Alesis Q20 DJ Equipment User Manual


 
Chapter 3 - Overview
30 Q20 Reference Manual
processing within the block itself (for example, a boost in EQ or feedback in a chorus
or delay). Output clipping can be controlled using the Master Effects Level
parameter in the [MIX] function. The OUTPUT LEVEL control is analog, and cannot
lower the distortion caused when the output of multiple blocks are too loud for the
output D/A converter to handle.
Keep in mind when setting routing levels that each time you double the number of
sources, the output rises 6 dB. If there are four blocks feeding another block, those
routes may all need to be set to -12 dB to avoid clipping. On the other hand, if a
program consists of a single delay or reverb block, input and output routings may be
set to 0 dB without distortion.
It is also important to note that each Òpatch cordÓ in a Program uses 1% of the total
DSP power available. However, if the signal is attenuated (by setting the level
below +0dB), 2% of DSP is used. The following section discusses how the Q20 reacts
when DSP is nearly fully taxed. One way to free up more DSP power when you need
it is to set some or all of your Òpatch cordÓ levels to +0dB.
The L/R IN
These appear on the far left side of the Block section in the display. They are not
selectable with the [< BLOCK >] buttons. This is because we are always routing
from the L/R IN and, in keeping with our convention, all routing is done from the
destination Block, not from the source.
Reaching the Outputs - L/R OUT
The L OUT and R OUT are separately selectable (like Blocks) for routing purposes.
Whichever Block is determined to be the final effect in the chain (whether your
Program has one or multiple Blocks), it needs to be routed to the L/R OUT in order
for you to hear it . This can be done in mono (if just one channel is needed) by routing
one or more Block outputs to either the L OUT or R OUT, or in stereo by routing to
both the L and R OUT.
Limit Handling
Within the limits of the available sample memory and DSP, the Blocks can be
linked in any order, in almost any combination of the four basic types. For instance,
you might have two EQ Blocks followed by four pitch Effect Blocks; or one Block of
each (EQ, Pitch, Delay) type on the left channel and one of each type on the right
channel, followed by a stereo reverb (a total of 7 Blocks).
Because the Q20 is so flexible, occasionally you will have a combination of effects
and/or parameters that may overtax either the available memory or DSP power on
board the unit. When you attempt to program beyond the Q20Õs capabilities, no
harm will be done but one of four error messages will appear in the display
indicating you have exceeded the unitÕs limits. This means you have to create your
Program in a slightly different manner to obtain the final result you want. If you
are into programming Òcomputationally intensiveÓ combinations of effects, you may
have to learn to compromise in certain situations.
There are four categories to consider with regards to programming limitations: DSP
power, Effect Memory, LFOs and Microprocessor Assistance.