X2 X2 manual Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder

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Connecting the X2

Interfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder

Professional recorders typically feature 3-pin XLR connectors on their inputs and outputs. The nominal signal level of these units is +4 dBu (1.23 volts). Depending on the model of recorder, these inputs and outputs may be balanced, servo-balanced (which automatically compensate if one side of the input is grounded), or unbalanced. Check the manual of the recorder to find out the true specification for the inputs and outputs.

The best method for connecting this type of recorder is to purchase an ELCO-to- XLR multipair cable, available from many different cable manufacturers. This will connect from the ELCO-type connector on the X2 on one end, fanning out to sixteen XLRs (eight female, eight male) on the other end. This method assure full-balanced inputs and outputs, with no level compensation needed as long as the recorder itself is truly balanced.

Alternatively, in a short-term situation you may use the 1/4" TAPE IN and TAPE OUT jacks on each channel. In this case, you need:

•An XLR female to 1/4" TRS cable for each output of the tape recorder; and,

•An XLR male to 1/4" mono cable for each send to the tape recorder.

This arrangement will give you a balanced connection on the monitor, but an unbalanced send from the X2 to the deck. Depending on the characteristics of the deck, metering levels may not match between the deck and the X2, or on the X2 between Tape Send and Tape Return meter modes (to change the meter mode, see page 39).

You may need to increase the X2’s fader level in order to get enough level on the multitrack’s meters. Some multitracks have high/low level input switches; follow the manufacturer’s instructions on settings these properly if you can’t get enough output from the X2’s 1/4" TAPE OUT jacks. If that is not possible, you will need to use the ELCO connectors instead of the 1/4" jacks.

32	X2 Reference Manual

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Contents Alesis Introduction How To Use This ManualConventions Description of Controls. a dictionary of each controlX2 Reference Manual Contents Applications Description of Controls Trouble-Shooting Midi Implementation Chart Page About IntroductionBasic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack Recording Recording/TrackingMonitoring Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Recorder/Mix Systems Guided TourPage Aux Send/Return Systems Control Room Systems Muting AutomationMeter Bridge Page Page Power Supply PowerConnections Unpacking and InspectionTo connect the power supply to To Eliminate HUM if the Above has Failed Avoiding Ground LoopsChannel Inputs and Outputs Balanced Mic InputsUnbalanced Line Inputs Page Tape Input +4/-10 SwitchTape Send Direct Output InsertTo connect an Elco cable to Balanced Tape I/OGroup Outputs Stereo Returns and GroupsGroup Inserts Aux a & B ReturnsMaster Outputs Master Inputs and OutputsMaster Inserts Control Room OutputsPage Headphones Adat SyncTo synchronize the X2 to an Adat system Examples of Connections Input Connector TypeTo interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorder Interfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack RecorderInterfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay Interfacing to Adat Using Elco ConnectorsInterfacing to the Mixdown Deck To connect the mixdown deck toInterfacing to the Studio Interfacing to the Control RoomInterfacing to the Headphone Amp Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard EffectsConnecting Simultaneously, if desired Interfacing the Inserts Interfacing with a Midi SequencerTo interface a Midi sequencer with Applications Setting LevelsRecording II. Maintain Proper Fader LevelsTo record a single source to a single track Recording a Single Source to One TrackTo record two or more sources to a single track Recording Multiple Sources to One TrackTo record multiple sources to two tracks stereo Recording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks StereoTo select the meter bridge mode Recording TipsAbout Metering Overdubbing To listen to tape tracks on the Monitor fadersTo listen to tape tracks on the Channel faders Applications Previous section X2 Reference Manual Getting the Mix to the Headphones Monitoring Midi Virtual TracksTo route the mix to a headphone amp Adding Effects Selecting an Aux SendTo set the level going to the effects device To hear effects in the monitors To hear effects in the headphone/cue mixTo record effects onto the multitrack To record effects onto the mixdown deck Bouncing TracksTo bounce one or more tracks to another track mono To bounce multiple tracks to two tracks stereoMixdown Basics Playback/Mix-DownGetting the Mix to the Tape Deck Here is a simplified step-by-step way to establish a mixTo create a dependable mix Creating a Dependable MixMute Automation Page To configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix Using Group Faders as SubgroupsLive Performance Creating a Monitor MixVideo Post-Production Stage Monitor MixTo create two different stage monitor mixes Applications X2 Reference Manual Overview Mute AutomationTo enable destructive solo mode Destructive SoloMute Groups Page To define Mute Groups Defining Mute GroupsOverlay Button Recalling Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group To return the console to its previous mute statusSynchronization Display ModeSelecting a Sync Source Getting On-line/LockingRecording and Playing Back Mute Events Mute EventsUndoing Mute Events OverdubbingPage Erasing Editing SongsTo erase all events on one or more channels Erase All MemoryTo erase all events on all channels To erase a Song including its mute events and 4 Mute GroupsCopy Mute Events CopyingCopy Song To copy mute events from one channel to anotherMidi Channel Selecting Songs via MidiTo set the Midi channel Midi Map Transmitting System Exclusive Memory BackupReceiving System Exclusive Remaining MemoryInput Channel Controls Description of ControlsTo MON Switch HPF SwitchHi and Lo EQ Hi Mid and Lo Mid EQSwitch Aux 3/4 EQ in SwitchAUX Source Switch AUX 1-2, AUX 1-2 PANMonitor PAN Switch Aux 5/6Monitor Peak LED Monitor Solo ButtonGroup Assign Switches 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 DIR SwitchChannel PAN Channel Peak LEDStereo Aux Return Controls Aux Master ControlsGroup Masters Switch Aux B Only AUX a Assign Switches Aux a OnlyStereo Separation BalanceButton Group Master ControlsSolo Button Mute ButtonGroup 1-8 Master Faders Oscillator Frequency and Level Master ControlsSolo LED and Level Studio Level and AssignmentControl Room Level and Source PhonesMaster Faders Meter BridgePage Display Mute Automation ControlsMute Groups Online Memory Remaining Erase FWD and Erase BWD ButtonsMute Solo Erasing MemoryDescription of Controls X2 Reference Manual Trouble-Shooting Index TROUBLE-SHOOTINGChecking the Software Version Re-initializingCleaning and Maintenance Maintenance/ServiceWarranty Information Obtaining Repair ServiceCustomers outside the USA Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual Midi Maps Index MapsMute Midi Note Number Mute Midi Controller Number MapMap Number Interval Midi Implementation Chart Specifications Maximum Gain Power SupplyInput Module Group ModuleWeight DimensionsTotal Shipping Weight Dimensional DrawingsInternal Connector Pinouts Block Diagram Solo IndexSong LED 102