QuadraSynth Messages - Part 2.
QuadraSynth Messages - Part 1 , 3 , 4 Download all in a zip file
#: 452226 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
21-Oct-95 02:07:27
Sb: #Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
To: all
I'm looking for an accessible collection of quality samples to download into
my QuadraSynth Piano Plus synthesizer. They can be in any of the common
formats, e.g. WAV, AIF, SampleCell, MOD, etc. Does anyone know of a good
source on CServe or the internet? I keep batting "zero" except for a few drum
or loop-type samples.
Thanks!
2 Replies.
#: 453188 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
25-Oct-95 15:54:57
Sb: #452226-#Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Axel Parkop 100436,3267
To: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137 (X)
I'm interested in how you can download samples into a quadrasynth.
can you tell me ,how u do this??
regards AXEL
1 Reply.
: 453236 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
25-Oct-95 20:43:26
Sb: #453188-Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
To: Axel Parkop 100436,3267 (X)
Alesis now produces a program called "Sound Bridge" for the PC and MAC that
dumps samples to the synth. I haven't used it yet, but supposedly it will
translate .WAV, AIFF, and Sample Cell format sound files into QuadraSynth
Piano Plus format. It sends the info through the MIDI cable into a sample RAM
card.
- Kevin
#: 453410 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
26-Oct-95 13:43:01
Sb: #452226-Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Craig Knouf 70003,1750
To: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
Kevin,
I do hope you have secured a PCMCIA RAM card for your QS+Piano and have a MAC
to run your Macintosh version fo Sound Bridge software on it. You mention
many different sound file formats but you must also have the sound type
conversion tools to use for purposes of preparing a SampleCell format file for
the MAC to load onto your RAM PCMCIA card. I also have a QS+Piano but am
waiting for Alesis to release their Windows version of Sound Bridge software
before purchasing a 4 or 8 meg PCMCIA RAM card. I have many sound files and
the ability to convert to the various compatible file formats. I have secured
them from the Public Domain file areas on the Internet. They include AIFF,
WAV, KRZ (Kurzweil) EPS (Ensonic), etc. I would not ever use the 8-bit sound
samples contained in MOD files and stay strictly with 16-bit, quality samples
that are long enough to set good loop points. Some interesting challenges
ahead in the sample areas on the QS+Piano...
Craig Knouf
#: 453469 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
26-Oct-95 18:14:59
Sb: #453410-#Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Craig Knouf 70003,1750 (X)
>I also have a QS+Piano but am waiting for Alesis to release their Windows
version of Sound Bridge >software before purchasing a 4 or 8 meg PCMCIA RAM
card.
Wait no longer, the SoundBridge for Windows is here. I will upload it to the
Library in a few minutes.
It should be available for download tomorrow.
Les
1 Reply.
#: 453478 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
26-Oct-95 18:58:22
Sb: #453469-Alesis QS+Piano Samples
Fm: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Yes! Fantastic! Thanks, Les.
- Kevin
#: 452383 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
21-Oct-95 21:42:04
Sb: #Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: James R. Northcott 103013,100
To: Axel Parkop 100436,3267 (X)
Thanks.
I got the editor, but it won't acknowledge the existence of my S4.
Just wondering, if the editor works for you what system do you have?
Mine is 1.03 - maybe too old??
-James
1 Reply.
#: 453187 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
25-Oct-95 15:37:47
Sb: #452383-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Axel Parkop 100436,3267
To: James R. Northcott 103013,100
the editor has Version 1.1
but anyhow,there should not be a problem ...
possibly you have the problem I had:
the adaptor-cable from the soundcard to midi.It should be equipped
correctly with the driver an optocoupler for current-loop (thats part of
midi-standard !).some music-shops or computer-shops sell simple
cables for a high price,making you think,that its a correct built cable.
the alesis quadrasynth accepts fast arriving data and also sends them very
fast (no pause between packets).the errorfree transmission can
only be provided by above mentioned adaptors.
look at the top right corner of the editor: it shows you in- and outgoing
midi-traffic.
be also shure to set your quadrasynth to receive sysex-data and
do this on channnel 1
good luck AXEL
.
