Reference Manual

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Table Of Contents

Introduction.. 3
Welcome!.... 3 About the PicoVerb... 4 PicoVerb Key Features... 4 What you can do with your PicoVerb... 5 How to Use This Manual.. 6
Important Safety Instructions
(English)... 7 (French).... 9 (German).... 11 CE Declaration Of Conformity.. 13 FCC Compliance Statement.. 13
Chapter 1: Quick Start Guide.. 15
Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer.. 15 Step 2: Try some effects... 16
Chapter 2: Connections.. 17
Unpacking and Inspection.. 17 AC Power Hookup... 17 Connecting to an Instrument or Microphone.. 18 Connecting to the Effects Send and Return of a mixing console.... 18 Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console. 19 Connecting to the Main Inserts of a.. 20 mixing console.... 20
Chapter 3: Description of Programs.. 23
Reverb Effects.... 23 Modulation Effects... 24 Delay Effects.... 24 Multi Effects.... 24 Full Mix Effect.... 25 Rotating Speaker Effect.... 25
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Index.. 27
Audio Input.... 29 Audio Output.... 29 Audio Performance... 29 Mechanical:... 29
Alesis Limited Warranty.. 31 Alesis Contact Information.. 32

Introduction

Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis PicoVerb a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality studio equipment available to everyone, and this Reference Manual is an important part of that. After all, there's no point in making equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one explains how to use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build our products. The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've achieved that. If not, please drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we could improve future editions of this manual. We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve your goals. Sincerely, The people of Alesis
For more effective service and product update notices, please register your PicoVerb online at: http://www.alesis.com/ support/warranty.htm
About the PicoVerb Alesis, the company that created affordable effects processing with the introduction of the MidiVerb, now offers the PicoVerb Compact Effects Processor. Following in the grand tradition of the MidiVerb, MicroVerb and NanoVerb products, the PicoVerb comes complete with 16 studio quality 24-bit digital effects in a compact, easy to use package. The PicoVerb is suitable for use in everything from guitar rigs to professional recording studios.
PicoVerb Key Features 16 preset studio quality 24-bit effects including 2 Halls, 3 Rooms, 3 Plates, Chorus, Flange, 2 Delays, 2 Chorus / Rooms, Vocal Eliminator and Rotary Speaker Effect. High-quality 24-bit true stereo signal path. Easy, consistent operation from the front panel with no paging through windows of parameters on cryptic LCDs. Included external 9VAC power supply for low noise, hum-free operation.
What you can do with your PicoVerb When you have the PicoVerb properly connected, you can: add space or room sound to dry or sterile sounds using the Halls, Rooms and Plates reverberators. create a lively ensemble effect from a single instrument or static section using the Chorus program. introduce a classic warm, metallic sweeping effect that simulates analog tape fluctuation using the Flange program. add echoes (multiple repeats) to your source with the Delay programs. animate your instruments by adding the ensemble effect along with the reverberation effect with the Chorus / Room programs. remove the vocal and other lead instruments from an existing recording with the Vocal Eliminator program. apply the lush modulation effect of a spinning organ speaker horn with the Rotary Speaker program.
How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the PicoVerb. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about studio equipment should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. Chapter 1: Quick Start. If you're already experienced with recording, this will get you started using the PicoVerb right away. It's a short guide to the essential elements of hooking it up and using it for the first time. A brief tour of the front and back panels is included. Chapter 2: Connection give detailed instructions for connecting the PicoVerb to a variety of typical audio systems. Chapter 3: Description of Programs gives you a detailed explanation of each of the PicoVerbs 16 effects programs. Chapter 4: Troubleshooting. Refer to this chapter if you experience any problems while using the PicoVerb.

Helpful tips and advice are highlighted in a shaded box like this
When something important appears in the manual, an exclamation mark (like the one shown at left) will appear with some explanatory text. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the PicoVerb.
Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product
This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Please follow these precautions when using this product:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls or cause a dangerous condition. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. Continued next page

10. 11.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a well-ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from peripheral equipment. 16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. 17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans, coffee cups) on the apparatus. 18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

