Chapter 1 - Setting Up

MIDI

MIDI is an internationally-accepted protocol that allows music-related data to be conveyed from one device to another. The MIDI connections on the Q20 provide five different functions:

¥To recall programs using MIDI program change messages

¥To control various parameters inside the Q20 in realtime via MIDI controllers (example: A keyboardÕs mod wheel, or pedals, etc.)

¥To convert MIDI Clock messages into delay settings on Tap Tempo Delay Blocks

¥To send and receive SysEx (System Exclusive) dumps of individual programs or the entire bank of programs for storage and retrieval purposes

¥To pass-on MIDI information thru the Q20 to another MIDI device.

To connect the Q20Õs MIDI ports to another MIDI device:

➀Connect a MIDI cable from the Q20Õs MIDI [THRU/OUT] connector to the MIDI IN connector of the other MIDI device.

➁Connect another MIDI cable from the Q20Õs MIDI [IN] connector to the other MIDI deviceÕs MIDI OUT connector.

For more information about MIDI, refer to Chapter 6.

Digital Connections

Digital connections provide better fidelity than the analog inputs and outputs because you avoid converting the audio from digital to analog (say from a digital mixer), then to digital (Q20 input), then analog (Q20 output), then digital again (back into the mixer).

The Q20 provides two formats for direct digital connections: ADAT Optical and S/PDIF. The Alesis Optical interface provides two EIAJ fiber optic connectors for [DIG IN] and [DIG OUT]. These connectors use a proprietary Alesis multichannel format first introduced with the ADAT Multitrack Recorder. The Q20 can send and/or receive digital audio directly to/from an ADAT (or other devices which use the same optical interface). The S/PDIF inputs and outputs are provided on coaxial (phono) jacks and conform to the consumer digital interface format (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format).

The proprietary Alesis Optical format carries up to 8 audio channels on a single fiber optic cable. Since the Q20 has two channels (left and right), you may choose two of the incoming 8 channels for the Q20 to process or output.

ADAT Optical fiber optic cables of various lengths are available from your Alesis dealer. The shorter the cable, the better. The OC cable is 5 meters long (16'4") and is the maximum length recommended. For S/PDIF connection, you should use good quality video-type phono cables.

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Q20 Reference Manual