If you have problems , maybe there is chance to contact
Peter Feldbaumer , E-Mail: field@sbox.tu-graz.ac.at
who hase done the changes from prior versions to 1.1
or Paul Swennenhuis,E-Mail p.a.m.swennenhuis@rc.rug.nl
who has written the program.
#: 453479 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
26-Oct-95 19:03:16
Sb: #453187-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Olu Odulate 100013,530
To: Axel Parkop 100436,3267 (X)
Axel,
I seem to have very similar problems with my Quadrasynth. However, I went
through the QS manual from front to back without finding out how to put it to
receive sys-ex data on a specific channel, as you describe. How it this done?
Searching for an answer,
Olu Odulate
Sweden
-Olu Odulate
#: 454237 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
30-Oct-95 15:15:42
Sb: #453187-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: James R. Northcott 103013,100
To: Axel Parkop 100436,3267 (X)
>the editor has Version 1.1
>but anyhow,there should not be a problem ...
>possibly you have the problem I had:
>the adaptor-cable from the soundcard to midi.It should be equipped
>correctly with the driver an optocoupler for current-loop (thats part of
midi-standard >!).some
Thanks.
Actually, the problem was that my MPU-401 was set to "running status". It
works now.
-James
#: 468643 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
11-Jan-96 00:06:56
Sb: #Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: all
I was wondering if anyone out there was familiar with the Alesis Quadrasynth
Plus keyboard - I have been investigating in that price range and it looks to
be the best value. One thing I am new to however is sampling - the
quadrasynth does have sampling capabilities onto PCMCIA ram cards, as well as
a multitude of effects. What I was wondering is how it might compare to a top
end sampling keyboard, such as the Kurzweil K2X00 series, of which I seem to
hear no end of praise. I originally looked into those as well, but being a
dedicated keyboar st I require more polyphany and more keys (76 vs. 61). In
any case, any opinion s or experiences with these units would be appreciated.
Maybe then I can figure out how to properly space these compuserve messages :]
Ian Kelk
1 Reply.
: 468847 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
11-Jan-96 20:54:44
Sb: #468643-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
Ian
You can't find a better value than the QS+, I suggest buy it, and if you don't
like it
just send it over to me, I can always use another one. If you have unlimited
funds available,
then you may want to look at the new K2500 keyboards, they are almost as good
as the QS.
The QS+ comes loaded with useful sounds, and you can always expand it using
factory ROM
cards, or your own custom PCMCIA RAM. Later you can add a sound module or a
sampler
if you want. So if the keyboard feels good, there is no reason not to buy it.
Les
1 Reply.
: 468872 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
11-Jan-96 22:46:09
Sb: #468847-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Thanks for the info - as it happens I just got back from purchasing it :].
Unfortunately, the store ran out of documentation for it (it was shipped
without it) and so I am sitting here goofing around with it... I am impressed
with its sound though. The K2500 was waaay out of my price range - I am in
Toronto and the last I heard of the 88 key version was around $5000... which I
find a little high... Later
Ian
1 Reply.
: 469054 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
12-Jan-96 19:31:03
Sb: #468872-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
>Thanks for the info - as it happens I just got back from purchasing it :].
Unfortunately, the store
>ran out of documentation for it (it was shipped without it) and so I am
sitting here goofing around
>with it... I am impressed with its sound though.
It sure sounds good. If you need even more sounds, you can find them right
here in the Library.
The QuadraSynth is very easy to use, you can figure it out without ever
reading the manual
(I did). If you need any help, just email me, or leave a message here.
> The K2500 was waaay out of my price range - I am in Toronto and the last I
heard of the 88
>key version was around $5000... which I find a little high... Later
It can cost a lot more if you want some of the options, ROM and RAM upgrades
etc.
I wouldn't call it affordable.
Have fun with your new QS+,
Les
1 Reply.
: 469093 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
12-Jan-96 22:58:56
Sb: #469054-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
> It sure sounds good. If you need even more sounds, you can find them right
here in the Library. > The QuadraSynth is very easy to use, you can figure it
out without ever reading the manual
One thing I am a little hesitant right now (I'll have the manual by
tomorrow) is the factory presets - I have read that they are modifyable and I
don't want to lose them until I really know what I'm doing. I have seen a
file in the libraries that is supposed to return the original qs to its
settings - how might that affect the plus?