CE Declaration Of Conformity
See our website at: http://www.alesis.com

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

1 Quick Start Guide

If you cant wait to get started The Alesis PicoVerb is a unique product, but its basic hookup and operation is similar to other effects processors in most respects. If youre experienced with signal processors, this chapter is a shorthand guide for those who want to start using the PicoVerb right away. If you have questions about any of the features, dont worry later chapters will unveil the mysteries of the PicoVerbs special features.
Step 1: Hook it up to a mixer 1. Pull the PicoVerb out of the package. 2. Plug the supplied power adaptor into the POWER jack on the back of the PicoVerb and then into a grounded AC power source. 3. Using a pair of 1/4 cables, plug the effects sends of the mixer to the left and right INPUTS on the back of the PicoVerb. 4. Connect the PicoVerbs OUTPUTS to the effects return of the mixer. 5. Using a pair of 1/4 cables, plug the effects sends of the mixer to the left and right INPUTS on the back of the PicoVerb. 6. Connect the PicoVerbs OUTPUTS to the effects return of the mixer.
For more information on connecting the PicoVerb, see chapter 2: Connections

Quick Start Guide

Step 2: Try some effects 1. Play some audio into the PicoVerb. Turn up your mixers effects sends to a moderate level and then turn up the level on your effects returns. 2. Adjust the INPUT knob on the front of the PicoVerb until you hear a strong, clear signal coming from the unit. If you hear distortion or clipping, turn down the INPUT knob until the distortion goes away. 3. Adjust the MIX knob on the front of the PicoVerb to set the dry/wet balance of the effect. To hear the effect only, as you will want to do in most effects send / return setups, turn the MIX knob fully clockwise. 4. Turn the program knob to change programs on the PicoVerb.

While learning the unit, it is helpful to play a CD or a multi-track source into the effects processor. Choose a song or part that doesnt change much so that you can take your time experimenting with the different timbres.
If you are not hearing any effect, check your connections or try another program. Some programs effects are easier to hear than others.

2 Connections

Unpacking and Inspection Your PicoVerb was packed carefully at the factory. The shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the highly unlikely event that you need to return the PicoVerb for servicing. The shipping carton should contain the following items: PicoVerb with the same serial number as shown on the shipping carton P3 Power Adapter This instruction manual
AC Power Hookup Plug the female end of the power adapter into the PicoVerbs 9V~POWER INPUT jack and the male (plug) end into a good quality AC power outlet. The PicoVerb works with the AC line voltage listed on the P3 adapter that came with the unit. To use the PicoVerb with a different voltage, contact your Alesis dealer for a compatible P3 adapter.
Its good practice to not plug in the PicoVerb until all other audio cables are hooked up as well. Make sure your amplifier or powered speakers are switched off when turning the PicoVerb on or off to avoid damage.

Connections

Connecting inputs and outputs
Connecting to an Instrument or Microphone The PicoVerbs INPUT knob has been calibrated to accept instrument level signals such as a microphone or guitar input. To use the PicoVerb this way, simply plug the guitar or microphone into one of the PicoVerbs Input jacks and connect the output to an amplifier, mic preamp, mixer or recorder. When using the PicoVerb with a microphone, you may need an XLR to 1/4 adapter (not included). Connecting to the Effects Send and Return of a mixing console Most mixing consoles have post-fader effects send and return jacks on their rear panels. This is usually the best choice for connecting the PicoVerb as you will be able to use an effect on several sources at once.

When connecting audio cables and / or turning power on and off, make sure that all devices in your system are turned off and the volume controls are turned down.
When you connect the PicoVerb in this way, you may hear an odd phasing sound on some of the reverb and delay programs. To prevent this, turn the MIX knob fully clockwise (effect only). You can then control the balance between the direct and effect signal with the effects return level control on your mixer.
Connecting to the Channel Inserts of a mixing console Most mixing consoles have a jack near the mic and line inputs labeled insert. This is typically a TRS jack with the send and return on the same jack. To use the PicoVerb as a channel insert effect, you will need an insert cable (not included).
This cable splits the TRS insert jack into two unbalanced mono connectors. Usually the tip is connected to the INPUT of the effects processor and the ring is connected to the OUTPUT of the effects processor. However, this may be reversed on some mixing consoles. Check your mixers reference manual to be sure, or you can just try it both ways plugging it in the wrong way wont damage the PicoVerb. You may need to raise the mixers input trim if the signal coming back from the PicoVerb is too low.
Connecting to the Main Inserts of a mixing console In addition to channel inserts, most mixing consoles have main insert jacks near the main outputs. You can use insert cables to connect the PicoVerb to the main L/R bus the same way you connect it to a pair of channels. Simply connect one insert cable to the left main insert of the mixer, and then connect the two mono plugs to the left INPUT and OUTPUT of the PicoVerb. Use another insert cable to connect the right main insert to the right INPUT and OUTPUT of the PicoVerb.
Connecting to the Inserts of an instrument amplifier Guitar and bass amplifiers often have insert points for effects as well. These are typically labeled effects send and return, insert send and return or effects loop.
About Audio Cables The connections between the PicoVerb and your studio are musics lifeline, so use only high quality cables. These should be low-capacitance shielded cables with a stranded (not solid) internal conductor and a low-resistance shield. Although quality cables cost more, they do make a difference. Route cables to the PicoVerb correctly by observing the following precautions: Do not bundle audio cables with AC power cords. Avoid running audio cables near sources of electromagnetic interference such as transformers, monitors, computers, etc. Do not place cables where they can be stepped on. Stepping on a cable may not cause immediate damage, but it can compress the insulation between the center conductor and shield (degrading performance) or reduce the cables reliability. Avoid twisting the cable or having it make sharp, right angle turns. Never unplug a cable by pulling on the wire itself. Always unplug by firmly grasping the body of the plug and pulling directly outward.

