Overview: Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

OVERVIEW

BASIC AND DEFINITIONS

THE VOICE

Each time the DM5 receives a MIDI or acoustic trigger, it plays a voice. A voice is a sound-generating element with several variable parameters: Drum sound, tuning, volume, output assignment (the voice’s audio output can go to either one of two sets of stereo outputs), panning (the voice’s audio output can be positioned at any of the seven positions available within the stereo field of the chosen set of outputs), and MIDI note number.

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. Thanks to the DM5’s Dynamic Articulation™ scheme, the timbre (tonal content) and pitch will often change as well, just like “real” drums.

The Voices have been organized into 8 Voice Families for easy access (Kick, Snare, Hat, etc.).When assigning a Voice to one of the 61 notes in a Drum Set, you first select the Voice Family and the a Voice from within that group.

RANDOM VOICES

One of the Voice Families, called “Random”, has a unique collection of Voices. Each Voice within this Family includes a sampling of various other Voices from the other Families . When playing a “Random” voice, a different sample of the same Voice “type” will be heard each time it is triggered. This creates a very complimentary “human” element, just as a real drummer may not play the same drum quite the same way two times in a row or more.

ABOUT THE EDIT BUFFER

Whenever you select a Drum Set, all parameters associated with the Drum Set load into a temporary memory buffer. As you edit the Drum Set, changes are made to this temporary version rather than the original Drum Set.

This is important for two reasons:

•If you don’t like the results of your edit, you can always revert to the original Drum Set.

•If you do like the results of your edit, you must save the buffer’s contents. It can overwrite the original Drum Set data, or be written to a different Drum Set.

If you select another Drum Set, the data in the edit buffer will be overwritten with the newly-selected Drum Set’s parameters.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Overview, Basic and Definitions, Random Voices, About the Edit Buffer
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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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