X2 X2 manual Recording Tips, About Metering, To select the meter bridge mode

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Applications

Recording Tips

For the cleanest possible recording, the Group FADERS (or Channel FADERS if the TAPE SENDS are being used) should be adjusted so that the level going to tape averages 0 VU on the meters of a typical analog multitrack tape machine (or -15 dB on a digital multitrack machine, such as the Alesis ADAT).

About Metering

The meters of the X2 are the instantaneous peak reading type, which are preferred in digital recording where the “ideal” recording level comes close to, but never exceeds the 16 bit maximum threshold (called 0 dBfs, for full scale). Note that “0 dB” on the X2’s meters is different from “0 dB” on a digital recorder like ADAT –– it means the output of the X2 is at nominal level (either +4 dBu or -10 dBV, depending on the output jack). Peaks well above the “0 dB” level on the X2’s meters should be common at normal operating levels for almost all types of tape deck. Analog tape decks typically have between 10 and 13 dB of headroom above the nominal level, depending on the tape type and any noise reduction being used.

Meters of the tape deck will not necessarily match those of the X2 on dynamic program material. With typical metering, analog VU meters may only read 0 dB, even though the X2’s peak meters are between +5 and +10. However, a steady-state tone (such as that from the built-in oscillator) will read 0 dB on both the X2 and most VU meters. Readings on combined peak/VU meters, such as those found on semiprofessional multitracks, will vary. Take the time to learn the relationship between the X2’s meters and your deck’s meters, using both steady-state tones and dynamic material.

If signal peaks cause the record meter to vary by more than 10 dB, a limiter or compressor such as the Alesis 3630 Stereo Equalizer, may be used on that Channel to even out the peaks. In general, things will sound better if the meters remain at roughly the same level throughout the recording.

To select the meter bridge mode:

1Hold the ALL (ALT) button.

2Press the DISPLAY (METER BRIDGE) button.

This toggles the meters between Tape Send and Tape Return mode. Two Mode LEDs on the meter bridge indicate which mode is selected.

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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 AboutBasic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack Recording Recording/TrackingMonitoring Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Guided Tour Recorder/Mix SystemsPage Aux Send/Return Systems Control Room Systems Muting AutomationMeter Bridge Page Page Connections PowerPower Supply Unpacking and InspectionTo connect the power supply to Avoiding Ground Loops To Eliminate HUM if the Above has FailedChannel Inputs and Outputs Balanced Mic InputsUnbalanced 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 Headphones Adat SyncTo 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 the Inserts Interfacing with a Midi SequencerTo 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 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 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 MixVideo Post-Production Stage Monitor MixTo create two different stage monitor mixes Applications X2 Reference Manual Mute Automation OverviewTo enable destructive solo mode Destructive SoloMute 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 anotherMidi Channel Selecting Songs via MidiTo 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 Midi Maps Index MapsMute 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