It is very important to keep your connectors clean. Every few months, unplug them and wipe off oxidation with a clean cloth soaked in alcohol or contact cleaner. Insert the plugs in the jacks a few times to clean the internal jack contacts. Although Alesis does not endorse any specific product, chemicals such as Tweek and Cramolin, when applied to electrical connectors, are claimed to improve the electrical contact between connectors.
3 Description of Programs
Your PicoVerb comes from the factory with 16 studio quality preset effects programs. Turn the program select encoder to choose an effects program.
Reverb Effects HALL 1 A large, bright concert hall reverberation effect suitable for vocals and instruments. HALL 2 A large, warm concert hall reverberation effect suitable for drums, piano and other instruments. ROOM 1 A medium-sized, moderately bright reflective room reverberation effect suitable for vocals, lead guitars and other instruments. ROOM 2 A small, very reflective bright room reverberation effect suitable for drums and percussion as well as electric guitars and other instruments. ROOM 3 A large, warm room reverberation effect suitable for acoustic instruments. PLATE 1 A lush, smooth vocal plate reverb with a long decay time and warm tonality. PLATE 2 An emulation of vintage plate reverb with bright, slightly tinny tonality and a medium-length decay. PLATE 3 A short, bright plate reverb effective for creating subtle spaces.

Description of Programs

Modulation Effects CHORUS A complex, 6-voice chorus ensemble effect with short delays often referred to as a Chorus / Doubler. Discrete stereo signal path. Slow and watery. FLANGE Classic stereo flange: a slow, slightly metallic sweep with a discrete stereo signal path. Delay Effects DELAY 1 A simple slap-back echo with no feedback particularly effective on vocals and rhythm guitars. DELAY 2 Medium-length poly-rhythmic delay with crossover feedback. 3 to 4 ratio between L and R delay times (291 to 388ms) for 3/4 vs. 4/4 feel. Useful for solo instruments where a long, trailing echo effect is desired. Multi Effects CHORUS - ROOM 1 Room reverb into a slow flanging modulation creates a spacey effect. CHORUS - ROOM 2 Fast modulation provides a dramatic chorus effect in a small room for a very lush chorus + reverb sound with a discrete stereo signal path.
Full Mix Effect VOCAL ELIMINATOR This program removes the vocal and lead instruments from the center of the stereo image of most audio sources. Use this to program to remove the lead guitar from your favorite recordings or make your own karaoke mix.
Rotating Speaker Effect ROTARY Fast rotary speaker simulator creates the classic, lush Doppler effect of an organs spinning horn. Effective on guitars, vocals, keyboards and other instruments.

4 Troubleshooting

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating your PicoVerb, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support for assistance.
Symptoms No audio outputs. Cause No input audio. Bad cables. Destination is turned down. Solution Test with a known good input. Replace the cables. Check the connections and the level of the mixer or amp that the PicoVerb is connected to. Turn down Input knob. Make sure that the PicoVerb and its audio cables are kept away from power cables and wall warts. Replace the cable with a new, quality cable. Try removing the PicoVerb from the signal path and see if the problem remains. Place all equipment in the studio on a common ground.
Output is distorted. Buzz from outputs
Too much input to effects processor. Cables are crossing a power cable
Bad cables Problem with the source

AC hum

Ground loop

Specifications

Audio Input
Input Connectors: Maximum Input Level: Input Impedance: 2 1/4" TS Jacks (unbalanced) +7 dBu (Input Knob at nominal 12 o'clock position) 10k

Audio Output

Output Connectors: Maximum Output Level: Output Impedance: 2 1/4" TS Jacks (unbalanced) +5dBu 100