Ian
1 Reply.
: 469313 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
13-Jan-96 21:30:21
Sb: #469093-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
> One thing I am a little hesitant right now (I'll have the manual by
tomorrow) is the factory presets
> I have read that they are modifyable and I don't want to lose them until I
really know what I'm
> doing. I have seen a file in the libraries that is supposed to return the
original qs to its settings -
> how might that affect the plus?
I just searched the Library, and couldn't find that file you mentioned.
What you should do is backup your user bank. If your keyboard is connected to
your
computer via MIDI, and you have a good sequencer program (like Cakewalk Pro)
or a
sysex-dump utility, backing up banks or individual patches is easy.
Let me know more about your setup, and I can tell you how to do it. Until
then, stay
away from the STORE button, chances are if you touch it, you'll overwrite
something.
Les
1 Reply.
: 469352 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
14-Jan-96 00:31:20
Sb: #469313-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
> I just searched the Library, and couldn't find that file you mentioned.
What you should do is backup your user bank. If your keyboard is connected to
your computer via MIDI, and you have a good sequencer program (like Cakewalk
Pro) or sysex-dump utility, backing up banks or individual patches is easy.
Let me know more about your setup, and I can tell you how
The filename was QSYNTH.SIT - I'm not sure what library but it was in this
forum - do a scan for quadrasynth. It seems to work with MidiEx, but I have
not tried it with the synth yet - I probably won't just in case. The setup I
have is with a 486/100 based pc with 32 meg ram yada yada.. I am using a
Roland Rap-10 card as a midi card (it has 2 ports). I imagine the only way I
can use the two together is if I get some kind of mixing board which sadly is
not cost-feasible at the moment. I am using Cakewalk Pro 3.0 - unfortunately
I bought it used without a registration card and I don't yet have v3.01,
whatever the difference may be. I'll poke around in CPW tonite and see if I
can figure out any of the sysex stuff ( which I am quite unfamiliar with).
Ian
2 Replies.
: 469503 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
14-Jan-96 13:52:28
Sb: #469352-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
Ian,
Here's how to save your User Bank with Cakewalk:
1. Start Cakewalk, from the VIEW menu select SYSX
2. Click on RECEIVE, and from the list select ALESIS QUADRASYNTH ALL DATA
3. If your QS is turned on and properly connected, you should see the data
being
transferred now.
4. After it finished with the transfer (it should show : 79479 bytes
transferred) click on
DONE, and SAVE BANK (choose a file name and save it)
The file name extension will be .syx. Cakewalk recognizes these files,
and lets you
load and transfer them to and from synths.
5. In case you need it you can simply LOAD this bank from the disk, and SEND
it to
the QS+.
You can save individual patches or mixes too.
Since you're a Cakewalk user, you may want to download the Instrument
Definition file
for the QS+ , it's in the Forum Library.
Les
1 Reply.
: 469533 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
14-Jan-96 16:11:51
Sb: #469503-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
> You can save individual patches or mixes too. Since you're a Cakewalk user,
you may want to download the Instrument Definition file for the QS+ , it's in
the Forum Library.
Thanks for the directions - I had no problems.. what I'm wondering now is what
all the other buffers are - the efx, mix, and prg buffers as welll as the
singles - does it receive whatever patch the qs+ is currently set to? is I am
assuming the user bank is the only place to put personallized patches -
BTW, is the volume wheel assignable? I can't figure out why else they'd make
it so large.
Ian
1 Reply.
: 469628 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
15-Jan-96 03:35:05
Sb: #469533-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
> Thanks for the directions - I had no problems.. what I'm wondering now is
what all the other
> buffers are - the efx, mix, and prg buffers as welll as the singles - does
it receive whatever
> patch the qs+ is currently set to? is I am assuming the user bank is the
only place to put
> personallized patches -
When you edit a patch or mix, it goes to the edit buffer. You can send it to
the computer,
or store it at a user bank location. If you don't store it the next time you
change patches it
will go away. You can edit the preset programs, you just have to save them to
the user bank,
or the computer. It's handy when you come up with some great sound, and don't
want to mix
up your user bank, just send it to the computer, deal with it later.
