X2 X2 manual Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay, Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck

Page 34

Connecting the X2

Interfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay

It is also possible to access the multitrack tape recorder by the use of a patchbay, which is several rows of jacks that are permanently connected to both the inputs and the outputs of the X2, the multitrack tape machine, and all of the outboard equipment. This is much more convenient, but a more expensive method than described in the last section, and is not absolutely necessary for operation. In this case, the patching is the same as in the previous example except that it is now done on the patchbay instead of at the rear of the console and multitrack tape machine.

With a patchbay, it is also easier to make use of the AUX SENDS and RETURNS of the X2. Different effects may be repatched to receive signal from whatever Aux Send the session requires (see page 30 for more on effects).

Interfacing to ADAT Using ELCO Connectors

The X2’s three built-in ELCO connectors makes it easy to connect up to three ADATs. Refer to section 3.1.7 for wiring information. Using a correctly-wired cable with two ELCO connectors, a single ADAT can be connected to channels 1 through 8 on the X2, a second ADAT to channels 9 through 16, and a third ADAT to channels 17 through 24. This connection is basically the equivalent of wiring both the TAPE SEND and TAPE IN of each channel to an ADAT track, but uses +4 dBu balanced levels, instead of -10 dBV unbalanced. Good quality cabled can provide excellent results even up to 100 feet from the console (although they should be as short as possible).

Note: +4/-10 switches should be set to +4 dBu when using balanced ELCO connectors.

Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck

The mixdown deck is where everything comes together: the final mix. This is your master recording of the finished project (or a rough mix of a work in progress).

To connect the mixdown deck to the X2:

Unbalanced connection:

1Connect the X2’s MASTER OUT Left and Right to the Inputs of the Mixdown Deck using 1/4"-to-phono cables.

2Connect the Mixdown Deck’s OUTPUTS to the X2’s EXT IN 1 Left/Right Inputs.

Note that the nominal output of the Master in single-ended operation is -2 dBu, about 6 dB “hotter” than the nominal level of an unbalanced mixdown deck. Lower the input level controls of the mixdown deck to achieve the desired signal level, or run the master faders a little lower to compensate.

Balanced connection:

1Connect a 1/4" TRS (3-conductor) -to-XLR cable from the MASTER OUT L-R jacks to the XLR inputs of the mixdown deck.

2The EXT IN jacks of the X2 are not balanced.

• If the mixdown deck offers both XLR and phono jack outputs, connect

X2 Reference Manual

33

Page 33 Page 35
Image 34
Page 33 Page 35
Contents Alesis Conventions How To Use This ManualIntroduction Description of Controls. a dictionary of each controlX2 Reference Manual Contents Applications Description of Controls Trouble-Shooting Midi Implementation Chart Page Introduction AboutRecording/Tracking Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack RecordingMonitoring Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Guided Tour Recorder/Mix SystemsPage Aux Send/Return Systems Muting Automation Control Room SystemsMeter Bridge Page Page Connections PowerPower Supply Unpacking and InspectionTo connect the power supply to Avoiding Ground Loops To Eliminate HUM if the Above has FailedBalanced Mic Inputs Channel Inputs and OutputsUnbalanced Line Inputs Page Tape Send Direct Output +4/-10 SwitchTape Input InsertBalanced Tape I/O To connect an Elco cable toGroup Inserts Stereo Returns and GroupsGroup Outputs Aux a & B ReturnsMaster Inserts Master Inputs and OutputsMaster Outputs Control Room OutputsPage Adat Sync HeadphonesTo synchronize the X2 to an Adat system Input Connector Type Examples of ConnectionsInterfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder To interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorderInterfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck Interfacing to Adat Using Elco ConnectorsInterfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay To connect the mixdown deck toInterfacing to the Headphone Amp Interfacing to the Control RoomInterfacing to the Studio Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard EffectsConnecting Simultaneously, if desired Interfacing with a Midi Sequencer Interfacing the InsertsTo interface a Midi sequencer with Recording Setting LevelsApplications II. Maintain Proper Fader LevelsRecording a Single Source to One Track To record a single source to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to One Track To record two or more sources to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks Stereo To record multiple sources to two tracks stereoRecording Tips To select the meter bridge modeAbout Metering To listen to tape tracks on the Monitor faders OverdubbingTo listen to tape tracks on the Channel faders Applications Previous section X2 Reference Manual Monitoring Midi Virtual Tracks Getting the Mix to the HeadphonesTo route the mix to a headphone amp Selecting an Aux Send Adding EffectsTo set the level going to the effects device To hear effects in the headphone/cue mix To hear effects in the monitorsTo record effects onto the multitrack To bounce one or more tracks to another track mono Bouncing TracksTo record effects onto the mixdown deck To bounce multiple tracks to two tracks stereoGetting the Mix to the Tape Deck Playback/Mix-DownMixdown Basics Here is a simplified step-by-step way to establish a mixCreating a Dependable Mix To create a dependable mixMute Automation Page Live Performance Using Group Faders as SubgroupsTo configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix Creating a Monitor MixStage Monitor Mix Video Post-ProductionTo create two different stage monitor mixes Applications X2 Reference Manual Mute Automation OverviewDestructive Solo To enable destructive solo modeMute Groups Page Defining Mute Groups To define Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group Recalling Mute GroupsOverlay Button To return the console to its previous mute statusSelecting a Sync Source Display ModeSynchronization Getting On-line/LockingUndoing Mute Events Mute EventsRecording and Playing Back Mute Events OverdubbingPage Editing Songs ErasingTo erase all events on all channels Erase All MemoryTo erase all events on one or more channels To erase a Song including its mute events and 4 Mute GroupsCopy Song CopyingCopy Mute Events To copy mute events from one channel to anotherSelecting Songs via Midi Midi ChannelTo set the Midi channel Midi Map Receiving System Exclusive Memory BackupTransmitting System Exclusive Remaining MemoryDescription of Controls Input Channel ControlsHi and Lo EQ HPF SwitchTo MON Switch Hi Mid and Lo Mid EQAUX Source Switch EQ in SwitchSwitch Aux 3/4 AUX 1-2, AUX 1-2 PANMonitor Peak LED Switch Aux 5/6Monitor PAN Monitor Solo ButtonChannel PAN DIR SwitchGroup Assign Switches 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Channel Peak LEDAux Master Controls Stereo Aux Return ControlsStereo Separation AUX a Assign Switches Aux a OnlyGroup Masters Switch Aux B Only BalanceSolo Button Group Master ControlsButton Mute ButtonGroup 1-8 Master Faders Solo LED and Level Master ControlsOscillator Frequency and Level Studio Level and AssignmentMaster Faders PhonesControl Room Level and Source Meter BridgePage Mute Automation Controls DisplayMute Groups Online Erase FWD and Erase BWD Buttons Memory RemainingErasing Memory Mute SoloDescription of Controls X2 Reference Manual Checking the Software Version TROUBLE-SHOOTINGTrouble-Shooting Index Re-initializingWarranty Information Maintenance/ServiceCleaning and Maintenance Obtaining Repair ServiceCustomers outside the USA Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual Maps Midi Maps IndexMute Midi Note Number Map Mute Midi Controller NumberMap Number Interval Midi Implementation Chart Specifications Input Module Power SupplyMaximum Gain Group ModuleTotal Shipping Weight DimensionsWeight Dimensional DrawingsInternal Connector Pinouts Block Diagram Index SoloSong LED 102
Top Page Image Contents