Alexander Venture Series User manual

SYNTAX ERROR2
enhanced audio computer system
USER MANUAL

CONTENTS
BASIC OPERATION.................................................................3
INS AND OUTS ........................................................................3
CONTROLS & DISPLAY ...........................................................4
PRESETS...................................................................................5
EXPRESSION PEDAL ...............................................................6
SOUND MODES .......................................................................7
MINI-SEQUENCER...................................................................8
GLOBAL CONFIGURATION ...................................................9
STEREO MODES ....................................................................10
MIDI .......................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................12
ABOUT ALEXANDER PEDALS
Alexander Pedals builds hand-crafted eects pedals in Garner, North Carolina. Each Alexander Pedal is
meticulously voiced and tweaked by our sonic scientists to achieve sounds that are both instantly familiar yet
completely unique.
Alexander Pedals are designed by Matthew Farrow and a group of trusted players, builders, and friends.
Matthew has been building guitar pedals since the late 1990s, rst with Pharaoh Ampliers, and now with
Disaster Area Designs. Matthew has designed some of the most innovative eects units on the market,
including some big names he’s not allowed to tell you about.
Alexander Pedals was started for two reasons - to make great tones, and to do good. The great tones part you
probably have some idea about. As for doing good, Alexander Pedals donates a portion of the prots from
every pedal sold to charity, whether you buy from us or our dealers. Matthew’s younger brother Alex passed
away in 1987 of a form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Alexander Pedals honors his memory by helping in the
ght to end childhood cancer.
alexanderpedals.com
GREAT TONES. DOING GOOD.
MANUAL VERSION 1.00b
SEPTEMBER 2021

Welcome to Weirdville, population: you.
The Alexander Syntax Error2 is our newest noisemaker, designed to help you create your very
own arcade soundtrack using guitar, bass, keys, or whatever.
Using the pedal is pretty simple: plug your instrument into the black INPUT jack and your
amplier or other effect into the white L / MONO jack, power up the pedal with 9V 250mA or
more, and turn some knobs. You’ll be rewarded with strange sounds and twisted tones courtesy
of the Syntax Error2’s FXCore DSP processor and our own custom microcontroller interface.
This manual contains full technical details on the operation of this pedal.
For more information regarding rmware updates, update tools, and
software integration, please scan the code in this section to visit our
website.
BASIC OPERATION
scan me for
more info!
INPUT: Instrument input. Defaults to mono, may be set to TRS Stereo or TRS Sum using
the Global conguration menu.
R / DRY: Auxiliaray output. Defaults to sending the unaltered dry signal, may be set to
output the right side of the stereo output using the Global conguration menu.
L / MONO: Main output. Defaults to mono output, may be set to output the left side of the
stereo output using the Global conguration menu. May also be used as a TRS
stereo output (disables the R / DRY jack) if the next effect or input is TRS stereo.
DC 9V: Center-negative, 2.1mm ID barrel jack for DC input. The pedal requires a
minimum of 250mA to operate, higher current supplies are acceptable. Do not
power the pedal from a source greater than 9.6V DC.
USB: USB mini-B connector for USB MIDI or rmware updates
MULTI: User congurable jack, used for Expression pedal (TRS only,) remote footswitch,
or MIDI input / output (requires converter unit or adapter cable.)
INS AND OUTS
MULTIINPUT R / DRY L / MONO DC 9V USB

