Alesis Quadraverb 2 Service Manual
Alesis Quadraverb 2 Service Manual
This document is intended to assist the service technician in the operation, maintenance and repair of the
QuadraVerb II Digital Stereo Effects Processor. Together with the QVII Reference Manual, this document
provides a complete description of the functionality and serviceability of the QVII. Any comments or
suggestions you may have pertaining to the document are welcome and encouraged.
WARNINGS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT
TO WATER OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The arrowhead symbol on a lightning flash inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of un-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the enclosed product which may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating, maintenance and servicing instructions in the literature which
accompanies the product.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same type or equivalent type
recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
ALL REPAIRS DONE BY ANY ENTITY OTHER THAN AN AUTHORIZED ALESIS SERVICE
CENTER SHALL BE SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THAT ENTITY, AND ALESIS
SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO THAT ENTITY OR TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY
REPAIRS BY THAT ENTITY.
Carefully read the applicable items of the operating instructions and these safety suggestions before using
this product. Use extra care to follow the warnings written on the product itself and in the operating
instructions. Keep the operating instructions and safety suggestions for reference in the future.
1. Power Source. The product should only be connected to a power supply which is described either in the operating
instructions or in markings on the product.
2. Grounding the Plug. This product has a 3-wire grounding type of plug (a plug with a grounding pin) for safety purposes.
This plug can only be used in a grounding power outlet. If the plug does not insert into the outlet you are using, the outlet
probably is not a grounding type of power outlet. Contact your electrician to replace the obsolete outlet with a grounding
type of outlet instead of defeating the safety feature of the grounding type of plug.
3. Periods of Non-use. If the product is not used for any significant period of time, the product's AC power supply cord
should be unplugged from the AC outlet.
4. Foreign Objects and Liquids. Take care not to allow liquids to spill or objects to fall into any openings of the product.
5. Water or Moisture. The product should not be used near any water or in moisture.
6. Heat. Do not place the product near heat sources such as stoves, heat registers, radiators or other heat producing
equipment.
7. Ventilation. When installing the product, make sure that the product has adequate ventilation. Improperly ventilating the
product may cause overheating, which may damage the product.
8. Mounting. The product should only be used with a rack which the manufacturer recommends. The combination of the
product and rack should be moved carefully. Quick movements, excessive force or uneven surfaces may overturn the
combination which may damage the product and rack combination.
10. Service. The user should only attempt the limited service or upkeep specifically described in the operating instructions for
the user. For any other service required, the product should be taken to an authorized service center as described in the
operating instructions.
11. Damage to the Product. Qualified service personnel should service the unit in certain situations including without
limitation when:
a. Liquid has spilled or objects have fallen into the product,
b. The product is exposed to water or excessive moisture,
c. The AC power supply plug or cord is damaged,
d. The product shows an inappropriate change in performance or does not operate normally, or
e. The enclosure of the product has been damaged.
While this manual assumes that the reader has a fundamental understanding of electronics and basic
troubleshooting techniques, a review of some of the techniques used by our staff may help.
1. Visual Inspection - A short visual inspection of the unit under test will often yield results without the
need of complex signal analysis (burnt, or loose components are a dead giveaway).
2. Self Test - Alesis products that utilize microprocessor control contain built in test software which
exercises many of the units' primary circuit functions. Self test should always be done following any
repair to ensure basic functionality.
3. Environmental Testing - Applying heat and cold (heat gun/freeze spray) will often reveal thermally
intermittent components (Clock crystals, I.C.s, and capacitors are particularly prone to this type of
failure).
4. Burn in Testing - Leaving a unit running overnight often reveals intermittent failures such as capacitors
that begin to leak excess current after a significant amount of time.
5. Cable Checks - Wiggling cables can reveal intermittent failures such as loose cables or poorly soldered
headers. Remember to check power supply cables as well.
6. Flexing the PC Board - Poor solder joints and broken traces can often be found by pressing the PC
Board in various places.
7. Tapping Components - Sometimes tapping on a component (particularly crystals) will cause it to fail.
8. Power Down/up - Turning the unit off and back on rapidly several times may reveal odd reset and/or
power supply failures.
9. Reset Threshold - A Variac (variable transformer) can be used to check reset threshold levels. This can
be particularly useful in helping customers with low line problems.
10. Compressors - Using a compressor/limiter is often helpful when attempting to solve low level noise
problems, as well as assisting with DAC adjustments.
11. Sweep Tests - Sweep generators are very useful in checking the frequency response envelopes of anti-
aliasing filters.
12. Piggybacking - Piggybacking I.C.s is particularly useful when troubleshooting large sections of logic.
This is especially true when working with older units.
