Alesis ADAT-XT20 manual

A L ES I S ADAT XT20 Reference M a nu a l[...]

Introduction/Contents ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 1 I NTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis ADAT-XT20 20-Bit Digital Audio Recorder. To take full advantage of the XT20’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 sect[...]

Introduction/Contents 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Introduction/Contents ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 3 C ONTENTS S ETTING U P 7 Unpacking and Inspection 7 AC Power Hookup 7 Avoiding Ground Loops 8 Line Conditioners and Protectors 9 About Audio Cables 9 Basic Audio Hookup 10 Input Normaling 10 “Threaded” vs. “Unthreaded” 11 A Word on ADAT’s S-VHS Cassette Tape 11 Operating Environment 12 Th[...]

Introduction/Contents 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual Tape Formatting 35 Formatting Considerations 35 Complete Format 36 Recording While Formatting 37 Format Extend 37 Write Protect Override 39 Reading The Display 4 0 Display Icons 41 TIME Counter & ABS/REL Button 44 Locate 0 44 Basic Editing 46 EDIT Value Button 46 ▲ and ▼ Buttons 46 Entering[...]

Introduction/Contents ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 5 Tape Length 70 Footswitch Controls 7 1 Footswitch Controlled Punching 71 Footswitch Controlled Autolocating 71 Using the XT20 LRC Remote 72 M ULTIPLE ADAT-XT20 O PERATION 74 Overview 7 4 Synchronizing Machines 75 Master/Slave Interaction 7 5 Achieving Lock 76 Independent Slave Mode 76 Formatting Mu[...]

Introduction/Contents 6 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual About Error Rate Readings 100 ADAT Head Life 10 0 ADAT Head Maintenance 101 Drum Time Display 102 Tape Maintenance: Safe Tape 10 2 Maintenance/Service 103 Cleaning 10 3 Maintenance 103 Obtaining Repair Service 1 03 E RROR C ODES 105 Automatic Brake Calibration Procedure 107 Steps To Take Before Cal[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 7 C HAPTER 1 S ETTING U P U NPACKING AND I NSPECTION Your ADAT-XT20 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 XT20 for servicing. The shipping carton [...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 8 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual When AC currents are suspect of being highly unstable in VAC and Hz, a professional power conditioner should be used. ✪ Alesis cannot be responsible for problems caused by using the XT20 or any associated equipment with improper AC wiring. A VOIDING G ROUND L OOPS In today’s studio, where it se[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 9 should remain connected so that the shielding properties are retained, even if there is no direct path for ground.) Please note that not all hums and buzzes are caused by ground loops; your cables must be of very high quality, particularly with -10 dBV se- tups. Refer to page 9 for more information[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 10 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual L INE C ONDITIONERS AND P ROTECTORS Although the XT20 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[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 11 B ASIC A UDIO H OOKUP ✪ 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 XT20 provides eight -10dBV unbalanced analog outputs via phono connectors. These should be connected to your[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 12 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual pressing any Track Select button from [ 5 ] - [ 8 ]; notice that the INPUT LEDs for tracks 1 through 8 remain lit until you release the [ ANALOG INPUT ] button. In the first two modes, the XT20 internally connects the inputs to the higher tracks (for example, Input 1 goes to tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 i[...]

Setting Up: Chapter 1 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 13 and leave behind a coating of dirt that will interfere with future recordings, even if you switch back to premium quality tape. Defective tape may even clog the head, requiring service. Don’t trust your work to anything less than premium quality S-VHS tape. Accidents can happen – so, like comp[...]

