Introduction
Build a custom, sample-based, MIDI-controlled drum sound module using the Alesis QSR synthesizer. Create your own drum kit Programs and Mixes with QS Edit Pro and Sound Bridge software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the QSR Drum Synthesizer Manual here.
About the QSR
Learn what makes the QSR an ideal drum synthesizer sound module.
Sounds, Programs, and Mixes
Understand the relationship between samples, sounds, Programs, and Mixes before planning your QSR Drum Synthesizer.
QSR Polyphony
Although the QSR is a 64-voice polyphonic synthesizer, you can easily reach the voice limit if your drum synthesizer Programs or Mixes include multiple sound layers.
Hardware Overview
Combining the Alesis QSR with MIDI drum triggers and a trigger interface, or a pad controller, produces a flexible, low-cost, open-architecture, electronic drum kit.
Hardware Connections
Refer to this connection diagram when planning your drum synthesizer configuration.
Software Overview
Use QS Edit Pro and Sound Bridge software to make the QSR drum synthesizer programming process easier.
Programming Process
Programming the QSR Drum Synthesizer requires a phased approach that includes setup, backup, sample preparation, sample upload, creation of Programs and Mixes, and transfer to the Flash RAM card.
System Planning
Determine your QSR Drum Synthesizer system configuration after reviewing background concepts.
Setting Up Your System
Set up your QSR Drum Synthesizer hardware.
Installing Software
Install and configure Sound Bridge and QS Edit Pro software as part of the QS Drum Synthesizer setup process.
Verifying QS Edit Pro MIDI communication
Use this procedure to verify MIDI communication between QS Edit Pro and the Alesis QSR.
Receiving the Dump ALL Sysex file
Use this procedure to synchronize QS Edit Pro with the QSR User bank contents prior to working with the QSR Drum Synthesizer.
Backing up the QSR User bank
Back up the contents of the QSR User bank to your computer using QS Edit Pro™ to avoid loss of data or in preparation for editing or programming the Flash RAM card.
Testing Your Hardware
Test your QSR Drum Synthesizer hardware using this procedure.
Working with Mixes
Edit Mixes with QS Edit Pro software. Mixes are essential for creating custom drum kits with the Alesis QSR. Learn how to enter Mix mode, select Mixes from different banks, view Mix Parameters, and audition Mix sounds. Download, upload, copy, and paste Mixes.
Creating the Mix Template
Create a Mix Template to save time and ensure consistency when programming the QSR Drum Synthesizer.
Editing the Mix Template
Learn to create custom Mixes for the QSR Drum Synthesizer by editing your Mix Template using QS Edit Pro software.
Testing and balancing Mixes
Connect your trigger interface, pad controller, and computer to the QSR to test your Mixes and balance drum sound levels.
Quadrasynth Drum and Percussion Programs
Learn about built-in QS Series drum and percussion sounds and programs
General MIDI Drum Map
The General MIDI standard, maintained by the MIDI Association, defines note number mapping for drum and percussion sounds.
Programming Strategy
To get the most out of your QSR drum synthesizer and to avoid wasted effort, start with a clear Programming Strategy.
MIDI Channel Assignments
The QSR Drum Synthesizer Manual Programming Strategy uses Mix mode and specific MIDI channel assignments.
Working with Programs
Learn to manage QSR Program banks using QS Edit Pro software. Change modes. Select, copy, and paste Programs. View parameter settings.
Loading the QS Drum Programs Bank SYSEX file
Upload the provided QS Drum Programs Bank SYSEX file to the QSR User bank to explore the Alesis drum and percussion Programs.
Exploring the Alesis QS Drum Programs
Examine the Alesis factory drum Programs to see how they were constructed. Understanding the structure of the QSR's built-in drum and percussion Programs will help you create your own custom drum Programs.
Exploring the QSR Sound ROM
The QSR's built-in sound ROM contains the samples and kits that make up the QS drum Programs. Learn how to access the sound ROM to audition samples for use in your custom drum Programs.
Creating the Program Template
Create Program Templates to save time when programming the QSR drum synthesizer.
Editing the Program Template
Save time by using your Program Template to create custom QSR Drum Synthesizer Programs. Learn editing techniques that you can apply to your custom Programs.
Built-in Sample List
This topic contains a list of the QSR's built-in drum and percussion samples. Samples are listed by Sample Group: Kicks, Snares, Toms, Cymbals, Percussion, Sound Effects, and Wave.
Sample File Formats
Sound Bridge™ supports WAV and AIFF sample file formats with sample rates up to 48kHz. There are several other sample file parameters that are important to consider as well.
PCMCIA Cards
The QSR supports three types of PCMCIA cards. Use Flash RAM cards to store your sample files, as well as Programs and Mixes that use these samples.
About PCMCIA Cards in Slot [B]
Care must be taken when allocating data between cards used in slots [A] and [B] of the QSR. Use slot [B] for Sample data only.
Sample File Planning
For best results, carefully select and prepare the sample files you will use with your QSR Drum Synthesizer.
Processing Sample Files
Use third-party software to process sample files before creating the Sound Bridge project.
Setting the Flash Card Info
Set the Card Info parameters in Sound Bridge before transmitting your QSR Drum Synthesizer project to the Flash Card.
Using Stereo Samples
The QSR plays mono files only, but can produce a stereo sound by using two layers.
Organizing Samples in Sound Bridge
Use Sound Bridge software to organize sample files for upload to the QSR Flash RAM card.
Creating the Sound Bridge Project
Create Sound Bridge Projects to control which custom samples, Programs, and Mixes are saved to the QSR's Flash RAM Card.
Programming the Flash RAM Card
Use Sound Bridge software to transfer your custom samples, Programs, and Mixes to the Flash RAM card.

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