VENTURE
VENTURE
series
series
A
A
B
B
X
X
Y
Y
MIX
MIX
(DATA)
(DATA)
control bypass
preset
VENTURE
series
AB
XY
MIX
(DATA)
MODE
MODE
PRESS PAGE
PRESS PAGE
HOLD MENU
HOLD MENU
MODE
PRESS PAGE
HOLD MENU
enhanced audio computer system
SYNTAX
ERROR
2
control bypass
preset
enhanced audio computer system
SYNTAX
ERROR
2
A B X Y KNOBS
ADJUST PARAMETERS OR
SEQUENCE STEPS
MODE KNOB
TURN TO SELECT SOUND MODE
PRESS TO CHANGE CONTROL PAGE
HOLD TO ENTER MENU
CONTROL SWITCH
TAP OR HOLD TO CONTROL
SEQUENCER FUNCTIONS
BYPASS SWITCH
TAP TO BYPASS OR ENGAGE
HOLD TO LOAD NEXT
PRESET
MIX KNOB
TURN TO ADJUST WET / DRY MIX
TURN TO ADJUST MENU OR
SEQUENCER PARAMETERS
INPUT
MONO OR TRS
STEREO INPUT
R / DRY
R STEREO OR
DRY OUTPUT
L / MONO
L STEREO OR
MONO OUTPUT
MULTI
EXPRESSION
PEDAL OR MIDI
1 SYNTAX 2
SAMP PLAY SIZE FEED
MIXMAINSTRETCH
CONTROLS & DISPLAY
The Syntax Error2is a pretty complex pedal under the hood, but we worked hard to make sure
that it’s easy to drive.
We combined a simple user interface with a high-resolution OLED display to get you the
maximum tweakability with the minimum frustration.
The A B X Y knobs adjust the effects parameters or sequence steps, as shown on the display.
The MIX / Data knob adjusts the overall wet / dry mix, or the data value for the selected
parameter in the sequencer or cong menu.
And the MODE knob is an endless rotary encoder with push switch. Turn the knob to select a
new sound mode or menu item. Tap the knob to move to the next page or to edit the selected
item. Finally, you can hold it to access the pedal menu.
1 SYNTAX 2
SAMP PLAY SIZE FEED
MIXMAINSTRETCH
SOUND MODE PAGE
PRESET
NAME
PRESET
NUMBER
CONTROL NAMES DISPLAY BARS
EXP
EXPRESSION
VALUE
The display shows the current function and position of each knob, as well as the sound mode,
preset name, and page name. If you’re using an expression pedal, the display will also show
the pedal position while it’s moving.

PRESETS
How do you make quick changes on a pedal that has 9+ knobs? PRESETS. The
Syntax Error2 allows you to save up to 32 presets that contain the entire state of the
pedal.
Loading a preset recalls all knob positions, sequence steps, sequencer settings, and
expression pedal mappings.
To load a preset, hold the BYPASS / PRESET footswitch. You can set the number of
available presets in the Setup Menu, from 1 to 8.
To save a preset, rst use the pedal knobs to tweak the sound, then hold the MODE
knob. Press and hold the BYPASS / PRESET footswitch to enter the save menu.
If you want to save to the current preset, you can just hold down the BYPASS /
PRESET footswitch again. If you prefer to rename the preset, turn the MODE knob to
select a character in the name and then tap the MODE knob to edit that character. Use
the MODE knob to select the preset number and edit to change the save location.
CANCEL
SAVE TO
1 RUBRTAPE
EDIT PRESET NAME
MIX
(DATA)
MODE
PRESS PAGE
HOLD MENU
1 RUBRTAPE
TURN TO SELECT
CHARACTER OR
PRESET
TAP TO SELECT
CHARACTER OR
NUMBER TO EDIT