Chapter 1: Setting Up 14 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual strong magnetic fields such as power amplifiers, monitors and video display devices, speakers, etc.[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 15 C HAPTER 2 Y OUR F IRST S ESSION W ITH T HE ADAT- XT20 P OWER - UP , AND T APE I NSERTION Connect the power cord which accompanies the XT20 between the three-prong power socket on the back panel and an AC outlet receptacle. Please note that there are grounding considerat[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 16 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual ABS -- -- -- -- Insert the tape with the hinged door end first, label side up, until you encounter a slight bit of resistance. Push gently on the center of the tape cassette until the XT20 draws the tape inward; never force the tape into the cassette door .[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 17 F ORMATTING A T APE – A MUST! Formatting prepares a tape for 8 channels of audio, and adds a master timecode reference, word length, and sample rate information to the data on tape. Similar to formatting a floppy disk to use on a computer or sampler, formatting an XT20[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 18 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual R ECORDING W HILE F ORMATTING You can record onto tape while formatting. Simply press any of the RECORD ENABLE buttons [ 1 ]–[ 8 ] for any track(s) you wish to record on before pressing the [ FORMAT ] button. Prepare your source material to start playback at 0:00:00.00[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 19 M AKING A R ECORDING Recording on the XT20 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 mod[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 20 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual ✪ Before you start recording for the first time, be sure the TIME counter is set to ABS Time to avoid confusion. For more information, see page 41.[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 21 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 forwa[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 22 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual Note: When recording for the first time, be sure the Auto Input function is off. When recording over previous material (also known as punching), turn the Auto Input function on. Use the [ AUTO INPUT ] button to turn Auto Input on and off. The AUTO INPUT icon will light i[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 23 Both the [ PLAY ] and [ FAST FWD ] LEDs will turn off, and the [ STOP ] LED will turn on.[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 24 ADAT XT20 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 ca[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 25 To set the Relative 0:00:00.00 position (Locate 0): ❿ Press [ PLAY ], [ FAST FWD ] or [ REWIND ] as required to move the tape to the position you wish to regard as “0:00:00.00” (Relative Time). Remember, ABS Time is the timecode being read from tape. Setting the Lo[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 26 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual If the current Locate 1 position is set beyond the current Locate 4 position and Auto Return is turned on, the AUTO-RTN icon in the display will flash to indicate that Locate 1 or 4 will have to be set properly before this function will operate.[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 27 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 recording stops and starts recording automatically at predetermined times. This is useful when you want to p[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 28 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual that enabled for recording will switch from tape to input when the punch-in occurs, and back to tape when the punch-out occurs (this requires that the AUTO INPUT function be turned on). The [ RECORD ] LED will continue flashing throughout the punch in and out. This way y[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 29 P ITCH C ONTROL The Pitch function controls the speed of the tape, and thus the pitch of the audio recorded on tape. The XT20’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 [...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 30 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual ❻ If necessary, repeat steps ❿ through ➄ to edit the delay value of any track.[...]

Your First Session With The ADAT XT20: Chapter 2 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 31 T RACK C OPY It is possible to copy the audio material from one track to another on the same tape within the XT20 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. Fo[...]

Chapter 2: Your First Session With The ADAT XT20 32 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 33 C HAPTER 3 C ONNECTIONS A NALOG A UDIO – U NBALANCED I NPUTS I NPUT JACK CHARACTERISTICS The XT20 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 34 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual your mixer’s channel tape returns or line inputs. The outputs wiring scheme is similar to that of the unbalanced inputs (see previous section).[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 35 A NALOG A UDIO – B ALANCED I NPUTS AND O UTPUTS To run long distances and avoid hum and noise, use the balanced input/output feature of your ADAT-XT20. To do so, your mixer must have balanced inputs and outputs as well. The +4 dBu line inputs and outputs use an ELCO ® multipin connector. You m[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 36 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual In 8 p l k Out 8 A E F Additional grounds: r, s, h, j, e, f, X, and Y. ® ELCO is a registered trademark of Elco Corporation - a Kyocera Group Company[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 37 A NALOG I NPUT S ELECT M ODE The XT20 lets you choose one of three Analog 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[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 38 ADAT XT20 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 XT20s together, or a combination of XT20s and other ADATs, or a computer hard disc using the ADAT-PCR or similar device. This requires a male-to-male, 9-pin D connector cable for eac[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 39 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. The ADAT Optical cables carry digital audio between multiple XT20s and ADATs, and to ADAT Compatibl[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 40 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 41 To connect the digital optical network: ❿ Locate the [ DIGITAL IN ] and [ DIGITAL OUT ] connectors. Remove the connectors’ plugs (if present) and store for later use. ❡ Connect one end of the fiber optic cable into the [ DIGITAL OUT ] jack of the first machine in the system. Remove the clea[...]

