support we possibly can.
✪

Contents
4 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Table of Contents
QS6.1 Reference Manual 5
CONTENTS
Part 1: SETUP & CONNECTIONS..........................................................9
AC Power...............................................................................................................9
Audio ....................................................................................................................10
MIDI .....................................................................................................................12
Direct Computer Link.............................................................................................14
Pedal and Footswitch Hookup................................................................................16
Part 2: OVERVIEW.............................................................................17
A Quick Tour Of The Front Panel.............................................................................17
Programs, Mixes, And Banks...................................................................................22
The Performance Controls.......................................................................................24
PCMCIA Expansion Cards ......................................................................................26
Part 3: FIRST SESSION.......................................................................27
Powering Up ..........................................................................................................27
Playing the Demo Sequences...................................................................................27
Playing Programs...................................................................................................28
Playing Mixes........................................................................................................29
The Performance Controls, Pt. II..............................................................................31
Transposing The Keyboard .........................................................................31
Performance Transposition Chart................................................................32
Part 4: BASIC OPERATION.................................................................33
Recap ....................................................................................................................33
The Double-Button Press Trick................................................................................33
Copying Existing Programs And Mixes To A New Location In The User Bank.............34
ÉOr To A New Location On A Card Bank................................................................34
Changing The Programs In A Mix............................................................................35
Storing Altered Mixes To The User Bank (Or To A Card)..........................................35
Storing Altered Programs To The User Bank (Or To A Card).....................................35
Changing The Name Of A Program Or Mix..............................................................36
Compare Mode.......................................................................................................36
Playing Sequences From A Card ..............................................................................37
The Global Settings (And How To Change Them)....................................................38
Part 5: MIDI......................................................................................47
The Power of Mix Mode ..........................................................................................47
Using an External Sequencer....................................................................................48
Program Assign for each MIDI Channel...................................................................50
Sending and Receiving Bank Select Messages ..........................................................50
Using the QS6.1 as a Master Keyboard....................................................................52
Saving Programs via MIDI Sys Ex...........................................................................56
Editing Programs via MIDI Sys Ex ..........................................................................57
Part 6: EDITING EFFECTS...................................................................59
Basic Info...............................................................................................................59
Entering Effects Edit Mode From Program Mode.......................................................60
Entering Effects Edit Mode From Mix Mode..............................................................60
Navigating In Effects Edit Mode.............................................................................61
Selecting From Among The Available Effects Patches In A Mix....................61
The ÒFX Program Change via MIDIÓ function..............................................62
How The Display Changes When You Alter An Effect.............................................63
Storing Effect Patches In Program Mode ..................................................................63
Storing Effect Patches in Mix Mode.........................................................................63
Copying Effects From One Program To Another........................................................64

Table of Contents
6 QS6.1 Reference Manual
Keeping Track: The Interaction Of Effects, Programs, And Mixes..............................65
Picking An Effect Configuration..............................................................................65
Configuration #1: 1 REVERB...................................................................................66
How Ò1 ReverbÓ Is Arranged.......................................................................67
Configuration #2: 2 REVERBS.................................................................................68
How Ò2 ReverbsÓ Is Arranged......................................................................69
Configuration #3: LEZLIE+REVERB .......................................................................70
How ÒLEZLIE+REVERBÓ Is Arranged.........................................................70
Configuration #4: 1 REVERB+EQ............................................................................71
How ÒREVERB+EQÓ Is Arranged................................................................71
Configuration #5: OVERDRIVE+LEZLIE ................................................................72
How ÒOverdrive+LezlieÓ Is Arranged ........................................................72
Routing Sounds or Programs Through The Effects Only.............................................73
Setting Effect Send Levels ......................................................................................74
If The Send Inputs Clip...........................................................................................74
[00] to [30] ÑEffect Sends 1 - 4 ................................................................................74
EQ.........................................................................................................................75
Mod.......................................................................................................................76
Lezlie....................................................................................................................79
Pitch .....................................................................................................................81
Delay....................................................................................................................87
Reverb ..................................................................................................................88
Overdrive..............................................................................................................94
Effect Mix..............................................................................................................95
Part 7: Editing Mixes........................................................................97
What is a Mix?......................................................................................................97
Polyphony in Mix Play Mode..................................................................................97
Program Assign for each MIDI Channel...................................................................97
Mix Edit Mode .......................................................................................................98
Understanding the Edit Buffers ..............................................................................99
Level Setting for Each Program...............................................................................100
Pitch .....................................................................................................................101
Effect.....................................................................................................................101
Keyboard/MIDI.....................................................................................................102
Controllers.............................................................................................................103
Setting the Range...................................................................................................104
Naming a Mix........................................................................................................104
Part 8: Editing Programs……………………………………………………………………………..105
Overview ..............................................................................................................105
The ÒNormalizedÓ Synth Voice..............................................................................105
How the QS6.1 Generates Sound .............................................................................106
Program Sound Layers ............................................................................................106
QS6.1 Signal Flow..................................................................................................107
About Modulation ..................................................................................................109
About Signal Processing..........................................................................................110
Drum Mode ............................................................................................................111
Storing Your Edited Programs .................................................................................112
Program Edit Functions...........................................................................................113
Voice.........................................................................................................114
Muting and Unmuting Sounds ..........................................................114
Level.........................................................................................................117
Pitch .........................................................................................................118
Filter.........................................................................................................121
Amp/Range ...............................................................................................124
Pitch Envelope...........................................................................................128

