Alesis ADAT-XT manual

A L ES I S ADAT-XT Reference M a nu a l[...]

ADAT XT Reference Manual 1 I NTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT Digital Multitrack Tape Recorder. To take full advantage of the XT’s functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. H OW T O U SE T HIS M ANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the vario[...]

2 ADAT XT Reference Manual[...]

ADAT XT Reference Manual 3 I NTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT Digital Multitrack Tape Recorder. To take full advantage of the XTÕs functions, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this userÕs manual carefully. H OW T O U SE T HIS M ANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various[...]

ADAT XT Reference Manual 4[...]

Index ADAT XT Reference Manual 5 C ONTENTS 1: S ETTING U P 7 Unpacking and Inspection 7 AC Power 7 Avoiding Ground Loops 8 Line Conditioners and Protectors 9 About Audio Cables 9 Basic Audio Hookup 10 Input Normaling 10 ÒThreadedÓ vs. ÒUnthreadedÓ 11 A Word on ADATÕs S-VHS Cassette Tape 11 Operating Environment 12 Thermal Considerations in Rac[...]

Index ADAT XT Reference Manual 6 4: B ASIC O PERATIONS 29 Tape Formatting 29 Formatting Considerations 29 Complete Format 30 Recording While Formatting 30 Format Extend 31 Write Protect Override 31 Reading The Display 3 2 Display Icons 33 TIME Counter & ABS/REL Button 35 Locate 0 35 Basic Editing 36 EDIT Value Button 36 ▲ and ▼ Buttons 36 E[...]

Index ADAT XT Reference Manual 7 Looped Recording 5 1 Rehearsal 5 1 Tape Length 52 Footswitch Controls 53 Footswitch Controlled Punching 53 Footswitch Controlled Autolocating 5 3 Using the XT Remote 54 5: M ULTIPLE ADAT-XT O PERATION 55 Overview 5 5 Synchronizing Machines 5 6 Master/Slave Interaction 5 6 Achieving Lock 57 Independent Slave Mode 57 [...]