Chapter 3: Connections 42 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual F OOTSWITCHES The XT20 provides two footswitch connectors using 1/4" mono (T/S) jacks. One, labeled [ LOCATE/PLAY LRC REMOTE ], allows locate and play commands when used with a standard footswitch, or more elaborate control when used with the LRC Remote control; the other, labeled [ PUNCH IN[...]

Connections: Chapter 3 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 43 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 XT20 (with the exception of synchronization and digital audio) are explained here in detail. If you are already familiar with multitrack recording conc[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 44 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual ✪ Caution: If you re-format over a previously formatted tape, do not stop in the middle of re-formatting . Reason: When the tape transitions from the newly-formatted section to the previously formatted section, there will be timing discontinuities and the audio will do unpleasant things. A[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 45 The XT20 briefly enters play mode to achieve proper speed and check if the tape is formatted. The XT20 performs a complete format by recording 15 seconds of leader (the LED display will read “LEAd”), followed by two minutes of data (the LED display will read “data”), then time refere[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 46 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual format mode before the end of the previously formatted section by “ punching-in ” . The XT20 begins “ time-stamping ” from the last valid time-stamp it reads from tape. This ensures continuous time-stamping when a tape plays from beginning to end. To extend the format on a partially [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 47 ABS Pr 0t 0 n The PROTECT icon will turn on indicating that Write-Protect is in effect. Note: This override will automatically be deactivated when you eject a tape, or turn the power off.[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 48 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual R EADING T HE D ISPLAY The XT20 ’ 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. I[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 49 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: FINE dB This icon lights whenever the meter resolution is in its fine calibration mode, showing the range f[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 50 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual This icon will light whenever edit mode is selected (by pressing the [ EDIT VALUE ] button). See page 46. Indicates that the transport is shuttling to a Locate Point (0 – 9). When in Edit mode, this icon indicates that you are editing a Locate Point ’ s address, which will appear in the [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 51 The CLOCK group of icons indicates which clock source is being used. The [ CLOCK SELECT ] button lets you toggle through the various options, including: INT 48K (internal clock at 48kHz), INT 44.1K (internal clock at 44.1 kHz) and DIG (external clock source connected to the [ DIGITAL IN ] co[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 52 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 53 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 XT20 will indicate wh[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 54 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual automatically switches the TIME counter to Relative Time mode (if not already selected); the REL icon appears to the left of the TIME counter. The counter will now read: REL 0 H 00 M 00 S 00[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 55 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 ] Functi[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 56 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual E DITING I NDIVIDUAL D IGITS You can also select a specific digit in the display to edit, by holding the [ EDIT VALUE ] button and pressing either [ ▲ ] or [ ▼ ]; the currently selected digit will flash. While still holding the [ EDIT VALUE ] button you may press any of the [ LOCATE 0 ] [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 57 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 XT20. The currently selected input mode is indicated in the lower right corner of the[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 58 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual In 2-input mode, inputs 3-8 are disconnected and cannot be recorded or heard. In 4-input mode, inputs 5-8 are similarly disconnected. To use all inputs, 8-input mode must be selected. D IGITAL I NPUT To record from the digital input, press the [ DIGITAL INPUT ] button; the DIGITAL icon in th[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 59 • A digital source track cannot be selected as a digital destination track (i.e. digital source tracks will not be allowed to be record enabled when Track Copy is enabled). • If no source tracks are selected, you will not be able to place any tracks into record-ready. If user attempt to [...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 60 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 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 XT20 ’ s output jacks when a track is record-enabled ( REC LED flashing): tape, or source. The [ AUTO INPUT ] butto[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 61 Transport Function Auto = Off All = Off Auto = On All = Off Auto = Off/On All = On Stop,Pause, Rew.,F.Fwd Play ■ = Input ❑ = Tape Record-enabled tracks = ■ ; Tracks not record-enabled = ❑ ■ = Input ❑ = Tape ■ = Input ❑ = Tape ■ = Tape ❑ = Tape ■ = Input ❑ = Input ■ [...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 62 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual M ETERS The XT20 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 P[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 63 Note: The Peak Hold function is disabled (off) when Fine Meter mode is enabled.