EXPRESSION PEDAL
The Syntax Error2will smoothly blend between the two knob settings as you move the
expression pedal. You can map any of the MAIN or ALT controls to the pedal.
If you prefer to have controls that aren’t affected by the expression pedal, simply set
them with the pedal heel down, then gently “wiggle” the knob with the pedal at toe
down. This will set the same values for heel and toe and those knobs won’t change as
you sweep the pedal.
Note: sequencer settings aren’t mappable to the expression pedal.
The MultiJack input is factory-calibrated for most common expression pedal types,
but you can also adjust the range using the conguration menu. Tweak the EXP LO
parameter to set the heel down value and the EXP HI parameter to calibrate the toe
down position.
Connect a TRS expression pedal to the MultiJack to control any or all of the pedal
parameters remotely.
The Syntax Error2 requires a TRS expression pedal, sleeve = 0V (common,) ring =
3.3V, tip = 0-3.3V. You can also use an external control voltage connected to tip and
sleeve, as long as it doesn’t exceed 3.3V.
If you’re using a MIDI controller, you can send MIDI CC 100, value 0-127. 0 is the
same as full heel setting, 127 is toe setting.
To map expression pedal values to pedal settings, rst set the expression pedal to the
heel setting then turn the pedal knobs. Then sweep the expression pedal to the toe
setting and turn the knobs again.
1 SYNTAX 2
SAMP PLAY SIZE FEED
MIXMAINSTRETCH
EXP
1 SYNTAX 2
SAMP PLAY SIZE FEED
MIXMAINSTRETCH
EXP
HEEL SETTING TOE SETTING

We’ve equipped the Syntax Error2with six unique sound modes, each designed to create a wide variety of
tones. Turn the MODE knob to select a new sound mode, then use the A B X Y knobs to tune the sound to your
liking. You can tap the MODE knob to access the ALT controls page, for access to four extra control functions.
Every sound mode has a common set of controls:
SAMP: Sample Crusher, reduces bit depth and sample rate at higher settings.
PITCH: Sets the pitch shift interval from -1 octave to +1 octave, in semitones.
P.MIX: Sets the mix of the pitch shifter eect from dry to fully wet.
VOL: Sets the overall volume of the eect, unit is at 50%.
TONE: Sets the overall brightness of the sound.
Each sound mode also has its own unique controls, accessed on the MAIN controls page.
STRETCH MODE - This mode records the input signal into a sample buer, and then plays it back in real-time.
Great for glitchy delay eects, random reverse, or freaky feedback.
PLAY sets the playback speed and direction, with forward at 0% and reverse at 100%. Middle settings will slow
down and pitch down the audio.
SIZE sets the sample buer size, shorter buers will sound choppy
FEED controls the amount of sampled signal fed back in to the buer, for repeat and echo eects.
AIR MODE - Grainy, lo- reverb eect similar to very early digital and analogue reverberation devices. Early
reections and slow build times make this a unique textural tool.
SIZE controls the decay time and simulated size of the reverb chamber eect
SOFT sets the diusion amount, higher settings are smoother sounding
PDLY controls the pre-delay time before the reverb eect occurs.
RING MODE - Balanced “ring” modulation eect, adds extra frequencies to the original tone that are
mathematically related but not harmonically related. Wild.
FREQ controls the carrier frequency of the modulator. This frequency is added and subtracted from the input.
RAND applies a random frequency for “sample and hold” dial-tone eects. Sounds like a very sick robot.
DPTH sets the range of the RAND modulation.
CUBE MODE - Math-based cubic distortion and fuzz eect, with tunable resonant lter.
DRIV controls the distortion drive amount, higher settings also add some octave fuzz
FILT sets the resonant lter cuto frequency
RESO tunes the resonance of the lter, set to minimum to bypass the lter eect
FREQ MODE - Frequency shift eect, adds or subtracts a set frequency from the input signal. Like pitch shift
but all of the intervals are broken. It’s horrible.
SHFT frequency shift amount, smallest shifts are in the center of the range
FEED controls feedback, increases intensity of the shift and delay eects at high settings
DLAY sets delay time after the shift eect. Set to minimum for phaser-like tones, set to maximum for spiral echo
eects.
WAVE MODE - Time based modulator, used for chorus, vibrato, anger, and FM eects.
RATE sets the modulation speed, from very slow up to the audible band. At higher speeds the modulation is in
the audio band and sounds pretty weird.
DPTH controls the amount of modulation. We let you modulate it all the way, don’t complain if it gets gnarly.
FEED applies feedback to the modulation, higher settings sound more like ange and lower settings more like
chorus.
SOUND MODES

