Chapter 1, Overview, Setup and Basics

ALESIS M20 REFERENCE MANUAL 1.06 1-3

Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the M20 or any

associated equipment with improper AC wiring.

1.4 LINE CONDITIONERS AND PROTECTORS
Although the M20 tolerates typical voltage variations, the AC line voltage may contain
spikes or transients that can possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There
are three main ways to protect against this, listed in ascending order of cost and
complexity:
• Line spike/surge protectors. Relatively inexpensive, these help protect against strong
surges and spikes (they usually need to be replaced after enduring an extremely strong
spike).
• Line filters. These generally combine spike/surge protection with filters that remove
some line noise (dimmer hash, transients from other appliances, etc.).
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This is the best option. A UPS provides power
even if the AC power line fails completely. Intended for computer applications, a UPS
allows an orderly shutdown in the event of a power outage. Furthermore, the isolation
it provides from the power line minimizes all forms of interference ó spikes, noise, etc.
1.5 ABOUT AUDIO CABLES
The connections between the M20 and your studio are your music’s lifeline. Use only high
quality, low-capacitance, shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and
low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they make a difference. When
routing cables:
• Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords.
• Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as
transformers, monitors, computers, etc.
• Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause
immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor
and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cable’s reliability.
• Avoid twisting the cable or making sharp, right angle turns.
• Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly grasping
the plug’s body, and pulling directly outward.
• 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.