ALESIS QS8.1 - Manual (Page 87)

Part 6: Editing Effects
QS7.1/QS8.1 Reference Manual 81
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— M
OD
Mod stands for “modulation.” So naturally enough the Mod Function lets you
modulate up to two effects parameters at a time, either via MIDI or from the keyboard
and front panel controllers of your QS. This is extremely useful for expressive real-time
performance while playing live or recording or sequencing.
There are two Modulation assignments saved along with each Effect. You’ll notice that
their labeling changes depending on whether or not they are actually doing anything!
If the Level parameter for a Mod is set to 00, then every parameter within that Mod is
labeled entirely in small letters (because it is disabled). But as soon as you change the
Level to something above or below 00, the first letter in each parameter will be
capitalized (so “mod1 Level” becomes “Mod1 Level”, etc.). This way you can tell at a
glance whether or not a Mod is active, no matter what page you’re on.
A tip: Don’t confuse this Effect Mod function with the Mod settings within the
Programs! They are not the same thing, since they have entirely independent
destinations. (They can tap the same sources, though. For more information, see Part
8: Editing Programs.)
If you modulate an Effect parameter while audio is passing through it, it is possible that you
will generate some degree of distortion in the audio (sometimes known as “Zipper noise”.)
There is nothing abnormal or broken about this: it is due to the “stair-step” nature of the
modulation source. One exception to this is Chorus Speed, which modulates more smoothly.
There are six Modulation parameters:
1) Mod1 Source
2) Mod1 Destination
3) Mod1 Level (-99 to 99)
4) Mod2 Source
5) Mod2 Destination
6) Mod2 Level (-99 to 99)
MOD1 SOURCE
Range of Settings: (see list below) Page 1
This parameter selects the control source for the first modulation path. The most
common controllers appear as direct options in the display. They are:
• Aftertouch
• Mod Wheel
• Pitch Wheel
• MIDI Volume
• Sustain Pedal
• Pedal 1
• Pedal 2
• Controllers A–D
If you want to use a MIDI controller that isn’t listed, select one of the [A-D
CONTROLLER] sliders (or one of the Pedals) and then go to Pages 8 through 13 of
Global Edit mode to link that mod source to the MIDI Controller number of your
choice.