The Syntax Error2includes a versatile and powerful mini-sequencer, which can control any one of the
pedal knobs. This enables you to create animated textures, arpeggios, LFO eects, and more.
To enter the sequencer control mode, tap the MODE button until the page label reads SEQ.
The A B X Y knobs will directly control the values of each sequencer step, so that you can dial in or
tweak the sequence at any time. The value of each step is shown by the boxes on the display bars, and
the current step is indicated by the lled box.
Use the MODE knob to highlight one of the other sequencer parameters, then turn the MIX / DATA
knob to set that value.
MINI-SEQUENCER
SPACE 24
SEQ-> FEED
SEQ
GLIDE 3
TRIG TOGG
PATT ---
RATE 511
MIX
(DATA)
MODE
PRESS PAGE
HOLD MENU
STEP A
VALUE
STEP B
VALUE
STEP C
VALUE
STEP D
VALUE
RATE: Sets the sequencer step speed, higher numbers are faster.
GLIDE: Sets the smoothness of the sequencer steps. At very low settings the sequencer will
glide for a long time and may not reach the nal step values.
SPACE: Sets the muting or staccato eect between sequence steps. At low settings the output
will be very choppy, at high settings no muting will occur.
TRIG: Sets the sequencer trigger mode for the CONTROL footswitch.
STEP: Tap the CONTROL switch to manually select each step
ONE: Tap the CONTROL switch to run the sequence one time and then return to
normal settings.
MOM: Hold the CONTROL footswitch to run the sequencer, release to stop the
sequence and return to normal.
TOGG: Tap the CONTROL footswitch once to start the sequence, tap again to stop. If
the TRIG mode is set to TOGG, the pedal will save the sequencer on / o state and load it
as part of the preset.
SEQ->: Sets the pedal knob for the sequencer to control. All knobs are available.
PAT T: Selects from 8 built-in sequencer patterns, or turn the A B X Y knobs to
create your own pattern.

GLOBAL CONFIGURATION
To enter the global setup menu, rst hold down the MODE knob, then press the left
footswitch.
Turn the MODE knob to select the parameter you want to change, then turn the MIX / DATA
knob to set its value.
Hold the MODE button to save your settings and exit the menu.
M.JACK EXPRESSN MultiJack is expression pedal input
FOOT. SW MultiJack is foot switch input
MIDI MultiJack is MIDI input (requires MIDI to TRS adapter)
CHANNL Sets MIDI input channel
RPHASE NORMAL R / DRY output phase normal
INVERT R / DRY output phase inverted
STEREO MONO+DRY INPUT jack is mono, R / DRY jack outputs dry signal
SUM+DRY INPUT jack sums to mono, R/DRY outputs dry signal
STEREO INPUT jack is stereo, L and R output stereo
PRESET Sets number of presets available on device. Does not aect MIDI.
DISPLY STATIC Display does not show bars or moving values
MOVING Display shows animated value bars
CC OUT OFF Pedal does not send MIDI CC values
JACK Pedal sends MIDI CC from MultiJack
USB Pedal sends MIDI CC from USB MIDI
BOTH Pedal sends MIDI CC from both
EXP LO Sets the heel down calibration for the MultiJack expression pedal
EXP HI Sets the toe down calibration for the MultiJack expression pedal
BRIGHT Sets display brightness
SPLASH Choose startup animation (CHOMP, DISKETTE, TBA, or none.)
RESET Turn to reset CONFIG, PRESETS, or ALL. Hold MODE to reset.
Conguration items named “ITEMxx” are not used, reserved for future expansion.
CHANNL
BYPASS
STEREO
1 / 4 CFG v1.01a
EXPRESSN
001
NORMAL
MONO+DRY
M.JACK
MIX
(DATA)
MODE
PRESS PAGE
HOLD MENU