PREFACE....................................................................................................... ii
WARNINGS.................................................................................................... ii
SAFETY SUGGESTIONS .............................................................................. iii
General Troubleshooting ................................................................................ iv
1.00 General Description ................................................................................ 1
2.00 Power Supply ......................................................................................... 1
2.10 PUP Circuit.................................................................................... 1
3.00 Analog Signal Paths ............................................................................... 2
3.10 Audio Input Section ....................................................................... 2
3.20 Audio Output Section .................................................................... 2
4.00 A-D/D-A Converters................................................................................ 3
4.10 Analog to Digital ............................................................................ 3
4.20 Digital to Analog ............................................................................ 3
5.00 Digital Signal Paths................................................................................. 4
5.10 The 8031 ....................................................................................... 4
5.11 Reset................................................................................. 4
5.12 SRAM................................................................................ 5
5.20 DSP............................................................................................... 5
5.21 Clock Sources and VCOs.................................................. 6
5.30 MIDI Hardware .............................................................................. 6
5.40 Encoder Interface.......................................................................... 7
5.50 Footswitch interface ...................................................................... 7
6.00 Appendix 1 Updates and Corrections ..................................................... A-1
6.10 Important Production Changes...................................................... A-1
6.11 VCO Mod .......................................................................... A-1
6.12 SRAM Current Increase .................................................... A-2
6.13 Main PCB change. ............................................................ A-2
6.14 Reset Circuit Change ........................................................ A-2
6.15 Revision A & C Input Changes.......................................... A-6
6.16 Revision A. Sampling Modification .................................... A-7
6.17 Revision A & C VCO Changes .......................................... A-8
7.00 Appendix 2 Test Procedures .................................................................. B-1
7.10 Self Test ........................................................................................ B-1
7.20 Further Testing.............................................................................. B-1
7.21 Audio ................................................................................. B-1
7.22 Digital I/O .......................................................................... B-1
7.23 MIDI .................................................................................. B-1
8.00 Appendix 3 Helpful Hints & Common Solutions ..................................... C-1
9.00 Appendix 4 Schematics .......................................................................... D-1
9.10 Revision A ..................................................................................... D-3
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 V 07/19/06
9.20 Front Panel Control I/O. ............................................................... D-5
9.20 Revision A Component I.D. ........................................................... D-6
9.30 Revision C Component I.D............................................................ D-7
10.00 Appendix 5 Software History ................................................................ E-1
11.00 Appendix 6 MIDI Implementation.......................................................... F-1
11.10 V1.0X .......................................................................................... F-1
11.20 V2.0X .......................................................................................... F-21
12.00 Appendix 7 Service Manual History ...................................................... G-1
13.00 Appendix 8 Service Parts List............................................................... H-1
The QuadraVerb II, and other digital reverbs, achieve their results by slicing analog signals
into segments, and then converting them to a numeric value, corresponding to the amplitude of
the signal at that particular instant. These values are then mathematically manipulated, and stored
at various locations in a memory "loop" for eventual playback. By varying the placement and
amplitude of incoming samples, discrete time delays are achieved. When mixed together, and
converted back into analog, these delays simulate the reflections associated with natural reverbs,
and delays, as well as non natural effects such as reverse reverbs, and gated reverbs. The added
capabilities of an 80C31 micro controller allow for user manipulation and storage of algorithm
parameters. Some of the PCBs in the unit have undergone revision. The reference designators
used in the text apply to the REV. C Main PCB schematic and Comp. I.D. unless otherwise noted.
Since the Q2 is used as outboard gear in audio recording studios, it is important not to
generate audible thumps at the outputs during power up. These are caused by applying power to
the output amplifiers in a non symmetrical manner, and in extreme cases this could actually
damage studio monitors. To prevent this situation the Q2 employs a Power UP mute circuit that
effectively eliminates any power up transients at the output jacks.
The RESET signal (see section 5.11) is routed through R116 to the base of Q9, which in
turn controls other transistors that apply power to the output amplifier U18.
C49 adds a reasonable delay after the RESET signal goes high, so that the power supply is
fully stabilized before it is engaged to the output amplifier.
D21 acts as a switch to quickly discharge C49 in case of intermittent power loss.
When Q9 is turned on it starts a chain of events that turns on Q6, Q8 and finally Q7. The
biasing resistors for these transistors are: R118, R115, R177, R112, R113, R110, and R111. C27
is a bypass capacitor for the positive supply while C25 serves to bypass the negative supply.
The Q2 can be used in several stereo or mono audio applications. Additionally it can
support both balanced and single ended configurations. A balanced circuit requires three analog
connections per channel (i.e. signal +, signal -, and ground). A single ended application requires
only two connections (signal and ground). Regardless of the application, the audio signals are
routed to and from the unit via balanced stereo 1/4" phono plugs which utilize tip, ring, and sleeve
connections.
The input jacks J6 and J7 are interconnected such that any signal plugged into J7 will be
automatically routed to J6 as long as a phone plug is not already inserted into J6.
The input signal from J7's tip is routed to op amp U22A by means of a simple RC network.
C17 filters any high frequency while R57 sets the op amps ground reference while also acting as a
fairly high input impedance (510K). Finally, R48 protects the op amps input from transients.
Op amp U22B is used for balanced signals. If a mono plug is used, the non inverting input
is automatically grounded through the RC network of C79, R97, and R96. If however a stereo plug
is used, that RC network is used to match the input impedance as well as to provide a high
frequency filter. Since tip and ring input impedances must be matched, these resistors are all 1%
tolerance.
The output from op amp U22B is now sent to U26A. It's input resistor (R56) is used with the
right input potentiometer to allow for a gain of 10. Finally this signal is routed to the A to D
converter (U14) through a DC blocking capacitor (C10) and current limiting resistor R81. Also
clamping diodes (D16 and D17) limit the A to D input from roughly ground to 5 volts.
J6 has an identical input section built around op amp U26C, U22D, and U22A.
The left output channel is routed from the D-A (see sec. 4.20) through R58 and R65 to the
inputs of op amp U26D, which is configured as a differential amp with R55 and R59 setting the
gain to two. C28 and C46 act as high frequency attenuators. Note that single ended mode occurs
when a mono plug is inserted into the output jack.
The output of op amp U26D is routed through a DC blocking capacitor (C26) and is then
scaled by the output potentiometer for proper output level.
Op amp U18C and U18D are the left channel's output amplifiers and have 6dB when single
ended mode is selected on the output jack. This is accomplished through a series of input and
feedback resistors (R68, R67, R99, R104, R105, R98, R15, R77, R69, and R74).
The output jack is terminated with R106 and R107, along with C80 and C15 to ensure
amplifier stability.
The right output channel is identical and is built around op amps U26D, U18A, and U18B.
The A to D is a 128 times over sampling Philips 7360 high performance device. It is a
stereo part utilizing high Sigma-Delta conversion techniques that eliminates the need for sample
and holds, and extensive anti aliasing filters.
The right channel is input through R81, while R45 and C74 are the feedback network to the
A to D's internal input buffer amplifier. R47 and R46 provide negative and positive inputs to the A
to D's internal sigma delta modulator. C25 is a small filter cap placed between these inputs.
The left input is identical and uses R43, C69, C33, R37, and R38.