Index ADAT XT Reference Manual 8 Maintenance/Service 79 Cleaning 79 Maintenance 79 Obtaining Repair Service 7 9 A PPENDIX C: E RROR C ODES 81 Steps To Take Before Calling For Help 83 A PPENDIX D: S PECIFICATIONS 84 G LOSSARY 86 I NDEX 91[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT Reference Manual 7 C HAPTER 1 S ETTING U P U NPACKING AND I NSPECTION Your XT 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 XT for servicing. The shipping carton should cont[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 8 ADAT XT Reference Manual buzzes, or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two or more different paths to ground, as shown below. Device A Device B shielded cable path 1 path 2 T o AC power service One path goes from device A to ground via the ground terminal of the three- conductor AC pow[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT Reference Manual 9 L INE C ONDITIONERS AND P ROTECTORS Although the XT is designed to tolerate typical voltage variations, in today’s world the voltage coming from the AC line may contain spikes or transients that can possibly stress your gear and, over time, cause a failure. There are three main ways to protect agai[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 10 ADAT XT Reference Manual B ASIC A UDIO H OOKUP J 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. The XT provides eight -10dBV analog outputs via phono connectors. These should be connected to your mixer’s tape o[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT Reference Manual 11 “T HREADED ” VS . “U NTHREADED ” Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads at any where from 1-7/8 to 30 inches per second. Higher speeds result in a higher bandwidth , or an ability to record high-frequency signals. The XT’s digital audio signals require much higher bandwi[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 12 ADAT XT Reference Manual O PERATING E NVIRONMENT T HERMAL C ONSIDERATIONS IN R ACK M OUNTING The XT can be mounted in an equipment rack (taking up 3 rack spaces) or placed on a table or shelf. When you install it, keep in mind that heat is the major enemy of electronic equipment. Please observe the following: • The XT is [...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 13 C HAPTER 2 Y OUR F IRST S ESSION W ITH T HE ADAT-XT P OWER - UP , AND T APE I NSERTION Connect the power cord which accompanies the XT between the three-prong power socket on the back panel and an AC outlet receptacle. Please note that there are grounding considerations to b[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT 14 ADAT XT Reference Manual F ORMATTING A T APE – A MUST! Formatting prepares a tape for 8 channels of audio, and adds a master timecode reference and sample rate information to the data section. Similar to formatting a floppy disk to use on a computer or sampler, formatting an XT tape time-stamps th[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 15 M AKING A R ECORDING Recording on the XT is very similar to most multitrack tape machines. The process involves formatting a tape (see previous tutorial), putting one or more tracks into record-ready, adjusting record levels on your mixer, setting the input monitor mode, loc[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT 16 ADAT XT Reference Manual T RANSPORT B UTTONS During recording and playback, the following transport buttons are used frequently. Get familiar with them by using them while watching the TIME counter. REWIND High speed reverse. Press with [PLAY] to initiate review mode. FAST FWD High speed forward. Pr[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 17 P LAYBACK There are several ways to quickly play back your recording. You’ll use the transport buttons first. To play back a recording: ¿ Press [REWIND] to locate back to a tape position before you engaged recording. The [REWIND] LED will light and the TIME counter will r[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT 18 ADAT XT Reference Manual L OCATING Up to 10 tape positions can be stored for easy recall. These are called Locate Points , and can be stored either “on the fly” while the transport is engaged, or when the transport is stopped. Once a Locate Point is stored, its corresponding tape position can be[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 19[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT 20 ADAT XT Reference Manual C REATING A L OOP The Auto Return function causes the XT to automatically rewind back to a specified tape position (Locate 1) when playback or recording has reached a specified position (Locate 4). Both Locates 1 and 4 are assignable to any tape position using the methods de[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 21 A UTOMATED R ECORDING So far, all of your recording has been done manually — you pressed the transport buttons when you wanted to start and stop recording. Auto record ing stops and starts recording automatically at predetermined times. This is useful when you want to prec[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT 22 ADAT XT Reference Manual P ITCH C ONTROL The Pitch function controls the speed of the tape, and thus the pitch of the audio recorded on tape. The XT’s Pitch control has a range of -300 to +100 cents when using a sample rate of 48kHz, and a range of -200 to +200 cents when using 44.1kHz. Use the PI[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT: Chapter 2 ADAT XT Reference Manual 23 T RACK C OPY It is possible to copy the audio material from one track to another on the same tape within the XT without leaving the digital domain and without the need for any audio cables. In fact, you can copy up to 4 tracks at a time using the Track Copy feature. For more[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT Reference Manual 23 C HAPTER 3 C ONNECTIONS A NALOG A UDIO – U NBALANCED I NPUTS I NPUT JACK CHARACTERISTICS The XT includes eight unbalanced , phono jack inputs. These are compatible with low - impedance, unbalanced, -10 dBV outputs typical of equipment such as mixers, synthesizers, samplers, direct boxes, etc. The[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 24 ADAT XT Reference Manual A NALOG A UDIO – B ALANCED I NPUTS AND O UTPUTS The +4 dBu balanced line inputs and outputs use an ELCO ® multipin connector. The balanced in/out connector wiring scheme is as follows: Lar ger Key Notch INPUTS OUTPUTS Note: The larger of the two outer key notches is at the bottom. J Both the unb[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT Reference Manual 25 A NALOG A UDIO – I NPUT M ODE The XT lets you choose one of three Input Modes for both the Unbalanced and Balanced inputs: 2-Input Mode Input 1 feeds Tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7. Input 2 feeds Tracks 2, 4 , 6 and 8. 