STEREO MODES
INPUT TIP
INPUT RING
MIX OUTPUT
DRY OUTPUT
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
LEFT MIXER
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
DSP PROCESSING
STEREO MODE: MONO
Mono Mode processes the input signal in mono, and outputs a mono signal on the L / MONO
output jack. The dry signal is available on the R / DRY output jack.
INPUT TIP
INPUT RING
MIX OUTPUT
DRY OUTPUT
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
LEFT MIXER
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
DSP PROCESSINGINPUT MIXER
STEREO MODE: SUM
INPUT TIP
INPUT RING
LEFT OUTPUT
RIGHT OUTPUT
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
LEFT MIXER
INPUT BUFFER OUTPUT BUFFER
RIGHT MIXER
DSP PROCESSINGINPUT MIXER
STEREO MODE: STEREO
Sum mode combines left and right inputs into a mono signal for processing and outputs a
mono signal on the L / MONO output. Useful if you need to sum a stereo source when using
a single amplier.
Stereo Mode preserves the separate stereo dry signals. Eect processing is based on the sum
of the left and right inputs, and is split to both outputs in most modes. Some modes process
the stereo image separately.
The phase of the R / DRY output may be set to normal or inverted using the conguration
menu. The conguration with the better bass response is usually correct.
The Venture Series features advanced stereo routing cabilities, selectable in the Global
conguration menu. Choose one of the following stereo modes to suit your rig or your gig.

MIDI
The Syntax Error2 features full and comprehensive MIDI implementation. Every single
function and knob may be controlled by MIDI.
The pedal will accept USB MIDI at any time, or may be used with 1/4” MIDI by setting
M.JACK = MIDI in the Global conguration menu. The pedal will respond to MIDI messages
sent on the channel set in the Global menu only.
The 1/4” MIDI input is compatible with the Neo MIDI Cable, Neo Link, Disaster Area MIDIBox 4,
5P-TRS PRO, or 5P-QQ cables. Most other 1/4” compatible MIDI controllers should work, the
pedal requires pin 5 connected to TIP and pin 2 connected to SLEEVE.
Syntax Error 2 MIDI Implementation
Command MIDI CC Range
SAMPLE 50 0-0127
PARAM1 51 0-0127
PARAM2 52 0-0127
PARAM3 53 0-0127
PITCH 54 0-0127
PITCH MIX 55 0-0127
VOLUME 56 0-0127
TONE 57 0-0127
MIX 58 0-0127
MODE SELECT 59 0-0127
SEQ STEP A 80 0-0127
SEQ STEP B 81 0-0127
SEQ STEP C 82 0-0127
SEQ STEP D 83 0-0127
SEQ ASSIGN 84 0-9
SEQ RUNNING 85 0-64 seq off, 65-127 seq on
SEQ RATE 86 0-127 = 0-1023 rate
SEQ TRIG MODE 87 0 step, 1 one, 2 mom, 3 togg
SEQ GLIDE 89 0-127 = 0-7 glide
SEQ SPACING 90 0-127 = 0-24 spacing
EXP PEDAL 100 0-127 (heel-toe)
BYPASS 102 0-64 bypass, 65-127 engage

SPECIFICATIONS
• Input: Mono or stereo (TRS)
• Output: Mono or stereo (use either TRS or dual TS)
• Input Impedance: 1M ohms
• Output Impedance: 560 ohms
• Power Requirements: DC 9V only, 250mA or greater
• Requires isolated DC power supply
• Dimensions: 3.7” x 4.7” x 1.6”H x W x D not including knobs(120 x 94 x 42mm)
• Six sound modes
• Eight presets, expandable to 32 with a MIDI controller
• MultiJack enables expression pedal, foot switch, or MIDI input
• EXP Morph allows controlling all knobs from expression or MIDI
• Mini-sequencer for animated textures
• CTL footswitch triggers sequencer settings
• USB port for rmware updates and USB MIDI
• Buered bypass (hybrid analog+digital)