Your First Session With The DM5: Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

YOUR FIRST SESSION

WITH THE DM5

POWERING UP

After making your connections, turn on the system’s power using this procedure:

➀Before turning on the DM5’s power, check the following items:

•Have all connections been made correctly?

•Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down?

•Is the volume of the DM5 turned down?

➁Turn on the [POWER] switch on the DM5 front panel.

Upon power-up, the DM5 will recall the last selected Drum Set, and will display the page that was last selected.

➂Press [DRUM SET].

The [DRUM SET] button will light. The display should look something like this:

If this Program/Mix has been edited, the display will indicate this by showing a period “.” to the right of the name of the Drum Set.

➃Turn the DM5’s master [VOLUME] knob fully clockwise.

The best signal-to-noise ratio is achieved when [VOLUME] is set to maximum.

➄Turn on the power of the amplifier/mixer, and adjust the volume.

PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCE

The DM5 has a built-in demo sequence which demonstrates the wide variety of sounds this amazing instrument is capable of generating. In order to get the full effect of the demo, we recommend that you connect both the [MAIN OUTPUT-L] and [MAIN OUTPUT-R] to the inputs of your sound system, or listen on headphones.

To play the demo sequence:

➀Hold the [DRUM SET] button, and press [PREVIEW]. The display will read: “Playing Demo...”.

➁Press any button to stop the demo.

There will be no MIDI out messages during the demo, and the external triggers will be disabled.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis manual Your First Session With the DM5, Powering UP, Playing the Demo Sequence
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DM5 specifications

The Alesis DM5 is a renowned drum machine and percussion synthesizer that has garnered acclaim for its versatile features and high-quality sound. Embracing both the beginner and professional musician, the DM5 serves as an ideal platform for creating drum tracks, enhancing live performances, and adding depth to music productions.

At the heart of the DM5 is its comprehensive sound engine, which boasts a library of over 1,000 pre-recorded samples. These samples encompass a diverse range of instruments, from acoustic drums to electronic beats, allowing users to explore various music genres seamlessly. The DM5 features 25 of the most popular drum and percussion sounds that can be played via a MIDI controller or the built-in pads. This wide selection provides musicians with the flexibility to craft unique rhythms and textures.

An essential aspect of the DM5 is its user-friendly interface. The backlit LCD screen enables easy navigation through the vast array of features and settings. Users can quickly select sounds, adjust parameters, and create grooves with intuitive controls. The built-in sequencer is another standout feature, allowing musicians to record and edit patterns with precision. It supports up to 99 preset songs, enabling easy recall of favorite patterns for live gigs.

The DM5 also includes MIDI capabilities, facilitating seamless integration with other music production equipment. Users can connect external MIDI devices, triggering sounds directly from their keyboards or controllers. This interconnectedness promotes a fluid workflow in studio and live environments.

Furthermore, the DM5 offers a variety of built-in effects, such as delay and reverb, which enhance the overall sound. These effects provide additional depth and richness to drum tracks, ensuring that the final output remains polished and dynamic. The unit also supports audio outputs for connecting to mixers or amplifiers, making it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances.

In summary, the Alesis DM5 stands out as a powerful drum machine and percussion synthesizer. With its extensive sound library, user-friendly interface, integrated sequencer, MIDI capabilities, and built-in effects, it provides musicians with the tools to create and perform with ease. Whether in a home studio or on stage, the DM5 remains a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore the world of drum programming and music production.
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