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8 Connecting ALiX to Stuff
8.1 1/4” INSTRUMENT INPUT
This is for connecting any instrument with a pickup, electret
mic or line out jack to ALIX. The connector is a standard 1/4”
jack wired tip signal, sleeve ground. The ring is used only for
12V mic power if needed.
8.2 INSERT (FX LOOP)
The insert connection is a buffered, unbalanced insert point
(pre boost) for connecting outboard effects to ALiX. This allows
mono outboard signal processing to be placed in series with
the signal, while still utilizing all of ALiX’s output capabilities.
It is a 1/4” TRS connection, wired tip to send, ring to return
and sleeve to ground. The insert send has an adjustable pad if
you are using an effect pedal with lower headroom. The pad
has 3 settings (off, -6dB and -16dB) that can be set via internal
jumpers.
SEE JUMPER DIAGRAM page 13
8.3 AMP OUT
This output is for sending an unbalanced, non-transformer
isolated output to a stage amp or anywhere else you may need
an additional unbalanced signal. This output has the added
benefit of a level control, which is situated on the right side,
bottom row of controls on the top panel. This output is muted
when the MUTE / tune footswitch is activated.
8.4 TUNER OUTPUT
This is another unbalanced output which is always active –
provided as a dedicated stage tuner out. When the MUTE is
activated, your stage tuner will continue to receive signal,
allowing you to tune silently. The tuner output level follows the
Amp Out level control.
8.5 DI OUTPUT
This outputs is a balanced and transformer isolated, for sending
signal to a front of house, monitor console, or any mixer or
interface where balanced, isolated signal needs to be sent. XLR
pinout is: pin 2 positive, pin 3 negative and pin 1 ground.
This output has an adjacent level setting switch – line and mic,
depending on what input this source will be feeding. In the
‘mic’ setting, the output is padded down -26dB to interface
properly with mic inputs at the console, the ‘line’ setting is not
padded for better level matching with line level inputs at the
console or interface.
8.6 100-240VAC POWER INPUT
ALiX is powered by a universal AC power supply. This means
that no matter where your musical wanderings take you, ALiX
can plug into the wall and it will work. And it also means one
less wall wart you’ll own in your life. All units are shipped with
a standard AC cable suitable for the country where it is going.
This is a standard, off-the-shelf IEC power cable, so in the event
you misplace the one that came with your ALiX, you can just
borrow one from the soundperson and go. Tell them we said so.
8.7 9V @ 500mA DC POWER OUTPUT
This output jack will power other 9VDC pedals you may have
at your feet. The jack is a standard 2.1mm BOSS™ style, with
the center
negative
. Maximum output current is 500mA, which
means you need to add up the current draw of all the pedals
you wish to power to ensure they don't exceed that. To connect
multiple pedals, you'll need an off the shelf multi-plug daisy
chain cable.
9 Operation
9.1 WHERE TO PUT ALIX?
Great question. We recommend you put it wherever you want.
It will look very pretty when you first pull it out of his box, but
trust us, it's built to stand up to just about any kind of stage
shenanigans you might encounter. All the pots have metal
shafts and are well mounted to the top panel. All the 1/4” jacks
have heavy duty metal bushings. The top panel is 1/4” extruded
aluminum, and the bottom chassis is appropriately heavy duty.
As you may have surmised by now, the main inspiration for this
product was to have studio-grade audio hardware, properly
ruggedized to live on the stage floor or mounted to a pedal
board. Velcro is fine. The installed rubber feet will thread out so
your Velcro mount will be flush. Hang on to those rubber feet,
though, they're pretty nice.
9.2 INSTRUMENT / LINE INPUT
This is the input you will use for connecting your instrument
to ALiX. There is a wide array of different pickup types in the
world: active electronics in an electric bass, passive under
bridge plate transducers, contact mics, soundhole magnetics,
etc..
Setting the Gain
The first control on the left side of the top panel is the GAIN
control. With your instrument connected to the input and
signal flowing, turn the GAIN knob clockwise until the signal /
clip LED indicator is on and lit solid green. This will represent a
good operating level. The indicator will start to flash red when
your signal is 13dB before clipping, so occasional red flash is ok,
but mostly red means you should turn the gain control down /
counterclockwise.
Input Impedance Selection
The instrument input has 3 different impedance settings:
med - 1MΩ / hi -10MΩ / low – 330kΩ
In general, most passive pickups will want to connect to a