C68, C71, C72, and C73 are the bypass filters for the internal voltage reference. C44 along
with R49 and R52 act as filters for the negative and positive internal DAC reference inputs. Analog
power is supplied through current limiters (R53, and R91) which help suppress current spikes.
C76, C42, and C43 act as bypass filters for the analog supply. The digital supply is filtered by
C45, C77, and R2.
R54 is a current reference and has a tolerance of 1% for precision.
The A to D's stereo output is transmitted from the A/D-IN line to the DSP chip (U6).
The digital to analog converter is U12 which is an AKM 4318 DAC. Like the A to D, this D to
A is a high performance over sampling stereo device. It can achieve an outstanding signal to
noise ratio of 98 dB which is unprecedented in it's price range. Also, the over sampling nature
significantly reduces output filter requirements.
The analog power supply filter consists of C59, and C81, while the digital is supplied via
resistor R78, and is filtered by C53, and C55. It's bit clock, which is 3.072MHz, is buffered by
nand gate U23B.
The D to A outputs are balanced and routed through differential amplifiers to the unit's
output jacks, via the analog output section (see sec. 3.20).
The Q2's operation is directed by U8 which is the 8031 micro controller. It has an internal
clock generator that drives the crystal (M2) to provide a 12MHz master clock. C7 and C8 are small
capacitors from each side of the crystal to ground that provide oscillator stability.
The software is stored in the EPROM (U2) which as of this time is a 1 Megabyte part.
To access external memory devices the 8031 utilizes a multiplexed lower address buss. U7
is a 74HC573 octal latch that is used to decode these lower address bits from the data buss. It is
controlled by the ALE output from the 8031.
U5 is a 74HC138 3 to 8 decode device. Controlled by the 8031, it enables data transfers to
various circuit locations. It clocks octal registers U10, U11, U25, provides the LCD enable, and
also allows for extended EPROM addressing by clocking the D flip flop U20A.
U10 lights front panel LEDs by pulling the select lines low. Each output is followed by a 270
Ω resistor to provide current limiting.
U25 lights the front panel LED bar graph display and also utilizes 270Ω current limiting
resistors on it's outputs.
In the same manner U11 lights four of the front panel LEDs, and with it's four additional
outputs it pulses the front panel switch matrix columns. Rows are then read back by four
dedicated port pins on the 8031 to identify any switch closures that might have occurred.
5.11 Reset
This is an especially important circuit that safely halts processing when power is removed
or briefly disturbed. The two transistors, Q4 and Q5 turn on when external power is connected. Q5
is biased by resistive divider R13 and R10. C1 works with D1 to prevent engaging reset mode too
easily. R11 is a bias resistor for Q4 which triggers a reset that is delayed by the RC network of
R12 and C3.
U4B generates the RESET signal while U4C generates the compliment RESET signal. C6
is a feedback capacitor that provides hysteresis to the reset generator.
Note that reset is active on power down as well as power up. This is necessary to prevent
noise on the microprocessor data and address busses from corrupting SRAM data.
The 8031 utilizes two 32K X 8 SRAMs (U1 and U13) to store program data. These memory
chips are necessary for proper command execution and must be powered even when the unit is
turned off.
A 3 volt battery (B1) supplies power to the SRAMs when the unit is turned off.
WARNING: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same type
or equivalent type recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
D2 acts as a switch to apply battery current to the SRAMs through R50, when the power supply is
off.
When the power supply is on, Q1 switches memory power over to the power supply which
causes D2 to be reversed biased thereby cutting off battery current.
R51 supplies base current to Q1. D7 pulls the base voltage up by one diode drop (≈ 0.7V)
thus allowing the emitter voltage, which supplies the SRAMs, to be at 5V. Without D7 the SRAM
supply would be below the address and data voltages which would cause the SRAMs to
malfunction.
U3 is also powered from the SRAM supply voltage (+5MEM) and it serves to decode and
chip enable the SRAMs.
5.20 DSP
The heart of the Q2 is U6, it's custom VLSI audio DSP ASIC which handles all data
processing requirements, timing for the A/D and D/A converters, DRAM interface control, and
optical input/output communication protocol. The chip was designed specifically by Alesis
engineers with the intent of providing the new standard in state of the art multi effects processors.
The DSP chip is programmed by the host 8031 microprocessor and the interface consists
of the 8 bit data buss, 4 low order address bits, RD, WR, and FX-CS which is the ASIC's chip
select.
Convincing signal processing requires large amounts of memory to implement long delays
in order to achieve excellent sonic results. For example, in this case, we wanted to achieve a
maximum delay of about 5 seconds. With a sample period 20 microseconds (48KHz sample rate)
this would equate to nearly one quarter of a million samples. This is accomplished by utilizing U21,
which is a 16M DRAM arraigned as 256K words of 16 bits each. It's interface consists of a 16 bit
data buss, a 9 bit multiplexed address buss, and control signals RAS, CAS, and WRN.
The digital I/O package (J9) is a fully integrated transmitter and receiver device. It takes the
input from a fiber optic cable, from which it derives logic level outputs to present to the ASIC. In
turn, the ASIC presents logic levels to J9, that get converted and transmitted via second output
fiber optic cable. This digital I/O is broadcast and received in an NRZ format that ranges from
about 1 MHz to 6MHz, and it is nearly a DC free code.
MIDI protocol is a standard that all manufacturers follow when designing MIDI systems so
that electronic music products can communicate via a common protocol.
MIDI IN is provided by J8. The opto isolator (U9) prevents unwanted electrical interference,
and is required by the MIDI specifications, as is R18 and D3.
U9's output is sent to the 8031's RXD port pin so that serial MIDI information can be deciphered.
R22 provides a current source for the opto, while R21 acts as a pullup.
J2 is the MIDI output jack and is driven through R17, by inverters U4D and U4E, which are
buffering the 8031's TXD port. R14 is a pullup resistor.
U27 is a quad XOR gate package which conditions the outputs from the front panel
encoder such that they can be easily interfaced to the 8031.
