Alesis AI-3 manual

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A good user manual

The rules should oblige the seller to give the purchaser an operating instrucion of Alesis AI-3, along with an item. The lack of an instruction or false information given to customer shall constitute grounds to apply for a complaint because of nonconformity of goods with the contract. In accordance with the law, a customer can receive an instruction in non-paper form; lately graphic and electronic forms of the manuals, as well as instructional videos have been majorly used. A necessary precondition for this is the unmistakable, legible character of an instruction.

What is an instruction?

The term originates from the Latin word „instructio”, which means organizing. Therefore, in an instruction of Alesis AI-3 one could find a process description. An instruction's purpose is to teach, to ease the start-up and an item's use or performance of certain activities. An instruction is a compilation of information about an item/a service, it is a clue.

Unfortunately, only a few customers devote their time to read an instruction of Alesis AI-3. A good user manual introduces us to a number of additional functionalities of the purchased item, and also helps us to avoid the formation of most of the defects.

What should a perfect user manual contain?

First and foremost, an user manual of Alesis AI-3 should contain:
- informations concerning technical data of Alesis AI-3
- name of the manufacturer and a year of construction of the Alesis AI-3 item
- rules of operation, control and maintenance of the Alesis AI-3 item
- safety signs and mark certificates which confirm compatibility with appropriate standards

Why don't we read the manuals?

Usually it results from the lack of time and certainty about functionalities of purchased items. Unfortunately, networking and start-up of Alesis AI-3 alone are not enough. An instruction contains a number of clues concerning respective functionalities, safety rules, maintenance methods (what means should be used), eventual defects of Alesis AI-3, and methods of problem resolution. Eventually, when one still can't find the answer to his problems, he will be directed to the Alesis service. Lately animated manuals and instructional videos are quite popular among customers. These kinds of user manuals are effective; they assure that a customer will familiarize himself with the whole material, and won't skip complicated, technical information of Alesis AI-3.

Why one should read the manuals?

It is mostly in the manuals where we will find the details concerning construction and possibility of the Alesis AI-3 item, and its use of respective accessory, as well as information concerning all the functions and facilities.

After a successful purchase of an item one should find a moment and get to know with every part of an instruction. Currently the manuals are carefully prearranged and translated, so they could be fully understood by its users. The manuals will serve as an informational aid.

Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    A L ES I S AI-3 Reference M a nu a l[...]

  • Page 2

    Introduction AI-3 Reference Manual 1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Alesis AI-3 20-bit Analog-Optical Interface. To take full advantage of the AI-3’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 var[...]

  • Page 3

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  • Page 4

    Introduction AI-3 Reference Manual 3 I MPORTANT S AFETY I NSTRUCTIONS 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. Pl[...]

  • Page 5

    4 AI-3 Reference Manual 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or mu[...]

  • Page 6

    Introduction AI-3 Reference Manual 5 Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à[...]

  • Page 7

    6 AI-3 Reference Manual 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont introduits dans l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la[...]

  • Page 8

    Introduction AI-3 Reference Manual 7 Beim Benutzen dieses Produktes beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Sicherheitshinweise: (German) 1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise. 2. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung. 3. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. 4. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise. 5. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung. 6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur e[...]

  • Page 9

    8 AI-3 Reference Manual CE Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Alesis Corporation Manufacturer’s Address: 1633 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 US declares, that the product: Product Name: AI-3 Model Type: Analog-Optical Converter conforms to the following Standards: EMC: EN 55103:1997 Class B (All tests were performed with fully-s[...]

  • Page 10

    Contents AI-3 Reference Manual 9 C ONTENTS 1: Connections ......................................................................... 11 Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................................................................... ..... 11 Analog Connections ..........................................................[...]

  • Page 11

    Contents 10 AI-3 Reference Manual FRONT P ANEL REAR P ANEL Power ADA T Optical In ADA T Optical Out Analog Inputs Analog Outputs Optical Out Source Switch Operating Level Switch Signal LED Clip LED Power Switch[...]

  • Page 12

    Connections – Chapter 1 AI-3 Reference Manual 11 C HAPTER 1 C ONNECTIONS Unpacking and Inspection Your AI-3 was carefully packed at the factory, and the shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Please retain this container in the unlikely event that you need to return the AI-3 for servicing. The shipping carton should con[...]

