Manual

ALESIS DM5

Reference Manual

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Alesis DM5 18 Bit Drum Module. To take full advantage of the DM5’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various modes of the DM5. Though we recommend you take time to readthrough the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about drum modules and MIDI should use the table of contents to reference specific functions while using the instrument. Chapter 1: Setting Up. Deals with the necessary preparation before playing, including connections to external devices. Chapter 2: Your First Session with the DM5. This section provides a brief tour of theDM5, shows you how to audition the various sounds of the DM5, and points out the various performance features. Chapter 3: Connections. Details rear panel connections (like MIDI, footpedals and the serial interface), proper hook-up procedures, plus application examples. Chapter 4: Overview. Covers the structure of sound sources within the DM5, how to read and navigate through the LCD display pages,how to edit parameters, and how to store edited Drum Sets. Chapter 5: MIDI Functions. Explains how to edit MIDI parameters. Chapter 6: External Triggering. Describes all external trigger functions. Appendices. MIDI basics, trouble-shooting, maintenance and service information, and the MIDI Implementation Chart.

Conventions
The buttons, knobs, and rear panel connectors and switches are referredto in this manual just as their names appear on the DM5, using all capital letters and in brackets (Example: [DRUM SET] button, [ ] and [ ] buttons, [VALUE] knob, etc.).

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When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the DM5.

DM5 Reference Manual

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DM5 Reference Manual

Index

CONTENTS
1: SETTING UP ................................................................................. 5
Unpacking and Inspection.......................................................................................5 AC Power ..............................................................................................................5 LineConditioners and Protectors.................................................................5 About Audio Cables ...............................................................................................6 Basic Audio Hookup...............................................................................................6 MIDIHookup.........................................................................................................7 External Triggers Hookup .......................................................................................8

2: YOUR FIRST SESSION WITH THE DM5 ........................................... 9
Powering Up..........................................................................................................9 Playing the DemoSequence.........................................................................9 What’s a Drum Set? ................................................................................................10 Playing the DM5.....................................................................................................10 Auditioning Internal Programs....................................................................10 Selectingthe MIDI Channel.........................................................................10 Choosing Voices in a Drum Set....................................................................11 Storing an Edited Drum Set.........................................................................12 Naming a Drum Set ....................................................................................12...