Table of Contents
QS6.1 Reference Manual 7
Filter Envelope..........................................................................................131
Amp Envelope............................................................................................134
Name ........................................................................................................136
Mod 1 Ð Mod 6.............................................................................................137
Pitch LFO..................................................................................................142
Filter LFO .................................................................................................144
Amp LFO...................................................................................................145
Tracking Generator.....................................................................................147
Programming Drum Sounds in Drum Mode................................................................149
Voice.........................................................................................................149
Level.........................................................................................................151
Pitch .........................................................................................................151
Filter.........................................................................................................152
Amp/Range ...............................................................................................152
Amp Envelope............................................................................................153
Mute Group ....................................................................................153
Special Programming Functions...............................................................................154
Copying Sounds..........................................................................................154
To Audition Programs Before Storing...........................................................155
Part 9: EXTRAS ................................................................................157
A Word About the QS CD-ROM..............................................................................157
Sound Bridgeª..........................................................................................157
Using PCMCIA Expansion Cards.............................................................................158
Saving the User Bank to a PCMCIA Card....................................................158
Loading a Bank from an External Card........................................................159
Storing an Individual Program or Mix .........................................................160
Loading an Individual Program or Mix........................................................160
Card Storage Ramifications ...................................................................................161
More about SRAM Cards.............................................................................162
SRAM Cards and Mix Mode........................................................................162
Part 10: Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………….163
Appendix A ...........................................................................................................163
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................163
Recovering From A ÒCrashÓ............................................................164
Re-initializing ..............................................................................164
Checking The Software Version......................................................165
Maintenance/Service .................................................................................165
Cleaning your QS6.1.......................................................................165
Preventative Maintenance..............................................................165
Refer All Servicing to Alesis ..........................................................165
Obtaining Repair Service...............................................................166
Appendix B: MIDI Supplement...............................................................................167
MIDI Basics...............................................................................................167
MIDI Hardware.........................................................................................167
MIDI Message Basics..................................................................................168
Channel Messages: Mode Messages .................................................168
Channel Messages: Voice Messages.................................................168
Continuous Controllers List.............................................................169
System Common Messages...............................................................170
General MIDI.............................................................................................170
MIDI Implementation Chart ......................................................................172
Appendix C: Parameters Index................................................................................173
Program Edit Parameters............................................................................173
Mix Edit Parameters ..................................................................................175

