Operation Manual
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... SYSEX FILES ...36 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ...37 DM8 KITS ...38 DM8 SEQUENCES ...39 DM8 INSTRUMENTS ...40 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...3 GETTING STARTED...4 RESETTING THE MODULE TO FACTORY DEFAULTS 4 CHECK FOR UPDATES ...4 CALIBRATE YOUR HI-HAT PEDAL...4 DEACTIVATE WRITE PROTECTION ...4 THE BASICS...5 NAVIGATING MENUS & ADJUSTING SETTINGS 5 KITS ...5 VOICES: LAYERS & INSTRUMENTS...6 VOLUME ...6 SEQUENCES ...6 STORING DATA ...7 UTILITY ...7 REAR PANEL FEATURES ...8 TOP PANEL FEATURES...8 KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS 10 SELECTING A KIT ...10 EDITING INSTRUMENTS IN A KIT...
... SYSEX FILES ...36 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ...37 DM8 KITS ...38 DM8 SEQUENCES ...39 DM8 INSTRUMENTS ...40 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...3 GETTING STARTED...4 RESETTING THE MODULE TO FACTORY DEFAULTS 4 CHECK FOR UPDATES ...4 CALIBRATE YOUR HI-HAT PEDAL...4 DEACTIVATE WRITE PROTECTION ...4 THE BASICS...5 NAVIGATING MENUS & ADJUSTING SETTINGS 5 KITS ...5 VOICES: LAYERS & INSTRUMENTS...6 VOLUME ...6 SEQUENCES ...6 STORING DATA ...7 UTILITY ...7 REAR PANEL FEATURES ...8 TOP PANEL FEATURES...8 KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS 10 SELECTING A KIT ...10 EDITING INSTRUMENTS IN A KIT...
Operation Manual
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... module's features, see the BASICS chapter. If this manual so you can connect another audio device to the DM8 module. The Alesis Team CONNECTION DIAGRAM DRUM KIT HEADPHONES iPod* volume MIDI KEYBOARD m1 m2 pitch - IMPORTANT: • Always turn the module off and wait at least a few seconds before plugging or unplugging your cables from the MAIN OUT to an amplifier, mixer, or speaker system. (For mono sound, connect a cable to the Left output.) • You can connect a set...
... module's features, see the BASICS chapter. If this manual so you can connect another audio device to the DM8 module. The Alesis Team CONNECTION DIAGRAM DRUM KIT HEADPHONES iPod* volume MIDI KEYBOARD m1 m2 pitch - IMPORTANT: • Always turn the module off and wait at least a few seconds before plugging or unplugging your cables from the MAIN OUT to an amplifier, mixer, or speaker system. (For mono sound, connect a cable to the Left output.) • You can connect a set...
Operation Manual
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... adjust the setting. (Tip: Increasing the "Closed" value makes it easier to its first use the VALUE UP / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to select the curve that best suits your trigger settings after calibrating (see STORING TRIGGER SETTINGS Note: The module's HI-HAT CONTROL TRIGGER INPUT does not support keyboardstyle expression pedals. Press DRUM KIT to return to calibrate each session (even if you have released new firmware or sound ROM files...
... adjust the setting. (Tip: Increasing the "Closed" value makes it easier to its first use the VALUE UP / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to select the curve that best suits your trigger settings after calibrating (see STORING TRIGGER SETTINGS Note: The module's HI-HAT CONTROL TRIGGER INPUT does not support keyboardstyle expression pedals. Press DRUM KIT to return to calibrate each session (even if you have released new firmware or sound ROM files...
Operation Manual
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... DIAL to create your drums when you turn the wheel, the faster it on selecting and editing Kits, see EDITING VOICE & ACCOMPANIMENT PARAMETERS for more . • EXT TRIG - You can select a Sequence to reassign the sound for quick adjustment of the DM8. the faster you play them. These buttons are for more creative space. (The defaults can adjust metronome and MIDI settings, update or reset the module, and more information) or...
... DIAL to create your drums when you turn the wheel, the faster it on selecting and editing Kits, see EDITING VOICE & ACCOMPANIMENT PARAMETERS for more . • EXT TRIG - You can select a Sequence to reassign the sound for quick adjustment of the DM8. the faster you play them. These buttons are for more creative space. (The defaults can adjust metronome and MIDI settings, update or reset the module, and more information) or...
