ALESIS MicroVerb 4 Reference Manual
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis MicroVerb 4 Multieffects Processor. To take full advantage of the MicroVerb 4’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 modes of the MicroVerb 4.
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Contents CONTENTS Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 ........................................................... 7 Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................................................................7 Basic Connections ................................................................................................................ 7 Powering Up .......................................................................................................................
Contents Pitch Shifter Effects .............................................................................................................. 27 Stereo Pitch Shifter.................................................................................................. 27 Stereo Pitch Detuner ............................................................................................... 27 Multi Effects ..............................................................................................................
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Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE MICROVERB 4 Unpacking and Inspection Your MicroVerb 4 was packed carefully at the factory, and the shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the MicroVerb 4 for servicing.
Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 ¿ Before turning on the MicroVerb 4’s power, check the following items: • • ¡ Have all connections been made correctly? Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down? Plug in the power adapter and insert the Power jack into the [POWER] input on the rear panel of the MicroVerb 4.
Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1 The display will dim slightly when it is not displaying the current Program. When the Store button is pressed, the Display will flash the destination Program number. ± STORE Button. When the [STORE] button is pressed, the LED Display will flash the number of the Program that the current program will be stored to. If Store is pressed again, the display will flash rapidly and the current Program will be stored.
Chapter 1 – Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 Auditioning Internal Programs The MicroVerb 4 comes with 100 Programs in a Preset bank, plus another 100 Programs in the User bank. These Programs represent the wide range of applications for which the MicroVerb 4 is suited. The difference between Preset and User Programs is that User Programs can be replaced with your own edits, but Preset Programs are permanently stored into memory.
Your First Session with the MicroVerb 4 – Chapter 1 Storing Edited Programs Once you are satisfied with the changes you have made to an edited Program, or are creating a new Program from scratch, you will need to store your edited Program back into memory. The MicroVerb 4 will temporarily store the currently selected Program in non-volatile memory. If you edit a Program, the changes you made will be lost the next time you power on the unit if you haven’t stored the edited Program into memory.
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Connections – Chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 CONNECTIONS AC Power Hookup The MicroVerb 4 comes with a power adapter suitable for the voltage of the country it is shipped to (either 110 or 220V, 50 or 60 Hz). With the MicroVerb 4 off, plug the small end of the power adapter cord into MicroVerb 4’s [POWER] socket and the male (plug) end into a source of AC power. It’s good practice to not plug in the MicroVerb 4 until all other cables are hooked up.
Chapter 2 – Connections • Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors.
Connections – Chapter 2 • Mono. Connect a mono cord to the [LEFT] INPUT of the MicroVerb 4 from a mono source, and another mono cord from the [LEFT] output of the MicroVerb 4 to an amplification system or mixer input. INSTRUMENT OR EFFECTS SEND TO MIXING CONSOLE OR AMPLIFIER LEFT/MONO INPUT INPUT MIX LEFT OUTPUT OUTPUT DUAL CHANNEL PARRELL PROCESSOR CLIP STORE -6dB -12dB BANK -32dB MIDI 00-99 PRESET 100-199 USER L INPUT R • Mono In, Stereo Out.
Chapter 2 – Connections Interfacing to a Mixing Console The MicroVerb 4 handles mono or stereo sends at all system levels. The input circuitry of the MicroVerb 4 can easily handle +4 dBu levels (+20 dBu peaks), while having enough input and output gain to interface with the low -10 dBV signal levels of budget recording systems. The MicroVerb 4 may be connected to a mixing console in several different ways.
Connections – Chapter 2 Mono In - Stereo Out. If you only want to feed the MicroVerb 4 a mono input, but wish to connect both of its outputs back to the mixer, you will need three 1/4" audio cables. Connect a mono cord from an effect send to the [LEFT] input of the MicroVerb 4, another mono cord from the [LEFT] output of the MicroVerb 4 to an effect return or other mixer input, and another mono cord from the [RIGHT] output of the MicroVerb 4 to an adjacent effect return or mixer input.