4-Input Mode Input 1 feeds Tracks 1 and 5. Input 2 feeds Tracks 2 and 6. Input 3 feeds t[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 26 ADAT XT Reference Manual S YNC I N /O UT The two DB 9 connectors marked [SYNC IN] and [SYNC OUT] are used for synchronizing two or more XTs together, or a combination of XTs and ADATs. This requires a male-to-male, 9-pin D connector cable for each additional machine in the chain. In such a system, you are basically treatin[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT Reference Manual 27 D IGITAL A UDIO I N /O UT The Digital input and output carries all eight tracks on a single fiber optical cable. This allows you to bounce audio between multiple machines within the digital domain. This also lets you route digital audio between multiple XTs and ADATs, and to ADAT Compatible™ prod[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 28 ADAT XT Reference Manual F OOTSWITCHES The XT provides two footswitch connectors using 1/4" mono (T/S) jacks. One, labeled [LOCATE/PLAY/LRC REMOTE], allows locate and play commands; the other, labeled [ PUNCH IN/OUT], is for punch in/out control. The two footswitch jack functions are designed to be used with any momen[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 29 C HAPTER 4 B ASIC O PERATIONS This chapter is designed for operators who may not have experience working with digital audio. All functions of the XT (with the exception of synchronization and digital audio) are explained here in detail. If you are already familiar with multitrack recording con[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 30 ADAT XT Reference Manual Be sure the tape is completely rewound. ¡ Press the [FORMAT] button. If the tape was unformatted, the FORMAT icon will have been flashing prior to pressing it. Once pressed, the FORMAT icon will stop flashing and remain lit to indicate that formatting will begin if the XT enters record mode. [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 31 the last valid time-stamp it reads from tape. This insures continuous time-stamping when a tape plays from beginning to end. To extend the format on a partially formatted tape: ¿ Use [FAST FWD], [REWIND] and/or [PLAY] to locate to the section of tape just before where formatting was discontin[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 32 ADAT XT Reference Manual R EADING T HE D ISPLAY The XT’s display serves many functions. It shows the current level of each of the eight audio tracks, it shows the current tape position numerically in hours, minutes, seconds, and 100ths of seconds, and shows the current modes of the many parameters available. It also[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 33 D ISPLAY I CONS The following icons appear in the display at different times. They indicate that the parameter for which they are named has been selected or turned on. These icons are: ABS This icon lights whenever Absolute Time mode is selected (by pressing the [ABS/REL] button). REL This ico[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 34 ADAT XT Reference Manual This icon indicates that you have the Track Delay function turned on. When in Edit Mode, this icon indicates that you are editing a tracks delay amount, which will appear in the TIME counter. A number (from 1 to 8) will appear next to the EDIT icon to indicate which track is being edited. The [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 35 TIME C OUNTER & ABS/REL B UTTON The TIME Counter (found at the top left section of the display) is used to indicate the current tape position. ABS 0 H 15 M 48 S 21 The [ABS/REL] button toggles the TIME counter between Absolute Time mode and Relative Time mode. The XT will indicate which Ti[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 36 ADAT XT Reference Manual B ASIC E DITING EDIT V ALUE B UTTON The [EDIT VALUE] button is used to turn Edit mode on and off. When turned on, the EDIT icon will light indicating you are now in Edit mode. At this point, you can press any one of the [LOCATE 0] - [LOCATE 9], [TAPE OFFSET] or [TRACK DELAY] Function buttons t[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 37 I NPUT S ELECT There are three buttons for input select options. These three buttons are labeled [ANALOG INPUT], [DIGITAL INPUT], and [TRACK COPY]. These determine what signals will be recorded on the XT. The currently selected input mode is indicated in the lower right corner of the display: [...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 38 ADAT XT Reference Manual The [TRACK COPY] button is used to digitally bounce tracks within a single XT. To digitally bounce tracks, you must first press [TRACK COPY]; the TRK COPY icon in the INPUT icon group will light. Next, select the source tracks, select (record enable) the destination tracks, and initiate record[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 39 I NPUT M ONITOR The Input Monitor controls consist of two buttons: [ALL INPUT] and [AUTO INPUT]. A UTO I NPUT M ONITOR This feature determines what you will hear from the XT’s output jacks when a track is record-enabled (REC LED flashing): tape, or source. The [AUTO INPUT] button toggles the[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 40 ADAT XT Reference Manual M ETERS The XT provides two buttons for meter display options: [PEAK MODE] and [PEAK CLEAR]. P EAK M ODE B UTTON The [PEAK MODE] button selects the peak hold mode of the eight level meters. Each time the [PEAK MODE] button is pressed, the peak meters switch between three possible Peak Hold mod[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 41 R ECORD E NABLE To record enable a track, press the track’s RECORD ENABLE button. When you press a track’s RECORD ENABLE button for the first time, the track’s red REC LED will flash, indicating the track is in record-ready, and its INPUT LED will light (unless Auto Input is on and the t[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 42 ADAT XT Reference Manual T RANSPORT C ONTROLS The XT’s six transport control buttons resemble those of a conventional tape recorder, although there are several extra features. E JECT Press the [EJECT] button to eject the tape from the XT. If the tape is moving, it will stop before ejecting. In a multiple XT system w[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 43 pressing [PLAY] will cause the XT to start playing after it arrives at the corresponding tape location ([PLAY] LED will flash to indicate deferred play mode). Pressing [PLAY] while recording causes the XT to punch out (recording stops and playback continues). Pressing [PLAY] in any mode other [...