U27A is a transition detector pulse generator. One input is routed directly to the encoder
while the other is delayed by an RC time consent of R123 and C52. R122 is a pullup resistor.
U27C is an identical transition detector pulse generator. It's output is used to clock D flip
flop U20B which produces an output that allows the 8031 to determine if the encoder is moving in
a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
U27D is used as an inverter since one of it's inputs is connected to +5V. It's output is used
to reset the direction D flip flop (U20B).
J3 is the footswitch jack. The footswitch can be used for program advance or tap tempo
delay. It is coupled to an 8031 port pin through a transient protection resistor (R6). It is also
connected to pullup resistor R3.
J4 is the bypass foot switch jack and is coupled to the 8031 through R5, and utilizes R4 as
a pullup resistor.
Both foot switches default to the normally open momentary type unless a normally closed
type is installed before power up, in which case the processor will
The following changes (Diagrams 1 and 2) improve VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)
performance, and prevents the unit from possibly detuning by itself.
Diagram 1
R50 was changed from 100K to 10K. R51 was changed from 100K to 4.7K. These changes
ensure that the SRAM gets enough current to holds it's memory by making Q1 switch faster.
Diagram 6
Diagram 7
If possible, user data should be saved (a DataDisk is recommended) prior to any servicing.
This, of course, may not always be possible (i.e. dead power supply, bad reset signal, corrupt
data, etc.). Saving user data may also be accomplished after unit functionality is restored (i.e.
power supply, or reset line, is repaired), and prior to further servicing, and testing. The unit should
always be reinitialized (power unit up while holding "PROGRAM", "COMPARE", and "←BLOCK "
buttons down) after changing the EPROM, SRAM, or any part of the battery backup.
$ LEDs-All front panel LEDs are lit sequentially and immediately proceeds to the next test.
$ SWITCHES -Pressing Individual front panel buttons toggles the LEDs for each button
("BLOCK ←", "BLOCK →", "PAGE ←", and "PAGE →" toggle the LED of the adjacent button.)
All LEDs are toggled if "VALUE/ENTER" is pressed. Holding the buttons down causes the
LEDs to flash. Press "PROGRAM" and "BLOCK →" simultaneously to exit to the next test.
$ CUSTOM CHARACTERS (All)-Displays all custom LCD segments simultaneously. Press
"PROGRAM" and "BLOCK →" simultaneously to exit to the next test.
$ CUSTOM CHARACTERS (Single)-Use the "VALUE/ENTER" wheel to select individual custom
LCD characters. Press "PROGRAM" and "BLOCK →" simultaneously to exit to the next test.
$ ROM CKSUM-Checks the ROM's checksum for accuracy. Press "PROGRAM" and
"BLOCK →" simultaneously to exit the test routines.
7.23 MIDI
MIDI is easily tested with a system exclusive storage unit (such as DataDisk or MIDI
equipped computer) by sending all programs to, and receiving them back from the storage unit.
Keyboard controllers, and patch changers also be used to test MIDI in.
Troubleshooting a complex device, such as the QuadraVerb II, can range from the
simplicity of looking, seeing, and reseating a loose cable, to examining complex timing
relationships of data and control, and replacing the "slightly" bad latch. The following table is
presented in an effort to relieve the beleaguered technician from having to "discover" some of the
common fixes we have seen. Please note that we only cover the most likely causes, not all of
them.
OPCODES:
<data 16> is in format described below. It is a 16-bit value, which is transmitted in three
MIDI bytes, LSB first.
TRANSMITTED AS:
0: 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1
1: 0 A0 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2
2: 0 B1 B0 0 0 0 0 0
<data> is in a packed format in order to optimize data transfer. Eight MIDI bytes are used to
transmit each block of 7 QuadraVerb II data bytes. If the 7 data bytes are looked at as one
56-bit word, the format for transmission is eight 7-bit words beginning with the most
significant bit of the first byte, as follows:
TRANSMITTED AS:
0: 0 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0
1: 0 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B0 A7
2: 0 C4 C3 C2 C1 C0 B7 B6
3: 0 D3 D2 D1 D0 C7 C6 C5
4: 0 E2 E1 E0 D7 D6 D5 D4
5: 0 F1 F0 E7 E6 E5 E4 E3
6: 0 G0 F7 F6 F5 F4 F3 F2
7: 0 G7 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1
There are 306 data bytes sent for a single program dump, which corresponds to 256 bytes
of program data. With the header, the total number of bytes transmitted with a program
dump is 314. The location of each parameter within a program dump is shown in the next
section: QuadraVerb II Program Data Format.
<program#>= 0..99 selects individual user programs, 100 selects current edit,
101 is a dump all request in which all user programs are dumped
as individual program dumps (02) followed by a global dump (07)
When received, the QuadraVerb II will respond to this message with a MIDI user program
dump (02) of the program number selected.
<data> is in the same format as described in 00, but with a different number of bytes due to
the difference in the global parameter size. The total number of data bytes sent for a global
data dump is 16, which corresponds to 14 bytes of global data.
When received, the QuadraVerb II will respond to this message with a MIDI global data
dump (07).
PARAMETER FORMAT
The following specific parameter information shows the locations in which each parameter
resides after unpacking the data from its 7 bit MIDI format into the 8 bit format as described in opcode
00, program data dump.
The Global parameters are comprised of 14 bytes of data. Unlike the Program, the Global parameters are
not packed so that each parameter occupies its own byte. This results in unused bits for most global bytes.
These bits must remain at 0. For direct parameter editing (sysex command 01H), the Page# and Parameter# are
given in the table below. The Function# should be set to 2 (=Global), and the Block# should be 1-8.
Programs contain 256 bytes of packed parameter data. The first 92 bytes are common
parameters for all programs. The next 164 bytes depend on the number of bytes required for
parameters of the effect blocks and the number of routes enabled. Usually, not all of these bytes are
used, and in this case the end of the routing is designated by 0FFH, 0FFH. Only numbers with
negative offsets are in 2’s complement form.