Chapter 2 – Connections By using individual channel inserts, you can dedicate the MicroVerb 4 to a specific channel (or pair of channels) on the mixer. The Insert connections on the back of the mixer provide a way of “inserting” external processing equipment into the signal path. The insert occurs after the input amplifier, and before the main fader; essentially it is the same as connecting the source (instrument or microphone) into the MicroVerb 4 before the mixer’s channel input.
Connections – Chapter 2 inputs. This is done by using two 1/4" mono cables to connect the Left and Right Main Outputs of the mixing console to the [LEFT/MONO] and [RIGHT] inputs of the MicroVerb 4. The [LEFT] and [RIGHT] outputs of the MicroVerb 4 are then connected to a stereo amplifier, or two input channels of another mixing console (for sub-mixing applications).
Chapter 2 – Connections Avoiding Ground Loops In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two or more different paths to ground.
Connections – Chapter 2 MIDI MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows musical-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. The MIDI connections on the MicroVerb 4 provide four different functions: • To recall Programs using MIDI program change messages • To control (modulate) parameters inside the MicroVerb 4 in realtime via MIDI controllers (example: A keyboard’s mod wheel, or pedals, etc.
Chapter 2 – Connections assembly with a stereo cord already attached. The pedals are often packaged with digital pianos. You should not use the dual footswitch from a guitar amplifier, as these are typically latching type footswitches. You can tell a latching footswitch from an unlatched type when it takes two presses to enable any of the functions (Bypass, etc.). Also, these footswitches usually “click” when stepped on. Use only Momentary (non-latching) footswitches with the MicroVerb 4.
Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 OVERVIEW OF EFFECTS Reverb Effects Reverb is made up of a large number of distinct echoes, called reflections. In a natural acoustic space, each reflection’s amplitude and brightness decays over time. This decaying action is influenced by the room size, the location of the sound source in the room, the hardness of the walls, and many other factors.
Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects some of these effects can sound similar to one another depending on the parameter settings, each is achieved differently and can be quite dramatic under the right circumstances. Pitch effects are achieved by splitting the signal into at least two parts, effecting the pitch of one of the parts, then mixing them back together.
Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 This is a less processor intensive version of the Stereo Chorus, used in Multi Effect configurations. The effect of Chorusing is achieved by splitting and slightly delaying one part of the signal, then varying the time delay with an LFO. The delayed signal is then mixed back with the original sound to produce a thicker, warmer sound.
Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects Rate (Edit A) The Rate control sets the speed of the Chorus or Flanging sweep. When the Edit A knob is turned, the LCD display will show the edited sweep frequency in Hertz. Depth (Edit B) The Depth control sets the intensity of the Chorus or Flanger sweep. The LCD display will show the depth in a scale from 0 to 127 (0-125 for Flangers). Tip: Faster Choruses or Flangers typically sound better with a shallower depth than slower ones.
Overview of Effects – Chapter 3 tap will be heard. At a setting of 10%, only a little signal will be fed back through the delay, so the signal will repeat back a few times before fading into silence. At a Feedback setting of 100%, the signal will continue repeating for a few minutes before decaying into silence. Setting Delay Time Using Tap Tempo You can adjust the delay time using a technique called “tap tempo”.
Chapter 3 – Overview of Effects effect will ramp rather than change abruptly, just as a true Lezlie speaker system would do. Multi Effects Parameters: Decay (Edit A) The Decay parameter controls the length of the Reverb. When adjusted, the LCD display will show the decay time in Seconds and Milliseconds. Rate/Time (Edit B) The Rate/Time parameter controls the rate of a Chorus or Flange, the Delay Time of a Delay, or the Motor Speed of a Lezlie, depending which is active in the Program.
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Description of Controls – Chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS Front Panel Input Level The Input Level controls the level of the signal being fed into the MicroVerb 4. The MicroVerb 4 can operate with signal levels anywhere from +4dBv Pro Audio gear to guitar level signals. To set the input level, watch the Input Meters while adjusting the Input level (see below).
