Alesis 7-51-0121-A manual How the Smashup goes beyond just compression

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Using the Smashup 3

How the Smashup goes beyond “just compression”

Having explained what the controls are designed to do, you should be aware that the Smashup’s digital compression algorithms do much more than just control levels. Just as a tube guitar amp sounds different from a solid-state power amp, the most popular compressors sound notably different from each other, even when their attack, threshold, ratio and release controls are set exactly the same. And, like guitar amps, there’s no single “best” compressor...good studios often have 6 or 7 different brands of compressor in the rack because some are better on rock vocals, others are best on bass, still others offer a unique drum sound. Alesis analyzed the behavior of many compressors, and the Smashup’s different [TYPE] settings are the result. You really get six different-sounding compressors in a single, compact ModFX box.

There’s no way to describe the complete behavior of each control in each mode. Just be aware that a particular [ATTACK] setting will have a totally different result when the [TYPE] is set to OPTO, as compared to FAT. Experiment with all the settings on different instruments and vocals, and you’ll find some really great- sounding combinations.

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Contents Reference Manual Page Table of Contents Table Of Contents Welcome IntroductionImportant features of your Smashup IntroductionAbout the Smashup Smashup Key Features How to Use This Manual Please follow these precautions when using this product Safety Instructions/NoticesImportant Safety Instructions English Safety symbols used in this productImportant Safety Instructions FCC Compliance Statement CE Declaration Of ConformityInstructions de Sécurité Importantes French Symboles utilisés dans ce produitImportant Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise German Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem ProduktImportant Safety Instructions This page intentionally left blank Hook it up to a synthesizer If youre new to signal ProcessingQuick Start Guide If you can’t wait to get startedQuick Start Guide Quick overview of the controlsRear Panel Unpacking and Inspection Installing in a RackPower ConnectionsTurn up the trim Connecting audioConnections In-line connectionConnecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console Connecting to the inserts on an instrument amplifier Connecting to the Main Outputs of a mixing consoleConnecting to equipment with XLR inputs and outputs About audio cablesDont use line transformers What about the input and output jacks on the slave units? Using the ModLinkWhat is a compressor? Using the SmashupUsing the Smashup What the controls doAttack/Release times vary by Type How the Smashup goes beyond just compression About stereo compression Operational adviceSetting Levels Gain structureGraph of compression Description of ControlsThreshold Graph of input levelPumping Breathing AttackLook Ahead ReleaseFAT mode and Sizzle OutputSizzle Transparent Type Select SwitchClassic OptoDe-Ess PumpFat Bypass Using the Foot SwitchDe-Ess Sample SettingsThreshold and Output settings may need changing ClassicPump Sample SettingsFat OptoBlank TransparentBlank Settings Templates Troubleshooting Index TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Avoiding ground loop noise Keep Audio Wiring AS FAR Away from AC Wiring AS PossibleLine conditioners and spike protectors Care and Maintenance CleaningRefer all servicing to Alesis Obtaining repair service Customers in the USA and CanadaCustomers outside the USA and Canada Mechanical SpecificationsAudio Input Audio OutputSpecifications Index Foot SWITCH, 16Alesis Limited Warranty Warranty / Contact AlesisAlesis Contact Information Warranty/Contact Information