Table of Contents
8 QS6.1 Reference Manual

Setup & Connections: Part 1
QS6.1 Reference Manual 9
PART 1
SETUP & CONNECTIONS
AC POWER
HOOKUP
Your QS6.1 is set to work with the voltage of the country it was shipped to (either 110
or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz) and comes equipped with the appropriate power cable.
Hooking that cable up is simple.
·Make sure your QS6.1 is turned off.
·Plug the female (jack) end of the power cable into the QS6.1Õs power socket.
·Plug the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. ItÕs good practice not to turn
the QS6.1 on until all other cables are hooked up.
The IEC-spec power cable included with your QS6.1 is designed to connect to an outlet
with three holes, the third of which Ñ the round one Ñ is the ground connection. This
connection is an important safety feature: it keeps the QS6.1Õs chassis at ground
potential, preventing accidental shocks.
Unfortunately, not all three-hole sockets are properly grounded. We recommend that
you use an AC line tester to check the ground connection on any socket you may use, just to
be on the safe side. If you find an ungrounded outlet, consult with a licensed electrician
about getting the problem fixed.
Avoid using ungrounded outlets. Plugging the QS6.1 into an ungrounded outlet can
be hazardous. The same goes for ÒliftingÓ the unit off ground by using a three-to-
two plug adapter. DonÕt do it!
Alesis cannot be responsible for any problems that might be caused by using the
QS6.1 with improper AC wiring.
LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS
The power coming through some AC lines contains voltage surges, spikes, or transients
that can stress your gear, causing failure or malfunctions. Although the QS6.1 is
designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, it isnÕt invulnerable. So if the power in
your area is particularly bad (or if you are out playing live gigs) you will probably
want to take precautions. You have three basic options:
¥Line spike/surge protectors. These relatively inexpensive devices are designed
to protect against strong surges and spikes. They act somewhat like fuses and
will have to be either replaced or reset (depending on the unit) if theyÕve been
hit by an extremely strong spike.
✪
✪

Part 1: Setup & Connections
10 QS6.1 Reference Manual
¥Line filters. These cost more than simple spike/surge protectors, but may be
worth it depending on your situation. Along with surge protection they offer
circuits that can remove some line noise Ñ things like dimmer hash, transients
from other appliances, etc.
¥An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This is the most expensive way to go,
but it is also the best. Your typical UPS offers complete line protection/filtering
and throws in emergency battery power that will come on instantly if there is a
power outage. This will prevent anything in RAM-only memory from getting
lost, and enable you to take the time to shut down everything properly. That
last step is very important. You should always turn everything in your rig
physically off when the power goes out Ñ otherwise you risk serious gear
and/or speaker damage from the current surge that takes place when power is
finally restored.
AUDIO
CONNECTIONS
The QS6.1 has two Main outputs and a stereo headphone output. These make for
several possible hookups:
¥ Mono. To run in mono, connect a single mono cable from one of the QS6.1Õs [MAIN]
output jacks to either a mono amp or an individual mixer input. (You can use
either the [LEFT MAIN]or the [RIGHT MAIN]output jack.) Please note that with
this connection you will only be hearing one channel, so any Programs or Mixes
designed for stereo output will sound incomplete or diminished.
¥ Stereo. To run in stereo, connect two mono cords (one each from the [LEFT]and
[RIGHT]output jacks) to either (A) a stereo amp system or (B) two separate
mixer inputs. For full effect, make sure that these inputs are panned hard left
and right.
¥ Stereo Headphones. To listen over headphones, plug a set of high-quality
stereo headphones into the headphones [ ]jack on the rear panel. The
volume for the headphone output is controlled by the front panel [VOLUME]
slider. Some headphones have a higher electrical resistance than others; if
the sound level seems too low even with the [VOLUME]slide up full, try a
different set.
LEVELS
To get the highest audio quality when performing or recording, set your QS6.1Õs
[VOLUME] slider all the way up. If the resulting signal is too loud (ÒhotÓ) for your
mixer or recording deck, lower the input level controls on those units until they are no
longer clipping.

Setup & Connections: Part 1
QS6.1 Reference Manual 11
AUDIO CABLES — SELECTION, ROUTING,
AND CARE
The audio connections between your QS6.1 and the rest of your studio are your musicÕs
lifeline, so make sure you use high-quality cables. These should be low-capacitance
shielded cables, with a stranded internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Avoid
cables with solid internal conductors.
Quality cables cost more, but they are worth it. If you want to the lowest possible noise
and the best possible sound, there is no other way to go. As for what to do with them
when setting up, here are some basic mistakes to avoid:
¥ Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords. If you do, the audio cables
will pick up hum from the AC line.
¥ Avoid running audio cables near such sources of electromagnetic interference as
transformers, monitors, computers, etc.
Stereo Amp
Stereo Headphones
AC Receptacle
1/4" Audio Cables
Expression Pedal
Pedal Switch