PROGRAM NAME:
0. Program name ASCII digit 0 32 127 8 0:7-0:0
1. Program name ASCII digit 1 32 127 8 1:7-1:0
...
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 E-3 07/19/06
13. Program name ASCII digit 13 32 127 8 13:7-13:0
BLOCK TYPES:
14a. Block 1 type definition 0 4* 3 14:7-14:5
14b. Block 1 subtype definition 0 ** 5 14:4-14:0
15a. Block 2 type definition 0 4* 3 15:7-15:5
...
20b. Block 7 subtype definition 0 ** 5 20:4-20:0
21a. Block 8 type definition 0 4* 3 21:7-21:5
21b. Block 8 subtype definition 0 ** 5 21:4-21:0
* Block type definitions are given in the next section: Block type definitions
** The upper limit and definition for the block subtype depend on the block type. The upper limit and
definition for the subtype are given in the section: Block subtype defintions
MODULATION:
22. Mod. 1 source 0 129 * 8 22:7-22:0
23. Mod. 1 target block # 1 11 ** 8 23:7-23:0
24a. Mod. 1 target type: parameter, route, or mix 0 2 *** 2 24:7-24:6
24b. Mod. 1 target # 0 *** 6 24:5-24:0
25. Mod. 1 amplitude -99 +99 8 25:7-25:0
26. Mod. 2 source 0 129 * 8 26:7-26:0
...
49. Mod. 7 amplitude -99 +99 8 49:7-49:0
50. Mod. 8 source 0 129 * 8 50:7-50:0
51. Mod. 8 target block # 1 11 ** 8 51:7-51:0
52a. Mod. 8 target type: parameter, route, or mix 0 2 *** 2 52:7-52:6
52b. Mod. 8 target # 0 *** 6 52:5-52:0
53. Mod. 8 amplitude -99 +99 8 53:7-53:0
* Definitions of the modulation sources are in the section: Modulation source definitions
** Target block # definition: 1 = block 1, ..., 8 = block 8, 9 = left out, 10 = right out, 11 = mix
parameters.
*** Definitions of the modulation targets are in the section: Modulation target definitions
LOCAL GENERATORS:
72. Generator 1 type 0 1* 8 72:7-72:0
73. Generator 1 trigger source channel 0 2 ** 8 73:7-73:0
74. Generator 1 attack threshold -32 0 8 74:7-74:0
75. Generator 1 release threshold -48 0 8 75:7-75:0
76. Generator 1 attack time 0 250 *** 8 76:7-76:0
77. Generator 1 release or decay time 0 250 *** 8 77:7-77:0
78. Generator 1 input gain 0 99 8 78:7-78:0
79. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 79:7-79:0
80. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 80:7-80:0
81. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 81:7-81:0
82. Generator 2 type 0 1* 8 82:7-82:0
83. Generator 2 trigger source channel 0 2 ** 8 83:7-83:0
84. Generator 2 attack threshold -32 0 8 84:7-84:0
85. Generator 2 release threshold -48 0 8 85:7-85:0
86. Generator 2 attack time 0 250 *** 8 86:7-86:0
87. Generator 2 release or decay time 0 250 *** 8 87:7-87:0
88. Generator 2 input gain 0 99 8 88:7-88:0
89. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 89:7-89:0
90. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 90:7-90:0
91. Reserved for future use (set to 0) 8 91:7-91:0
* Generator type: 0 = Envelope generator, 1 = Peak follower
** Trigger source channel: 0 = Left channel, 1 = Right channel, 2 = Left & Right channels
*** This number is multiplied by 0.04 to get the decay in seconds.
BLOCK PARAMETERS
92. Parameter #1 for 1st defined block* (MSB) ** ** ** **
93. Parameter #1 for 1st defined block* (LSB) *** ** ** ** **
94. Parameter #2 for 1st defined block* (MSB) ** ** ** **
...
* Block parameters are not stored for blocks that are off. Parameters are stored in order of appearance on the
Quadraverb II display - by block #, parameter page #, and from left to right within the page; the 1st stored
parameter appears on the display at the left most block that is not off, on it’s 1st parameter page, at the left.
** The parameter definitions are given for each block type and subtype in the section: Block parameter
definitions
*** Exists only if the block parameter requires two bytes.
BLOCK ROUTING
92* Route #1 position byte (LSB) 0 255 ** 8 92*:7-92*:0
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 E-5 07/19/06
93* Route #1 position byte (MSB) 0 1 ** 1 93*:7-93*:7
93* Route #1 level 0 58 *** 7 93*:6-93*:0
94* Route #2 position byte (LSB) 0 255 ** 8 94*:7-94*:0
...
* This number is offset by the number of block parameter bytes that are stored.
** An equation for calculating the route position byte is given in the section: Route position definitions
*** This number has a corresponding dB level given by the table in the section: Route level definitions
Type = EQ
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Lowpass filter
1 Bandpass filter
2 Highpass filter
3 Lowpass shelf eq
4 1 Band low parametric
5 1 Band high parametric
6 Highpass shelf eq
7 2 Band sweep shelf eq
8 3 Band parametric eq
9 4 Band parametric eq
10 5 Band graphic eq
11 Resonator
12 Mono tremolo
13 Stereo tremolo
14 Stereo simulator
Type = DLY
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Mono delay
1 Stereo delay
2 Ping pong delay
3 Multi tap delay
4 Tap tempo mono delay
5 Tap tempo ping pong dela
Type = RVB
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Mono room
1 Room 1
2 Hall 1
3 Plate 1
4 Chamber 1
5 Room 2
6 Hall 2
7 Plate 2
8 Chamber 2
9 Large plate
10 Large room
11 Spring
12 Nonlinear
13 Reverse
The modulation target type and target # make up an 8 bit word: TTNNNNNN (where TT denotes the
target type and NNNNNN denotes the target #). The targets are for the effect block or mix specified
by the target block #.
If TT = 00
NNNNNN Modulation target paramet
0 Parameter #1
1 Parameter #2
... ...
