Alesis ADAT-XT manual Threaded VS. Unthreaded, Word on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette Tape

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Setting Up: Chapter 1

“THREADED” VS. “UNTHREADED”

Analog audio recorders typically move tape past the heads at anywhere from 1-7/8 to 30 inches per second. Higher speeds result in a higher bandwidth, or an ability to record high-frequency signals. The XT’s digital audio signals require much higher bandwidth than analog audio signals. In addition to moving the tape faster than standard S-VHS VCRs, the XT increased the head/drum speed for increased bandwidth. In contrast to analog multi-track recorders, the tape and rotating heads of the XT remain in contact when the tape is stopped. This allows for going into play or record faster, as well as “cue” and “review” functions that let you monitor the tape audio in fast forward or rewind.

When the tape is unthreaded (the [STOP] LED will be flashing), the head is not spinning and it takes slightly longer to go into play or record. This is because the tape moves away from the head automatically after being stopped for 4 minutes, in order to prolong tape and head life. When a tape is threaded, rewinding or fast forwarding will operate 40 times faster than normal play speed. Cue and review functions are not possible while the tape is unthreaded.

When the tape is threaded and stopped (the [STOP] LED will remain lit), you can manually unthread it by pressing the [STOP] button. The [STOP] LED will flash, indicating the tape is now unthreaded. Pressing either [PLAY] or [STOP] will re- thread the tape (or by simultaneously pressing [PLAY] and [RECORD] to engage recording).

If the tape is threaded, and no transport activity (play, record, rewind, etc.) occurs for 4 minutes, the tape will automatically unthread itself to minimize tape wear.

AWORD ON ADAT’S S-VHS CASSETTE TAPE

 

Alesis recommends you use only premium quality, name brand S-VHS cassettes. We

 

cannot overemphasize the importance of this. We recommend using AMPEX 489 DM

 

Digital Mastering Audio Tape, or Alesis ADAT Mastering Audio Cassettes . Other

 

acceptable brands include Maxell XR-S Black, JVC XZ , 3M Master Broadcast and

 

ASD 40+, and TDK SP Super Pro. The cassette shell, hubs, rollers and tape guides in

 

S-VHS cassettes are precision devices that properly handle and protect the tape

 

within them.

J

Do not use inexpensive, budget VHS tapes. ONLY USE S-VHS TAPES.

 

We do not recommend that you use inexpensive, budget VHS cassettes. While they

 

may work technically, their unpredictable quality and less than premium formulation

 

will decrease the reliability of your recording. Inferior tapes not only jeopardize the

 

recordings made on them, they may shed oxide 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 computer floppy disks and hard disks, your XT tapes

 

should be backed up to prevent loss. Back up your tapes to another XT or ADAT

 

using the fiber optic digital connector (see Making Backups on page 60).

 

Treat your tapes as the precision, fragile components that they are. Do not expose

 

them to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity (in other words, don’t leave them in your

 

car). Never place tapes near magnetic fields (such as power amps, TVs, monitors,

 

magnets, etc.) and handle tapes gently.

