Alesis DM5 Musical Instrument User Manual


 
Connections: Chapter 3
DM5 Reference Manual 13
CHAPTER 3
CONNECTIONS
MIDI
MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be
conveyed from one device to another. See the MIDI Supplement in Appendix B if
you are not familiar with how MIDI works.
The MIDI connections on the DM5 provide three different functions. To trigger the
DM5 from a MIDI control device (keyboard, drum pad, guitar or bass controller,
sequencer, etc.), connect the control device’s MIDI OUT to the DM5’s [MIDI IN].
The [MIDI OUT/THRU] connector sends MIDI data from the DM5’s keyboard to other
MIDI devices, but can also send System Exclusive data (see the MIDI supplement in
Appendix B) to a storage device for later recall. You can also convert the signals
generated by the external triggers into MIDI signals to send out to other MIDI
devices (such as a sequencer).
MIDI OUT/THRU MODE
The [MIDI OUT/THRU] connector can be switched to a “Thru” mode so that it carries a
replica (or echo) of the messages appearing at the DM5’s [MIDI IN], allowing you to
trigger other devices from the same controller which is feeding the DM5. Simply
connect the DM5’ [MIDI OUT/THRU] to the other device’s MIDI IN. Note: The [MIDI
OUT/THRU] connector will not send messages originating from the DM5 (via the
external triggers) itself while in MIDI Thru mode.
To turn on MIDI Thru Mode:
Press the [MIDI] button.
The [MIDI] button will light.
Press the [ ] button twice to select the Thru parameter.
The Thru parameter’s value will flash.
Turn the [VALUE] knob clockwise until the Thru parameter’s value reads “On”.