Alesis QS8.1, QS7.1 manual Using AN External Sequencer, Serial Port

Part 5: MIDI

USING AN EXTERNAL SEQUENCER

The QS can generate MIDI signals for a sequencer to record. 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 coming in on channel 1, a bass sound plays only the MIDI data coming in on channel 2, and drums play only the MIDI data coming in on channel 10.

For this to happen, you have to connect the sequencer’s MIDI Out to the QS’s [MIDI IN], and the QS’s [MIDI OUT] to the sequencer’s MIDI In. Also, in Global Edit mode, page 15 (I/O) must be set to "MIDI". This allows the QS to send data to the sequencer for recording, and play back data from the sequencer.

THE SERIAL PORT

All of the following information about sequencing with the MIDI ports applies to operations with the serial port as well. The most obvious difference is that if you use the built-in serial port you won’t need an additional MIDI interface.

If you already have the proper cables installed (and the Alesis serial driver, if you’re using a PC-compatible computer), then you’re almost ready to begin. Read about enabling the serial port in Part 1: Setup and Connections on page 14. You’ll also find some very important information about using the serial port in conjunction with the MIDI Output jack in Part 4: Basic Operation on page 47. Look for the section at the bottom that goes over Global Edit mode pages 15 and 16.

Information about the Alesis Serial Driver and the cables you’ll need in order to do this is also in Part 1: Setup and Connections on page 15.

50 QS7.1/QS8.1 Reference Manual