Synchronizing your ADATs

Using a BRC: You may need to keep your ADAT(s) in sync while transferring audio to the Delta 1010 Recording System. This is made simple using the Alesis BRC, by taking MTC (MIDI timecode) from the MIDI output of the BRC to the MIDI input of the Delta 1010. A digital mixer may have the capability of sending MTC as well. To set the BRC to send MTC:

1.Click the “Edit” button.

2.Click the “Gen Sync” button.

3.Select “MTC,” then de-select “Edit.”

ADAT sync is a combination of wordclock and SMPTE/MTC sync. The Delta master clock is already receiving its clock signal from the wordclock information contained in the ADAT optical signal at the input of the Delta 1010-AI, in conjunction with having selected “Wordclock” in the Hardware Settings page of the Delta control panel (see “Using Your Delta 1010-AI“ADAT to Host” section).

It will then be necessary to set your music software sync page to “MTC” as its timing reference or clock source so that it will chase the incoming timecode (make sure that the Delta 1010’s MIDI I/O is enabled in the software’s MIDI setup page). Check your software’s documentation.

You will need to enter a “timecode offset” into the software’s sync setup page also. Your BRC may be sending out MTC from a point relative to the song’s position on the tape. Either the BRC or your music software can give you a readout of the timecode position, but you’ll want to enter in an offset time within your music software that’s 10 seconds or so before the actual start of the song. That way, the computer has plenty of time to lock up before the transfer of audio begins. Some people use that time or a greater amount as a safety net, in case they decide to add or expand an intro.

Without a BRC: If you are running an ADAT(s) without a BRC, or otherwise do not have the capability of sending MTC from your ADAT optical device, you will have to create this timing reference in some other fashion.

You will need a device that generates SMPTE timecode, which can then read SMPTE timecode and convert it to MTC. One audio track on your ADAT must then be dedicated to recording the SMPTE timecode. A standalone device such as the “Syncman” by Midiman is capable of performing such a feat. A synchronization tutorial is included in its manual.