Overview: Chapter 4

EDITING PARAMETER VALUES

After selecting the parameter to be edited, use the [VALUE] knob to vary its value. Once a Drum Set has been edited, a period appears in the display after the Drum Set number. Example: This Drum Set has been edited. Notice the period on the right.

Standard Set .

The period reminds you that if the [VALUE] knob is rotated and another Drum Set is selected, any changes made to the current Drum Set will be lost.

THE STORE BUTTON

The [STORE] button saves edited Drum Sets by overwriting existing Drum Set data with the contents of the edit buffer. See page 12 for more information.

THE NOTE CHASE BUTTON

[NOTE CHASE] allows a MIDI note or acoustic trigger to choose a particular note (and therefore its assigned drum sound) to be edited (see below).

THE PREVIEW BUTTON

You can tap the velocity-sensitive [PREVIEW] button at any time to trigger the currently selected sound.

DRUM NOTE SELECTION

The [VOICE], [TUNE], [MIX], [OUTPUT], and [GROUP] Function buttons all require selecting a particular drum note for editing. The middle of the display (labeled NOTE) indicates the note that is being edited. For example, the Voice selection screen shows:

There are two ways to select the drum sound to be edited or previewed:

Place the cursor under the note and turn the [VALUE] knob to select a different note.

When the [NOTE CHASE] button is turned on (lit), an incoming MIDI note or external trigger will select the note to be edited (and the [NOTE CHASE] button will flash). This makes it easy to change the same parameter for all drums; call up the editing function (Voice, Tune, Mix, etc.) and select various drums by playing their associated keys/triggers. The display will read out the MIDI note number and note name (Example: 36 C1).

Tip: Chase can also be used as a piece of “MIDI test equipment” to determine the note number of an incoming MIDI note. This will only happen if the sending device is on the same MIDI channel as the DM5 and if the sending note is within the note range of the currently selected drum kit.

DM5 Reference Manual

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Alesis DM5 manual Drum Note Selection, Editing Parameter Values, Store Button, Preview Button

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.