Alesis ADAT-XT Basic Operations, Tape Formatting, Formatting Considerations, Complete Format

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Basic Operations: Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

BASIC OPERATIONS

This chapter is designed for operators who may not have experience working with digital audio. All functions of the XT (with the exception of synchronization and digital audio) are explained here in detail. If you are already familiar with multitrack recording concepts, you may not need to read this chapter. Instead, use the Operational Reference chapter to look up specific functions and how to access them.

TAPE FORMATTING

Formatting a tape is a simple yet necessary operation before recording can begin. This process involves recording sample rate information in the data section, and time- stamping the tape with a highly accurate time reference which, because of its single - sample resolution, has greater resolution than SMPTE timecode. Formatting a tape is what allows for accurate synchronization, autolocation and auto recording functions, as well as accurate TIME counter readings. You can either format a tape completely before recording, or format while you are recording for only as long as you need to, or you can extend the format of a tape that was not completely formatted to begin with.

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Formatting a tape erases the audio on all 8 tracks. Be sure to label your tapes clearly,

so you don’t accidentally erase something valuable. We recommend that you

 

completely format your tapes from beginning to end.

 

FORMATTING CONSIDERATIONS

 

• Blank tapes will automatically be rewound to the beginning before formatting.

 

• Before formatting, select the sample rate that you will be using (either 48 kHz or

 

44.1 kHz). See page 44 for more information.

 

• To record on or erase/format a S-VHS cassette, the write protect tab (located on

 

the spine of the cassette) must be intact. If you try to record on a tape that has

 

had the write protect tab broken off, the PROTECT icon in the display will light

 

and the XT will not record on the tape. This prevents accidental erasure of

 

valuable recordings. To record on a tape that has had the tab broken off, use the

 

Write Protect Override feature (see page 31).

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Caution: If you re-format over a previously formatted tape, do not stop in the

middle of re-formatting. Reason: When the tape transitions from the newly-

 

formatted section to the previously formatted section, there will be timing

 

discontinuities and the audio will do unpleasant things. Also, during that transition the

 

tape will be non-functional and you will not be able to record anything over it. When in

 

doubt, either re-format the entire tape, from beginning to end, or back up a bit and

 

perform a format extend (see page 31).

•The only way to stop formatting is to press [STOP]—punching out is not sufficient.

•Tapes can be bulk-erased with a video tape eraser.

•In a multiple XT setup where one is the master and the other XTs are slaves, there are a few other considerations. See Multiple ADAT Operation in chapter 6.

COMPLETE FORMAT

To format or reformat/erase an entire tape:

¿Insert a fresh, blank tape.