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 44 ADAT XT Reference Manual [STOP] to thread the tape ([STOP] LED is lit). Entering play or record more will also thread the tape, if it was previously unthreaded. • Punch out . When recording, pressing [STOP] will exit record mode and stop the transport. S AMPLE R ATE (C LOCK ) The XT records digital audio in a simila[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 45 is similar to the audio you are recording. The longer crossfade time allows for a smoother transition and is more useful when punching in new material that is very different from what is already on tape, or when punching in low-frequency signals. Crossfading always begins at the punch point an[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 46 ADAT XT Reference Manual P ITCH C ONTROL The Pitch function controls the speed of the tape, and thus the pitch of the audio recorded on tape. It displays speed as percentage and as cents. A cent is 1/100th of a semitone. For example, if a song is originally recorded in the key of C, then played back with the pitch rai[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 47 T RACK D ELAY Track Delay lets you delay individual tracks up to 170 ms, in order to achieve a more desirable “feel.” For example, if the bass track is anticipating the beat, you can push it back so it’s “in the pocket” by delaying it a few milliseconds. If you need one track to play[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 48 ADAT XT Reference Manual A UTOLOCATION C ONTROLS The XT’s autolocation controls consist of 10 Locate Point memories which can be set either manually or “on the fly”, and recalled instantly. J Each Locate Point’s address can be displayed and set using either Absolute or Relative Time. Generally, Absolute Time a[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 49 S ETTING L OCATE P OINTS There are two ways of storing Locate Point memories: manually or “on the fly.” To store a Locate Point memory “on the fly”: ¿ Press [PLAY] to engage playback. Alternatively, the transport may be engaged in either Rewind, Review, Fast Forward, Cue, Record or St[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 50 ADAT XT Reference Manual A UTO L OOPING Auto Looping is not a feature in and of itself, but is made up of two important features that, when used together, provide a very useful tool. These two features are: Auto Return and Auto Play. When both are enabled, and set correctly, a section of tape of any length may be cont[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 51 A UTO R ECORD The Auto Record function lets you determine exactly where recording should begin and end beforehand, so that the machine automatically takes you in and out of record. Locate Points 2 and 3 determine the in and out points. After setting both Locate Points 2 and 3, press the [AUTO [...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 52 ADAT XT Reference Manual automatically recognizes the shorter length of the ST-60 because the hubs used in the cassette are larger. However, there is no way for the XT to tell apart a ST-120, ST-160 or ST-180 tape, since these all use the same, smaller size hubs. In this situation, the XT assumes the tape length to be[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT Reference Manual 53 F OOTSWITCH C ONTROLS The XT provides two footswitch jacks: [LOCATE/PLAY/LRC REMOTE] and [PUNCH IN/OUT] . Both accept any momentary, single pole/single throw, 1/4-inch mono (T/S) footswitch. During power-up, the XT checks the footswitch to determine whether it is normally open or normally clos[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 54 ADAT XT Reference Manual U SING THE XT R EMOTE The XT hand-held remote provides the following functions: • Transport functions: Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop, Play and Record. • Autolocation functions: Locate 1, Locate 2, Locate 3, Locate 4, Set Locate and Auto Loop • Track functions: Auto Record and Rehearse. All [...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 55 C HAPTER 5 M ULTIPLE ADAT-XT O PERATION O VERVIEW By itself, a single XT provides a lot of flexibility. However, in a multiple ADAT system presents a whole new set of possibilities. Keep in mind that since the XT is an ADAT - compatible machine, you can intermingle any number of XTs [...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 56 ADAT XT Reference Manual Synchronization requires a dual male, 9 pin D connector cable for each slave to be synchronized. Use only Alesis cables. Alesis Sync Cables are available in three different lengths: 8", 30", and 30' from your dealer. Other types of cables may cause incorrect commands t[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 57 In a multiple ADAT system, the slaves will “chase” the master (CHASE icon will light on the XT) and can only enter record once they are in perfect sample-lock. Audio will not appear at the outputs of an ADAT until sample-lock sync is achieved. When an XT is in lock, the LOCKED ic[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 58 ADAT XT Reference Manual If the master’s FORMAT icon is on, and you are extending the format, and the slave tape is formatted: • If the slave’s FORMAT icon is on, the slave autolocates to the same time as the master, then format extension begins with the master. • If the slave’s FORMAT icon is off,[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 59 R ECORDING D IGITAL A UDIO B OUNCING T RACKS B ETWEEN ADAT S Tracks can be bounced between machines in a multiple ADAT system by using the digital bus. The digital bus is connected in much the same way as the sync cables, and should be done in the same order. Refer to the section ent[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 60 ADAT XT Reference Manual XT tapes can be backed up for safety by copying all eight tracks to another XT (or ADAT compatible machine) via the digital bus. The result is a perfect digital duplication of the original. It’s a good idea to make backups on a regular basis, whenever you finish work for the day, o[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 61 protocol which the XT uses, and vice-versa. Refer to the User’s Manual of the digital interface you are using for more information. When recording digital audio into the XT from another XT or ADAT in a multiple ADAT system, the XT recording the audio is already synchronized with th[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 62 ADAT XT Reference Manual tape location, the value is displayed and edited within a + or - 1 hour range, since this is the maximum length of the XT’s tape. Example: If you wanted to use the same take of the background vocals of a song from the first chorus for chorus 2 and 3, you could bounce those track(s)[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 63 C OMBINING XT S AND ADAT S XT T RANSPORT S PEED The XT’s transport speed has been improved to be four times faster in engaged mode than the original ADAT. Because of this and other unique features, it is recommended that you make the XT the master (ID 1) in your system and your ADA[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 64 ADAT XT Reference Manual P OLARITY D IFFERENCES The original ADAT was designed to invert its analog input signal internally before the audio was sent through the A/D (analog-to-digital) converter and recorded onto tape. The digital representation of the data (as stored on tape) was therefore inverted relativ[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT Reference Manual 65 If you are replacing one or more of your ADATs with XTs and have been using the short, 8" sync cables, you will need to use 1 meter cables (or longer) to make the connection between ADATs and XTs. This is because the [SYNC IN] and [SYNC OUT] connectors have been moved on the XT [...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT Operation 66 ADAT XT Reference Manual[...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT XT Reference Manual 67 C HAPTER 6 A PPLICATIONS O VERVIEW This chapter is designed to give you an idea of the multitude of applications for the XT. These applications are not broken down into great detail. Therefore, where applicable you will need to refer to other sections of this manual for instructions on how to setu[...]