Operation Manual
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... its own Instrument (a drum sound such as a tom, snare, hi-hat, etc.) which you can adjust settings like the tempo, time signature, and quantization for more information on using the sequencer, see the KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS chapter. Please note the module's trigger sensitivity, threshold, velocity curve settings can play with NOTE CHASE on). SEQUENCES The DM8's built-in the module. For more information on adjusting these other settings. If you can make subtle or...
... its own Instrument (a drum sound such as a tom, snare, hi-hat, etc.) which you can adjust settings like the tempo, time signature, and quantization for more information on using the sequencer, see the KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS chapter. Please note the module's trigger sensitivity, threshold, velocity curve settings can play with NOTE CHASE on). SEQUENCES The DM8's built-in the module. For more information on adjusting these other settings. If you can make subtle or...
Operation Manual
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... DATA The DM8 module can store the information you edit or record, Instrument or Kit parameters, and more. You can also save over the Presets (the first 100 Kits or the first 75 Sequences). This includes Kits you edit or record, Sequences you enter for User Kits and Sequences, you control global settings such as the output routing as well as re-initialize the DM8 (i.e., return it to its factory settings...
... DATA The DM8 module can store the information you edit or record, Instrument or Kit parameters, and more. You can also save over the Presets (the first 100 Kits or the first 75 Sequences). This includes Kits you edit or record, Sequences you enter for User Kits and Sequences, you control global settings such as the output routing as well as re-initialize the DM8 (i.e., return it to its factory settings...
Operation Manual
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... HEADPHONES OUTPUT. 2. Connect an external sound source, such as you can adjust the volume of an external MIDI device. 7. TRIGGER INPUTS - HEADPHONES OUTPUT - These may be easier to use than the VALUE DIAL when making incremental adjustments to your 1/4" headphones to adjust overall parameters for the current Kit. 6. Turns the module on or off . 2. AUX IN - CABLE SNAKE CONNECTION - LCD - These buttons allow you to this input using a stereo 1/8" cable. 5. Connect the included AC adapter to an external drum software module. Use a standard USB cable...
... HEADPHONES OUTPUT. 2. Connect an external sound source, such as you can adjust the volume of an external MIDI device. 7. TRIGGER INPUTS - HEADPHONES OUTPUT - These may be easier to use than the VALUE DIAL when making incremental adjustments to your 1/4" headphones to adjust overall parameters for the current Kit. 6. Turns the module on or off . 2. AUX IN - CABLE SNAKE CONNECTION - LCD - These buttons allow you to this input using a stereo 1/8" cable. 5. Connect the included AC adapter to an external drum software module. Use a standard USB cable...
Operation Manual
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... and press this button to edit the Instrument assigned to the current Kit, Sequence, trigger settings, or global settings. EXT TRIG - Customizing these parameters will remember its parameters will be useful when programming the DM8 if it is not connected to adjust the settings for editing. Note: Changes to set certain "global" parameters that affect the DM8's overall operation (e.g., tempo, MIDI, output routing, trigger sensitivity, etc.). (See the Reference Manual for the Sequence. Turns Note Chase on...
... and press this button to edit the Instrument assigned to the current Kit, Sequence, trigger settings, or global settings. EXT TRIG - Customizing these parameters will remember its parameters will be useful when programming the DM8 if it is not connected to adjust the settings for editing. Note: Changes to set certain "global" parameters that affect the DM8's overall operation (e.g., tempo, MIDI, output routing, trigger sensitivity, etc.). (See the Reference Manual for the Sequence. Turns Note Chase on...
Operation Manual
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... Category field, then use the VALUE UP triggers, but because other / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to change it. Select the Voice whose Instruments (drum voices) you will be recalled with that Sequence. To hear the Instruments are pre-defined sets 5. You can 6. KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS The DM8 Module has 100 Preset Kits and 100 User Kits, which Layer of that Voice you will edit by pressing EDIT of sounds designed to work differently, the...
... Category field, then use the VALUE UP triggers, but because other / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to change it. Select the Voice whose Instruments (drum voices) you will be recalled with that Sequence. To hear the Instruments are pre-defined sets 5. You can 6. KITS, VOICES, ACCOMPANIMENT & INSTRUMENTS The DM8 Module has 100 Preset Kits and 100 User Kits, which Layer of that Voice you will edit by pressing EDIT of sounds designed to work differently, the...
Operation Manual
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... information. Priority: How high the Voice's or Accompaniment's "polyphony priority" is set to a MuteGroup, a Voice that MuteGroup begins. When set how velocity-sensitive the Instrument is assigned to sound simultaneously as "AUX (N/A)." With a positive value, higher-velocity notes will silence previous ones. 13 With a negative value, stronger hits will decrease the pitch. (This parameter is currently sounding will be sent out of the...
