Alesis DG8 manual Introduction

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION

In the years since electronic musical instruments made their debut in the early 1970s, the quest for a transportable piano that had the sound and feel of a true acoustic instrument seemed to elude every manufacturer. They tried everything, including a rather ingenious re-design of the grand piano that you could take apart into two pieces when travelling. The trade-off? It was still bulky, rather expensive, and because it had strings (just like a real piano) it needed to be tuned periodically. If you moved it often, you had to tune it often.

Even as digital sampling technology began to mature in the early 1990s and piano products started popping up all over, something always seemed to be missing: the sound was thin or the keys didn’t feel right or the pedals didn’t respond like you’d expect or... well, you get the point.

But no matter how big my music rig gets – no matter how many gadgets and boxes and toys I accumulate – the one sound that I have always insisted upon is a great piano. The Alesis DG8 is a great piano. And more.

The DG8 sounds like a piano and feels like a piano. Its 88-key, fully-weighted, hammer-action keyboard is an advanced design that provides the response you’d expect from, well, a real piano. Complementing its piano realism are four pedal inputs: sustain/sostenuto and soft pedal expression plus an AUX jack for volume/modulation. Factor in the DG8’s 64-voice polyphony, and you have an instrument that faithfully reproduces all the nuances of a fine acoustic piano.

But we wouldn’t be satisfied with just a standard piano. We’ve tailored our selection of pianos to be ideally suited for classical, jazz, rock and pop, and included an entire suite of electric pianos, pipe and electric organs, synthesizers, strings, choirs, basses, clavinets, vibes and harpsichord. In addition to its 88 preset programs, the DG8’s 24MB of sound ROM is expandable to 32MB via a PCMCIA expansion card slot, ideally suited for any Alesis QCardTM expansion module.

The DG8’s velocity-sensitive keyboard can be layered and split, of course. The split point can be set to any point on the keyboard you want, and the Transpose feature puts the DG8 into any key.

And to further enhance the DG8’s sound capability, the Alesis QS Parallel Matrix EffectsTM provide reverb and chorus on nearly all internal Keyboard Programs (the electric organ programs substitute a rotary speaker effect for chorus). Add to that a 5-band analog graphic equalizer and a built-in 100-watt-per-channel, discrete stereo bi-amped amplifier and speakers, and the DG8 is a fully-integrated powerhouse instrument.

We’ve just touched on the some of the highlights of this product; there’s much more to be explored. After you’ve read through this brief document, and experienced the sound and feel of the DG8, I’m confident that you will be every bit as excited about it as I am.

Dave Bertovic

Spring 1999

DG8 REFERENCE MANUAL

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Contents Spring Page Your shipping carton should contain the following items Alesis Contact InformationContents Specifications Contents Midi FunctionsTroubleshooting Warranty IndexImportant Safety Instructions Safety Symbols Used in this ProductImportant Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions Instructions to the User CE Declaration of Conformity Important Safety Instructions Introduction Typographic Conventions Unpack IT Getting StartedWhat YOU’LL Need SET IT UPAttaching the Music Stand Hook IT UP Setting UP the DG8 in a HomePower Sustain PedalDG8 in a Music System As a Slave Cable to the Midi in of the next device in the systemPlay Mode AutoDemos Turn IT on and Play ITHOW the Sounds are Organized Keyboard BanksCard Bank Layers Single ModeHOW the Sounds are Selected Splits Split-with-LayerUsing the Controls Level ControlsTranspose Tune ButtonHow the Basic Midi Channel Works on the DG8 Graphic EQMidi Channel Function Getting Started HOW the Sounds are Organized Playing the DG8Overview Bass Banks How Sound Programs are Named Using the Display and Sound Selection ButtonsUsing the Cursor and the and Arrows Other and Arrow Functions Single Mode Selecting Internal SoundsLayer Mode Playing the DG8 Playing the DG8 Split Mode Split-with-Layer Card Programs in a Layer Using the External Card SoundsCard Programs in Single Mode QCard Programs in a Split Playing the DG8 QCard Programs In a Split-with-Layer Create the SplitDG8 Sound Chart Group Name Primary Sound Labels LAYER/SPLIT Sound LabelsTranspose Front Panel ControlsTune Effects Graphic EQController Name Midi Controller # Midi FunctionsChannel Messages 2 Local Control Sustain PedalsBackground Pedal Connections SostenutoSoft Pedal Playing the DG8 Inputs Audio Inputs and OutputsOutputs Initializing the DG8 Factory DefaultsPOWER-UP Resetting Midi Functions Midi BasicsChannel Messages Voice Messages Midi HardwareMidi Messages Midi Functions Controller # Function Data Range Channel Messages Mode Messages Midi and the DG8 Channel MessagesMidi Functions Program Changes Pedals Midi Program # Primary/Layer Bass Split ChannelGlossary Appendix a GlossaryControllers All Notes OffChannel ModeTroubleshooting Appendix B TroubleshootingJack Cleaning and Maintenance Appendix B Troubleshooting Appendix C Specifications SpecificationsMidi Implementation Chart Specifications Appendix D Warranty WarrantyObtaining Repair Service Refer ALL Servicing to AlesisAppendix D Warranty Index A Split As both Primary and Split soundSPLIT/OFF button 26, 39, 40 Splits

DG8 specifications

The Alesis DG8 is a cutting-edge electronic drum kit designed for both beginners and seasoned drummers looking for an affordable yet feature-rich option. This versatile kit caters to a wide range of musical styles and is perfect for practice, recording, or live performances.

One of the standout features of the Alesis DG8 is its dual-zone drum pads, which provide an enhanced playing experience. These pads are responsive to different striking techniques, allowing drummers to produce a variety of sounds from a single surface. The kit includes a 10-inch snare pad and 8-inch tom pads, offering a realistic feel comparable to acoustic drums.

The DG8 also comes equipped with a robust sound module that features over 400 high-quality drum and percussion sounds. With its extensive library, drummers can explore a range of styles, including rock, jazz, and electronic music. The sound module is user-friendly, featuring a clear LCD screen for easy navigation, and it includes several customizable preset kits for those who want to get started right away.

For added creativity, the DG8 includes built-in effects such as reverb and chorus, which can enhance the overall sound without the need for additional equipment. Additionally, the module supports MIDI connectivity, allowing users to connect the kit to their favorite digital audio workstation (DAW) for more advanced production capabilities.

Another notable characteristic of the Alesis DG8 is its compact and portable design, making it an ideal choice for drummers who may have limited space or need to transport their kit frequently. The durable hardware ensures stability while playing, and the adjustable rack allows for the perfect setup based on personal preference.

The kit also includes essential practice tools, such as a metronome and play-along tracks, which provide drummers with the resources needed to improve their timing and rhythm. Furthermore, the DG8 supports USB connectivity, enabling users to record and share their performances directly to computers and other devices.

In summary, the Alesis DG8 electronic drum kit combines quality, versatility, and portability, making it a fantastic option for drummers of all skill levels. With its advanced technologies, vast sound library, and user-friendly features, it offers a comprehensive drumming experience that is sure to inspire creativity and enhance playing skills.
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