Part 1: Setup & Connections
12 QS6.1 Reference Manual
¥ DonÕt run cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable will
compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield, and over time
this will degrade performance and reliability.
¥ Avoid twisting the cable or laying it out with sharp, right-angle turns.
¥ Never unplug a cable by tugging on the cable itself. Even if it has a Òstrain-
reliefÓ plug, you are likely to damage the inside wiring and connections. The
best way to unplug a cable is to firmly grasp the body of the plug and then pull
it straight outward.
When connecting audio cables, or turning power on and off, make sure that ALL
devices in your system are turned off and ALL volume controls are turned down.
This is important. If you donÕt do this, you can create loud bursts of sound that
might damage your speakers (or worse, your ears).
MIDI
BASIC MIDI HOOKUP
MIDI is the standard data communication protocol for electronic musical instruments. If
you arenÕt familiar with MIDI, see Part 5: MIDI and Part 10: Appendices to learn more
about how it works. Meanwhile, hereÕs all you need to know to get wired up.
The QS6.1 has three MIDI connectors:
¥MIDI IN. This port is for receiving MIDI information (notes, program changes,
etc.) from another source, such as another MIDI keyboard, an alternate
controller, or a computer.
¥MIDI OUT. This port is for sending MIDI information to another MIDI
keyboard, sound module, or computer.
¥MIDI THRU. This port is for passing on MIDI information received by the MIDI
IN port. In simple MIDI setups, the THRU port is used to connect additional
devices that will all be ÒlisteningÓ to the same source.
Here are four typical MIDI setups for your QS6.1, and the appropriate cable connections
for each of them:
·As Slave. To play your QS6.1 from any other MIDI device (keyboard, drum pad,
guitar or bass controller, sequencer, etc.), just run a standard 5-pin MIDI cable
from the control deviceÕs MIDI OUT to the QS6.1Õs [MIDI IN]jack.
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Setup & Connections: Part 1
QS6.1 Reference Manual 13
·As Controller. To play other MIDI devices from your QS6.1, run a MIDI cable
from the QS6.1Õs [MIDI OUT]jack to the MIDI IN of the device you want to
control.
·As a Link in a Òdaisy chain.Ó If you are using the QS6.1 in the middle of the
MIDI chain (example: as the second unit of a three device chain), youÕll need
two MIDI cables. Attach one from the MIDI OUT of the chainÕs first device to
the [MIDI IN]jack of the QS6.1; and then attach the other from the QS6.1Õs [MIDI
THRU]jack to the MIDI IN of the chainÕs third device.
·As part of a computer-based MIDI Network. If you are using a computer for
sequencing and/or programming, youÕll want to be able to play data into your
computer from your QS6.1, and receive data back as well. This will take two
MIDI cables. Attach one from the MIDI OUT of the computerÕs MIDI interface
to the [MIDI IN]jack of the QS6.1; and then attach the other from the QS6.1Õs
[MIDI OUT]jack to the interfaceÕs MIDI IN.

Part 1: Setup & Connections
14 QS6.1 Reference Manual
DIRECT COMPUTER LINK
The QS6.1 can communicate directly with Mac or PC computers via its [SERIAL PORT]
connector. Using this connection eliminates the need for a MIDI cables and a separate
MIDI interface.
HereÕs how it works:
1) Run a single serial cable from your computerÕs serial port to the [SERIAL PORT]
connector on your QS6.1.
2) Set the rear panel [ PC / MAC ]switch to either PC or MAC, depending on
what kind of computer you are using.
3) Set your QS6.1 to listen to data over this direct serial connection, instead of
MIDI. To do this, press [EDIT SELECT] to begin editing; then press [BANK ] to
access Global Edit Mode; then press [ PAGE] until the lower line of the LCD
reads I/O. (If you overshoot, just press the [PAGE ] button to get back.) Once
there, use the [VALUE] buttons to change the setting from MIDI to whatever
best matches your computer. There are three options:
·PC 38.4Kbd. Use this setting if your computer is a PC and its serial port runs
at 38.4 kilobaud.
·PC 31.25Kbd. Use this setting if your computer is a PC and its serial port
runs at 31.25 kilobaud.
·MAC 1MHz. Use this setting if your computer is a Macintosh.
Please note that if the rear-panel selection switch is set to [MAC], your QS6.1 will not
show you the two PC choices. Likewise, if the switch is set to [PC], then the Mac setting
will not show up in the display.