  • Page 13

    Chapter 1 – Connections 12 AI-3 Reference Manual Balanced vs. Unbalanced The AI-3’s analog Inputs and Output jacks accept both Balanced and Unbalanced 1/4” connectors. Tip Sleeve Signal Ground Tip Sleeve Unbalanced Line Input Tip Sleeve Hot Ground Tip Sleeve Balanced Line Input Ring Ring Cold Unbalanced signals are usually at a –10dBV opera[...]

  • Page 14

    Connections – Chapter 1 AI-3 Reference Manual 13 Powering Up After making your connections, turn on the system’s power using this procedure: ✿ Before turning on the AI-3’s power, check the following items: • Have all connections been made correctly? • Are the volume controls of the amplifier or mixer turned down? ✿ Insert the end of t[...]

  • Page 15

    Chapter 1 – Connections 14 AI-3 Reference Manual Avoiding Ground Loops In today’s studio, where it seems every piece of equipment has complex routing and computer logic, there are many opportunities for ground loop problems to occur. These show up as hums, buzzes or sometimes radio reception and can occur if a piece of equipment “sees” two [...]

  • Page 16

    Front Panel Controls – Chapter 2 AI-3 Reference Manual 15 C HAPTER 2 F RONT P ANEL C ONTROLS The AI-3’s Front Panel contains the following: ① Optical Out Source switch. This switch determines which source signal will be sent to the ADAT Optical Digital output, either the Analog inputs or the Optical input. ➁ Operating Signal switch. This sw[...]

  • Page 17

    Chapter 2 – Front Panel Controls 16 AI-3 Reference Manual The Optical Out Source switch The “Optical Out Source” switch has two settings, “Analog In” and “Optical In”, with an LED indicating which mode is selected. Optical Out Source: Analog In Analog In is the typical mode for the AI-3 to be used in. The eight analog inputs are sent [...]

  • Page 18

    Applications – Chapter 3 AI-3 Reference Manual 17 C HAPTER 3 A PPLICATIONS Where the previous chapters explained the various connectors and switches on the AI-3, this chapter describes how to connect it to the components in your studio. Since the AI-3 doesn’t do much on it’s own, this chapter will help you get the most out of this interface. [...]

  • Page 19

    Chapter 3 – Applications 18 AI-3 Reference Manual Recording with ADAT/EDIT The Alesis ADAT/EDIT is a recording system, sold separately, which uses the ADAT Optical Digital Interface for digital audio input and output. When connected to an AI-3, this system forms a complete 8 in/8 out hard disk recording workstation. In the configuration pictured [...]

  • Page 20

    Applications – Chapter 3 AI-3 Reference Manual 19 There are three ways to record into the PCR card: • Play the ADAT tape • Press “All Input” and “Analog In” on the ADAT and send signal to the ADAT’s analog inputs • Press “All Input” and “Optical Input” on the ADAT and send audio to the AI-3’s analog inputs. (Make sure th[...]

  • Page 21

    Chapter 3 – Applications 20 AI-3 Reference Manual Using the AI-3 as an Optical Snake Two AI-3s can be connected to each other to create an optical “snake”. This system allows eight analog lines to be converted to 20-bit digital signals and routed up to 33 feet (10 meters) away to another AI-3 or ADAT optical device. (See page 12 for more info[...]

  • Page 22

    Troubleshooting – Chapter 4 AI-3 Reference Manual 21 C HAPTER 4 T ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you are experience problems while operating the AI-3, 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 the [...]

  • Page 23

    Chapter 4 – Troubleshooting 22 AI-3 Reference Manual Before contacting Alesis, check over all your connections, and make sure you’ve read the manual. Customers in the USA and Canada: If the problem persists, call Alesis USA at 1-800-5-ALESIS and request the Product Support department. Talk the problem over with one of our technicians; if necess[...]

  • Page 24

    Specifications AI-3 Reference Manual 23 S PECIFICATIONS Analog Input Number of Channels: 8 Format: 1/4" balanced Nominal Level: -10 dBV or +4dBu, front- panel adjustable Maximum Level: +10 dBV Impedence: 1M Ω /channel stereo, 500k Ω /channel mono Analog Input to Optical Output A/D converter: 20 bit Sigma-Delta, 128 times oversampling Frequ[...]

  • Page 25

    Specifications 24 AI-3 Reference Manual Rear Panel Analog Inputs (8) 1/4" 3-conductor Analog Outputs (8) 1/4" 3-conductor Digital Input EIAJ fiber optical jack, ADAT Optical digital format Digital Output EIAJ fiber optical jack, ADAT Optical digital format Power IEC jack General Power Requirements: 90V-250V AC, 50/60Hz Power Consumption: [...]