Chapter 2: Your First Session With The DM5

WHAT’S A DRUM SET?

A Drum Set is a stored configuration of drum sounds and their parameters. This setup of drum sounds and parameters can be stored so that you can get back to it instantly. When you select a Drum Set, all of its sounds and parameter settings are recalled to recreate the original kit.

The DM5 provides up to 21 internal Drum Sets. A Drum Set contains 61 notes. Each note is assigned a voice. Each voice is an actual digital recording, called a sample. There are 4 megabytes of drum and percussion samples to choose from. The voices are organized into groups, for easy selection (Kicks, Snare, etc.). Once a note has been assigned a voice, you may then edit its other parameters. These include Pitch (transposing the playback pitch of the sample), Volume, Panning, and Output (Main or Aux).

Each voice is velocity-sensitive:the harder you hit a drum pad (or the [PREVIEW] button) or the higher the velocity value of the MIDI trigger, the louder the drum sound assigned to the pad will play. Using Dynamic Articulation™ techniques, the timbre (tonal content) and pitch will often change as well, just like “real” drums.

PLAYING THE DM5

The DM5 is shipped from the factory with 21 Preset Drum Sets.

AUDITIONING INTERNAL PROGRAMS

➀Press the [DRUM SET] button.

The [DRUM SET] button will light. You can play the DM5 from a MIDI keyboard or via the external triggers; the Drum Set will be whatever was selected last (00 – 20).

➁Select a Drum Set by turning the [VALUE] knob.

The selected Drum Set number and its name will appear in the display.

SELECTING THE MIDI CHANNEL

The DM5 can receive information on any single MIDI channel of the 16 available channels, or on all 16 MIDI channels.

➀Press the [MIDI] button.

The [MIDI] button will light. This selects the MIDI parameters for editing. There are 5 different pages of parameters; this is page 1. There are three parameters in this page: Root, Chan and Thru. The first parameter, Root will be selected (the value beneath it will be flashing).

➁Press the [] button once to select the Chan parameter (MIDI channel).

The Chan parameter’s value will flash in the display to indicate it is selected for editing.

➂Use the [VALUE] knob to select a MIDI channel from 01 – 16, or 00 to select all channels (this is also known as “omni mode”).

The display will change to indicate the currently selected MIDI channel.

For more information about MIDI functions, see Chapter 5.

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DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis manual WHAT’S a Drum SET?, Playing the DM5, Auditioning Internal Programs, Selecting the Midi Channel
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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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