32 Parameter #33
If TT = 01
NNNNNN Modulation target route
0 In left
1 In right
2 Block 1 inmix
3 Block 1 mix
4 Block 1 left
5 Block 1 right
6 Block 2 inmix
... ...
33 Block 8 right
These parameters are packed as 8 or 16 bit words MSB first in programs, but are always
considered 16 bit words LSB first in parameter edits.
EQ:
Parameter Page ParamBytes Low limit Hi limit Step
LOWPASS FILTER: type = 1, subtype = 0
lowpass fc 1 1 2 20 10,000 10
BANDPASS FILTER: type = 1, subtype = 1
bandpass fc 1 1 2 20 4,000 10
bw 1 2 1 20 200 1
HIGHPASS FILTER: type = 1, subtype = 2
highpass fc 1 1 2 200 20,000 10
LOWPASS SHELF EQ: type = 001, subtype = 3
lowpass 1 1 2 20 10,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
1 BAND LOW PARAMETRIC: type = 1, subtype = 4
bandpass 1 1 2 20 2,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
oct 1 3 1 20 200 1
1 BAND HIGH PARAMETRIC: type = 1, subtype = 5
bp 1 1 2 1500 10,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
oct 1 3 1 20 250 1
HIGHPASS SHELF EQ: type = 1, subtype = 6
highpass 1 1 2 100 20,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
2 BAND SWEEP SHELF EQ: type = 1, subtype = 7
lowpass 1 1 2 20 10,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
highpass 2 1 2 100 20,000 10
gain 2 2 2 -140 +140 1
3 BAND PARAMETRIC EQ: type = 1, subtype = 8
lowpass 1 1 2 20 10,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
mid band 2 1 2 20 2,000 1
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 E-9 07/19/06
dB 2 2 2 -140 +140 1
oct 2 3 1 20 200 1
highpass 3 1 2 100 20,000 10
gain 3 2 2 -140 +140 1
4 BAND PARAMETRIC EQ: type = 1, subtype = 9
lowpass 1 1 2 20 10,000 10
gain 1 2 2 -140 +140 1
low mid 2 1 2 20 2,000 1
dB 2 2 2 -140 +140 1
oct 2 3 1 20 200 1
high mid 3 1 2 1500 10,000 10
dB 3 2 2 -140 +140 1
oct 3 3 1 20 250 1
highpass 4 1 2 100 20,000 10
gain 4 2 2 -140 +140 1
5 BAND GRAPHIC EQ: type = 1, subtype = 10
63Hz 1 1 1 -14 +14 1
250Hz 1 2 1 -14 +14 1
1KHz 1 3 1 -14 +14 1
4KHz 1 4 1 -14 +14 1
16kHz 1 5 1 -14 +14 1
RESONATOR: type = 1, subtype = 11
tuning 1 1 1 0 60 1
decay 1 2 1 0 99 1
MONO TREMOLO: type = 1, subtype = 12
speed 1 1 1 0 99 1
depth 1 2 1 0 99 1
shape 1 3 1 0 1 1
STEREO TREMOLO: type = 1, subtype = 13
speed 1 1 1 0 99 1
depth 1 2 1 0 99 1
shape 1 3 1 0 1 1
STEREO SIMULATOR: type = 1, subtype = 14
degrees 1 1 1 0 99 1
where,
Sroute= route source #: 0= Input L, 1= Input R, 2= Block inmix, 3= Block mix, 4= Block L, 5= Block R
Dblock= route destination block #: 1= Block 1, ..., 8= Block 8, 9= Out L, 10= Out R
Below is a table that gives the corresponding dB level for a given route level #:
OPCODES:
<data> is in format described below. It is a 16-bit value, which is transmitted in three MIDI
bytes, LSB first.
TRANSMITTED AS:
0: 0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1
1: 0 A0 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2
2: 0 B1 B0 0 0 0 0 0
* Editing of a flashing TYPE parameter should be followed by an ‘ENTER’ MIDI sysex message
(0B).
<program#>= 0..99 selects individual user bank 0 programs, 100 selects edit
<data> is in a packed format in order to optimize data transfer. Eight MIDI bytes are used to
transmit each block of 7 QuadraVerb 2 data bytes. If the 7 data bytes are looked at as one
56-bit word, the format for transmission is eight 7-bit words beginning with the most
significant bit of the first byte, as follows:
TRANSMITTED AS:
0: 0 A6 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1
1: 0 A0 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B2
2: 0 B1 B0 C7 C6 C5 C4 C3
3: 0 C2 C1 C0 D7 D6 D5 D4
4: 0 D3 D2 D1 D0 E7 E6 E5
5: 0 E4 E3 E2 E1 E0 F7 F6
6: 0 F5 F4 F3 F2 F1 F0 G7
7: 0 G6 G5 G4 G3 G2 G1 G0
There are 306 data bytes sent for a single program dump, which corresponds to 256 bytes
of program data. With the header, the total number of bytes transmitted with a program
dump is 314. The location of each parameter within a program dump is shown in the next
section: QuadraVerb 2 Program Data Format.
<program#>= 0..99 selects individual user programs in User Bank 0, 100 selects
current edit, 101 is a dump all request
When received, the QuadraVerb 2 will respond to this message with a MIDI user program
dump (02) of the User Bank 0 program or edit selected.
For the dump all request User Bank 0 programs are dumped as individual program dumps
(02) followed by all User Bank 1 programs dumped as individual program dumps (0C), a
global parameter dump (07), and finally a MIDI program table dump (11).
07 - MIDI Global Data Dump F0 00 00 0E 0F 07 <data> F7
<data> is in the same MIDI data format as described in 02, but with a different number of
bytes due to the difference in the global parameter size.The global parameters for the MIDI
dump are packed into 14 Quadraverb 2 bytes (see below) and transferred as 16 MIDI bytes.
The last byte packs the most significant bit of the footswitch head parameter into bit address
13:0 and the msb of the footswitch tail into bit address 13:1. The following table outlines
this:
*The MSBs for the footswitch parameters are stored in bit address 13:1 and13:0.