Setup & Connections: Part 1
QS6.1 Reference Manual 15
IBM®PCS AND COMPATIBLES RUNNING
WINDOWS®
If you want to link your QS6.1 directly with a PC or PC-Compatible, youÕll need special
serial driver software and cabling.
YouÕve already got the driver software Ñ itÕs in the \ALESIS\ASDWIN directory on
the CD-ROM that came with your QS6.1. (If you donÕt have a CD-ROM drive in your
computer, call Alesis Product Support and ask them to send you the software on a 3-1/2
inch floppy disk. ) Complete installation instructions come with the driver software.
The procedure will vary depending on your version of Windows.
The special cable can be purchased through Alesis Product Support. It has a DIN8
connector on one end and either a DB9 or DB25 connector on the other end (depending on
the type of connector that is on your PC.) The DIN8-to-DB9 cable is part # 9-96-1290.
The DIN8-to-DB25 cable is part # 9-96-1291.
Be aware that many PCs have more than one serial port, and some have both types of
connector. Before you order a cable from us you will need to (A) identify the port you
wish to hook up to, and (B) make certain it is not already in use by the computer.
MACINTOSH™
You donÕt need a special cable to make a direct connection between your QS6.1 and a
Mac. Any standard Mac DIN-8 cable will do.
You will, however, have to choose between using the MODEM or PRINTER serial port
on the Mac. Plug into whichever one you arenÕt already using, and then make sure your
MIDI softwareÕs port selection is set to match.
If both ports are already in use, you can either (A) temporarily disconnect your modem
or printer, or (B) buy a multiple serial port box that will let you hook everything up to
your Mac and switch among these serial devices as needed.
NOTE: If you want to use the printer port for your direct serial link, first make certain
that AppleTalk is disabled.

Part 1: Setup & Connections
16 QS6.1 Reference Manual
PEDAL AND FOOTSWITCH HOOKUP
The QS6.1 keyboard has two back-panel pedal jacks, marked[SUS PEDAL]and
[PEDAL 1].
[SUS PEDAL]is designed to work with any standard momentary footswitch. It doesnÕt
matter whether the footswitch is normally open or closed, so long as you plug it into the
jack before powering up your QS6.1; the instrument will automatically sense the
footswitchÕs polarity and calibrate itself accordingly.
[PEDAL 1] is designed to work with a Roland EV-5 volume pedal (or its equivalent).
The QS6.1Õs factory defaults assign sustain to the [SUS PEDAL]jack and overall
instrument volume to the [PEDAL 1]jack, but you can change these settings at any time
if you want to. There are lots of interesting possibilities to explore. A starter example:
using a footswitch to turn vibrato on in a program, and using a volume-type pedal to
control vibrato speed.
If your sustain footswitch responds backwards (i.e., notes sustain unless the footswitch
is pressed), then turn off your QS6.1 and make sure the footswitch plug is fully inserted
into the [ SUS PEDAL ]jack. When it is, turn the instrumentÕs power back on while
keeping your foot off the footswitch.

Overview: Part 2
QS6.1 Reference Manual 17
PART 2
OVERVIEW
A QUICK TOUR OF THE FRONT PANEL
THE WHEELS
At the far left of the front panel you will find two powerful controllers:
·The [PITCH]wheel. Move this control up or down to expressively bend the
pitch of the synth.
·The [MODULATION]wheel. Move this control to cause interesting sonic
changes in the current Program or Mix.
Sometimes you wonÕt hear anything happen when you use the [MODULATION]
wheel. In these cases, either (A) the current Program or Mix isnÕt programmed
to respond to modulation, or (B) modulation is tied to a function that is currently
off. HereÕs an example of the latter: if the [MODULATION] wheel is
programmed to control chorus speed, but chorus depth is currently set at zero,
then moving the [MODULATION] wheel wonÕt do anything audible.
THE SLIDERS
Moving to the right, you will see 5 different sliders:
·The [VOLUME]slider. This fader raises and lowers the QS6.1Õs audio output
level.
·[CONTROLLERS A, B, C, and D].These faders are programmable and can
be used to give you hands-on control of many different parameters. What they
do will vary depending on how the Program or Mix has been designed. As you
move them, the LCD gives you visual feedback in the form of small vertical
bar-graphs. Please note: this only happens if a control function is assigned to
the slider being moved. That means the quickest way to find out which sliders
are working in a given Program is to push all four sliders up while watching the
display.
During editing, the [CONTROLLER D]slider serves as a data entry control.