Chapter 4 – Description of Controls which was last selected. (Note: When the MicroVerb 4’s power is disconnected, any edits to the currently selected Program will be lost.) The MicroVerb 4’s display is used to indicate the following: ¿ Program Number. MicroVerb 4 Programs are numbered from 00 to 199. Programs 0-99 are Preset programs and 100-199 are User Programs. Unless some parameter on the MicroVerb 4 is being edited, the Program Number will always be displayed in its normal illumination.
Description of Controls – Chapter 4 Edit A/ Edit B Knobs The Edit A and Edit B knobs are used to adjust aspects of the currently selected Program. For example, on a Concert Hall program, the Edit A knob adjusts Reverb Decay Time and the Edit B knob adjusts Reverb Input Hi Cut. When the Edit A or Edit B knobs are adjusted, the new parameter registers briefly on the display.
Chapter 4 – Description of Controls Rear Panel Power This is a plug for connecting the Alesis Model P3 +9VAC power supply (supplied). The power supply is then connected to an AC outlet delivering a nominal 120VAC. The correct power supply must be used AT ALL TIMES. Any other power supply might create a fire risk and/or permanently damage your unit. This damage would NOT be covered under your warranty.
Description of Controls – Chapter 4 These are 1/4" phone jacks which connect to sources such as the effects sends of mixing consoles. They may be used with nominal input levels from -10dBV (guitar level) to +4dBu. For mono applications, use the [LEFT/MONO] input. The [LEFT/MONO] input jack is normalled to the [RIGHT] jack. This means that when nothing is plugged into the [RIGHT] input jack, the signal present at the [LEFT/MONO] input is routed to the [RIGHT] as well.
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Advanced Applications – Chapter 5 CHAPTER 5 MIDI APPLICATIONS MIDI Functions The MicroVerb 4 provides many MIDI functions, including being able to respond to program changes, sending and receiving Program information via SysEx (System Exclusive) dumps, and realtime control over effect parameters via MIDI controllers. For more information about basic MIDI connections, see Chapter 2.
Chapter 5 – Advanced Applications MicroVerb 4: ¿ Connect the MicroVerb 4’s [MIDI OUT] to the receiving device’s MIDI IN. ¡ Press and hold [BANK/MIDI] and press the [STORE] button. The display will read Snd as the User Programs are sent. ¬ When you send a Sysex dump back to the MicroVerb 4, it will automatically go into receive mode (you do not have to do anything to the unit). When this occurs, the display will read rEc.
Troubleshooting – Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the MicroVerb 4, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom The display does not light when the unit is powered on. Sound is distorted, Red “Clip” LEDs are lit Does not respond to MIDI program changes or modulation control. No audio is heard. Hum or noise from output.
Chapter 6 – Troubleshooting Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the MicroVerb 4’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use cloth to clean the unit.
MIDI Implementation Chart MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Function Basic Channel Mode Note Number Velocity Default Changed Default Messages Altered Transmitted X Remarks ******** X X Mode 3 X ******** X True Voice Note On Note Off Key’s Ch’s Recognized 1 — 16 ******** X X After X Touch X Pitch Bender X Control 0,1, 11 X Change 2–10,12 – 119 X Prog X Change True # ** System Exclusive O System Song Pos X Common Song Sel X Tune X System Clock X Realtime Commands X Aux Local On/Off X Messages All Notes Off
Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Electrical Frequency Response: Dynamic Range: Distortion: Crosstalk: ±1dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz >90dB "A" wtg., 20 Hz-22kHz <0.009% @ 1kHz, nominal level (-12 dBfs) <0.
Specifications Factory Preset Programs (ROM): Internal processing resolution: Delay memory: Reverb effects: Delay effects: Pitch effects: Special effects: 100 24 bit accumulator 1270 milliseconds Concert Hall, Real Room, Ambience, Plate Reverb, Nonlinear Mono Delay, Stereo Delay, Ping Pong Delay, Multi Tap Delay Stereo Chorus, Quad Chorus, Stereo Flange, Stereo Pitch Shifter Auto Pan Multiple effect configurations: Dual Send: Real Room+Delay, Real Room+Chorus, Real Room+Flange Multi Chain: Delay->Real Ro