Audio Performance

Signal To Noise Ratio: THD+N: Frequency Response: 101 dB A-weighted <0.011% @ +5dBu 20-20k Hz +0.0/-2.0 dB

Mechanical:

Size: Spaces: Weight: 1.5" H x 4.25" W x 5.30" D Rack 1/4 Rack Space 1 lb. (0.46 kg)
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Warranty / Contact

Alesis Limited Warranty
ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser and cannot be transferred or assigned. For the most effective service, the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.com/support/warranty.htm. During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative. In all cases disputes concerning this warranty shall be resolved as prescribed by law. To obtain warranty service, the purchaser must first call or write ALESIS at the address and telephone number available on the Alesis Website to obtain a Return Authorization Number and instructions concerning where to return the unit for service. All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem. All authorized returns must be sent to ALESIS or an authorized ALESIS repair facility postage prepaid, insured and properly packaged. Proof of purchase must be presented in the form of a bill of sale, canceled check or some other positive proof that the product is within the warranty period. ALESIS reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair. ALESIS reserves the right to change or improve design of the product at any time without prior notice. This warranty does not cover claims for damage due to abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel, and is limited to failures arising during normal use that are due to defects in material or workmanship in the product. THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT, AND SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDE ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTIES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT WILL ALESIS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, DAMAGE BASED ON INCONVENIENCE OR ON LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW DAMAGES , FOR PERSONAL INJURY. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. THIS CONTRACT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights required by law which vary from state to state. This warranty only applies to products sold to purchasers in the United States of America or Canada. The terms of this warranty and any obligations of Alesis under this warranty shall apply only within the country of sale. Without limiting the foregoing, repairs under this warranty shall be made only by a duly authorized Alesis service representative in the country of sale. For warranty information in all other countries please refer to your local distributor.

Alesis Contact Information
Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Website: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com
Alesis PicoVerb Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Erik Norlander Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. PicoVerb is a trademark of Alesis Distribution, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice. 7-51-0096 5/26/2002

PRODUCT OVERVIEW 2008

www.alesis.com

PicoVerb

PicoVerb Multieffects Processor
been a mainstay in project studio racks and live sound rigs.
High-impact, high-density, highly responsive effects. From our very first revolutionary effects processor (our first product, actually), Alesis has
Whether pumping out sweet reverb, lush chorus and flanging, versatile delay, pitch shifting, rotary speaker simulation, or other effects, Alesis processors give musicians and engineers ultra-affordable tools to make great mixes. The MidiVerb 4 and MicroVerb 4 offer the widest variety of effects, programmability, and user locations. The NanoVerb features a preset selection of our top effects with one adjustable parameter each. And the newest member of the family, the PicoVerb, has 16 of our best effects in a too-cool-not-to-love box with 28-bit internal processing. Alesis multieffects: Its never been easier to get some personal space.

FEATURES:

>> Ultra-affordable digital multieffects unit >> 16 presets including halls, rooms, plates, chorus, flange, delay, and rotary speaker >> Stereo 24-bit 1/4 inputs and outputs >> 28-bit internal processing, 48kHz sample rate >> Perfect for studio and sound reinforcement applications >> Super-compact 1/4-space rackmount >> CONTROL: Dedicated input, mix, and program select knobs. Power LED. >> CONNECTIONS: Audio: 2 inputs, 2 outputs (1/4 TS). >> AUDIO SPECS: Converters and resolution: 24-bit A/D/A, 28-bit internal processing, 48kHz internal sample rate. >> Frequency response: 20Hz20kHz +0/2dB. >> Distortion: 0.01% THD+N. >> Signal-to-noise ratio: 101dB (A-weighted). >> Maximum levels: input +7dBu, output +5dBu. >> POWER: 9V AC external transformer, UL and CSA approved
All information is preliminary and subject to change.
>> DIMENSIONS (H x W x D): 1.5 x 4.25 x 5.3 (39mm x 108mm x 135mm), 1/4-U rackmount >> WEIGHT: 1lbs (0.46kg)

Tech Specs:

>> Presets (Factory/User): 16/0 >> Digital Effects (reverb, delay, chorus, etc.): Reverb; chorus; flange; delay; vocal eliminator; rotary speaker >> Simultaneous Effects: 1 >> Programmable Wet/Dry/Mix: Yes >> Maximum Delay Time: 388 ms >> Discrete Programming Channels: 2 >> ADC/DAC: 24-bit >> Overload Warning: Clip LED >> Inputs: (2) 1/4 TS >> Outputs: (2) 1/4 TS
P: [401] 658.5760 // F: [401] 658.3640