Alesis QS8.1, QS7.1 manual Midi OUT Mode, Reset Controllers A-D, Controller A-D Mode

Basic Operation: Part 4

PAGE 16 — MIDI OUT MODE

In normal MIDI operation, this parameter lets you switch the function of the back panel [MIDI OUT] jack between being a MIDI OUT and being a MIDI THRU. Given that, the two possible settings — OUT and THRU — should be self-explanatory.

The factory default is OUT.

If, however, you have selected one of the SERIAL PORT settings instead of MIDI (as discussed just above) then your choices become OFF and THRU, with OFF as the default.

When this setting is OFF, the [MIDI OUT] jack doesn’t send any data to external devices. Change it to THRU and the jack will automatically echo any MIDI data coming into your QS over the serial connection.

In some situations you may need a direct serial link to a computer and a normal MIDI OUT running from your QS to other instruments. Here’s the solution: Set the MIDI Out Mode to THRU and then turn on your computer’s MIDI THRU function. This will echo any incoming QS data back to your keyboard, which will echo it in turn to the [MIDI OUT] jack that is operating as a MIDI THRU. The net result will be the same as if a normal MIDI OUT was in place.

PAGE 17 — RESET CONTROLLERS A-D

This parameter determines whether the values for Controllers A–D will (A) reset to zero or (B) stay the same whenever a new Program or Mix is chosen. The factory default is ON, which is the setting that forces a reset whenever you change from one Program or Mix to another. The other possible setting is OFF.

Which one makes the most sense will depend on what you are trying to do.

For example:

If you were using [CONTROLLER] sliders to affect the volumes of external MIDI sound modules, you’d probably want to set this parameter to OFF. That way you wouldn’t reset all the different modules to zero volume every time you changed Programs.

On the other hand, if you were using the [CONTROLLER] sliders to modulate various Program parameters, then you might very well want to set this parameter at ON in order to maintain a smooth continuity of control as you move among different Programs and Mixes.

PAGE 18 — CONTROLLER A-D MODE

This parameter determines how the data generated by moving Controllers A-D will be used. There are three possible settings:

LOCAL sets things so that your [CONTROLLER] sliders work with your own QS, but do not generate any MIDI data.

MIDI does the exact opposite. Select this, and your [CONTROLLER] sliders will send out MIDI data but have no effect on your own QS Programs and Mixes.

QS7.1/QS8.1 Reference Manual 49