ADAT XT Reference Manual

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Contents Alesis ADAT-XT Introduction Adat XT Reference Manual Conventions Adat XT Reference Manual Contents Basic Operations Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording Basics Why S-VHS? Index Maintenance/Service Cleaning Obtaining Repair Service Unpacking and Inspection Setting UPAC Power Hookup ChapterSetting Up About Audio Cables Line Conditioners and ProtectorsBasic Audio Hookup Input NormalingThreaded VS. Unthreaded Word on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette TapeMounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK Enclosure Operating EnvironmentThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Avoiding Electromagnetic InterferenceABS 0H 15M 48S POWER-UP,AND Tape InsertionYour First Session ABS n0 F0Formatting a NEW Tape Formatting a Tape a MustSample Rate Selection Recording While FormattingREL 0H 01M 29S Track Selection and Setting LevelsTo record-enable a track Making a RecordingTo make a recording Transport ButtonsRecording Record LED turns off, while the Play LED remains litPlayback To engage Review modeTo engage Cue mode Reviewing and CueingREL 0H 00M 00S LocatingPage Creating a Loop To loop a section of tapeTo automatically punch in and out Automated RecordingRehearsing Measure twice or more, and cut only once70 mS Track DelayABS 00 % 00 C Pitch ControlDisplay Brightness To adjust the display brightnessTrack Copy To bounce audio from one track to anotherAnalog Audio Unbalanced Inputs Input Jack CharacteristicsConnections Analog Audio Unbalanced OutputsAnalog Audio Balanced Inputs and Outputs Additional groundsAnalog Audio Input Mode Input ModeSync IN/OUT To synchronize multiple XTs and/or ADATsDigital Audio IN/OUT To connect the digital optical networkXT Remote FootswitchesRehearse and Auto Record features VersaFormatting Considerations Basic OperationsTape Formatting Complete FormatFormat Extend Be sure the tape is completely rewoundWrite Protect Override ABS Pr 0t 0 FFABS Pr 0t 0 n To extend the format on a partially formatted tapeReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations Locate 01M 29STime Counter & ABS/REL Button SelectedEntering Numeric Values Basic EditingEdit Value Button Editing Individual DigitsDigital Input Input SelectAnalog Input Track CopyBasic Operations ALL Input Monitor Input MonitorAuto Input Monitor Meters Peak Mode ButtonFine Meter Mode Recording a Benchmark T APERecord Enable Setting LevelsRewind /REVIEW Transport ControlsEject Fast Forward /CUEWhether the tape being played is formatted or not RECORD/PUNCH in or OUTStop To start recordingPositions as before Sample Rate ClockRecord Crossfade Time To select the sample rateTo set the Crossfade Time FA dE 2Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDS About Pitch Changing To set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay value To turn Track Delay on and offTo set the Track Delay amount 10 mSLocate Autolocation ControlsAbsolute ABS Time VS . Relative Time To store a Locate Point memory on the fly Setting Locate PointsLocating To edit a Locate Point memoryAuto Play Auto LoopingAuto Return Loop LimitLooped Recording Auto RecordTape Length RehearsalErroneously selected, to avoid damage to the tape To set the tape lengthEuropean equivalents and approximate recording times Footswitch Controlled Autolocating Footswitch ControlsFootswitch Controlled Punching Using the XT Remote Synchronizing Machines OperationOverview Master /SLAVE Interaction Achieving LockMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Formatting Multiple TapesBefore punching into format record Master Format DisabledMaster Format DISABLED, Format Extend Bouncing Tracks Between Adats Making Digital BackupsRecording Digital Audio Reassigning Channels to Different TracksTo make a backup tape Recording Digital Audio from Other SourcesTape Offset Digital Clock ConsiderationsSetting the Machine Offset ABS 0H 00M 00SSample Rate VS. Pitch Control Combining XTS and AdatsXT Transport Speed Input MonitoringConnections Here are some possible solutionsPolarity Differences Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Chapter Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Adat XT Reference Manual Applications Combined MULTITRACK/MASTERING DeckLIVE/LONG-TERM Recording Computer Control Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote ControlLocking to Video Code only Master Midi Systems Virtual TrackingLibraries and Archives Modular RecordingUsing Track Copy AS a Digital Router Calculating Tape Offset Using the LocatesPress Edit VALUE, then press Locate Digital Recording Basics Digital Recording ConceptsAnalog Recording Basics Appendix aWHY S-VHS? RE-INITIALIZING TroubleshootingTROUBLE-SHOOTING Index Appendix BABS d1 SP E rr Error Rate DisplayAbout Error Rate Readings ABS d1 SP r E9Adat Head Maintenance Cleaning Tape Maintenance Safe TapeMAINTENANCE/SERVICE Drum Time DisplayRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis MaintenanceObtaining Repair Service Customers in the USAAppendix B Troubleshooting Error Codes Appendix CAutomatic Brake Calibration Procedure Appendix D SpecificationsSteps to Take Before Calling for Help Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Glossary Or Analog-to-Digital ConverterBus DATMidi MMCOutput SMPTE/LTCVHS VitcIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual
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