Part 2: Overview
18 QS6.1 Reference Manual
THE EDIT MODE BUTTONS
There are 6 buttons grouped together at the immediate left of the display:
·[▲VALUE]. When you are editing, this button increments the selected value. At
all other times it steps you forward through the available Programs or Mixes,
depending on which mode youÕve selected.
·[VALUE ▼]. Same as [▲VALUE], except that it decrements values and steps
backward through Programs and Mixes.
·[EDIT SELECT].This button takes you into Edit Mode. To get back out, press
either [MIX] or [PROGRAM].
·[STORE].A true multi-purpose control. It is involved in making MIDI sys-ex
transfers, in saving and loading both User and Card Banks, in copying Effects
patches, and when initializing individual Sounds within a Program. When
editing, this is the button youÕd press to store an altered Program or Mix to a
selected location in the QS6.1Õs memory. In normal performance it gives you a
quick way to copy the current Program or Mix to a new location.
·[PAGE]. When editing, this button cycles you backward through the
available ÒpagesÓ for the current parameter (thereÕs an indicator in the upper
right of the LCD that tells you what page you are on). In Program Mode, this
button changes your QS6.1Õs basic MIDI channel. In Mix Mode, it is used to
display the Programs assigned to different MIDI channels, so that you can
change these assignments on the fly.
·[PAGE ]. Same as just above, except that it cycles you forward instead of
backward.

Overview: Part 2
QS6.1 Reference Manual 19
THE DISPLAY
The large backlit LCD in the center of the front panel gives you visual feedback as
you work. What it shows will vary depending on the mode you are in.
LetÕs go over what the different areas of the LCD ÒtellÓ you.
1) The big numbers on the left side of the LCD show you which Program or Mix
youÕre currently editing or playing.
2) The top line of the display shows the NAME of the Program or Mix while youÕre
in Play Mode. It also gives you the name of the selected Function when youÕre in
Edit Mode.
3) If you look closely at the silkscreening around the LCD's "bezel" (the raised,
clear plastic cover between it and the dusty outside world), you'll notice some
abbreviations like "CLP" or"TRN" alongside the word "NAME". Here is what
they stand for:
CLP: An exclamation point (!) will appear in this area of the LCD if the
QS6.1's signal clips internally. You'll only see this in Program or Mix Modes (not
while you're editing).
SEQ: A blinking arrow (->) will appear in this area of the LCD if you have
triggered a card sequence. When the sequence stops, the arrow will disappear.
TRN: An up arrow (/\) or a down arrow (\/) will appear in this area of the
LCD if you have transposed the keyboard up or down.
ABCD: If a Program or Mix has any of the four faders active, you can move
them and see a reaction in the LCD under these four letters. The four vertical bar
graphs represent the [CONTROLLER A-D] slider positions. This area of the LCD
will also display the ÒpageÓ numbers when you are in any of the Edit Modes.
4) The middle line does triple duty. In Play Mode it tells you which Bank the sound
youÕre using came from. In Edit Mode it gives you the name of the parameter youÕre
editing. And in Mix Program Select mode, it lets you know which QS6.1 Program is
assigned to which MIDI channel. More on that later in the manual.
5) These words let you know which Mode you are in. YouÕll see them alone or in
combination depending on where you are. The word ÒEDITÓ changes to ÒEDITEDÓ
when you change a value in one of the Edit Modes.
6) The numbers along the bottom are the MIDI channel numbers. In Program Mode
youÕll only see one channel number lit at a time. In Mix Mode youÕll see two or more.
When activity is happening on a given channel, a circle will light up around that
MIDI channel's number. This is true whether the information is generated from the
QS6.1's keyboard or comes in via the MIDI In jack.