User manual ALESIS MICROVERB3

[. . . ] With input from the world's top recording engineers and producers, the reverb programs were carefully developed on our interactive room simulation and development system. These programs cover every major category of reverb: plates, chambers, halls, and rooms, each with a wide range of sizes and qualities. Included also are a number of special effect programs such as gated and reverse reverbs, as well as a wide variety of ever-useful delay programs. From small, intimate room settings to large unobstructed spaces to useful gated reverb effects to dramatic special effects, MICROVERB III offers them all quickly and easily. FEATURES · · · · · · · · · Extremely easy to set up and use True 16 bit linear PCM 85 dB dynamic range Full 15kHz bandwidth Stereo input and output on 1/4" jacks Defeat jack on rear panel +4 dBV capable 256 programs 19" rack mountable CONTROLS INPUT STATUS INDICATOR The INPUT STATUS INDICATOR is actually a 3 colored LED that shows several input conditions. [. . . ] Some helpful setup thoughts are included along with some useful application hints. CONNECTING TO INSTRUMENTS, MICROPHONES The Alesis MICROVERB III has high impedance inputs that are ideally suited for use either with instrument pickups or line level signals. Although microphones can be connected directly into the MICROVERB III, it is recommended that they be connected to a mixing console first and then connected to the MICROVERB III as described in Figures 3 or 4 for quietest operation. The MICROVERB III is a stereo unit, meaning there are both left and right inputs and outputs. However, it can be used with just a mono input (into the left input) with the result being a stereo output. This will probably be how the unit will be used the majority of the time. It should be noted that if only the right input of the MICROVERB III is used, the input signal will appear as mono (present in both channels) at the dry side of the mix control. See figure 1 FIGURE 1 MONO CONNECTION OF MICROVERB III Left Output Instrument or Mic To Amplifier or Mixing Console Left Input Right Output CONNECTING TO A MIXING CONSOLE The MICROVERB III handles mono or stereo sends at all system levels. The input circuitry of the MICROVERB III can easily handle +4dBv levels (+20dBv peaks), while having enough input or output gain to interface with the extremely low signal levels of budget recording systems. The MICROVERB III may be connected to the mixing console in several ways. If several instruments or vocals must be effected at the same time, then the MICROVERB III should be connected to the auxiliary send and return controls of the console. Simply connect an aux send of the mixing console to either of the inputs of the MICROVERB III (or 2 aux sends connected to both left and right of the MICROVERB III for stereo) and then connect the output of the MICROVERB III back to either the aux returns or input channels. Remember, in this situation, the mix control should always be set fully to the right (clockwise) for maximum effect. Also, a mono input to MICROVERB III results in a stereo output. See figure 2 FIGURE 2 STEREO CONNECTION TO MIXING CONSOLE VIA AUX SENDS AND RETURNS Aux Send 1 Aux Send 2 (Optional) Left Input Right Input Left Output Right Output Aux Return or Input Channel Aux Return or Input Channel Another way of interfacing the MICROVERB III unit to a mixer or recording console would be in-line across the output of your mixing console. See figure 3 This method should only be used if you needed to effect the entire mix, since the same effect would be on all of the instruments or vocals. FIGURE 3 STEREO CONNECTION TO THE MICROVERB III USING THE MAIN OUTPUTS Main Out Right Main Out Left Left Input Right Input Left Output Right Output To Mixdown Deck or Sound System POWER The MICROVERB III is powered by a remote supply providing 9 volts AC through a 3. 5mm barrel plug. This power supply approach keeps stray magnetic fields from interfering with low level signals, allowing easy conversion to alternate power sources (220V). OPERATION MICROVERB III is easy to use in almost any application. Apply a signal to either the right input jack for mono (used with a single instrument), or both left and right jacks for stereo. Increase the INPUT control until the INPUT STATUS INDICATOR briefly lights red on occasional program peaks. The LED should remain "green" most of the time. This indicates that there is sufficient level to maintain a good signal to noise ratio. Increase the OUTPUT control until there is sufficient output level. [. . . ] Plates have become quite popular over the years, especially on vocals and snare drums. CHAMBERS The chamber programs simulate another way that studios produce artificial reverberation, utilizing a device known as an acoustic chamber. The chamber is a sealed, tiled room with a speaker at one end and a microphone at the other. Chambers are not seen much these days since they are difficult to build and take up a great deal of expensive real estate. [. . . ]