When you dump a sound from the computer, it goes to the edit buffer too.
> BTW, is the volume wheel assignable? I can't figure out why else they'd
make it so large
I don't know why Alesis didn't make that wheel assignable, it would be fun.
Well, you can't
have everything....
Les
1 Reply.
: 469810 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
15-Jan-96 15:47:07
Sb: #469628-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
One small thing thats bugging me is about volume - it seems when I use
speakers instead of earphones I need to turn the wheel to about three-quarters
of the way around - as well when I use global mode and change the vel velocity
settings (both sensitivity and curve) the point where it says "Maximum" the
keys are much louder than I can strick them in "weighted" or "plastic"
mode..is this normal?
2 Replies.
: 469874 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
15-Jan-96 20:53:05
Sb: #469810-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
>One small thing thats bugging me is about volume - it seems when I use
speakers instead of
>earphones I need to turn the wheel to about three-quarters of the way around
- as well when I
>use global mode and change the vel velocity settings (both sensitivity and
curve) the point where
>it says "Maximum" the keys are much louder than I can strick them in
"weighted" or "plastic"
>mode..is this normal?
It's normal, the higher you set the sensitivity level, the louder the keys
get.
If you use speakers instead of headphones, you need higher volume settings,
that's normal too.
1 Reply.
: 469910 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
15-Jan-96 22:34:16
Sb: #469874-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
> If you use speakers instead of headphones, you need higher volume settings,
that's normal too.
Ok, good - I was worried about having the volume too loud for extended periods
of time. Out of curiousity, what sort of equipment and applications do you
use your midi equipment for? (terrible sentence :)
1 Reply.
: 469932 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
16-Jan-96 03:12:15
Sb: #469910-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
> Out of curiousity, what sort of equipment and applications do you use ...
I have a little home studio, strictly for fun. I change my equipment
regularly, here is my
current setup: Pentium PC with 2 soundcards, MIDI patchbay, MIDI merger,
QuadraSynth Plus,
K2000, Proteus2, Oberheim Drummer, SR-16, M160 mixer, MEQ230 equalizer,
QuadraVerb2,
RA100 amp, Monitor One speakers, ADAT recorder. I use Cakewalk Pro for
sequencing.
What I need is lots of money to buy more toys, and lots of time to play with
them....
1 Reply.
: 470080 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
16-Jan-96 17:53:54
Sb: #469932-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
QuadraSynth Plus, K2000, Proteus2, Oberheim Drummer, SR-16, M160 mixer, MEQ230
equalizer, QuadraVerb2, RA100 amp, Monitor One speakers, ADAT recorder. I use
Cakewalk Pro for sequencing. What I need is lots of money to buy more toys,
and lots of time to play with them....
:) seems like you already have a lot of toys.... my setup is much more basic
- just the RAP-10, Quadrasynth and some stero speakers I actually found in
someones garbage two years ago - they seem to work fine, just cosmetically
damaged (the cloth cover is missing on one of them). One problem I'm having
right now is using the QS+ with midi - I have it working fine in GM mode, but
I have problems telling it to use the other banks... how did you set up your
Cakewalk instrument settings?
1 Reply.
: 470332 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 19:42:01
Sb: #470080-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
> :) seems like you already have a lot of toys.... my setup is much more
basic....
I never buy anything new, (waste of money), I got all my stuff used, from the
Internet market.
If you buy new gear, and you don't like it any more, you have to take a
substantial loss when
you sell it. If you get it used, at a reasonable price, you can sell it later
for the same price, or
very little less. I have a limited budget, but this way I could try most of
the synths and other
goodies, I just can't keep them all, if I want something "new", I have to sell
something old....
> One problem I'm having right now is using the QS+ with midi - I have it
working fine in GM
> mode, but I have problems telling it to use the other banks... how did you
set up your Cakewalk
> instrument settings?
