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Chapter 1 - Setting Up
16 Q20 Reference Manual
MIDI
MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows music-related data to be
conveyed from one device to another. The MIDI connections on the Q20 provide five
different functions:
¥ To recall programs using MIDI program change messages
¥ To control various parameters inside the Q20 in realtime via MIDI controllers
(example: A keyboardÕs mod wheel, or pedals, etc.)
¥ To convert MIDI Clock messages into delay settings on Tap Tempo Delay Blocks
¥ To send and receive SysEx (System Exclusive) dumps of individual programs or
the entire bank of programs for storage and retrieval purposes
¥ To pass-on MIDI information thru the Q20 to another MIDI device.
To connect the Q20Õs MIDI ports to another MIDI device:
➀ Connect a MIDI cable from the Q20Õs MIDI [THRU/OUT] connector to the MIDI
IN connector of the other MIDI device.
➁ Connect another MIDI cable from the Q20Õs MIDI [IN] connector to the other
MIDI deviceÕs MIDI OUT connector.
For more information about MIDI, refer to Chapter 6.
Digital Connections
Digital connections provide better fidelity than the analog inputs and outputs
because you avoid converting the audio from digital to analog (say from a digital
mixer), then to digital (Q20 input), then analog (Q20 output), then digital again
(back into the mixer).
The Q20 provides two formats for direct digital connections: ADAT Optical and
S/PDIF. The Alesis Optical interface provides two EIAJ fiber optic connectors for
[DIG IN] and [DIG OUT]. These connectors use a proprietary Alesis multichannel
format first introduced with the ADAT Multitrack Recorder. The Q20 can send
and/or receive digital audio directly to/from an ADAT (or other devices which use
the same optical interface). The S/PDIF inputs and outputs are provided on coaxial
(phono) jacks and conform to the consumer digital interface format (Sony/Philips
Digital Interface Format).
The proprietary Alesis Optical format carries up to 8 audio channels on a single
fiber optic cable. Since the Q20 has two channels (left and right), you may choose
two of the incoming 8 channels for the Q20 to process or output.
ADAT Optical fiber optic cables of various lengths are available from your Alesis
dealer. The shorter the cable, the better. The OC cable is 5 meters long (16'4") and
is the maximum length recommended. For S/PDIF connection, you should use good
quality video-type phono cables.