Your First Session With The DM5: Chapter 2

CHOOSING VOICES IN A DRUM SET

In this section, we will choose Voices for a Drum Set. There are many other parameters of a Drum Set we may wish to edit, however. Refer to Chapter 4 for more information about editing.

There are 61 possible notes in a Drum Set. To select a note, turn on the [NOTE CHASE] button (it will light). Now, whenever you play a note on your MIDI keyboard, the corresponding pitch will be displayed. When you want to edit a particular note, just play it and there it is! You can also select a note from the front panel by pressing the [] button to select the Note value in the display (it will flash) and then turning the [VALUE] knob to select the note you wish to edit.

Press [DRUM SET] and use the [VALUE] knob to select a Drum Set you wish to edit.

Press [VOICE].

This selects the Voice function. The display will look like this:

In the upper section of the display there will appear two parameters: Voice Family and Voice Number (a slash / appears between them). The above example shows Note #36 (C1) is selected, and its assigned Voice is the first sound (001) in the Kick (Kik) Family . Note that the Voice Number (001) is underlined, indicating that it is selected for editing (using the [VALUE] knob).

With [NOTE CHASE] turned on (lit), play a note on your MIDI keyboard (or hit a drum pad) that corresponds to the note you want to change the Voice for.

The selected note’s pitch will appear in the middle of the display. Example: If you played middle-C, the middle section of the display would read “36 C 1”.

Turn the [VALUE] knob to select a different Voice Number within the current Voice Group; Tap the [PREVIEW] button to audition the selected drum sound. Example: If the selected note was assigned to a kick drum, turning the [VALUE] knob would let you audition the other kick drum sounds available in the Kick Voice Group.

Press the [] button once to select the Voice Family parameter. The cursor will appear beneath the Voice Family parameter.

Turn the [VALUE] knob to select a different Voice Family.

Press the [] button once to select the Voice Number parameter again.

Turn the [VALUE] knob to select a Voice within the newly selected Family; Tap the [PREVIEW] button to audition the selected drum sound.

Repeat steps through to select new Voices for other notes in the Drum Set.

Changes you make to a Drum Set are temporary and will be lost if another Drum Set is selected. To make changes permanent, you must store the Drum Set (see next section).

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Choosing Voices in a Drum SET

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.