[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 64 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual R ECORDING A “B ENCHMARK ” T APE We recommend that you format and record a new tape with any signal, such as a test tone, in a single pass with no overdubs during the first week of operation. Store this tape in a safe, dry location and don ’ t use it for any other purpose. Such a “ b[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 65 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 a[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 66 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual still have 15 dB of headroom on the XT20 before distortion occurs. Just remember that no matter what, if the XT20 ’ s meters indicate over 0 dB, distortion is occurring or is on the verge of occurring. ✪ Be sure the outputs of your mixer match the inputs connected to the XT20 (+4 or - 10[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 67 T RANSPORT C ONTROLS The XT20 ’ 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 XT20. If the tape is moving, it will stop before ejecting. In a multiple X[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 68 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual • Pressing [ FAST FWD ] while holding the [ PLAY ] button initiates “ Cue ” mode. The tape fast forwards at about 3 times normal play speed, and you can hear chunks of attenuated audio so you know where you are on the tape. The [ PLAY ] LED will be lit, and the [ FAST FWD ] LED will be[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 69 P LAY Press the [ PLAY ] button to play the tape ([ PLAY ] LED will light). The [ PLAY ] button by itself has no effect while playing, but it will terminate recording. While locating, pressing [ PLAY ] will cause the XT20 to start playing after it arrives at the corresponding tape location ([...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 70 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual • Press [ PLAY ]. • Hold [ RECORD ] , and then press [ PLAY ]. • Use the RECORD ENABLE buttons [ 1 ] – [ 8 ] to take tracks out of record. S TOP The [ STOP ] button performs three functions. • Stop the transport. Push [ STOP ] to stop any function involving tape motion. A lit [ STO[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 71 the formatting process, the sample rate information is written onto the tape. This information allows the XT20 to know what sample rate the tape was originally formatted at. When inserting a tape that was formatted at 48 kHz, the XT20 reads the timecode from tape for a moment and automatical[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 72 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual normally uses the “ hours:minutes:seconds:100ths/second ” format. This may cause some confusion when locating to a specific position on the BRC, since the XT20 will show a slightly different value when looking at the last two digits of the TIME counter. The XT20 will locate to the same p[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 73 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 r[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 74 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual counter display it is better to set the pitch to 0 and change the clock rate (see page 59).[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 75 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[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 76 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual hold one RECORD ENABLE button while pressing others you wish to adjust to the same amount, then proceed with steps ➃ through ➆ .[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 77 A UTOLOCATION C ONTROLS The XT20 ’ s autolocation controls consist of 10 Locate Point memories which can be set either manually or “ on the fly ” , and recalled instantly. ✪ Each Locate Point’s address can be displayed and set using either Absolute or Relative Time. Generally, Abso[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 78 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual points represent the same actual (physical) position on tape, regardless of whether the display is in ABS or REL mode. The [ LOCATE 0 ] button is also used to set the relative zero time. When this button is pressed while holding [ SET LOCATE ], the relative tape counter is reset to zero (0:0[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 79 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 ” : ❿ Press [ PLAY ] to engage playback. Alternatively, the transport may be engaged in either Rewind, Review, Fast Forward, Cue, Re[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 80 ADAT XT20 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 co[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 81 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 [ AU[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 82 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual is reached, any tracks that are in record-ready will be in input monitor mode and the [ RECORD ] LED will continue flashing. When the Locate Point 3 position is reached, any tracks that are in record-ready may return to tape monitor mode. The [ REHEARSE ] button turns Rehearse mode on and of[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 83 T APE L ENGTH The XT20 can take advantage of the extra recording time on tapes longer than the standard ST-120 length. You can use ST-180 tapes, for over one full hour of recording time. ST-60 tapes can also be used for shorter projects; the XT20 automatically recognizes the shorter length o[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 84 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual If using tapes longer than the standard ST-120, when locating for the first time past the 39 minute position, the transport will slow down (but not stop) and then speed up again. Each time thereafter that you locate beyond this point, the transport will not slow down. This safeguard is suite[...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 85 F OOTSWITCH C ONTROLS The XT20 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 XT20 checks the footswitch to determine whether it is normally open or nor[...]