Chapter 6: Applications 68 ADAT XT Reference Manual L IVE /L ONG -T ERM R ECORDING The XT is excellent for live recording because of its compact size and easy operation. Eight tracks allow for recording audience sounds, ambience, and individual soloists as well as a stereo mix of the PA. Of course, multiple machines may be interconnected and synchr[...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT XT Reference Manual 69 L OCKING TO V IDEO : C ODE O NLY M ASTER A common application in the audio post-production environment is locking to video using the timecode on the video tape as a locate reference and the video signal itself as a clock source. This requires a synchronizer interface, such as the Alesis AI-2 o r B[...]

Chapter 6: Applications 70 ADAT XT Reference Manual If your sequencer generates MMC commands, you should be able to put your sequencer into play and have the XT follow along. However, don’t be surprised if the XT does not immediately go into play. When a PLAY command is sent from the sequencer, the XT is issued a locate command, telling it where [...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT XT Reference Manual 71 U SING T RACK C OPY AS A D IGITAL R OUTER In a multiple ADAT system which combines one or more XTs and one or more original ADATs, you can use the XT’s Track Copy function as a way to reroute its digital output to different tracks on the ADATs. Let’s say you have one XT which is the master, an[...]

Chapter 6: Applications 72 ADAT XT Reference Manual ª Press [EDIT VALUE], then press [LOCATE 5]. Edit Mode will now be selected. The TIME counter will display a time for Locate 5 (like 0:00:47.30 ). Write this number down or memorize it. D Press [TAPE OFFSET] (while still in Edit Mode) and enter the value that was displayed for Locate 5 (0:00:47.3[...]