If you are in GM mode, you can't change banks. First you have to switch GM off
(in Global Mode)
When GM is turned off, you can select banks, and patches (did you find my .INS
file in the
Library?) If you want to switch between GM - ON and GM - OFF from Cakewalk,
you have to
send a sysex message to the keyboard. You can build this message into your
sequences, so
it will go automatically. Another way to do it is saving your GLOBAL data in
SYSX View of
Cakewalk. First turn GM off manually, then select Receive - Alesis QS Global
Data, and save
it as a sysex file, ie. gm_off.syx. Later, when you need it, you can place
that sysex message
in your files, so they will run in normal mode.
Other easy way to do it, go to SYSX View, click on EDIT BYTES, and type in
exactly the
following data : F0 7E 7F 09 02 F7
Click on OK, and save it as gm_off.syx
Then go back to the same EDIT window, and change the number 2 to 1, so it will
look like
this: F0 7E 7F 09 01 F7
Save this one as gm_on.syx, and now you have these two short files that can
turn GM on
and off from Cakewalk, or from any MIDI file.
Let me know if you need any help
Les
1 Reply.
: 470364 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 22:55:22
Sb: #470332-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
I never buy anything new, (waste of money), I got all my stuff used, from the
Internet market.
How much of a discount do you get when buying used?
> look like this: F0 7E 7F 09 01 F7 Save this one as
gm_on.syx, and now you have these two short files that can turn GM on and off
from Cakewalk, or from any MIDI file.
Thanks for all that - I did receive the manual and discovered the GM mode
switch - I seems though that the only way I can access all the sounds for
playback is when I am in MIX 00 of Pre4. How is this mix able to receive any
instruction when the others can't? BTW, I did get the QS_PLUS.ins file.
Ian
1 Reply.
: 470380 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
18-Jan-96 00:11:32
Sb: #470364-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
> How much of a discount do you get when buying used?
Depending on the age and condition, an average 30-50%. Can be more or less.
>Thanks for all that - I did receive the manual and discovered the GM mode
switch - I seems
>though that the only way I can access all the sounds for playback is when I
am in MIX 00 of
>Pre4. How is this mix able to receive any instruction when the others can't?
BTW, I did get the
> QS_PLUS.ins file.
There are two types of mixes on the QS. One is where all the patches sound
together, it's
a kind of layering and splitting. You have ie. bass in the left hand and
piano+strings together
in the right hand. This type of mix uses only 2 to 6 channels, and disables
the rest of them.
The other kind of mix is for sequencing, it receives MIDI data on all 16
channels, like the
GM mix 0. You have the option to create either type of mixes, you just have to
edit them.
This includes the ENABLING of channels. You can select on each channel the
following
options: MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, KEYBOARD (In mix mode hit the SELECT button,
ENABLE the
channel, then go to RANGE, PAGE 2, and select MIDI IN) You have to do that
with each channel.
Or you can simply copy the GM mix to a user bank location. If you check the
GM 00 mix, you
can see that all channels are set to MIDI IN, so they can receive data from
the sequencer.
I usually turn on KEYBOARD for channel 1, so I can play along, and record
stuff.
After you altered the mix of your choice, don't forget to store it, so you can
use it later.
The first type of mix sounds better when you select NORMAL from GLOBAL MODE
PAGE 2.
The second type is better with channel solo mode.
To make things a bit more complicated, you also have the option to select
mixes and effects
from the sequencer. From GLOBAL, PAGE 6, you can assign a channel that will
receive mix
change messages instead of patch change. And each mix can be edited, so it
can receive
effect changes on a selected channel.
Now is this fun or what?
Les
1 Reply.
: 470538 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
18-Jan-96 17:26:21
Sb: #470380-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
> Now is this fun or what?
Whew - that's a real mouthful. I'll have to check it out- thanks.
Ian
#: 470247 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 11:55:33
Sb: #469810-#Alesis QuadrasynthFm: Craig Knouf 70003,1750
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
Ian,
I believe your Quadrasynth manual recommends that you turn the volume dial all
the way up. You will get the best quality sound that way based on what they
say. Then you would use your mixer or amplifier to control the actual volume
coming out of your speakers.
Craig Knouf
1 Reply.
: 470283 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 15:37:33
Sb: #470247-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Craig Knouf 70003,1750 (X)
> I believe your Quadrasynth manual recommends that you turn the volume dial
all the way up. You will get the best quality sound that way based on what
they
I believe you are correct - at the time I did not have a manual - apparently
Alesis had a shortage of manuals sent here (Toronto) and I had to wait a week
for it. It does say that the highest volume gives best quality - makes me
wonder why they'd bother with a volume control :). The only time I turn it
down is for headphone use.
Ian
2 Replies.
: 470310 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 17:13:50
Sb: #470283-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Craig Knouf 70003,1750
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
Yes lan, I still find myself turning the volume down instead of leaving it at
the highest volume. It would have been great if Alesis, as someone else
suggested, had allowed you to program that big dial as a controller of your
choice. Just the next thing for a QS ROM upgrade.
Criag Knouf
1 Reply.
: 470335 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
17-Jan-96 19:51:44
Sb: #470310-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Craig Knouf 70003,1750 (X)
> Yes lan, I still find myself turning the volume down instead of leaving it
at the highest volume.
> It would have been great if Alesis, as someone else suggested, had allowed
you to program
> that big dial as a controller of your choice. Just the next thing for a QS
ROM upgrade.
I don't think they get the message at Alesis. I remember the first review in
Keyboard Magazine,
they were complaining about the waste of this nice big, fun-to-touch dial as a
useless volume
control. Alesis didn't change it with the Plus upgrade, when they had the
chance to do it. I doubt
they ever will... It's a good place to put your drink though...
Les
#: 471345 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
22-Jan-96 14:39:11
Sb: #470283-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Robert "Robby" Wachtel 100023,2335
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
That's normal for every synth around ...
Robby
1 Reply.
: 471374 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
22-Jan-96 16:19:43
Sb: #471345-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Robert "Robby" Wachtel 100023,2335 (X)
> That's normal for every synth around ...
I believe you are replying to an older message - what were you refering to?
Ian
#: 469518 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
14-Jan-96 15:23:36
Sb: #469352-#Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Bob Puff [Atari] 76702,1076
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)
Hi Ian,
Saw that you were using a Roland RAP-10 also. Have you used any DOS-based
sysex or sequencer programs with the RAP? Was wondering if there was a
special driver or something that had to be used.
Bob
1 Reply.
: 469535 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
14-Jan-96 16:15:21
Sb: #469518-Alesis Quadrasynth
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Bob Puff [Atari] 76702,1076
> Saw that you were using a Roland RAP-10 also. Have you used any DOS-based
sysex or sequencer programs with the RAP? Was wondering if there was a
special driver or something that had to be used.
Nope, I've stuck to windows. I don't believe that a dos driver even exists
for the rap. Maybe if you used win95 and ran it in dos shell ? that seems to
work with me in some old shareware midiplayers I had. I've pretty much stuck
with Cakewalk pro 3.0 and finale 3.0. Both seem to fulfill all needs I have
(for now).
Ian
#: 454950 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
03-Nov-95 06:24:39
Sb: #Alesis QuadraSynth Plus!
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: all
For Alesis QuadraSynth Plus - Users:
The Sound Bridge software (PC Windows version) is available for downloads
at the Forum Library (1) / New Uploads
Les
1 Reply.
: 455412 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
05-Nov-95 22:18:14
Sb: #454950-#Alesis QuadraSynth Plus!
Fm: Patrick E. Vaughn 75477,2646
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Les,
Any ideas on where I could find a Windows 3.1 driver for the Alesis
Quadrasynth (needed to run SoundBridge)? Does Alesis have a BBS, or is there
somewhere on Compuserve or the Internet where I could find it? Thanks!
Patrick
1 Reply.
: 455577 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
06-Nov-95 19:41:09
Sb: #455412-#Alesis QuadraSynth Plus!
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Patrick E. Vaughn 75477,2646 (X)
>Any ideas on where I could find a Windows 3.1 driver for the Alesis
Quadrasynth (needed to run
>SoundBridge)? Does Alesis have a BBS, or is there somewhere on Compuserve or
the Internet
>where I could find it? Thanks
You don't need any specific driver. If your PC has Windows 3.1 installed, and
you have a Windows
compatible MIDI interface connected to the QuadraSynth Plus, you can use Sound
Bridge. If you
want to transfer and store the samples, you have to get a PCMCIA Card, the
type description is
in the Sound Bridge Help file.
Les
1 Reply.
: 455600 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
06-Nov-95 21:48:30
Sb: #455577-Alesis QuadraSynth Plus!
Fm: Patrick E. Vaughn 75477,2646
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Thanks for the help, I think I've got it figured out now.
Patrick
#: 455700 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
07-Nov-95 11:19:28
Sb: #QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
I've noticed that the piano samples in the QuadraSynth Plus Piano have some
slight, fast-decaying harmonics mid-range on the keyboard. For instance, the
D above middle C has a harmonic of F# about three octaves higher. Have you
noticed this on yours? Do you know if this is a characteristic of the grand
piano they sampled (e.g. sympathetic vibration between strings), or a fault in
the sample/design of the electronics?
Thanks,
- Kevin
1 Reply.
: 455777 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
07-Nov-95 19:02:37
Sb: #455700-#QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137 (X)
>I've noticed that the piano samples in the QuadraSynth Plus Piano have some slight, fast-decaying
>harmonics mid-range on the keyboard. For instance, the D above middle C has a harmonic of F# about
>three octaves higher. Have you noticed this on yours? Do you know if this is a characteristic of the
>grand piano they sampled (e.g. sympathetic vibration between strings), or a fault in the sample/design of
>the electronics?
Most 'real' pianos have some sort of slight imprfections, that makes them
unique. If they are not
terribly annoying, forget about them, playing is so much fun, don't waste time
on hardly noticeable
nuances.
Les
1 Reply.
: 455898 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
08-Nov-95 10:27:32
Sb: #455777-#QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Robert Pernett 76702,1772
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Les,
>Most 'real' pianos have some sort of slight imprfections, that makes them unique.
>If they are not terribly annoying, forget about them, playing is so
>much fun, don't waste time on hardly noticeable nuances.
Melody lines in the middle range of the QS+ are less than satisfying as a
result of this nuances. Give me an old It-deosn't-really-sound-like-a-piano
Roland Digital Piano (MKS-20, RD-1000, P 330) anyday.
2 Replies.
: 455910 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
08-Nov-95 11:19:41
Sb: #455898-#QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: FRANK JOHNSON 71420,570
To: Robert Pernett 76702,1772 (X)
Have you tried a little touch of the old EQ? A 31 band might give you just the
notch filtering you need to trim those offensive harmonics.
Have you also checked to make sure that what you are hearing is not a matter
of a resonance or peak in some other part of the system? Granted it's a little
high, but, I don't know, maybe ringing in your tweeters????
I don't know the QS at all, so I can't suggest any real solutions for that
particular instrument. On some others, I have disguised elements of samples I
didn't love by layering another component, tweaking envelopes, and sneaking
some filtering on.
-F
1 Reply.
#: 455947 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
08-Nov-95 15:19:27
Sb: #455910-QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Robert Pernett 76702,1772
To: FRANK JOHNSON 71420,570 (X)
Frank,
In the message originally left by Les...I thought the whole issue was the
"Fast Decaying" harmonics in the QS+ piano sample. It brings to mind the old
theological question we used to ponder concerning the differences and benefits
between additive and subtractive sythesis.
Until you start getting into layered sounds the core of most sample based
instruments is subtractive. You can filter out unwanted harmonics IF they
happend to be near or at the very top of the frequency sprectrum. My problem
with the piano sample is not with the presence of the harmonics but the fact
that it cuts out so quickly. There is too much information in the sample.
I would want to sustain high level of mid-frequency harmonic content for a
slightly longer period of time at higher velocity values, not just raise the
overall level of the existing harmonics. I get the vibe that they sampled the
piano without ever getting to past the middle-of-the-road key velocity (or
whatever term you would use for a traditional piano). I can't get any of the
piano patches to really "reach" for emphasis. Thats why I am most uninspired
by the Alesis Piano card...but it does sound fine in a mix.
Robert
#: 455962 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
08-Nov-95 17:16:16
Sb: #455898-#QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Robert Pernett 76702,1772 (X)
>Melody lines in the middle range of the QS+ are less than satisfying as a result of this nuances.
>Give me an old It-deosn't-really-sound-like-a-piano Roland Digital Piano (MKS-20, RD-1000, P 330)
>anyday.
Whatever you like... I don't believe an inexpensive synth has to be perfect.
And I'm more interested
in WHO plays the piano and HOW, than what kind of piano he plays.
1 Reply.
#: 456054 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
09-Nov-95 00:23:07
Sb: #455962-QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Robert Pernett 76702,1772
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)
Les,
>And I'm more interested in WHO plays the piano and HOW, than what kind of
piano he plays.
Thats right.
Rob
#: 456035 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
08-Nov-95 23:10:33
Sb: QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137
To: FRANK JOHNSON 71420,570 (X)
>Have you also checked to make sure that what you are hearing is not a matter of
>a resonance or peak in some other part of the system? Granted it's a little high,
>but, I don't know, maybe ringing in your tweeters????
I've played the QS+P through several monitoring systems, including a good set
of headphones. The harmonics are definitely coming from the synth. I haven't
tried using EQ to notch out the harmonics (haven't purchased an EQ...)
I guess I would feel better knowing that the harmonics have their origin in
the piano Alesis used to generate the sample and not as a result of improper
sampling, imperfections in the electronics, etc. Call me a purist...!
Perhaps I'll send an e-mail to Alesis and see what they have to say about it.
I'd have to say that the QS+P is a great-sounding synth and I've certainly
been having a lot of fun playing it for the two weeks I've had it. I'd agree
with Les on that point -- "just enjoy playing it!".
Honestly, the QS+P is an awesome synth, in my opinion; it has plenty of great
patches, and the piano does sound great -- with that one exception.
#: 456058 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
09-Nov-95 00:36:16
Sb: #456035-QS+P: piano harmonics
Fm: FRANK JOHNSON 71420,570
To: Kevin W. Culp 73551,3137 (X)
It doesn't matter whether the harmonics that bug you have their origin in the
actual piano or (as you put it) "as a result of improper sampling,
imperfections in the electronics, etc." If they bug you, they bug you.
I suggest mayonnaise.
Hellman's works best ... under NO circumstances use Miracle Whip.
Take a goodly quantity and s-p-r-e-a-d it evenly on the keyboard of the
Alesis. Let it set overnight, so that it can ooze down in between the keys.
This will not affect the harmonics that you are hearing, but the action of the
key mechanism may acquire a feel (and, yes, quite possibly an odor) which will
discourage you from playing the thing. Thus the harmonics will not trouble you
as much.
It's just a thought.
-F
(should I switch to decaf?)
#: 456382 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
10-Nov-95 15:45:45
Sb: #Quadrasynth/Sound Bridge
Fm: Axel Parkop 100436,3267
To: all
Hi,
I downloaded the SoundBridge software ,but I have a problem with it !
When doing the MIDI TEST I/O , it does not find my S4.
I found,that it sends out a sysex-message with following pattern:
F0 7E 7F 06 01 F7
Whats this...??
Because of ALESIS' manufacturer ID it should look like:
F0 00 00 0E ..... F7
Who can help on this?
Axel Parkop
1 Reply.
: 456443 S2/Synths/Samplers [MIDIFOR]
10-Nov-95 23:01:50
Sb: #456382-Quadrasynth/Sound Bridge
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Axel Parkop 100436,3267 (X)
> I downloaded the SoundBridge software ,but I have a problem with it !
> When doing the MIDI TEST I/O , it does not find my S4.
Did you check the MIDI SETUP window? If you selected the proper MIDI in and
out ports,
and the connections are ok. it should work.
Do you have an S4 or an S4 Plus? SoundBridge is for the Plus (2.00) version
only.