Chapter 4: Basic Operations 86 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual U SING THE XT20 LRC R EMOTE The XT20 hand-held LRC 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 [...]

Basic Operations: Chapter 4 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 87[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 88 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual C HAPTER 5 M ULTIPLE ADAT- XT20 O PERATION O VERVIEW By itself, a single ADAT-XT20 provides a lot of flexibility. However, a multiple ADAT system greatly expands your recording and editing possibilities. Keep in mind that since the XT20 is an ADAT-compatible machine, you can inte[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 89 Each slave XT20 can have its own tape offset, with respect to the master machine. Combine this feature with the ability to bounce tracks in the digital domain, and you have the ability to perform cut-and-paste style assembly editing. S YNCHRONIZING M ACHINES Synchronization requi[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 90 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual achieved (indicated by the LOCKED icon being lit). Pressing [ EJECT ] on the master ejects all slave ’ s tapes as well. To eject only the master ’ s tape, hold [ SET LOCATE ] and press [ EJECT ] on the master. When recording or punching in on the slaves, initiate recording on[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 91 If the master ’ s FORMAT icon is on, performing a complete start-to- finish format, and the slave tape is already formatted: • If the slave ’ s FORMAT icon is on, the slave rewinds to the start of the tape and does a complete format with the master. • If the slave ’ s F[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 92 ADAT XT20 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 ic[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 93 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 ADAT Optical 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 t[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 94 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual R EASSIGNING C HANNELS TO D IFFERENT T RACKS It is possible to reroute the channel/track assignments so that any incoming channel of digital audio can be recorded onto any track, or multiple tracks. This is done by first holding the [ DIGITAL INPUT ] button and pressing any of th[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 95 M AKING D IGITAL B ACKUPS XT20 tapes can be backed up for safety by copying all eight tracks to another XT20 (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, whe[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 96 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual Be sure that the RECORD ENABLE buttons are switched off for tracks 1–8 of the master XT20 and the write-protect tab (or record tab) is removed (open). ♠ Press both [ PLAY ] and [ RECORD ] on the master XT20. Since this is the master machine (ID 1), it will simply enter play ([...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 97 R ECORDING D IGITAL A UDIO FROM O THER S OURCES Recording digital audio onto the XT20 from a source other than an ADAT-Compatible device requires a digital audio interface, like the Alesis AI-1 or Otari UFC-24. The AI-1 converts either AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital audio protocols in[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 98 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual D IGITAL C LOCK C ONSIDERATIONS When switching between the XT20 ’ s two internal clock sample rates (48 kHz and 44.1 kHz), the reference base used for computing tape location is changed. The result is that the same tape location will appear to have two different time addresses [...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 99 T APE O FFSET When synchronizing multiple XT20s, it is possible to offset any of the slave units from the master. The main reason for doing this would be for cut-and-paste style editing. By bouncing audio over the digital bus to a slave machine which is offset from the master, yo[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 100 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual C OMBINING XT20 S AND ADAT S XT20 T RANSPORT S PEED The XT20 ’ 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 XT20 the master (ID 1) in your syst[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 101 The ADAT XT20 lets you monitor the input signals through the converters at all times. Because of this, there is an extremely minimal delay as the digital audio passes through the converters ’ buffers. If you were to listen to both the original signal on your mixer and the tape[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 102 ADAT XT20 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 r[...]

Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation: Chapter 5 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual 103 • Digitally bounce one of the stereo tracks to the other ADAT so that both sides play back from the same machine. • Most importantly, it is better to plan recording sessions so that stereo tracks reside on the same physical tape in a multiple ADAT system. C ONNECTIONS If you[...]

Chapter 5: Multiple ADAT-XT20 Operation 104 ADAT XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 105 C HAPTER 6 A PPLICATIONS O VERVIEW This chapter is designed to give you an idea of the multitude of applications for the XT20. 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[...]

Chapter 6: Applications 106 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual L IVE /L ONG -T ERM R ECORDING The XT20 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 s[...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 107 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 source. This requires a synchronizer interface, such as the Alesis AI-2 or BRC. The connections consist of running a balanced 1/4[...]

Chapter 6: Applications 108 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual transport commands. The total amount of control you have over your XT20 depends entirely on how much of the MMC specification has been implemented in the software you use. First, make sure your sequencer is receiving MTC from the XT20 (see previous section). In addition, connect the [MIDI OUT] [...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 109 the other tracks. When the tape comes back, just pop it into one of your machines, and your partner ’ s parts will be in sync with the original tracks you laid down. You may wish to include documentation with your tape which indicates the Track Delays values, Tape Offset amount and/or Locate [...]

Chapter 6: Applications 110 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual U SING T RACK C OPY AS A D IGITAL R OUTER In a multiple ADAT system which combines one or more XT20s and one or more original ADATs, you can use the XT20 ’ s Track Copy function as a way to reroute its digital output to different tracks on the ADATs. Let ’ s say you have one XT20 which is t[...]

Applications: Chapter 6 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 111 This sets the TIME counter to 0 : 00 : 00 . 00 , and automatically selects Relative Time mode (the REL icon will light to the left of the TIME counter). ➃ While still holding [ SET LOCATE ], press [ LOCATE 5 ] when you get to the downbeat of chorus #2 . ➄ Press [ STOP ]. ➅ Press [ EDIT VA[...]

Appendix A: Digital Recording Concepts 112 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 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 fluctua[...]

Digital Recording Concepts: Appendix A ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 113 These numbers, which represent coded audio, are then converted into an audio signal that can be recorded on tape. Fortunately, recording a number on tape doesn ’ t degrade the signal. During playback, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter reads the numbers from tape and outputs a[...]

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Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 115 A PPENDIX B T ROUBLESHOOTING T ROUBLE -S HOOTING I NDEX If you are experience problems while operating the XT20, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Sym ptom Cause Solution The display does not ligh[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 116 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual C HECKING S OFTWARE V ERSION The current software version may be determined by holding [ SET LOCATE ] and pressing [ FAST FWD ]. The XT20 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 mo[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 117 You should not subject your ADAT to environmental extremes, humidity or moisture of any kind, dust, dirt, extreme temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations or any kind of physical abuse (drops, shocks). Under no circumstances should you remove the top or bottom cover of the ADAT. You a[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 118 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual the last cleaning (see below). Call Alesis Product Support for more information about head cleaning and authorized Alesis Service Centers. D RUM T IME D ISPLAY The XT20 keeps track of how long the head has been actively spinning against tape (i.e., threaded in stop, or play, or cue/review).[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 119 Of course, for your super sensitive or important material, nothing beats making multiple digital backups. Every year or so, simply do another digital backup onto a brand new tape. M AINTENANCE /S ERVICE C LEANING Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the keyboard ’ s meta[...]

Appendix B: Troubleshooting 120 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual damage caused by inadequate packing is not covered by the Alesis warranty. Tape a note to the top of the unit describing the problem, include your name and a phone number where Alesis can contact you if necessary, as well as instructions on where you want the product returned. Alesis will p[...]

