(analogue) trigger inputs of D-4

[David Sifritt]

Haible_Juergen#Tel2743 wrote:
> 
> Hi!
> 
> I got an analogue (;->) question for those who use the trigger
> inputs of an Alesis D-4 drum machine.
> Problem: When I apply a gate pulse to one of the trigger inputs,
> the D-4 triggers *several times*  on a single gate pulse.
> Any recommendations for attenuators / simple low pass filters..
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> JH.

  The problem is probably a combination of two factors: 1) 
overloading, and 2) a pulse wider than the machine is interpreting 
as a single "hit". Both problems can be addressed from functions 
within the submenu "EXT TRIG"

  1) to correct the overloading, set your pulse to trigger about 
every second, simulating half notes in a moderate tempo. While 
looking at the "Gain" screen, adjust the input level first so that 
the gain-indicator bar doesn't have quite maximum excursion. Then 
slowly advance the gain until you see a period "." appear at the end 
of the top line. The "." indicates that you've reached maximum 
sensitivity. You don't want it to flash with every hit necessarily, 
because then you're limiting the dynamic range, which the D4 is very 
good at reproducing.
  2) The screen before the "Gain" screen has four different 
functions, the names of which I can't recall at the moment, and I'm 
not at the studio to look at them. Set the number for the upper 
right function to about 15, set the number for the lower left 
function to about 20, and set the number for the lower right 
function to whatever it takes to eliminate the false triggering. 
We've set it as high as 90 before when using the D4 to retrigger 
drums from a tape track with good success. Just play with it a bit, 
and you'll get the feel of how the functions interact.

  Hope this helps.

  --> DS  

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