Bits 13:7 through 13:2 should be set to 0.
When received, the QuadraVerb 2 will respond to this message with a MIDI global data
dump (07).
This performs the ENTER function on the current parameter. It is useful for
acting on flashing parameters.
<program#>= 0..99 selects individual User Bank 1 programs, 100 selects edit
<data> is the same format as the <data> of the User Bank 0 Dump opcode (02)
<program#>= 0..99 selects individual user programs in User Bank 1, 100 selects
current edit, 101 is a dump all request
When received, the QuadraVerb 2 will respond to this message with a MIDI user program
dump (0C) of the User Bank 1 program or edit selected.
For the dump all request User Bank 0 programs are dumped as individual program dumps
(02) followed by all User Bank 1 programs dumped as individual program dumps (0C), a
global parameter dump (07), and finally a MIDI program table dump (11).
<data> is in format described below. It is an 8-bit value, which is transmitted in two MIDI
bytes. Bit A7 corresponds to the block bypass of block #8, likewise,
A6 corresponds to block #7 ... and A0 corresponds to block#1. If thebit value= 1,
the block is bypassed; if thebit value= 0, the block is not bypassed.
When received, the QuadraVerb 2 will respond to this message with a MIDI Block Bypass
Dump (0F).
<data> is in format described below. The 128 MIDI program table entries are
9-bits each, and are transmitted in two MIDI bytes. Values in the range 0-99 correspond to
Presets 0-99, values 100-199 correspond to User bank 0 programs 0-99, and values 200-
299 correspond to User bank 1 programs 0-99.
PARAMETER FORMAT
The following specific parameter information shows the locations in which each parameter
resides after unpacking the data from its 7 bit MIDI format into the 8 bit format as described in opcode
02, program data dump.
MODULATION:
22. Mod. 1 source 0 129 * 8 22:7-22:0
23. Mod. 1 target block # 1 11 ** 8 23:7-23:0
24a. Mod. 1 target type: parameter, route, or mix 0 2 *** 2 24:7-24:6
24b. Mod. 1 target # 0 *** 6 24:5-24:0
25. Mod. 1 amplitude -99 +99 8 25:7-25:0
26. Mod. 2 source 0 129 * 8 26:7-26:0
...
49. Mod. 7 amplitude -99 +99 8 49:7-49:0
50. Mod. 8 source 0 129 * 8 50:7-50:0
51. Mod. 8 target block # 1 11 ** 8 51:7-51:0
52a. Mod. 8 target type: parameter, route, or mix 0 2 *** 2 52:7-52:6
52b. Mod. 8 target # 0 *** 6 52:5-52:0
53. Mod. 8 amplitude -99 +99 8 53:7-53:0
* Definitions of the modulation sources are in the section: Modulation source definitions
** Target block # definition: 1 = block 1, ..., 8 = block 8, 9 = left out, 10 = right out, 11 = mix parameters.
*** Definitions of the modulation targets are in the section: Modulation target definitions
BLOCK MIXES:
54. Direct level 0 100 8 54:7-54:0
55. Block 1 level 0 100 8 55:7-55:0
56. Block 1 inmix level 0 100 8 56:7-56:0
57. Block 2 level 0 100 8 57:7-57:0
...
68. Block 7 inmix level 0 100 8 68:7-68:0
69. Block 8 level 0 100 8 69:7-69:0
70. Block 8 inmix level 0 100 8 70:7-70:0
71. Master effects level 0 100 8 71:7-71:0
LOCAL GENERATORS:
72. Generator 1 type 0 4* 8 72:7-72:0
73. Generator 1 trigger source channel 0 2 ** 8 73:7-73:0
74. Generator 1 attack threshold -32 0 8 74:7-74:0
75. Generator 1 release threshold -48 0 8 75:7-75:0
76. Generator 1 attack time 0 250 *** 8 76:7-76:0
77. Generator 1 release / decay time or period 0 250 *** 8 77:7-77:0
78. Generator 1 input gain 0 99 8 78:7-78:0
79. Generator 1 envelope hold time 0 250 *** 8 79:7-79:0
80. Generator 1 footswitch source 0 1 8 80:7-80:0
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 E-24 07/19/06
81. Generator 1 footswitch mode 0 1 8 81:7-81:0
82. Generator 2 type 0 4* 8 82:7-82:0
83. Generator 2 trigger source channel 0 2 ** 8 83:7-83:0
84. Generator 2 attack threshold -32 0 8 84:7-84:0
85. Generator 2 release threshold -48 0 8 85:7-85:0
86. Generator 2 attack time 0 250 *** 8 86:7-86:0
87. Generator 2 release / decay time or period 0 250 *** 8 77:7-77:0
88. Generator 2 input gain 0 99 8 88:7-88:0
89. Generator 2 envelope hold time 0 250 *** 8 89:7-89:0
90. Generator 2 footswitch source 0 1 8 90:7-90:0
91. Generator 2 footswitch mode 0 1 8 91:7-91:0
* Generator type: 0 = Envelope generator, 1 = Peak follower, 2 = Ramp, 3 = LFO, 4 = Footswitch
** Trigger source channel: 0 = Left channel, 1 = Right channel, 2 = Left & Right channels
*** This number is multiplied by 0.04 to get the decay in seconds.
BLOCK PARAMETERS
92. Parameter #1 for 1st defined block* (MSB) ** ** ** **
93. Parameter #1 for 1st defined block* (LSB)***** ** ** **
94. Parameter #2 for 1st defined block* (MSB) ** ** ** **
...
* Block parameters are not stored for blocks that are off. Parameters are stored in order of appearance on the
Quadraverb 2 display - by block #, parameter page #, and from left to right within the page; the 1st stored
parameter appears on the display at the left most block that is not off, on it’s 1st parameter page, at the left.