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 AC Power Hookup Setting UPUnpacking and Inspection ChapterSetting Up Line Conditioners and Protectors About Audio CablesInput Normaling Basic Audio HookupWord on ADAT’S S-VHS Cassette Tape Threaded VS. UnthreadedThermal Considerations in Rack Mounting Operating EnvironmentMounting on a Shelf or NON-RACK Enclosure Avoiding Electromagnetic InterferenceYour First Session POWER-UP,AND Tape InsertionABS 0H 15M 48S ABS n0 F0Sample Rate Selection Formatting a Tape a MustFormatting a NEW Tape Recording While FormattingTo record-enable a track Track Selection and Setting LevelsREL 0H 01M 29S Making a RecordingRecording Transport ButtonsTo make a recording Record LED turns off, while the Play LED remains litTo engage Cue mode To engage Review modePlayback Reviewing and CueingLocating REL 0H 00M 00SPage To loop a section of tape Creating a LoopRehearsing Automated RecordingTo automatically punch in and out Measure twice or more, and cut only onceABS 00 % 00 C Track Delay70 mS Pitch ControlTrack Copy To adjust the display brightnessDisplay Brightness To bounce audio from one track to anotherConnections Input Jack CharacteristicsAnalog Audio Unbalanced Inputs Analog Audio Unbalanced OutputsAdditional grounds Analog Audio Balanced Inputs and OutputsInput Mode Analog Audio Input ModeTo synchronize multiple XTs and/or ADATs Sync IN/OUTTo connect the digital optical network Digital Audio IN/OUTRehearse and Auto Record features FootswitchesXT Remote VersaTape Formatting Basic OperationsFormatting Considerations Complete FormatBe sure the tape is completely rewound Format ExtendABS Pr 0t 0 n ABS Pr 0t 0 FFWrite Protect Override To extend the format on a partially formatted tapeReading the Display Display Icons Basic Operations Time Counter & ABS/REL Button 01M 29SLocate SelectedEdit Value Button Basic EditingEntering Numeric Values Editing Individual DigitsAnalog Input Input SelectDigital Input Track CopyBasic Operations Input Monitor Auto Input MonitorALL Input Monitor Fine Meter Mode Peak Mode ButtonMeters Recording a Benchmark T APESetting Levels Record EnableEject Transport ControlsRewind /REVIEW Fast Forward /CUEStop RECORD/PUNCH in or OUTWhether the tape being played is formatted or not To start recordingRecord Crossfade Time Sample Rate ClockPositions as before To select the sample rateFA dE 2 Displaying Frames VS THS/SECONDSTo set the Crossfade Time About Pitch Changing To set the Track Delay amount To turn Track Delay on and offTo set multiple tracks to the same Track Delay value 10 mSAutolocation Controls Absolute ABS Time VS . Relative TimeLocate Locating Setting Locate PointsTo store a Locate Point memory on the fly To edit a Locate Point memoryAuto Return Auto LoopingAuto Play Loop LimitTape Length Auto RecordLooped Recording RehearsalTo set the tape length European equivalents and approximate recording timesErroneously selected, to avoid damage to the tape Footswitch Controls Footswitch Controlled PunchingFootswitch Controlled Autolocating Using the XT Remote Operation OverviewSynchronizing Machines Achieving Lock Master /SLAVE InteractionMaster Format ENABLED, Complete Format Independent Slave ModeMaster Format ENABLED, Format Extend Formatting Multiple TapesMaster Format Disabled Master Format DISABLED, Format ExtendBefore punching into format record Recording Digital Audio Making Digital BackupsBouncing Tracks Between Adats Reassigning Channels to Different TracksRecording Digital Audio from Other Sources To make a backup tapeDigital Clock Considerations Tape OffsetABS 0H 00M 00S Setting the Machine OffsetXT Transport Speed Combining XTS and AdatsSample Rate VS. Pitch Control Input MonitoringHere are some possible solutions Polarity DifferencesConnections Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Chapter Multiple ADAT-XT Operation Adat XT Reference Manual Combined MULTITRACK/MASTERING Deck ApplicationsLIVE/LONG-TERM Recording Locking to Video Code only Master Midi Machine Control Virtual Remote ControlComputer Control Midi Systems Virtual TrackingModular Recording Libraries and ArchivesCalculating Tape Offset Using the Locates Using Track Copy AS a Digital RouterPress Edit VALUE, then press Locate Analog Recording Basics Digital Recording ConceptsDigital Recording Basics Appendix aWHY S-VHS? TROUBLE-SHOOTING Index TroubleshootingRE-INITIALIZING Appendix BAbout Error Rate Readings Error Rate DisplayABS d1 SP E rr ABS d1 SP r E9Adat Head Maintenance MAINTENANCE/SERVICE Tape Maintenance Safe TapeCleaning Drum Time DisplayObtaining Repair Service MaintenanceRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis Customers in the USAAppendix B Troubleshooting Appendix C Error CodesAutomatic Brake Calibration Procedure Specifications Steps to Take Before Calling for HelpAppendix D Audio Digital Inputs/Outputs Or Analog-to-Digital Converter GlossaryDAT BusMMC MidiSMPTE/LTC OutputVitc VHSIndex Index Adat XT Reference Manual
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