Appendix C: Error Codes ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 121 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 C: Error Codes 122 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual Er 7 Clean Heads: If this error message is seen, it may indicate that the heads are in need of cleaning. See ADAT Head Maintenance 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[...]

Appendix C: Error Codes ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 123 A UTOMATIC B RAKE C ALIBRATION P ROCEDURE If the "CAL brAc" error message appears, the internal braking system of the XT20 may need to be adjusted. The intelligent transport software is capable of calibrating the XT20 ’ s brakes automatically in a self-test procedure. This procedure[...]

Appendix C: Error Codes 124 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 6 Try the tape in a different XT20 or ADAT. (If you are using a single ADAT system, see if you can visit your dealer.) It does not make sense to send your XT20 in for service when there may be only a problem with, for example, some tapes that you are using. If the same problems occur in another[...]

Appendix C: Error Codes ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 125[...]

Appendix D: Specifications 126 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual A PPENDIX D S PECIFICATIONS Transport Recording Format: ADAT Rotary head digital recording Type I (16-bit) and Type II (20-bit) Tape Format: S- VHS cartridge Heads: 4 ( 2 Read, 2 Write); Read before Write Approximate Recording Times: S T - 6 0 : 22 minutes ST-120/SE-180: 4 0 m in u te s ST-1[...]

Appendix D: Specifications ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 127 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: 8 0 W Operating Temperature: 10 – 40 ° C for specified performance Operating Humi[...]

Glossary 128 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual G LOSSARY A A/D OR A NALOG - TO -D IGITAL C ONVERTER 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 I NTERFACE A two-channel, digital audio hardware/software standard. The AES/EBU [...]

Glossary ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 129 B B ALANCED A UDIO S IGNALS Signals that are carried on three-conductor cables, with two of the conductors carrying the same signal 180 ° out of phase and third as ground. Balanced connections usually cost more than unbalanced connections, but are less susceptible to picking up hum and interference with low-[...]

Glossary 130 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual E F F IBER O PTICAL C ONNECTOR 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 H OUSE S YNC A video signal distributed to any device that requires a reference to [...]

Glossary ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 131 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. O VERSAMPLING The process of taking more samples than is required in order[...]

Glossary 132 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual Similar to the AES/EBU interface, but created by Sony and Philips with consumer applications in mind. The optional AI-1 from Alesis offers both the consumer S/PDIF interface and professional AES/EBU format for use with the XT20. S-VHS Acronym for Super Video Home System, an improved version of VHS with greate[...]

Glossary ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 133[...]

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Index ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual 135 INDEX 16-bit, 29, 40, 71 formatting, 35 20-bit, 29, 40 formatting, 35 ABS/REL button, 16, 41 Absolute Time, 41, 56 ADAT, 51, 64, 75 AES/EBU, 72 AI-1, 72 AI-2, 80 ALL INPUT button, 45 analog recording, 84 AUTO INPUT button, 45 Auto Play, 20, 58 Auto record, 21, 59 Auto Return, 20, 58 autolocation, 56 backup, 70 b[...]

Index 136 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual input, 10 balanced, 26 Digital, 29 unbalanced, 25 input select, 43 LEAd, 33 Locate, 19, 38 LOCATE 0 button, 56 lock, 59, 66 loop, 20 LRC remote, 31, 61 meters, 16, 46 MIDI, 80 mixdown deck, 78 multiple ADAT system, 64 multiple machine, 78 multiple machine system Formatting, 65 master, 64 slave, 64 No good tc , 9[...]

Index QuadraSynth User ’ s Manual for crossfade time, 52 for infinite loop, 58 for Relative Time, 41 for tape length setting, 60 to eject master only, 65 to max Pitch amount, 54 to set a negative offset, 73 SET LOCATE button, 56, 57 signal level, 48 Software Version, 88 STOP button, 51 S-VHS, 11, 60, 79, 85 SYNC, 28 Sync Cables, 65 tape length, 6[...]

Index 138 ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual[...]

Index QuadraSynth User ’ s Manual[...]