Alesis A6 Recording Equipment User Manual


 
Chapter 10: Using Effects
ANDROMEDA A6 REFERENCE MANUAL 203
CHAPTER 10:
USING EFFECTS
INTRODUCTION
The A6 features two complete systems of effects: one that produces a variety of
analog-generated distortions (overdrive, classic fuzz box and more) and the other for
producing an array of studio-quality digital effects (reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging,
pitch-shifting and rotating speaker). This entire arsenal is fully programmable for
each Program and Mix.
The digital effects contain a number of single effects plus some very useful multi-
effects where two or more single effect generators are linked. In addition, the output
of the analog system can be input to the digital effects for further processing, or fed
directly to the
VOICE MIX (in parallel to the digital effects) for a “dry” distorted output.
SIGNAL FLOW
In the Andromeda, the effects processors receive signal from the VOICE MIX LEVEL
control (on the far right hand side of the unit). This is after the post-filter mix and the
VCA controlled by
ENV 3. The Digital Effects section can also receive signal from the
Analog Distortion section if desired. The effects processors send their output directly
to the
MAIN OUT jacks only—not to the AUX OUTS or the individual VOICE OUTS.
Think of the effects section as a dedicated signal processor attached in stereo to the
main stereo outputs, whose effects program changes every time you select another
Program or Mix. You set the balance between the “wet” (effected) and “dry”
(uneffected) sounds using the output levels of the effects pages in the
display—unlike most other controls in the A6 there are no dedicated top-panel
controls for effects besides the buttons shown above.
BASIC CONTROLS
The EFFECTS area above the display is a simple set of five buttons. The LED below
each button informs you of that function’s current status. When selecting Programs
or Mixes, if an LED in this section is lighted, you know that the current Program has
that function enabled. By the same token, if any one of these LEDs is off, you know
that its associated function is not part of the current program.
EFFECTS ON/OFF – Both the Analog Distortion and the Digital Effects systems are
turned on or off by pressing this button. Although fully programmable for each