Alesis QS7, QS8 manual Using AN External Sequencer, Using a Computer, About the Keyboard Mode

Chapter 3: Connections

USING AN EXTERNAL SEQUENCER

The QS can generate MIDI signals that are recorded by a sequencer. On playback, the sequencer sends this data back into the QS, which then serves as a multitimbral sound module (in Mix Mode). The sequencer can generate data over several channels; in Mix Mode, the QS can be programmed so that individual Programs play sequenced data on specific channels. Example: If the sequencer transmits a piano part over channel 1, a bass part over channel 2, and a drum part over channel 10, you could set up a QS Mix so that a piano sound plays only the MIDI data assigned to channel 1, a bass sound plays only the MIDI data assigned to channel 2, and drums play only the MIDI data assigned to channel 10. The QS can store up to 100 User Mixes.

Connect the sequencer’s MIDI Out to the QS’s [MIDI IN], and the QS’s [MIDI OUT] to the sequencer’s MIDI In. This allows the QS to send data to the sequencer for recording, and play back data from the sequencer.

ABOUT THE KEYBOARD MODE

In a Mix, the QS’s keyboard may be set up in several ways using the Keyboard Mode parameter found on Page 6 of Global Edit Mode. You need to determine which way is best for your application. The Keyboard Mode parameter determines how the keyboard will function with regard to MIDI:

•The keyboard sends on only one MIDI channel and the sequencer is used to set the MIDI channel of each track (Keyboard Mode = OUT 1 – OUT 16).

•Or, the keyboard is split or layered, sending on many MIDI channels at once, and the sequencer records each channel onto a different track (NORMAL).

•Or, the keyboard only sends on one MIDI channel, but you change the channel on the QS for each separate track on the sequencer (CH SOLO).

In OUT 1 – OUT 16 mode, you will not hear the QS unless your sequencer echoes the MIDI data back to the QS’s MIDI IN. This is a way of verifying that the sequencer is set to receive properly. Depending on the capabilities of your sequencer, it may “auto-channelize” the echoed MIDI back to the QS on a different MIDI channel (usually, the MIDI channel that the selected record track is assigned to). In NORMAL or CH SOLO mode, the QS sounds are internally played from the QS keyboard, so any echo features of the sequencer should be turned off.

When using the QS with a MIDI sequencer, the usual choice for the Keyboard Mode is “OUT 1.” This is equivalent to turning the QS’s local control off and transmitting on channel 1. For more information, see page 41.

USING A COMPUTER

22 QS7/QS8 Reference Manual