** The parameter definitions are given for each block type and subtype in the section: Block parameter
definitions
*** Exists only if the block parameter requires two bytes.
BLOCK ROUTING
92* Route #1 position byte (LSB) 0 255 ** 8 92*:7-92*:0
93* Route #1 position byte (MSB) 0 1 ** 1 93*:7-93*:7
93* Route #1 level 0 58 *** 7 93*:6-93*:0
94* Route #2 position byte (LSB) 0 255 ** 8 94*:7-94*:0
...
* This number is offset by the number of block parameter bytes that are stored.
** An equation for calculating the route position byte is given in the section: Route position definitions
*** This number has a corresponding dB level given by the table in the section: Route level definitions
BLOCK BYPASS
255a. Block Bypass for block #1 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:0-255:0
255b.Block Bypass for block #2 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:1-255:1
255c. Block Bypass for block #3 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:2-255:2
255d.Block Bypass for block #4 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:3-255:3
255e. Block Bypass for block #5 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:4-255:4
255f. Block Bypass for block #6 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:5-255:5
255g.Block Bypass for block #7 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:6-255:6
255h.Block Bypass for block #8 (1= Bypassed) 0 1 1 255:7-255:7
* The high limit depends on the block type, see the table Block subtype definitions.
Type = EQ
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Lowpass filter
1 Bandpass filter
2 Highpass filter
3 Lowpass shelf eq
4 1 Band low parametric
5 1 Band high parametric
6 Highpass shelf eq
7 2 Band sweep shelf eq
8 3 Band parametric eq
9 4 Band parametric eq
10 5 Band graphic eq
11 Resonator
12 Mono tremolo
13 Stereo tremolo
14 Stereo simulator
15 Soft overdrive
16 Hard overdrive
17 Triggered Panning
18 Phase Inverter
Type = PCH
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Mono chorus
1 Stereo chorus
2 Quad chorus
3 Mono flanging
4 Stereo flanging
5 Phasor
6 Mono lezlie
7 Stereo lezlie
8 Pitch shifter
9 Pitch detune
10 Ring modulator
11 Mono triggered flange
12 Stereo triggered flange
Type = RVB
Parameter: Block subtype
0 Mono room
1 Room 1
2 Hall 1
3 Plate 1
4 Chamber 1
5 Room 2
6 Hall 2
7 Plate 2
8 Chamber 2
9 Large plate
10 Large room
11 Spring
12 Nonlinear
13 Reverse
The modulation target type and target # make up an 8 bit word: TTNNNNNN (where TT denotes the
target type and NNNNNN denotes the target #). The targets are for the effect block or mix specified
by the target block #.
If TT = 00
NNNNNN Modulation target paramet
0 Parameter #1
1 Parameter #2
... ...
32 Parameter #33
If TT = 01
NNNNNN Modulation target route
0 In left
1 In right
2 Block 1 inmix
3 Block 1 mix
4 Block 1 left
5 Block 1 right
6 Block 2 inmix
... ...
33 Block 8 right
If TT = 10
NNNNNN Modulation target mix
0 Direct level
1 Block 1 out level
2 Block 1 inmix level
3 Block 2 out level
4 Block 2 inmix level
... ...
16 Block 8 inmix level
17 Master fx level
These parameters are packed as 8 or 16 bit words MSB first in programs, but are always
considered 16 bit words LSB first in parameter edits.
DLY:
Parameter Page ParamBytes Low limit Hi limit Step
MONO DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 0
delay 1 1 2 1 50,000 1
note value 1 2 1 0 12 1
feedback 2 1 1 0 99 1
STEREO DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 1
L dly 1 1 2 1 50,000 1
note value 1 2 1 0 12 1
L feedback 2 1 1 0 99 1
R dly 3 1 2 1 50,000 1
note value 3 2 1 0 12 1
R feedback 4 1 1 0 99 1
PING PONG DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 2
delay 1 1 2 1 25,000 1
note value 1 2 1 0 12 1
feedback 2 1 1 0 99 1
MULTI TAP DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 3
delay 1 1 2 1 50,000 1
tap level 1 2 1 0 38 1
L<- ->R 1 3 1 1 99 1
fb 1 4 1 0 99 1
delay 2 1 2 1 50,000 1
tap level 2 2 1 0 38 1
L<- ->R 2 3 1 1 99 1
fb 2 4 1 0 99 1
Alesis QuadraVerb II 2.00 E-33 07/19/06
delay 3 1 2 1 50,000 1
tap level 3 2 1 0 38 1
L<- ->R 3 3 1 1 99 1
fb 3 4 1 0 99 1
delay 4 1 2 1 50,000 1
tap level 4 2 1 0 38 1
L<- ->R 4 3 1 1 99 1
fb 4 4 1 0 99 1
delay 5 1 2 1 50,000 1
tap level 5 2 1 0 38 1
L<- ->R 5 3 1 1 99 1
fb 5 4 1 0 99 1
master feedback 6 1 1 0 99 1
TAP TEMPO MONO DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 4
delay 1 1 2 1 50,000 1
note value 1 2 1 0 38 1
feedback 2 1 1 0 99 1
TAP TEMPO PING PONG DELAY: type = 3, subtype = 5
delay 1 1 2 1 25,000 1
note value 1 2 1 0 38 1
feedback 2 1 1 0 99 1
SAMPLING: type = 3, subtype = 6
(modulation play trig. parm 1 1 1 0 1 1
(modulation rec trig. parm) 1 2 1 0 1 1
play 1 3 1 0 2 1
rec 1 4 1 0 1 1
maximum sample length 2 1 2 2500 50,000 1
start 3 1 2 0 49,500 1
end 3 2 2 500 50,000 1
play trigger 4 1 1 0 6 1
rec trigger 5 1 1 0 6 1
midi note# 6 1 1 0 128 1
rec output 6 2 1 0 1 1
where,
Sroute= route source #: 0= Input L, 1= Input R, 2= Block inmix, 3= Block mix, 4= Block L, 5= Block R
Dblock= route destination block #: 1= Block 1, ..., 8= Block 8, 9= Out L, 10= Out R
Below is a table that gives the corresponding dB level for a given route level #: