Alesis Stereo Amplifier manual Using Inserts

Chapter 2 – Connections

In the above hookups, you must set correct levels on the mixer's individual Aux Sends, Aux Masters, and Aux Return masters (as well as the NanoVerb's own controls) to get good, clean, quiet results.

J Improper level setting is the most common cause of noise and distortion problems.

By having the correct level at every point in the send/return chain, you avoid distortion by overloading and avoid noise. The most common mistake with effect units like the NanoVerb is to have too low a level at the input, then crank up the output to get the effects level desired. This amplifies the noise and wastes headroom. Here is a procedure that will give good results with most standard equipment:

1.Set your mixer's input levels correctly, following the instructions for the mixer.

2.Turn up the mixer channels' AUX SEND and AUX MASTERS (if applicable) to a nominal level (this is usually between "noon" and "3:00" on a rotary knob).

3.Play the source.

4.Turn up the NanoVerb's [INPUT] level until you see the [SIGNAL] LED turn red on peaks; then reduce it slightly until the red doesn't flash. The ideal input level, for optimum noise performance, is just below clipping. But if other instruments will be added to the mix later, or levels are unpredictable (as in a live show), leave yourself additional headroom by turning the input level down a bit more.

5.Depending on the input sensitivity of the mixer's channels or Aux Returns, the [OUTPUT] knob of the NanoVerb should be set somewhere between "2:00" and fully clockwise ("5:00").

6.Turn up the AUX RETURN level until you get the desired level of effect in the mix. The one control in the chain that may need to be set to a low level is the Aux Return (or channel) on the mixer itself. Here is where you should increase or decrease the overall effect level in the mix, for best low-noise performance. If you want "just a hint" of reverb, don't turn down the send to the Nanoverb; turn down the Aux Return. Leave the input levels where they were set in step 4, unless you see the [SIGNAL] LED flash.

Using Inserts

If your mixer features individual channel inserts, you can dedicate the NanoVerb to a specific channel on the mixer. Insert jacks on the back of a mixer provide a way of “inserting” external processing equipment into the signal path. The insert occurs after the input amplifier, and before the channel fader; essentially it is the same as connecting the source (instrument or microphone) into the NanoVerb before the mixer’s channel input. However, some mixing console’s inserts come after the EQ section, and may therefore be different from the original signal. If nothing is connected to the channel’s Insert jack, the signal passes through with no effect.

Usually, insert connections require a special, stereo-splitting Y-cord to be connected (one stereo plug provides both send and return while two mono plugs connect separately to the effects unit’s input and output). These are known as TRS connectors (tip-ring-sleeve). The tip of the stereo plug carries the send or output of the insert jack, while the ring carries back the return. The sleeve represents a common ground for both signals.

This involves connecting a 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Y-cable to the Insert jack of a single channel on a mixing console. The other end of the cable (which splits into two, 1/4" mono connectors) are connected to the [LEFT] input and [LEFT] output, respectively. If you do not hear any audio after making these connections, swap the input and output cables at the NanoVerb, as these may be wired backwards. If the cable is color-coded, usually the red jack represents the send (which connects to the NanoVerb’s input) and black is the return (which connects to the output).

16 NanoVerb Reference Manual