Digital Recording Concepts: Appendix A ADAT XT Reference Manual 73 A PPENDIX A D IGITAL R ECORDING C ONCEPTS A NALOG R ECORDING B ASICS Digital recording works very differently from analog recording . With analog recording, tape containing millions of tiny magnetizable particles move past a record head. The magnetic field around this head fluctuate[...]

Appendix A: Digital Recording Concepts 74 ADAT XT Reference Manual Digital audio requires lots of numbers to represent an analog version of the same sound. Analog signals may require at least 20kHz frequency response to reproduce audio faithfully. Digital signals for the same 20 kHz audio requires a frequency response of several million Hertz. Due [...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT XT Reference Manual 75 A PPENDIX B T ROUBLESHOOTING T ROUBLE -S HOOTING I NDEX If you are experience problems while operating the XT, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The display does not light when[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 76 ADAT XT Reference Manual C HECKING S OFTWARE V ERSION The current software version may be determined by holding [SET LOCATE] and pressing [FAST FWD]. The XT will momentarily indicate the current operating software version installed in the TIME counter. E RROR R ATE D ISPLAY The TIME counter has a secondary mode which,[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT XT Reference Manual 77 should also be aware that it is extremely easy to damage your heads and other sensitive parts of your ADAT. Do not open up your ADAT to clean the heads. What it comes to is this: ADAT is a very sophisticated piece of digital technology. It is going to be used for your important projects so tak[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 78 ADAT XT Reference Manual D RUM T IME D ISPLAY The XT keeps track of how long the head has been actively spinning against tape (i.e., threaded in stop, or play, or cue/review). This can help determine how long it has been since the last time it was serviced or cleaned. To display the head time counter: 1 Hold [SET LOCA[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT XT Reference Manual 79 Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY THE LUBRICANTS USED IN THE SWITCHES AND CONTROLS! Spray onto a cloth, then use the cloth to clean the unit. M AINTENANCE Here are some tips for preventive maintenance. • Periodically chec[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 80 ADAT XT Reference Manual Contact your local Alesis dealer for warranty assistance. The Alesis Limited Warranty applies only to products sold to users in the USA and Canada. Customers outside the USA and Canada are not convered by this Limited Warranty and may or may not be covered by independent distributor warranty i[...]