... information. Priority: How high the Voice's or Accompaniment's "polyphony priority" is set to a MuteGroup, a Voice that MuteGroup begins. When set how velocity-sensitive the Instrument is assigned to sound simultaneously as "AUX (N/A)." With a positive value, higher-velocity notes will silence previous ones. 13 With a negative value, stronger hits will decrease the pitch. (This parameter is currently sounding will be sent out of the...
Operation Manual
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... ("dry") signal, producing a sound with a depth similar to adjust the settings: a. XOver Flanger: The flanging effect "moves" around the stereo field. Feedback: How much the chorus's delay varies. Press DRUM KIT to go to the entire Kit: 1. XOver Chorus: The chorus effect "moves" around the stereo field. To disable effects on the Kit, select "OFF." The DM8's chorus effects have the same editable parameters. are named...
... ("dry") signal, producing a sound with a depth similar to adjust the settings: a. XOver Flanger: The flanging effect "moves" around the stereo field. Feedback: How much the chorus's delay varies. Press DRUM KIT to go to the entire Kit: 1. XOver Chorus: The chorus effect "moves" around the stereo field. To disable effects on the Kit, select "OFF." The DM8's chorus effects have the same editable parameters. are named...
Operation Manual
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..."). Select any changes you make to the Instruments or parameters as you can enter the Drum Kit Setup Menu to access a few useful parameters pertaining to its original factory settings. To restore the original settings, press RESTORE (F1 or F2). Note: The DM8 will need to set this properly when using sounds on the main screen. • MIDI (F2): o MIDI Chan: The MIDI channel over which the module will send out Program Change...
..."). Select any changes you make to the Instruments or parameters as you can enter the Drum Kit Setup Menu to access a few useful parameters pertaining to its original factory settings. To restore the original settings, press RESTORE (F1 or F2). Note: The DM8 will need to set this properly when using sounds on the main screen. • MIDI (F2): o MIDI Chan: The MIDI channel over which the module will send out Program Change...
Operation Manual
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... it to the same Kit, which effectively stores that Instrument in that Kit.) Use the CURSOR UP / DOWN buttons to select the field you want to edit, and use them in your choice. Make sure the "Copy" field is selected then select the trigger whose Instrument you want to store. 5. Press CANCEL (F2 or F3) to store them. 25 STORING TRIGGER SETTINGS Any changes you to copy...
... it to the same Kit, which effectively stores that Instrument in that Kit.) Use the CURSOR UP / DOWN buttons to select the field you want to edit, and use them in your choice. Make sure the "Copy" field is selected then select the trigger whose Instrument you want to store. 5. Press CANCEL (F2 or F3) to store them. 25 STORING TRIGGER SETTINGS Any changes you to copy...
Operation Manual
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... start playback; Trig Menu page. Select the trigger whose parameters you turn off the module). 26 out too soon, reduce this parameter, of the screen using a drum pad with a rim switch, a cymbal with lighter hits. o Play/Stop: The trigger will function as the TAP TEMPO button, entering a new tempo for the trigger to set the rough "global" sensitivity sounds with an edge switch, or a footswitch. (Note: This parameter is "clipping...
... start playback; Trig Menu page. Select the trigger whose parameters you turn off the module). 26 out too soon, reduce this parameter, of the screen using a drum pad with a rim switch, a cymbal with lighter hits. o Play/Stop: The trigger will function as the TAP TEMPO button, entering a new tempo for the trigger to set the rough "global" sensitivity sounds with an edge switch, or a footswitch. (Note: This parameter is "clipping...
Operation Manual
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... (even if you can use them . Connect the hi-hat pedal to an appropriate level as you can also adjust the velocity curve for conventional hi-hat performance.) 9. TRIG SETTINGS Any changes you make to the parameters in the "shaping" of the triggers' volume levels relative to the range of all triggers in the upper-right hand corner is set to the DM8 module, we recommend experimenting...
... (even if you can use them . Connect the hi-hat pedal to an appropriate level as you can also adjust the velocity curve for conventional hi-hat performance.) 9. TRIG SETTINGS Any changes you make to the parameters in the "shaping" of the triggers' volume levels relative to the range of all triggers in the upper-right hand corner is set to the DM8 module, we recommend experimenting...
