User manual ALESIS X2

[. . . ] ALESIS X2 Reference Manual Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis X2 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitor professional mixing console. To take full advantage of the X2's functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user's manual carefully. How To Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modules and functions of the X2. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about mixers should use the table of contents and index to reference specific functions while using the console. Describes the various capabilities of the X2 and explains the basic principles of mixing and recording. [. . . ] By muting and unmuting the channel, you can omit the unwanted portions. Or, you can use muting to change the rhythm of a drum part; or to remove a previously unnoticed mistake on one of the other tracks. While this is a powerful technique, without a mute automation system it can be difficult to keep track of which channels to mute, when and for how long. Obviously, mute automation is the only reliable way of applying the technique of muting during mix-down on a large console like the X2. You can automate the muting and unmuting of any channel either by recording these "mute events" into the X2's Dynamic Mute Automation sequencer, or by using an external MIDI sequencer. When using the built-in sequencer, a synchronization source is required to drive it. If you are using one or more ADATs, the best way to use the X2 is by synchronizing its built-in Mute Automation sequencer to the ADAT's time code reference. This provides an extremely accurate method of managing the many tracks that are used in post-production applications, where muting and unmuting tracks is frequent and the timing crucial. If you don't use ADAT, you can synchronize the X2's sequencer to MIDI Time Code 50 X2 Reference Manual Applications or MIDI Clock. This can either come from a synchronization processor (one that can translate SMPTE or VITC timecode into MTC) or from a MIDI sequencer. Alternatively, you can also use the MIDI sequencer to record mutes from the X2's console, thereby bypassing the X2's built-in sequencer. If you plan to use an external sequencer for automating mutes, there are several things to consider. Not only must you choose a MIDI channel for the X2 to receive and transmit on, you must also choose a MIDI Map which defines how the mutes will be controlled. Because there are many sequencers available, each with its own characteristics, the X2 provides a MIDI Map for virtually every possible situation. Refer to the Chapter 5 for more information about Dynamic Mute Automation. X2 Reference Manual 51 Applications Live Performance Creating a Monitor Mix Most sound reinforcement applications work best in mono, since so few members of the audience are seated in the ideal spot to hear the balance of a stereo sound system effectively. Also, a stereo sound system can be much more difficult to mix. To configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix: 1 2 Pan all of the Channels fully left (or fully right). A mono mix will now be present at the Master L FADER (or the Master R FADER, if all Channels were panned to the right). Using Group Faders as Subgroups The Groups are extremely useful in sound reinforcement work. A Group can be used to control the overall level of several Channels with the movement of only one fader. Here are two examples: To control all the vocal mics from the Group 1 FADER: 1 2 Raise the selected Channel FADERS to the desired levels. Unassign each of the selected Channels from the Master Faders by switching their respective L-R buttons to the "Off" (up) position. Now assign each of the selected Channels to Group 1 by switching the 1-2 button to its "On" (down) position. [. . . ] With map 1. 3, a note-off message is sent when a channel is muted, and a note-on message is sent when unmuted. In all three maps, the note numbers used for each channel are the same. Mute Channel 1 Monitor Channel 1 Fader Channel 2 Monitor Channel 2 Fader . . . Channel 24 Monitor Channel 24 Fader Return 1 Return 2 Sub 1 Sub 2 Return 3 Return 4 Sub 3 Sub 4 Return 5 Return 6 Sub 5 Sub 6 Return 7 Return 8 Sub 7 Sub 8 Aux Send 1 Aux Send 2 . . . [. . . ]