Alesis QuadraSynth, Reference Manual

Page: 69 / 134

Editing Programs
68 QuadraSynth Reference Manual
Mod
About General Purpose
Although there are several dedicated modulators in the QuadraSynth (e.g., the pitch
can always be modulated by the pitch LFO and pitch envelope), sophisticated
synthesizer programming demands the ability to use as many modulation sources as
possible to modulate as many modulation destinations as desired.
The QuadraSynth arranges its modulation source outputs and modulation
destination inputs into a ÒmatrixÓ so that any selected source can connect to any of
several destinations.
There are six general purpose matrix modulators, which allows you to control up to
six parameters with any of several control sources.
Use the MOD functions to setup your own customized control of a program, such as:
¥ Using one or both of the PEDAL inputs to control volume, brightness (filter
cutoff), effect level, LFO speed, etc.
¥ Using velocity to increase or decrease the attack speed of an envelope, so playing
softly makes the sound fade in, while playing hard causes an immediate attack.
¥ Using release velocity to increase/decrease the release time of an envelope, so
quick releases of the keys cut off the end of the sound, while slow key releases
allow the sound to fade away gradually.
The MOD functions give you the freedom to go beyond the standard modulation
sources built-in to other functions.
Selecting the Modulator (1 to 6)
Use the PAGE [
¬
] and PAGE [
®
] buttons to select one of the six modulators
(modulator 1 is page 1, modulator 2 is page 2, modulator 3 is page 3, etc.). All
modulators work in the same way, so only one will be described here.
Modulation Source
Quad Knob [1] selects one of several modulation sources:
¥Ê Note # provides a modulation signal that corresponds to the note played on the
keyboard (higher keys give higher values). Example: Use this modulation source
to obtain a different sound in the upper and lower keyboard ranges.
¥Ê Velocity relates to how fast a key goes from the key up (note off) to the key
down (note on) position, and therefore represents the dynamics of your playing.
¥Ê Release velocity relates to how fast a key goes from the key down (note on) to
the key up (note off) position. Example: Use this to affect the level of a soundÕs
release based on how fast you remove your fingers from the keys.