Appendix D: Specifications ADAT XT Reference Manual 81 A PPENDIX C E RROR C ODES The following errors codes may appear from time to time in the TIME counter display. Use this reference to learn the possible cause of the error code before attempting to contact Alesis Product Support. dv Dew Sensor: The unit has been subjected to overly high humidity[...]

Appendix D: Specifications 82 ADAT XT Reference Manual Er 7 Clean Heads: If this error message is seen, it may indicate that the heads are in need of cleaning. See page 75 for information about cleaning your heads. Er 8 Sync Lost: Error message 8 normally occurs when the tape reaches the end while formatting or recording. It is caused by the fact t[...]

Appendix D: Specifications ADAT XT Reference Manual 83 2 . Turn off the POWER switch. Hold REWIND and FAST FORWARD while turning the power back on again. The display will read "CALIbrAt". 3 . Insert the tape into the transport. 4 . At this time the unit will adjust the brake tension automatically. The transport will shuttle back and forth[...]

Appendix D: Specifications 84 ADAT XT Reference Manual Heads: 4 ( 2 R e ad, 2 Write); Read before Write Approximate Recording Times: ST-60: 22 minutes ST-120/SE-180: 40 minutes ST-160/SE-240: 54 minutes ST-180/SE-260: 62 minutes Fast Wind Rate: 40 x play speed (Threaded) Audio Number of Audio Channels: Eight Audio Conversion: Record (A/D): 18 bit l[...]

Appendix D: Specifications ADAT XT Reference Manual 85 Digital Inputs/Outputs Connectors: Two EIAJ fiber optical jacks (1 in, 1 out) Communications Protocol: 8-Channel Serial Communication General Power Requirements: 90V–250V AC, 50/60 Hz Power Consumption: 80 W Operating Temperature: 10–40 ∞ C for specified performance Operating Humidity: 80[...]

Glossary 86 ADAT XT Reference Manual G LOSSARY A A/D or Analog-to-Digital Converter The device that converts an analog audio signal to digital audio. Once encoded, all audio is stored or processed as a series of numbers rather than as the audio itself. AES/EBU Interface A two-channel, digital audio hardware/software standard. The AES/EBU interface [...]

Glossary ADAT XT Reference Manual 87 Bouncing means taking audio from one track and placing it on another. The term, sometimes called “bouncing down,” also describes the process of mixing several tracks onto one or two. Bus A bus generally refers to any common signal pathway. In a mixer, a bus is usually a wire that is or can be made common to [...]

Glossary 88 ADAT XT Reference Manual E F Fiber Optical Connector A device that transmits signals through light instead of conventional wire. Advantages include higher speed and the ability to carry multiple chanels of information over a single, thin cable. G H House Sync A video signal distributed to any device that requires a reference to maintain[...]

Glossary ADAT XT Reference Manual 89 N O Output A path through which audio passes from one device to another. Types of outputs vary in connector type, level, use (sends, monitor, mix), and electrical characteristics (impedance, balanced or unbalanced). They can be analog or digital. Oversampling The process of taking more samples than is required i[...]

Glossary 90 ADAT XT Reference Manual by the motion picture and television industries. A complete description of LTC can be found in The Time Code Handbook , by Walter Hickman. SMPTE timecode is the standard sync reference for professional audio and video post-production. S/PDIF Interface Similar to the AES/EBU interface, but created by Sony and Phi[...]

Index ADAT XT Reference Manual 91 INDEX ABS/REL Button 15, 35 Absolute Time 35, 48 ADAT 55, 59, 63-65 AI-1 61 AI-2 69 All Input 39 Analog Recording 71 Auto Input 39 Auto Play 19, 50 Auto Record 20, 50-51 Auto Return 19, 50 Autolocation 48 Backup 60 Bandwidth 72 BRC 52, 68 Chase 34 Clock 44, 61, 69 Copying Tapes 60 Crossfade Time 45 Cue 42 Data 30 D[...]

Index 92 ADAT XT Reference Manual[...]