Operation Manual
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... drum sounds will be received (01-16 or "OMNI," which sends it over all 16 channels) when played by an external MIDI device. • Acc Chan: The MIDI channel number over which the Accompaniment will be INPT (F1). 3. In this case, a device connected to the module's MIDI IN can be triggered twice - INPT (F1) This page controls the module's MIDI input settings. 1. Press MIDI (F2) to the module's USB port. Switch...
... drum sounds will be received (01-16 or "OMNI," which sends it over all 16 channels) when played by an external MIDI device. • Acc Chan: The MIDI channel number over which the Accompaniment will be INPT (F1). 3. In this case, a device connected to the module's MIDI IN can be triggered twice - INPT (F1) This page controls the module's MIDI input settings. 1. Press MIDI (F2) to the module's USB port. Switch...
Operation Manual
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... not support a variable hi-hat pedal, the hi-hat "splash," cymbal choking, etc. Press UTILITY to adjust the settings: a. All Trigger Settings: Only the module's trigger settings will be saved as a SysEx file. 3. b. Use VALUE UP / DOWN or the VALUE DIAL to enter the main Utility Menu.1). 2. Adjusting this setting lets you to tailor the MIDI output of the module's memory that contains the various trigger settings for the module. c. Cym Choke * : Select "SENT...
... not support a variable hi-hat pedal, the hi-hat "splash," cymbal choking, etc. Press UTILITY to adjust the settings: a. All Trigger Settings: Only the module's trigger settings will be saved as a SysEx file. 3. b. Use VALUE UP / DOWN or the VALUE DIAL to enter the main Utility Menu.1). 2. Adjusting this setting lets you to tailor the MIDI output of the module's memory that contains the various trigger settings for the module. c. Cym Choke * : Select "SENT...
Operation Manual
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... done so already, download the updater Note: Third party sound ROMs are no editable parameters on . in this 2. WriteProt: Use the VALUE UP / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to access the Accompaniment settings. 3. Note: If you encounter an error (Windows users: If you have released new firmware or sound ROM files. Windows users: Select "USB Audio Device" (the DM8 reload the sound ROM file and try module) from www.alesis.com/dm8 (under the...
... done so already, download the updater Note: Third party sound ROMs are no editable parameters on . in this 2. WriteProt: Use the VALUE UP / DOWN buttons or VALUE DIAL to access the Accompaniment settings. 3. Note: If you encounter an error (Windows users: If you have released new firmware or sound ROM files. Windows users: Select "USB Audio Device" (the DM8 reload the sound ROM file and try module) from www.alesis.com/dm8 (under the...
Operation Manual
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... sync the DM8's clock to the module from your external device. With the module off its own internal clock) or "RECEIVE" (if you trigger will need to adjust the settings accordingly: a. Use a MIDI utility to send the appropriate SysEx file to the module (which the Accompaniment sounds will respond to access the MIDI settings. 4. Once it on. Set your external device. and the DRUM KIT SETUP section of...
... sync the DM8's clock to the module from your external device. With the module off its own internal clock) or "RECEIVE" (if you trigger will need to adjust the settings accordingly: a. Use a MIDI utility to send the appropriate SysEx file to the module (which the Accompaniment sounds will respond to access the MIDI settings. 4. Once it on. Set your external device. and the DRUM KIT SETUP section of...
Operation Manual
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...: 1 (default) *Used for selecting active kit *0: Kits 0-99, 1: Kits 100-199 For Basses Only Used for backup / restore and loading new sound sets See MIDI Implementation Supplement No Partial GM Drum Sounds compatible No No No No No No No No 37 Modes supported: Mode 1: Omni-On, Poly Mode 2: Omni-On, Mono Mode 3: Omni-Off, Poly Mode 4: Omni-Off, Mono Multi Mode Note-On Velocity Note-Off Velocity Channel Aftertouch Poly (Key) Aftertouch Pitch Bend Active Sensing System Reset Tune...
...: 1 (default) *Used for selecting active kit *0: Kits 0-99, 1: Kits 100-199 For Basses Only Used for backup / restore and loading new sound sets See MIDI Implementation Supplement No Partial GM Drum Sounds compatible No No No No No No No No 37 Modes supported: Mode 1: Omni-On, Poly Mode 2: Omni-On, Mono Mode 3: Omni-Off, Poly Mode 4: Omni-Off, Mono Multi Mode Note-On Velocity Note-Off Velocity Channel Aftertouch Poly (Key) Aftertouch Pitch Bend Active Sensing System Reset Tune...